BusinessMirror November 16, 2023 by BusinessMirror

‘Supply chain resilience’ goal of Ipef accord By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

T WORLD | A8

ISRAELI FORCES RAID GAZA’S LARGEST HOSPITAL WHERE HUNDREDS OF PATIENTS ARE STRANDED

HE 14 member countries of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (Ipef) on Tuesday inked a “prosperity agreement” which aims to develop supply chain resilience to generate more jobs and reduce poverty, among others. Ipef is currently being negotiated by 14 countries in the region.

Aside from the United States and the Philippines, other IPEF members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. According to the Ipef Framework for Prosperity Agreement Relating to Supply Chain Resilience, these countries have acknowledged that “supply chain development can be a source of quality

job creation, poverty reduction, and economic opportunity for their enterprises, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), workers; and communities including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, rural and remote populations, minorities, and local communities.” As these member nations recognize that supply chain disruptions may occur due to pandemics, weather events, disasters,

logistical interruptions and insufficient supply of raw materials or components, bottlenecks, or armed conflict, the 14 member countries of Ipef have agreed to collaborate to strengthen supply chains within the Indo-Pacific region. Among the goals set by these countries under the agreement is to “ foster improvements in See “Ipef,” A2

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

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Thursday, November 16, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 36

9-MONTH REMITTANCES UP 2.8% TO NEARLY $25B n

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 28 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

A SH remittances f rom Filipinos abroad in the nine months to September rose by 2.8 percent yearon-year to nearly $25 billion on the back of weaker peso-dollar exchange rates. Latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed that cash remittances from January to September reached $24.49 billion, some $660 million higher than the $23.83 billion recorded in the same period of 2022. About 80 percent of the cash remittances or around $19.49 billion came from land-based overseas Filipinos, according to the BSP. The remaining amount of $5.01 billion came from sea-based Filipinos abroad. Cash remittances from landbased Filipinos abroad rose by 3.1 percent year-on-year from $18.9 billion in the same period last year while cash remittances from seabased Filipinos grew by 1.8 percent on an annual basis from last year’s $4.92 billion, BSP data showed. In September alone, total cash remittances reached $2.91 billion, 2.6 percent over the $2.84 billion recorded amount in the same month of last year, BSP data showed. Analysts attributed the higher cash remittances to a weaker peso-dollar exchange rate that favors Filipinos abroad, coupled with the need to send more money to help families back home See “Remittances,” A2

‘WORLD OF FROZEN’ Cosplayers and media are treated to a captivating view of Arendelle at The World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland, ahead of the much-awaited grand opening of the first Frozen-themed park to the public on November 20. BERNARD TESTA

CENTRAL PORTAL FOR DIGITAL WORKFORCE TO BE SET UP

STABLISHING a centralized online portal to implement programs that will upskill, re-skill and train the digital workforce in the country is among the goals set under the newlyreleased guidelines of the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda). “The new law also tasked [Inter-Agency Council] IAC to formulate the National Roadmap on Digital Technology

and Digital Skills, which shall serve as a basis for implementing programs that will upskill, re-skill, and train the digital workforce in the country,” Neda said in a statement on Wednesday. The Council will establish a centralized online portal to harmonize the existing portals of member agencies that contain information on training and skills development programs, certification, and scholarship programs. See “Workforce,” A2

Digitalization key to better lives in remote areas–PBBM By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ROM the United States to Singapore, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. continues to pursue the development of the country’s innovation ecosystem through new investment agreements and policies promoting “digital transformation.” In a speech during his meeting with the Filipino community in San Francisco on Wednesday, the chief executive said digitalization will allow the public, particularly those in far-flung areas, better access to the market and government services.

He noted h is pa r t ic ipat ion in t he ongoing 30t h A si a Pac i f i c E c o nom i c C o o p e r at io n (Apec) Economic L eaders’ Meet ing in t he US w i l l a l low him to pursue new investments on d ig it a l inf ra st r uct u re. “I am happy to say that this year’s Apec [Economic] Leaders’ Meeting is being held now in San Francisco, the global center of high technology and innovation. We would like to attract more investments and increase foreign direct investments in the Philippines,” Marcos said. “Our presence in the Bay Area See “Digitalization,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 56.0850 n JAPAN 0.3730 n UK 70.1119 n HK 7.1865 n CHINA 7.7346 n SINGAPORE 41.5845 n AUSTRALIA 36.4889 n EU 61.0205 n KOREA 0.0430 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9540 Source:

BSP (15 November 2023)

Thursday, November 16, 2023

BusinessMirror

Italy plans to hire thousands of Pinoy workers for ‘23-‘25

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

TALY recently opened anew job slots—more than 452,000—to Filipinos and non-European workers under its Flows Decree (Decreto Flussi) program from 2023-2025. Ph i l ippi ne A mba ssador to Rome Neal Imperial welcomed the inclusion of Filipino nationals among the list of non-EU workers who can be hired under the Decreto Flussi program. “There continues to be a high demand for Filipinos in Italy across different sectors. As one of the earliest labor communities in Italy, there is familiarity and preference for the high quality of work offered by Filipinos,” Imperial said. For the first time, the Itali a n g o v e r n m e nt a n n o u n c e d an annual quota for seasonal and non-seasonal immigration three years in advance. In the previous years, the Italian government only announced the quota ever y year.

Decreto Flussi quota for 2023-2025

The quota yearly for non-EU workers is as follows: n 2023 - 136,000 foreigners n 2024 - 151,000 units n 2025- 165,000 foreigners The following industries are open to hiring non-EU laborers, for non-seasonal workers with a quota of 52,770: n road haulage n construction n tourism-hotel sector n mechanics n telecommunications n food industry n shipbuilding n bus passenger transport n fishing n hairdressing, electricians and plumbing

More workers are needed in the bus passenger transport, fishing, hairdressing, electricians and plumbing sectors compared to the previous years. Aside from the Philippines, workers from the following countries may apply: Albania, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia Herzegovina, South Korea, Cote d’Ivore, Eg y pt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Japan, Jordan, Guatemala, India, Kyrgystan, Kosovo, Mali, Morrocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Montenegro, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, North Macedonia, Senegal, Serbia, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Ukraine. A total of 82,550 seasonal workers for agricultural and tourism/ hotel sectors will also be permitted from these countries. A limited number of 680 slots will be allowed for “self-employed” non-EU nationals such as entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, professionals, famous artists and directors and auditors of Italian companies.

Filipino diaspora in Italy

ACCORDING to the latest data from the Italian Ministry of Interior, there are 166,718 Filipinos working in Italy, half of them in metropolitan cities of Rome

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Remittances. . . Continued from A1

and Milan. The Philippines is the third largest destination country for remittances from Italy, after Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to the 2022 data of the Italian Ministry of Labor and Social Policies. Filipino workers and residents in Italy send US$151.525 million to their families in the Philippines.

cope with rising prices of goods and services. “We can perhaps attribute the rise of dollar-value cash remittances to the exchange rates. Data of BSP on daily US-PhP foreign exchange rates show that the said two months reached over-P56 levels (so, lower exchange rates for the Philippine peso to the green buck),” Institute for Migration and Development Issues (IMDI) Executive Director Jeremaiah M. Opiniano told the Business Mirror. “So the ‘lower’ the exchange rates, the greater the motivation of Filipinos abroad to send more money. That way, the families at home receive more—although rising prices of commodities may be a reason for those abroad to send more money,” Opiniano added.

Warning to Filipinos

Remittances to grow

AMBASSADOR Imperial warned FIlipinos wanting to apply for jobs under the Decreto Flussi system to be careful in engaging the ser vices of agencies. Under the new system, an employer must first make an individual or nominal request to hire a foreigner. Also, job orders must be verified by the Migrant Workers Office of the Philippine Embassy in Rome or the Philippine Consulate General in Milan. “The employer and/or recruitment agency must submit the documentary requirements by MWO and DMW for the prospective worker to be issued an OFW pass (formerly known as OEC), which include among others, the no objection to work certificate (nulla osta al lavoro) and visa,” Imperial said in a statement. Last October, 60 Filipinos in Milan and their relatives in the Philippines complained that they were duped by an Italy-based company offering “services” such as filling up forms and complying with documents.

Digitalization. . . Continued from A1

this week also supports the development of the Philippine innovation ecosystem, in line with the National Innovation Agenda Framework,” he added.

Financial landscape

THIS was reiterated by the President in his message at the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF), which was presented to the participants of the event via hologram technology. Such digital infrastructure, he said, will also benefit the financial sector. See related story in A18, “PHL fintech ecosystem open for collaboration—Marcos.” The Philippines is among the 134 countries participating in the SFF, which runs until Friday. The country’s pavilion in the event “showcases the Administration’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of good governance and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government.” Marcos urged the participating fintech and startup companies in the SFF to consider making partnerships with Filipino firms so they can benefit from the country’s “technologyfriendly” environment.

Other priorities at APEC

THE Philippine delegation for Apec led by the President is also set to sign agreements on renewable energy, electronics manufacturing, health, and tourism during its four-day stay in San Francisco. The accords are expected to help the country become resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. The group will then travel to Los Angeles on November 17, then to Honolulu, Hawaii during the weekend before returning to the Philippines. Marcos said his third trip to the US since the start of his presidency also recognizes the valuable contribution of the 4 million Filipinos there to the country’s economy. Aside from their remittances, Filipinos in the US also help improve the country’s international reputation for being industrious in their work and also their accomplishments, according to Marcos. “We are all grateful for your selfless service to humanity, and we look up to you as role models for future generations of Filipinos and Filipino Americans,” the President said.

MICHAEL L. RICAFORT, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist, said cash remittances will continue to grow on an annual basis in the succeeding months owing to the need of combatting faster inflation in the country. “For the coming months, single-digit/ modest growth in OFW remittances could

Workforce. . . Continued from A1

On Wednesday, Neda released the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 11927 or the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, following a series of consultations with relevant government agencies, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders. Among the functions of the IAC is to formulate the digital technology and digital skills roadmap. This roadmap, the IRR noted, shall include the national digital competency framework to “address the skills gaps with gender and social inclusion considerations, particularly in digital technology and digital entrepreneurship, in consultation with all diverse stakeholders from the government, industry, academe, and labor sector.” “The roadmap shall cover evolving emerging jobs and skills identifying job growth in specific professional areas, including but not limited to the seven fastest- growing professional areas identified by the World Economic Forum, namely: care, engineering, and cloud computing, sales marketing and content, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), green jobs, people and culture, and specialized project management,” the guidelines also noted. Meanwhile, the IRR also noted that IAC shall provide support and “innovative” strategies including the provision of incentives to promote and develop digital technology, digital careers, and innovations among students, youth, and workers. Among the incentives to be provided are the full or partial scholarships or subsidies for “appropriate” training and certifications,

Ipef. . . Continued from A1

logistics services and logistics infrastructure, as well as in the development of multimodal transport corridors, including by exploring the development, upgrading, or digitalization of ports, logistics hubs, roads, and freight railways.” Another objective of the Ipef members is to encourage production of “key logistics inputs” which include warehousing equipment, long-haul ships, commercial aircraft, shipping containers, chassis, cranes, freight trucks, rail cars and their respective components. Based on the agreement, the production of these key logistics inputs by enterprises in the economies of the par ties is aimed at meeting market demand and “diversification” of source markets, with a particular focus on enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of IPEF supply chains. In the area of cargo risk assessment, the agreement noted that the parties intend to exchange best practices in this area “to consider developing programs to securely share data as necessary for international cargo security to the extent possible, consistent with each Party’s domestic laws and regulations, including with respect to the protection of business confidential information.” Under the agreement, the Ipef member

still continue as OFW families/dependents still need to cope...with relatively higher prices/inflation locally that would require the sending of more remittances, as well as some normalization of spending by consumers/households for both essentials and non-essentials as the economy reopened towards greater normalcy with no more Covid restrictions as a policy priority,” Ricafort said. Ricafort added that the “sustained” growth in remittances also reflect improving economic conditions in the overseas Filipino workers’ host countries.

Sources of remittances

MEANWHILE, the BSP pointed out that higher cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Singapore drove the overall remittances during the nine-month period. The BSP said the US accounted for 41.5 percent of the total cash remittances during the January to September period. It was followed by Singapore (6.9 percent), Saudi Arabia (6 percent), and Japan (5.8 percent), according to the BSP. Based on the BSP’s projections, total cash remittances this year would grow by 3.07 percent year-on-year to $33.5 billion from $32.5 billion last year. (Related stor y: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2023/08/14/bsp-efforts-to-stabilizephl-peso-successful/) whether local or abroad, the IRR said. The guidelines also noted that there will be full or partial subsidy for the use of coworking or shared service facilities, equipment, and/or services provided by government or private enterprises or institutions. Based on the IRR, credit assistance, at low-interest rate, from government financial institutions will be extended for the acquisition of equipment necessary to carry out digital work, including but not limited to computers, hardware, and software programs. For his part, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said that the execution of the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act will be “vital for equipping the workforce with digital technologies and skills and fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in the country.” The IAC is chaired by the Neda and composed of eight other agencies: the Departments of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industr y, Information and Communications Technology, Science and Technology, Interior and Local Government, and Education, as well as the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. “The Council will serve as the primary planning, coordinating, and implementing body in promoting, developing, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine digital workforce. DOLE, in addition, shall serve as the secretariat to the IAC,” Neda said. The IRR was approved last October 23,2023 by the nine members of the IAC for the Development and Competitiveness of the Philippine Digital Workforce—a Council established under Section 5 of the RA 11927. Andrea E. San Juan nations also aim to encourage investment in “critical sectors; the production of key goods; the development, maintenance, and upgrading of physical and digital infrastructure; and transportation and workforce projects.” Critical sectors, as defined in the agreement, are “sectors that produce goods and supply any related essential services critical to a Party’s national security, public health and safety, or prevention of significant or widespread economic disruptions.” Meanwhile, in a recent televised inter view, Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (Pasia) President Charlie Villaseñor divulged that a “chaotic scenario” is expected for Asian firms in the next 24 months due to issues on demand visibility brought by geopolitical conflicts impacting supply chains. Of the 14 member nations in Ipef, there are 10 Asian countries. “There’s a lot of things going on— reverse globalization, or supply chain diversification—countries are going to be moving towards more geopolitical politics, even though they don’t want to do it, but they’re being forced to address this also; there seems to be still an issue on demand visibility,” Villaseñor said. (Full story here: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/11/14/asian-firms-facechaotic-2024-2025-on-supply-chainwoes/)

Thursday, November 16, 2023

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

Panel seeks filing of charges against cops in P6.7-B shabu haul in Manila By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

SJES CELEBRATES GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING The San Joaquin

Elementary School (SJES) in San Joaquin, Pasig City celebrates its grand alumni homecoming with fitting events on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Led by host Class 1980 under the helm of Jose Santos Jr. with guidance from Dr. Ruben H. Opena, school principal and Lulu R. Malanay, retired school principal. Activities lined up for the include a mass, motorcade, awarding ceremony, and socialization-dinner. Guests to the awarding ceremony are Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Congressman Roman Romulo and Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III. An estimated 2,000 participants from Class 1961 to the last graduates are expected to come. Photo shows Irene Florentino Batch ‘79, Monette Geronimo Batch ‘80, Lulu Remorin Malanay, Jose Santos Batch ‘80, Nancy G. Tubog Batch ‘80, Herita Abarquez, Batch ‘73 and Miriam Bagnas.

AFP tests modern weapons system in ‘DAGIT-PA’ live-fire war exercise

rtillery u n it s f rom the military’s newly acquired platforms, along with brand-new attack helicopters and aircraft, were deployed for Wednesday’s live-fire exercise in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the drill is part of the combined arms firepower exercise of the AFP Joint Exercise “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” (AJEX DAGIT-PA). “(AFP chief-of-staff) Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. witnessed the event that featured the AFP’s newly acquired artilleries of the Philippine Army

and the Philippine Marine Corps working in tandem with the Philippine Air Force’s AW-109 and A-29B ‘Super Tucano’ aircraft,” he added. AJEX-DAGIT-PA is scheduled to run from November 6 to 17. “The exercise tests and demonstrates the capability of AFP Major Services to conduct joint territorial defense operations and highlights the seamless integration of different military units and platforms,” Trinidad said. AJEX DAGIT-PA seeks to promote and uphold peace and security not only within the country but also across the region, he added. Rex Anthony Naval

@joveemarie

he House Committee on Dangerous Drugs has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against members of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), including former Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., in connection with the P6.7 billion drug haul in Manila in October last year. In Committee Report 495, the panel strongly recommended the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative charges against other individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities, including possession of illegal drugs, planting of evidence, obstruction of justice, and misappropriation of seized drugs. The committee said the 990 kilograms of shabu seized at the WPD Lending Office on October 8, 2022, was a product of drug recycling and illegally taken from the seized evidence during previous anti-drug operations of the PNP-DEG. It said there was no buy-bust operation against Ney Atadero on October 8, 2022, and he was arrested by the drug operatives because he was at the premises of the WPD building, being its care-

taker, when the raid happened. According to the panel, the PNP DEG operatives brazenly disregarded the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165 when they unreasonably delayed the conduct of the required inventory and photograph of the seized 990 kilos of shabu in the presence of the witnesses and excluded Mayo from the spot report on the alleged raid. The panel added some of the members of the PNP- DEG operatives involved in the 990-kilo drug raid committed misappropriation and failure to account for the seized evidence when they pilfered significant portions of the said confiscated drugs before they conducted an inventory. “The recovered 42 kilograms of shabu stashed in luggage inside an abandoned car in front of Camp

Six senior military officials promoted S ix senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally donned their next higher ranks during ceremonies held on Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Tuesday. The activity was presided by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who urged the newly-promoted of-

ficials to continue demonstrating the military core values of Honor, Integrity, and Service in performing their role as leaders. “Leadership requires courage, conviction, and a deep sense of duty. Lead by example and instill these values in those you lead and inspire them to be the best version

of themselves,” he added. The promoted officers were Lt. Gen. Steve Crespillo, The Inspector General AFP; Maj. Gen. A r v in L aga mon, A FP deput y chief-of-staff for civil-militar y operations; Commodore Peter Jempsun De Guzman, AFP assistant deputy chief-of-staff for

operations; Brig. Gen. Benedict Balaba, deputy chief of the Intelligence Service AFP; Brig. Gen. Ramon Flores, Commandant of Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy; and Brig. Gen. Ivan Papera, chief of the AFP Systems Engineering Office. Rex Anthony Naval

Comelec denies early transmission of election returns in 2022 elections By Patrick V. Miguel

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) has denied allegations of early transmission of returns in the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE) raised by the former Secretar y of the Department of Information and Communications Technolog y (DICT). Eliseo R io Jr. claimed that 7,975 vote counting machines (VCMs) transmitted early election returns (ER) from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. before being received by the Comelec transparency

ser ver. This was after Comelec released the NLE’s transmission logs from telecommunication firms Globe Telecom and Smart Communication. Telco logs do not show any connected foreign or illegal devices because VCMs “can only con nec t a nd t ra n sm it u si ng digital certificates previously v a l id ated a nd aut hent ic ated by the election net work and application,” said Comelec in a statement. According to the poll body, the Globe telco log does not ref lect the transmission of ERs

but the connection between the Municipal and National Board of C a nv a ssers’ Con sol id ated Canvassing System (CCS). Meanwhile, the Smart telco log only shows network data and not election data, noted Comelec. “Lastly, even if the CCS is already connected to the election network, a firewall renders impossible any transmission before 7:00 p.m. because the same restricts and validates the authenticity of the ER transmissions, which can only be done after the closing of polls,” Comelec added.

R io previously alleged that the 2022 NLE was “rigged ” and “m a n ipu l ated .” He a l so sa id there was a secret “man-in-themiddle” device used in the polls. To settle the dispute “once and for all,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia offered a manual recount of ballot boxes in selected precincts nationwide. R io would be free to choose the precincts and the ballot boxes to be opened and recounted. The recount will be subject to manual audit and may be conducted publicly in the presence of obser vers and stakeholders.

PLDT CorpComm chief cites PPC for journalism ethics

ne of the countr y’s top communications e xecutives has cited the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) “ for sustaining exemplar y journalism ethics in its 74 years of existence.” In a message congratulating the club for its 74th Founding Anniversar y, PLDT ’s First Vice President and Cor porate Communications Group Head Cat hy Yang a lso commended

the PPC for its quality reportage “against the backdrop of sociopolitical change and economic challenges.” E q u a l l y i mpre s s i v e a b out the longest running organized press club, Yang said, is its “resiliency and ability to adapt to available technologies for news gathering, news reporting and opinion shaping, which has allowed the PPC to remain relevant and reliable.”

“ Through the years, the PPC has supported PLDT and Smart in its various brands as well as its executives. So thank you so much, and we remain ver y grateful. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. More power to you all,” Yang said. PP C h a s c o v e r e d v a r i o u s events of t he telco g i a nt in Pampanga and Metro Manila. T his includes coverage of its annua l stock holders meeting

and roundtable talks with PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan. Its members are also invited to regular and online business disclosure and press conferences. With its 2023 celebrations theme “Stronger at 74,” PPC and its members’ outlets have remained strong in traditional and new media formats where f o l l o w i n g h a s e x p o n e nt i a l ly increased for the past few years. PPC was founded in 1949.

Crame were recycled from the shabu seized in the WPD Lending office in Tondo, Manila, on October 8, 2022,” it added. “The release of PM Sgt. Mayo for a follow-up operation is a complete deviation of the standard operating procedures outlined in the PNP Manual on Anti-Drug Operations and Investigation,” it said. Mayo was actually arrested on October 8, 2022, at around 1:00 p.m. and not in a hot-pursuit operation on October 9, 2022, as reported by the PNP-DEG, the panel said. Also, the committee said there was an attempt to cover up Mayo’s arrest on October 8, 2022, because of the following circumstances: (a) PNP-DEG’s failure to present Mayo as one of the accused during the inventory and photograph of the seized 990 kilos of shabu; (b) failure to include him in the affidavit of arrest and spot report of the PNPDEG operation on October 8, 2022; (c) releasing him to participate in a follow-up operation; (d) allowing him to become an arresting officer in the execution of a warrant of arrest against Juden Francisco in Pasig; and (e) recommending him to receive the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” after that operation. “All these were intended to clear his name and cover up his arrest on October 8, 2022,” said the committee. The House committee said Mayo should also be charged for possession of the two kilos of shabu during the reported buy-bust operation allegedly conducted prior to the discovery of the 990 kilos of shabu. The committee also found the entire PDEG Special Operations Unit (SOU) Region 4A liable for

planting evidence under Section 29 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 since there was no buy-bust operation conducted against Atadero within the premises of WPD Lending on October 8, 2022. “The PNP, in its official narrative, claimed that Mr. Ney Atadero was arrested in a buy-bust operation at 4:30 p.m. on October 8, 2022, while selling 2 kilos of illegal drugs inside the WPD Lending establishment,” it said. However, the committee said the CCTV footage from the WPD Lending office disputed their claims that the buy-bust operation took place at 4:30 p.m. Instead, the panel said it disclosed that the operating unit, led by Police Lt. Jonathan Sosongco, arrived at 1:20 p.m. in the WPD building, escorting a handcuffed individual identified as Mayo. “After careful scrutiny of the CCTV footage and the contradictory statements of the persons involved, the Committee is certain that there was no buy-bust operation at 4:45 p.m. in the WPD lending office on October 8, 2022. Mr. Atadero was no longer seen in the CCTV footage after this time,” the committee report said. The panel said the team of Sosongco who conducted the initial arrest of Mayo is liable for the violation of PD 1829 as well as RA 3019, for failure to charge him in the proper court. “The officers who conducted the staged hot pursuit arrest against PMSg Mayo on October 9, 2020 at Quiapo, Manila are liable for the crimes of perjury under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and planting of evidence under Section 29 of RA 9165,” the committee said.

‘Bong vs Bong’: MMDA to probe how Revilla’s name got dragged into bus lane violation mess By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

he Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) vowed to investigate an incident, which supposedly dragged the name of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., after he reportedly violated the exclusive EDSA Bus Carousel Lane regulation Wednesday morning. “Based on our CCTV footage, the license plate of the flagged down vehicle is protocol plate, and we are probing why the name of the senator was being involved,” the MMDA said in a statement referring to the vehicle with plate number “8,” which was apprehended along the EDSA Mandaluyong carousel lane. The agency extended an apology to Revilla pending the investigation. “We would like to reiterate that only authorized vehicles allowed to utilize the EDSA Bus Carousel lane are: public utility buses, emergency vehicles, and clearly-marked government vehicles responding to emergencies,” the MMDA said.

‘Face-off’

In a face-off later at the Senate witnessed by the media, Revilla told MMDA chief Romando Artes and Ret. Col. Bong Nebrija, head of the Task Force Special Operations (TFSO), how miffed he was on waking up to learn his name had been dragged all over news reports as having been accosted for illegal use of the bus lane. Revilla said he was in Cavite at the time of the supposed bus lane apprehension, and in his daily routines, he does not need to go through Edsa. Revilla wondered aloud about proposing to hold the MMDA’s budget, but seemed satisfied when

Artes assured him of a full and fair investigation of all concerned, including Nebrija, who was ordered suspended for two weeks, and the traffic enforcer on whom he relied for information as to the occupants of the car that was flagged down. It was the enforcer who told him that the senator was one of the occupants, Nebrija said.

Bus lane-use ‘expansion’

The MMDA also said that it will recommend to the Department of Transportation the expansion on the use of the Bus Lane for the convoy of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and Supreme Court Chief Justice. During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Nebrija, for his part said, the incident is alarming, especially if somebody is using the name of Revilla. “Kasi we were just doing our job,” Nebrija said. “Dumaan ka sa bus way, pinara ka namin. Tapos sasabihin mo - eh kami naman out of courtesy lang naman kami eh - paggalang sa mga senador at mga congressmen kaya ang ginawa namin, Andiyan ba si sir? Andiyan ba si congressman? ‘Yan ang una naming tanong,” Nebrija explained. Nebrija added that he was the one who decided to let the senator go after the traffic enforcer confirmed to him that Revilla was inside the vehicle that was flagged down after it entered the EDSA bus lane. “Eh di, I let him go. Just to make it clear, I made the decision to let it go,” Nebrija said. Nebrija also said that they are willing to go to the Senate if they will be asked by Revilla.

Economy

Thursday, November 16, 2023

NEA extends P934.56-million loans to 24 ECs as of October By Lenie Lectura @llectura

T HE Nat ion a l E lec t r i f ic at ion Administration (NEA) extended P934.56-million worth of loan assistance as of last month to support the operations of 24 electric cooperatives (ECs). Of the amount, P449.71-million was disbursed to 18 ECs for their capital expenditure (capex) of 18 ECs. Three of the 18 are distribution utilities from Luzon. These are First Laguna Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FLECO), Quezon I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (QUEZELCO I), and Sorsogon I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SORECO I). NEA said five ECs from Visayas also sought funding for their capex. These are Bohol II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BOHECO II), Camotes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CELCO), Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO III), Leyte V Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO V), and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NONECO). The remaining 10 ECs are from Mindanao. These are Basilan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BASELCO), Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BUSECO), Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO), Misamis Oriental I Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO I), Siargao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO), Siasi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIASELCO), South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO I), Surigao del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURSECO I), Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TAW ELCO), and Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZANECO). NEA said P422 million went to eight ECs for their working capital. These are Antique Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANTECO), Aurora Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AURELCO), BOHECO II, Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO), FLECO, Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LANECO), Misamis Oriental II ElectricCooperative, Inc. (MORESCO II), and Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMSURECO II). The total amount also included the P12.85-million that MORESCO I borrowed for its modular generator set as well as the P50-million short-term credit facility loan of LANECO. NEA, which is mandated to carry out the total electrification of the country, offers financial assistance to ECs through its Enhanced Lending Program.

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DSWD to resume payout of cash grants to 761,140 4Ps beneficiaries on Nov 30 By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

@joveemarie

FTER nine months of uncertainty from January to September, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Wednesday that the payout of cash grants for approximately 761,140 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) would resume on Thursday, November 30.

According to Romel Lopez, DSWD assistant secretary for strategic communications and agency spokesperson, eligible beneficiaries will not only receive their cash grants but also their rice subsidy. “The Department will resume the payout for the withheld health grants from January 2023 to September 2023, starting on November 30, and it will be non-compliance-based, while the education grants for the same period shall be based on the compliance of the beneficiaries and will be processed starting February 2024,” Lopez explained. The payout for withheld health grants from January 2023 to September 2023 will be non-compliancebased, starting on November 30. Meanwhile, education grants for the same period will be based on the compliance of beneficiaries and will be

processed starting in February 2024. The DSWD had temporarily withheld the cash grants of certain 4Ps members during a revalidation process conducted by the 4Ps National Project Management Office (NPMO). The revalidation seeks to identify households that were no longer classified as poor. Based on the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the 4Ps NPMO was able to complete the reassessment of the 1,158,249 households previously identifiedas non-poor using the Social Welfare and Development Indicators, or SWDI tool. Based on the assessment, some 4,242 households were found to be in Level 1, or survival level; 756,898 households in Level 2, or subsistence level; and 339,660 households in Level 3, or self-sufficient. “The reassessed households be-

DENR to rely on science, nature-based solutions in watershed management THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed to strengthen its engagement in scientific research to ensure a sustainable and climate-resilient management of the country’s precious watersheds. The scientific research will focus on climate adaptation and resiliency, biodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge systems, community-based approaches, and the recognition of gender roles. The Philippines, through the DENR, successfully hosted the 2023 Asia Pacific (APAC) Watershed Congress, where more than 200 scientists, researchers, and experts in the region gathered to exchange

information and experiences in watershed management. T hrough the inter nationa l gathering, the DENR together with its Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) is hoping to acquire knowledge about innovations in climate-resilient watersheds, and provide inputs for the improvement of integrated watershed management. T he congress showcased a total of 54 studies from across the region. T h e A PAC Wat e r s h e d Congress underscored naturebased solutions as the primary i nt e r v e nt i o n i n a d d r e s s i n g watershed management issues, encompassing a variety of natural

processes that safeguard, manage, and restore ecosystems, while addressing concerns related to climate change, disaster risk, food and water security, biodiversity loss, human health, and economic development. The ERDB described naturebased solutions as the “blueprint for protecting our most valuable natural resources.” In a statement, DENR-ERDB Director Maria Lourdes G. Ferrer said she considers the integration of nature-based solutions as a profound and forward-thinking approach with regards to watershed management. “It is a recognition of the fact that nature is not merely a resource

to exploit but a partner in our journey towards a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future. By harnessing the power of nature, we can ensure that watersheds continue to provide essential services, protect communities, and support a thriving ecosystem,” she said. Watershed management also requires holistic and integrated approach in the atmosphere of good governance and science-based information, actions, and policies, according to Ferrer. The harmonization of plans in the whole watershed area can reduce flooding, enhance biodiversity and increase the sustainability of water in the river.

Biz forum eyes investments for Metro Iloilo, Guimaras T HE Met ro I loi lo - Gu i m a ra s Economic Development Council (MIGEDC), in partnership with the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED), brings to Manila its first investment forum

to be held at the Conrad Hotel on Monday, November 20. Composed of Iloilo City, the island province of Guimaras and the municipalities of Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Leganes, Oton

and San Miguel, Metro IloiloGuimaras has a consolidated land area of 1,124 square kilometers with a rich pool of human resources in its population of 1.007 million, w ith competencies in a w ide

range of academic, scientific, and technical skills. Iloilo City and the surrounding municipalities are interconnected b y e x c e l l e nt r o a d s , a m o n g them the 15 kilometer, 4-lane President Cora zon Aqu ino Avenue, commonly referred to as the Circumferential Road, which has not only eased traffic congestion but has opened new areas for development. “As economic developments are moving beyond the borders of Iloilo City, the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Alliance invites investors to look into the growing economies of these new areas for it provides a rare opportunity to grow their investments,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the chairperson of the council. Former Senator Franklin M. Drilon, who has been largely responsible for the huge investments in infrastructure in Iloilo City and

longing to Levels 1 and 2 have been retained in the list of beneficiaries, while those in Level 3 will undergo the exit process,” said Lopez. The retroactive payout of the reassessed qualified households is covered by a signed memorandum by Secretary Gatchalian titled “Guidance on the Processing of Unpaid Grants to Qualified 759,041 4Ps HouseholdBeneficiaries for the Period January 2023–September 2023.” The 4Ps is a human development program that provides social protection, social assistance, social development, and other complementary support services in partnership with concerned agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders toward improving health and nutrition, education, and socio-economic aspects of Filipino households in need.

Under the leadership of Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the DENR is committed to upholding scientific and technical excellence, ensu r i ng t h at leg i sl at ion i s evidence-based, and involving stakeholders in the formulation of policies and programs. Research and development have a crucial role in creating fresh knowledge and tools, shaping policies, involving the public, and improving capacities in integrated watershed management. The ERDB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen engagement in research and development initiatives to sustainable and climate-resilient watershed management, maintaining its dedication to research collaboration, strengthening scientific cooperation, and promoting best practices and initiatives within the Philippines and APAC region. Jonathan L. Mayuga

province, will deliver the opening remarks. Mr. Ryan Washburn, Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development, will deliver the keynote address. The local chief executives who compose the alliance as well as panelists from the private sector w i l l spea k about investment o p p o r t u n i t i e s i n I C T- B P M ; log istics; manufactur ing; tour ism; hea lthcare and rea l estate, among others. The forum is presented by Double Dragon Corporation and supported by First Gen Corp; MORE Electric and Power Corporation; La Filipina Uygongco Group of Companies; Aboitiz InfraCapital; Carelon Globa l Solutions; R oc k we l l L a nd Cor porat ion; I B C I nt e r n at i o n a l B u i l d e r s Corporation; Ayala Land, Inc.; Unionbank; Metro Pacific Iloilo Water; Panay Energy Development Corporation; and the Philippine C h a mb e r of C om me rce a nd Industry—Iloilo Chapter, Inc.

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Newly elected Malabon village, youth officials assume posts

HE newly elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials recently took their oath of office during a formal ceremony held at the Malabon Sports complex, which marked the beginning of their two-year term until December 2025. M ayor Je a n n ie Sa ndov a l , together with Department of Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge City Director Jess Mar ie A lcoba, CESE , a d m i n i s t e re d t he o at h a nd presided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by Malabon’s City Council, department heads and employees of the City Hall, as well as family and friends of the newly elected officials. “It is vital that we build up our community in ways that ensure no Malabueño is left out or left behind, or passed up,” said Mayor Jeannie dur ing the swear ing in ceremony held on Tuesday, November 7. “Today, we celebrate the commitment of our elected officials to advance the City of Malabon’s mission, vision and goals,” she added. The ceremony welcomes back reelected officials like Sher yl Nolasco, Barangay chairman of Potrero. Under her leadership, Potrero has received numerous citations and is recognized as a community-based disaster risk management model since 2016. Newly elected Barangay chairman Butch Cruz, who took mentioned how “today is special and meaningful for me. I am honored to be in a position to help advance the administration’s programs for Barangay Panghulo and what it means to be a Malabueño” The ceremony was followed by an open-air brunch at Malabon’s A m p h i t h e a t e r. D u r i n g t h e reception, Alcoba remarked, “Let us rejoice in our commitment, our unity and yes, our power to represent, protect, and advance t he i nte re st of e ve r yone i n Malabon.”

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Prosecutor summons ex-president Duterte over ‘threats’ to lawmaker By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

HE Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has subpoenaed former President Rodrigo R. Duterte to appear before the preliminary investigation of the grave threat complaint filed by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.

The subpoena, which was signed by Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola, also directed Duterte to file his counter-affidavit on Castro’s complaint. Badiola set the preliminary investigation of the complaint on December 4 and 11 at 2:30p.m. Castro filed the grave threat complaint under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 in connection with Duterte’s statements he made over a television program at Sonshine Media Network International

(SMNI) criticizing Castro and the House of Representative for blocking the budget allocation for her daughter Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s confidential funds. During the said program, Duterte said Sara should have told Castro pointblank that she needed confidential funds to stop the communist insurgency. “But your first target there, using your intelligence funds, is you, France, you communists who I want to kill. I asked her to tell them that, but she refused, saying,

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—Malacañang and the Bangsamoro government activated seven offices and units to increase the number of discussion bodies to smoothen out intergovernmental cooperation and delineation of functions and revenue collection. These were the mechanisms between the Philippine CongressBangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBFF), Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFPB), Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation (JBZJC), Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board (IFPB), Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB), Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board (BSDB), and the

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday turned over 30 handheld devices to San Juan City that will be used to issue violation tickets for the implementation of the single ticketing system (STS) to erring drivers in the city.

MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artessaidthattheviolationticketswould be issued to drivers who will commit 20 common violations that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Metro Manila mayors have agreed upon. Thesehandhelddevicesalsoallowthe drivers to pay their fines upfront using online payment channels and credit. “Ito po ay historic moment dahil

after 28 years ay maro-roll out na fully ang single ticketing system. Marami pong nagtangka na i-implement ito. Pero during our term as MMDA chair and Mayor (Francis) Zamora as MMC (Metro Manila Council) president ay naisakatuparan na ito,” Artes said during the launch at the San Juan City Hall Atrium. Artes also announced that the

MMDA also procured additional 1,000 handheld devices that will be distributed to the different LGUs. For his part, Zamora, who is also MMC president, said he is thankful that the STS will finally be implemented in San Juan after a long time. “Through the digital payment platforms hindi na ’yan kailangan gawin. ’Yan ang kaibahan ng STS. Mal-

aking tulong po ito sa publiko at pati sa amin. Malaking bagay sapagkat wala ng masyadong face-to-face contact with the enforcers. Mas mabilis ang proseso, mas streamlined at less bureaucracy,” Zamora said. Meanwhile, LTO Regional Director Atty. Noreen San Luis-Lutey said that theSTSisthebeginningof“change”ofthe enforcement if the law in the Philippines.

Didipio community asks Malacañang to cancel OceanaGold mining permit

ITING failure to conduct consultations and secure the consent and approval of the community, members of the Tuwali tribe based near the Didipio mine in the Municipality of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya formally called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to cancel the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) between the Philippine Government and OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI). In a letter-petition dated November 14, 2023 sent to the Office of the President, Barangay Didipio chairman Erenio Boboola and leaders of the Didipio Earth Savers MultiPurpose Association (DESAMA) said the FTAA issued to OGPI for the renewal of mining operations allegedly violated Sections 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code, which mandates a comprehensive consultation with local government units, communities, and indigenous groups before any project approval. “Clearly, a prior consultation with nongovernmental organizations and other sectors, and

the local government units’ approval must be secured before the renewal. Lamentably, these twin requirements were not observed in connection with the FTAA renewal. In fact, the residents of Didipio and affected nearby communities even consistently opposed the renewal of the Didipio mine project,” the petitioners said. The Tuwali leaders were joined by their legal counsel, the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC). “By overlooking mandatory community consultations in renewing the FTAA with OGPI, the national government and the mining company undermined the fundamental rights to public participation granted by law. LRC and DESAMA call on the Office of the President to rectify this oversight and stand for the rights of local communities,” said Atty. Rolly Peoro, coordinator for direct legal services of LRC. Local officials and communities in Kasibu have long opposed the mining operations for allegedly causing widespread water depletion

Council of Leaders (COL). Accompanying these mechanisms are a set of rules and regulations that delineate how the Executive department of the National Government (NG) would execute them and how the other unresolved jurisdictions would be discussed further through the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB). The seven mechanisms were activated on November 9 that shall serve as the basis for all laws and policies enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, said Mohagher Iqbal, cochairman of the IGRB. He said the ongoing negotiations between both governments, through the IGRB, would pave the way to an empowered collaboration. The earlier IGRB discussions include ticklish issues on jurisdiction and revenue

collection relating to mineral and oil and gas explorations, and delineation of functions between national government agencies (NGA) and the agencies created by the Bangsamoro government. The IGRB was established in 2019 through Section 2, Article VI of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which was intended “to coordinate and resolve intergovernmental relations issues between the National Government and BARMM through regular consultation and negotiation,” the Bangsamoro information office said. “Slowly, we are strengthening the foundation—one that I hope will transcend the transition period—through our shared values of respect, among others, as well as our mutual commitment and efforts to resolve issues in a nonadversarial manner,” Iqbal said. On November 14, President Ferdinand

and affecting irrigation for rice fields. Indigenous farmers were reportedly capable of producing as much as 15,000 kilos of rice per harvest before dropping to 4,000 kilos with OGPI’s operations in place, media reports said. According to LRC and DESAMA, allowing OGPI to operate despite a flawed renewal process for the FTAA will lead to further environmental d amages, much worse than what has been experienced before the previous FTAA, which was the first to lapse under the Mining Act of 1995. “ T he plight of the Didipio community is proof of the consequences

R. Marcos Jr. said 14 during the 1st BARMM Legislative General Assembly in Davao City that the established mechanisms had commenced the process of creating significant institutions beneficial for both parties. “We are not dependent on one group or certain individuals alone. We are dependent on the institutions that will continue to work no matter what happens in the political sphere,” Marcos said. IGRB co-chair Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) expressed her optimism about the country’s economic development “in conjunction with the Bangsamoro region.” “In our journey toward achieving a future-proof and sustainable economy, no Filipino is left behind, including, most importantly, the Bangsamoro,” Pangandaman stated.

Ex-SC Justice Carpio leads filers of new case on confidential funds The petitioners added that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) provide the inventory of exceptions to the Executive Order No. 2 such as information covered by Executive privilege such as Presidential conversations, correspondence, and discussions in closed-door Cabinet meetings and matters covered by deliberative process privilege; privileged information relating to national security, defense or international relations; information concerning law enforcement and protection of public and personal safety. These exceptions, according to petitioners, violate Section 7, Article III of the 1987 Constitution which provides: “The right of

‘You know Pa, if I did that, they might harass the PMTs (Philippine Military Training institutions),’” Duterte added. Castro sa id she f i led t he complaint against Duterte, as she could not just dismiss his “redtagging and accompanying grave threats as either figurative, joking, or otherwise benign.” “No motion to dismiss shall be entertained. Only counter-affidavit shall be admitted other w ise, respondent is deemed to have waived the right to present evidence,” the subpoena read.

MMDA turns over 30 handheld devices to San Juan City mayor

NG, BARMM activate body in bid to boost cooperation By Manuel T. Cayon

the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.” They noted that at present there is no law that exempts full public disclosure and the people’s right to have access to information, official records, public records and to documents and papers pertaining to the Confidential Funds. The petitioners held that the respondents’ refusal to disclose the nature

and purpose of the CIF funds to the public is a “step backward” in transparency and good governance. “It also sows distrust and further widens the division between the public and public offices. The country is being divided because government officials do not live by the principle that a public office is a public trust,” they said. The petitioners said the assailed circular and EO must be voided because it usurped legislative power. “These guidelines in the disbursements and liquidation of Confidential Funds are unconstitutional as they are a usurpation of legislative power by the Executive Branch,

Continued from A20

as there is no valid delegation of legislative power,” they further argued. Last November 7, 2023, a petition questioning the constitutionality of the transfer of P125-million confidential funds from the Office of the President (OP) to the OVP was filed. The petition also asked the Court to direct the OVP to return the said amount to the Treasury. The petitioners said the transfer of funds from the OP to the OVP, is an exercise of legislative power, thus, a violation of Article VI, Section 1 of the 1986 Constitution which provides that legislative power belongs to the Senate and House of Representatives.

when disregarding the prerequisite of local consultations for projects involving the depletion of natural resources. If the FTAA continues to be upheld, the community’s right to a balanced and healthy ecology will be compromised by flawed mining practices,” Atty. Peoro said. Jonathan L. Mayuga

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

ASEAN defense chiefs call for fighting in Gaza to cease, but they struggle to address Myanmar By Niniek Karmini & Edna Tarigan The Associated Press

AKARTA, Indonesia—Southeast Asian defense ministers called Wednesday for the fighting in Gaza to cease immediately and for the world to collaborate on setting up humanitarian aid corridors in Gaza, but they struggled on how to address the prolonged civil strife in Myanmar. The Myanmar crisis was high on the agenda when defense chiefs from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta. The 10-nation bloc includes Myanmar, but its defense minister was again barred from attending this week’s meetings due to the military government’s failure to comply with a five-point emergency plan drafted to ease the violence. “We are saddened with a deteriorating situation in Myanmar,” Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said in an opening speech. “Indonesia encourages other ASEAN member states to support Myanmar to find a peaceful and durable solution to the current situation.” ASEAN has been trying to enforce the plan it forged with Myanmar’s top general in 2021, which calls for an immediate end to the violence, the start of talks brokered by a special envoy among contending parties, and the delivery of aid to displaced people. But Myanmar’s military government has done little to enforce the plan.

The defense ministers on Thursday will be meeting with ASEAN’s eight dialog partners, with the territorial disputes over the South China Sea expected to be raised. Subianto in his speech also touched on Israel’s war with Hamas. “Indonesia is deeply saddened by the deteriorating situation in Gaza, particularly the horrid humanitarian conditions,” he said, adding violence against civilians “must stop.” “ C o n v e r s e l y, e f f o r t s t o achieve a cease-fire must continue and the safe passage of humanitarian aid must be wide and accelerated,” he said. ASEAN has not made a formal statement about the IsraelHamas war, which is not surprising given each member of the bloc sees the conflict differently. Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei—the three ASEAN members with Muslim-majority populations where religion is significant in domestic politics—have long been strong supporters of the Palestinians’ struggles. None of them has diplomatic relations with Israel. Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohammad Hasan in his speech on Wednesday condemned the bombings of civilians, homes and hospitals in Gaza and “the consequential massacre of innocent lives, children, women and men.” Conversely, Singapore took a firm position against Hamas and strongly condemned the attacks the militant group launched inside Israel on October 7, starting the war. Singapore has close defense relations with Israel, and

North Korea says it tested new solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range missiles By Kim Tong-Hyung The Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea—North Korea said Wednesday it successfully tested new solid-fuel engines designed for intermediate-range ballistic missiles as it works on enhancing its nuclear-capable arsenal with more powerful, harder-todetect weapons that can potentially target US military bases in Guam and Japan. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said the country’s military scientists tested the first-stage and second-stage missile engines on Saturday and Tuesday. The report did not say when the new missile system was expected to be completed. The tests extend a torrid run in North Korea’s weapons development efforts, which some analysts say could be boosted by an alleged arms cooperation with Russia as they align in the face of separate, intensifying confrontations with the United States. Tuesday’s test came as Russia’s natural resources minister, Alexander Kozlov, arrived in North Korea for talks over unspecified trade and technology exchanges, as the countries continued to build on a rare summit in September between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Vladimir Putin. Kim’s trip to the Russian Far East, where he also visited major rocket and military sites, sparked concerns about a potential arms alignment between the countries, in which North Korea provides munitions for Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for Russian technology transfers that would upgrade Kim’s military nuclear program. The North’s existing intermediaterange missiles, including the Hwasong-12 that may be able to reach the US Pacific territory of Guam, are powered by liquidfuel engines, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time. Missiles with built-in solid propellants can be made ready to launch faster and are easier to move and conceal, which theoretically makes it harder for adversaries

to detect and preempt the launch in advance. The recent tests were an “essential process for further enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities of (North Korea’s) armed forces in the light of the grave and unstable security environment facing the country and the future military situation in the region, in which the enemies will get more vicious in their military collusion and nexus,” KCNA said. North Korea’s claims that the engine tests were successful suggest the country will flight-test the new missile in the coming weeks, said Cheong SeongChang, an analyst at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea. The missile could pose a potential threat to Guam, a major US military hub, and to American military bases in Japan, which may add to Japan’s urgency to upgrade its military and further expand three-way security cooperation with Seoul and Washington, Cheong said. When asked about North Korea’s missile engine tests, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the North is clearly trying to improve its “sneak attack capability.”“We think North Korea possibly takes further provocative actions, including missile firings and nuclear tests, and the Japanese government will do its utmost for information gathering, analysis and reconnaissance,” he said. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years after Kim ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South. He also authorized his military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceived Pyongyang’s top leadership to be under threat. South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States, which Kim has condemned as invasion rehearsals, and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Seoul is also seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that it would swiftly and decisively use US nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

its strong stance against Hamas leaves it out of step with its larger Muslim-majority neighbors. “The more important lesson for us is that peace can be stolen or lost very quickly,” said Ng Eng Hen, Singapore’s defense minister. “While we are now a relative area of peace and security, we can lose it if we as leaders in our nations do not pay attention to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and Asia.” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu were set to join the meetings, but there is little likelihood of a talk between them. Austin made earlier stops in Asia aimed at showing unity over Russia’s war in Ukraine and preventing differences on the Israel-Hamas war from deepening. He also met with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and others in Seoul to discuss boosting nuclear deterrence against North Korea. China is represented at the meetings by Jing Jianfeng, the deputy chief of staff of China’s Central Military Commission, but it is unlikely he will meet with Austin on the meeting sidelines. China’s previous defense minister, Li Shangfu, was ousted last month, and Beijing has not named his successor. Military contacts between the US and China were largely severed after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022, prompting China’s military to hold unprecedented exercises near the self-governed island. In the allies’ latest show of force, the United States deployed at least one nuclear-capable B-52 bomber and F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to train with South Korean warplanes on Wednesday above the South’s western seas, Seoul’s Defense Ministry said. The ministry said in a statement that the joint exercise was aimed at demonstrating the allies’ capabilities to “instantly, overwhelmingly and decisively respond” to any North Korean provocations. During their annual security talks this week, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik signed an updated bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats. Shin said the new document spells out that the United States would mobilize its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend the South in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack. He also said the document would be a template for the allies to strategize how South Korea could assist US nuclear operations in such events with its conventional capabilities but didn’t elaborate further. North Korea earlier this year revealed its first solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, which has the potential ability to reach deep into the US mainland. Analysts say the North has to clear further technological hurdles to have a viable nuclear arsenal that could threaten the United States. All of North Korea’s ICBM tests so far were done at high angles to avoid the territory of neighbors, so it’s not yet clear whether the country has mastered the technology to ensure its warheads would survive atmospheric reentry well enough to precisely hit their targets. The North also has a variety of shorterrange solid-fuel missiles that are designed to be fired from land vehicles, silos or submarines. Some of these missiles are designed to be maneuverable and fly at low altitudes, theoretically giving them a better chance of defeating missile defense systems in South Korea. The Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to the report.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

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Israeli forces raid Gaza’s largest hospital where hundreds of patients are stranded By Wafaa Shurafa & Samy Magdy

The Associated Press

HAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip—Israeli forces raided Gaza’s largest hospital early Wednesday, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity, as the army extended its control across Gaza City and the north.

A PALESTINIAN child wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip is treated in a hospital in Khan Younis on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. AP/FATIMA SHBAIR

Shifa Hospital has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted after the militant group killed some 1,200 people and seized around 240 captives in a surprise Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel. The hospital is also at the heart of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in the besieged territory. Israel accuses Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields, while Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered

nothing for the patients but pray.” The Israeli military said it was carrying out a “precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital.” It said the soldiers were accompanied by medical teams and had brought medical supplies and baby food as well as incubators and other equipment. Israel says Hamas has a massive command center inside and beneath Shifa, but has not provided visual evidence, while Hamas and the hospital staff have repeatedly denied the allegations. Hours before the raid, the United States said it had its own intelligence

civilians as it seeks to eradicate the group. Mohammed Zaqout, the director of hospitals in Gaza, said Israeli tanks were inside the medical compound and that soldiers had entered buildings, including the emergency and surgery departments, which house intensive care units. It was not clear if he was speaking from inside the compound. “The occupation forces stormed the buildings,” he said angrily over the phone. He said the patients, including children, are terrified. “They are screaming. It’s a very terrifying situation ... we can do

suggesting Hamas used Shifa and other hospitals—and tunnels beneath them—to support military operations and hold hostages. The military said that the forces raiding Shifa are also searching for hostages. The plight of the captives, who include men, women and children, has galvanized Israeli support for the war, and families and supporters of the hostages are holding a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Two and a half weeks after sending tanks and ground troops into northern Gaza, Israeli forces also claimed control of several key buildings and a downtown neighborhood in Gaza City.

A trickle of fuel for aid workers

MOST of the hundreds of thousands of people living in Gaza City and surrounding areas have fled after weeks of Israeli bombardments. Hardly any aid has been delivered to the north, which has been without power or running water for weeks. More than 11,200 people, twothirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, and two thirds of the territory’s 2.3 million people have fled their homes. About 2,700 people have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The ministry’s count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the

southern two-thirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating as bombardment there continues. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel depot in Gaza was empty and that it would soon cease relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for the more than 600,000 people sheltering in severely overcrowded U.N.-run schools and other facilities in the south. “Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die,” said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA. Israeli defense officials changed course early Wednesday to allow some 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of fuel in for humanitarian efforts, officials said. Earlier, they repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza, saying Hamas would divert it for military use. COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would allow U.N. trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border later Wednesday. It said the decision was made in response to a request from the US.

Hospitals no longer functioning

THOUSANDS of displaced people who had been sheltering at Shifa, along with patients who were able to move, had fled the medical compound in Gaza City through a corridor established by Israeli forces in recent days as Israeli troops encircled the complex and battled Hamas militants outside its gates. While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees. Shifa had stopped operations over the weekend, as its supplies dwindled and a lack of electricity left it no way to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue stuff dug a mass grave Tuesday for 120 bodies in the yard. The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies,

have died since Shifa’s emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry. The White House’s national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said Tuesday that the US has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and other Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages. The US independently collected the information from multiple sources, a US official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Battle in Gaza City

ISR A ELI troops have extended their control across northern Gaza, capturing the territor y’s legislature building and police headquarters. But independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza Cit y have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications w it h t he nor t h have largely collapsed. Israeli militar y spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole. Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration. In a nationally televised news conference, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had “lost control” of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City. But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: “We’re talking about long months, not a day or two.” The military says its forces have found weapons and eliminated fighters in government buildings, schools and residential buildings. Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important mid-level commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza. Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Amy Teibel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

Major Asian economies must ramp up wind and solar power to keep global warming under 1.5C, report says By Aniruddha Ghosal The Associated Press

ANOI, Vietnam—To meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), nine major Asian economies must increase the share of electricity they get from renewable energy from the current 6 percent to at least 50 percent by 2030, according to a report by a German think tank released Wednesday. Nearly a third of that renewable energy should come from wind and solar power, said the report by researchers of Berlinbased Agora Energiewende. A fifth would be hydropower and other clean sources and the remainder, fossil fuels. The study analyzed energy plans of both developing nations like Indonesia and Vietnam where demand for energy is growing rapidly, and wealthier places like Japan and South Korea, which have among the highest burdens of per capita greenhouse gas emissions. It did not include China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon, or India, another major contributor. A global temperature increase of 1.5C (2.7F) since pre-industrial times is

considered a critical climate threshold beyond which risks of catastrophes rise. The world will likely lose most of its coral reefs, a key ice sheet could kick into irreversible melt, and water shortages, heat waves and death from extreme weather may surge, according to an earlier United Nations scientific report. Agora Energiewende researchers found that Asian nations are united in their heavy reliance on fossil fuels and national plans are not aligned with ambitious climate pledges announced by their governments. By using proven technologies like wind and solar power, countries can avoid exceeding limits they have set and also limit investment in fossil fuel infrastructure they won’t need, said Mathis Rogner, the Southeast Asia project lead for Agora Energiewende and a co-author of the report. To conform with 1.5C (2.7F) limit, the nine countries included in the study need to add 45 to 55 gigawatts of solar energy and 20 gigawatts of wind energy every year. In 2021, they had installed a total of just 11.9 gigawatts of solar energy and 1.5 gigawatts of wind energy. The study reviewed energy plans of Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia,

the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Taiwan. A gigawatt is roughly the amount of energy a nuclear power plant produces in a year. As of the end of 2022, the US had installed capacity of more than 144 GW of wind power and 110 GW of solar photovoltaic power. The need for urgent action was echoed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who called for a “climate ambition supernova” after a UN analysis released Tuesday found that countries’ climate plans still lagged far behind what was needed. Much of the clean energy capacity the world has added since 2016 has been concentrated in the US, China and India. Even though wind and solar technologies have been getting cheaper every year, among other Asian nations, only Japan and Vietnam derive more than a tenth of their capacity from the wind and the sun. The vast increases in Chinese and Indian renewable energy capacity have to some degree obscured how much many other Asian countries lag behind, said Kanika Chawla, chief of staff at Sustainable Energy for All, the United Nations’ sustainable energy unit.

A12 Thursday, November 16, 2023

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • www.businessmirror.com.ph

DA forms group to refine anti-hoarding policy By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a technical working group (TWG) that would oversee improvements in the government’s implementing guidelines for preventing hoarding and the manipulation of prices of farm goods. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Special Order (SO) 1379 that mandated the creation of the TWG for the formulation of the guidelines on the definition and scope of hoarding and other acts of illegal price manipulation of agri-fishery commodities. Under the order, the TWG will review existing state policies and guidelines in relation to the implementation of Republic Act 7581 or

the Price Act of 1992. T he T WG w ill oversee the formulation of a memorandum circular that would clarify and determine the scope of hoarding and other illegal acts of price manipulation identified under the Price Act. It will conduct public consultations and other activities for the implementation of the prospective memorandum circular. The TWG will endorse the final draft of the memorandum circular to Laurel through Senior Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban for approval. “This Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until revoked in writing. All orders, memoranda and ot her issu a nces inconsistent herewith are hereby deemed revoked,” Laurel said in SO 1379

A VENDOR prepares onions from Nueva Ecija prior to delivery to the Balintawak Public Market in Quezon City in this BusinessMirror file photo.

dated November 14. The TWG will be chaired by Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations Mercedita A. Sombilla while Assistant Secretary for Regulations

Project of PhilRice, Kiwanis aims to make agriculture attractive to young Pinoys

HE government and the private sector are intensifying efforts to revitalize agriculture through youth education to help prevent the imminent shortage of food due to the aging of farmers. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and two clubs of Kiwanis International will undertake a project that seeks to make agriculture more attractive to the youth. Citing information from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, Glenda Hufano, governor of K iwanis International-Philippine Luzon District, said that with the typical age of Filipino farmers falling between

55 and 59 years old, experts have projected that the Philippines will confront a critical decline of farmers in 10 to 12 years. “The project we are collaborating on aims to educate children not only about rice but also to raise them to be progressive, entrepreneurial food producers,” she said during the signing of the memorandum of agreement in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija last November 7. Based on the agreement, the Kiwanis Club of Pasay and Rice Granary Science City of Muñoz will establish and maintain a campsite at the FutureRice Farm in Nueva Ecija. “This campsite, called SPARK, will provide an engaging, educa-

tional alternative to malls and digital entertainment. Campers can tr y farm adventure games such as kayaking and obstacle races while learning about rice tec h nolog ies i nc lud i ng fa r m machines, digital apps, and renewable energy,” Hufano said. In the FutureRice Farm, campers will see high-yielding rice varieties and experience farm automation and diversified farming. Kiwanis International will also co-sponsor the annual ceremonial harvesting at the Rice Garden in Rizal Park, which was established for urban dwellers, especially the youth, to appreciate the importance of rice to the country’s culture, nourishment, and economy. This partnership builds upon

Paz J. Benavidez II would serve as vice chair. Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement James A. Layug will be a co-vice chair of the TWG. It would also consist of various

t hei r ag g regate food i mpor t bill,” said FAO. “ Those developments often reflect world price trends, as international quotations for fruits, vegetables and sugars have surged while those for animal and vegetable oils have declined during the year. Nonetheless, the volume effect on the global food import bill is predicted to exceed the price effect, although not for high-value or processed products such as coffee, tea, cocoa and spices.” The FAO report indicated that food import bills of the least developed countries, net food importing developing countries and the countries of sub-Saharan Africa

are expected to contract due in part to lower quantities. This suggests that additional factors—ranging from weakening currencies to mounting debt levels and high freight costs—are impeding their ability to access international food markets. The report also noted that production prospects across most basic foodstuffs are favourable, but extreme weather events, rising geopolitical tensions and sudden policy changes pose risks for global food production systems and could potentially tip delicate demand-supply balances and dampen prospects for trade and global food security.

certain computations for determining if a seller is engaged in manipulating prices. In recent months, the Marcos administration blamed unscrupulous traders for manipulating prices and causing an “undue spike” in various commodities sold in the domestic market, including rice. Lawmakers had vowed to “intensify” their scrutiny of hoarders and traders that manipulate prices of agricultural goods. The House Committee on Food and Agriculture vowed that it will “leave no stone unturned” in its pursuit to protect consumers from unscrupulous traders. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the DA and other relevant agencies to ensure that the Filipino people are safeguarded from price manipulations and hoarding activities.”

earlier initiatives between Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District and PhilRice supporting farming communities of the Rice Business Innovation System (RiceBIS) Program.

Rice supply

MEANWHILE, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that there is enough affordable supply of rice in the market. According to DA Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa, the country has almost completed the wet season harvest. “We have harvested about 90 percent of palay across the nation, bought at P22.00 per kilogram,” he said. He added that the volume is currently sold at an average of P23-25/kilo farmgate price. The average retail price for regular well milled is at P42.80 while prevailing price for well milled is at P45.

Report: Global food import bill to hit $2T by yearend LOBAL food import bill could reach $2 trillion by the end of the year, some $35.3 billion or 1.8 percent higher than in 2022, according to a report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The latest “Food Outlook,” a biannual publication, noted that fruits and vegetables along with beverages and sugar would account for the bulk of the increase, the lion’s share of which is driven by high-income and upper-middleincome countries. “Low-income countr ies, by contrast, are expected to see an 11-percent contraction in

representatives from different agencies attached to the agriculture department including the Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Meat Inspection Service and Sugar Regulatory Administration. Stakeholder representatives from three sectors (animal, fisheries and plant) will also sit in the TWG. Under the Price Act, the agriculture department must oversee the implementation of the law concerning crops, fish and other marine products, fresh meat, fresh poultry and dairy products, fertilizers, and other farm inputs. The same law stipulated that some of the identified illegal acts of price manipulation inc lude hoa rd i ng , prof iteer i ng and cartel. The law had included

“Trade volumes in coarse grains and rice are expected to decline in 2023/24, even as global maize output is forecast to post a significant increase driven by increased plantings in Brazil and the United States of America.” World trade in vegetable oils and fats is also expected to dip modestly, while global production and consumption are anticipated to expand. Trade volumes are expected to decline in the coming year for sugar, dairy products, meat and fish, according to the report, which also offers a compendium of major policy developments in the food commodity sector since mid-May.

PHILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon

Gordon: Red Cross, agri scientists must join hands to fight child malnutrition

HILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon urged Asia’s agricultural scientists to partner with Red Cross in waging war against food insecurity and child malnutrition. “In this country, every day, I witness a disaster,” Gordon remarked on the pressing issues of food insecurity and child malnutrition in the Philippines. According to the 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) by the Philippines’ National Nutrition Council (NNC), 2 percent of Filipino households are severely food insecure. This translates to over 500,000 households, as indicated by the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH). UNICEF reports that every day, 95 children in the Philippines succumb to malnutrition. Addressing agricultural scientists from Southeast Asia at the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) conference last November 8 in Manila, Gordon urged them to collaborate with humanitarian leaders, including himself and

the government, to “wage a war” against food insecurity and child malnutrition and emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues. “PRC will concentrate on tackling malnutrition among zero-tofive-year-old children, a critical phase in a child’s development. During the first two months, the PRC plans to distribute food to children aged zero to five and those from impoverished households using its fleet of food trucks. Simultaneously, the PRC will train mothers or guardians on how to prepare nutritious food independently, providing them with sustainable livelihoods,” Gordon said. He shared some of the PRC’s ongoing interventions related to food security and nutrition, including hot meal distribution during disasters through PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels, food distribution to impoverished communities through the Food Donation Law (which he authored), the establishment of vegetable and fruit farms nationwide, and the deployment of payloaders to clear farms inundated by mud after typhoons or f looding.

Amazon drought hits river grain shipments harder than expected

SEVERE drought in the Amazon region is disrupting grain shipments more than anticipated, according to one of Brazil’s top barge operators. Unable to move its barges filled with products like corn and soybeans, Hidrovias do Brasil SA is forecasting lower results for this year than previously predicted, company executives said on an earnings call Tuesday. “The situation escalated very abruptly,” Chief Executive Officer Fabio Abreu Schettino said. The company operates along a route known as the Northern Arc, an array of ports along the Amazon and northeastern Atlantic coast that transport crops from farms in central Brazil. According to the company’s own measurements at one of the rivers in the region,

water levels are about 40 percent lower than they were in the same period last year. The drought reduces the amount of cargo that can be shipped, and forces volumes to be split into smaller portions so barges can make it through critical points where rivers are at their lowest. Due to such difficulties and the expectation of maintenance downtime, Hidrovias cut its guidance. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization will reach no more than 770 million reais ($158 million) this year, the company said in a filing. That’s nearly 15 percent lower than previous market expectations, according to a report by XP Investimentos. The company will incur high costs from inefficient operations, analysts led by Pedro Bueno wrote

A DROUGHT-HIT branch of the Amazon River in Manaus, Brazil, on October 4. BRUNO ZANARDO/GETTY IMAGES/BLOOMBERG NEWS

in the report. While Hidrovias expects water levels to recover in the coming months, the Amazon dryness already has had consequences across Brazil’s entire logistics system. That’s because grain exports are getting rerouted to crowded ports

in the southeast. As farmers harvest bumper crops of grains and a record sugar crop, ships are waiting as much as 40 days to load sugar at Brazil’s largest port.

Australian beef

CHINA’S punitive trade actions

on Australian beef and lobster exports may be lifted by the end of the year, Trade Minister Don Farrell said, in what would be the latest sign of warming ties between the two governments. Farrell told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. he is due to meet with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on the sidelines of APEC meetings in the US on Wednesday. He said the restrictions around lobster and beef were “ biosecurity issues” compared with tariffs imposed on wine and barley more than three years ago. “I remain very confident, based on my meeting last week and hopefully my meeting today, that by Christmas all of these trade impediments will be removed,” Farrell said on ABC radio in an interview on Wednesday.

Relations between Australia and China have rapidly improved over the past 18 months following the election of the center-left Labor government in Canberra. A visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this month marked the first such trip by an Australian leader in more than seven years. As ties have warmed, China has steadily rolled back the punitive trade measures imposed at a low-point in relations in 2020, when then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19. Beijing responded to Morrison’s call with tariffs on Australian wine and barley, while limiting the purchases of other products including beef, timber and coal. Bloomberg News

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

98 GROUP INTERNATIONAL AND CONVENTION CORPORATION Flr. No. 7th, Horizon Center Bldg., 100 Andrews Avenue St., Zone 20, District 1, Barangay 183, Pasay City CHIO, KA LOK Customer Service Representative 1.

Brief Job Description: Builds sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communications.

PARK, CHI RIN Customer Service Representative 2.

Brief Job Description: Builds sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communications.

SIU, KA YEE Customer Service Representative 3.

Brief Job Description: Builds sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communications.

WU, MAN KIT Customer Service Representative 4.

Brief Job Description: Builds sustainable relationships and trust with customer accounts through open and interactive communications.

Basic Qualification: Efficient in writing, speaking and reading in Mandarin language.

No.

Brief Job Description: Provide customer service to clients.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 CAO, SHIFANG Chinese Marketing Specialist Basic Qualification: Efficient in writing, speaking and reading in Mandarin language.

10.

Brief Job Description: Create and execute a clear strategy for the Shared Services & business process outsourcing activities that delivers high quality, effective services to all external and internal customers.

Basic Qualification: Efficient in writing, speaking and reading in Mandarin language. CHEN, JIAZHEN Chinese Marketing Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

CHEN, ZHIHUANG Chinese Marketing Specialist 12.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

Brief Job Description: To lead the brand and manage business decisions for PlayStation products within AGM Philippines as a distributor.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate. HUANG, GUOZHI Chinese Marketing Specialist

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 13.

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

SUN, YUE Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Manager 7.

Brief Job Description: Develops and maintains emergency plans to address equipment, power, or security failure to ensure preservation of technology and data.

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

LIAO, ZHIHONG Chinese Marketing Specialist 14.

Brief Job Description: Develop and execute comprehensive digital marketing strategies to drive online traffic, customer acquisition, and revenue growth. Oversee all digital marketing channels, including search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, and display advertising. Analyze global market trends, customer insights, and competitor strategies to identify opportunities for digital marketing optimization and performance improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product, sales, and design, to align digital marketing strategies with overall business objectives. Monitor and analyze key performance metrics. Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIS) for digital marketing initiatives.

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

17.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage. Must be an aggressive salesperson.

ADVANCED FINANCE SOLUTIONS, INC. 20th Floor Cyber Sigma Lawton Avenue, Bonifacio South, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

LE HUU NGHIA Country Head Of Digital Marketing

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree is a plus. Proven experience (5 plus years) in digital marketing, with a track record of successful digital marketing campaigns and driving business growth. Strong knowledge of digital marketing channels, platforms, and tools, including SEO, SEM, social media advertising, email marketing, content marketing, and marketing automation. Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, analyze trends, and make datadriven decisions. Ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and technological advancements. Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team, and foster a collaborative and high-performance culture.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CAI, XIYANG Key Accounts Specialist Consultant

CAI, YALIANG Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 18.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

CAI, YI Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 19.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

LIU, YUHANG Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 20.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

NGO PHUC HAI Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 21.

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

ACER GLOBAL MERCHANDISE PHILIPPINES INC. 1172-1180, Pres. Quirino Ave. Ext., Barangay 827, Paco, City Of Manila

No.

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

KE, CHUNG-HSUAN General Manager

Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese language fluently. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

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

ACEN CORPORATION 35/f Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

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

Basic Qualification: Requires at least 10 years of work related experience. A seasoned professional who can drive effective budgeting, business planning & program evaluation frameworks to optimize the delivery of the shared services programs and offering.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

AM-PRO IMPORTS MARKETING CORP. 16e Residenza Suites, 429 Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

11.

PERVEZ, ZEESHAN Technical Specialist For Shared Services

BOON JUNN WEI Customer Service Representative (Chinese Speaking)

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

NGUYEN THANH NAM Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 22.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

TRAN CHI VINH Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 23.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

ZHAI, XIN Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 24.

Brief Job Description: A key accounts specialist consultant is an individual dedicated to marketing, selling, and supporting a specific type of customer.

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

SHI, AIZHU Chinese Marketing Specialist 15.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

ZENG, LITING Chinese Marketing Specialist 16.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ALTERA KARNA BUSINESS CORP. 5th, 6th, 7th Flrs. Eighty-one Newport Blvd., Newport City St., Barangay 183, Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Efficient in writing, speaking and reading in Mandarin language.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, November 16, 2023

HUANG, YUN Warehouse Logistics Manager 25.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

LAI, YINGSHENG Warehouse Logistics Manager 26.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

LIU, TIAN Warehouse Logistics Manager 27.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A14 A6 Thursday, November 16, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QIU, WENLI Warehouse Logistics Manager

28.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

SU, RONGXIU Warehouse Logistics Manager 29.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

XU, DONGDONG Warehouse Logistics Manager 30.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

YOFFIN Warehouse Logistics Manager 31.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

ZHENG, SHICHAO Warehouse Logistics Manager 32.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

ZHOU, BINGLIN Warehouse Logistics Manager 33.

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

34.

Brief Job Description: Will diligently and faithfully perform all duties and in all aspects according to the instructions and directions given through the company’s duly authorized officers. JULIA CANDRA Client Back Office Risk Executive

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

Brief Job Description: Will diligently and faithfully perform all duties and in all aspects according to the instructions and directions given through the company’s duly authorized officers.

40.

Brief Job Description: The said position shall be responsible for work related to scaling the business by launching new markets. Working closely with the CEO and the COO, the Regional Expansion Manager will lead business development strategy and execution, is in charge of jump starting local teams, and development of various local strategic partnerships to increase scale.

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

42.

SHWAN SHEE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

SU, GUANQING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 43.

44.

45.

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

GAO, YANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 46.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

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

CHANG, GUOGUO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

Brief Job Description: Conducting market research and identifying potential client. End-to-end partner management from opening to closing sales.

YU, SHANSHAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

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

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.

HONG CONG PHAT Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 47.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 LUONG THI GIANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 48.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

NGUYEN DINH GIAP Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 49.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

NGUYEN TIEN NGOC HOANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 50.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

NGUYEN XUAN CHUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 51.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

PHAN HOANG NHAT Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 52.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

THANG COONG MINH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 53.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

TRAN VAN THINH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 54.

Basic Qualification: Master’s in International Management. Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in Marketing, Growth, Data Science/Analytics, Optimization, or Strategy Consulting. Experience in a Senior Management position. Industry knowledge in e-commerce and technology-based support services. Has advocacy and policy work experience.

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

VONG TRAN UT Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 55.

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

CHI, WEIHAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer 56.

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

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 CEBU AIR, INC. Cebu Pacific Bldg., Domestic Rd, Barangay 191, Pasay City

41.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

BITESTOGO, INC. The Brilliance Center, 40th St. Corner 11th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

MARCHAN DOMENECH, ENRIQUE Regional Expansion Manager

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati CHHUON, SAMBO Client Back Office Risk Executive

No.

GUO, JING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

ALFREDA GUSTI PATRIA TAMA SETIYOKO Pilot

Basic Qualification: Licensed pilot.

Brief Job Description: Operates an airbus aircraft for commercial flight.

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

57.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

No.

LIU, ENBIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 58.

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.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

XU, HAIFENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 59.

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

YANG, JIANFENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication. 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: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

60.

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

DRAGONFLY TECHNOLOGIES INC. Unit 602 6/f Itc Bldg., 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NAN, TONG Mandarin Support Specialist 61.

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

HE, WENSHENG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 62.

63.

64.

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

LI, KAI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 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 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

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

BRELLY TING TIEW CHUNG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Provides administrative support to ensure efficient operation of sales training department.

CHAO, JINHUA Chinese Speaking Business Development

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Prioritizing your workload to ensure the most critical issues are resolve first.

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

LIANG, FENGJIAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 66.

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

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.

NGUYEN PHUONG THAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 67.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

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.

SUN, HONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 68.

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

LI, HAICONG Chinese Speaking HR Associate 69.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

VU THI KIEU LOAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 70.

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. 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. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills. 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. 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. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good in verbal and written communication skills. 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. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

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

AI, XINCHUAN Marketing And Sales Agent 71.

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

Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; and can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

GAO, YUNZHOU Marketing And Sales Agent 72.

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

LIU, JIANGYONG Marketing And Sales Agent 73.

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

WANG, JIALI Marketing And Sales Agent 74.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; and can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

No.

WEN, TING-JU International Sales Consultant

84.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; and can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; and can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

PAN, JINDONG Philippines Enterprise Government Business Department Deputy Director-digital Transformation Project 85.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels.

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

76.

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services.

HOANG THI ANH THO Chinese Customer Service 77.

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services.

LE, XUAN THUONG Chinese Customer Service 78.

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services.

RISKY KWOK Chinese Customer Service 79.

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services.

YANG, CHUNCHUN Chinese Customer Service 80.

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in written and verbal Mandarin and English languages.

81.

Brief Job Description: Supervise and coordinate technical staff operations to ensure proper resolution of company/client problems. Working to meet immediate goals of customer interaction.

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

KALKMAN, TANNIE GOZEWIENA BCO Lead 89.

Brief Job Description: Implements stable organizational structure for the ING Non-Financial Risk services executed in the Philippines, with a specific focus on the Business Control Officers (BCO) and Policy Champions.

TANG, HENG Financial Specialist 90.

Brief Job Description: Evaluate capital expenditures and income generation.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 4 years of work experience in a related field. Fluent in Japanese language.

Basic Qualification: Has at least 5 years of work experience holding a senior managerial role for sales and management of government and enterprise market. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

ZHANG, YUKUN Business Consultant 96.

XU, CHENG Financial Specialist 91.

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

97.

Basic Qualification: Preferably has extensive knowledge on the business laws and practices. Has training in Anti-Money Laundering and Agile PM.

Brief Job Description: Evaluate capital expenditures and income generation.

DONG, JIASHENG Assistant Marketing Manager 92.

GE POWER PHILIPPINES INC. 27th Floor, Wework Menarco Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City,, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

82.

Brief Job Description: Conduct regular team meetings at site involving sub-contractor team and review the progress and address the site constraints. Liaising with Client & Partner/subcontractor. Deliver training to the Client personnel as & when needed.

Brief Job Description: Assistant marketing analyzes sales data and determine sales forecast, also recommends creative and cost effective promotional activities.

LIN, XIAOFENG Chinese Speaking Sales Marketing Specialist 93.

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

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

CHEN, FULING Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer 83.

Brief Job Description: Writing daily reports, preparing general ledgers, trial balance, and other financial statements.

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

HUANG HSIANG DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Leon Guinto, Cor. Malvar St., 1674, Barangay 694, Malate, City Of Manila

Brief Job Description: Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers through prospecting and networking.

ZHU, JIANWEN Chinese Speaking Sales Marketing Specialist 94.

Basic Qualification: With experience as Business Financial or equivalent. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Respond promptly to customer inquiries.

Brief Job Description: Providing strategic direction and vision for the company’s infrastructure.

LI, TIANRONG Chinese Speaking Sales Marketing Specialist 99.

Brief Job Description: Establishing goals and objectives in order to reach our customers through appropriate marketing channels (digital and traditional).

OKADA, SHIZUKA Project Manager 100.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate the schedule, budget, issues and risks of the project.

TANIGUCHI, AKINORI Sr. Project Manager 101.

Brief Job Description: Building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers through prospecting and networking.

LAU LUKE YAO Business Development Manager 95.

Brief Job Description: Represent the company in strategic real estate decisions and transactions within the assigned operating region.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate the schedule, budget, issues and risks of the project.

HO NHI PHAN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 102.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Experience in sales, marketing or other related field. Strong communication and management skills. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for many clerical tasks to ensure the staff can communicate.

KHIN MOE WIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 103.

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

LAU CHIA CHIA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 104.

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

MA NGUYET PHUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 105.

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

MARTIN PAWITRA HANDOKO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 106.

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

SUN, YINGYING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 107.

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

LOOB PHILIPPINES, INC. (TEALIVE) Unit 7-d 7/f Opl Bldg., 100 C. Palanca St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: At least 18 years old. Proficiency in handling customer questions about services and products. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Extensive experience in multi-disciplinary construction projects with multiple interfaces and acts as a point contact for Japanese clients.

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

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.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Basic Qualification: At least 1-year experience in the job, college graduate, and with good communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of any equivalent course.

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

MODAIR MANILA CO., LTD. INC. 3/f & 4/f 223 Salcedo Bldg., 223 Salcedo Cor. Gamboa Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or any 4 year course and at least 1-3 years of work experience in the similar field

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese language and excellent skills in time management and communications.

MIGHTY-MERCHANT BUSINESS TRADING INCORPORATED Unit 2505- E The Finance Centre, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

KING-MERCHANT BUSINESS TRADING INCORPORATED Unit 2505-f The Finance Centre, 26th St. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig SAMAL, LALATA KESHARI Commissioning Manager

HE, YISHU Chinese Speaking Customer Relations Officer

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or any 4 year course and at least 1-3 years of work experience in the similar field.

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

MIESCOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 27th Floor Ore Central Tower, 31st Street Cor. 9th Ave. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

KENDAWYNN CORPORATION 77 Cristobal St., Paco Manila, 071, Barangay 622, Sampaloc, City Of Manila

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

Basic Qualification: Advanced experience in construction & commissioning of hydropower project especially in refurbishment & renovation of hydroproject.

Brief Job Description: Organize and execute assigned business projects on behalf of Chinese clients (recruiting, payroll, promotional campaigns etc.) according to client’s requirements.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

MF CONSULTANCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC. Unit 1001 10/f Antel 2000 Corporate Centre, 121 Valero St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

98. Basic Qualification: 5 yrs. of work experience in the same field and with bachelor’s degree.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

LUCKY365 CONSULTING LIMITED CORP. U/18a 18f 18/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

STEYN, RICKY JAMES Chief Operating Officer

INTERGENERATION PRIME HOLDING INC. 11/f Tower 1 The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor, Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ING HUBS B.V. PHILIPPINE BRANCH 18/f - 29/f One Ayala East Tower, Ayala Ave., Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

FUKUSHIMA GALILEI PHILIPPINE CORPORATION One Park Drive Unit 1715, 11th Drive Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

IMAMI, KOKORO Service Manager

88.

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

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

WU, JINGMIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Provide technical support in organizing and developing the Chinese language curriculum.

LU, XIAOMING Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 87.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in written and verbal Mandarin and English languages.

Basic Qualification: Deep understanding of South East Asian culture. Have extensive knowledge in sales process and sales channel management and development. With work experience in Taiwan and at least high school graduate.

No.

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex, Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal, Barangay 76, Pasay City

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Malate Bayview Mansion, 1781 M. Adriatico Street. 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila HO JAN FUNG Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the government business department development and project management and in-charge of customer relationship planning and management.

LU, HE Chinese Language Specialist 86.

75.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY OF SAN JUAN INC. 10, Grant St., Greenhills, City Of San Juan

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Vietnamese language.

Brief Job Description: Develop the company’s international sales business, participate in international sales planning, handle all real estate client inquiries, and provide ready assistance to the company to maintain an in-depth understanding of the international real estate markets.

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa DO TRUNG DOAN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, November 16, 2023

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

TRAN VAN THANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 108.

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

WU, JIALIANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 109.

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

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

BusinessMirror

A16 A6 Thursday, November 16, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZAYAR TUN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

110.

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

ZHONG, RUJUN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 111.

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

SU, BOTAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 112.

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

SUNG, SEO LONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 113.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

VO HUY DOAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 114.

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

WEE JIA XIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 115.

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

WU, MEIZHEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 116.

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

LE NGOC HUYEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 117.

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

PHAM THI GIANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 118.

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

PHUNG QUANG DUY Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 119.

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

TRINH THUY NGAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 120.

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

CHIEU, THI CHI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 121.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

HO CAM LONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 122.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

HOANG THI PHUONG ANH Chinese Speaking Program Designer 123.

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.

LAI JUN AN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 124.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

LAI, NGOC DIEP Chinese Speaking Program Designer 125.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

LI, PENGBIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 126.

Brief Job Description: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

No.

NGO TUYET NHI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 127.

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

128.

129.

130.

131.

132.

133.

134.

Brief Job Description: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements.

CHEN, HEJUN Chinese Customer Service 135.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

YIN, WEN Chinese Customer Service 136.

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

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

LOW SIEW VOON Mandarin Financial Specialist 137.

Brief Job Description: Providing financial analysis to prioritize and lead cost reduction.

WANG, SHUWEN General Manager 138.

Brief Job Description: Oversees day-to-day operations, assign weekly performance goals and ensure their completion, and accomplish your own goals.

BENDY Customer Service Representative 139.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

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

No.

CHIENG QUOC DUNG Customer Service Representative 140.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JEFFERSON YOLANDA Customer Service Representative 141.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

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

KYAW SOE Customer Service Representative

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

142.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

143.

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

144.

145.

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

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.

146.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

INDRIANI GAZELA HR Admin Brief Job Description: Merge both role and functions of admin.

147.

LUO, XIANGANG Multilingual Technical Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Technical support specialist.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language.

ROMARIO NUGRAHA RAMADHANI Data Analyst Officer 148.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Brief Job Description: Multilingual customer support, specifically for other Asian language.

Basic Qualification: Must be 21 years old and above; graduate of any vocational or bachelor’s degree course; at least 1-year experience as data analyst or customer service; and with good verbal and written communication skills.

PHOENIXFIELD, INC. 7/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati TALABTHONG, BUNPORT Thai Language - Support Officer 149.

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

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

RUNNINGMAN CORPORATION 8/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati WA THAN OO Burmese-language Customer Support Staff 150.

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding customer complaints and work assignments.

EFENDI MA Indonesian-language Customer Support Staff 151.

Basic Qualification: At least 1-year experience, and excellent leadership and communication skills.

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

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

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

PACIFIC SEA BPO SERVICES, INC. 16/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write in their native language.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ONWARD WORLDWIDE MANAGEMENT & CONSULTANCY SERVICES CORP. 5/f Greensun Bldg., 2285 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Magallanes, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write in their native language.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

TU SAU PHAN Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

PHAM, THI THANH LOAN Customer Service Representative

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: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

LINDA OKTAVIA Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding customer complaints and work assignments.

KENDRICK HANTANTO Indonesian-language Customer Support Staff 152.

OCEAN MIGHT SUPPORT MANAGEMENT INC. 33/f Tower 6789, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NORTH TIDE INTERNATIONAL TRADE INC. 2nd Floor Bachrach Bldg. Ii, Corner 23rd And Railroad Streets Zone 68, Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NOONA BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICES INC. 10th & 31st Floor Ore Central Tower, 9th Ave. Cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, 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.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

ZHU, WENHUI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

ZHAO, YUXIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

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

WAN TAR SHAUNG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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.

TRAN, TRONG DUC Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Review requirement and design changes, determine what parts of software are affected, and direct programming to meet requirements.

TRAN, TICH PHU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

SHI, XIAOYING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians to deliver software solutions.

NGUYEN DUC HUY Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding customer complaints and work assignments.

Basic Qualification: A native speaker of Burmese language and fluent in English language (spoken and written). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia language and fluent in English language (spoken and written). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia language and fluent in English language (spoken and written). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RUNTO TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 2601, And 2602 26th Floor One World Place, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

HE, RUNSEN Regional Sales Head 153.

Brief Job Description: Holding frequent meetings with various sales teams within a region to review sales.

S-W TRADING CORP. Unit 101, #393 Mindanao Ave. 6, Talipapa, Quezon City

Basic Qualification: Impressive leadership, communication and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION GURPREET SINGH Document Controller

154.

Brief Job Description: Perform regular audit on corporate documents in order to ensure that all documents are properly submitted to other departments.

LI, MENGHUI Mandarin Marketing Associate 155.

Brief Job Description: Helps to create proposals and presentations in Mandarin language, and conducts market research to identify new opportunities.

CHAKRABORTY, NISHA Translator 156.

Brief Job Description: Translate documents, audio recordings or spoken conversations accurately and efficiently from one language to another.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

157.

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

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

168.

Basic Qualification: Any nationality with excellent verbal communication skills specially in Mandarin & English languages.

ALBERTUS ADITYA PRI ASMORO BUDHI PURNAMA Indonesian Language - Support Officer

169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Excellent communication skills specifically in Hindi/Indian and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Preparing constructions and negotiating revisions and subcontractors.

CAO, YANFENG Equipment Manager 159.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing directing, controlling and evaluating projects.

LI, LIUSHUAN Equipment Manager 160.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing directing, controlling and evaluating projects.

LI, YONGPAN Equipment Manager 161.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing directing, controlling and evaluating projects.

LIU, DENGPING Equipment Manager 162.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing directing, controlling and evaluating projects.

NIU, XUDONG Equipment Manager 163.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing directing, controlling and evaluating projects.

GAO, JIAN Project Assistant 164.

Brief Job Description: Preparing and submitting construction projects budget estimates.

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

170.

DING, WENFENG Chinese Construction Technician

171.

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

172.

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide professional end-user support via telephone, email or web using one or more languages other than English and Filipino, particularly in French language.

LI, GENWU Chinese Speaking Back-end Engineer 173.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server side of web applications.

LIU, LU Chinese Speaking Product Specialist 174.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the identification, development and management of our products to support our existing and new business models.

165.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating project from start to finish.

LI, HAIBO Project Assistant 166.

Brief Job Description: Developing and implementing quality control programs.

REN, CHUANGCHUANG Project Assistant 167.

Brief Job Description: Planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating project from start to finish.

DINH DIEU LINH Customer Service Representative

175.

Brief Job Description: Develops the company’s safety, health, security, and environment (HSSE) policies and guidelines.

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

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Proficient in MS Office. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in French and English languages. With basic hardware, software and networking troubleshooting knowledge.

182.

183.

184.

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

Brief Job Description: Handles service support calls, emails and chats related to clients’ inquiry.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English, Mandarin and any languages.

Brief Job Description: Handles service support calls, emails and chats related to clients’ inquiry.

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

XIE, JIANPING Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English, Mandarin and any languages.

Brief Job Description: Handles service support calls emails and chats related to clients’ inquiry.

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

WELLS FARGO INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS LLC-PHILIPPINES Wells Fargo Center, 1180 Wells Fargo Drive, Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, City Of Taguig BANBAH, MUNISH Director, Securities Operations 185.

Brief Job Description: Leverage experience transforming operational functions in the financial services industry to bring teams together and build effective, efficient, operational capabilities aligned with client journeys.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Required to have higher level degree in Business, Accounting or Finance. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

WHALE CLOUD TECHNOLOGY PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 1812 18th Floor High Street South Cofporate Plaza Tower 1, 26th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate, at least 2 years back-end engineer experience and bilingual (Chinese-English).

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English, Mandarin and any languages.

ONG CHEE WENG Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree graduate, at least 2 years back-end engineer experience and bilingual (Chinese-English).

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

JUNITA Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation)

YANG, XIAOLIN Technical Director 186.

Brief Job Description: Consults with the Solutions Architect and Sales Lead, recommends conceptual solutions for simple requirements of the client.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Technical Director. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

XSPACE SERVICE OFFICE INC. U-a&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

187.

Brief Job Description: The sales 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 sales 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

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

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati CAO, YU Support Assistant CHAN, WAN KWAN Bilingual HR Officer 176.

177.

Brief Job Description: Maintain the quality of customer service provided by the team.

Brief Job Description: Assist with developing the market for client or company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages.

188.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for supporting office staff and performing administrative tasks.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIN, JIE Support Assistant 189.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for supporting office staff and performing administrative tasks.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Nov 15, 2023

VARONICA VOON PUI LING Bilingual Marketing Development Specialist 178.

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

181.

YUKI SERVICE CORP. Unit 1206, 12th Floor Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Avenue And 32nd Street Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

SHAN, ZEYING Sales Manager HUANG, JIAN Safety Manager For Construction

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With solid software development background including understanding design patterns, data structures and test driven development.

Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write Vietnamese language to cater foreign markets.

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

Brief Job Description: Manage features through the agile software delivery methodology and deliver complex features with significant bottom line impact. Work with product managers and business analyst in developing a strategy and road map to provide compelling capabilities.

TNY CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 10b East Tower, 8912 Asean Avenue, Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

DUONG KIM HOANG Bilingual Marketing Development Specialist HE, LINFENG Project Assistant

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

UNLAD SILANGAN CORP. P2 4f 24 Diosdado Macapagal Ave., Mall Of Asia, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

SUPERCHAIN INCORPORATED Unit 1109-1110 11/f Ayala Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Follow all state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions at work site.

PEREZ, SOLENE CLAIRE Multilingual Helpdesk Technician Support

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

180.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION REID, MICHAEL GLENN Manager, Software Development

STEFANINI PHILIPPINES, INC. 3f, 5f, 6f Imet Bpo Tower Metro Bldg., Metrobank Ave. Roxas Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

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

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

No.

STC BUILDERS AND DEVELOPMENT CORP. 15th Floor, Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Boulevard, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to speak, write and read English language and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

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

NGUYEN THI KIM NGAN Vietnamese Language - Support Officer

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

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

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

EDDI CANDRA Indonesian Language - Support Officer

SINOMA HDZC PHILIPPINES CO., INC. Unit 406 4/f National Life Insurance Bldg., 6762 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

158.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

MO, ZHANZHAO Construction Manager

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With excellent communication skills specifically in Hindi/Indian and English languages.

SANY PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 18-a 18/f, Trafalgar Plaza 105 H.v Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

ZHOU, YANGMING Marketing Specialist

No.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Brief Job Description: Assist with developing the market for client or company.

HO, CHENG-LIN Bilingual Marketing Operations Specialist 179.

Brief Job Description: Analyze data, assess trends and determine actions to optimize performance.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on October 27, 2023, the position of ZHANG, HAIQIANG under the company SUMISETSU PHILIPPINES, INC., should have been read as CHINESE ADMIN MANAGER and not as published.

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

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on November 15, 2023, the name WU, YUEYIN under the company POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION, should have been read as WU, YUEYUN and not as published.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

UCIT PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 1001 Hanston Square Bldg., San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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.

A18 Thursday, November 16, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

editorial

Work from home is here to stay

he Covid-19 pandemic forced employees that could work from home to do so. With the pandemic officially over, majority of workers around the world are not going back to the office. Remote work has stuck around, with employees citing the benefits of working from home, particularly the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance that working from home provides. On the other hand, many companies are eager to get their employees back into the office. They say they want their workers back because it’s easier for employees to collaborate and work together in person. “Employees can’t connect and bond when they’re not in the office,” they say. In her Forbes article—Why Return-To-Office Mandates Will Backfire—Caroline Castrillon said some companies will succeed in getting people back to the office in the short term. But there are many reasons why return-to-office mandates will ultimately backfire. “People not only prefer the flexibility of working from home, but their priorities have also changed. They appreciate not having a long commute and being able to pick up their kids from school or care for their ailing parents. They value the freedom so much that they are willing to make sacrifices to get it,” Castrillon said. In a survey of 3,500 workers commissioned by GoodHire, an employment screening service provider, 61 percent said they would be willing to take a pay cut in exchange for being able to permanently work from home. The work from home scheme can be just as advantageous for employers as their employees. Some of the benefits of staff working from home for employers are the cost savings in building maintenance and utilities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi), reduction in absenteeism, and increased productivity. Remote work also builds staff loyalty. When employees feel their boss trusts them to do their job in their own way, this builds respect that cements their loyalty to the company. Companies that allow remote work have experienced revenue growth that’s four times faster than those that are more stringent about office attendance, a new survey shows, adding fuel to the debate over productivity and performance in today’s workplaces, according to Bloomberg writer Matthew Boyle. “The analysis of 554 public companies that employ a collective 26.7 million people found that “fully flexible” firms—which are either completely remote or allow employees to choose when they come to an office—increased sales 21% between 2020 and 2022, on an industry-adjusted basis. That compares with 5% growth for companies with hybrid or fully onsite workforces. The study, by flex-work advisor Scoop Technologies Inc. and Boston Consulting Group, included companies across 20 sectors, from technology to insurance. Revenue growth was normalized against average industry growth rates so that employers in better-performing areas would not skew the findings,” Boyle said. In the Philippines, Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) companies were allowed to let their employees work from home without worrying about losing their fiscal perks during the pandemic. This setup allowed the sector to generate $26.7 billion in revenues and create 1.32 million direct jobs in 2020 despite a pandemic-induced recession, according to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines. Rep. Joey Salceda, House ways and means committee chairperson, said that the proposed CREATE amendments, which is expected to be approved shortly, will allow the IT-BPO sector to implement the highly successful and popular work-from-home scheme while retaining their full tax incentives. “This will allow one of the country’s most durable sectors to remain globally competitive. The world has moved towards hybrid work arrangements, and it does not make sense to limit ourselves in this area,” he said. Currently, IT-BPM companies can implement a work-from-home scheme if they comply with the requirements and register with the Board of Investments. This comes after the Department of Finance heeded demands by BPO firms to retain the remote work arrangements implemented during the pandemic by allowing the transfer of BPOs to the BOI, which, unlike the PEZA, has no restrictions on area of operations. But the proposed amendments to CREATE seek to allow BPOs to implement remote work schemes—a favorable setup among call center workers due to its positive impact on productivity and due to traffic in Metro Manila—regardless of their registration with BOI or PEZA. This will certainly make 1.57 million IT-BPM employees and their families happy.

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Thomas M. Orbos

STREET TALK

am for the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officer’s Training Corps or the ROTC. I am of that generation that had to go through that program as part of the tertiary education curriculum some 30 plus years ago. Instead of going to the malls, our weekends were drill days, complete with the fatigue setup and the crewcut hair. Generally, as kids of that time, we never wanted it, and never were clear on why and what we were preparing for. For most of us, we just wanted to get it done and move on with our education. Admittedly, there were also many shortcomings of the ROTC program then, as well as abuses.

Everyone knew that somehow you could pay your way out of the regular training or at least get special privileges. But looking back now, I am glad that I went through that phase. In some shape or form, all those marching in cadence and getting commanded at, resulted in lessons learned that I have come to use later on in my adult life. Definitely, character building for one, but then there’s the discipline, respect for authority and later on revealing itself, the love of country. Even if it wasn’t appreciated then

by our young minds, marching for the flag on those Saturdays gave me a real sense of belonging to our country, more sublime than the emotions of a Pacquiao or Gilas win. For these reasons alone, making the ROTC program mandatory again is a worthy undertaking. The need for the ROTC program is more pronounced in these times of uncertainty, be it man-made or of natural occurrence. This past decade has been unprecedented in terms of calamities and conflicts that affected all of us. Yolanda devastated us just

The PSE’s product failures

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Senior Editors

Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

A vote for ROTC in these times

John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

he trading on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday was one for the books. The peso volume was under one billion all day with the final amount of P1.29 billion only achieved in the run-off period. Without placing any blame, AB Capital Securities did post on ‘X’ a week ago, on November 6th: “At the rate we are going, our market will vanish come Christmas.” However, considering that PSE Inc. is owned (around 70 percent) by the stockbrokers, they are the ones that have a huge financial interest in the amount of business the local stock market does. On the one hand, I want to feel sorry that they are not making money. On the other hand, they are totally responsible for prop-

erly running their own business at a profit. What is the problem? It is easy—and lazy—to blame the low stock market turnout on Filipinos’ lack of “financial literacy” (whatever the hell that means). And of course, the government is never doing enough to support the local stock market. Can you imagine the bosses at SM, Metro Retail, Robinson’s, or Ayala accepting the idea that their potential customers are just not smart or knowledgeable enough to do business

We do not wish calamities or wars in the future lives of our children, but preparedness and a stronger sense of being a Filipino we sorely need. That alone is good enough to discuss the return of the ROTC program. a decade ago, and since then there were several calamities including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and of course, the pandemic. We are also probably in the closest state to an actual conflict since the last world war. Skirmish on the West Philippine Sea has become a regular occurrence and is escalating. At this point, anything can happen. While we were all stunned by the suddenness of the wars in Ukraine and in Israel, these countries have a ready civilian militia, unlike us. And while we may now be looking forward to the holidays in Manila and turning a blind eye to what is happening outside our country, it is possible that our way of life as we know it right now can change overnight. There is no harm in organizing and being prepared on a national scale. The ROTC program fits the bill. The new ROTC program, however, must be an improvement of the past and should go beyond its militia intentions. First, the ROTC, though

The current low stock market volume is killing the price of all issues. And the PSE has an obligation to keep the “foot traffic” higher. The PSE’s initiatives to bring in more investors is praiseworthy—I guess—but not successful. with them? You own a business. You provide a product and/or service. Now you have to get out and sell it. Of course, if you are selling a “hard-asset” like a refrigerator or pair of shoes, the consumer’s need is only waiting to be filled. No consumer education is necessary. The public learned that the advantages of a “smartphone” more than compensated for the increased cost. People also discovered that they did not need a 60 Megapixel phone camera. Realistically, every business must actively seek revenue. Juan Tamad is still waiting for the guava fruit to fall. But ignorant people are not stupid people, they learn, and that

military in look and methodology, is civilian in nature with emphasis on the democratic supremacy of civilian rule over that of the military. To strengthen this, the communal spirit of the organization must be evident in its activities. Hence, beyond the usual bloodletting and traffic assistance duties during the holidays, ROTC cadets can be given a role in the civilian government and preferably in the most basic unit of our government, the barangays. Second, there must be a practical benefit to the program by tailor fitting the individual students’ desired area of expertise and profession to the role to be given to them in the training. Medical and nursing students can be assigned as emergency medics, IT and engineering students as cybersecurity, logistics and communications personnel, law students as adjutants, etc. Third, given these specific roles, let the ROTC program provide certification and credits. In short, rather than just going through the ROTC program for mere compliance, the ROTC will result in credits that they can add to their resumes, not to mention the actual learning they can use in their profession later on. Lastly, and probably the most important, the new ROTC need to emphasize on See “Orbos,” A19

also applies to investments. The stock exchange has an obligation to increase its business not only for its own financial interests but also for its existing stock market clients. A silly but illustrative example would be this. If SM decides to close its department store at my favorite SMBF mall, all of the other tenants suffer as they depended on SM to help provide the foot traffic. The current low stock market volume is killing the price of all issues. And the PSE has an obligation to keep the “foot traffic” higher. The PSE’s initiatives to bring in more investors is praiseworthy—I guess—but not successful. Ten years ago, it was all about “roadshows”. Go to Tokyo or Cagayan de Oro, buy an expensive (depending on audience quality) dinner, and hope they take you home for the evening. The problem is most “one-nightstands” only last one night. Someone at PSE thought that trading in US dollars would be a great idea. The first Dollar Denominated See “Mangun” A19

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Opinion BusinessMirror

Thursday, November 16, 2023 A19

China property slump Biden, Xi eye economic and military deepens as Beijing mulls thaw in high-stakes meeting Economic insecurity may partly over more stimulus explain Xi’s willingness to engage By Justin Sink & Michelle Jamrisko

By Bloomberg News

he contraction in China’s home sales and property investment both deepened in October, a steeper downturn that may push the government to do more to shore up the struggling housing market. Investment in property development fell 9.3 percent in the first 10 months of 2023, compared with a 9.1 percent decline in January-September, data published Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics showed. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had forecast it stabilizing at a drop of 9.1 percent. Residential property sales fell 3.7 percent in January-October compared to the same period in 2022, a steeper fall from the 3.2 percent decline in the first nine months of this year. “Clearly, the property sector remains a weak spot for the economy, which requires further support in the foreseeable future,” said Zhou Hao, chief economist at Guotai Junan International in Hong Kong. That worsening picture comes as Beijing plans to provide at least 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) of low-cost financing to the nation’s urban village renovation and affordable housing programs to help the property market, Bloomberg News reported. The central bank would inject funds in phases through policy banks. Officials are considering options including so-called Pledged Supplemental Lending—a cheap form of policy loans for targeted areas such as housing and infrastructure—and special loans. Economists are debating the potential impact of such a plan. While the People’s Bank of China’s previous use of the PSL tool between 2014 and 2019 for the so-called “shantytown redevelopment” program successfully turned around a property downturn and revived economic growth, it also fueled a surge in home prices. The value of residential property sales soared 17 percent in 2015 and 36 percent in 2016 respectively, in contrast to the 8 percent decline in 2014. That was when the PBOC introduced the cheap central bank loans, which helped local governments and developers demolish residents’ old homes and also provide them cash compensation they could use to purchase new or existing apartments. With details of the new plan still unclear, some economists say its impact may fall short of the previous efforts. That’s because the new programs would mostly take place in some of the largest cities in China. Those represent a much smaller share of the overall property market than small cities, where the shantytown project took place, according to Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas SA. The urban village projects could also be more difficult to execute and

Orbos . . .

continued from A18

its national purpose. We missed out on this in the first run of the ROTC during our time and were left to figuring it out ourselves. It is high time we build on our nationalism to push us to grow as one country, without the specter of a perceived internal threat. The same spirit of pride, identity and nationalism that we look at our neighbors with envy—

Mangun . . .

continued from A18

Securities listing was in 2017 with Del Monte Pacific Ltd. There are currently five DDS issues, two of which are suspended. One has no bids or offers, and the other two do not have any trades. The PSE, with the purpose to

Economists are debating the potential impact of such a plan. While the People’s Bank of China’s previous use of the PSL tool between 2014 and 2019 for the so-called “shantytown redevelopment” program successfully turned around a property downturn and revived economic growth, it also fueled a surge in home prices. The value of residential property sales soared 17 percent in 2015 and 36 percent in 2016 respectively, in contrast to the 8 percent decline in 2014. take a longer time to complete, she said during an interview with Bloomberg TV on Wednesday.

Restoring confidence

More may need to be done to restore homebuyers’ confidence in the market. “The biggest hurdle for a real property recovery is the large scale of pre-sold but unfinished homes in low-tier cities,” Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura Holdings Inc., wrote in a note Wednesday. “We believe Beijing will eventually need to reach into its own pockets, with printed money from the PBOC (such as PSL), to fill up the vast funding gap and secure the delivery of presold homes.” In a sign of how continuing woes in the property sector are affecting the rest of the economy, output of cement fell 1.1 percent so far this year and plate glass fell 7.6 percent. Sales of excavators in China also continue to be weak, dropping 43 percent in the first 10 months of 2023. The property sector, which makes up about 20percent of China’s gross domestic product, continues to be a drag on the broader economy. Real estate is a major store of wealth for Chinese households and a decline in the price and value of homes will likely make people less willing to spend. “Consumer activities remain a little bit downbeat in China because of the poor consumer sentiment as well as the negative wealth effect coming from the property market,” said BNP’s Rong. Retail sales in October climbed 7.6 percent from a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said Wednesday, a better-than-forecast result aided in part by favorable comparisons to a weak month in 2022. The month also captured the weeklong Golden Week holiday period. Bloomberg

S President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping’s carefully choreographed, much-anticipated sitdown on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit kicks off Wednesday at the Filoli estate south of San Francisco.

The gathering, among 16 acres of lush autumnal gardens, belies a heady agenda, as they attempt to repair a relationship badly strained by economic competition and military and diplomatic missteps. The leaders are expected to discuss a US request for resuming military-to-military communication in hopes of avoiding confrontations in Pacific skies and seas, as well as a comprehensive Chinese law enforcement effort to crack down on fentanyl manufacturing and distribution networks. The leaders also plan to confer about artificial intelligence, the status of Taiwan, and conflicts involving Ukraine and Israel. Chinese officials are likely to seek the rollback of export controls, tariffs, and restrictions on investment in the US. The meeting is expected to follow roughly the same format as their previous gathering in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022. After a handshake greeting, Biden and Xi will sit for a meeting with close advisers. Following a break, a larger group will gather for additional talks, with the total meeting time expected to stretch for hours. Once they conclude, Biden is expected to hold a press conference, while Xi returns to San Francisco for a dinner with top US executives. US and Chinese officials spent weeks discussing the agenda and the structure of the event, White House spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday.

“The table has been set again over the course of many weeks for what we hope will be a very productive, candid, constructive conversation here,” Kirby said.

Choreographed summit

One US official, briefing reporters ahead of the meeting on condition of anonymity, said that because of the power Xi had consolidated within China, the meeting offered a rare opportunity to make changes in the relationship—and that the stakes couldn’t be higher. Aides acknowledged every detail of the visit would be scrutinized. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who visited Xi in China earlier this year, greeted him at the airport upon his arrival, a nod to their preexisting relationship and her reputation in Beijing as a serious power broker. And the selection of Filoli, nestled against the Santa Cruz mountains, evokes the informal meetings held between Xi and former President Barack Obama at Sunnylands outside Palm Springs, where the pair literally and metaphorically rolled up their shirtsleeves for days of talks. The biggest goal for both leaders is repairing a relationship that has been repeatedly strained. Citadel founder Ken Griffin said a key objective should be taking “the mutual temperature down.” “There is no room for an accident to take place,” Griffin said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg

despite high-profile clashes over an errant Chinese spy balloon and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. A crisis in China’s property sector has weighed down the country’s post-pandemic recovery with its economy no longer on course to surpass the US.

News at his firm’s inaugural global macro conference in Miami. “Our economies are incredibly coupled together, and an abrupt decoupling would come at just catastrophic costs to the people.”

China’s economy

Ahead of the meeting, Biden said his goals included helping China’s struggling economy, provided that growth didn’t come at the expense of US intellectual property. “If the average citizen in China was able to have a decent-paying job, that benefits them and benefits all of us,” he said. “But I’m not going to continue to sustain the support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all our trade secrets.” The US did not plan to announce changes to its tariff regime or sanctions against Chinese entities despite expecting Xi to push the issue, the US official said. Economic insecurity may partly explain Xi’s willingness to engage despite high-profile clashes over an errant Chinese spy balloon and thenHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. A crisis in China’s property sector has weighed down the country’s post-pandemic recovery with

Letting people work from home is good for companies’ revenue growth By Matthew Boyle

ompanies that allow remote work have experienced revenue growth that’s four times faster than those that are more stringent about office attendance, a new survey shows, adding fuel to the debate over productivity and performance in today’s workplaces.

The author may be reached at thomas_orbos@ sloan.mit.edu

The analysis of 554 public companies that employ a collective 26.7 million people found that “fully flexible” firms — which are either completely remote or allow employees to choose when they come to an office—increased sales 21 percent between 2020 and 2022, on an industry-adjusted basis. That compares with 5 percent growth for companies with hybrid or fully onsite workforces. The study, by flex-work advisor Scoop Technologies Inc. and Boston Consulting Group, included companies across 20 sectors, from technology to insurance. Revenue growth was normalized against average industry growth rates so that employers in better-performing areas would not skew the findings. Among the companies that did require at least some office attendance, those that came in a few days a week boosted sales at twice the rate of those in the office full-time, according to the survey. The better growth rates for more remotefriendly companies could be due to their ability to hire faster and from a wider geographic area, along with higher employee retention, according to Scoop co-founder and Chief

Executive Officer Rob Sadow. At insurer Allstate Corp., for example, 84 percent of its new US hires over the past year don’t live near one of its local offices, and remote-friendly jobs receive twice as many applications, according to Lauren DeYoung, who works across departments to oversee the company’s flexible-work arrangements. “This starts to be a more compelling case for CFOs and CEOs to not be five days in the office,” Sadow said. “People ask if revenue growth is the best proxy—you could also look at shareholder returns. There is no perfect answer, but we felt this was a first step in the right direction.” The survey is one of the first broad-based looks at how different work arrangements impact corporate performance. To date, most research comparing remote and office workers has been narrow in scope, looking at, say, data-entry workers in India or call-center workers in China. Business leaders at companies such as Amazon.com Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., meanwhile, rarely cite financial data when imploring—or demanding—that workers return to their desks, arguing instead that

on-site work bolsters collaboration and culture. Of the 5,565 companies in Scoop’s database, the share that require full-time in-office work has declined to 38 percent as of October from 49 percent at the start of the year. Return-to-office advocates have some fresh data to bolster their position, though. A separate survey of 4,505 full-time US employees from workplace consultant Mercer found that those who were in the office four days a week reported the highest levels of motivation and belonging. They were also most likely to recommend their company as a good employer, and felt most strongly that their career goals could be met. A similar Mercer survey last year, however, found that those working just one day on site were the most engaged. Mercer senior principal Lauren Mason said the results from her

“attract the global Islamic funds estimated at over US$1 trillion,” created a list of Shariah compliant stocks (no meaningful revenues from alcohol, gambling, financial services, pork, etc.).” The PSE has 60 such issues from AgriNurture to Xurpas. The $1 trillion is to follow apparently. The PSE-Shenzhen Stock Exchange relations started in 2009

with an agreement for information sharing. The MOU was reaffirmed in 2017 when SZSE officials visited the PSE and officials from the SEC and PSE went to China. Another MOU was signed in January 2023. No comment. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) are an extremely popular investment to trade the price action of an index. We have one for the PSE Composite

from First Metro. Last week it traded a total of P5 million. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trust) have been a successful product with good public participation. Should we ignore the fact that Thailand listed its first REIT in 2014 and Indonesia even earlier in 2007? And the launch of Short-Selling on the PSE is just plain pathetic without even one stockbroker ready to accept

a short-sell order. So “The PSE STAR (Strengthening Access and Reach): Investor Day is back for its final installment this 2023 on November 15 and 16, a virtual event that serves as a platform for select publicly listed companies to share their third quarter operating results, strategic initiatives and growth prospects”. Eight listed companies will tell you why you have to

the Koreans, Japanese, Indonesians and Vietnamese, and that we long to have in our country, can find its building blocks in a program such as the ROTC. We do not wish calamities or wars in the future lives of our children, but preparedness and a stronger sense of being a Filipino we sorely need. That alone is good enough to discuss the return of the ROTC program.

its economy no longer on course to surpass the US. Foreign holdings of the nation’s equities and debt have fallen by about 1.37 trillion yuan ($188 billion), or 17 percent, from a December 2021 peak through the end of June this year, according to Bloomberg calculations based on central bank data. Still, bilateral trade between the US and China amounted to almost $760 billion in 2022, while the value of investments in physical and financial assets stood at $1.8 trillion.

Domestic audience

US-China experts say there are no simple answers to the challenges the nations face, but the hope is Biden and Xi can rebuild a level of mutual understanding. “The big thing missing is trust,” said Dennis Wilder, a senior fellow for the Initiative for US-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University. “I have not seen the US-China trust deficit as big as it is today.” A show of cooperation could help Xi signal at home that the cycle of actions hurting Chinese businesses is ending, according to Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, bolstering an economy suffering weak consumer and investor confidence. Still, both leaders must tread carefully for their domestic audiences, in particular Biden, who faces a tough reelection. A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll this month found 46 percent of swing-state voters said they trust former President Donald Trump, the GOP frontrunner, on China compared to 34 percent for Biden. With assistance from Gregory Korte, Shawn Donnan and Hadriana Lowenkron /Bloomberg

firm’s latest study surprised her, and could be due to remote employees feeling marginalized inside their organization even if they are satisfied with their work arrangement. “That’s one theory we have,” she said, adding that those sentiments are often more prevalent among women, who engage in flex-work at higher rates than men. “And it’s not a good thing.” Among companies that require a certain number of days in the office, just 6 percent require four days in, with most requiring two or three, the Scoop-BCG survey found. Previous research from Harvard Business School associate professor Prithwiraj Choudhury found that just one or two days in the office is the ideal setup for hybrid work, as it provides workers with the flexibility they crave without the isolation of going fully remote. A good practice, according to workplace experts, is to provide individual teams with some autonomy on when and where they work, rather than the CEO mandating a firm-wide attendance policy that rarely works for everyone. Teams that set their hybrid policy together have the highest employee engagement, according to Gallup. “I’m talking to more companies these days that have weakly-enforced hybrid guidelines but haven’t come out with a policy yet,” said Debbie Lovich, a BCG senior partner who leads the consulting firm’s workplace efforts. “They are looking for data to figure out what to do.” Bloomberg buy their shares, other than that the price is way, way down from recent high or pre-Covid price. I will attend virtually and maybe stop over and buy an “I LOVE PSE” t-shirt...if it’s on sale. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

A20 Thursday, November 16, 2023

SENATE BACKS OMBUDSMAN’S PROBE ON PHL DOCS OF ALIENS

ENATORS on Wednesday expressed full support for an investigation initiated by the Office of the Ombudsman into revelations that aliens, specifically POGO workers, have been able to get identification documents supposedly limited to Filipino citizens. This, as the Senate leadership vowed to press on with their own hearings into what Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros had called a “national security concern.” During a Senate hearing on the 2024 budget of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri led colleagues in asking labor officials to review the thousands of alien employment permits (AEP) that the agency has issued, amid findings the AEPs—which only the DOLE may issue, after the BI was barred from doing so—were illegally used by some POGO workers to get other Philippine documents. Some workers also used PhilHealth member IDs to comply with the requirement for a “Philippine government ID” to secure other documents, senators learned. The most concerning report dealt with the alleged issuance of Philippine passports to aliens. “Philippine passports are NOT for sale. No foreign national should treat this official document as mere commodity,” the senator stressed, warning that “this is an offense to our Filipino identity, our history, and our national dignity.” Hontiveros affirmed the

senators are keen to mount an inquiry to assess the need for Congress to pass remedial legislation if needed. “We are currently looking into information that foreign nationals allegedly pay P500,000 per passport. I trust that the Ombudsman will investigate this exhaustively and get to the bottom of the issue,” the senator said, noting: “Mukhang may mga ahensya ng gobyerno na kailangan maglinis ng bakuran kasi ang daming nagkakalat [It seems some government agencies badly need to clean up their backyards].” Hontiveros recalled that during the Senate Committee on Women hearing on POGOrelated crimes, “we found that government-issued IDs are easily given to Chinese POGO workers, which they then use to get a Philippine passport.” She added: “I had also exposed in our hearings that certain ads openly offer for sale our birth certificate, voters ID, passport, among others, for Chinese nationals.” “This is a serious national security concern,” the senator warned. “Now that China is far from dialing down on her aggression in the West Philippine Sea, she may be taking advantage of our porous borders, our weakened institutions, and our own corrupt officials to advance her interests. Let us all remain vigilant. Huwag nating basta-basta papasukin ang mga dayuhang inaangkin ang sariling natin [Let’s not grant easy access for aliens who covet what’s ours].”

PHL fintech ecosystem open for collaboration–Marcos S

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

INGAPORE—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has invited foreign investors to participate in the financial technology (fintech) space in the Philippines, noting that the country has developed a fintech ecosystem that is open for collaboration. Mr. Marcos delivered the first holographic video keynote speech at the Singapore Fintech Festival on Wednesday. In his speech, he highlighted the openness of the Philippines to investors, as it “cements its position as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, with a dynamic startup scene that holds immense promise.” “In the Philippines, we remain committed to fostering an environment that promotes collaboration and propels the momentum of our digital transformation,” he said. “Apart from this, numerous PublicPrivate Partnerships projects are also aimed at keeping pace with the rapidly evolving ICT landscape.” Earlier this year, the Marcos Jr. Administration’s Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) created the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement to provide practical recommendations, envisions empowering Filipino citizens through technology for

a connected and inclusive society. PSAC comprises industry leaders and experts spanning six primary sectoral groups: agriculture, digital infrastructure, jobs, healthcare, build-build-build, and tourism. Marcos said the Philippines is going big on digital banking, as it promotes inclusive finance, which ensures that “no one will be left behind in our pursuit of progress and prosperity.” “That is why we are putting great emphasis on the digitalization of all cashflows—regardless of amount or scale—so that Filipinos can start building a digital profile. The Philippines also remains ready to adapt new technologies to respond to the demands of our regional and global challenges,” he said. Hence, Marcos said the Philippines welcomes investors to help the country in “shaping the digital future of the financial sector.”

“The Philippines—with its innovative spirit and openness to collaboration—is eager to work with you in seizing all the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us come together and harness the power of technology to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world in this digital age,” he said. In a chance interview, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig confirmed that the Philippines is “proactively” seeking investors and partners — whether collaboration deals be implemented under government-to-government or business-to-business schemes.

Digital bank

HENRY AGUDA, President and CEO at UnionDigital Bank, said the digital bank is a good example of a “key partner” in pushing the digital transformation movement, as it demonstrates a commitment to addressing diverse needs, including those of underserved and unbanked Filipinos. Through AI-powered solutions, the digital bank works towards financial inclusion by providing access to bank products that are traditionally beyond reach due to stringent requirements. Advocating for embedded finance, UnionDigital collaborates

across industries to enhance access to digital bank products, fostering financial inclusion by engaging customers where they are most present. Ecosystem partners include the prominent local motorcycle taxi company Angkas, the country’s first fully integrated health app mWell, and airasia’s e-wallet app BigPay. The digital bank showcased its commitment to innovation and inclusivity at the SFF, championing its proprietary framework, Customer Lifetime Prosperity Index (CLPI)— a metric illustrating customer financial health. This approach reflects UnionDigital’s dedication to banking and fostering long-term prosperity for its customers. “As part of our mission to empower Filipinos everywhere, we prioritize addressing customer needs to improve their financial health. With CLPI, we are able to do that by addressing the financial sustainability of the mass market. Our strategic partnerships amplify this impact by enabling us to understand our customer’s behavior more and enhance our products based on that. These advantages align with our support for the government’s pursuit of more partnerships to foster growth in the Philippine fintech ecosystem,” Aguda said.

Butch Fernandez

Ex-SC Justice Carpio leads filers of new case on confidential funds By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

ORMER Associate Justice Antonio Carpio along with several lawyers and law students on Wednesday filed another petition before the Supreme Court seeking to declare unconstitutional the allocation, release and disbursement of confidential funds to various governm ent agencies and departments. The petitioners also sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO), writ of preliminary injunction (WPI) and/or mandamus to enjoin the respondents from enforcing Joint Circular 2015-01, which laid down the guidelines and the reportorial requirements on confidential and intelligence funds; and Executive Order No. 2 issued in 2016 (Operationalizing in the Executive Branch the People’s Constitutional Right to Information and the State Policies to Full Public Disclosure and Transparency in the Public Service…), which exempts Confidential Funds from people’s right of access to information. Likewise, the petition asked the Court to order respondents Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representatives and the Commission on Audit to furnish the petitions with reports of expenses and liquidation of the Vice President’s 2022 confidential funds in compliance with the “Full Public Disclosure” requirements and the “People’s Right to Information on Matters of Public Concern under the Constitution.” The other respondents named in the petition were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Department

of Education Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr, and Governance Commission for GOCCs chief Marius Corpus. The petitioners sought the nullification of Joint Circular 2015-01 and Executive Order No. 2 for being violative of Section 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution which states: “Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.” The petitioners claimed that respondents failed to provide them copies of official record, document, and/or paper related to disbursements and liquidation of the Confidential Funds since 2022 despite their demand. “There is no reason for respondents to deny Petitioners of their requested documents pertaining to the Confidential Funds because at present, there is no law that exempts full public disclosure of all government transactions that involve taxpayers’ matter. Hence, the general rule of public disclosure must apply,” the petitioners stressed. “All government transactions involving confidential funds are official, government acts that require public disclosure. The funds are public in nature as they are taxes of the people, thus, must be spent only for public purpose,” they added. They pointed out that Section 1, Article XI of the Constitution provides that a public office is a public trust , thus, “public officers must at all times be accountable to the people.” Continued on A5

FROM left, Brunei’s Second Minister of Defense Halbi Mohd Yusof, Cambodia’s Defense Minister Tea Seiha, Laos’ Defense Minister Chansamone Chanyalath, Malaysia’s Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan, Philippine’s Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Indonesia’s Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, Thailand’s Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang, Vietnam’s Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, East Timor’s Defense Minister Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gomes and ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn pose for a family photo during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Defense Ministers Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, November 15, 2023. MAST IRHAM/POOL PHOTO VIA AP (INSET): Philippines’s Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro arrives for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Defense Ministers Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, November 15, 2023. WILLY KURNIAWAN/POOL PHOTO VIA AP

Miaa stands pat on 5-km safety radius at Naia By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

HE Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) cannot further reduce the red lightning alert safety radius at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) complex without jeopardizing its ground employees. In a Viber exchange, Miaa Officer-In-Charge Bryan Co told the BusinessMirror, “We pilot-tested [a reduction in the radius] to 3 kilometers but had some incidents that prompted us to review this.” He added, “We monitored some lightning strikes inside the aerodome when the radius was made to 3 km, which our safety teams were not comfortable with, in terms of potential risk to airport ground personnel.” He also corrected impressions that

the current red lightning radius at 5 km has led to frequent delays in the departure of aircraft at the Naia. “We are currently beta testing the Sferic Maps as a tool to manage Lightning Red Alerts (LRA) at Naia, and together with active monitoring, were able to realize significant time savings during LRAs.” During a beta-test on July 29, for instance, there was a 71.65-percent total time saved, when the Sferic Maps system was deployed along with the active monitoring of LRAs. Sferic Maps is a service of Earth Networks, a weather company, and offers real-time alerts and lightning situation awareness for weather-dependent firms to manage their operations.

45-M passengers by yearend

“WE base the suspension of operations on the actual recorded lightning strikes near the aerodome. We have

a system to monitor this,” said Co, adding that the Miaa has programs in place “to be able to improve [the system] such as the installation of more lightning arrestors, dissipators, lightning shelters, and visual guidance docking systems.” The current 5-km safety radius, said to be an international standard, is already an improvement from the previous 9-km red lightning safety radius. Earlier, Philippine Airlines President Capt. Stanley Ng suggested the reduction of the red lightning radius to 2 km around the airport “like in other countries” to minimize flight disruptions. In Hong Kong, flight operations are suspended when the cloud-to-ground lightning is within 1 km of the international airport. (See, “‘Set 2-km lightning radius to reduce flight delays,’” in the BusinessMirror, July 7, 2023.)

Miaa has projected 45 million passengers by the end of the year, nearly 94 percent of the prepandemic level in 2019. It also predicts 275,000 flight movements by yearend, already 90 percent of the flights in 2019. Although the number of passengers and flight movements will still be less than that of 2019, the on-time performance of flights have been greatly improved to over 80 percent as of September 2023, versus 64 percent in 2019.

More int’l carriers at Naia

MEANWHILE, the airport authority recently announced two new international carriers flying through Naia: Greater Bay Airlines (Hong KongManila), which started its route on November 9, and Batik Air (Kuala Lumpur-Manila), which will begin operating on December 1.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, November 16, 2023

FDC: Bank, real estate unit PAL and SIA ink codeshare pact buoy 9-mo. financial results

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ilinvest Development Corp. (FDC), the holding firm of the Gotianun Group, said its attributable net income in January to September surged 57 percent to P5.9 billion from last year’s P3.8 billion. The growth was driven by a 26-percent increase in total revenues and other income to P64.6 billion, from the previous year’s P51.1 billion. “We are pleased to report the strong performance of our portfolio with an impressive broad-based growth in revenues and profit across all our business segments in banking, real estate, hotels, power and sugar despite the challenges of high interest and inflation rates.

With enhanced business strategies and execution, and a resilient organization, we look forward to sustaining, if not accelerating, our growth in 2024 and the years ahead,” FDC President and CEO Chiqui A. Huang said. The increases reflected mainly the continued recovery of the businesses over prior periods which were adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the company said. Revenues from EastWest Bank

grew by 33 percent during the period to P6.1 billion led by higher interest income and the build-up of highyielding fixed income securities. In its real estate business, overall revenues rose by 15 percent, driven by the growth of both residential and mall revenues. The company said while costs— mainly interest expenses, operating expenses and provision for probable losses—were higher, these were more than offset by higher interest income, trading gains and fees resulting in the 59-percent growth of net income to P4.7 billion from P3 billion last year. The company said it saw a 22-percent growth in net income which was higher than the growth in revenues and other income of 14 percent. Residential segment was led by the improvement in housing and medium-rise condominium projects while mall leasing saw continued growth on the back of higher

shopper traffic and normalization of rental rates. Revenues from power, meanwhile, grew by 19 percent or by P1.8 billion due to the significant increase in electricity prices driven by the high prices of fuel. Net income grew by 1 percent mainly due to the significant increase in the cost of sales which was primarily fuel prices. Volumes are expected to improve moving forward as the benefits from the Mindanao-Visayas grid connection start to bear fruit. Hospitality revenues jumped by 53 percent to P698 million. This was made possible by higher occupancy rates and average room rates across the seven hotel properties with the continued recovery of travel and tourism albeit mostly domestic. Other income improved by 44 percent or by P1.9 billion coming mainly from EastWest Bank’s higher service charges, fees and commissions.

PT&T hikes capital stock to ₧12.6B P innovation, growth, and financial stability. These changes are expected to empower us to continue delivering exceptional services while facilitating fundraising endeavors, ensuring that PT&T remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving connectivity and IT landscape,” Velasquez said. PT&T COO Miguel Bitanga said the initiative will help position PT&T with a financial foundation to support strategic expansion and corporate initiatives, including its goal to “reestablish itself as a major player in the Philippine telco and IT industry.”

“It’s not merely about the increase in figures; it’s about expanding our horizons. We are ready to lead the charge into a new era of telco and technology,” Bitanga said. Last September, the company said it will soon offer Microsoft 365 Copilot, a ChatGPT-based solution that is built through collaboration between Microsoft and Crayon Philippines. Velasquez said the company’s introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot is part of its license and connectivity offerings. Lorenz S. Marasigan

T&T Corp. said on Wednesday it has “set the course for expansion” as it increased its capital stock to P12.6 billion from P3.8 billion. According to PT&T President and CEO James Velasquez, the capital stock hike is a “strategic move aimed at charting a path of growth.” The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the move, which underscores a “critical role of strong and strategic management,” according to Velasquez.

The enhanced capital stock structure comprises 1.5 billion common shares, each with a par value of P1.00, and 230 million serial cumulative convertible redeemable preferred shares at P10.00 per share. Additionally, there are 6.75 billion Series “A” serial redeemable preferred shares, 1.8 billion Series “B” serial redeemable preferred shares, and 250 million Series “C” serial redeemable preferred shares, all with a par value of P1.00 per share. “Our revamped corporate structure sets the stage for a new era of

TransCo names new president

Alsons debt paper sale gets nod

former official of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) was appointed as the new president of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo). The TransCo Board of Directors officially announced the appointment of Engineer Fortunato “Atoy” C. Leynes effective last November 10. During the corporation’s flag-raising ceremony held last Monday, Dinna O. Dizon, former Officer-in-Charge and Vice President for the Transmission Management Group (TMG), led the ceremonial turnover of the flag, symbolizing the transition in leadership at TransCo. “When the job was offered to me, it was for the nation. It is really for the good and welfare of the electric power industry and, eventually, the whole country as well. I would like to thank President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, and the TransCo Board for their trust and confidence in appointing me to this role of leading the company. I will commit myself to bringing TransCo to new heights with the best of my ability,” he said. Aside from carrying out his roles as TransCo president, Leynes vowed to “take TransCo to new heights” as he brings with him over 40 years of extensive experience in the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the energy sector, having received awards and accolades, both locally and internationally. Lenie Lectura

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

lag carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have struck a new codeshare agreement, which will allow them to “enhance flight options” for their customers travelling between the Philippines and Singapore, as well as to other domestic and international destinations via their respective hubs. Under the new agreement, SIA and PAL will codeshare for ManilaSingapore flights. SIA will also codeshare on PAL’s flights from Manila to 27 destinations within the Philippines. PAL will codeshare on SIA’s flights to six destinations in Europe – Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Rome, and Zurich. The European codeshare sectors will be rolled out progressively across PAL and SIA sales channels, as well as travel agents over the coming weeks. “We are happy to offer our Philippine Airlines passengers a wider range of flights between Manila and Singapore through this codeshare partnership, affirming our promise to keep building new connections and opportunities for our customers. The partnership is the product of a strengthened relationship with our fellow Asean mainline carrier, Singapore Airlines, and an enduring commitment to expanding our presence in Singapore, a top PAL desti-

nation that we have been serving for 58 years and counting,” Philippine Airlines President and COO Stanley K. Ng said. He noted that the codeshare services to Copenhagen and Milan will represent “a historical milestone – the first-ever air links to the Danish capital and the Italian commercial hub by a Philippine carrier.” Through the codeshare agreement, PAL is making a “comeback” since it served Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, and Zurich in the 1980s and 1990s. “We also look forward to offering increased connectivity to several cities across Europe, home to many overseas Filipinos and to a growing number of tourist and business travellers whom we invite to discover the wonders of the Philippines,” Ng said. Both airlines will also explore an expansion of the codeshare agreement to include SIA’s flights to additional points in Europe, as well as destinations in Australia, India, New Zealand, and South Africa. “This agreement enables Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines to work more closely together, and find ways to offer our customers enhanced travel connections between Singapore and the Philippines. This will support the growing demand for both business and leisure travel between the Philippines and Singapore, and beyond that to our key markets around the world,” SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said.

PSE 9-mo. income rises despite lower revenues

lsons Consolidated Resources Inc. (ACR) of the Alcantara Group will raise P1.15 billion from the issuance of commercial paper, representing the third tranche of its P3-billon commercial paper program. In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday, ACR said the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a permit to sell 182-day and 364-day commercial papers at an interest rate of 7.9054 percent and 8.6107 percent per annum, respectively. “These securities may now be offered for sale or sold to the public subject to full compliance with the provisions of the said code and its implementing rules and regulations, as amended, revised code of corporate governance and other applicable laws and orders as maybe issued by the commission,” according to the company’s certificate of permit to offer securities for sale. It did not say how it will use the proceeds but the power firm has been vocal in pursuing renewable energy (RE) projects. ACR has several RE facilities in the pipeline. Included in the pipeline of the company’s RE portfolio is the 14.5 MW Siguil Hydro power plant which is on track for completion by yearend. The hydro power plant is currently under construction in Maasim, Sarangani. The next two RE facilities slated

Photo from www.philippineairlines.com

Photo from www.alsonspower.com

for development are a hydro and solar power project in Zamboanga del Norte with a potential combined capacity of up to 37.8 MW, and a hydro power project in the Bago River in Negros Occidental with a planned capacity of up to 42 MW. In a recent energy and business summit in Mindanao, ACR committed to “go the extra mile in balancing its traditional and renewable energy portfolio to balance company goals, sustainability and environmental aspirations.” ACR reported P1.8-billion in net income at end-September this year, up 32-percent increase from the same period a year ago brought about by the strong performance of its power assets in Mindanao. The company currently has a portfolio of four power facilities with an

aggregate capacity of 468MW serving over eight million people in 14 cities and 11 provinces in the country’s second largest island. Its 210-MW Sarangani Energy Corp. baseload power plant continues to be the power firm’s income driver. The power facility services key areas in Mindanao including Sarangani Province, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, Samal, Tagum, Kidapawan, and Butuan. The company’s 100-MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. diesel plant in Zamboanga City and the 103 MW Mapalad Power Corp. (MC) diesel plant in Iligan City, continues to supply ancillary services to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to help stabilize the power grid in the Western Mindanao Region.

he Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE), which operates the country’s equities trading platform and owns the bond exchange, said its 9-month income rose by 20 percent to P575.65 million from the previous year’s P480.07 million. PSE said it had higher investment income and mark-to-market gain on financial assets, which reached P170.97 million from a loss of P23.16 million last year. Operating revenues, meanwhile, dropped by 8 percent to P1.1 billion from the previous year’s P1.2 billion, due to lower income generated from both listing and trading-related fees. Cost and expenses, which include administrative expenses, or coral expenses, for the period reached P555.18 million, higher by P29.92 million or 5 percent from P525.26 million during the previous year. Of this total, about half represented cost of services consisting of expenses that are directly related to the operations of the bourse, such as compensation and other related staff cost, depreciation, office expenses, communications and repairs and maintenance. The said amount was higher by 12 percent or P31.71 million from last year’s P259.82 million. Administra-

tive expenses for the period reached P265.44 million, lower by P1.79 million from last year’s level. Listing-related fees fell by 19 percent mainly due to the 29 percent decline in initial listing fees. Initial listing fees declined as there were only three initial public offerings (IPO) this year, down from last year’s eight. As of September, IPOs only made up 4.7 percent of the total capitalraising activities, the PSE said. Capital raised from IPOs dropped by 76 percent to P4.32 billion from the previous year’s P18.56 billion. So far, capital raised from the PSE’s platform was at P91.88 billion, more than half of which came from follow-on offerings, 22 percent from private placements and 15 percent from stock rights offering. The PSE said it has launched efforts to increase new listings and bring up volume in the market. The PSE has a total of 70 companies currently enrolled under the hand-holding program, which connects prospective issuers with IPO advisers, such as financial, legal, accounting, in preparation for their IPO. “The PSE conducts one-onone sessions with SMEs to discuss growth plans and listing roadmap.” VG Cabuag

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Companies BusinessMirror

Megawide swings to profit as 9-mo. revenues surge

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

egawide Construction Corp. said it posted a net income of P332.54 million in January to September, a reversal of the P970.42-million loss it posted last year. Revenues for the period were higher by 45 percent to P15.82 billion from the previous year’s P10.91 billion. “Our growth trajectory remains intact, with our pursuit of big-ticket infrastructure projects, like the Malolos Clark Railway Project and soon the Metro Manila Subway, and highvalue commercial developments, such as the Westside City Resorts Complex, materializing. We are confident that over the long-term, this direction will unlock a strong and steady earnings momentum for the EPC [engineering, procurement and construction] segment,” Edgar Saavedra, Megawide president and CEO, said. For the third quarter alone, the company still had a net loss of P30.06 million, but it is narrower than the previous year’s P529.28 million. Revenues came in at P4.5 billion, 30 percent higher than the previous year’s P3.45 billion. In terms of new projects, P2.3 billion worth of contracts in the commercial and industrial space

were secured during the third quarter, which include the Hotel 101 in Libis in Quezon City and Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.’s Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Batangas. This brought the total outstanding order book to P42.1 billion, excluding the company’s share in the subway project. Most of the projects or 56 percent are still in about 0 to 20 percent completion stage, while 43 percent are in the 21 to 80 percent range, providing a significant balance for bookable revenues in the coming periods. Landport operations at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange delivered 23 percent higher revenues year-on-year at P339.7 million and accounted for 2 percent of consolidated revenues. Commercial occupancy remained at 80 percent, with average passenger spending reaching P36.90 in September, 61 percent higher from last year. This has surpassed the previous record of P35.50 in June 2023. “The trend is expected to improve further as new offerings, such as Tim Hortons and Robinson’s Easymart,

opened their doors to PITX patrons in the third quarter of the year, offering a more wholistic commuting experience,” the company said. Office occupancy rates doubled to 65 percent as of end-September from 33 percent at the start of the year, despite prevailing challenges in the office industry. The company said it remains optimistic of long-term prospects amid pressures on the operating environment, and explores strategic alternatives that will attract cycle-resilient businesses and support a more stable tenancy. By next year, the LRT1 Asia World Station will be operational and will have a direct access to PITX. The company said this will strengthen the facility’s value proposition as an office hub and convergence point for workers and travelers alike.

MUTUAL FUNDS

Meanwhile, revenue from newly consolidated real estate operations amounted to P36.5 million, representing the two months’ share in the performance of recently acquired PH1 World Developers Inc. last July 2023. The segment is expected to contribute more significantly to consolidated revenues in the next two to three years, as new and existing developments steadily reach payment milestones and increase construction progress, the company said. Last September, PH1 officially launched two new projects in the vertical and horizontal spaces— the Modan Lofts in Ortigas Hills, worth approximately P8.7 billion, and the Northscapes at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, with an estimated value of P1.9 billion for Phase 1, respectively.

November 15, 2023

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 199.53 -1.91% -4.16% -3.35% -1.69% -4.31% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.3948 8.38% 5.58% 0.52% 1.12% 3.76% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.7502 -2.41% -4.04% -5.54% -3.32% -5.65% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.6642 -0.81% -5.37% -4.59% n.a -5.02% First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a 0.6061 -6.67% -6.14% -4.69% n.a -6.55% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.3915 -2.8% -3.56% -2% -1.32% -5.56% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.6538 -3.94% -5.06% n.a n.a -6.75% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 84.04 9.91% -2.69% -4.99% n.a 11.58% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 40.576 -2.93% -4.21% -2.38% n.a -6.05% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 423.41 -2.21% -4.6% -2.46% -1.61% -4.72% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.1469 -0.61% 0.03% -0.63% n.a -2.4% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 31.9539 -1.34% -2.1% -1.5% 0.33% -4.03% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8116 -1.64% -3.72% n.a n.a -4.38% Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a 4.2684 -1.85% -3.28% -1.5% 0.19% -5.05% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 710.01 -1.99% -3.46% -1.57% 0.08% -5.2% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6402 -1.6% -3.49% -4.47% n.a -5.03% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1673 -3% -3.99% -3.76% -1.68% -6.1% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8052 -2.34% -3.78% -1.89% n.a -5.48% United Fund, Inc. -a 2.9665 -1.67% -3.13% -2.01% -0.56% -4.12% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 0.9993 -2.43% n.a n.a n.a -5.39% COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,20.9908 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a 0.9689 -2.64% -2.71% n.a n.a -7.41% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 861.7 -2.16% n.a n.a n.a -5.26% Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c96.3583 -1.43% -3.15% -1.27% n.a -4.71% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.7971 -4.78% -10.93% -3.22% -1.76% -6.44% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5382 5.68% -0.58% 5.18% n.a 8.02% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.4258 -3.37% -4.32% -2.19% -2.3% -3.97% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.0922 4.83% -2.19% -0.32% -0.33% -0.62% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.4071 -1.88% -2.62% 0.08% -1.42% -3.92% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1838 -1.76% -2.38% n.a n.a -5.01% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.8705 0.94% -1.43% 1% 0.56% -0.87% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.4028 0.63% -3.34% 0.27% -0.39% -1.08% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 14.897 -0.18% -4.04% -0.38% -0.7% -1.61% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9655 0.29% -1.99% -0.11% 0.51% -1.06% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.2608 0.2% -2.68% -1.47% -0.94% -2.07% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8557 0.25% -0.77% -0.92% n.a -2.64% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.9128 2.98% -3.36% n.a n.a -0.26% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.8014 -0.69% -5.16% n.a n.a -4.09% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.7816 -1.5% -5.39% n.a n.a -4.97% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03161 -0.03% -6.8% -1.82% -0.1% -2.44% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8583 -0.01% -7.84% -1.7% -1.49% 2.18% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.9809 2.85% -2.21% 2.7% 2.43% 3.51% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $0.9692 0.42% -4.82% -0.28% n.a -0.25% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 388.05 3.33% 1.64% 2.56% 2.11% 2.66% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.8979 1.76% 0.04% 0.5% -0.13% 1.23% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2878 2.52% 0.83% 2.16% 3.69% 2.46% Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2381 4.35% -0.74% 1.06% 1.06% 2.41% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.415 1.44% -0.39% 1.86% 1% 1% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.1674 1.21% -3.35% 1.64% 0.32% 0.66% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.3585 3.2% 1.13% 2.93% 1.66% 2.96% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9652 3.95% 0.03% 2.68% 1.23% 2.49% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.041 3.45% 0.19% 3.4% n.a 2.4% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.24 4.29% 0.65% 3.34% 1.71% 3% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7338 3.49% -0.1% 2.62% 1.14% 2.25% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $490.31 2.68% 0.66% 1.89% 2.46% 2.12% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є211.62 1.61% -1% -0.14% 0.71% 0.93% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0098 -0.31% -7.01% -2.08% -0.18% 0.04% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0241 1.69% -3.11% -0.57% n.a 1.69% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $0.8318 -1.64% -8.58% -4.04% -3.34% -7.58% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.1645 2.34% -4.85% 0.3% 1.36% -0.71% Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0607032 1.96% -0.66% 1.3% 1.57% 1.68% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.6019 -1.75% -6.8% -1.97% -0.15% -4.39% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 136.26 2.44% 1.73% 2.53% 2.01% 2.26% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1035 3.11% 1.79% n.a n.a 2.79% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.3704 2.7% 1.95% 2.46% 1.97% 2.39% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 104 3.94% n.a n.a n.a 3.51% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0918 2.24% 1.27% 1.5% n.a 2.11% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 41.6746 -6.11% n.a n.a n.a -2.36% Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3663 6.43% 8.73% n.a n.a 10.89% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.9535 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7665 -4.15% -7.23% n.a n.a -2.97%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. 1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2022. 3 - Re-classified into a Index Fund starting December 5, 2019 (formerly an Equity Fund) 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 14, 2021 (formerly, First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is October 4, 2022. 6 - Launch date is August 22, 2023. “While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www.

pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

November 15, 2023

Net Foreign Stocks Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

138,570 603,566,401 140,195 233,607,226 700,480 1,086,844 87,865,293 136,000 350,568 79,278 2,375 3,446,634.50 4,152,241 320,080 263,560 257,395 22,200 549,448 13,230

-4,470 -90,499,126 34,192,643 -383,595 1,006,803 -58,517,060 71,676 -1,600,697 -623,356 -112,100 5,145 392,888 -

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 5.05 5.1 5.03 5.1 5.01 5.1 14,556,600 73,761,106 ALSONS CONS 0.56 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 0.59 1,000 590 ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.88 0.89 0.89 0.9 0.88 0.89 288,000 256,070 ABOITIZ POWER 36 36.05 35.7 36.05 35.25 36 565,400 20,280,265 RASLAG 1.22 1.24 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 21,000 25,620 BASIC ENERGY 0.18 0.189 0.187 0.189 0.18 0.189 4,100,000 745,990 FIRST GEN 18.18 18.24 18.18 18.5 18.14 18.18 109,600 2,004,498 FIRST PHIL HLDG 61.5 62.4 61.5 62.4 61.5 61.5 1,150 71,399 MERALCO 360 362.2 363 364.6 360 360 326,990 118,303,834 MANILA WATER 17.24 17.42 17.6 17.6 17.24 17.24 308,300 5,329,590 PETRON 3.23 3.24 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.24 119,000 386,540 PHX PETROLEUM 5.15 5.7 5.9 5.9 5.12 5.15 31,800 164,976 REPOWER ENERGY 6.85 6.99 6.8 6.99 6.7 6.99 62,000 429,688 SYNERGY GRID 6.4 6.44 6.62 6.62 6.27 6.4 3,306,600 21,176,382 SHELL PILIPINAS 12.68 12.78 12.8 12.8 12.68 12.78 21,800 277,464 SPC POWER 7.75 7.84 7.85 7.85 7.84 7.84 92,400 724,519 AGRINURTURE 1.49 1.5 1.5 1.52 1.5 1.5 2,022,000 3,061,220 AXELUM 1.8 1.82 1.82 1.82 1.8 1.82 276,000 499,990 CNTRL AZUCARERA 10.56 11.6 11.54 11.6 11.54 11.6 6,900 79,928 CENTURY FOOD 28.2 28.4 28 28.45 27.5 28.4 724,000 20,462,185 DNL INDUS 5.97 5.98 6.05 6.09 5.95 5.98 10,537,200 63,192,707 EMPERADOR 20.7 20.75 20.7 20.85 20.7 20.75 1,192,800 24,745,755 SMC FOODANDBEV 49.85 50 50 50 49.5 50 79,660 3,981,361 FIGARO COFFEE 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.64 0.65 7,011,000 4,551,860 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.48 0.52 0.48 0.48 0.48 0.48 60,000 28,800 FRUITAS HLDG 1.14 1.17 1.22 1.22 1.14 1.17 4,507,000 5,262,130 GINEBRA 168.5 169.8 169 169.9 168.5 168.5 10,190 1,722,307 JOLLIBEE 217 218.2 219 220.2 216.6 217 704,890 153,793,092 KEEPERS HLDG 1.41 1.44 1.48 1.48 1.41 1.44 514,000 742,500 MAXS GROUP 3.78 3.8 3.86 3.86 3.8 3.8 79,000 301,970 MONDE NISSIN 8.23 8.25 8.19 8.35 8.14 8.25 6,063,400 50,093,867 SHAKEYS PIZZA 9.21 9.38 9.4 9.4 9.4 9.4 100 940 ROXAS AND CO 0.48 0.51 0.5 0.51 0.5 0.51 50,000 25,100 RFM CORP 2.99 3 3 3 2.99 3 2,552,000 7,641,000 UNIV ROBINA 111.3 111.4 111.2 112.7 109.3 111.4 1,647,040 183,433,274 VITARICH 0.51 0.53 0.52 0.53 0.5 0.53 201,000 101,690 VICTORIAS 3.12 3.41 3.31 3.31 3.3 3.3 17,000 56,250 CONCRETE A 40 44.55 40 40 40 40 200 8,000 CONCRETE B 37.7 49.25 37.5 49.7 37.5 49.7 155,000 6,676,515 CEMEX HLDG 0.8 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.8 0.8 97,000 78,600 EC VULCAN CORP 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.84 591,000 495,450 EEI CORP 5.49 5.5 5.48 5.59 5.36 5.5 764,300 4,179,888 MEGAWIDE 3.14 3.17 3.18 3.18 3.1 3.17 186,000 582,680 PHINMA 19.02 20.4 20 20 20 20 400 8,000 TKC METALS 0.44 0.46 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 20,000 8,800 CROWN ASIA 1.56 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 3,000 4,800 MABUHAY VINYL 5.9 5.97 5.82 5.98 5.82 5.97 7,500 44,450 PRYCE CORP 5.19 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.2 64,600 341,506 GREENERGY 0.27 0.275 0.29 0.29 0.27 0.275 20,100,000 5,580,550 INTEGRATED MICR 3.42 3.52 3.4 3.51 3.4 3.51 139,000 478,690 IONICS 1.18 1.19 1.18 1.2 1.17 1.19 752,000 893,850 SFA SEMICON 2.08 2.12 2.14 2.14 2.08 2.08 353,000 748,340 CIRTEK HLDG 1.72 1.73 1.76 1.78 1.73 1.73 355,000 618,460

-52,222,635 7,120 -9,390,910 144,700 -1,035,076 -14,795 34,067,940 -2,848,196.00 -29,430 -590 -3,153,245 -161,346 -148,950 2,185,330 65,430 -59,486,732 -13,408,110 -1,639,511 -16,900 28,800 61,670 -997,110 -40,345,878 1,410 -179,050 -13,399,126 -147,000 -11,373,514 38,080 250,700 7,020 -274,880 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LT GROUP PRIME MEDIA SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP ZEUS HLDG

44.7 130.5 7.5 103.9 30.45 9 52.2 8.5 18.5 54.25 23 71.4 59.8 1.4 2.58 876 0.355 170 2,600

1.03 628 47.75 10.6 11.1 0.37 4.53 9.2 562 3.4 38.9 4.6 9.16 2.87 838 102.5 0.072

45.4 130.9 7.8 104 30.5 9.04 52.4 8.56 18.6 56 23.7 71.95 59.95 1.42 2.8 1,030 0.37 173.8 2,650

1.04 631 47.8 10.64 11.18 0.38 4.6 9.22 564 3.54 39 5.58 9.17 2.9 839 103.5 0.089

44.7 129.7 7.06 103 30.45 8.82 52.1 8.5 18.34 54.3 23.75 71.1 60 1.4 2.82 1,029 0.37 173.9 2,646

1.05 622 47.45 10.66 10.94 0.375 4.55 9.25 552 3.4 38.2 5.6 9.13 2.87 825 104 0.079

44.7 131 7.8 104.6 30.5 9 52.65 8.5 18.62 54.3 23.75 71.95 60 1.43 2.82 1,030 0.37 174 2,646

1.06 631 48.7 10.66 11.18 0.375 4.7 9.26 564 3.4 39 5.6 9.2 2.87 843 104 0.079

44.7 129.3 7.06 102.1 30.4 8.82 52.1 8.5 18.32 54.3 23.75 71.1 59.65 1.4 2.55 1,029 0.37 170 2,646

1.03 620 47.45 10.38 10.94 0.375 4.5 9.2 550.5 3.4 37.7 5.6 9.11 2.87 820 102.2 0.071

44.7 130.5 7.8 104 30.45 9 52.2 8.5 18.6 54.3 23.75 71.9 59.8 1.42 2.8 1,030 0.37 170 2,646

1.04 631 47.75 10.6 11.18 0.375 4.53 9.2 564 3.4 39 5.6 9.17 2.87 839 103.5 0.071

3,100 4,636,790 18,500 2,250,890 23,000 121,000 1,681,460 16,000 19,000 1,460 100 48,200 69,400 227,000 95,000 250 60,000 3,160 5

454,000 271,980 783,400 3,054,100 69,300 710,000 4,081,000 2,071,400 285,130 5,000 873,300 200 2,230,900 3,000 1,093,810 37,700 300,000

474,910 170,888,915 37,463,875 32,158,712 765,890 266,250 18,373,900 19,069,201 159,957,965 17,000 33,905,000 1,120 20,441,942 8,610 905,720,100 3,900,983 22,600

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.415 0.45 0.415 0.45 0.415 0.45 40,000 17,300 ANCHOR LAND 4.1 5.49 5.15 5.49 5.15 5.49 4,700 24,239 AYALA LAND 29.5 29.6 29.5 29.9 29.1 29.5 9,231,400 272,994,360 AYALA LAND LOG 1.65 1.66 1.67 1.68 1.65 1.65 577,000 957,270 ALTUS PROP 8.98 9.35 8.98 8.98 8.98 8.98 100 898 ARANETA PROP 1.01 1.03 1.03 1.03 1.01 1.03 328,000 334,480 AREIT RT 32.3 32.35 32.5 32.5 32.25 32.35 519,600 16,830,670 A BROWN 0.64 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.68 0.68 20,000 13,620 CITYLAND DEVT 0.68 0.73 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 2,000 1,400 CROWN EQUITIES 0.056 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.056 0.056 390,000 22,120 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.53 2.55 2.58 2.58 2.53 2.53 27,000 68,890 CENTURY PROP 0.3 0.31 0.315 0.315 0.3 0.315 120,000 36,550 CITICORE RT 2.53 2.54 2.54 2.54 2.53 2.53 1,544,000 3,913,070 DOUBLEDRAGON 7.33 7.34 7.07 7.33 7.05 7.33 349,200 2,517,888 DDMP RT 1.22 1.24 1.22 1.25 1.22 1.22 590,000 723,510 DM WENCESLAO 6.28 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 30,700 193,410 EMPIRE EAST 0.143 0.145 0.145 0.146 0.143 0.145 1,320,000 190,790 EVER GOTESCO 0.28 0.295 0.285 0.295 0.285 0.295 610,000 176,800 FILINVEST RT 2.9 2.91 2.94 2.94 2.91 2.91 12,703,000 37,143,820 FILINVEST LAND 0.55 0.56 0.57 0.57 0.54 0.56 16,536,000 9,206,240 GOLDEN MV 765 790 764 790 764 790 210 164,340 PHIL INFRADEV 0.52 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.55 13,000 7,150 CITY AND LAND 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.76 0.75 0.76 318,000 241,070 MEGAWORLD 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.03 2.01 2.02 4,233,000 8,555,970 MRC ALLIED 1.4 1.42 1.38 1.43 1.38 1.42 48,000 67,100 MREIT RT 12.38 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.36 12.38 316,200 3,916,668 OMICO CORP 0.228 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 0.23 10,000 2,300 PREMIERE RT 1.51 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.52 1.52 17,000 25,880 RL COMM RT 4.82 4.86 4.87 4.89 4.8 4.82 560,000 2,718,450 ROBINSONS LAND 14.58 14.6 14.3 14.6 14.24 14.58 574,400 8,322,626 ROCKWELL 1.35 1.42 1.43 1.43 1.35 1.35 5,000 7,070 SHANG PROP 3.72 3.73 3.75 3.75 3.69 3.73 173,000 645,500 STA LUCIA LAND 3.15 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 1,000,000 3,200,000 SM PRIME HLDG 31.6 31.7 30.95 31.7 30.8 31.7 7,998,300 252,394,570 SOC RESOURCES 0.36 0.415 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 10,000 3,700 SUNTRUST RESORT 0.75 0.8 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 240,000 180,000 VISTA LAND 1.61 1.62 1.6 1.65 1.58 1.62 844,000 1,347,680 VISTAREIT RT 1.67 1.69 1.68 1.69 1.67 1.67 130,000 218,620 SERVICES ABS CBN 3.55 3.69 3.7 3.72 3.55 3.55 59,000 211,470 GMA NETWORK 8.3 8.32 8.3 8.35 8.3 8.32 152,600 1,269,874 GLOBE TELECOM 1,762 1,764 1,766 1,768 1,758 1,762 57,680 101,748,905 PLDT 1,228 1,230 1,240 1,248 1,225 1,230 55,320 68,357,300 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.014 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.014 0.015 96,500,000 1,424,800 CONVERGE 8.31 8.35 8.25 8.35 8.21 8.35 3,801,200 31,481,898 DITO CME HLDG 2.45 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.45 2.45 11,760,000 29,484,960 NOW CORP 1.31 1.32 1.26 1.35 1.26 1.32 568,000 739,660 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.136 0.139 0.136 0.139 0.136 0.136 60,000 8,200 ASIAN TERMINALS 15.48 15.78 15.96 15.96 15.96 15.96 3,200 51,072 CHELSEA 1.18 1.24 1.25 1.25 1.18 1.24 1,532,000 1,853,940 CEBU AIR 32 32.1 32.5 32.5 32 32 159,200 5,107,155 INTL CONTAINER 206 208.8 203.4 208.8 203.4 208.8 1,148,630 238,778,850 LBC EXPRESS 17.02 18.94 16.98 16.98 16.98 16.98 800 13,584 MACROASIA 4.13 4.17 4.19 4.23 4.16 4.17 730,000 3,043,290 PAL HLDG 5.21 5.25 5.2 5.25 5.2 5.25 4,100 21,420 ACESITE HOTEL 1.78 1.88 1.81 1.81 1.8 1.8 200,000 361,000 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.15 1.24 1.03 1.24 1.03 1.24 2,000 2,270 WATERFRONT 0.4 0.42 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 20,000 8,000 CENTRO ESCOLAR 8.37 9 8.37 8.5 8.37 8.5 4,600 39,087 FAR EASTERN U 573 590 590 590 590 590 20 11,800 IPEOPLE 6.9 7.37 7.37 7.37 7.37 7.37 100 737 STI HLDG 0.44 0.445 0.44 0.45 0.44 0.445 3,510,000 1,554,050 BELLE CORP 1.16 1.17 1.16 1.17 1.16 1.17 46,000 53,370 BLOOMBERRY 9.51 9.53 9.35 9.55 9.35 9.53 3,987,600 37,785,874 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.28 3.37 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.35 95,000 317,640 PH RESORTS GRP 0.89 0.9 0.92 0.92 0.87 0.89 1,118,000 984,520 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.58 0.59 0.58 0.6 0.58 0.58 6,611,000 3,876,700 DIGIPLUS 6.78 6.82 6.8 6.88 6.75 6.82 439,900 2,996,515 PHILWEB 1.75 1.81 1.79 1.8 1.71 1.8 594,000 1,045,360 ALLDAY 0.171 0.173 0.169 0.173 0.169 0.171 3,290,000 565,490 ALLHOME 1.32 1.35 1.4 1.4 1.32 1.32 6,105,000 8,200,380 METRO RETAIL 1.16 1.21 1.21 1.21 1.15 1.21 176,000 203,380 PUREGOLD 28.05 28.1 28 28.25 27.8 28.1 216,000 6,073,245 ROBINSONS RTL 38.5 38.75 38.7 38.85 38.45 38.5 170,900 6,597,840 PHIL SEVEN CORP 75.15 81.8 82 82 82 82 450 36,900 SSI GROUP 2.68 2.7 2.69 2.78 2.69 2.7 362,000 979,580 UPSON INTL CORP 1.66 1.77 1.75 1.78 1.75 1.77 14,000 24,640 WILCON DEPOT 20.2 20.25 20 20.35 19.84 20.25 1,431,000 28,936,561 EASYCALL 2.3 3.19 2.64 2.64 2.5 2.5 12,000 30,960 MEDILINES 0.36 0.37 0.365 0.375 0.36 0.365 880,000 320,450 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.173 0.18 0.173 0.179 0.173 0.173 560,000 97,240 MINING & OIL APEX MINING 2.62 2.63 2.55 2.67 2.55 2.62 7,665,000 20,019,510 ATLAS MINING 3 3.13 3 3 2.98 3 154,000 461,820 BENGUET A 4.8 5 4.8 5.03 4.78 4.8 534,000 2,563,310 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.124 0.149 0.124 0.124 0.124 0.124 30,000 3,720 FERRONICKEL 2.38 2.4 2.35 2.4 2.35 2.4 304,000 721,200 LEPANTO A 0.081 0.085 0.082 0.082 0.08 0.081 1,870,000 150,760 LEPANTO B 0.085 0.089 0.085 0.085 0.085 0.085 150,000 12,750 MANILA MINING A 0.0045 0.0048 0.0046 0.0046 0.0045 0.0045 27,000,000 123,500 MANILA MINING B 0.0041 0.0067 0.0047 0.0047 0.0045 0.0045 24,000,000 109,400 MARCVENTURES 1.05 1.06 1.05 1.07 1.05 1.07 197,000 208,710 NIHAO 0.53 0.58 0.5 0.53 0.495 0.53 233,000 122,165 NICKEL ASIA 5.2 5.25 5.24 5.27 5.15 5.2 796,900 4,154,429 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.67 0.7 0.68 0.7 0.67 0.67 161,000 109,150 PX MINING 2.83 2.86 2.82 2.88 2.82 2.86 709,000 2,031,670 SEMIRARA MINING 28.4 28.6 28.85 29.3 28.2 28.4 2,309,100 66,059,285 UNITED PARAGON 0.0042 0.0047 0.0047 0.0047 0.0047 0.0047 1,000,000 4,700 ENEX ENERGY 5 5.29 5.48 5.75 5 5 162,300 826,235 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0081 0.0082 0.0083 0.0083 0.0082 0.0083 14,000,000 115,200 PHILODRILL 0.0083 0.0084 0.0084 0.0084 0.0083 0.0083 38,000,000 317,400 PXP ENERGY 3.8 3.83 3.8 3.83 3.75 3.83 154,000 584,010 PREFFERED ACEN PREF A 1,012 1,040 1,040 1,040 1,040 1,040 5 5,200 ACEN PREF B 1,040 1,046 1,040 1,040 1,038 1,040 1,750 1,817,700 AC PREF AR 2,420 2,468 2,484 2,484 2,400 2,420 500 1,210,110 BRN PREF A 96 96.5 96.5 96.5 96.5 96.5 650 62,725 CEB PREF 31.45 32 31.5 31.5 31.45 31.45 500 15,730 DD PREF 91 92.15 92.2 92.2 90.05 92.2 800 73,545 EEI PREF A 82 95 90 90 80 80 2,000 160,400 EEI PREF B 86.85 96.9 87 96.9 86.55 96.9 5,010 435,069 GTCAP PREF B 920 939.5 918.5 918.5 918.5 918.5 500 459,250 JFC PREF B 901 925 901 901 901 901 20 18,020 MWIDE PREF 4 90 93.95 91 91 91 91 3,470 315,770 PNX PREF 4 225.6 242.6 233.6 244.4 233.6 244.4 150 35,156 PCOR PREF 3B 968 1,000 968 968 968 968 190 183,920 SMC PREF 2F 72 72.85 72.1 72.85 72 72.85 44,960 3,240,474.50 SMC PREF 2I 71 72.7 72.7 72.7 72.7 72.7 1,100 79,970 SMC PREF 2J 65.1 68.4 65.1 65.1 65.1 65.1 9,000 585,900 SMC PREF 2K 62.2 66.65 66.95 66.95 62.2 62.2 10,500 700,600

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS

TECH WARRANT

5,250 -65,698,510 -4,816,310 -135,974 -526,820 -8,730,689 51,454,405 8,669,195 -1,549,659 35,891,200 972,866 549 74,102,890 181,500 -59,005 3,920 690,400 -137,243 -216,150 -61,950 146,670 1,928,200 -23,700 22,540 2,304,580 -28,000 284,762 -1,207,730 -721,804 -29,840 22,309,205 -839,960 -45,270 -28,031,940 16,904,205 -7,440,305 331,150 25,600 -2,233,200 74,796,048 930,160 1,240 8,000 -38,250 13,100 -2,310,846 3,540 1,777,909 587,350 -68,530 -5,253,410.00 512,845 -4,094,055 -819,860 -12,280 -4,659,438 -15,750.00 -225,120 -95,300 102,290 -761,500 -12,089,900 25,000 -238,920 -500 -17,518 -

3.31 3.4 3.28 3.6 3.28 3.6 75,000 7.53 8.29 -

247,460 -

0.335

17,000

0.35

0.335

0.36

0.335

0.36

50,000

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.455 0.455 0.43 0.43 40,000 17,450 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.74 848,000 627,520 0.88 0.95 0.88 0.94 2,792,000 2,583,900 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68 53,000 36,040 0.055 0.055 0.055 0.055 320,000 17,600 1.05 1.06 1.03 1.04 2,479,000 2,580,900 428,980

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

96.5 97.5 96.5 97.5 10,960 1,063,471 139,995

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS LFM PROP MERRYMART

FIRST METRO ETF

0.43 0.73 0.92 0.68 0.055 1.04 97.1

0.45 0.74 0.95 0.7 0.06 1.05 97.5

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance

BIR computing Samar’s take from tax on mining By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Provincial Government of Eastern Samar is eyeing to finally receive its share of mining revenues next year. This after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reportedly started to gather pertinent data to determine exactly how much is due the Provincial Government as a result of mining operations in the town of Guiuian, according to Provincial Legal Officer Eden Ivy Rose V. Balagasay. According to the lawyer, they learned that officers of the BIR’s Revenue Accounting Division (RAD) were still collating data to support the release of the province’s excisetax share. Balagasay added she was informed that the BIR-RAD was “cross-checking their data with the RDO and the authorized agent banks where the miners’ tax payments were made.” Based on data gathered by the provincial government from the regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Eastern Samar’s share from the miners’ excise tax payments exceeds P100 million. “To be safe, we can say that based on the production reports and data submitted to us by MGB, we are expecting our share to be more than P100 million,” Balagasay said. She added that the provincial government doesn’t expect to get the whole amount right away because of the tedious process of documenting all payments, considering that some of the miners had been operating for decades in the province.

Coordinating with BIR

“WE do not expect to get in 2024 the full amount of over P100 million due the province as its rightful share of excise tax revenue from the miners,” Balagasay said. “What the DBM [Department of Budget and Management] will likely release to us is just a portion of that amount that will have been documented and cross-checked by then, and then certified by the BIR and the BTr [Bureau of the Treasury],” she added. The lawyer said the Provincial Government will also be coordinating with the BIR’s RDO on whatever documents they can provide as regards the tax payments made by the miners to the BIR through the authorized banks. Republic Act (RA) 8424 (National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997 as amended by the RA 10963) imposes an excise tax of 4 percent on extracted or produced minerals or quarry resources based on the actual market value of the gross output of these products at the time of their removal. Meanwhile, under Section 290 of the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, LGUs are entitled to a 40-percent share of the gross earnings from “mining taxes, royalties from mineral reservations, forestry charges, and fees and revenues collected from energy resources” in their areas. The collected tax is to be divided among LGUs hosting the mining operations, 35 percent

of which will go to the barangay, 45 percent to the municipality and 20 percent to the province, Balagasay explained.

Warned sternly

BALAGASAY and two other provincial executives—Provincial Treasurer Antonia B. Macawile and Provincial Assessor Manuel Baldono—have been following up on Governor Ben P. Evardone’s request with the local offices of the BIR and other agencies to download or remit the Provincial Government’s share in mining revenues. To recall, Evardone has issued a stern warning against miners during a special meeting at the Provincial Capitol. The governor said he would ask the revocation of the miners’ permits from the Depa r t ment of Env ironment and Natural Resources (DENR) should he find something amiss in the implementation of environmental and social protection measures in their respective concession areas. According to Macawile, the complete performance and compliance reports that the miners submitted are now under review by the provincial government. She added that Evardone will review the comprehensive assessment of these firms’ compliance with the key provisions of their MPSAs as well as of the other pertinent laws and provincial ordinances on environmental and social protection. Macawile said these documents will be the basis whether Evardone would keep the status quo or submit a position paper to the DENR seeking the cancellation of their concession agreements on mining in Homonhon Island off the municipality of Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

A long way

ACCORDING to Macawile, Evardone has told the miners to settle at once their unpaid real property taxes (RPTs) due the province and their host-municipality of Guiuan. Companies with tax arrears in the province where 1 in 4 are poor are: Cambayas Mining Corp.; Emir Mineral Resources Corp.; Techiron Resources Inc.; Mount Sinai Exploration and Development Corp.; Chromiteking Inc.; and, Nickelace Inc. The latter’s mineral production-sharing agreement (MPSA) is being operated by Global Min-met Resources Inc. and Verum Terra Geosciences Inc. Cambayas has unpaid RPTs worth P96,578,000 over the 2012 to 2016 period; Techiron, P22,560,687 and Emir, P12,148,255 from 2017 to 2022. Mount Sinai has unpaid RPTs worth P2,580,000 in 2013, computed based on the Ore Transport Permit issued by the MGB. The Provincial Treasurer’s Office has yet to compute the unpaid RPTs of Verum and Global, which operate the MPSA of Nickelace. According to Macawile, the settlement of the miners’ RPT arrears will go a long way in funding development projects like roads, school buildings and water supply facilities for “Estehanons,” or the citizens of Eastern Samar, numbering at 467,000 in 2015.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, November 16, 2023

Maharlika fund to be parked in infra, energy, urban farms

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) is keen on investing in four identified sectors, including tourism infrastructure that involves airports, through various mechanisms like public-private partnerships, its newly-appointed President and CEO (PCEO) said.

MIC PCEO Rafael D. Consing Jr. on Wednesday outlined the “four pillars” of the state-run agency’s investment plans: tourism infrastructure, agro-urbanism, energy security and digital infrastructure. The MIC will oversee the investment of the country’s Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), which Consing pointed out is a sovereign national development fund (SNDF) and not a sovereign wealth fund. In terms of tourism infrastructure, the MIC executive explained that the state firm is interested in investing in physical connectivity projects, particularly in airports. Consing pointed out that there are currently four airport projects, which are under public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, which the MIC can

venture into. These airports are the New Manila international Airport in Bulacan, the NAIA rehabilitation, Laoag Airport and Laguindingan Airport. Consing said in a press conference last Wednesday there are 197 flagship infrastructure projects approved by the National Economic and Development Authority. Of these, about 122 are in physical connectivity like airports, bridges, and roads, he added. “About 38 fall under PPP, hence we are looking at those list and looking at the opportunities within that list for us to choose one of those projects and see how we be able to roll out the first part of investments,” the MIC executive said. Consing, who is yet to take his

oath of office, explained that modernizing the country’s infrastructure, including airports, are key in “propelling” the Philippines “to the forefront of the global tourism landscape.” “When we talk about tourism infrastructure, what we want to be able to do is to reintroduce the tourism proposition of the Philippines. The main objective is to get tourists... the soonest possible time,” he said. The MIC will also make investments in agro-urbanism with the goal of contributing to the Marcos administration’s target of improving and ensuring the country’s food security. “The MIF will foster a harmonious blend of agriculture and urban development, creating an ecosystem of local food production, processing, and consumption. This will involve establishing agro-industrial clusters, promoting peri-urban agriculture, and investing in sustainable farming practices,” Consing said. The MIC executive added that they envision the MIC to be at the forefront of transitioning the country toward sustainable energy solutions. The MIC is expected to invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, developing energy storage solutions, and implementing smart grid technologies. Lastly, Consing said investing in digital infrastructure is also a priority for MIC as it aims to “bridge”

the so-called “digital divide” nationwide. The prospective investments of MIC in this sector are in the areas of broadband network expansion, digital literacy promotion and technology sector innovation. “Through these strategic investments, the MIF will transform the Philippines into a thriving hub of tourism, agriculture, energy, and digital innovation, driving economic prosperity, social progress, and environmental sustainability for generations to come,” he said. Consing, who is considered as “employee number one” of the MIC, disclosed that he targets to form government-owned and -controlled corporation’s management within the next 30 days to 60 days. “I intend to do that over the next 60 days. There are quite a number of [curriculum vitae] already, whether from linked in or via email. I’ll go sift through those and see who we can hire,” he said. Consing said the MIC’s operating principles would revolve around organizing a world-class professional management, instilling rigor, and transparent governance. The hiring of the MIC’s staff would be based on integrity, intelligence and initiative, he emphasized. “This means that the MIC will recruit and retain highly qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to ethical and transparent business practices,” Consing said.

Tulfo wants to probe Maya’s alleged link to gambling By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AWMAKERS have filed House Resolution 1464 urging the Congress to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into Maya Bank Inc. (MBI) they alleged has links to gambling applications. House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin T. Tulfo and ACT-CIS Partylist Reps. Edvic G. Yap and Jocelyn P. Tulfo have raised concerns regarding the operations of MBI, which also offers mobile wallet services. In his separate privilege speech last Tuesday, Tulfo said that it has come to his attention that MBI’s platform carries links to various gambling apps that openly allow subscribers to participate in gam-

bling activities. These gambling apps encompass games such as baccarat, poker, bingo, fruit games, and similar forms of gaming where subscribers can place bets through MBI’s mobile wallet services, the lawmaker said. Tulfo said he firmly believes that these gambling links within MBI’s savings bank platform warrant a thorough probe by the House of Representatives. “This question strikes at the core of our responsibility as lawmakers to protect the interests of the millions of subscribers who rely on [MBI] for their financial transactions and digital wallet needs,” the lawmaker added. The primary objective is to protect the interests of Maya’s millions of subscribers and assess the legality

and ethics of offering such services, the solon said. Tulfo also asked whether the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is aware of MBI’s inclusion in its platform of links to gambling apps. “This investigation will shed light on whether these gambling activities are conducted in compliance with our laws and regulations and whether they truly serve the best interests of our citizens,” Tulfo added. The solon said there is a growing concern about whether regulators should permit the presence of gambling apps within the digital platform of a savings bank, considering the potential ramifications on financial stability and the welfare of consumers. Presently, there are at least six digital banks that are permitted by the

BSP to operate in the country. Tulfo said it’s only MBI that carries in its platform the links to gambling apps. If these gambling apps are permitted by law, the lawmaker said it raises questions about the ability of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) to effectively check and monitor these apps and, if necessary, exercise its regulatory powers to ensure that they operate within the bounds of the law. Tulfo said Congress should address these critical questions and concerns through appropriate legislative channels, emphasizing the importance of transparency, legality, and consumer protection within the rapidly evolving landscape of digital banking and financial services in the Philippines.

LandBank issues ₧1.1B subsidy to PUV drivers

HE Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) announced last Wednesday it has delivered P1.1billion worth of fuel subsidy to 190,130 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators as of November 9, as part of its continued support to the transport sector amid rising fuel prices. Under the fuel subsidy program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Landbank has distributed subsidies to drivers

and operators of public utility jeepneys and buses, taxis, and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), among other qualified beneficiaries. “LandBank is one with the National Government in extending timely and responsive assistance to the local transport sector. Rest assured that we are ramping up the delivery of fuel subsidy to support PUV drivers and operators nationwide,” LandBank President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz was quoted in a statement as saying.

The state-run lender said it is closely coordinating with the DOTr and LTFRB for the immediate distribution of financial aid to a total of 1.36 million target beneficiaries under the fuel subsidy program. The LTFRB is continuing to submit lists of qualified beneficiaries to LandBank, while the Bank is facilitating the crediting of fuel subsidies through the beneficiaries’ existing accounts in Landbank and other banks, according to the lender.

Under the program, drivers and operators of modernized public utility jeepneys and utility van express units receive P10,000 each, while drivers and operators of traditional PUV and TNVS receive P6,500 each. LandBank said it resumed the distribution of fuel subsidies to qualified PUV drivers under the fuel subsidy program on September 21, after the Commission on Elections approved the LTFRB’s request to exempt the program from the election spending ban.

US interest rate-cut euphoria puts global bonds on course to erase 2023 loss

LOBAL bonds have been such a kicking post in recent months that it may come as something of a surprise they are just a fraction away from erasing this year’s loss. The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index jumped 1.3 percent last Tuesday, the biggest 1-day gain since March, following weaker-than-expected US inflation data. The gauge, which was down by as much as 3.8 percent for the year less than a month ago amid the higher-for-longer narrative, is now just 0.3 percent lower for 2023. The global index, which tracks more than $61 trillion, powered

ahead as the US inflation numbers spurred traders to erase bets on any further Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes and to boost wagers on lower borrowing costs. The soft data added to signs the steepest tightening cycle in a generation is set to slow economies worldwide and push central banks toward rate cuts in 2024. “It doesn’t matter now what the Fed says about holding rates higher for longer, it’s likely to start a gradual easing cycle in the first half of 2024,” said Kellie Wood, deputy head of fixed income at Schroders Plc in Sydney. Schroders is long two-year Treasuries and is also favoring Australian and European rates on a bet

that global bond yields have peaked, she said. Markets are now pricing in more than half a percentage point of rate cuts by July, about double the amount they anticipated at the end of October. The US core consumer price index, which excludes food and energy costs, increased 0.2 percent in October from September, less than the median forecast of 0.3 percent in a Bloomberg survey. US two-year yields slid 20 basis points Tuesday after the data was published, while those in Germany fell nine basis points. Australia’s three-year yields slipped 12 basis points when they opened Wednes-

day, shrugging off stronger-thanforecast local wage growth numbers. Some investors remain nervous the market may be getting ahead of itself in betting on Fed easing. Pendal Group just closed a long position in 10-year Treasuries for a profit after entering it in late October, said Amy Xie Patrick, head of income strategies in Sydney. Fidelity International has also been trimming some of its longer-duration bets, taking off some of its longs on US 30-year bonds. Investors “should have been already in the trade, especially as yields hit 5 percent” and above, said George Efstathopoulos, a fund

manager at Fidelity International in Singapore. “We’ve been buyers across the curve, especially the long end. Some of the cuts that are being priced in for next year might be a little bit premature.” Pendal’s Xie Patrick said she’s “happier hiding in two-year” Treasuries again. Schroders is also staying long on two-year notes, while maintaining a “modest short” for 30-year bonds amid concern about widening US fiscal deficits, Wood said. The global surge in bonds is a reversal after yields jumped to the highest in more than a decade last month on concern economic resilience and a looming flood of supply

would overwhelm waning demand. Some of the investors who suffered steep losses earlier in the year are now anticipating their long-held conviction that a global recession is coming will be realized. “We have reached ‘peak everything’—as all the factors (fiscal policy, liquidity, China growth, housing, credit, and employment) that have contributed to the global economy’s resilience are showing signs of weakness,” Steven Boothe, a fund manager at T. Rowe Price Group Inc., wrote in a research note. “The historic selloff in bonds in 2022 has created a buying opportunity for investors of all kinds.” Bloomberg News

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

B4 Thursday, November 16, 2023

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

citizens urged to get their flu Mental health issues burden majority Senior vaccines to fight flu-like illnesses of Pinoy children, adolescents–study H By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes | Contributor

By Rory Visco Contributor

HEN it comes to children and adolescents, especially those aged zero to 18 years of age, mental health is one of those health issues that is often overlooked, or worse neglected, around the world. The World Health Organization said prior to Covid-19, around 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents around the world suffer from poor mental health, and around half of cases of mental disorder started by age 14. In a report titled “Strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Systems and Services for children and adolescents in East Asia and Pacific Region: Philippines Country Report 2022,” a project by the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture, together with Xavier University in the Philippines and the Burnet Institute of Australia, in close collaboration with UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, it said that in the East Asia and the Pacific, almost one in seven boys and one in nine girls aged 10 to 19 years had a mental disorder, with suicide the third-leading cause of death among the youth aged 15 to 19 years in this region as of 2019. Specifically, for the Philippines, the report revealed that “children and adolescents or those zero to 18 years of age experience a high burden of poor mental health. About one in eight adolescents aged 10 to 19 years and one in 17 children aged five to nine years are said to have a mental disorder (including developmenta l disorder).” Suicide, the report said, is pointed to as the fourth leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15 to 19. “Risk factors for poor mental health, including exposure to violence, peer victimization, bullying, loneliness and social isolation,

particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, are prevalent.” Previously, in a nationwide survey on Filipino youth conducted at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic called the “2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5),” which was led by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and funded by the Department of Health (DOH), some key findings revealed that “Filipinos aged 15 to 24 are in a worse mental health state today, with close to one for every five Pinoy youth having considered ending their life and six in 10 not reaching out to anyone about their condition.” A ccord i ng to e x per t s f rom Monash University based in Melbourne, Australia, holistic and preventive measures can help keep students and young people safe from the threat of mental illnesses and disorders, and highlighted how vital it is to take a closer look at the state of mental health of Filipino youth in relation to the use of modern technology. It was believed that even if restrictions in movement and anxiety due to the lockdowns are no longer present, the mental health of the Filipino youth is still an increasing concern. “With the young generation being digital natives,

they are very much exposed to new technologies and in fact rely heavily on their gadgets and the internet. While these technologies have their benefits, excessive use, too much internet and social media, early exposure to unsafe and graphic content, and increased screen time, however, also negatively affect their young, impressionable minds.”

Internet addiction MONASH University experts said there’s nothing wrong with going online to make friends, connect with family members and be updated on personal interests. Many believe that scrolling social media pages, watching videos online and playing games are ways to de-stress after school or work and before moving on to the day’s other tasks. According to Dr. Benjamin Tag, Assistant Professor in HumanComputer Interaction at Monash University, together with his coresearchers, in their paper titled “Your Phone, Your Emotions and Everyday Life,” which showed how going online is touted as a digital emotion regulation strategy, smartphones can alleviate anxiety and depression when used properly. “Sharing funny videos, memes and stories are seen as a means to increase elation the same way that listening to curated playlists can boost focus or elicit certain emotions. With online being so accessible and available—a phone, an internet connection and a few apps are all it takes—it is easily a good platform to regulate emotions.” However, they said the problem is when the supposedly occasional, short, fun online session becomes frequent and longer and then leads to being an addiction, which can cause sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety and depression. In the Philippines, young people are the second-largest users of smartphones, in an article “Social Media Statistics in the Philippines 2023” published in April 2023 via www. meltwater.com, an online media monitoring company. It said those aged 18 to 24 account for more than 30 percent of the 84.45 mil-

lion Filipinos who use social media, which means the youth are a vulnerable group. “Too much social media exposure alone, many cases of which are unsupervised, increases the risks of developing social and behavioral issues such as impulsivity, impatience, anxiety and depression,” Dr. Tag said.

Being mindful HOWEVER, Deputy Director of the Monash Center for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Professor Craig Hassed, said abruptly stopping the use of modern technology or internet use is not the solution, but rather being mindful, and a strategic and guided technology and internet use are the way to go. “Depending on your level of motivation, carve out five, ten, 15 or 20 minutes twice a day to practice mindfulness meditation. Call these full stops punctuating your day. As often as you remember, between the completion of one activity and the commencement of another, have mini-meditations of five, 10, 20, 30 or 60 seconds. Call these commas punctuating your day,” Hassed shared. He added that taking a break and doing mindful activities such as meditating, being one with nature or simply closing the eyes instead of scrolling and using the phone between tasks will do wonders. “This is a way of actively choosing to depend on digital tools less and exploring ways of de-stressing offline more,” Hassed added. For his part, Chris Bain, Monash University’s Professor of Practice in Digital Health, said the battle for a healthier mental state is not a young person’s fight alone. He emphasized the value of support from parents, grandparents and the entire family in both times of distress and joy, which can help protect the youth from mental illnesses and promotes overall wellness. “Knowing there are people with whom they can share their confusions, frustrations and problems can spell a difference as it makes them feel seen and heard and therefore important.”

Pharmacists play crucial role in delivering healthcare to diabetic patients–expert

harmacists have a crucial role to play in delivering healthcare services to Filipinos especially to diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN). “Pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team that can provide valuable support to patients with PN, yet often we are underutilized. Pharmacists are often the first point of contact and can drive early awareness of a patient’s condition, offer guidance on lifestyle modifications, and help optimize medication regimens,” said Dr. Kenny P Merin, Pharmacist and Assistant Vice President, Academics & Research of Lyceum of the Philippines University Davao – Philippines, in a recent online forum on #KNOWTHESIGNS Scientific Forum. The forum was part of the celebration of World Diabetes Day 2023 organized by Procter and Gamble (P&G) Health. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the result of damage to the nerves and impacts the quality of life of people as they are unable to go about their daily lives comfortably.

Over-the-counter treatments In the question-and-answer session, Marin said pharmacists can a lso prov ide over-t he - cou nter treatments (e.g., therapeutic dose

of Neurotropic B vitamins) for PN symptom relief. “By actively engaging with patients and healthcare professionals, let’s join hands to improve PN patients’ long-term health and well-being,” said Merin. Marin said Filipinos have a high regard for pharmacists as they are the first professionals that people go to when they feel discomfort and sickness. He urged pharmacists to be proactive by asking diabetic or potentially diabetic patients questions about their symptoms such as tingling muscle weakness, burning sensation and numbness. “These are questions that you should ask as peripheral neuropathy is often undiagnosed by doctors in the Philippines. Oftentimes, patients do not pay too much attention to these symptoms which can be addressed if we are able to identify it early,” Marin explained.

Testing sensitivity Marin said pharmacists can help specifically check if they are suffering from PN by testing the sensitivity of the fingers. All they need to use is a piece of cotton or tissue to touch the tip of the fingers of the patient if there are diminished sensation. A feather or a toothpick can also be used for the same purpose. If they experience any diminished sensation, a patient will be

Assessment

to preserve their nerve health. If the patients can catch it in the early stage, Marin said they can use vitamin B complex to promote their nerve health. With over a million Filipinos suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, he said pharmacists recommended the following steps: n Engage clients frequently and don’t hesitate to ask questions; n Know the signs. Make a simple test so that you would know it these clients are suffering from this debilitating diseases; n Present clients with remedy solutions such as Vitamin B complex; and n Check regularly with a medical doctor.

He said pharmacists can also conduct medical test assessment specifically for patients diagnosed with diabetes and are taking their maintenance medicines. By focusing on diabetic patients. Marin said pharmacists can get a clearer picture if they are doing well or not. Lastly, it is important for pharmacists to identify patients with diabetes mellitus and check their disease progression and continue asking questions on peripheral neuropathy. He said there is a big opportunity for Filipino pharmacists in the Philippines to counsel their patients

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is the leading cause of PN and this is closely linked to the rise in the number of diabetic patients. Symptoms of PN include numbness, tingling, prickling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. Vitamin B deficiency and polymedication are other highrisk factors along with diabetes, leading to peripheral nerve damage. Published studies across different countries confirm that up to 80 percent of patients with PN remain undiagnosed and untreated. Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

asked to take vitamin B complex and see a medical doctor for further assistance. To encourage more people to be health conscious, Marin stressed that pharmacists can also be both proactive and observant at the same time for their clients to check their conditions. He said they should be inquisitive and ask questions to specifically check for their progressions of their particular diseases. “Specifically, pharmacists can screen the abnormal symptoms particularly those who have abnormal sugar levels. If they find that, they can refer to a doctor if needed to have further tests,” he explained.

ealth Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said the country must not let its guard down as he recently expressed concern over the 46 percent increase in influenza-like illnesses from the same period of last year. “This is greater than the 158,000 dengue cases in the country,” Tayag told reporters in a press conference held in Pasig City. Citing data from the National Health of Institute, Tayag lamented that only 35.6 percent of Filipinos aged 60 and above received pneumococcal vaccines this past year. To boost awareness of the importance of vaccines especially to the elderly, the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Elderlies (RAISE) Coalition called on elderly Filipinos to get vaccinated during its one-year anniversary and observation of World Pneumonia Day with a stakeholders’ forum at the Ortigas Center in Pasig City.

May as flu vaccine month The group is calling for the institutionalization and establishment of the month of May as the National Influenza Vaccination month to maximize the value of the program, provide protection before the peak of the flu and rainy seasons. Tayag added that the month of May is the most appropriate time as people are in a festive mode to interact and mingle. “We have to intensify the collaboration across sectors to implement better policy and program implementation of flu vaccination in the country,” Dr. Rontgene Solante, RAISE Convenor; Board Member-Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) noted in his video message. “Current policies and programs only protect the indigent elderly population. Our national flu vaccination program falls short of the World Health Organization’s VCR target of 75 percent at just eight percent.” Dr. Lulu Bravo, PFV Executive Director, underscored the urgency of timely vaccination for seniors, stressing that for two decades, the vaccination rate for the elderly has been quite slow. “Nevertheless, they are the most vulnerable who are can diseases in he the lungs, heart and kidneys. We get more vulnerable as we get older,” Bravo said in Filipino.

Comprehensive vaccine program Dr. Rose Capeding, RAISE co-convenor and PFV

President, also highlighted the coalition’s goals moving forward, emphasizing a comprehensive vaccination program. “Our goal should not just be childhood vaccination, but life-course vaccination. At every stage of life, there should be vaccinations to protect us.” She also noted the need for legislation to expand free flu vaccination for all seniors. “We already have support from the Senate and the Congress, so we are hopeful that there will be free vaccination to all senior citizens,” she adds. This year, House Bill 2097 was passed by the special committee to expand the current Senior Citizens Act. Dr. Shelley Ann de la Vega, Director of the National Institute of Aging, underscored the importance of giving free vaccines to the senior citizens. “There is really an unequal distribution on who is receiving these vaccines. As much as possible, the vaccines need to be free. We don’t need a new law, but we are looking at a better implementation of RA9994 for our senior citizens.” “Our appeal to our seniors is do not forget your yearly influenza vaccine schedule and please visit our health centers to ask for the free flu vaccines. To our partners, we will go to every place where RAISE can make an impact,” expressed Tayag.

LGU initiatives In its first year, the RAISE coalition has successfully supported various LGU health initiatives and was able to vaccinate a total of 1,433 senior citizens against influenza through a partnership with RAISE. Capeding said the RAISE Coalition has achieved significant strides in their community outreach this year. In the coming year, she added the will work closely with more Local Government Units (LGUs) and legislative champions to advocate for the revision of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, aiming to provide free flu vaccinations for all senior citizens in the country. Dr. Remedios Coronel, a member of the immunization committee and president of Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Inc (PSMID) said the various government agencies, medical organizations, and civil societies present committed to addressing the country’s high mortality rates for flu-related illnesses. She said they will work together to ensure the lifesaving vaccines effectively reach elderly Filipinos every year. “No one should be left behind in the vaccination program of the country,” she said.

AstraZeneca, AC Health’s Healthway Medical Network join forces to combat cancer

straZeneca Philippines and Healthway Medical Network have entered a memorandum of understanding to improve accessibility and availability of medicines for treatment and management of Filipino cancer patients. In the Philippines, cancer is the third leading cause of mortality, which accounted for 26,138 recorded death cases in the first half of last year. According to the Global Cancer Observatory data in 2020, there were over 153,000 new incidences of cancer in the country, being led by cases in breast, lung, colorectum, and prostate, respectively. Under this partnership, Healthway Medical Network, through the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, will be the first healthcare provider in the country to pilot and implement the AZ Cares Patient Access Program, which provides cancer patients expanded access to the innovative medicines of AstraZeneca. The partnership also aims to enhance the the capability of healthcare professionals in managing patients with cancer and empower patients with cancer through patient support programs. According to Lotis Ramin, Country President of AstraZeneca Philippines, “In AstraZeneca, we aspire for a future where cancer is curable through our life changing medicines alongside solutions and partnerships that allow early detection, diagnosis and equitable cancer care for patients.” She added, “We are grateful to AC Health and Healthway Medical Network for this collaboration that allows access to life-saving cancer medicines, enhance the capability of healthcare professionals in managing cancer patients and empower patients through patient support programs. With AstraZeneca’s growing pipeline across different therapeutic areas, we look forward to continue building on this partnership with the whole of AC Health to revolutionize innovative and holistic patient care for Filipinos.” Cross-cutting end-to-end cancer care With over four general hospitals, 13 out-patient centers, and its upcoming Healthway Cancer

Care Hospital, the first of its kind in the country, Healthway Medical Network seeks to provide cross-cutting end-to-end cancer care to its patients. The partnership with AstraZeneca aligns seamlessly with Healthway’s mission of providing accessible, patient-centric healthcare. “This collaboration embodies our commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care,” said Jimmy Ysmael, President and CEO of Healthway Medical Network. “As the first hospital and clinics group to pilot and implement the AZ Cares Patient Access Program, we are excited to leverage our extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and physicians to deliver accessible and effective cancer solutions, making a lasting impact on the healthcare journey of countless Filipinos.” In addition to this partnership, AstraZeneca and AC Health have a history of coming together for transformative healthcare initiatives. Earlier this year, they launched the ACT Now program, focusing on early detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) related to Diabetes and Hypertension within the Healthway QualiMed hospital network and Healthway clinics. Notably, during the pandemic, AC the Health joined hands with AstraZeneca in a concerted effort alongside the government and other private sector partners to secure COVID-19 vaccines, underlining their shared commitment to public health. “Having worked closely during the pandemic to fight Covid, we’re pleased to team up once more with AstraZeneca on this groundbreaking collaboration to fight cancer,” stated Paolo Borromeo, President and CEO of AC Health. “Our shared commitment to improving healthcare underscores the importance of collective action. Working with like-minded partners, we aim to bring positive and lasting changes to the healthcare experiences of many Filipinos.” The MOU signing ceremony held last October 18, 2023 at the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in Arca South, Taguig City, was attended by representatives of Healthway Medical Network and AstraZeneca Philippines.

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Thursday, November 16, 2023

Zeroing in on keeping our key organs healthy: Part II PHOTO BY ANNA PELZER ON UNSPLASH

L Photo shows a WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouch. AP

Nearly two dozen toddlers sickened by lead linked to tainted applesauce pouches, CDC says

US health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. Children ages 1 to 3 were affected, and at least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter. The reported symptoms included headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia. The illnesses are part of an outbreak tied to recalled pouches of fruit puree marketed to kids from the brands WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. The products were sold in stores and online. Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve the products, and kids who may have eaten them should be tested for lead levels. Children who are affected may show no symptoms, experts said. Lead exposure can lead to serious learning and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The CDC said there were cases in the following states as of November 7: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. AP

AST week, I started to share my learnings on self-care for the heart and brain from this practical, up-to-date and comprehensive guide on caring for each organ in our body from the resource titled The Guide to Aging Slower: Your Body’s Complete Owner’s Manual by Prevention. This week, let me continue with the lungs, skeleton and stomach.

LUNGS

OUR lungs are a pair of breathing organs in our chest that remove carbon dioxide from and bring oxygen to our blood. It’s likely that you’ve heard that “just breathe” advice a lot recently. And while focusing on your inhalations is useful when you need to calm down, taking a proper breath is easier said than done—especially in a world that can be hard on the lungs. Chronic respiratory disorders are on the rise in women, and lung cancer has jumped dramatically in recent decades, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). Smoking is still the primary cause, but air pollution is a huge factor, too. A study from the Johns Hopkins University found that a diet rich in apples (and tomatoes) may help repair the lungs of ex-smokers by “slowing down the lung’s natural aging process, even if you never smoked,” says lead study author Vanessa Garcia-Larsen, PhD. Instead of downing your daily cup of joe, sip green tea instead. Not only has it been credited with helping improve brain function and heart health, but new research also shows that it may protect against pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive form of lung disease where scar tissue builds up and limits the body’s oxygen supply. People with severe asthma may have low vitamin D levels, and foods like milk, eggs and salmon all contain the essential vitamin. Eating more pink fish may help the little ones too: kids who added fatty fish to their diets had improved lung function after just six months, according to a clinical trial from La Trobe University in Sydney, Australia. Is vaping better for me than smoking? Many regular cigarette users turn to e-cigarettes to try to stop smoking, but there’s mixed evidence about how effective this practice is, and these products are not approved by the FDA as a cessation aid. “E-cigarettes may help some patients to quit smoking, but we recommend other methods of nicotine replacement, such as prescription medications or over-the-counter products such as

skin patches, lozenges and gum,” says pulmonologist Humberto Choi, MD. If you do use e-cigarettes to kick the habit, it’s best to stop using them as soon as you feel confident you’ve beat it. While more research is needed to truly understand the long-term effects of vaping, most experts don’t recommend it. “Cigarettes are incredibly lethal. Vaping isn’t as harmful, but it certainly isn’t harmless,” says tobacco-control advocate Robin Koval.

SKELETON

YOUR bones are the rigid support system made of collagen and calcium phosphate that help keep you upright and serve as a protective cage for your internal organs. Grow and strengthen them as much as possible throughout every decade. Investing some time and energy in your bone health will ultimately set you up for a longer, healthier life and a fitter, firmer body, says geriatrician Diane L. Schneider, MD, author of The Complete Book of Bone Health. According to the article, calcium and vitamin D work in tandem to protect your bones: calcium helps build them and slows the rate of loss, while vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Women in their 40s should get 1,000 mg of calcium a day, ideally from foods such as low-fat cheese, yogurt, milk, fatty fish like salmon, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is difficult to get from diet alone because few foods contain it (fish, eggs, and fortified

products such as milk and cereal are good sources). It also advises to have your vitamin D level tested to see if you would benefit from a supplement. Chronic inflammation not only increases your risk of disease, but it can also harm your bones. “Inflammation negatively affects bone building by altering levels of cytokines, which are proteins released by cells that regulate bone remodeling” says Tonva Orchard, PhD, an associate professor of human nutrition at Ohio State University in Columbus. (Bone remodeling is the process of bones quietly and constantly breaking down and being rebuilt to help keep your skeleton strong.) You can both quell our inner fire and slash belly fat by avoiding foods that are high in added sugar or saturated fat, like pastries, cookies and red meat, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, opt for fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, Orchard says.

STOMACH

OUR stomach is a sac built with muscular walls that is located between the esophagus and the first part of the small intestine. “The digestive system is amazingly complex,” says gastroenterologist Chris South, MD. The article advises to eat lots of plants— fruits and vegetables. Always keep good body hygiene and general sanitation. At the same time, it advises to put a little dirt in our hands to help train kids’ immune systems like gardening. n

Philippine Textile Council announces piña, abaca competition winners Celebrating innovation and creativity among today’s young weavers, Habi: The Philippine Textile Council announced the winners of its two prestigious weaving competitions for piña and abaca, which were chosen by some of the top names in Philippine textile and fashion, and showcased at the highly attended Likhang Habi Fair in Makati City from October 13 to 15, 2023. Topping the Lourdes Montinola Piña Competition, which received over 30 entries, was Marilyn Almero of La Herminia Piña Weaving, for her “Peacock” piece, which also won her the special Filip + Inna Innovation Award and P50,000. First runner-up was Raquel Eliserio for her “Piña Ina” creation, who took home P30,000; while second runner-up was Anna India Legazpi of Heritage Arts and Culture, who also took home P20,000, for her “Argyle Pattern on Piña Seda.” The Nadres Outstanding Young Weaver Award and P20,000 cash prize went to 26-year-old Zairel Rebusta, a weaver at La Herminia Piña Weaving from Aklan, one of Habi’s regular exhibitors. “The outstanding feature [Rebusta’s] piece is that it’s full ringgue—a gauze-like open weave. This is seldom done and resulted in a very light and soft textile. The insects laid in with suksuk method are random, which is not easy to do,” said Adelaida Lim, Habi president emeritus. Now in its 6th year, the Lourdes Montinola Piña Competition is the country’s premier piña-weaving contest. Named after local textile champion Lourdes Reyes-Montinola, chair emeritus of the Far Eastern University, the competition invites local artisans from all over the Philippines to join and proudly exhibit their talents in weaving, dyeing, embroidering and

embellishing piña. The competition aims to keep this traditional craft alive, as well as further promote appreciation and use of Philippine textiles. Training the spotlight on the use of abaca, Habi also held the 2nd Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving competition, which celebrates the well-loved and versatile abaca fiber, as well as its namesake—a prominent Kapampangan who actively encouraged the use of Filipino textiles, and is mother to popular haute couture 1970s fashion designer-turned-monk Gang Gomez, now known as Dom Martin Gomez, OSB. Winners of the abaca-weaving competition include Anna India Legazpi, who won under the Applied Abaca Category; Agustin Tawi Sudaw, for the Abaca Ikat Category; and Edgar Cornito’s “Beyond the Horizon” piece under the Pure Abaca Category. All winners took home P50,000 each as part of their prize. “The innovation really stood out—it’s something different all the way, and what’s beautiful is that you see the innovation coming from the young,” said one of the competition’s judges, Vicky Vizcarra Amalingan-Sales, chairman of SC Vizcarra Inc., a major brand synonymous to fine, handcrafted bags and home items made of wicker. For the piña-weaving competition, Sales was joined on the juror panel by no less than Far Eastern University chair emeritus Lourdes Montinola herself; Felicidad Nadres, founder of EN Barong Filipino Inc.; textile designer, heritage conservationist, and social activist Patis Tesoro; and author and heritage advocate Felice Sta. Maria. Meanwhile, on the juror panel for the abaca competition were the daughter of Eloisa Hizon

Zairel Rebusta

Agustin Tawi Sudaw

Gomez, Erlie Gomez Manaloto; top designers Ditta Sandico, Noli Hans, Barge Ramos, and Filip + Inna creative director Len Cabili. All competitors also showcased their works at the recently concluded Likhang Habi Market Fair, the annual three-day exhibit, bazaar and educational event highlighting the country’s weaving culture.

Anna India Legazpi

Starting as a 12-booth event back in 2009, Likhang Habi now has over 100 participants, drawing huge crowds year after year. “The idea of our fair is to really go out to the weaving communities and encourage them to come,” says Habi chair emeritus Maribel Ongpin. “Most are now self-sufficient, and we now have a waiting list.”

Thursday, November 16, 2023

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SANTÉ WINS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AT 14TH ASIA CEO AWARDS

ANTÉ’S Chief Executive Officer Joey Marcelo was named the Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious 14th Asia CEO Awards last October 24, 2023, at the Manila Marriott. This celebrated event, known as the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, recognized business excellence in various sectors within the country. The Asia CEO Awards is a highly regarded event that honors remarkable business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership, and innovation in driving the success of their organizations.

With around 700 nominations across different categories, Santé International, one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct selling companies globally dedicated to helping people live better lives, earned a place in the Circle of Excellence for its Executive Leadership Team, while Marcelo was awarded with the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award. “I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the entire Santé team. This recognition ref lects our commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives through health and wellness. It’s a testament to the hard work,

dedication, and innovation of our entire team,” said Marcelo. Established 16 years ago in the Philippines, Santé has consistently promoted health and wellness through providing high-quality products and business opportunities. Today, the company operates in 10 countries, with plans to expand to more countries in the future. This award underscores Santé’s position as an industry leader and the potential for continued growth and success under Marcelo’s visionary leadership. Joey, a successful entrepreneur, serves as an inspiration to Santé business owners by sharing his knowledge and success, aligning with the company’s mission to help people live better lives. Santé, globally dedicated to delivering high-quality health and wellness products, also empowers business owners to reach new heights and nurture their growth. The company forms a supportive community that uplifts and champions Filipinos, and now people from other nationalities, in achieving their dreams through its capable business system, offering hope for a better life. An entrepreneur at heart, Marcelo, along with his partners, are now venturing into new verticals and businesses in the retail, fitness, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors. To learn more about the Santé and its health and wellness products and services, visit its website at mySanté.com.

Angkas riders driven to improve performance, augment income

ECOGNIZING their efforts to make Angkas a leading motorcycle ride-hailing app in the country, the two-wheel taxi and delivery service provider has launched two new programs aimed at boosting the livelihood of partnerriders and promoting economic development through a strong sense of community. Every two weeks, prizes worth P200,000 are at stake for those who not only meet but surpass the daily ride challenges. Through the “Drive to Win” initiative, valuable rewards, including household appliances, gadgets, grocery packages, gift certificates and gas vouchers will be raffled off. What’s more, Angkas will continue giving its riders prizes, which are revealed via the

Angkas Barkada MNL Facebook page during the ANGKAmuStahan FB Live Sessions. This will further motivate riders and fuel not only their greater participation but stronger commitment to better serve the commuting public, according to Angkas Chief Executive Officer George Royeca. “We’ve always positioned Angkas as a company that riders can trust and a place where they feel supported. Our unwavering commitment is to ensure they feel fulfilled, valued, and integral to the success of the company,” he said. To augment the riders’ earnings, the “Angkas Weekend Market” will be opened in partnership with SariSuki on select weekends from November 19 to December 31 at the Angkas Cainta Office. Participating partner-riders and their families

Southeast Asian Premier Business, Outstanding Achiever 2023 to be revealed on December 8

HE stage is set, the excitement is building, and the countdown has begun for the most anticipated recognition event of the year: the Southeast Asian Premier Business and Outstanding Achiever Award 2023. Organized by La Visual Corporation and Sirbisu Channel, this gala celebration is scheduled on December 8, 2023 at Winford Hotel Manila. The Southeast Asian Premier Business and Outstanding Achiever Award is not just an event; it’s a tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, businesses, and organizations that have left an indelible mark on Southeast Asia. It also recognizes outstanding individuals, CEOs, entrepreneurs, public servants, artists and celebrities who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. This year’s awardees include Salvacion Paparon, who will receive as the Premier Achiever Inspiring Female Entrepreneur; Shirley B. Belangel, CPA, MBA who is the Premier Achiever Outstanding and Trusted Financial Advisor; Gabriel John Rimando as the Premier Achiever Empowered Entrepreneur; Judge Tarcelo A. Sabarre, Premier Achiever Innovative and MultiAwarded Presiding Judge; Dr. Edward Q. Perez as the Premier Achiever Remarkable Consultant in the Gaming Industry; Wej Cudiamat as the Premier Achiever Best Male Broadcaster of the year; Lino DG. Mallari as the Premier Achiever Excellent Host of Whatta Whatta Eurotv; Miller Daniolco who is recognized as the Premier Achiever Remarkable Reliable Event Director and Excellent Photographer; Annabelle D. Surara as the Premier Achiever Best Female Broadcaster of the year; Lae Manego who is recognized as the Premier Achiever Inspiring Women and Remarkable Pop Rock Performing Artist of the

Year; Atty. Persida V. Rueda Acosta who will be honored as the Premier Achiever Outstanding and Inspiring Public Servant of the year; Braggy Braganza as the Premier Achiever Best Radio Station Manager; Dennis Antenor Jr. as the Premier Achiever Best Radio Newscaster; Audrey Gorriceta as the Premier Achiever Outstanding News Anchor of the year; Alfonso “Fifi” delos Santos as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Man and TV Host of the year; John Edward T. Tajanlangit aka Jed Madela as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Vocal Coach, Songwriter & Singer; Dianne Medina as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Woman and TV Host of the year; Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral who will received as the Premier Achiever Outstanding in Public Service; Vice Mayor Nelda A. Favillaran who will be honored as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Vice Mayor of Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Jeffrey Dy as the Premier Achiever Excellence Leadership in Hair & Makeup and Choreography; Daiana Menezes as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Female TV Host and Singer of the year; Jamin Lim as the Premier Achiever Remarkable Photographer of the year; Keyrol Cabuso as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Business Owner and Remarkable Videographer; Bon Jheo Exconde as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Sought After Photographer of the year; Sam Coloso as the Premier Achiever Inspiring Fast Rising Actress, Best Female Host and Model; Marroth Nava as the Premier Achiever Trusted Professional Hair & Make-Up Artist of the year; Janeena Chan as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Celebrity and Remarkable Host; Julie Anne San Jose as the Premier Achiever Inspiring Female Singer of the year; Alden Richards as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Entrepreneur and Inspiring Male Celebrity Actor; Jillian Ward as

will offer consumers a wide range of products at good prices and discounts. As an added support, Angkas will allow riders and their wives to use the stalls for free to sell their products. It does not only empower them to enhance brand recognition for their products but also enables them to reach a supportive local customer base. “With the holiday season fast approaching, we encourage the community to support our riders and their families by exploring their unique offerings at this weekend market. By making a purchase, you’re not only acquiring unique items and tasting delicious food but also contributing to the local economy, supporting these small-scale entrepreneurs,” Royeca said. the Premier Achiever Remarkable Actress of the year; Neliza Cua Neal as the Premier Achiever Remarkable Fashion Designer and CEO of Neals Enesembles; Atty. Glynis Lynn R. Cabansag as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Property Dispute Attorney of the Year; Nodalyn Casaljay as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Business Leader and Female Entrepreneur of the year and Pocholo De Leon Gonzales as the Premier Achiever Outstanding Filipino Motivational Speaker. “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these exceptional individuals and companies who have raised the bar for excellence in their respective fields,” said the event organizers. “We hope that their stories will inspire others to strive for excellence and help build a stronger and more vibrant business community.” The confirmed awardees are from different business industries and have been recognized as the best in their respective fields. These include Sheanne Roll Up Door Construction Services, Chef Chateau, Hiroshi Wellness Healthcare Solutions Philippines, PAP 360. IPHIOS Logistics Corp, Petals of Love MNL, Lagniappe Printshop, Through The Glass Creatives, LIVE LEVELS Pro Audio and Lights Services, Kenta Kogaku Corporation, Cave Beach Resort, Eyeleen Hair and Make up by: Aileen Sebua, Studio 45k, IBMAMMJ Construction Services, Rise and Shine Pilipinas, PhilNONI & Phil. Morinda Citrifolia, Inc., AJES Enterprise, Al Bernaldez Couture, Myeongdong Corner, Media House Express, DWIZ-AM, 97.9 Home Radio, Aliw Channel 23, Jam Lim Enterprises, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Nabua Medical Equipment and Repair Services, Links Digital & Light TV This year’s event is made possible with the support of our sponsors, Gown and Events Management by Touting, Adlin Events, JFBV & Lucky GHL Advertising as the Minor Sponsor and JP Catering Services as Major Sponsor. We appreciate your commitment and dedication to recognizing excellence in the business industry. *The Organizers of Excellence:*

IN the photo are, from left, Hotel101 Group Head of Public Relations Brian Ong, Hotel101-Fort Hotel Manager Sherwinne Cabalang, DOT-NCR Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Malay Aklan Vice Mayor Niño Carlos Cawaling representing Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, ISSI Chair and President Dr. Mina Gabor, Department of Transportation Active Transport Office Project Manager Mr. Eldon Joshua N. Dionisio, representing Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, Hotel101 Group General Manager Gel Gomez and Head of Sales Jamaica Puti.

Hotel100 Group shines a light on sustainability at its Christmas tree lighting at Hotel101-Fort

OTEL101 Group, the hospitality arm of DoubleDragon Corporation, lit up the holiday season and celebrated sustainability at the 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting held at their newest hotel, Hotel101-Fort in Taguig City. In her welcome remarks, the Hotel101 Group General Manager Gel Gomez highlighted the significance of celebrating this occasion at Hotel101-Fort, as a testament to the company’s growth and expansion. “This year, we have the distinct pleasure of hosting you here at our newest hotel, Hotel101-Fort, a testament to the growth and expansion of the Hotel101 Group, not only in the Philippines but also globally,” Gomez said. The evening was a celebration of the 101 STAY GREEN campaign, an initiative that has been at the forefront of the group’s sustainability efforts. Launched in 2022, the program has seen Hotel101 Group engage in a variety of projects, including information education campaigns, tree planting, coastal clean-ups, and their Bike Happy program. Collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and various stakeholders has been integral to these efforts, showcasing the group’s dedication to sustainability in hotel operations and the preservation of the Philippines’ natural beauty. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2nd 101 STAY GREEN Champions, individuals and partners who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to sustainable tourism and

environmental protection. The awardees included notable figures such as Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, Department of Tourism NCR Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Booking. com, and International School of Sustainable Tourism Chair and President Dr. Mina Gabor. The celebration went beyond Hotel101-Fort, as simultaneous Christmas tree lightings took place at Hotel101Manila, Jinjiang Inn-Ortigas, Jinjiang Inn-Makati, Injap Tower Hotel-Iloilo, and Jinjiang Inn-Boracay Station 1, symbolizing the unity of the group’s commitment to sustainability across all their properties. The evening was a reminder that the true essence of the holiday season lies in giving back. “As we gather around our Christmas trees, let us remember that the true essence of the holiday season lies in our ability to give back, while we also take time to have fun and celebrate with our loved ones,” Gomez said. Hotel101 Group expressed their gratitude to the awardees for their inspiring work and looked forward to an evening of happiness and celebration, with the hope that the shared commitment to sustainability would shine brightly throughout the holiday season. As the event concluded, attendees were left with the warm glow of the holiday spirit and a renewed determination to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.

ASTIG graduates from the Municipality of Pola with Hon. Mayor Jennifer M. Cruz and PAFI Executive Director Janie Alfonso

PAFI’s ASTIG Program Uplifts Lives of Communities Affected by Mindoro Oil Spill

IONEER Adhesives Foundation Inc. (PAFI) has recently taken a significant step towards uplifting the lives of communities through the pilot launch of the Angat Sining Tibay at Galing (ASTIG) program in communities affected by the oil spill incident in Oriental Mindoro. This CSR initiative of Pioneer Adhesives aims to deliver practical and sustainable alternate livelihoods to affected local fishermen who have been banned from fishing since the oil spill in February. Held from August 28 to September 3, 2023, local fisher folks in the municipalities of Pola and Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro, two of

several communities gravely affected by the oil spill, underwent various trainings on the essential construction skills covering masonry, tiling, roofing, and waterproofing. They were also given comprehensive training sessions on the proper usage of Pioneer products in relation to the newly learned skills. “Tibay” livelihoods using “tibay” products aptly describes PAFI’s ASTIG Program for the residents of Pola and Pinamalayan which was personally supervised by the foundation together with Municipality of Pola Mayor Jennifer M. Cruz and PAFI Executive Director Janie Alfonso as well as trainers from Southwestern College of Maritime, Business and Technology.

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Canada’s small-grants facility backs local environment, media, human-rights projects

HE Embassy of Canada recently announced that nine organizations from across the Philippines will receive support from the Canada Fund this year. “In 2022 to 2023, the Embassy of Canada marked its 50th year of supporting local organizations in the Philippines through the ‘Canada Fund for Local Initiatives,’” Ambassador David Hartman said. “This year, in alignment with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we have focused our support on areas of our shared interests and values with the Philippines—including food security, environment and sustainable fisheries, democracy and inclusive governance, promoting transitional justice, [as well as] championing human rights and human dignity.” Hartman added that the Canada Fund is a recognition of the fundamental importance to democracy of creating and preserving space for civil society, academia, humanrights advocates, and for the local and national government to work

together constructively and collaboratively “to advance shared goals for the betterment of society.” The following organizations and their respective projects will receive the grants: Vera Files’ “Enhancing Media’s Capability to Raise Public Awareness of the Situation in the South China Sea” project will build local journalists’ capacity of to report effectively on developments in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, their global security and economic implications, as well as express the various ways ordinary Filipinos can relate the situation to their personal lives. The project aims to strengthen democracy and the rules-based international order by addressing pervasive issues of misinformation and disinformation. The Philippine Anti-Discrimi-

nation Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) Inc. through its “EquAllies” campaign aims to increase the momentum of the “SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression) Equality Bill” movement by strengthening the strategic communications capacities of organizations: 10 centered on women’s rights, and 10 for worker’s rights. Said project will highlight the intersectionality and solidarity among the sectoral groups in driving a shared vision for advancing human rights and anti-discrimination. Oceanus Conservation Inc.’s “Prioritizing Conservation Efforts: Mapping Biodiversity Hotspots in Marine Ecosystems in Busuanga, Palawan” project will partner with local government, barangays, local tourism businesses and government agencies in identifying a Marine Protected Area hotspot in Busuanga, Palawan; and to collaboratively develop a holistic conservation plan. The project will aim to protect the region’s rich biodiversity, and increase local communities’ generated income through the sustainable use of marine resources, creating a model that could be replicated in other areas of the country. The Philippine Earth Justice Cen-

ter Inc.’s “Community-Based Environmental Protection” program, in partnership with the University of Cebu’s Law School, Philippine government agencies responsible for coastal and environmental management, and a broad consortium of environmental legal-aid centers, will work with 10 barangays in Bantayan Island, Cebu to strengthen environmental protection of the Tañon Strait’s critical marine biodiversity areas. The University of the PhilippinesLos Banos and Northern Bukidnon State College’s “Project MOCHA” aims to develop a more sustainable business model in promoting indigenous food products produced by Bukidnon Province’s seven indigenous populations. The products, including coffee, wild raw honey and Adlai rice, can be essential components in alleviating hunger, protecting indigenous customs and climate-resilient agricultural practices, while strengthening environmental protection. The Centre for Empowerment & Development of People’s Organizations in Eastern Visayas, in partnership with GIOS Samar through its “Ecosystem Approach in Fisheries Management” project, will work with

fishing communities in Zumarraga, Samar to enhance climate changeresilient and inclusive local livelihoods by leveraging on opportunities in the marine economy—including aquaculture, sustainable fisheries management, and tourism-sector development. The Ateneo Human Rights Center’s “Addressing the Silent Pandemic” project will promote child survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation’ access to justice by strengthening hospital-based child-protection units that are often the first responders in addressing cases of abuse and violence. The project aims to develop policies and partnerships that will strengthen the capacity of hospitals across the country in recognizing, recording, reporting, and referring cases of sexual abuse and exploitation. PREDA Foundation Inc.’s “Improving Access to Protection, Recovery and Justice for Male and Female Children-survivors of Abuse, Sex Trafficking, and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation” will assist in the context of a residential therapeutic center in providing protection, recovery and healing for 100 children-survivors of sexual violence. It will also assist child-sur-

vivors in seeking justice, and will advocate to strengthen local and national systems for addressing the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, or OSAEC. The Initiatives for International Dialogue’s “Strengthen-BARMM” project aims to strengthen and promote the political participation of women and youth, IDP communities, and civil society in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, through capacity development, transitional justice dialogues with local and national authorities, and a durable peaceadvocacy campaign. The Canada Fund is a competitive program implemented by the Embassy of Canada which provides direct financial support to local groups for projects promoting inclusive governance such as empowering women and girls, strengthening democracy, protecting the environment, advancing human rights, and promoting the rule of law. For more information about Canada Fund’s activities in the Philippines, including the process for submitting proposals, contact the program coordinator at manil.cfli@ international.gc.ca.

Phil. Embassy in Jordan guides 111 Filipinos France joins ‘Yolanda’ from Gaza to Rafah, monitors situation 24/7 10th yr commemoration

FTER more than a month of waiting and enduring the Gaza Strip’s relentless bombardment, a total of 111 out of the 137 Filipino nationals, with the guidance of the Philippine Embassy (PE) in Jordan, successfully crossed the Rafah Border on November 12, 2023 in five batches which started five days prior. At the start of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas on October 7, the embassy headed by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos activated its Emergency Management Team (EMT) to monitor the situation on the ground, and ascertain the conditions of Filipinos in the Gaza Strip. Specifically, the team built its database of Filipinos in Gaza, and operated nonstop to contact them daily to check their status, and coordinate with them to ensure their safe exit. The country’s deputation in Jordan has concurrent jurisdiction over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the State of Palestine.

EMBASSY officials and staff members held a meeting on October 8 to activate its Emergency Management Team (EMT), with Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos (fourth from left), Third Secretary-Vice Consul Angeli A. Payumo (third from left) as well as Third Secretary-Vice Consul Sheila Maria G. Andales (center).

It also coordinated with the Philippine embassies in Israel and Egypt, as well as the United Nations Office for Project Services or UNOPS in Gaza, to ensure all possible assis-

tance was extended to the Filipino community there. Santos commended the Amman PE EMT for their invaluable service, dedication, and unwavering com-

mitment to ensure the safety of Filipino nationals in the war-torn area. The team consists of Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo, Third Secretary-Vice Consul and Assistance-To-Nationals Section Head Sheila Marie G. Andales, ATN Officer Francisco Magno, ATN Officer Ma. Jolina Guerrero, ATN Translator/Interpreter Issa Mofleh, as well as Cultural Officer Elijah I. Ang-Encarnacion. Supporting them are Second Secretary Michael Ragnar G. Supeña, Administrative Officer John Danilo Jiao Jr., Consular Assistant Mariella S. Masiglat, Collecting Officer Jocelyn B. Naputo, Property Officer Teresa M. Modesto, Secretary to the Ambassador Rachel Joy A. Pamorada, and Finance Officer Gerian Q. Abrillo. As of November 13, there are no reported casualties among Filipinos in the besieged enclave, according to a statement from the embassy. A total of 26 Filipinos have decided to remain in Gaza.

HE French Embassy joined Filipinos in remembering the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda (international name Haiyan).” In a statement, the embassy said: “Their resilience and the spirit of unity that followed continue to inspire us. France stands together in support of those affected by natural disasters in the Philippines and worldwide.” A full decade after Yolanda struck, the deputation saluted the French nongovernment organization ACTED Phils., with the support of the French government and the French Development Agency, for the emergency disaster-relief aid provided to the affected areas. It said that in 2017, new homes for 126 families were completed, following the mobilization of the French Embassy as well as the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines that formed an alliance to coordinate the individual aid efforts by French firms. In February 2015, former French president François Hollande visited

Tacloban, Leyte and Guian, Samar, where he expressed support in the aftermath of the disaster. As part of his visit to the Philippines, Hollande and then-Philippine chief executive Benigno Aquino III launched the “Manila Call to Action”—a crucial step toward the mobilization of all stakeholders for the Paris Climate Summit COP 21 in the same year. As depositaries, France and the Philippines have a special responsibility in addressing climate change. The embassy revealed that in June 2025, the city of Nice in France will host the United Nations Conference on Oceans. The gathering will be instrumental in the strengthening of efforts toward climate change, while aiming to raise awareness among the global public about the need to protect the oceans responsibly, in order to ensure a sustainable future for future generations. As two maritime nations with territories in the Indo-Pacific, France and the Philippines have major stakes in the protection of oceans and marine biodiversity.

NZ marine vessel visits PHL for goodwill mission ‘Incredible India’ pavilion to showcase

EW ZEALAND’S auxiliary ship HMNZS Aotearoa docked in Manila on October 30 for a three-day goodwill visit as part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) largest naval deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, as it helped strengthen the longstanding maritime and diplomatic ties of the Oceanic nation with the Philippines. The three-day ship visit served as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation shared between New Zealand and the Philippines, while signifying the former’s commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, according to its embassy. The Philippine Navy welcomed the vessel’s arrival and docking at the Manila Port’s Pier 15. During the visit, officials of the HMNZS Aotearoa engaged in various activities that promoted cultural exchange and maritime cooperation. In addition, the ship’s crew and diplomatic representatives

from New Zealand in Manila participated in a reception that showcased the Kiwi culture, including a powerful haka performance, and interactive activities that highlight the nation’s rich heritage and diverse traditions. “The visit [demonstrated our increasing engagement in Southeast Asia and of course, the Philippines is an important part or country in the region. New Zealand would like to engage with like-minded countries—those] which share our values, and we support each other in maintaining rules-based order,” said Commander Robert Welford, who is the commanding officer of HMNZS Aotearoa. Ambassador Peter Kell highlighted that the visit “underscores New Zealand’s dedication to maritime security, regional stability, and fostering diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific. [It serves as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between my nation and the Philippines.]”

subcontinent’s top products, cuisine

AMBASSADOR Peter Kell (center) and Defence Attaché Col. Paul Dragicevich (third from right), with the Philippine Navy and HMNZS Aotearoa officials at the ship’s deck. FB: NEW ZEALAND EMBASSYMANILA, PHILIPPINES

HE Embassy of India in Manila, in collaboration with Bharati Indian Expat Women’s Association, is organizing an “Incredible India” pavilion at the International Bazaar 2023 on November 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. This year’s “Incredible India” pavilion comprises six merchandise booths with Indian products, and three food stalls where visitors can experience delectable flavors of Indian cuisine. Each booth will unveil a unique facet of India’s diverse culture and exquisite craftsmanship such as intricate realm of mehendi art, exquisite Indian mirror work, plus a captivating collection of Indian handloom textiles and clothing that blend traditional and contemporary styles to suit all age groups. Fine jewelry, accessories, and captivating folk art will also be on display. Visitors can also purchase Indian spices and millets, in celebration of the

International Year of Millets 2023, along with a selection of fascinating Ayurvedic products. The ‘Incredible India’ food booth will offer guests an opportunity to indulge in a tempting culinary journey, with items that encompass a wide spectrum of Indian cuisine—including popular dishes, desserts, and beverages that capture the essence of the South Asian nation. For enthusiasts of street food, there will be a range of delectable chaat items, and the popular pani puri. The setting-up of the India pavilion in this year’s bazaar is in line with the Indian Embassy’s commitment to promote cultural exchanges with the Philippines, and locally showcase the vibrant heritage of India. The bazaar is being staged by the International Bazaar Foundation Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of the Philippines, and Spouses of the Heads of Mission.

Celebrated beanpoles duel: No friction, no spark at all O

KLAHOMA CITY—Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren appeared trying to avoid creating competition. The much-anticipated first regular-season meeting between two of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) top rookies Tuesday night wasn’t much of a game, and apparently there isn’t much of a rivalry between the slender 7-footers. Wembanyama said he wasn’t

aware he was even being compared to Holmgren. “Every prospect is compared to everyone,” the 19-year-old from France said. They rarely matched up 1-on1 on Tuesday, and both had off nights. Wembanyama finished with eight points on 4-for-15 shooting, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked two shots in San Antonio’s 123-87 loss to Oklahoma City. Holmgren

SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann (background) during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Go boosts PSC’s 2024 budget

ENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go again urged his colleagues to support the increased funding for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) during a plenary session at the Senate Wednesday. Go defended an P874.3-million proposed budget of the PSC for 2024, saying the P500-million increase would be used for Filipino athletes’ preparations for various international competitions next year. He said that PSC funds were also

finished with nine points on 3-for10 shooting and had seven rebounds and three assists. Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, entered the night averaging 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Holmgren, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft, missed last season due to a foot injury but has recovered in grand style. He was averaging 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks before Tuesday while shooting 55% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. Fans have marveled over the versatility the 7-foot-3 Wembanyama and the 7-1 Holmgren have displayed. Both have shown impressive shooting range and passing skills and have found early success in the rough-andtumble league, despite their slender frames. As expected, both have been elite rim protectors. After the game, they said little about each other. When questioned specifically about what it’s like to see someone nearly his size with similar skills, Wembanyama didn’t bite. “Tall guys who handle the ball— there’s almost one on every team now, the way basketball is evolving,” he said. When asked about first having played Wembanyama in the Under 19 World Cup in 2021, Holmgren focused on the team. “Just a great matchup between the US and France,” the 21-year-old

augmented for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. “It’s evident that if we provide our athletes the necessary support, it would be of huge help to them and they would be able to bring honor to our country,” said Go, chairman of the Committee on Sports. The Senate submitted the PSC budget for plenary approval as well as a P131.1-million proposed 2024 budget of the Games and Amusement Board which was also sponsored by Go.

Holmgren said. “A lot of great players in that game that were competing. It came down to the wire and we were able to edge out a win in that one.” On Tuesday, both got off to slow starts, but Wembanyama was the first to score with a baseline dunk in the first quarter. Holmgren missed his first two shots before getting on the board with a 3-pointer early in the second quarter. Wembanyama dunked on a postup against Josh Giddey, then hit a mid-range jumper to cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 39-37 midway through the second quarter. As halftime neared, the Spurs tried to throw a lob to Wembanyama in the post. The Thunder tipped it away and went on a fast break. Giddey faked a behind-the-back pass to his right, then flung the ball over his left shoulder to Holmgren, who threw down a two-handed jam with 2.2 seconds left in the first half to give the Thunder a 58-48 lead at the break. The game was a blowout heading into the fourth quarter, but both played the early minutes. Holmgren tipped away a lob attempt to Wembanyama in one of the few instances where they were close. Minutes later, Wembanyama blocked a shot by Holmgren. But by then, the drama was long gone. And none was created after the game, either. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

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hursday, November 16, 2023 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

OKLAHOMA City’s Chet Holmgren dribbles against San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama.

Cignal HD spikers bag Challenge Cup quarterfinals berth

Imalay, Rodriguez named co-MVPs in national juniors netfest in Silay KATE IMALAY (second from right) and Andrian Rodriquez hold their trophies as they pose with (from left) Silay City sports director Marlon Parreno and coach Pecos Oeste.

ATE IMALAY and Andrian Rodriguez fashioned out victories and runner-up finishes to share Most Valuable Player honors in the Mayor Joedith Gallego National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Silay courts in Negros Occidental over the weekend. The top-seeded Imalay, 14, demonstrated dominance in her age bracket, dropping just six games, including a 6-0, 6-2 rout of second seed Alexa Cruspero in the finals. Despite a 0-6, 1-6 setback to Bacolod City’s Hannah Divinagracia in the 16-and-under category, the rising Bato (Leyte) star emerged top performer among female players in the Group I tournament presented by Dunlop. Rodriquez, on the other hand, survived Kurt Montenegro, 4-2, 4-5 (1), 10-2, in the semis then repulsed Raphael Lamata, 6-3, 6-2, to clinch the boys’ 14-and-under title. However, the Bacolod City native

All heads on deck! Liberty’s Quinton Cooley is brought down by a host of Old Dominion defenders during the first half of their NCAA college football game recently in Lynchburg, Virginia. AP

fell short in the 16-and-under finals, losing a closely-fought 3-6. 6-1, 6-10 battle to top seed Jeremy Napiere from Cadiz City. Takuya Joson and Jasmine Jaran, both from La Carlota City, also claimed the top spots in the premier division with the former repelling Romell Gimena, 6-3, 1-6, 10-7, and the latter blasting Louchelaj Estember, 6-0, 6-2, in the 18-andunder finals. The event, which drew nearly 200 entries, served as part of the junior tennis program put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro. Impressed by the huge turnout, Gallego pledged to host the tournament annually, including the Open Championship. The city plans to construct two more tennis courts as part of Silay City’s grassroots sports development program to encourage youth participation.

Game has changed THINGS are heating up in Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as the Final Four phase of the basketball tournament looms and teams jockey for position to get the choice spots in the ladder. But I’m not going to make any predictions or analyze why this team or that team will end up getting the coveted twice to beat slots. I’m not going to do hardcore basketball stuff at all.

Sarno, Ramos, Ceniza on track to punching tickets to Paris

By Josef Ramos

HERE’S a strong possibility that not just one but four Filipino weightlifters would be competing in next year’s Paris Olympics. “We have three weightlifters who’re on track to qualifying for Paris,” Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) secretary-general Patrick Lee told BusinessMirror on Wednesday. They are Vanessa Sarno (-71 kgs) and Rosegie Ramos (-49 kgs) in the women’s division and John Febuar Ceniza (-61 kgs) in the men’s side. “If they can maintain their rankings, they can surely go to Paris,” Lee said. Sarno, a two-time Southeast Asian Games champion, is rank No. 9 built on her three silver

Instead I’ll share some observations I’ve had of the league that I’ve covered since I first joined the sportswriting merry-go-round decades and decades ago. Watching the games day after day and soaking in the atmosphere at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum or the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Gym, I can’t help but compare how not only has the game of basketball changed in its approach and executions. The whole enchilada of the crowd, the cheering squads, the teams and all the accouterments that go with playing has evolved. It’s a totally different experience watching the UAAP games then and now. Let’s take the matter of school hymns, for a start. In the older days—say, the 70s or up to the 80s—schools used to come equipped with bands. Usually sourced from their respective ROTCs, the school bands would strike up school songs that never fail to rev up their crowds. I remember that the Ateneo Blue Eagles would be lifted up by the strains and the singing of “Blue Eagle, The King,”a song written by Senator Raul Manglapus back in the 30s, that urges The Blue to “fly high.” The De La Salle faithful would perk up when the band strikes up the De La Salle Victory Song that goes “Cheer, cheer for Ol’ De La Salle.” And the University of the

medals in her second Olympic qualifying tournament at the Asian championships last May in Jinju, South Korea. Ramos is also No. 9 thanks to her 188 kgs total lift in her third Olympic qualifier at the world championships last September in Saudi Arabia where she finished in seventh place. Ceniza, on the other hand, runs sixth after three Olympic qualifiers having made a 296-kg total lift also at the Riyadh worlds. Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo is on track at No. 7 in women’s -59 kgs after three Olympic qualifiers. A weightlifter has to compete in five or six Olympic qualifying tournaments and rank in the top 12 of his or her weight division to punch a ticket to Paris. All four, including Diaz-Naranjo,

could stay in strong contention for Paris by churning in respectable performances in the International Weightlifting Federation Grand Prix II in Doha, Qatar, set from December 4 to 15. “ T hey have to compete there in Doha to boost their chances,” Lee said. Diaz-Naranjo is focused on Doha that she has set up camp in Manama tagging along her protégé Ramos. “We cannot be complacent despite being in good standings after three qualifying events,” Diaz-Naranjo said. “There are still two to three remaining Olympic qualifiers next year.” Also competing in Doha are Ramos’s sister Rose Jean (women -45 kgs), Tokyo Olympian Elreen Ann Ando and Sarno, Lovely Inan (women -49 kgs) and Kristel Macrohon (women -71 kgs).

Philippines crowd would rise when the band hits the first notes of “Push On UP.” Now, only Ateneo and National University have bands to add a new layer of cheer to their cheering. School songs are no longer sung and have been replaced by the more serious and sacred school anthems that are sung at the end of games. Yells are louder and harder. Drums rule. Rhythm has replaced melody. Another thing I noticed is that when the game is ongoing these days, the pep squads and crowds of competing teams go hard at it against each other. More often than not, both sides cheer simultaneously so the whole arena becomes a giant pit of noise, babble and bedlam. In olden days, cheering squads of either team would give way for the other side to finish their yells before beginning theirs. Courtesy was practiced and silent rules were observed. But maybe, just maybe, a team or two purposely kept their cheers longer and added swag to their cheering. Other teams caught on to the one-over and no longer waited for the other team to finish. Being louder than the other team became the mission. Competitiveness became king. Game-wise, players of yesteryears would relate that their coaches forbade them to pick up their opponents when he fell or tripped over. The other team was the enemy, and

OWERHOUSE Cignal HD trounced Kuya JM-Davao City, 25-19, 25-17, 25-11, to punch a ticket to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup quarterfinal round on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. The HD Spikers needed only 74 minutes to dispatch their foes and extend their unbeaten campaign to three matches in Pool A of the 20-team men’s division of the tourney supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI. Cignal previously clobbered Savouge Aesthetics, 25-21, 25-16, 25-22, and the University of Batangas 25-14, 25-15, 25-16, entering its last assignment against Volida Volleyball Club this weekend. PGJC Navy also booked its quarterfinal spot after a default win against Angatleta-Orion, Bataan for a similar 3-0 record in Pool C approaching its last match against Jose Rizal University (JRU). The Sealions’ first two wins came against 3B Marikina City, 25-20, 25-11-, 25-18 and Plaridel, Quezon, 25-18, 25-23, 25-10. Also in Pool C, JRU stayed unbeaten in two games to boost its quarterfinal hopes with a 25-13, 25-17, 25-19 win over Marikina after its 25-11, 25-12, 25-15 victory over Angatleta-Orion, Bataan last week. In Pool A, Savouge Aesthetics improved to 1-1 after routing the winless Volida Volleyball Club, 25-11, 25-11, 25-17. Over at the women’s play, the Philippine Air Force got off to a flying start with a 25-23, 25-15, 24-26, 25-11 win over Davao City in Pool B as Parañaque City bounced back in Pool B with a 2515, 25-10, 13-25, 25-18 triumph over the Vollida Volleyball Club.

an us-against-them mentality was the rule. Today, the game is kinder. Camaraderie is practiced on court regardless of whether the man who is down is a teammate or a member of the opposing team. That’s a nice touch. Then, coaching staffs were smaller. Just a head coach, an assistant coach or two, a trainer plus support staff like tape men and ball boys were sufficient. Now, wow. Each team has a whole regiment of head coach, assistant coaches, defensive and offensive coaches, big- and small-men coaches, physical trainers, team psychologist, nutritionist and physical therapists. We’ve come a long way, baby. Also, shoes then were simpler. Good ol’ Converse shoes were the jewels of the day, even for Olympians. Today, shoes are expensive gems that come in various colors, are packed with techno-innovations and athletes have become their endorsers. Crowds were leaner then. The 6,100-capacity Rizal Memorial Coliseum was THE go-to arena. Now, 15,000 Mall of Asia Arena can be filled to the rafters by team faithful and casual fans. Then, and I’m talking 80s, 90s to early 00s here, NU and UP were erstwhile best friends in the UAAP cellar. Today, what was down has come up. The Bulldogs and the Fighting Maroons are at the top of the standings. Times have changed indeed.