BusinessMirror November 17, 2023 by BusinessMirror

Govt wants to use Maharlika for 80 projects By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

T XI AT APEC China’s President Xi Jinping speaks at a dinner with business leaders during the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) conference Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in San Francisco. Xi and President Joe Biden engaged in a formal bilateral meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference near San Francisco, exactly one year after their last encounter in Bali, Indonesia. Story in World page, A11. AP/JEFF CHIU

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HE government is now eyeing to finance 80 government infrastructure projects through the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF). President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said this in his closing remarks at the 12th Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in San Francisco on Thursday. "These projects offer high rates of return and significant socioeconomic impact," the chief executive said. The MIF is expected to become

operational next month following the recent appointment of Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Rafael D. Consing Jr. Marcos tasked Consing to make sure the country's first sovereign wealth fund is well-managed. “It will serve as an additional source and mode of financing for priority projects of the government, including the infrastructure flagship,” the President said. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), the Marcos administration currently

has 196 remaining infrastructure projects under its Build-Better-More (BBM) initiative. Of these, 71 are ongoing, while the remaining 125 are in different stages of preparations.

Investment hub Aside from infrastructure, Marcos said the government is also looking for investments in rural areas and digital production technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, data analytics, cloud computing, and nanotechnology. During the PEB in San Francisco,

the President tried to secure more foreign investments to the country by highlighting its strong macroeconomic fundamentals. T hese i nc lude t he cou nt r y ’s 5.9-percent economic growth in the third quarter and the easing of the inflation rate to 4.9 percent in October. Marcos attributed the favorable developments to the country’s business-friendly policies. “With a solid reform agenda and unabating growth amid headwinds, the Philippines is ready to take off as a leading investment hub in Asia,” Marcos said.

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

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KEY RATES ON ‘HAWKISH HOLD’ ON INFLATION DATA www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, November 17, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 37

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By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) decided to pause its monetary tightening efforts as inflation expectations are now expected to be within target by 2024 and 2025.

The Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) Rate remains unchanged at 6.5 percent. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities will be maintained at 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively. The BSP said the risk-adjusted inflation forecasts remain above target for 2024 at 4.4 percent and within the target for 2025 at 3.4 percent. “The Monetary Board continues to deem it necessary to keep monetary policy settings sufficiently tight until a sustained downtrend in inflation becomes fully evident and inflation expectations are firmly anchored,” BSP said.

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. speaks during the Apec CEO Summit Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in San Francisco. AP/ERIC RISBERG

See “Key,” A2

MEDIA STAKEHOLDERS REVIEW CHALLENGES IN WORLD OF ‘AI’ By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

BU DHABI— Spanning the era of pen, paper, typewriter and computer into the dawn of AI (artificial intelligence), the media industry is indeed evolving rapidly. International experts and practitioners from the industry convened here at this year’s Global Media Congress to delve into the changes in the way journalism is practiced, disseminated and consumed. Professor Charlie Beckett, founding director of London-

based think tank Polis, said AI would not “kill” journalists but only replace “really boring journalists.” “It’s not that you’re gonna bring a rope in the newsroom and replace people. AI will replace really boring journalists,” he said in an interview after a panel discussion on the integration of advanced technology in newsrooms. W h i le A I wou ld h ave a t ra nsfor m at ive i mpac t on journalism, Beckett said the efficiencies AI can bring will See “Media,” A2

At Apec CEO gab, Marcos tells business to end inequity

‘W

E ca n on ly be as strong as the weakest members of our

economies.” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said this during his keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) CEO Summit in San Francisco on Thursday, as he called on businesses to help end international inequalities. He stressed they play an important role in addressing the “gaps” in existing economic models and international trading system, which are detrimental to the disadvantaged, marginalized, and underrepresented sectors. "Regardless of how much prog-

ress we make in these halls, if such does not translate to a better quality of life and resiliency, we will remain derailed by even the most subtle of shocks and insecurities that are beyond our control," Marcos said. Addressing such issues, he said, will require strengthening international cooperation on wealth distribution and empowering the disadvantaged groups amid ongoing technological transition in some sectors like energy, maritime, and health care. Mainstreaming of sustainable private sector practices such as See “Apec,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 55.8080 n japan 0.3687 n UK 69.3247 n HK 7.1487 n CHINA 7.7009 n singapore 41.3393 n australia 36.3031 n EU 60.5517 n KOREA 0.0428 n SAUDI arabia 14.8912 Source: BSP (November 16, 2023)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, November 17, 2023

Foreign tourists spend $7B in the PHL in Jan-Oct 2023 By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

NTERNATIONAL travelers spent some US$7 billion or about P391 billion in the Philippines in the first 10 months of the year, which pushes further the country’s tourism recovery. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco made the announcement during the Philippines Economic Briefing (PEB) on Wednesday in San Francisco, where government economic managers outlined investment opportunities in the country. “We have received over 4.63 million international visitors, which constitutes 96 percent of our entire year’s target [of 4.8 million], contributing over $7 billion to our economy,” she said at the event, one of the sidelights of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit as he attends the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Summit. The receipts this year were just 8.73 percent less than the $7.67 billion (P428 billion) earned from January to October 2019, prior to the pandemic, according to data from the Department of Tour-

Apec…

ism (DOT). This year’s visitor spend was also 180 percent higher than the $2.5 billion (P139.5 billion) recorded in the same period in 2022. (Reference rate P55.58:$1) Frasco told participants in the briefing: “The Department of Tourism marks 50 years of bringing the world’s attention to the immense beauty of our country, where tourism is a unifying force for good, and has emerged as one of the strongest pillars of our economy post-pandemic.”

New cruise terminals

sco noted would further boost the arrivals of international tourists in the country. The new cruise terminals will be built in Boracay, Coron, Camiguin, Siargao, and Puerto Galera. Cruise tourism is a major program of the DOT, which projects cruise tourists to bring in at least $4 million (P223 million) in visitor receipts this year. A number of international cruise ships have added new tourism destinations in the Philippines in their Asian itineraries. (See, “Norwegian Cruise Line includes 3 new PHL ports on cruise itineraries,” in the BusinessMirror, October 12, 2023.) Other Cabinet officials who joined the PEB titled “Think Growth, Think Philippines,” were Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista Jr., and Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, according to a DOT news statement.

She also underscored the DOT’s convergence programs with other government agencies to help boost connectivity across the islands. “We’ve collaborated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to continue the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program, and as a result of that, over 158 kilometers of tourism roads have been constructed or rehabilitated this year, with more to come in 2024 and in succeeding years,” she said. The Department of Transportation [DOTr] will also be developing five new cruise terminals next year, which Fra-

Meanwhile, visitor arrivals reached 4.66 million from January to November 16, 2023, of which 4.28 million were foreign tourists, while 380,880 were overseas Filipinos, or Philippine pass-

sharing of aggregated consumer data from industries to enable evidence-based and scalable public pro-

grams and projects, as well as the recalibration and standardization of reporting structures and assessment templates to include indicators on

Continued from A1

S. Koreans still top visitors

port holders permanently residing abroad. Majority arrived by air, while the rest at 20,347, arrived by sea, which include cruise tourists. South Korea remained the top source market for tourists, with 1.23 million visitors arriving during the reference period, accounting for 26.31 percent of total arrivals. The United States followed with 772,700 visitors (16.6 percent of total); then Japan with 261,743 visitors (5.62 percent); China 234,513 (5.05 percent); and Australia 217,511 (4.67 percent). Other major markets included: Canada with 189,098 visitors (4.06 percent of total); Taiwan 173,948 (3.74 percent); the United Kingdom 130,857 (2.81 percent); Singapore 126,905 (2.73 percent); Malaysia 84,522 (1.82 percent); Hong Kong 69,557 (1.5 percent); and Germany 61,614 (1.32 percent). The coming winter in Europe is expected to bring in more travelers from that part of the world, as they seek refuge in the beach and resort destinations of Southeast Asia.

sustainable growth will also translate to equitable economic progress. The President, however, pointed out that the "race to sustainability" should not translate to protectionism since it can have "deleterious effects" on supply chains especially in developing economies. It is only when the private sector fails in "reducing inequalities and increasing living standards, and strengthening economic foundations," can the government consider interventions to eliminate economic inequalities, according to Marcos. Apec, he said, is a good platform to initiate the reforms. "We must leverage Apec’s core value propositions as the premier regional forum in the Asia-Pacific, incubator of innovative ideas, pathfinder for collaborative solutions to emerging trade issues, and platform for forward-looking and responsive economic and trade policies," Marcos said. Samuel P. Medenilla

Key…

Continued from A1

"Guided by incoming data, the BSP remains prepared to resume monetary policy tightening as necessary to steer inflation towards a target-consistent path, in line with its price stability mandate," it added. The BSP adjusted the inflation outlook for 2024 from the 4.7 percent estimate made in the previous off-cycle meeting in October. The baseline for the inflation outlook was at 3.7 percent. For 2025, the BSP said inflation expectations were adjusted from the 3.5 percent estimated in October. The baseline forecast for 2025 was pegged at 3.2 percent. BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the adjustments were made to include higher oil expectations in the event that the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but we're within striking distance of our target range which is between 4 percent and 2 percent; so for 2024 I think we will, for most of the year, be between 2 percent and 4 percent,” BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said in a briefing in San Francisco on Wednesday. “Maybe in the around April to July it will approach the ceiling, but maybe even exceed the ceiling, but for most of the year we should be between 2 percent and 4 percent,” he added. Meanwhile, ANZ Research termed the recent decision of the Monetary Board as a “hawkish hold” as the BSP remained open to additional rate hikes, depending on future inflation data.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Media… Continued from A1

result in making choices. “You can either get people to do other things or you can reduce your staffing. I think both of those are gonna happen. I think newsrooms are not gonna get bigger, they are gonna get smaller because of AI,” he said.

‘Massive opportunity’

On this note, Beckett said AI presents an opportunity rather than a threat. Former Senior News Editor at BBC World Service Rache Akidi Okwir agrees that AI in the media is a “massive opportunity” and that the industry can work with it and not against it. AI, she pointed out, is a useful tool to verify data, to translate languages, to schedule publication of stories, and to crunch numbers while the journalist whips up the story. “We would come up with an exclusive, maybe an investigation, and what we used to do was get a journalist for each of these languages to translate and I would pick the stories that would resonate on audiences in different parts of the world and that would be costly. “Now, AI can instantly translate. The journalist is able to concentrate on real journalism, generating more original content rather than repetitive tasks. “If you are working online, you can do all your stories and schedule them to go out at certain times. If you are an under-resourced media house, it is useful,” she said. In this digital age, disinformation is widespread, threatening the foundations of trustworthy journalism and public confidence.

Content, not tech, still key

UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his inaugural speech during the first day of the global forum, reminded media professionals of their responsibilities to provide quality content that meets the needs of diverse national and international audiences. “The most important thing in the media is the content created and not the technology used. They are responsible for delivering a balanced mix of news, information, education, and entertainment from all local, national, and international sources. Media professionals must also be committed to ethical behavior and to search for truth. Their work must promote important values such as honesty, integrity, peace, and non-violence,” he said. Fact checking, according to SBT Brazil Integration and Planning Manager Rodrigo De Almeida Hornhardt, remains an important tool for journalists in combating fake news. “Verify and cross-check that information. They have to do more than what they used to,” he said during a panel discussion

ANZ Research also noted that the BSP has “ruled out the possibility of policy rate pivot in the near term.” The think tank also noted that the risk-adjusted inflatino forecast for 2024 was 0.7 percentage point higher than the BSP’s baseline projection. “Our current policy rate forecasts continue to reflect a 25-basis points hike in the December meeting and a hold at least until end-2024. We will, however, revisit our forecasts after the release of the November 2023 inflation print,” it also said.

Oxford Economics

Oxford Economics, meanwhile, expects the central bank to remain on hold "until the second quarter of 2024, when BSP will likely shift to rate cuts." The think tank said declining inflation should keep BSP on the sidelines until then. “The risks are tilted to a delayed start to the rate cut cycle given inflation volatility and our expectation for the US Fed to start cutting only in the third quarter 2024,” Oxford Economics said. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the BSP's decision to keep policy rates was widely expected. He noted that the adjustments to the BSP's inflation expectations also signal that the Monetary Board will keep interests rates steady longer. Ricafort said this will help anchor both inflation and inflection expectations, especially in ensuring the achievement of the BSP’s inflation target of two to four percent amid geopolitical risks, particularly the Israel-Hamas war. “Easing inflation trend in recent months, stronger peso exchange rate vs. the US dollar in more than 3 months, and 3.5-month lows for global crude oil prices would support a pause in local policy rates, or at least reduce

on how to stay on top of increasing disinformation flows. Amie Ferris-Rotman, Global News Editor at New Lines Magazine, could not stress enough the importance of having multiple sources. “If the story is too good to be true then your instincts should kick in. The AI cannot do that,” she said while reminding journalists to “always try and make a picture as complete as possible.”

Fact checking

Fact checking, according to former Munich Security Conference Communications Director Oilver Rolofs, should be at the heart of everything because disinformation could be weaponized, thus posing not only a challenge but a threat. “It’s also weaponized by terrorist organizations like what we have in the Middle East where Hamas is benefitting from these new techniques using AI to spread, disseminate their narrative, which is obviously false,” he said. Similarly, he said fake or modified photographs impacts traditional-media trust. “You have to be not only careful but you have to create awareness, you have to set the rules,” Rolofs pointed out. While fact checking is one solution, international geopolitical analyst at the Democratic Project Geoffrey Miller said media literacy is another solution that can empower the public with critical thinking skills and the ability to identify fake news from real news. “We need to provide resources accordingly and media literacy is a big part of the solution,” he said. Rolofs stressed the need to have journalists trained too with the right tools for factchecking to help combat disinformation. “Yes, of course, fact checking is one solution and should always be part of balance. However, it’s also about training the journalist in terms of using the new technologies, being trained in data journalism, being trained in using AI-based solutions in the right way.” If errors are spotted, Okwir said humans should still be responsible. “Let’s say, there’s a mistake, there’s an error and you know in the newsroom errors happen. Who will take responsibility for it? I think it still has to be the human editor. At end of the day, someone has to take responsibility for it. For me, it’s not just about responsible use of AI but also being transparent about it.” While AI helps journalists in many ways, Beckett said responsible journalism still boils down to accuracy. “Before you can actually trust that tool, there’s a high level of human judgement involved,” he pointed out. The number of exhibiting companies and brands participating in this year’s Global Media Congress has increased by 33 percent to reach 257 brands compared to the first edition of Congress last year. The countries participating in the event has also increased by 22 percent to reach 172 countries, with this year’s edition seeing the participation of 31 countries for the first time.

the urgency for any additional local policy rate hikes, especially if the Israel-Hamas war does not spread/widen/escalate in the Middle East,” Ricafort noted.

Monetary policy

BSP said the balance of risks to the inflation outlook still leans significantly toward the upside, notwithstanding the recent improvement in food supply conditions. Key upside risks are associated with the potential impact of higher transport charges, electricity rates, and international oil prices, as well as of higher-than-expected minimum wage adjustments in areas outside the National Capital Region. Meanwhile, the impact of a weaker-thanexpected global recovery as well as government measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño weather conditions could reduce the central forecast. Given these considerations, the Monetary Board noted that keeping the policy rate steady will allow previous policy interest rate adjustments, including the interest rate increase in October, to continue to work their way through the economy. On balance, the rebound in third-quarter GDP growth supports the view that the country's medium-term growth prospects remain largely intact, even as pent-up demand continues to diminish in the near term. The BSP said it will also continue to assess how firms and households are responding to tighter monetary policy conditions, especially as credit growth continues to moderate. The Monetary Board reiterated its support for the National Government’s efforts to sustain growth through programmed spending, as well as non-monetary intervention measures to mitigate the impact of lingering supply-side factors on inflation.

Friday, November 17, 2023

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

PBBM bags climate, energy, internet, health care, pharma deals in US visit By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Philippines will soon gains access to artificial intelligence (AI) for weather forecasting, nuclear energy as well as better internet service, drug manufacturing facilities, and cancer treatment under the new agreements signed at the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the US. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the five new memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco on Thursday. “What we have witnessed today will bring us closer to our vision of a more prosperous and sustainable Philippines,” he said during the event.

Technological advancement

AMONG these agreements is a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and ATMO Inc. to establish an AI-based high-resolution weather forecasting system. Also signed were the par tnership between Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the Ultra Safe Nuclear Cooperation (USNC) for a Pre-Feasibility Study on Micro-Modular Reactors (MMR). The President welcomed the initiative, which he said, would help reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and help global efforts against climate change. Another private sector agreement, which was finalized during the event, was the $400 million deal between Astranis and Orbits to launch two Internet satellites dedicated to the Philippines. The satellites are expected to improve Internet access in “unserved and underserved

areas” in the country. The first of the said satellites will be named Agila (eagle).

Health services

TWO agreements related to health were also signed during the event. The first is the $20 million partnership of Filipino firm Lloyd Laboratories and USbased DifGen Pharmaceutic. Under the agreement, Lloyd Laboratories will construct a manufacturing facility based on the standards of the US Food and Drug Administration. It will also cover collaboration on the filing of Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) and the marketing of jointly developed pharmaceutical products within the United States. The other agreement was between AC Health and Varian Medical Systems for the construction of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in the Philippines. The facility will make use of Varian’s “state-of-the-art and multi-modality cancer care technologies” and a network of oncology clinics throughout Metro Manila.

Government support

MARCOS assured the government is ready to provide support to the companies involved to ensure the successful implementation of the said partnerships. “We are committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure the success of these partnerships. I look forward to the realization of these plans and the benefits it will bring to our countries,” the President said. M a rco s s a i d h e ex p e c t s t h e a c cords will provide Filipinos new jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities as well as better access to health care, Internet and affordable power.

DND holds cybersecurity conference and exercise

S part of its efforts to beef up the cyber-defensive capabilities of its workforce, the Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday announced that it conducted a two-day conference aimed at increasing cybersecurity awareness last November 13 and 14. The two-day event was held at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club House in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement. “The DND hosted the 5th Cyber Security Awareness Conference [CYBERCON] 2023 and 2nd Cyber Exercise [CYBEX] on November 13 to 14, 2023, at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club House in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City,” he added. Wi t h t h e t h e m e “Cy b e r Aw a re , Nation Secure: Unifying Efforts for Cyber Defense,” Andolong said CYBERCON aims to continuously elevate cybersecurity

awareness within the DND and its bureaus. Meanwhile, Defense Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino underscored the DND’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing cybersecurity in the evolving digital landscape. “In this increasingly digital world, protecting our people in the state is no longer confined to air and sea battles. It also requires us to be equally adept in defending the nation in two phases: outer space and cyberspace,” the defense official pointed out. Espino added the DND has collaborated with both government and private sectors to discuss the latest trends, threats, and challenges in the cyber domain. “Our goal is to improve the security of the department’s networks and our national critical infrastructures,” he added. Rex Anthony Naval

Go pushes ‘enhanced’ 2024 budget for DOH

ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the significance of the Department of Health’s proposed 2024 budget for the nation’s post-pandemic recovery. “I want to underscore the importance of the 2024 budget of the DOH in our path towards recovery,” stressed Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said during plenary debates DOH’s budget last Wednesday, November 15. Go inquired about the specifics of DOH’s budget request to understand the additional funding sought and the prioritization of various health programs. Senator Pia Cayetano, senior vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, responded that the Senate increased the DOH budget by nearly P50 billion from the proposed P306.13 billion to P353 billion, outlining the extended support for health initiatives. Go expressed his suppor t for the budget increase, noting his advocacy for “enhanced” health facilities, especially public hospitals that predominantly serve the underprivileged. “Mahalaga na patuloy nating iupgrade ang ating mga pampublikong ospital na karamihan naman ay mahihirap ang pumupunta,” he stated. Go championed the goal of bringing

healthcare closer to the grassroots through the integration of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsulta package with Super Health Centers, which are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection, thus bolstering primary healthcare services across the nation. Cayetano confirmed the enhancement of PhilHealth’s budget to P101 billion, with P21 billion allocated for benefit package improvement, including the Konsulta package. The senator then turned his attention to the newly passed Regional Specialty Centers Act, probing into the allocation for the establishment of specialty centers in DOH hospitals. He highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “We passed the Regional Specialty Centers Act. P10 billion is already included in the committee report for the implementation of this law. This is a multiyear program, and sana po’y mabigyan ng sapat na pondo para hindi na kailangan pumunta po ng Maynila ang mga pasyente may malubhang sakit sa mga probinsya.” The act which Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate, aims to decentralize specialized medical services, enabling patients in the provinces to receive advanced medical care without the need to travel to Metro Manila.

PHL, Japan to start talks for VFA-like defense accord as ‘soon as possible’ By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

tion of crimes committed while “ in the performance” of their duty. The host gover nment w i l l only ta ke over the criminal jurisdiction over American soldiers when the offense committed was done outside their official duties. Meanwhile, the R A A between Japan and Australia allows the receiving state to have criminal jurisdiction over the visiting force for offenses committed within the receiving state and “punishable by the law of the receiving state.”

H I L I PPI N E a nd Jap a ne s e foreign ministers met at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco and agreed to fast track negotiations for a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)-like accord, which both counties have with the US. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko agreed to “steadily promote bilateral cooperation” in security issues, including the “commencement of negotiation of the Reciprocal Access Agreement [RAA],” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The bilateral meeting came two weeks after President Fumio Kishida’s official visit to Manila where he and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. agreed to start negotiations for the RAA.

VFA-like agreement THE RAA provides the legal basis for the countries to send soldiers to each other’s territory for drills and other

Japan-PHL security cooperation

JAPANESE Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko (left) and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo. The Philippines and Japan have agreed to start talks for a VFA-like pact between the two countries “as soon as possible.” operations. Manalo said they want the negotiations for RAA to commence “as soon as possible.” The Philippines and Japan both hosted US military bases and have similar status of VFA with the US.

Under the 1999 V FA between Philippines and US and the status of forces agreement between Japan and US, the US government has jurisdiction over US soldiers deployed in the host countr y, including investigation and prosecu-

ASIDE from the RAA, both foreign ministers agree to promote the Official Security Assistance, transfer of defense equipment and technology, maritime security capacity building including the provision of patrol vessels. Japan is also keen at the “materialization” of Japan-US-Philippine cooperation. The two ministers have committed to “work closely” on East and South China seas, as well as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and Women Peace Security.

IPEF members create crisis response template for supply chain disruption By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

EMBERS of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) formed a crisis response network under its supply chain agreement, which aims to extend assistance member-nations in the event of an “imminent” supply chain disruption. The agreement noted that a support from an IPEF nation to the affected country might be through “facilitating hinterland transpor tation where possible and appropriate to support efficient movements in and out of ports, especially congested ports.” According to item no. 1 under Article 12 of the IPEF agreement on Supply Chain Resilience, “In the event of a supply chain disruption, or in the event that a Party expects an imminent supply chain disruption, a Party may request an emergency in-person or virtual meeting of the IPEF Supply Chain Crisis Response Network, which should meet as soon as practicable but no later than 15 days after the date when the Party requests such a meeting.”

Upon a party’s request for an emergency meeting of the IPEF Supply Chain Crisis Response Network, the agreement noted that the party experiencing a supply chain disruption, or expecting an “imminent”supply chain disruption, shall provide required information about the supply chain disruption through the Network. According to the agreement, the affected party shall state the “impact or expected impact” of the supply chain disruption on the Party’s national security, public health and safety, or economy. The affected member country should also state the cause of the supply chain disruption; the expected duration of the supply chain disruption and what sectors are likely to be affected by the supply chain disruption. Moreover, the agreement said there is a need for the requesting party to indicate what measures the Party has taken or expects to take in response to the supply chain disruption; and what assistance would be helpful from other Parties. The IPEF agreement on Supply Chain Resilience stated, “Each Party is committed

to supporting another Party’s response to a supply chain disruption or an imminent supply chain disruption to the extent possible.” The agreement also noted that such support should be made in accordance with the affected party’s “domestic law, respect for market principles, and the goal of minimizing market distortions, and with appropriate recognition given to actions being led or undertaken by the private sector.” The agreement also laid out the types of assistance that may be extended to the country suffering from imminent supply chain disruption. Such support, the deal noted, may be through “encouraging the private sector to increase production and engage in the temporary repurposing and conversion of production to address shortages in affected goods.” A party supporting an IPEF member nation experiencing supply chain disruption may also extend assistance by “facilitating and identifying alternative shipping or air routes,

including multimodal transportation routes or transport modes, and access to shipping or air capacity where appropriate.” According to Article 7 of the IPEF agreement on Supply Chain Resilience, the IPEF Supply Chain Crisis Response Network shall “consider the use of table-tops, stress tests, or similar exercises simulating a range of possible supply chain disruptions to provide the Parties with an opportunity to prepare and test strategies for responding to supply chain disruptions.” Last Tuesday, the 14 member countries of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) signed a “prosperity agreement,” which aims to develop supply chain resilience. 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. (Related story: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2023/11/16/ supply-chain-resilience-goal-of-ipefaccord/)

Bill grants amnesty to ‘delinquent’ government housing beneficiaries

EP. Florida P. Robes of the Lone District of the City of San Jose del Monte (SJDM), Bulacan has filed a bill that would help delinquent beneficiaries of the government’s housing program keep their houses without fear of being ejected. In a news statement, Robes bared there are thousands of beneficiaries who are set to be ejected due to their failure to pay monthly amortizations. “Kawawa naman ang mga kababayan natin, nahihirapan na, mawawalan pa ng bahay,” Robes said. Robes noted that Section 9 of Article XIII, of the 1987 Constitution provides that the “State shall, by law, and for the common good, undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing, which will make available at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services

to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas,” Robes noted. The lawmaker also noted that the same Constitutional provision mandates the State to “promote adequate employment opportunities to such citizens. In the implementation of such program the State shall respect the rights of small property owners.” Section 10 of the same Article, also states that: “Urban or rural poor dwellers shall not be evicted nor their dwelling demolished, except in accordance with law and in a just and humane manner. No resettlement of urban or rural dwellers shall be undertaken without adequate consultation with them and the communities where they are to be relocated.” In her bill, Robes said that the National

Housing Authority (NHA) is the national agency mandated to engage in housing production for low-income families. It was mandated through Presidential Decree No. 757 and Executive Order No. 90 to focus on socialized housing through the development and implementation of comprehensive and integrated housing and development and resettlement. “It has been discovered that there is a low occupancy rate for the government housing program mainly due to the failure of the beneficiaries to pay the monthly amortization and/or association dues, resulting to selling their rights or leasingout their units to other individuals and entities,” she explained. Robes also underscored reports that some of the beneficiaries have used their units as collateral for unregulated private and personal loans by the Bangko Sentral

ng Pilipinas (BSP), which gives the creditor unilateral right to seize the units in their favor. “ I n e f f e c t, i t d e f e a t s t h e ve r y purpose of the government housing programs and NHA initiatives to provide decent and affordable housing for the underprivileged and marginalized Filipino Citizens,” she said. Her bill aims to authorize the NHA to grant amnesty or condone the unpaid amortization/lease payments to ease the burden of the beneficiaries, or acquire the units from the original awardees in order to be allocated and awarded to qualified beneficiaries through the Build Better and More (BBM) and the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program. The bill when passed into law shall be named as the “NHA Amnesty and Acquisition Act of 2023.”

Better late than never: PHL now a step closer to nuclear power generation age

HE Philippines is now a step closer to securing nuclear equipment and material from the US following the conclusion of a new landmark cooperation agreement between the two countries. During her meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, California, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced the completion of the

“123” civil nuclear cooperation agreement between Manila and Washington. This was the fifth meeting between Harris and Marcos. In a statement, the White House said the agreement would provide the legal basis for US export of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines. Marcos has directed the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to explore

the possibility of developing small-scale modular nuclear power plants. He noted that access to nuclear power could help provide the country additional power with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Aside from nuclear energy, Marcos and Harris also talked about a new PhilippineUS par tnership on semiconductor production, which will be implemented under the International Technology

Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund. They also discussed human and labor rights as well as security concerns in the South China Sea amid the recent aggression of China’s ships resulting in collision incidents near the Ayungin Shoal. Harris reiterated the ironclad commitment of the US to honor its mutual defense agreement with the Philippines in case the latter is attacked by another country. Samuel P. Medenilla

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

Friday, November 17, 2023

PBBM unveils new strategy to harness full benefits of AI By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

mpowering the country’s workforce through upskilling will be the core of the country’s strategy to harness the economic advantages of artificial intelligence (AI). , President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.

Speaking at the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and related activities in San Francisco, California, the Chief Executive disclosed the government is now crafting the National AI Strategy (NAS). “Currently, the Philippines is embracing this future of AI with the crafting of the National AI Strategy that seeks to augment the existing skill set of Filipino talents with AI. This strategy also aims to position the Philippines as a Center of Excellence in artificial intelligence,” Marcos said.

He stressed the need for the country to ramp up its production of the necessary talents to develop and manage new technologies such AI and blockchain technology to remain globally competitive. “We don’t have enough engineers. That’s simple. So we need to get them trained, we need to get them...as part of the system,” the President said. “And so again, we have really put a great deal of emphasis on retraining. These are new technologies,” he pointed out. Aside from the labor force, the Department of Trade and

Industr y (DTI) said the NA S would also focus on identifying key areas in research and development as well as technology applications related to AI, which will require investments. The agency noted the country is currently trailing behind its Asian neighbors when it comes to investment in AI solutions. Last Thursday, the President a g re e d on a “col l a b or at ion” w ith Silicon Valley-based technolog y companies and venture capita l ists on A I a nd c ybersecur it y dur ing a roundtable meeting at the sidelines of the

ongoing A PEC summit. The event was co-organized by Dewalt, Bain and Company, Crescent Point Group and DTI. During the meeting, they discussed workforce upskilling and the retraining, cyber security, and the applications for generative AI. Among those who joined the event were officials and executives of Microsoft, Mandiant (a Google company), Group of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), Plug and Play Ventures, A ltimeter, HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard), Mastercard and Anthropic.

Sen. Chiz seeks to extend TUPAD aid to disaster victims, too By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

enator Francisco “Chiz” Escudero, prodding Congress to allocate P500 million aid fund, urged concerned agencies to expand the Tulong Panghanap-buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, spearheaded by the Department of Labor (DOLE), to extend more assistance and employment to victims of natural calamities. Taking the floor at the Senate plenary deliberation Wednesday

on the 2024 budget of the DOLE, the veteran legislator further proposed to carve out some P500 million from the calamity fund of the President as a Quick Response Fund (QRF) for DOLE to use TUPAD program for the recovery of affected victims in calamity-hit areas. “Your honor, may we suggest in the proper time that we carve out from the calamity fund of the President, an amount, as a QRF fund for the DOLE’s TUPAD to help areas affected by calamities to recover,” Escudero said. Pursuing his proposal, the

senator added: “May I suggest P500 million…I don’t think the President will complain nor object because the Labor Secretary, at the end of the day, is his alter-ego.” Escudero explained he would like TUPAD to be expanded to cover calamity victims, similar to a local program he implemented while serving as governor of Sorsogon wherein affected constituents were employed until they recover from the effects of typhoons. “The deal was for them to not to clean or repair their own house

but clean and repair the house of their neighbor and they can do it among themselves. This enabled our affected barangays at that time in Sorsogon to recover from calamity with their heads held up high and without really depending on dole outs and asking for help without giving anything in return,” Escudero recalled. He noted “at present, the TUPA D prov ides emergency e mplo y me nt for d i s pl a c e d workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30

days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.” Escudero added that in order to expand the program’s coverage, he recommend the following: 1) Amend the guidelines of TUPAD or include in special provisions that the program can be implemented for more than 90 days and it can include the same beneficiaries more than once in a calendar year if it is for the purpose of helping them recover from a calamity, a pandemic or a tragedy; 2) Expand the program to

i nc lude wa sted or severely wa sted pa rent s or sibl i ngs which w ill last for at least 180 days and not 90 days; and 3) Specify the amount to be earmarked as QRF, which DOLE can tap for its TUPAD program in calamity-hit areas. For her part, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, who sponsored DOLE’s budget for 2024, lauded Escudero for his “brilliant” suggestion and vowed to introduce a special provision in the General Appropriations Bill to make the TUPAD program sustainable.

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

News BusinessMirror

Gibo, Austin affirm PHL-US defense ties in Jakarta meet By Rex Anthony Naval

HE Philippines and US reiterated their commitment to strengthen their alliance, which helped keep the peace in the region for the past seven decades.

“ The Secretaries welcomed the historic momentum in USPhilippine ties and discussed their mutual commitment to strengthening the US-Philippine alliance, which has upheld peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for over seventy years,” a joi nt st atement bet ween US Department Of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. released late Wednesday read. Both officials met in Jakarta, Indonesia on the sidelines of the Asean Defense Ministers’ MeetingPlus last November 15. “They reaffirmed their countries’

sharedvisionofafreeandopenregion grounded on transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” the statement further said. Austin a lso reiterated US President Joseph Biden’s message that American defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad. He also emphasized that the US stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone. “The Secretaries discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows. In this

context, they denounced the recent harassment by vessels from the People’s Republic of China [PRC] towards Philippine Coast Guard and resupply vessels conducting lawful resupply operations around Second Thomas Shoal, as well as dangerous operational PRC maneuvers against US aircraft and ships lawfully operating in the South China Sea,” the statement added. “Taking note of the concerns expressed about the PRC’s recent harassment by a growing number of foreign governments globally, they also emphasized that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling is final and binding on the Parties and called on the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law. The Secretaries reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft— including those of its Coast Guard— anywhere in the Pacific, to include the South China Sea,” it added. Teodoro a nd Au st i n a l so highlighted the recent progress the two countries have made to modernize the alliance, enhance interoperability, and address new

and emerging challenges. “On this note, they welcomed progress in implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement [EDCA], including the recent completion of a $24 million upgrade to the runway at Basa Airbase, and pledged to further accelerate EDCA implementation. They committed to explore further oppor t unit ies to streng t hen bilateral operations and planning, including through the upcoming ‘Balikatan’ 2024 exercise, and noted their desire to expand multilateral activities with likeminded partners,” the statement added. Both officials also reaffirmed t hei r com m it ment to t he expeditious conclusion of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), as well as the bilateral Philippines Security Sector Assistance Roadmap. “Secretary Austin welcomed the updates shared by Secretary Teodoro on the Philippines’ Horizon III modernization plan and reiterated the US commitment to supporting Philippine defense modernization,” it added.

Two drivers who ‘name-dropped’ Sen. Revilla given citation tickets By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

TRAFFIC violation tickets were issued against two drivers who allegedly “name-dropped” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. after violating the exclusive EDSA Bus Lane regulation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday. T he t wo d r ivers appea red before MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City on Thursday afternoon. Artes took the time to ask the

two drivers what really transpired during the agency’s operations. The two drivers admitted that Revilla was not onboard their vehicle when they were flagged down by traffic enforcers implementing the EDSA Bus Lane regulation. The senator is also not the owner of the vehicle, they said. Meanwhile, the apprehending officers admitted that he did not personally see Revilla inside the vehicle and just relied on the statement of its driver who namedropped the senator. Artes said the owner of the vehic les reac hed out to him

through a common friend. “The Agency considers this a welcome development in light of the incident as the agency conducts a probe and determines the lapses in the procedures in the implementation of the Edsa Bus Lane regulation,” said Artes. He said the MMDA has penalized the drivers for violating the Edsa Bus Carousel Lane regulation, with a P5,000 fine for the first offense, but it is up to Revilla to file the necessary charges against them for name-dropping him. Pending an investigation, Artes ordered the preventive suspension

against New Task Force Special Operations Unit Head Bong Nebrija after he erroneously dragged the name of Revilla. Artes said that Nebrija was suspended “not because he was doing his job but because he went overboard” when they conducted the operations. Artes was joined by MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas, Atty. Victor Nuñez, Traffic Discipline Officefor Enforcement Director, and traffic enforcers during the news conference.

Clark firm aims to build largest food trading hub in Philippines CLARK FREEPORT ZONE—The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) will soon enter into a joint venture partnership to build an agriculture trading hub inside the Clark civil aviation complex, an official of the government aviation firm on Thursday said. Arrey Perez, CIAC president, said the planned Clark National Food Terminal project would support the national government’s vision to make the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world. “The project is aligned with the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to place food security at the forefront of the country’s

national agenda,” he explained. Perez noted that President Marcos mentioned food security as the Philippines’ top priority during the United Nations World Economic Forum annual meeting last January with a “vision for a prosperous, resilient, and secure Philippines by the year 2040.” He added the Chief Executive also reiterated the same concern during his pre-departure speech on Tuesday before attending the APEC meeting in the US. “ The project concept is on point and aligns with the Marcos administration’s marching orders to give top priority to agriculture development and to help develop

Workers in Bicol, Cordillera, E. Visayas regions to receive P30 wage increase By Patrick V. Miguel

THE National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) approved the daily minimum wage hike amounting to P30 for workers in the Bicol, Cordillera, and Eastern Visayas regions. The new minimum wage of private workers in Bicol and Cordillera will be P395 and P430, respectively. Meanwhile in Eastern Visayas, minimum wage in the agriculture and establishments with less than 10 workers is P375, and P405 for private sector workers. In addition, domestic workers’ wage in Bicol increased by P1000, with a new total of P5,000 per month. In Cordillera, domestic workers’ monthly wage will be P4,900 following an increase of P400. The monthly wage of domestic workers in Eastern Visayas increased by P500, with chartered cities and first class municipalities

minimum wage amounting to P5,500. Other municipalities in the region will impose a monthly minimum wage of P5,000 to domestic workers. Some 150,484 minimum wage earners in three regions are expected to benefit from the wage increase, said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in a news release. “The 521,604 full-time wage and salary workers earning more than the minimum wage may also benefit as a result of the upward adjustment at the business level resulting from wage distortion corrections,” DOLE added. The new wage order in Eastern Visayas and Bicol will take effect on November 30 and December 1, respectively. The new wage order in Cordillera will take effect on December 5. The last wage order in the three regions was in June 2022.

that value chain, particularly in the advancement of the country’s aqua-cultural and agricultural industries,” Perez said. The food trading hub will be built in a 64-hectare portion near the Clark International Airport with an estimated project cost of $152 million, he said. Perez added the national food terminal’s services will include research and quality control, warehousing, food processing, international shipping, marketing services, and trading for local and foreign markets. “The feasibility study of industry experts will soon commence, then we’ll start exploratory talks with

prospective investors for a joint venture partnership so we’re looking forward to project completion in two years’ time. This is a huge infrastructure investment but will serve as a major support pillar to the national government’s efforts to boost the country’s agricultural economy,” Perez said. The project site is in proximity to the world-class international airport and near cargo giants FedEx and UPS inside the aviation complex. It is also conveniently accessible to major road networks connecting the far northern and eastern part of Luzon with an upcoming cargo railway station linking the Subic seaport, the CIAC chief added.

Friday, November 17, 2023

NEA chief sets 100% Mindanao electrification target by 2028 By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Nationa l Electr ification Administration (NEA) said Thursday that Mindanao would achieve a 100-percent electrification in 2028 from 80 percent to date. During the sw itch-on and bui ld ing marker unvei ling ceremonies of I-PURE (Integration of Productive Uses of Renewable Energy) projects in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said the I-PURE program would help achieve the agency’s target. “It’s a big challenge for us in NEA. It’s a big challenge for the 121 electric cooperatives [ECs]. But I always tell my colleagues in NEA and the electric cooperatives: challenge is accepted. We will do this and one of the areas of concern, really, is in the island of Mindanao,” Almeda said. He pointed specifically to the provinces within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), saying this is where he would need the help of all the general managers in successful Mindanao ECs. “We have to work double time,” he stressed. Latest energization figures from the NEA Database Management and Program Control Division showed that the Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ECs are currently at a 40-percent electrification rate, covering 282,330 households out of 703,499 potential connections. I-PUR E Mindanao was accomplished through a grant from the European Union-Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP) in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), t he M i nd a n ao De ve lopment Authority (MinDA), and various local government units. The projects have so far energized at least 3,077 off-grid households out of the 5,261 targets through photovolt a ic m a i nst rea m i ng under the franchise areas of Cotabato Electric Cooperative, Inc. (COTELCO) and South Cotabato II Elec t r ic Cooperat ive Inc. (SOCOTECO II). According to the NEA Renewable Energy Development Division, the remaining 2,184 electrification projects are still ongoing through the Barangay Line Enhancement Program under the service area of Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TAWELCO). “As I have stated before, power precedes progress. With the various components of this endeavor, we are able to provide not only access to electricity, but also a means of livelihood to the communities here in Mindanao,” Almeda said.

‘Community EcoHub’ recycling facility launched in Pasig City By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE United States government, t h rough t he US A genc y for I nt e r n at i o n a l D e v e l o p m e nt (USAID), announced on Thursday the unveiling of a P14 million recycling facility in Pasig City. The unveiling of the new facility by the USAID and eco-solutions company Green Antz Builders Inc. is part of the US government’s commitment to fight ocean plastic pollution, the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement. “Find ing solutions to t he challenge of ocean plastic pollution requires innovation, creativity, and the strong commitment of government, private sector, and community partners,” USA ID Environment Office Director Ryder Rogers said. “As your partner in prosperity, the US government stands with you all in building an inclusive economy and exploring innovative solutions to achieving cleaner oceans.” Also called “Community Hub,” the modern recycling facility is located in Barangay Manggahan, Pasig City. It allows on-site waste collection and composting of up to one ton of organic waste per day. The recycling facilities can also “upcycle” low-value plastic waste, such as sachets and plastic bags,

into durable eco-bricks and pavers suitable for constructing homes and other structures. Through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, USAID was able to provide Green Antz Builders, Inc. with waste collection electronic vehicles and equipment. “We have built more than 20 EcoHubs with private partners over the years, but our goal for this Community EcoHub is to establish an effective waste management program that can be adapted and replicated by other local governments,” Rommel Benig, CEO and founder of Green Antz Builders Inc. In the long term, the Pasig City government will take over the operation of the recycling facility, reinforcing its sustainability and impact on the city’s solid waste management and economy. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said the Community EcoHub supports his local government’s goal of promoting sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Launched in 2019, USAID’s fiveyear, CCBO program addresses the crisis of ocean plastics pollution in rapidly urbanizing countries. In the Philippines, USAID has awarded around P150 million ($2.7 million) to several organizations to implement programs that improve plastic waste collection, reduction, and recycling.

PAGCOR REMITS P5B MORE TO BTR; TOTAL TURNOVER P6.95B Continued from A14 “Last year was a banner season for us in terms of revenue generation, and this enabled us to set aside additional funds to support various national government initiatives,” Pagcor Chairman

and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said in a statement on Thursday. Pagcor President and COO Juanito L. Sañosa Jr. said the state gaming regulator’s remittances would be used by the national government to fund “high-impact” projects and programs.

“The latest cash dividend remittance from Pagcor could not have come at a better time,” Sañosa said. “ The national government, particularly the Department of Finance, is really working towards ensuring the physical stability of the state after the pandemic, and having

additional funds would certainly aid in that effort,” Sañosa added. Under existing laws, governmentowned and -controlled corporations like Pagcor must remit at least 50 percent of their net earnings to the national government. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

PHL to China: Remove all illegal structures, leave WPS Continued from A14

China’s ‘promise’ on Panganiban Reef

T HE DFA also recalled that China has “promised” that the stilts it erected in 1995 was only and would only remain as “fisherman’s shelter.” “The reef is now a militarized

artificial island,” the DFA said. “Let us not forget that.” Aside from the Panganiban Reef, China also weaponized the other land features in the West Philippines—Calderon Reef (Cuarteron Reef), Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef); Burgos Reefs (Gaven Reefs), McKennan Reef (Hughes Reef ), Johnson Reef,

Zamora Reef (Subi Reef). DFA s aid the BR P S ier ra Madre was “permanently stationed” in Ayungin Shoal “to serve as a constant Philippine presence in response to China’s illegal occupation in 1995 of Panganiban Reef.” Ayungin Shoal is only 20 nautical miles away from Panganiban Reef.

“ T he P hilip pines remains guided by Unclos and the Arbitral Award as the twin anchors of our policy and actions in the South China Sea. We reiterate that creating and maintaining a favorable and conducive environment is essential to the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea situation,” it added.

BusinessMirror

Friday, November 17, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

ALL DIRECTIONS TRAVEL AND TOUR INC. 1960, A. Mabini St., Barangay 701, Malate, City Of Manila

YANG, QIPENG Chinese Customer Service Representative 14.

ZHAO, JIANMEI Chinese Consultant 1.

Brief Job Description: Manage and oversee the execution of projects under responsibility to ensure that all projects are done according to plan and objectives.

Basic Qualification: Vocational/College level or graduate. Must have relevant business and employee management working experience or similar field. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

15.

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

WANG, JIANSONG Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 3.

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

17.

18.

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

19.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. GAO, JINBO Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. JIE, JINMING Chinese Customer Service Representative

NONG THI THU LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. LYU, ZHANBIAO Chinese Customer Service Representative

10.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. SHUAI, LUPING Chinese Customer Service Representative

11.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. TAN, JING Chinese Customer Service Representative

12.

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

WANG, XUEGANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 13.

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

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

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

TRAN TUAN VIET Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 22.

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

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

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

TRIEU, THI BAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 23.

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

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

VONG CA VA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 24.

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

25.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

28.

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

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

SOE SANDAR WIN Marketing Specialist 26.

Brief Job Description: Conducting market research to establish customer trends and habits.

29.

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

Brief Job Description: The primary function of a project coordinator is to make sure projects run smoothly. Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information.

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

HUANG, QIAOHUI Project Coordinator 30.

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

HUANG, YINGJING Project Coordinator 31.

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

Brief Job Description: The primary function of a project coordinator is to make sure projects run smoothly. Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information.

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

JOHAN Assistant Operations Manager

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

Brief Job Description: Assists the overall management of the operations of a business service unit including the planning and implementation of strategic goals.

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

YONG CHEN CHEE Assistant Operations Manager 33.

Brief Job Description: Assists the overall management of the operations of a business service unit including the planning and implementation of strategic goals.

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

CAI, CHANGSHU Project Coordinator 27.

Brief Job Description: The primary function of a project coordinator is to make sure projects run smoothly. Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information.

Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments. Must be willing to work on field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments. Must be willing to work on field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments. Must be willing to work on field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments. Must be willing to work on field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CASPO INCORPORATED 43/f, 45/f, 49/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

AGUS SULINAH Operations Analyst 34.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, leads in the implementation of system/operations solutions.

Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management; and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language.

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

CHRISTIAN SONG Operations Analyst 35.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, leads in the implementation of system/operations solutions.

HENDI Operations Analyst 36.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, leads in the implementation of system/operations solutions.

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: The primary function of a project coordinator is to make sure projects run smoothly. Coordinating project schedules, resources, equipment and information.

HOU, YUANLIN Project Coordinator

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CAI, YOUYI Project Coordinator

BETCONSULT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INC. 50/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: Able to speak, read and write Chinese languages.

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

THONG COC PHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

32.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires. NGUYEN VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

21. DENG, JIANYU Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. NGUYEN DUC DU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

20.

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

CHENH THUY HANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

ARR QIONG Burmese Customer Service Representative

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

ONG KIAN GIAP Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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.

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

HEW WAI HING Malaysian Customer Service Representative 16.

Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts. Can develop Annual revenue and sales plans for assigned location.

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

FONG CHING FAI Malaysian Customer Service Representative

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

SU, TIANFU Key Accounts Specialist Consultant

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Basic Qualification: Must be willing to attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments. Must be willing to work on field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YUSI Operations Analyst 37.

Brief Job Description: Provide data analytics and data management job in actual business operation, leads in the implementation of system/operations solutions.

Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Has the extensive experience in data analytics and data management and is proficient and able to communicate in Mandarin or any Chinese language. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

CIMB BANK PHILIPPINES INC 28th Floor, Ore Central 9th Ave. Cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

RACHEL HEAH MING LI VP For Office Of CEO 38.

Brief Job Description: Play leadership role in driving key projects from ideation to design and to development of the key concepts to actual delivery and execution of key initiatives.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related field. With strong communication, interpersonal and management skills. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

NGUYEN NU NGOC NHI Customer Service Support - Vietnamese Speaker 49.

39.

40.

41.

Brief Job Description: Improve operational management systems, process and best practices.

HUANG, WENHAO Bilingual SEO Officer Brief Job Description: Track, report, and analyze website analytics.

KANG, YINGCHUN Bilingual SEO Officer Brief Job Description: Track, report, and analyze website analytics.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in bilingual languages.

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

42.

SUN, YIDONG Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

MANABE, TAMAKI Japanese Marketing Specialist 50.

43.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails.

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

51.

SULIMAN, AZAD Team Leader 44.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the full cycle of department operations. Manage day to day operations of staff, daily monitoring of collector’s effectiveness.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a related field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

MIRZAIE JOINANI, RAMBO Program Director 52.

45.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs.

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

CHINNAKALATHI, INBAKALATHEESWARAN Senior Consultant 2 53.

HARMON, LYNN OANH NGUYEN Adviser – Multi-project Development And Controls 46.

Brief Job Description: Lead the design and help institutionalize agile project development methods and controls for multiple and simultaneous projects nationwide or abroad.

Basic Qualification: With Business, Finance, or related degree; more than 30 years of experience in infrastructure projects; adept in cost eng’g, risk mngt., and progress reporting; can lead multi-disciplinary project teams; and high commercial acumen.

Brief Job Description: Lead small project teams and must ensure that project run within time and budget constraint.

HSIEH, YI-LIN Finance Manager 54.

Brief Job Description: Manage and lead our controlling, reporting, working capital and systems teams. Participate actively in business decision-making processes by providing timely and relevant financial analysis.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Indonesian language and at least college level with related BPO work experience.

60.

61.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 62.

Basic Qualification: Degree from a reputable business school. Strategic mindset, strong business acumen, and excellent analytical skills. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related. A strong understanding of IT infrastructure and security.

63.

SHI, QINGJIA Bilingual Marketing Specialist 55.

Brief Job Description: Conduct in-depth research on industry-related topics in order to develop original content.

Basic Qualification: Advance degree in Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance or a related field. Several years of experience in finance role. Superior mathematical skills, leadership skills and experience.

47.

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

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

56.

Brief Job Description: Lead sales team and develop sales strategies.

65.

66.

67.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin language both verbal and written.

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

48.

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

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

68.

DENG, XIUMEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

FU, SHIFU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

GONG, TINGTING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

HAN, RUNHU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

57.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the digital search and e-commerce strategies of the company; performance channel planning; lead implementation and help drive digital best practices for the company’s clients.

HU, XINGXING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

HUANG, QIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

LIU, YIYANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

SHEN, CHUNYAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

XU, HUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

Basic Qualification: Proven track record of 15 years work experience in luxury goods and travel. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of work experience in e-commerce at a media agency, client-side inhouse team, e-shop operation or media owner capacity.

70.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 71.

GOFLUENT PHILIPPINES, INC. 10/f Ibm Plaza Building, Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

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

MOVENT, INC. 8th Floor Picadilly Star Building, 4th Avenue Corner 27th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

KAKAR, MOHIT Technical Consultant - Digital Search And Ecommerce ZHENG, DUNTAO Chinese Customer Service

CAI, HUIBIAO Chinese Customer Service

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

LVM HOLDINGS PTE. LTD. - ROHQ 5/f Gloria Bldg., 109 Aguirre St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

O’BRIEN, ROBERT NEMAIA Director Of Sales

64.

69.

KELVIN WILBER Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

LATTE MARKETING INC. 10/f Pacifica One Center, 2178 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Malate Bayview Mansion, 1781 M. Adriatico Street. 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Native Japanese language speaker and proficient in using Kanji, Katakana and Hiragana. With in-depth knowledge of Japanese cultural practices and cultural preferences in terms of Sales, Marketing and Customer Relations.

KUEHNE + NAGEL, INC. 6/f Unit 11-17 West Tower Four E-com Ctr. Bldg., Harbor Drive St., Mall Of Asia Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

FIRST GEN CORPORATION 6/f Rockwell Business Tower 3, Ortigas Avenue, Ugong, City Of Pasig

Brief Job Description: Oversee KAYA’s venture development process across the various stages. Ensuring key performances indicators are met within the budget provided.

BAO, WEIJIE Chinese Customer Service

KMC MAG SOLUTIONS, INC. 20/f, Picadilly Star Building, 4th Avenue Corner 27th Street, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa WANG, FUXING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product, and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

KAYA FOUNDERS PHILIPPINES INC. 8/f Liberty Plaza Bldg.,, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St.,, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

DYNINNO PHILIPPINES INC. 11th Floor W Fifth Avenue Building, 5th Avenue Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the day-to-day administration, analysis and communications concerning Japanese product marketing ecommerce, providing best practices and expertise in three different Japanese writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana).

REZKY RAMADAN Indonesian Customer Support Specialist

DIGICHROM INC. Unit 2001-a, 2602 & 2603 20/f & 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati BUI MINH THONG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

58.

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Floor Building E, Six West Campus, Le Grand Avenue, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Native level of Vietnamese language, and advance level of English language for written and verbal communication.

No.

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

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

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534, Tomas Mapua St., Barangay 298, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

59.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage relationships with clients as Vietnamese speaker.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

GULLIVER INTEGRATED OUTSOURCING INC. 21/f Oledan Square Bldg., 6788 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

CURRENTCORE SERVICES INC. Five Ecom Center Building, Block 18, Pacific Drive, Moa Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City REN, LIN Bilingual Operations Officer

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, November 17, 2023

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., 133 Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

ZHANG, LEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

ZHANG, MENGMENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

ZHANG, NINGNING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

Friday, November 17, 2023

A6 A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, XUE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

ZHAO, XIBO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

MARCA MANRRIQUEZ, LUIS FERNANDO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PRITYANJUL SHARMA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

AGUS SUGIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

ARIFIN LUHUR Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

BENY KURNIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHANDRA YOKO Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHARISSA MAILANI Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ELLYA VIERONA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

ERIC KWAK Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

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

HARDI SUTA WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

No.

88.

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

89.

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

90.

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

91.

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

92.

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

93.

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

94.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

TANTRA GAUTAMA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

95.

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

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

96.

NA CHIANGMAI, TIRAYUTH Thai Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

97.

RUNGSANG, NATTAPONG Thai Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

98.

SINSAWAT, KRITPEERUSH Thai Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

99.

SOMBOONRAT, CHATCHAI Thai Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

100.

BUI, KHANH LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

101.

CHANG THI PHUONG UYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

105.

106.

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

107.

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

108.

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

109.

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

110.

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

111.

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

112.

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

113.

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

114.

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

115.

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

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

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

104.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

103.

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

102.

No.

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

CHAU VINH TIEN Vietnamese Customer Service

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

116.

117.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DANG THI TRUC LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DO TIEN THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DUONG THI BICH CHAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HA MANH Y Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HAU NHUC SANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HO TAN DAT Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LE NGUYEN ANH THU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LE THANH DUY Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LE THI MONG TRINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LUONG NGUYEN CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LY NHAT CAM PHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LY NHAT HAO Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN HOANG ANH NGHIA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN NGOC SON Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN THANH NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

NGUYEN THANH QUANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

NGUYEN THI THU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN THI THU HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN THI THUY LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN THUONG QUI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

NGUYEN VAN DUY Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN VAN HUY Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN VAN VUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN VIET HONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN, THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN, THI UYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NIM HY LONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PHAM THANH PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PHAM THI NGOC Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

No.

133.

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

134.

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

135.

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

136.

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

137.

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

138.

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

139.

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

140.

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

141.

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

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

143.

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

144.

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

145.

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

146.

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

147.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PHAM, QUANG MINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PHAN, THI THOM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PHUNG DAT TRUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SY NHAT KIN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SY TAC MINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

TANG VAN DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TRAN DUC LUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TRAN THANH VAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TRAN THAO NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

TRAN THI SAO MAI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TRAN, THI LIEU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TSAN CUN MUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TSAN LY SINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TU GIA HUE Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VI THI CHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Friday, November 17, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills.

No.

148.

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

149.

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

150.

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

151.

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

152.

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

153.

154.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for IP/ON business development.

Brief Job Description: Research and analyze operations; project implementation; coordination and interaction with clients; administrative support; and conduct of other industry research project, if necessary.

Brief Job Description: Management of the day-to-day operations of the company, research and analysis operations; project implementation; proposal creation; coordination and interaction with clients; administrative support and conduct of industry research project as necessary.

Brief Job Description: Manage project budget & forecasts. Assemble & manage project resources both within and outside of region.

ARYA ARTHANTA LUNTUNGAN Indonesian Language - Marketing Officer Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

ROYPUTH, BOON-UA Thai Language - Support Officer 155.

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

TRAN KIM HOA Vietnamese Language - Support Officer 156.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, excellent communication skills, and technical expertise. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of work experience in a related industry. Able to communicate in Japanese and English languages clearly. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of industryrelated experience in a similar capacity. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With extensive experience in a related field. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

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

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

PROCTER & GAMBLE PHILIPPINES, INC. 10f Seven/neo, 5th Ave., Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

GUPTA, GAURAV Senior Director, Philippines Selling And Marketing Organization (SMO) Finance Leader 157.

Brief Job Description: Lead total Finance Market Operation for Philippine market. Collaborate with multi-functional teams to address key business issues and opportunities.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With relevant experience and skills in developing competencies and processes required to create an effective and efficient Finance team. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

CHENG, ZHENGKUI Construction Inspector 158.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

DOU, FUMIN Construction Inspector 159.

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

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

PHOENIXFIELD, INC. 7/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

FAN, JIALE Head Of Business Develop IBG IP & Optical

DAVIS, PHILIP JOHN CAMPBELL Project Director

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

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

ORACLE (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION Units 1-4 33/f Zuellig Bldg., Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TOKUDA, KATSUYA Manager

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

VONG THIEN Y Vietnamese Customer Service

OGURA, DAI Consultant

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

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

NOMURA RESEARCH INSTITUTE SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. MANILA BRANCH 26/f Yuchengco Tower, Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

VONG THAI HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NOKIA SHANGHAI BELL PHILIPPINES, INC. Penthouse W Fifth Bldg., 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

HAN, CHUANJUN Construction Inspector 160.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

Basic Qualification: Know 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: Know 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: Know 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

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Friday, November 17, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HUANG, JIANJUN Construction Inspector

161.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

JIANG, DONGLIN Construction Inspector 162.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

SHI, WEI Construction Inspector 163.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

WANG, SHANCHUN Construction Inspector 164.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

XU, XINGBING Construction Inspector 165.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

ZHANG, MINGTAO Construction Inspector 166.

Brief Job Description: Reviewing plans to determine whether they are in accordance with the building codes.

DU, HONGSHE Construction Manager 167.

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

GOU, GUOQIANG Construction Manager 168.

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

GOU, HUANGHE Construction Manager 169.

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

HUANG, YAODONG Construction Manager 170.

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

HUO, ZHENGJUN Construction Manager 171.

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

LIU, HAITAO Construction Manager 172.

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

PAN, ZHONGTAO Construction Manager 173.

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

SHANG, YACHUANG Construction Manager 174.

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

SUN, XUELIAN Construction Manager 175.

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

TANG, HE Construction Manager 176.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Know how to speak, write and read English language; and with 3 to 5 years of work experience.

No.

177.

179.

180.

181.

182.

183.

184.

185.

186.

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

187.

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

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

188.

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

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

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

No.

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

191.

Brief Job Description: To oversee budgetary issues analyzes company sales and performance report, devise new ways to improve company profits, and researches the consumer base and competitive market.

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

189.

Brief Job Description: Delivers customer insights across target market segments, platforms or genres.

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

SON, KIJU Korean Customer Service Specialist 192.

190.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the performance of coding operations and services. Ensure adequate resources and staffing for consistent coverage of engagements. Manages service line performance, as well as engagement, quality, and productivity standards.

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

ETABA, EDOUARD JACQUELINE Escalation Specialist Tier 3 - French Bilingual 193.

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

Brief Job Description: Handles mid-level escalations. Typically resolves problems using existing solutions. Provides informal guidance to junior staff.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Proficient in French language. Strong communication and management skills. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

CAI, WEIHANG Chinese Language - Data Analyst 194.

Brief Job Description: Provide ongoing reports and optimize results.

HSIEH, JUI-CHIA Chinese Language - Data Analyst 195.

Brief Job Description: Provide ongoing reports and optimize results.

XIAO, ZHILONG Chinese Language - Data Analyst 196.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Korean language.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages and preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Provide ongoing reports and optimize results.

ZUO, XIANGWENPING Chinese Language - Data Analyst 197.

Brief Job Description: Provide ongoing reports and optimize results.

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

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

DEWI KARTIKA SARI Indonesian Language Research Analyst 198.

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Vietnamese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Able to manage the finance and accounting divisions and ensure that the company’s financial reports are accurate and complied with in a timely manner.

LENH SAU QUAN Vietnamese Language Research Analyst 199.

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

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

TENET GLOBAL BUSINESS CENTER INC. 8th Floor Citi Plaza Building, 34th St. Cor. Lane D Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

NAGULA, SHYAM SUNDER Coding Director

Brief Job Description: Study company profile, and conduct market research.

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

STAR ASIA INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

ZENG, QUANHUI Customer Research And Analytics Manager

WEN, MING Marketing Consultant

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

THE SKYLINE ABYSS INTERNATIONAL INC. Unit 116 G/f The Manila Residences Tower 1, Taft Ave., Barangay 725, Malate, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Seven (7) years of recent experience in HIM and/or coding leadership work in the field. Bachelor degree in Health Information Management and or relevant Bachelor’s degree with 10 years in a comparable position. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

TRAN MY LE Vietnamese Language Research Analyst 200.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Plan and develop the project idea.

HAGINO, KAZUMI Vice President

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

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

BI, HUA Project Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SOJITZ G AUTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 1016, Edsa Corner Corregidor St., Ramon Magsaysay, Quezon City

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

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

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

REN, JIANHU Project Manager

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

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

ZHOU, LUOGUO Construction Manager

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

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

ZHANG, PINGLIANG Construction Manager

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

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

ZHANG, JIANHUA Construction Manager

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

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

ZANG, QIANGFU Construction Manager

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

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

YAN, QINGBING Construction Manager

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

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

XIE, ZHAOFEI Construction Manager

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

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

XIE, XINGHE Construction Manager

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

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

WANG, JIAN Construction Manager 178.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TANG, LONGLONG Construction Manager

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Vietnamese language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Nov 16, 2023 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on November 16, 2023, the position of DUONG KIM HOANG under the company TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC., should have been read as BILINGUAL SALES AND MARKETING OFFICER and not as published. In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on November 15, 2023, the position of LE, BINH MINH under the company NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION, should have been read as VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE and not as published. 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.

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Friday, November 17, 2023 A11

Israel signals wider operations in southern Gaza as hospital search has yet to reveal Hamas base By Najib Jobain & Kareem Chehayeb

The Associated Press

HAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip— Israeli forces dropped leaflets warning Palestinians to flee parts of southern Gaza, residents said Thursday, signaling a possible expansion of operations to areas where hundreds of thousands of people who heeded earlier evacuation orders are crowded into—run shelters and family homes.

Meanwhile, soldiers continued searching Shifa Hospital in the north, in a raid that began early Wednesday but has yet to uncover evidence of the central Hamas command center that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital, Gaza’s largest, deny the allegations. Broadening the offensive to the south—where Israel already car r ies out d a i ly a ir ra ids— threatens to worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory. Over 1.5 million people have been internally displaced in Gaza, with most having f led to the south, where food, water and electricity are increasingly scarce. The war, now in its sixth week, was triggered by a wide-ranging Hamas attack into southern Israel on October 7 in which the militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and captured some 240 men, women and children. Israel responded with a weekslong air

campaign and a ground invasion of northern Gaza, vowing to remove Hamas from power and crush its military capabilities. More than 11,200 Palestinians have been killed, two-thirds of them women and minors, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, with most believed to be buried under the rubble. The official count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Some guns, but so far no tunnels

ISR AELI troops on Wednesday stormed into Gaza’s largest hospital, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility, where newborns and hundreds of other patients have suffered for days without electricity and other basic necessities. Troops were searching the underground levels of the hospital on Thursday and detained technicians responsible for running its equipment, the Health

PALESTINIAN children wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to a hospital in Deir al-Balah on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. AP/HATEM MOUSSA

Ministr y in Hamas-run Gaza said in a statement. After encircling Shifa for days, Israel faced pressure to prove its claim that Hamas was using the patients, staff and civilians sheltering there to provide cover for its fighters. The allegation is part of Israel’s broader accusation that Hamas uses Palestinians as human shields. The military released video from inside Shifa showed three duffel bags it said it found hidden around an MRI lab, each containing an assault rifle, grenades and Hamas uniforms, as well as a closet that contained a number of assault rifles without ammunition clips. The Associated Press could not independently verify the Israeli claims that the weapons were found inside the hospital. Hamas and Gaza health officials deny militants operate in Shifa—a hospital that employs some 1,500 people and has more than 500 beds. The Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of

Fresh off his meeting with China’s Xi, Biden turns his attention to Asia-Pacific economies By Colleen Long & Aamer Madhani The Associated Press

hospital, and that its soldiers were accompanied by medical teams bringing in incubators and other supplies. At one point, tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing Israeli bombardment were sheltering at Shifa, but most left in recent days as the fighting drew closer. The fate of premature babies at the hospital has drawn particular concern. The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifa’s emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. There was no immediate word on the condition of another 36 babies, who the ministry said earlier were at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators.

AN FRANCISCO—Fresh off his meeting with the leader of China, President Joe Biden on Thursday will address CEOs grappling with the risks to their businesses from world crises and spend time trying to persuade other Indo-Pacific leaders that the US is committed to nurturing economic ties throughout the region. “We’ve got a few busy days ahead of us,” Biden said during a welcome reception, ticking off a list of concerns and challenges for the leaders to examine. “Our strongest tools to meet those challenges remain the same...connection, cooperation, collective action and common purpose.” Biden is courting world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and through his administration’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a group that includes most of the 21 APEC member economies, and a few others, like India, that aren’t members of the larger forum. The president will also pose for the traditional “family photo” with APEC leaders, host a working lunch and a fancy leaders dinner. The US hasn’t hosted the annual leaders’ summit—started in 1993 by President Bill Clinton—since 2011. The group met virtually in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Leaders did

gather in Bangkok last year, but Biden skipped the summit because his granddaughter was getting married and he sent Vice President Kamala Harris in his place. The annual leaders’ conference brings together heads of nations and other top economic and diplomatic leaders. Biden told those who gathered Wednesday evening at a welcome party—including Russia’s representative, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk— that today’s challenges were unlike those faced by other APEC leaders. “How we’re going to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to lift up the world, while minimizing the risks and safety concerns of the present?” he asked. “Will we act, with the urgency necessary to dramatically curb carbon emissions and avert a climate catastrophe that threatens us all? Can supply chains be built that are more resilient and secure in the face of threats like natural disasters and pandemics?” On Thursday, Biden will speak to CEOs who are exploring new technologies and the concept of resilience so that companies can steer through a variety of challenges. After decades of trade built on the premise of keeping prices low, accessing new markets and maximizing profits, many companies are now finding a vulnerable global economy. The Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts aren’t helping matters. T he coronav ir us pandemic exposed frailties in their supply

chains. Climate change has intensified natural disasters that can close factories. The Israel-Hamas war and Ukraine’s defense against a Russia invasion have generated new financial risks, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence could change how companies operate and displace workers. Chinese President Xi Jinping, too, met with American business leaders—at a $2,000-per-plate dinner Wednesday evening. It was a rare opportunity for US business leaders to hear directly from the Chinese leader as they seek clarification on Beijing’s expanding security rules that may choke foreign investment. “China is pursuing high-quality development, and the United States is revitalizing its economy,” he said, according to an English language translation. “There is plenty of room for our cooperation, and we are fully able to help each other succeed and achieve win-win outcomes.” He even signaled that China would send the US new pandas, just a week after three from the Smithsonian National Zoo were returned to China—much to the dismay of Americans. There are only four pandas left in the United States—at the Atlanta Zoo. Biden and Xi understand that the complicated ties between the two nations have major global impacts. Their meeting Wednesday at a Northern California estate was in part an effort to show the

Looking south recklessly endangering civilians. Munir al-Boursh, a senior official with Gaza’s Health Ministry inside the hospital, said that for hours, the troops ransacked the basement and other buildings, including those housing the emergency and surgery departments, and searched the grounds for tunnels. Troops questioned and facescreened patients, staff and people sheltering in the facility, he said, adding that he did not know if any were detained. “Patients, women and children are terrified,” he told the AP by phone Wednesday. The military said its troops killed four militants outside the hospital at the start of the operation, but through days of fighting there were no reports of militants firing from inside Shifa. There were also no reports of any fighting within the hospital after Israeli troops entered. The military said it was carrying out a “precise and targeted operation” in a specific area of the world that while they are global economic competitors, the US and China aren’t full-fledged rivals. With his characteristic optimism, Biden sketched a vision of leaders who manage competition “responsibly,” adding, “that’s what the United States wants and what we intend to do.” Xi, though, was gloomier about the state of the post-pandemic global economy. China’s economy remains in the doldrums, with prices falling due to slack demand from consumers and businesses. “The global economy is recovering, but its momentum remains sluggish,” Xi said. “Industrial and supply chains are still under the threat of interruption and protectionism is rising. All these are grave problems.” W hite House officials said Biden has been bolstered by signs the US economy is in a stronger position than China’s, and that the US was building stronger alliances throughout the Pacific. Part of those alliances are through the IPEF framework, announced during a May 2022 trip to Tokyo. It came six years after the US unilaterally withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that was signed by 12 countries. The new framework has four major pillars: supply chains, climate, anti-corruption and trade. There won’t be any official trade deals to announce—the “framework” label allows Biden to bypass Congress on any agreements reached with the 13 countries. The Associated Press writers Josh Boak in Washington and Didi Tang in San Francisco contributed to this report.

THE leaflets, dropped in areas east of the southern town of Khan Younis, warned civilians to evacuate the area and saying anyone in the vicinity of militants or their positions “is putting his life in danger.” Similar leaflets were dropped over northern Gaza for weeks ahead of the ground invasion. Two local reporters who live east of Khan Younis confirmed seeing the leaflets. Others shared images of the leaflets on social media. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday the ground operation will eventually “include both the north and south. We will strike Hamas wherever it is.” The military says it has largely consolidated its control of the nor th, inc lud ing seizing and demolishing government buildings. Video released by the army Thursday showed soldiers moving between heavily damaged buildings through holes blown in their walls. On Thursday, the military said it had blown up a residence belonging to Ismail Haniyeh, a senior

Hamas leader based abroad. It was unclear if anyone was inside the building. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have already crowded into the territory’s south, where a worsening fuel shortage threatens to paralyze the delivery of humanitarian services and shut down mobile phone and Internet service. Conditions in southern Gaza have been deteriorating as bombardment continues to level buildings. Residents say bread is scarce and supermarket shelves are bare. Families cook on wood fires for lack of fuel. Central electricity and running water have been out for weeks across Gaza. Israel allowed a small amount of fuel to enter Gaza on Wednesday, for the first time since the war began, so that the—agency for Palestinian refugees, which is providing basic services to hundreds of thousands of people, could continue bringing limited supplies of aid through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. The fuel cannot be used for hospitals or to desalinate water, and covers less than 10 percent of what the agency needs to sustain “lifesaving activities,” said Thomas White, the agency’s Gaza director. The Palestinian telecom company Paltel, meanwhile, said it expected services to halt later Wednesday because of the lack of fuel or electricity. Gaza has experienced three previous mass communication outages since the ground invasion. If Israeli troops move south, it is not clear where Gaza’s population can flee, as Egypt refuses to allow a mass transfer onto its soil. Chehayeb reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Amy Teibel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

Taiwan’s participation at APEC forum a rare chance to break China’s bonds By Christopher Bodeen Associated Press

AIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwan will take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco this week, a rare opportunity for the selfgoverning island democracy of 23 million people and its high-tech economy to break the diplomatic embargo on it imposed by authoritarian China. Taiwan’s chief delegate will be a civilian rather than a government figure or head of state, under an unwritten rule that satisfies China’s contention that members of the organization participate as economic entities rather than state players. For the seventh time, Taiwan will be represented by Morris Chang, the 92-yearold founder of the world-leading Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Chang is known as the godfather of the industry that has put Taiwan in the top ranks of high-tech manufacturing and personal electronic devices. Taiwan has participated in APEC since 1991 under the name Chinese Taipei. It began taking part just two years after the group’s inception and the same year that China and the semi-autonomous Chinese city of Hong Kong joined. Taiwan has relied on retired ministers— and, in Chang’s case, industry leaders—who are well connected with the government but do not carry the burden of formal office, which could spark a protest from China. But that doesn’t mean Taiwan’s government won’t be represented. Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun will attend a meeting presided over by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who recently visited Beijing, and two other ministers will attend meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Taiwan a major topic at Xi-Biden meeting

A JAPANESE colony until the end of World War II, Taiwan split from mainland China amid a civil war in 1949. China continues to claim the island as its territory, to be annexed by force if necessary, a threat it plays out on a near-daily basis by sending ships and warplanes into areas around the island. These acts of political intimidation have the potential to wear down the operational resiliency of the island’s military equipment and personnel. Taiwan has just a fraction of the air, sea, and missile power of China’s People’s Liberation Army, not to mention its ground forces, and relies heavily on young men doing their mandatory national service to fill its ranks. However, Taiwan in recent years has invested heavily in upgraded arms purchases from the US, along with boosting its own defense industry, most notably building submarines that could undermine the Chinese naval threat. That has come partly in response to Chinese displays of force such as sailing aircraft carriers through the economically crucial Taiwan Strait and sending aircraft and drones to circle the island. While the US has no military treaty with Taiwan, it is obligated under federal law to ensure the island can defend itself and to treat all threats to the island as matters of “grave concern.” That, along with Washington’s string of alliances from Japan to South Korea and the Philippines, and its refusal to recognize China’s claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, make the Taiwan Strait a potential powder keg should Chinese leader Xi Jinping seek to make good on his determination to unite what he views as China’s historical territory and cement his political legacy.

A12 Friday, November 17, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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A bill to exterminate the ‘unli rice’ culture?

hite rice, the staple food of Filipinos and other Asians, has been proven to cause spikes in blood sugar because it has a high glycemic index (GI). Studies have linked high rice consumption with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Eating high-GI foods can cause blood sugar levels to rapidly rise—triggering the pancreas to release more insulin—and then quickly fall. This can promote cravings and overeating. Repeating this cycle frequently may lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, factors associated with type 2 diabetes and higher cardiovascular risk, according to a Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) research. The HSPH researchers reviewed four earlier studies involving more than 352,000 people from China, Japan, the United States, and Australia who were tracked between four and 22 years. They found that people who ate the most rice—three to four servings a day—were 1.5 times more likely to have diabetes than people who ate the least amount of rice. In addition, for every additional large bowl of white rice a person ate each day, the risk rose 10 percent. The link was stronger for people in Asian countries, who eat an average of three to four servings of white rice per day. A perspective paper in Diabetes Care recommends reducing white rice in your diet. Avoiding large portion sizes can help reduce insulin and blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes. In fact, eating too much food at one time has been shown to cause higher blood sugar and insulin levels in people at risk of diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are 3.9 million people with diabetes in the Philippines as of May 2020. As a chronic illness, diabetes can bring about an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. In 2020, 6.5 percent of deaths in the country were caused by diabetes mellitus diseases. Now comes a bill filed at the House of Representatives that may unintentionally help Filipinos prevent the risk of diabetes. House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin’s proposed legislation mandates restaurants, canteens, eateries, and food establishments to provide a half-cup rice serving option. Dubbed the “Rice Waste Reduction Act of 2023,” the bill is geared towards curbing rice wastage, estimated at P7.2 billion a year. (Read the BusinessMirror report, “With P7.2-B wastage, bill mandates half-cup rice,” November 15, 2023). Incidentally, President Marcos filed a similar bill—Senate Bill No. 1863— seeking to penalize restaurants for refusing to serve half a cup of rice when he was a senator during the 16th Congress. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to act on his proposed measure. Garin said her bill seeks to minimize food waste, encourage balanced and sustainable eating habits, and promote healthier meal portions. “By implementing this measure, the legislation envisions a future where individuals are more conscious of their food choices, establishments prioritize responsible serving practices, and society as a whole benefits from a more sustainable and balanced approach to food consumption,” she said. Garin’s bill, if signed into law, is like throwing two strikes with one pitch. Her primary purpose is to help reduce rice wastage in the country. But the incidental health benefit of this measure is potentially huge. It helps prevent overconsumption of white rice, which can raise blood glucose levels and increase the risk of diabetes. In the age of social media, however, we can’t predict the effect of half-cup rice image posts on the reputation of a restaurant, particularly on people who don’t know that this is a customer’s option and not the restaurant’s regular serving size. Under the regime of “unli rice,” we also don’t know who would avail themselves of just a half-cup rice serving. But, who knows, this may just be the legislation needed to make people aware that we cannot continue cultivating an “unli rice” culture if we want to lower our blood sugar level and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

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Better Days

ive years have passed since Republic Act 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-nanay Act was enacted. Also known as the First 1,000 Days Act, the law is intended to address several issues related to the health of infants and their mothers, particularly those from poor families, and the effect of malnutrition on the physical and mental development of the child. As the principal author of the law, I recognized the need to institute a strong policy framework to ensure both pregnant mothers and their young children receive proper nutrition wherever they are situated in the country. It has long been established that proper nutrition during the 1,000day period—from pregnancy until the second year of a child’s life, is the most critical time when it comes to the development of a child. RA 11148 scales up nutrition intervention programs in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and allocates resources in a sustainable manner to improve the nutritional status and address the malnutrition of infants and young children from zero to two years old, adolescent females, pregnant, and lactating women to ensure growth and development of infants and young children. UNICEF emphasizes that what, when and how children eat is more important before age two than at any other time in life. It recognizes that many infants and young children are not receiving the nutrition they need to

survive and thrive. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), of which I am a commissioner, has identified early childhood care and development, wherein nutrition and feeding is a key component, as a priority area in the performance of its mandate of assessing and evaluating the performance of the Philippine education sector. Apart from RA 11148, we also have RA 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which provides a national feeding program for undernourished children aged three to 12 in public daycare centers and elementary schools. EDCOM 2 has identified malnutrition as a major problem in the Philippines. The data shows that one in every three Filipino children under five years is chronically malnourished.

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Chronic malnutrition leads to stunting, where a child fails to grow and develop to his or her full potential. Stunting also has long-term effects such as poor cognition and learning performance, weakened immune systems and greater risk of diseases later in life. Stunting is caused by undernutrition during pregnancy, inadequate intake of high-quality food from 0-23 months, and persistent child illnesses. UNICEF notes that children who were stunted frequently have lower productivity, and earn up to 20 percent lower than average wages as adults. RA 11148 identifies all the services needed for the first 1,000 days of life, from prenatal check-ups, immunization of pregnant and children, dietary supplementation programs for the target groups, training of health and nutrition workers, provision of other health and nutrition services, and psychosocial stimulation. Under this year’s national budget, a total of P99.31 million was provided to the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health for the implementation of RA 11148. For 2024, the Senate Committee on Finance is working to increase the amount proposed by the Executive Branch so that more young children and their mothers will get the proper nourishment and care that they require. The challenge has always been to ensure the funds are downloaded to the level of the barangays and that information about the programs under the law cascaded to the target beneficiaries. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the

Department of Social Welfare and Development can be a powerful tool to help in the implementation of the law. The 4Ps incentivizes pregnant women and children aged zero to five to get check-ups at their local health centers through cash grants. Nutrition interventions can be integrated to these check-ups so in effect we are casting a wider net to improve the health and development of pregnant mothers and young children. The NNC recently launched its Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028, a strategic, multisectoral, multi-level and directional plan to address all forms of malnutrition in the country. It seeks to reduce all forms of malnutrition across all life stages by 2028. By 2028, the goal of the PPAN is to bring down the prevalence of low birth weight among infants to 8.6 percent; stunted children under five to 17.9 percent; wasted children under five to 4.3 percent; overweight children under five to 3.5 percent; and Vitamin A deficiency among children six months to five years old. As the chairman of the Committee on Finance, we will strive to support this effort through interventions in the budgetary process in order to reduce, if not totally eliminate malnutrition in the country. Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 19 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 10 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate. E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

Equipping the poor: Its impact on financial health and livelihood

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

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The key role of nutrition in education

Thomas L. Lazaro III

EAGLE WATCH

N our previous articles, we discussed about how the Philippines has remarkably progressed in alleviating poverty for the past 30 years due to its robust economic growth, and how it is faring with its Asean contemporaries. We found out that despite the fast GDP growth, our poverty reduction was not at the same pace and slower than Thailand and Vietnam. And as the World Bank had pointed out, this is mainly due to the persistence of economic inequality in which not everyone, especially the ultra-poor, have an equal level of opportunity to have access to proper nutrition, health care, quality education, jobs, and skills that are essential in eradicating poverty and creating inclusivity.

In alleviating poverty, giving cash and tangible productive assets is not the only solution. We must also equip the poor with the right training, knowledge, coaching and mentoring with encouragement. In today’s article, we are to discuss the impact of equipping the poor on financial health and livelihood. In the previous survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the share of Filipino adults with bank accounts grew to 56 percent in the first quarter of 2022, from 29 percent

in 2019. This was relatively higher than Cambodia’s 33 percent, Laos’ 37 percent, Myanmar’s 48 percent, and Indonesia’s 52 percent. However, this is lower than Malaysia’s 88 percent, Thailand’s 96 percent, and Singapore’s 98 percent (World Bank Global Findex 2021). Despite this development, challenges remain for the financial inclusion agenda of the BSP. The main barrier is lack of income, and bank transactions persist that expose inequality in the financial aspect. Effective financial organization and instruments are required, be it at the national (formal) level or at the household (informal) level. Training and equipping the poor can be utilized to improve the financial well-being of ultra-poor families. International Care Ministries, a nonprofit organization that serves the ultra-poor communities in Visayas and Mindanao, trains and equips families in ultra-poverty through its Transform program. The program is delivered through weekly group sessions. One of its key component is the livelihood training

wherein a trained staff teach business skills, saving and how to manage their finances. Program participants are grouped into “savings groups” (SGs). These groups are typically five to 20 people who belong to the same community. These groups have their regular meetings at least once a week, and members are required to contribute a small sum each meting, which is collected by the group’s treasurer and serves as the group’s savings. These groups are also being mentored and coached by an ICM staff regularly so they may use their savings, should it be enough, in a lucrative and sustainable business. As their business progresses and accumulates profit, members of the group may now potentially open a savings account in a bank, joining the formal financial sector. Presbyterian Agricultural Services (PAS), a nonprofit organization, also trains the ultra-poor in Ghana, which includes financial education plus productive assets, aside from technical training, and life skills. See “Eagle Watch,” A13

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Use your platform for social change à la Aretha Franklin

Opinion BusinessMirror

Friday, November 17, 2023 A13

Persecuting politicians Tito Genova Valiente

annotations Betrayal is the only truth that sticks.—Arthur Miller

F Leila de Lima belonged to a gang, there would have been her friends screaming their hearts out as she stepped out into freedom. But she is a politician and when finally she got a reprieve (for that is how we feel about her situation at the moment), she was alone.

undreds of celebrities take advantage of social media to reach and communicate to millions of people today. A popular artist’s tweet on X could make a brand’s sales skyrocket, while an unflattering image on Instagram could quickly spell disaster to another.

Actors, singers and athletes could undoubtedly influence an action or inaction at lightning speed. Social media platforms allow them to trumpet their advocacies across the world. But how many of them are really willing to take the risk of leaving the middle road and taking a solid stand on a social issue while risking their popularity and public acceptance? Aretha Franklin did just that in ways that helped and supported the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s when social media was not yet a thing. Aretha, often referred to as the “Queen of Soul,” used the stage not to make her a media topic, but to be a catalyst for change. Born in 1942 to Baptist preacher C.L. Franklin and pianist and singer Barbara (née Siggers), Aretha grew up with strong social awareness. Her father was legendary on the pulpit and was involved with black civil rights in Detroit. It would be easy to imagine Aretha listening to her father as he delivered Biblical sermons as well as speeches on issues such as voting rights, nondiscrimination and segregation. Her father, without a doubt, influenced her political leanings and introduced her to other Civil Rights activists and friends such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel. Being exposed to social activism at a young age shaped Aretha’s strong political conviction. She was surrounded by people who fought for change and spoke out against oppression, inequality and discrimination. That was the atmosphere she grew up in. That, combined with her genius in music, gave us the legend that is Aretha Franklin. Which brings us to her voice and music. Aretha is the first female artist to be included into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She sold millions of albums, sang in three presidential inaugurations (Carter, Clinton and Obama) and received countless awards in a career that spanned over five decades. Her voice, combined with her political convictions, resulted in such protest songs as Respect; Young, Gifted and Black; Do Right Woman, Do Right Man; People Get Ready; A Change is Gonna Come and Think; among others. The rendition of these songs is uniquely Aretha’s and so relevant to the times when they were launched. She gained significant success in the late 1960s. It is said that Aretha included in her contract that she would never perform for a segregated audience at a time when segregation was the norm. This was the kind of activism Aretha introduced her audience into. It was fully understandable from an artist who sang at Martin

Eagle Watch . . . continued from A12

Their poverty intervention proved to be successful in increasing the participants’ income and monthly consumption (Banerjee et. al. 2015).

Being exposed to social activism at a young age shaped Aretha’s strong political conviction. She was surrounded by people who fought for change and spoke out against oppression, inequality and discrimination. That was the atmosphere she grew up in. That, combined with her genius in music, gave us the legend that is Aretha Franklin. Luther King Jr.’s funeral in 1968. In the absence of social media at that time, Aretha used her power in drawing people to her concerts to protest discrimination. She held that power to insist in her contract that unless everybody in the audience was perceived as equals, only then could she perform. She wielded that power to correct, no matter how short the term was, the inequities that black people suffered. Neither did Aretha hold back on her song’s message even when white people were also in the audience. She was not to be a middle-roader. She sang with black pride, and her songs attested to that. These days, artists are either too cautious or afraid to make a stand on important issues because of the potential blowback from netizens. Such apathy and indifference are deafening because the cancel culture of our time is strong, and the financial repercussions on celebrities could be substantial. But not Aretha at the height of her popularity. She was open and vocal about her stand on political and social issues. There is a story on Aretha offering to post bail for Communist Party member Angela Davis who was charged with kidnapping, conspiracy and murder. A story of Reverend Jackson, published by the Detroit Press, recalled that Aretha launched an “11-city tour and gave all the proceeds to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” who was in the cusp of bankruptcy. These contributions were not made as publicity stunts—they were genuine support for those who fought for social change and equality. What she did for Dr. King, for example, was made public only 50 years later when Rev. Jackson delivered a eulogy for the queen. Aretha Franklin died in 2018 at 76 years old. Other celebrities can cull an important lesson from the life of Aretha Franklin. Because much was given to her, she gave back in ways that contributed to the change she believed should happen. Said Aretha: “I have the money; I got it from black people—they’ve made me financially able to have it —and I want to use it in ways that will help our people.” Livelihood training is also essential for poverty reduction. Communities, especially rural ones, may have resources such as land, crops, and other assets. However, these communities often do not have the skills on managing these assets and turning them into productive use. The

Immediately, after de Lima’s release, photos were released of senators who ousted her, of senators who supported her, of senators who abstained from condemning, and two more who did not really care. What is the secret of top politicians, like senators and congressmen, that they can conduct actions that we never could understand? That, in fact, people in the august halls of leadership can really betray each other, all in the name of political soul-searching? That they can feed their very own to the wild beasts of opinions and transform those words into fierce animals that feed off souls? We can be melodramatic but if one person has been incarcerated with more than half of this country’s population not believing in the guilt of that person, then we are indeed in deep political shit and do imagine that bountiful scenario. Go back again and remember what transpired as one senator was hauled into isolation. One might say, she certainly deserved that. Deserved what? If a politician who has gained enough political clout can be isolated for years, who can assure us that action cannot be as well conducted against us? And true enough, in this nation, one can be carted off into a bartolina, and the whole world can forget about you. Her case is one more facet in the

phenomenon of the desaparecido— you are around but you are not seen; you are seen but you have become a bonafide “disappeared ones.” Those colleagues with whom Leila de Lima debated with, and spent years as peers, have, for many years forgotten about her. There were those who stayed with her—lawyers, advocates, and citizens who thought they should be in vigil and remain vigilant because rights were being trampled upon. With them are the lessons not of democracy but of people who recognize how their humanity can be in itself power. Have we not felt some guilt that, in the course of living, we had to assure ourselves we have the right not to feel anymore for this senator because we are merely poor people and we have the right to our own life, live it fully, albeit imperfectly, so long as we remain outside of any total institutions, like a torture chamber or a penitentiary? It is a scary proposition how the jail or any isolating structures can be a possibility for any one of us. There is no truth to the claim that in democracy, people have rights and these rights are protected. It is even more terrifying to feel how there is no might when one who has been placed in power by the sacred votes of other citizens felt one day he should punish a political enemy, defined simply as one who had crossed him.

More amusing than fearsome are the views that began to rain on the parade of social observers how justice is alive in our country. There is a clear operational definition of this assertion when pundits who have found their tongues of fire begin to celebrate how our courts are functioning very well, thank you. The fact is our Senate and House of Representatives are like secret societies. They hide behind codes they themselves have built to protect their chambers when necessary. Forget about servant-leaders—they belong to an idealized world. We can only look puzzled now at the silence of the senators who are, whether they like it or not, standing at the metaphorical gate to welcome one of their own. Not prodigal but punished, Leila de Lima is coming back into the fold. What will these senators tell Leila? We know you were not guilty. Sorry, we could not do anything, you see, we belong to the Legislative and the real guilty ones, of course you know them, the Executive and the Judiciary, don’t they? Well, at least, you are back! Consider those years as lessons learned. Six years or more in isolation should be greeted with hysteria, but you know how it is with politics, you respond phlegmatically, which could be interpreted as intellectual.

And so let us look at the political thoughts that are relevant to this topic. Let us summon Georg Simmel and his notions of secret societies and secrecy, control and censorship. Large complex societies function well when information and other forms of communications are controlled and managed. Even when placed in the present times with the Internet and social media, a modicum of control remains necessary. Around us exists control in the flow of information. A paper by Gary T. Marx & Glenn W. Muschert titled “Simmel on Secrecy. A Legacy and Inheritance for the Sociology of Information,” talks of Simmel’s idea of secrecy “such as the knowledge individuals have of each other, communication, the lie; the social patterning of concealment as this involves forms such as interest groups, friendship and marriage; the social functions of secrecy and, at a more social psychological level, our “peculiar attraction” to it and its opposite—betrayal…” But who talks of betrayal in modern society? What we’d rather talk about is revenge—put him and others into jail for causing one woman’s misfortune. Which could include her peers? E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Total and permanent disability benefits of a seafarer undergoing continuous medical treatment Dennis Gorecho

Pinoy Marino Rights

seafarer still undergoing medical treatment beyond the 120/240-day period despite an assessment from the company designated physician is entitled to total and permanent disability benefits.

The Supreme Court said that the March 24, 2009 disability assessment made by the company doctor was not definitive. The said disability assessment was merely an interim one because the seafarer continued to require medical treatments even after March 24, 2009.

This principle was reiterated by the Supreme Court in the case of Dario Carcedo v. Maine Marine Philippines Inc./Misuga Kajun Co., Ltd (GR 203804, April 15, 2015). The seafarer’s foot was wounded because of his safety shoes while on board the vessel. Despite medication, his foot’s condition worsened when he slid down the deck and bumped his right foot. He felt pain in the back of his swollen leg and developed fever and headache. When he was treated at a Japanese hospital, the doctor diagnosed the seafarer with an open fracture of the right major toe bone with a suspicion of sepsis. Upon his repatriation to the Philippines, the seafarer initially underwent debridement (surgical removal of contaminated tissue) of the wound of the right big toe. The toe was later amputated.

On March 24, 2009, the company doctor recommended “an impediment disability grading of 8 percent for loss of first toe [big toe] and some of its metatarsal bone.” Due to infection of the amputated stump, the seafarer was again admitted to the hospital where the right first metatarsal bone was removed. The seafarer’s personal doctor noted that the absence of the first and second toe, which caused him to walk on the lateral aspect of his left foot with a cane. He had some pain on weight bearing. The Supreme Court said the schedule of disabilities in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), if there is one, or the POEA standard employment contract, should be the primary basis for the determination of a seafarer’s degree of disability. However, the POEA contract and the CBA cannot be read in isola-

tion from the Labor Code and the Amended Rules on Employee Compensation (AREC). Otherwise, the disability rating of the seafarer will be completely at the mercy of the company-designated physician, without redress, should the latter fail or refuse to give one. The Supreme Court said that the March 24, 2009 disability assessment made by the company doctor was not definitive. The said disability assessment was merely an interim one because the seafarer continued to require medical treatments even after March 24, 2009. He was confined in the hospital from April 20, 2009 to June 6, 2009, where he underwent serial debridements, curettage, sequestrectomy and even amputation of the right first metatarsal bone. Since the seafarer required further medical treatments beyond the 120-day period, his total and temporary disability was extended. The company-designated physician then had until 240 days from

Village Enterprise (VE), a nonprofit organization that conducts livelihood training in Uganda, teaches livelihood that utilizes the productive assets that they provide for their participants. They also train their participants on how to market their produce. This approach is proven to

be effective in increasing the income and monthly consumption of the ultra-poor who trained under their poverty intervention program (Sedlamyr et. al., 2020). The studies and program cited here are meant to address poverty on the community or “micro” level. How can

the impact of a “micro” training in finance and livelihood be translated to national or “macro” perspective in eradicating poverty? Moving forward, the government must look on policy proposals on how they can efficiently equip the poor and make them “graduate” out of poverty. Teaching

repatriation to give the final assessment. However, the company-designated physician failed to give a definitive impediment rating of the seafarer’s disability beyond the extended temporary disability period, after the 120-day period but less than 240 days. Neither was there a certification from the company-designated physician as to the seafarer’s fitness for sea service. And even if it had, it would be belied by his subsequent reports on, and the fact of, the continuation of medical treatments and hospitalization of the seafarer after the issuance of the March 24, 2009 report. By operation of law, the seafarer’s total and temporary disability lapsed into a total and permanent disability. It is not the injury, which is compensated, but rather it is the incapacity to work resulting in the impairment of one’s earning capacity. Permanent total disability means disablement to earn wages in the same kind of work, or work of similar nature that he was trained for or accustomed to perform, or any kind of work that a person of his mentality and attainment could do. It does not mean absolute helplessness. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

the poor innovative ways of managing their finances and livelihood makes it more sustainable than merely being a “reactionary” government. Mr. Thomas L. Lazaro III is a graduate student at the Department of Economics of Ateneo de Manila University.

A14 Friday, November 17, 2023

MIC keen on monetizing assets to shore up its income

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) plans to implement a rehabilitation and asset monetization scheme as part of its income generation measures, especially in the sectors of energy and agriculture, its president said.

CONSING

Newly-appointed MIC President and CEO (PCEO) Rafael D. Consing Jr. emphasized that one of the ways that MIC can generate income is by taking into custody idled government assets and then rehabilitating them in order to be “optimally” monetized. This, Consing pointed out, is one of the ways to allow the MIC to generate income as soon as possible to grow the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and achieve its targeted return on investments. “You take one of that asset, that

tion of the Agus-Pulangi power plants as well as the CalirayaBotocan-Kalayaan (CBK) Power Plant project. For one, Consing emphasized that the CBK is currently generating below 50 percent of its rated capacity, therefore requiring significant rehabilitation. “What we would like to [do] is to convince government and agencies to allow [these assets] to be contributed to the Maharlika and we will assist in its rehabilitation through a technical partner.

additional asset as a contribution of the national government to the Maharlika, which we would then rehabilitate and bring it up to its optimal capacity. From which, we then generate immediate income and monetize a portion of it,” he said in a recent press briefing. “Today, these [idled assets] are not being optimized. That is really a lost opportunity for us, particularly on the power side,” he added. Some of the assets identified by Consing were the rehabilita-

Once you now have achieved that level of optimal capacity we will start monetizing it again partially or entirely. It would generate significant value,” he said. The same scheme, Consing disclosed, could be applied in agrourbanism, which is one of the four identified investment areas of MIC. Consing pointed out that idled government lands can be consolidated and be developed by the MIC into megazones or ecozones that can obtain tax benefits, making them enticing to foreign investors and locators. The same idea can also be applied to lands owned by individual farmers nationwide. The lands of the farmers would be consolidated, managed and developed by the MIC to be offered to foreign agricultural firms, Consing said. Doing this, Consing explained, would be three-fold: first, farmers would receive guaranteed lease revenues; second, they would be employed by the investors thereby generating income and employment; and third, the investors would be able to contribute to the modernization of farming in the country.

PAGCOR REMITS P5B MORE TO BTR; TOTAL TURNOVER P6.95B

PAGCOR President and COO Atty. Juanito L. Sanosa, Jr. (3rd from left) hands over to Deputy Treasurer Eduardo Anthony G. Marino a check for P5 billion representing the state gaming firm's latest remittance for dividend year 2022 during a simple turnover ceremony at the Pagcor Executive Office in Manila. With them are (from left) Pagcor Acting Chief of Staff AVP Ma. Corazon F. de Leon, Fund Management Department AVP Lolita S. Gonzales and Bureau of the Treasury Officer-in-Charge Director Maura Lizza N. Espina. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TAT E - RU N Ph i l ip pi ne Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) said the total dividends it remitted to the national coffers for 2022 has reached nearly P7 billion, about 16 percent over than the amount it contributed for 2021. Pagcor said it has remitted a total of P6.95 billion to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), some P950 million higher than the P6 billion it contributed for calendar year 2021.

Pagcor disclosed that it recently remitted an additional of P5 billion last November 15 as part of its contributions from its retained earnings at the end of 2022. Earlier this year, Pagcor remitted some P1.95 billion as part of its 2022 contributions after recording “hefty” revenues from resurgent gaming operations last year as the country recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued on A5

PHL to China: Remove all illegal structures, leave WPS By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

ANILA fired its longest and strongest rebuttal ever to Beijing since 2016, demanding that the Asian military superpower get out of the West Philippine Sea and be accountable for the environmental destruction it caused in building artificial islands. “We call on China to remove all these illegal structures, cease reclamations in the South China Sea, and be accountable for the damages caused by these illegal activities,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday. The DFA statement heightened the renewed tension between the two countries, as the Philippines continues to insist on sending food and other supplies to soldiers in Ayungin Shoal west of Palawan.

Ayungin Shoal

THE DFA was reacting to the comments made by Chinese Foreign

Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on November 10. Wang said the three Philippine Coast Guard ships and two cargo vessels commissioned by the Armed Forces “intruded” into the waters near Ren’ai Jiao, the Chinese name for Ayungin Shoal, and “gravely violated China’s sovereignty.” The DFA said China has no right to claim sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal. It cited the 2016 United Nations-backed Arbitral Tribunal ruling that Ayungin Shoal is a lowtide elevation that cannot generate its own territorial sea. “The law is clear: Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA said, “is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines over which the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction. China cannot, therefore, lawfully, exercise sovereignty over it.” The DFA reminded China that the 2016 Arbitral Award “superseded any historic rights” such as the Chinese map showing nine dashes semi-encircling the South China Sea.

“China cannot claim entitlements in areas of the ‘nine-dashed line,’ now ‘ten-dashed line,’ that exceed Unclos limits,” it added. Thus, the “resupply missions and the upkeep” of the Philippine Navy of the Philippine World War II ship BRP Sierra Madre that it grounded on Ayungin Shoal are “legitimate” activities that it legally can do in the EEZ. “It is difficult to imagine how these activities could be deemed threatening to China,” the DFA said. Since the Philippines has not entered into any agreement abandoning its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its EEZ and continental shelf, the DFA said they cannot give prior notification to China everytime it conducts resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. “We will not do so (give prior notification). The resupply missions are legitimate activities within our EEZ, in accordance with international law,” it said. Continued on A5

TRIBUTE TO THE ‘CHIEF’ Rotary Club of Manila President Rafael M. Alunan III (left) and Rotary Club of Forbes Park President Antonio P. Jacomina III (right) lead A Tribute to Chief Justice and Past President Artemio “Art” V. Panganiban (center) at the RCM 19th weekly meeting held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. NONOY LACZA

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, November 17, 2023

UBX sets sights on Vista Land 9-mo. income tenfold biz growth

surges as home sales rise By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the property development arm of the Villar Group, said its income in January to September surged 70 percent to P8.21 billion from last year’s P4.82 billion.

As of the end of the third quarter, the company launched 27 projects with an estimated value of about P40 billion. “We are delighted with our results, as we remain optimistic with the industry for the rest of the year with the strong GDP growth of 5.9 percent coupled with sustained growth in overseas Filipino remittance and revenge spending from consumers, all of which contributed to the positive performance of the group,” Vista Land Chairman Manuel B. Villar Jr. said. He said the company has been

launching more projects this year, which has enabled Vista Land to grow reservation sales by 10 percent to P53.1 billion during the period. “With the holiday season approaching, we eagerly anticipate welcoming an increased number of customers to our commercial centers as well as our overseas Filipinos coming home during the holidays which bodes well for our residential sales. As we move forward, our aim is to maximize our existing resources specifically our land as we remain committed to our mission of building communities across the Philippines

that stand the test of time." The company's consolidated revenue for the nine months rose 18 percent year-on-year to P27.4 billion. The growth of real estate revenue went up by 17 percent to P12.15 billion from the previous P10.41 billion, while rental income reached P11.83 billion, up by 15 percent from the previous year’s P10.22 billion. Most of these revenues came from its Communities Philippines brand, the affordable housing brand, which accounted for P4.73 billion; followed by Camella at P3.54 billion; and Vista Residences, the condominium builder, at P2.49 billion. The increase in rental income, meanwhile, was primarily attributable to higher occupancy and the increase in rates for the period including the upside from the higher sales of variable rental based tenants. “We are consistently enhancing our residential business by offering more vertical and upscale projects, while our leasing sector is maintaining its growth trajectory for the period,” Manuel Paolo A. Villar, the company’s president and CEO, said.

“The demand for our residential developments, spanning both horizontal and vertical segments, remains robust and sustained, with the strong interest from overseas Filipino buyers, constituting approximately 60 percent of our total sales." He said the company’s leasing portfolio of over 1.6 million square meters of gross floor area across 45 malls, 56 commercial centers, and 7 office buildings, has experienced increased foot traffic exceeding prepandemic levels. “Our strategic approach to maximizing prime land is actively underway, with the continuous launch of Vista Estates nationwide. Currently, our land bank spans over 3,085 hectares and is strategically located across the country,” he said. The company said it spent some P21.3 billion for capital expenditures for the period, directed mainly toward construction and land development. The company said it is concentrating on maximizing its current land bank, demonstrating “a prudent and strategic approach to growth.”

Meralco, USNC ink deal on MMRs By Lenie Lectura @llectura

he Manila Electric Co. ( Me r a lco) a nd Un ite d States-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) signed last November 15 a cooperative agreement to study the potential deployment of one or more MMR (micromodular reactor) Energy Systems in the Philippines. Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who was represented by Meralco Executive Vice President Ronnie Aperocho, and USNC Founder and CEO Francesco Venneri executed the deal at the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit. It was witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The agreement builds on the partnership between the two companies

Cemex plant to use solar power

announced in August. “USNC is changing the nuclear safety and energy security conversations in the Philippines with these MMRs. This agreement moves us forward with a partner who understands these important issues alongside the essential nature of the cost and reliability of the electricity supply,” Pangilinan said in a statement released Thursday. Under the cooperative agreement, USNC will conduct a prefeasibility study that will run for four months to familiarize Meralco with MMR systems and how these can be effectively utilized in the Philippines. Depending on the results of the prefeasibility study, Meralco has the option to conduct a more detailed feasibility study with focus on the adoption and deployment of MMR energy systems.

“This also signifies the commitment of Meralco to explore and utilize diverse energy sources for the benefit of Filipinos. Nuclear technology should be able to help us meet our country’s growing demand for energy, achieve energy independence, and transition towards a sustainable energy future,” added Pangilinan. The study is expected to help Meralco in critical decisions and potential future activities on project-specific studies and project development plans at identified sites. It will assess financial, technical, safety, and siting, among other considerations. The MMR Energy System features the high temperature heliumcooled micro reactor, the MMR unit or “nuclear battery” that can safely and reliably provide up to 45 MWth of high-quality heat, delivered into a

centralized heat storage unit. “Meralco is demonstrating real leadership in advancing the energy security and sustainability roadmap for the Philippines,” said Venneri. “Our MMR nuclear batteries can play a major role in delivering those benefits. The plans that will quickly follow this study place Meralco well on the way toward creating a reliable, low-carbon, equitable and secure future for Filipinos.” Meralco will accelerate its shift to green power as it assesses and adopts next-generation clean technologies such as MMR energy systems. The company recently launched the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program in a bid to develop the Philippines’s technical and regulatory talent pipeline through education and training in the highly specialized field of nuclear engineering.

ATI nets ₧3.2B on resilient trade flow

eme x Phi lippines has tapped Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise Inc. (FREE) to develop a 10.08-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar system in its Apo cement plant in Naga, Cebu. Cemex Philippines President Luis Franco said the solar power facility is expected to avoid over 10,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. “We are proud to partner with FREE, a company that shares our vision to address climate change through sustainable projects. This solar energy partnership is another milestone under Cemex’s Future in Action program, as we progress closer to our goal of reducing scope 2 emissions, coming from electricity sources that supply us, to less than 24kg of CO2 per ton of cementitious product by 2030,” said Franco. Cemex and ENGIE are taking their partnership further with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the implementation of various renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions for Cemex’s facilities. Lenie Lectura

Photo from www.asianterminals.com.ph

trong trade flow in step with the resilient Philippine economic growth delivered solid third quarter results for listed trade enabler Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI). In a regulatory disclosure, ATI reported that its revenues for the nine-month period reached P11.4 billion, up by 16.8 percent from P9.8 billion last year, on account of higher volumes. Net income as of end-September stood at P3.2 billion, 77.7 percent higher than the P1.8 billion it posted during the same period last year. ATI said revenues from international container operations in Manila South Harbor and Batangas Container Terminal increased by 12.7 percent and 56 percent, respectively, while revenues from its non-container operations in Batangas slightly increased by 0.1 percent. From January to September, ATI collectively handled nearly 1.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units (teus) of containerized cargoes, representing a 9.5-percent volume growth compared to the same period in 2022. For its non-containerized operations, the

modern Batangas Passenger Terminal continued to scale new heights as the country’s premier interisland travel hub. It handed close to 2 million outbound passengers from January to September, or 17 percent higher than last year. This brings Batangas Port closer to its annual average foot-traffic for outbound passengers before the pandemic. Domestic vehicle traffic transiting Batangas Port likewise increased by nearly 4 percent to more than 390,000 vehicles during the period, underscoring the importance of Batangas Port as a transport and economic linkage in the Southern Tagalog nautical backbone. Batangas port is positioned to handle more passengers, vehicles, and domestic trade with the completion of its port modernization project towards the first quarter of 2024. Its completion will enable the terminal to handle over 6,000 outbound passengers in any one time, from its current capacity of 3,000, officially making it the biggest, busiest, and most modern passenger terminal in the Philippines.

Photo from www.ubx.ph

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

ingapore—UBX Philippines Corp., the fintech arm of the Aboitiz Group, is targeting to grow its business by tenfold in the next five years, with a “conservative” target of reaching P1 trillion in gross transaction value (GTV) by 2028. In a press briefing at the Singapore Fintech Festival, UBX President John Januszczak told the media that UBX is banking on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to meet this target. “We’ve made a lot of progress, we’re approaching over P100 billion in transactions gross in our platform and credit processed over P30 billion,” he said. “So our goal in five years is to multiply our gross transaction volume… by ten times—that would be P1 trillion in GTV.” He noted that UBX has been growing “fivefold year-on-year” in revenues since it was founded in 2019. “ There’s an opportunity to unlock more growth. Our market penetration is quite small. I believe UBX is a highly investible business,” he said. Januszczak said AI will play a key role in reaching the tenfoldin-five-years goal, which also

involves accelerating financial inclusion in the Philippines. He noted that this includes the expansion of available use cases in the financial sector. “We believe that AI is the next lever in reaching the rest of the population,” he said. Mario Domingo, the global CTO of UBX , noted that the company is now leveraging AI to develop new services in lending as well as fraud detection and management. UBX, he said, is using alternative financial data to revolutionize the lending market. Alternatively, the company is working on using spending patterns to score the risk of borrowers, focusing on the anticipated spending patterns instead of the usual credit history. “The reverse of a credit score, we’re developing models about forward-looking. The potential is there in terms of making it happen.” Januszczak noted that the challenges in the open finance sector are rooted deep within— financial literacy and Internet connectivity. “Our biggest competitor is the lack of access to financial solutions. It’s the lack of education and access to the rest of the country. That’s what we’re really competing with,” Januszczak said.

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, November 17, 2023

Higher operating expenses slash Metro Retail income

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

etro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) said its net income in January to September fell 36 percent to P254.6 million from last year’s P400.7 million due to higher operating expenses. The company said it recorded a net income of P117.7 million in the third quarter alone, down by 35 percent from last year’s P181.76 million. “Our last three quarterly results showed an improving trend quarter-on-quarter. Before the year

concludes, we anticipate a lift in our performance as the holiday season draws in more robust consumer spending,” MRSGI President and COO Manuel Alberto said. “We are ready to serve early Christmas shoppers with a much wider selection of quality products

at competitive prices and an easy and friendly shopping experience across our physical stores and online channels." The company said it saw a 4-percent growth in net sales for the quarter to P9.63 billion from the previous year’s P9.19 billion, supported by better sales from existing stores and incremental sales from newly opened stores. By business, general merchandise rose by 4 percent for the quarter and 6 percent over nine months, benefitting from back-to-school and increased travel activities. Food retail expanded by 4 percent for the quarter mainly from higher grocery consumption and improved marketing and store initiatives. For the nine-month period, food retail was slightly lower

by 2 percent due to reduced wholesale transactions in 2023. Total net sales over the nine months reached P26.5 billion, slightly lower from the previous year. Last August, MRSGI launched two new supermarkets in LapuLapu City, Cebu and Gen. Trias, Cavite. With the closure of two underperforming stores earlier this year, the net store count currently stands at 62. In the coming months, the company said it will continue to pursue its acquisition and expansion plans, especially in the Visayas. Alongside this, MRSGI said it will refresh its merchandising brand and online engagement, “consistent with the changing shopping needs and aspirations of the company’s customers.”

‘Primelectric will cut Ceneco system losses’

azon-led Primelectric Holdings Inc. vowed to reduce the system losses of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) which will ultimately result in lower electricity rates. Under Republic Act 7832 or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994, system loss refers to unbilled power caused by pilferage and physical loss of energy when electricity passes through distribution lines, which can be passed on to consumers. Primelectric Roel Castro said Negros residents may soon experience a “transformative change” in their electric service once the Cenecio-Primelectric joint venture is approved through the issuance of an electric distribution franchise applied for by Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC). The joint-venture move is meant to improve the power distribution services in key cities and municipalities in the province of Negros Occidental.

Just recently, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises gave its preliminary approval to House Bill 9310, which aims to grant a franchise to NEPC. Castro noted the issues currently faced by Ceneco consumers and the urgent need for improved electric services in the region. “There’s a lot of complaints, and over and above that, their system loss is already beyond the cap. And when the systems loss is above the cap, it means that it is being passed on to the bottomline consumers, and Ceneco is already losing P20 million to P30 million a month.” He said NEPC is financially and technically capable to providing improvements in Bacolod and Central Negros, drawing from their successful experience in Iloilo. “The number of customers increased from 62,000 when we started, and now it’s 93,000 over three years. I would say that the approach to rehabilitate and make a turnaround is something we have done in Iloilo, and now we aim to do the same in Negros.” Lenie Lectura

MUTUAL FUNDS

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

Maya bank denies link to gambling operations By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

PERATORS of payment systems (OPS) Maya Bank Inc. (MBI) and Maya Philippines Inc. (MPI) clarified on Thursday they are not engaged in any gambling operations, contrary to the claims of lawmakers. In a statement issued last Thursday, MBI, a digital bank, and MPI, an electronic money issuer (EMI), said they strictly comply with guidelines set by regulatory bodies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The two OPS are registered with the BSP with MPI doing business under the name and style of “Maya.” (See https://www. bsp.gov.ph/PaymentAndSettlement/COR.pdf) Both firms are subsidiaries of Voyager Innovations Inc. Maya facilitates digital payments for numerous merchants, including a few entities accredited by the Pagcor, the companies said through a statement. “Our services are focused on providing secure payments from all sources like credit cards and wallet cash-in facilities for eligible customers,” the company’s joint statement further read. “We maintain strict compliance with the guidelines set by the BSP, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Pagcor to ensure user safety, security, and responsible use of financial service technologies,” the companies added.

Tulfo’s take

LAWMAKERS have filed House Resolution 1464 urging the Lower House to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation into digital banking platforms with linkages to gambling applications. (Full story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/11/16/ tulfo-wants-to-probe-mayas-alleged-link-to-gambling/) 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, Erwin Tulfo said it has come to his attention that MBI’s platform carries links to various gambling apps that openly allow subscribers to participate in gambling 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 Maya Digital Savings Bank [sic] for their financial transactions and digital wallet needs,” the lawmaker 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.

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, November 17, 2023

BSP to bring down remittance costs to 1%

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

ILIPINOS abroad and their families will be able to get some reprieve from high transaction costs of remittances as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is keen on bringing this down to only 1 percent. This is what BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. revealed at the “Philippine Economic Briefing” in San Francisco, United States of America, on Wednesday night. Bringing down remittance costs is consistent with the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under the targets

of the global goal, remittance costs should be cut to below 3 percent by 2030. “It costs about 5 percent now to send money to the Philippines when it comes to retail, retail payments. We want to bring it down to 3 percent and eventually bring it down to 1 percent. So that’s the plan,”

Learning from a farmer

have always been fascinated by the work of a farmer. Growing up in a farming community, I have admired the work and dedication of those tilling the land despite the many challenges they face: climate change, capital, market access, infrastructure and technology. I think associations can draw inspiration and wisdom from the world of farming. A farmers’ dedication, patience, strategic planning, resourcefulness, sustainability practices, long-term thinking, and adaptability offer valuable lessons for associations striving to succeed and grow. 1. Dedication to the mission. Farmers are dedicated to their craft, working tirelessly to ensure a bountiful harvest. Associations should mirror this dedication by committing wholeheartedly to their mission. A strong sense of purpose and devotion to member needs drive longterm success. 2. Patience. Farmers understand the value of patience as they wait for seeds to germinate, crops to grow, and harvests to ripen. Similarly, associations can embrace patience in their journey. Growth and success often take time, and it’s important to be patient while nurturing members, initiatives, and long-term goals. 3. Strategic planning and preparation. Farmers meticulously plan their planting, considering factors like soil quality, weather conditions, and crop selection. Associations can benefit from this level of

Association World Octavio Peralta strategic planning by setting clear objectives, preparing for potential challenges, and developing a roadmap for success. 4. Resourcefulness in problem solving. Farmers encounter unexpected challenges, from pests to weather disruptions. Associations can adopt a farmer’s resourcefulness by being adaptable and innovative when facing obstacles. Finding creative solutions is key to overcoming hurdles. 5. Sustainability and environmental stewardship. Farmers recognize the importance of caring for the land and ecosystems. Associations can align with this principle by promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance an association’s reputation. 6. Long-term thinking and legacy-building. Farming often spans generations, with knowledge and practices passed down through families. Associations can focus on legacy building by nurturing emerging leaders, documenting best practices, and ensuring the organization’s continued relevance and impact.

Asialink taps credit bureau to access SMEs’ ratings info

SIALINK Finance Corp. has decided to tap CIBI Information Inc. to access the creditworthiness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In a statement, Asialink said it intends to expand its lending to SMEs. The company currently lends P1.3 billion a month to SMEs. In 2022, Asialink reported a 44-percent growth in total revenues of P3.096 billion from P2.15 billion a year earlier. “We are on an expansion mode and we need to be guided with credit scores to manage our risks in lending to these companies that banks do not lend to,” Asialink Chairman Ruben O. Lugtu was quoted in the statement as saying. Asialink borrows from banks and lately from the capital market for relending to this unbanked sector, approving

loans within a day for known and repeat clients. The securities are usually motor vehicles. Its repayment performance is “better than banks” because they have fine-tuned their business model and already know how to deal with borrowers who are actually bankable but find it hard to meet the stricter lending requirements of banks. “As our CIBI partnership unfolds, clients of Asialink can look forward to more accurate and transparent inclusive credit scoring solutions,” Lugtu said. Early this year, Asialink raised P2 billion in corporate notes from SB Capital Investment Corp. and RCBC Capital, acting as Joint Lead Arranger and Manager, and borrowed P1 billion from Yuanta Savings Bank and Small Business Corp. Cai U. Ordinario

Remolona said. Remolona said the reduction in remittance fees will be made possible through the “Nexus Payment System” or “NPS,” a digital and interoperable platform. The NPS platform is being developed by the BSP along with its partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Eventually, the platform will not only be available in the region but also worldwide. “This system is designed to be interoperable across banks around the world. We hope to go global and in the process reduce the fees for say remittances.” Earlier, Asian Development Bank (ADB) experts said reducing the cost of remittances is crucial, especially in trying times such as pandemics, as these transfers represent lifelines for millions of families.

7. Harvesting the fruits of engagement. Farmers reap the rewards of their labor through a bountiful harvest. Associations can similarly enjoy the fruits of their engagement efforts when members are actively involved, advocate for the organization, and contribute to its long-term success. 8. Adaptation to changing environments. Farmers adapt their practices in response to evolving conditions. Associations must also be flexible, keeping a pulse on profession and industry trends, technological advancements, and changing member preferences. Willingness to pivot and innovate ensures continued relevance. Farmers are the stewards of the land, cultivating crops and raising livestock with dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of their environment. Their timeless wisdom and principles can offer valuable lessons to associations seeking to thrive, grow, and nurture their communities. By sowing the seeds of these farmer-like qualities, associations can nurture a future of growth and prosperity for both themselves and their members. Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the “association of associations.” PCAAE will hold its 11th Associations Summit at the PICC on December 20, 2023. E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

ADB experts led by Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department Senior Statistician Stefan Schipper said there is still a long way to go to attain SDG 10 on reducing transaction costs to 3 percent. Currently, remittance costs still represent around 5 percent of remittances sent by migrants and migrant workers all over the world. The ADB said informal remittance transfers were also particularly expensive while regulatory environments are too restrictive. During the pandemic, altruism played a key role in remittance flows. Citing results of a survey by global payments company World Remit Belgium S.A. in mid-2020, the experts said 84 percent of over 3,000 overseas Filipinos sent home the same amount of money or more during the pandemic.

These overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were hosted in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Remittances to the Philippines increased to 9.66 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 from 9.33 percent of GDP in 2019. Another factor that helped increase remittances during the pandemic was the greater availability of social and financial assistance to migrant workers in developed countries. Last month, WorldRemit said about one billion people worldwide, or one in every eight persons, depend on remittances. The company’s 2023 Global Cost of Living Index study assessed how the cost of living crisis is affecting financial decisions, including those of remittance senders who regularly send money to their loved ones.

SEC revokes registration of BBM-named scammers By Manuel T. Cayon

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced it has revoked the certificate of registration of an organization soliciting membership and fees from applicants for a promised steady flow of food rations, “ayuda” and other perks allegedly coming from Malacañang. The SEC said it revoked the certificate of the “Bagong Bansang Maharlika” (BBM) International Inc. (BBMII) “due to violation of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 11232) in relation to Section 6 i (2) of Presidential Decree 902-A for serious misrepresentation as to what the corporation can do to the great prejudice of or damage to the general public.” “The Commission has received reports indicating that BBMII is collecting membership fees from local communities, promising benefits such as food security, free education, free hospitalization, cash assistance, and livelihood opportunities,” it said. The group has been earlier admonished to refrain from acting as social welfare organization despite its registered status granted in the middle of this year.

briefs

➜ SECB 9-mo net profit at P7.6B

IN the first nine months of 2023, Security Bank Corp. (PSE: SECB) posted a net profit of P7.6 billion, “driven by growth in core businesses, increase in quarterly net interest margin and normalized credit provisions.” Net interest income increased 12 percent year-on-year to P24.7 billion. Total non-interest income was at P6.5 billion. Service charges, fees and commissions grew 10 percent to P4.3 billion. Operating expense was 14-percent higher, driven by investments in manpower and technology. Cost-to-income ratio was 60.7 percent compared to 56.3 percent a year ago. The private domestic universal bank posted total assets of P815 billion as of September 30, 2023. The 72-year-old lender has a total of 320 branches and 657 ATMs, cash recycler machines and cash acceptance machines to-date.

➜ PNB posts 19% growth in net income

PHILIPPINE National Bank (PSE: PNB) registered a consolidated net income of P13.5 billion for the first nine months of 2023, 19-percent higher compared to its earnings for the same period last year. The stronger performance yearon-year was attributed to the growth in the bank’s core lending and fee-based operations. Gross loans amounted to P635 billion as of end-September 2023, up 4 percent

“BBMII was warned through an advisory dated August 28 that its registration only granted it the juridical personality to operate as a corporation, but did not authorize specific activities, such as operating as a social welfare development agency (SWDA), which requires permit/license from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.” Worse, the SEC added, “the use of the President’s picture in the identification cards, tarpaulins and other materials and paraphernalia of Bagong Bansang Maharlika (BBM) International Inc. was done with palpable intent to mislead and deceive the public that the activities undertaken by the corporation are legitimate and are sanctioned by or with the imprimatur of the President or the Marcos administration.” The financial viability of BBMII’s promises also came into question, as it was a non-stock, non-profit corporation with limited capital and no visible income sources, the SEC said. “It was not shown that it was the recipient of donations or bequest with which to finance its scheme, nor did it have any operating capital to speak of when it started operations. In fact, per its Articles of Incorporation, its total capital contribution is merely P35,000,” the SEC said.

from the end-December 2022 level on the back of the bank’s sustained growth in corporate loans and expanded reach to the commercial and retail lending spaces. Deposit liabilities, on the other hand, increased by 5 percent as the bank continued to build up its CASA portfolio while offering other deposit products with competitive rates. Net feebased income, likewise, grew by 21 percent year-on-year, buoyed by higher volumes of lending and deposit-related transactions.

➜ EastWest 9-mo income hits P4.9M

EAST West Banking Corp. (PSE: EW) announced having posted a net income of P4.9 billion in the first nine months of 2023, exceeding the full year net income of 2022. Comparing against the same period last year, net income was higher by 60 percent from P3.0 billion, as revenues increased by 26 percent to P25.6 billion, driven mostly by the growth of its consumer lending portfolio (CLP). Its CLP accounts for 79 percent of total loans and grew by 26 percent led by credit cards, auto, salary and personal loan segments. This was supported by stable funding sources as total deposits grew by 6 percent to P338.0 billion, almost entirely from CASA deposits. This allowed the bank to sustain its net interest margin expansion to 7.7 percent.

SSS taps LBP, DBP as local fund managers to boost income in next three years

TATE-run Social Security System (SSS) said it has tapped the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) as its local fund managers to boost its income in the next three years. The state pension fund for private employees said the LandBank Trust Banking Group and the DBP Trust Banking Group would be the ones to manage its P2 billion worth of investible funds for pure fixed income.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando L. Macasaet said that each unit of the state-owned banks had already received P1 billion in two tranches last October 13 and 17. Macasaet explained that the LBPTBG and DBP-TBG will manage the SSS’s funds “within specific risk parameters” for three years to expand the pension fund’s investment portfolio and generate more earnings. “We see that SSS will greatly

benefit from tapping external fund managers to manage a portion of our investible funds. We can take advantage of their expertise to help grow the SSS funds and diversify the investment portfolio,” Macasaet was quoted in a statement the SSS issued last Thursday. The SSS said the TBGs of LBP and the DBP will complement the other fund managers it hired to manage Pure Fixed Income investibles. Earlier this year, the SSS tapped

the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Asset Management and Trust Corp. and the Security Bank Corp.Trust and Asset Management to handle P2 billion funds allocated for pure fixed income investments. Citing the Social Security Act of 2018, SSS Executive Vice President for Investments Sector Rizaldy T. Capulong explained that the state pension fund can appoint local or foreign fund managers to handle its Investment Reserve Fund (IRF).

The IRF is a portion of the SSS Reserve Fund allocated for investments wherein income derived from it goes back to the reserve fund and helps it grow, according to the SSS. The SSS has been hiring qualified local fund managers since 2016. “Tapping more investment savvy fund managers is a best practice worldwide, particularly with pension funds. This strategy allows pension funds like SSS to access the expertise

of fund managers in frontier markets where they do not have a competitive advantage like foreign investments,” SSS Senior Vice President for Fund Management Group Ernesto D. Francisco Jr. said. To date, SSS said it has already awarded the management of seven segregated investment mandates for pure fixed income fund, balanced fund, and pure equity fund worth P8 billion to five local fund managers. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

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TODAY’S HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rachel McAdams, 45; Dylan Walsh, 60; Danny DeVito, 79; Martin Scorsese, 81.

PHOTO BY FREESTOCKS ON UNSPLASH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: It’s up to you to make your dreams come true. Take the initiative and get the ball rolling. Making excuses will lead to regret, but taking hold of your life and what you want will lift your spirits and make you believe in yourself. Change is overdue, and with it will come opportunity and life experience. Build your life according to your plans. Your numbers are 8, 13, 24, 28, 35, 39, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Think matters through and act. Changing how you handle or earn cash will buy you the freedom to do something you enjoy. Personal gain and spending time with someone who brings out the best in you will lead to new beginnings. ★★

S early as September, malls and department stores were already piping in Christmas music, in a bid to put shoppers in a good mood and spend their coming bonuses on holiday presents for their loved ones. Of all the malls, SM—at least at the branch nearest to my home—seems to have beaten everyone in the yuletide décor race. As early as October, it had huge red mylar balloons festooning the ceiling to its entrances, with the the mall’s iconic blue and white logo, and other traditional Christmas designs projected on the floor, moving in circles. With these, SM also began its countdown with a huge patch of square showing the number of days to Christmas Day, which made me quite aware that no mamser. I am so not ready to face what is the most chaotic, frenzied, and traffic-filled period of the year. Although a month late, Ayala Malls has finally decorated their TriNoma mall; its facade is now draped all over with a waterfall of steady yellow lights, while the trunk of its palm trees out front are lit up in red. It’s quite a splendid sight, especially when viewing it from afar, projecting a calmer invite to shop for gifts there. Meanwhile, the rest of Quezon City (except for city hall) is dark, drab, and sad...paging Mayor Joy Belmonte. But maybe the twinkly lights and Christmas tunes eventually got to me. By the first week of November, I had swapped out my generic placemats with Christmas-themed ones for my kitchen counter. My clear drinking water and coffee glasses went to the pantry shelves and out came my Santa Claus-printed glasses and coffee mugs with huge red bows. Then a few more tiny yuletide accessories were removed from storage and now dot some spots in the living room. And just this week, I hung the Christmas lights and a set of pink parol (Christmas lanterns)...wink... which I had used in previous Christmases. (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, people!) As expected, many department stores and retail shops are already on sale, with some offering as huge as a 50-percent discount on men’s polo shirts and as large as 70-percent off on kitchen accessories and dinnerware. Time to get rid of that old investory. So if you’re one of the fortunate few who has already

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Observe and proceed with optimism. Change begins with you, so take a step in a direction that offers an opportunity to be who you want and use your skills as you intend. Don’t let uncertainty or insecurity stand between you and your happiness. ★★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take care of your needs or relax with someone you love. The conversations you have will help solve issues that stand between you and your dreams. Don’t limit what you can do; find a way to overcome whatever holds you back. Love is favored. ★★★

received his 13th month pay, or even luckier you, your Christmas bonus, now is the best time to go to your favorite malls to get those holiday presents. As I always advice everyone, it’s not how much a gift costs, it’s actually all about matching the present to the personality of the recipient. If banks have their KYC (Know Your Customer) tenet, for the rest of us mortals it is KYG, or Know Your Giftee. Like how many times can you gift a friend an Hermes scarf that she will never use? Or why give a book to a person who doesn’t read? No matter how far up on the New York Times Bestseller List the book has reached, and the number of positive reviews it’s received, the book will remain unopened, and your fervent wish for a discussion about its contents will never come to pass. Don’t give a gift just for the sake of giving. Think about what the recipient will appreciate. For example, if your giftee is a Netflix addict, perhaps give him a three-month (or one year, if you’re generous!) subscription to the streaming service. If your giftee loves watching movies, buy her a gift card to use in theaters. I know Ayala Malls Cinemas offers gift cards in different denominations starting at P300, and can be customized to any amount beyond P1,000. One of the best gifts I received this year, although it wasn’t for Christmas, were boxes of metformin tablets which I take to control my blood sugar levels. They were the same dosage my physician had been prescribing and the couple who gave these to me

didn’t need them anymore. In a sense, their gift saved my life, for which I am grateful. So like I said: KYG. Try to stick to a budget. Knowing the personality of your gift recipients makes it easier for you to assign the amount you will be spending on each present. I usually write down a provisional amount for each person on my Christmas list and a generic description or type of gift I think he/she will appreciate (e.g. Juan dela Cruz who loves cooking: P500, frying pan or kitchen gadget). When I have the time, I scour the retail stores and look for possible gifts. When I find the item, I note down its details and the store where it’s sold, so it’ll be easier for me to return to it, when I have enough funds to make the purchase. Choosing convenience is another principle I like to live by. I know many of us still like to physically touch and inspect each possible present we want to give to our friends and family, but to save your sanity from the traffic and the huge crowds at the malls, tap instead reputable online retailers which have a large variety of products that fit any budget. On SM’s mall app, for instance, you can purchase from different retailers from the mall nearest your location and with just one click, you can pay for them and have them delivered to your home. Add to that gift boxes, wrapping paper and ribbons...and you’re all set to wrap the delivered items at home.

SEE “TIPS,” B5

Shang unveils melodious sights and sounds for the holidays THERE is nothing quite like a Filipino Christmas. The merriest time of the year never fails to fill the streets, homes and even malls with Christmas carols that instantly wrap everyone up with feelings of warmth and joy. Shangri-La Plaza welcomes the season in the most melodious way possible, exactly how Filipinos make this holiday a true standout—with carols and bells. “Our holiday celebration this year is inspired by ‘Carol of the Bells,’ an enduring Christmas song that’s beloved for its angelic melody that evokes the wonder and excitement of the season,” shares Joy R. Polloso, executive vice president for retail and commercial at Shang Properties Inc. “It’s one of the best songs to usher in the season with lines like ‘Christmas is here bringing good cheer.’” “We want to highlight carols and bells

that have become icons of the season, and focus on how the sounds of Christmas—from the ringing bells heralding Christ’s birth, to carolers hopping between houses and church bells sounding the nine-day Simbang Gabi— encourage us to embrace the good cheer and sentimentality the season brings. Shang imparts this message to our mall guests as a way to welcome this season of joy, peace, and harmony, wishing everyone a bountiful year ahead.” Carols are going to sound around the Shang as it is giving musicians and carolers the platform to perform merry tunes and nostalgic songs to delight every mall guest. Hear their choruses echo around the mall on November 25 and 26 and December 10 and 17 at either the Grand or East Atrium.

Get ready for the ultimate holiday treat with The Shang Christmas Raffle. Consumers get one raffle coupon for every P2500 spent on purchases between November 5, 2023, and January 31, 2024, and stand a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Kids are also going to get a chance to share their Christmas wishes with jolly old St. Nicholas at the Santa’s Corner up every Friday and the weekends starting November 18 at Level 1, Main Wing. Or they can visit Santa’s Toy Factory and collect some gifts at the Toy Fair from November 27 to December 3 at the Grand Atrium. Explorers of all ages can also embrace creativity over the holidays with Lego Christmas that features the beloved brand’s festive Christmas sets and sought-after collections from December 4 to 10 at Level 1, Main Wing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take care of yourself, your home and your loved ones. Listen to complaints and choose to help those in need. Look for a unique way to use your skills; someone will recognize the value in what you offer. Explore your options. ★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Think matters through before sharing your thoughts. Finding out what others want will help you navigate your way forward, offering everyone something to ensure you get something important to you. The art of communication, coupled with charisma, will pay off. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): An unexpected change will give you the boost you need to improve your life. A rational discussion will lead to a commonsense resolution. It’s time to implement what makes you happy into your everyday routine. ★★★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pay more attention to how you present yourself and your ideas to others. An entertaining element will help increase interest and support for what you are trying to achieve. Don’t let negativity or financial disagreements upset you. ★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Speed things up and watch everything as it falls into place. Be the engineer of your destiny and utilize what you enjoy most in your everyday routine. Home improvements that include expanding what you want most will prop you up for more significant pursuits. ★★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Focus less on what you cannot change and more on the changes that will improve your position, reputation and finances. Don’t limit what you can achieve because of what others choose to do. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t give in to pressure or limit what you can do because you feel incompetent. Research will help you gain confidence and understand what’s possible. It’s time to take control and do your part to ensure your life takes the direction you deserve. ★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put more effort into how you look and feel. A positive attitude will help you make better decisions and attract people equipped to contribute to your concerns and plans. Don’t let anger set in when positive action will make a difference. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Play by the rules to avoid intervention. Look for opportunities that will save you cash and encourage you to use your skills to raise your income. A unique idea will help you branch out in a direction that ties into what’s trending. ★★★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are versatile, robust and understanding. You are courageous and productive.

‘i for one’ BY JEFFREY K. MARTINOVIC

The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Jared Goudsmit ACROSS 1 Designer Giorgio 7 “Get lost!” 11 Overnight outfit 14 Use for support 15 ___ Bell (“Live Mas” chain) 16 Actor Stephen 17 Driver’s license, e.g. 18 One saying “The sky is falling!” 20 Complainer’s quality 22 Commits perjury 23 Clothing 24 Stir up 26 Colonial insect 27 ___ Perignon 28 Improve, as an image 31 “Canada” birds 33 Reacts to, as a bad pun 34 Not modern 37 Toy sold with a foam basketball 40 1990s cardio trend 44 Plainly saying 45 Darth Vader’s childhood nickname 47 Habit wearer

48 “___ Too Proud” (jukebox musical) 49 Worker-protecting grp. 51 “Assuming I’m correct...” 52 Certain high-intensity exercise session 56 Get out of Dodge 57 NFL team in SF 59 Sundar Pichai, for Google 60 Name hidden in “thesaurus” 61 “Righteous, dude!”...or, parsed differently, a hint to parts of the starred clues’ answers 62 Addams cousin 63 Olympus Mons’ planet 64 TV commercial’s script, e.g. DOWN 1 Boxer known as “The Greatest” 2 Barolo or pinot noir 3 Foliage-clearing knife 4 Little Birds writer Nin 5 Onigiri seaweed 6 Purplish shade 7 ___Master (cardio brand) 8 Degrees of excellence

9 Smoothie berry 10 “Crucify” singer Amos 11 Alcatraz and others 12 Toon who said, “I’ve loved you more than any woman’s ever loved a rabbit” 13 Plopped down 19 Name related to suspects’ rights 21 “You ready?” reply 22 Trail behind 25 Allow 27 Indian megacity 29 Japanese drama 30 Its capital is Port-au-Prince 32 Convertible’s roof, perhaps 33 Word after “age” or “wage” 35 Slip into 36 It clouds military strategy 37 US intel org. 38 Pass that’s scanned 39 Went bananas 41 On a hot streak, in slang 42 Greyhound offering 43 Musician Yoko

45 Fish found off the coast of Tahiti...or in the word “Tahiti” 46 Aslan’s land 50 Passage that may be congested 51 Charged, in chemistry 53 Acronym for trig, chem, etc. 54 Baseball great Sammy 55 Sue Monk ___ (writer) 56 The “S” of 53-Down: Abbr. 58 Hog’s place Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

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DUBIOUS ORIGINS

IT’S not a secret the online personality’s origins are somewhat dubious, even if she seems to be rolling in money. Even her decision to stick to her relationship with her handsome but jobless boyfriend is suspicious. Let’s just say the boyfriend is jobless but well-connected, and this is something the online celebrity and her family need right now. Her family’s legal foe is also well-connected so she needs extra protection. It’s just so strange that the public took so long to find out who she really is and what her family is like when it’s all over the Internet.

JUST A GIMMICK

THE recent social-media maneuverings of a vilified couple were, sources said, merely a gimmick so that people would talk about them. The thing is that people do talk about them, just not in a good way. The guy is bewildered many of his fans left him when he hooked up with his new girlfriend, which isn’t surprising considering that his ex was and continues to be more popular than he is. Meanwhile, the girl has no choice but to appear in public with her boyfriend, despite the social media humiliation that she suffers, because she has no career to speak of but be his girlfriend.

IT’S TRUE

SO the split of the much loved couple is real, if the showbiz grapevine is to be believed, and it is not recent. It has been months since the couple decided to end their long relationship. But the split is not because of the young actress. When the break-up happened, the young actress was still in a relationship. But if, just if, she is involved with the actor, then it is a recent development and she didn’t cause the break-up. So why did the well-loved couple break-up? No one knows except them, of course, but showbiz observers said they just outgrew each other like many couples do.

ANOTHER BREAK-UP

SPEAKING of break-ups, the actor and the actress who have been together for quite awhile, have also reportedly split and the girl is devastated. What is the cause of the split? The couple has been drifting apart for sometime now and it was just a matter of time before things formally ended. The girl has always been in long-term relationships and she always compared this guy to her first serious boyfriend. There were times when she thought this guy wasn’t that into her because he could go for days without any communication. It’s not that he’s a bad guy. It’s just the way he is.

Tips... Continued from B4 There are also retailers, especially those who sell food items, who not just deliver but also can write down your personal note to your giftee. Your giftee will surely appreciate that home-baked apple pie, hot and fresh straight from the oven. Just scroll through Instagram or Facebook and you’ll find many of these retailers. If it’s possible, deliver your gifts in one go. Several transport companies already offer this service, and you can just pay for one single fare on one booking to several locations, instead of paying several fares over several days of deliveries. All you need is a clear and organized list of gift recipients, their addresses and phone numbers, and an occasional tap on their app to monitor the rider’s location. And if you’re a recipient, do thank the sender so they know you have their present safe in your hands. Try not to add to the sender’s anxieties in this season of giving. n

The critics’ choices: Short films and documentaries for Gawad Urian JAIME FABRÉGAS, circa 1949

HORT films and documentaries have always been special to the Manunuri. For this year, the following short films have been nominated. Their synopses hereunder

follow: In Naboc: The River of Gold, a little boy finds a rock which unleashes greed and acquisition among the members of a small community in the middle of a gold rush. Rodel Artiaga, part of the new wave of Mindanaoan filmmakers, directs the film. In Sa Paglupad ka Banog, Elvert Bañares reimagines a dance that is presented through three layers of interpretation: a boy asks his grandfather to teach him the movements of the dance, then the epic on which the dance was culled is presented; finally, the dancers begin their performance of Binanog (the dance of the Hawk). A film, which, the filmmaker said took five years to make, tells the story of loss, grief, and recovery— where a man digs the grave of his partner only to spend precious moments with the beloved. The film is Read Only Memory by David Corpuz and Kristine Camille Sulit. Never Forget, a line we attribute to the memories of martial rule and years of oppression and brutality, is Ida Anita del Mundo’s take on how the mind is the greatest link, and also the most violent, to remembering the past of a country. RS Magtaan composes his own realities out of fragments—“phone footage and film photographs that intertwine with poetry, politics, and personal desire.” By their collapsed nature, these elements translate into the form of a short film, titled The Night is Drunk When We Suffer. Tong Adlaw nga Nag-Snow sa Pinas (The day it snowed in the Philippines) by Joshua Caesar Medroso recounts the story of two boys creating a world of their own, where snow, a coveted fantasy of many children and adults, happens. But one day, one of the boys discovered bruises on the body of his friend. The synopsis on the Cinemalaya website explains succinctly the narrative of Jose Nepomuceno’s Dikit: “Loosely based on a lost silent film by Jose Nepomuceno, Dikit reimagines classic Philippine folklore into a contemporary diptych of feminine bodies, rage and freedom.” Four documentaries have been nominated for this year’s Gawad Urian. Here they follow: Mervine Aquino contributes to the memories of the two or three years when Covid-19 practically stopped all movements in this country. In Palengke Day, a documentary recalls life in the Baguio Public Market during the pandemic and allows us into the history of spaces. In Jeannette Ifurung and Mike Alcazaren’s 11,103, we revisit the lives of those whose rights, in the biggest understatement possible, have been violated by the structures and systems propped up by the

dictators and their martial law. Rocks in Windless Wadi by EJ Gagui utilizes archived footage and conversations to ruminate on the unseen. The rocks are captured in their stillness recalling memories of trauma. Naisangsangayan a Daga by Melver Ritz Gomez is a tender look at a vanishing craft, with a very few elderly women persistent in the pottery-making, a cultural heritage of the Ilokanos. For this 46th Natatanging Gawad Urian, the equivalent of a Lifetime Achievement award, the Manunuri has selected Jaime Fabrégas. In the formal letter sent to Mr. Fabrégas by Dr. Gary Devilles, the present chair of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, states: “With a warm and joyous heart, we want to honor you as this year’s Natatanging Gawad Urian for all your work in the film industry. Your musical score for films Shake, Rattle & Roll, Rizal sa Dapitan and Kutob, to name a few, deserve to be recognized and we want you to be part of this tradition....” It continues: “The Natatanging Gawad Urian is one of the most respectable awards that honors a person in his/her field of work and his/ her unique and valuable contribution to Philippine cinema. To be part of this tradition is a testament of your determination and passion toward your work and your works have been truly inspiring and thought-provoking to us all, both here and abroad.” Asked about Jimmy Fabrégas’s response to the award, the Bikolano artist was first worried he might say something cheesy. However, I urged him (“to bring warmth to this essay”) to say anything. “Never be afraid of failure, it is part of the uphill climb to success,” were his words. Not bad for someone who

Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ costars reminiscence about late actor LOS ANGELES—All five of Matthew Perry’s Friends costars are sharing more remembrances of the star in their first personal social-media posts since the actor’s death last month. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer each posted heartfelt notes about Perry, who died on October 28, on Instagram. The posts on Tuesday and Wednesday were accompanied by photos from the Friends set. “In the last couple weeks, I’ve been pouring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again,” Aniston posted on Wednesday, sharing a text message where Perry sent her photo of a script reading session where Perry made her laugh. “Oh boy this one has cut deep...Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I’ve never experienced before,” Aniston’s post read. Kudrow became the fifth Friends star to pay personal tribute to Perry amid the wave of mourning.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Friday, November 17, 2023

FROM left: David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc pose after Friends won outstanding comedy series at the 54th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 22, 2002, in Los Angeles. AP

“Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY,” she said in an Instagram post.

“Thank you for the best 10 years a person gets to have.” The stars issued a joint statement a few days after Perry’s death, saying they were “all so utterly devastated

by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.” Schwimmer posted a photo of him and Perry dressed up as Miami Vice characters, calling it “one of my favorite moments with you.” “Now it makes me smile and grieve at the same time,” Schwimmer’s post said. LeBlanc posted on Tuesday: “It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.” His post included one candid shot of the cast all hugging on set. Perry was found dead last month at his Los Angeles home. After an initial investigation, the Los Angeles County coroner deferred giving a cause of death, which may take weeks to determine. Cox shared a video clip of a Friends scene where her and Perry’s characters are in bed, trying not to have their relationship discovered. It’s an iconic moment of the show, and Cox shared a bit of backstory about filming. AP

was training to be an engineer, ventured into cinema and excelled both in music design and acting. The Gawad Urian will take place on November 30, 2023 at the UP Film Institute. NATATANGING GAWAD URIAN n Jaime Fabrégas SHORT FILMS n Rodel Artiaga, Naboc: The River of Gold n Elvert Bañares, Sa Paglupad ka Banog n David Corpuz and Kristine Camille Sulit, Read Only Memory n Ida Anita Del Mundo, Never Forget n RS Magtaan, The Night is Drunk When We Suffer n Joshua Caesar Medroso, Tong Adlaw nga Nag-snow sa Pinas n Jose Nepomuceno, Dikit DOCUMENTARY n Mervine Aquino, Palengke Day n Jeannette Ifurung and Mike Alcazaren, 11,103 n EJ Gagui, Rocks in Windless Wadi n Melver Ritz Gomez, Naisangsangayan a Daga

Papa Obet releases heartfelt Christmas single ‘Paano ang Pasko’

Barangay LS 97.1 disc jock Papa Obet is back with his latest single “Paano ang Pasko,” a mournful Christmas song that reflects on the difficulty of celebrating the holiday without loved ones. The song under GMA Music is now available on digital platforms worldwide. “It’s for people who need companionship this Christmas, especially those in faraway places. The song conveys the difficulty of celebrating Christmas without our loved ones. It’s the time of the year when we’re supposed to be surrounded by the people we love, but for some people that’s not the case,” said Papa Obet. The song’s melody and lyrics will surely resonate with listeners especially those experiencing loss and longing. “I believe that sad songs have a stronger impact. Music is more powerful when it evokes emotions. That’s why I created a sad Christmas song. For me, every time I hear a Christmas song. I am transported back to my childhood when I was a kid with no problems, just receiving gifts, eating and having fun. Christmas is so magical, I want to feel and relive that feeling. And that longing feeling is also what they will hear in this song,” shared Papa Obet. Catch Papa Obet’s “Paano ang Pasko,” now available on digital platforms worldwide. More information is available at www.gmanetwork.com.

Friday, November 17, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph

HOTEL101 SECURES PRIME LOT IN LOS ANGELES, USA

N November 14, 2023, DoubleDragon’s subsidiary Hotel101 Global Pte Ltd announced that it had secured a 3,647 square meter prime corner lot property located in Los Angeles, California, USA. The Hotel101-Los Angeles site is in the Westlake North District of Los Angeles. It is conveniently located about five minutes to Downtown LA, Dodger Stadium, and the previous Staples Center and only about a ten-minute drive to Hollywood and about 20 minutes to Beverly Hills. The location is very accessible to Highway 101 and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is only about a 20-minute drive. Hotel101-Los Angeles is planned to have 622 units subject to entitlement and zoning approval and will be the first Hotel101 development in the United States. In addition to the usual Hotel101 facilities such as an allday dining restaurant (concessionaire-operated), a Business Center, Swimming Pool, and a Fitness Gym, as well as commercial space for a 24-hour convenience store, Hotel101Los Angeles is planned to have a large convention center and function rooms with breathtaking views of the entire Los Angeles skyline. Sales revenues of about US$183 Million (P10.3 Billion) is expected from the Hotel101-Los Angeles, California, USA project. “As history has taught us, major economic recessions have actually served as a launchpad for many inspiring entrepreneurs to leap forward. These temporary periods of dislocation and chaos have created rare windows of opportunity for their businesses to strengthen their market grip and enable many of them to become what

ARTIST Perspective of Hotel101–Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California, USA

we know today as the world’s most incredible and durable businesses,” said Edgar “Injap” Sia II, Chairman of DoubleDragon Corporation. “This step completes the first three strategic overseas sites of Hotel101 located in Japan, Spain and USA, and is set to enable Hotel101 to transcend as a truly global brand,” said Hannah YuloLuccini, CEO of Hotel101 Global Pte. Hotel101’s unique and pioneering hybrid condotel business model comes with having only one type of room unit type across its global ecosystem making it extraordinarily efficient to build and operate. The highly portable Hotel101 concept also allows it to expand and create the uniform worldwide inventory through direct development,

joint venture, and licensing. Hotel101’s Asset-Light concept allows DoubleDragon to generate revenue and income twice, first from the pre-selling of the condotel units, then second after the project is constructed it generates long term recurring revenue from the enrolled units in operating the hotel. Hotel101 rooms globally are intended to be typical or similar in size and look catering to the mid- end market, enabling a highly efficient booking process allowing guests to know exactly what to expect in a Hotel101 wherever it may be located. The concept patent of Hotel101’s pioneering condotel concept has already been filed and the Hotel101 trademark and country specific domains have been secured in various countries globally. The first three overseas Hotel101 projects will be in Niseko Hokkaido Japan, Madrid Spain and Los Angeles, California USA. These first three overseas sites will serve as bridge projects to jumpstart the transition of Hotel101 to transcend beyond these first three countries and become a global brand with a truly unique business concept that can be planted in over 100 countries. Target near term expansion roadmap for Hotel101 Global Pte. Ltd. is to be in these first 25 countries by 2026 namely: Philippines, Japan, Spain, USA, United Kingdom, UAE, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, C a mbod i a , B a ng l adesh , Me x ico, South Korea, Austra lia, Canada, Switzerland, Turkey, Italy, Germany, France and China.

JuanHand partners with SeaBank to pioneer Loans Channeling Financing in the PHL

HE rise of the FinTech industry paved the way to easier financial access, addressing the need for financial inclusion. JuanHand, a leading online lending platform duly licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, continues to blaze the trail in serving millions of Filipinos who are credit-worthy yet underserved. To give more financial access to those who need it the most, WeFund Lending Corp., owner of the JuanHand app, recently signed a loan channeling agreement with SeaBank Philippines Inc. (A Rural Bank). With this collaboration, SeaBank plans to provide around P300 million of loan capital to eligible borrowers via the JuanHand app. SeaBank is a duly licensed rural bank by the BSP and is a subsidiary of SEA Limited, one of the largest consumer tech companies in Asia. The agreement was signed last September 20, 2023, by WeFund Lending Corp. President and CEO, Francisco Mauricio and SeaBank Executive Vice President of Operations, Siew Ghee Kung Lim. This marks a milestone as one of the first crossinstitution loans channeling financing structures in the country.

“We are honored to have been selected by SeaBank Philippines as its one of its first loan channeling partners in the country,” said Francisco Mauricio. “With this partnership, JuanHand will sustain its momentum as the premier fintech loan app providing the easiest way for Filipinos to access cash, leading to a much better financial well-being.” Since the introduction of JuanHand in 2019, it has had over 10 million downloads, over six million registrations and has approved close to three million loans. JuanHand offers loans from P2,000 to up to P50,000, payable within 30 to 120 days. JuanHand can approve loans in less than five minutes and can disburse cash to the borrower’s bank or e-wallet in less than 45 seconds. JuanHand is a leading fintech platform known among its loyal customers as an easy-to-use app with a friendly and always available customer service team. And with partners like SeaBank, JuanHand continues to fulfill its noble mission of providing financial empowerment to every Juan. The JuanHand app can be downloaded via Google Play or App Store. For more information, visit their website, https://www.juanhand.com/

ATI nets P3.2 billion in Q3 on resilient trade flow

TRONG trade flow in step with the resilient Philippine economic growth delivered solid third quarter results for listed trade enabler Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI). In a regulatory disclosure, ATI reported that its revenues for the nine-month period reached P11.4 billion, up by 16.8 percent from P9.8 billion last year, on account of higher volumes. Net income as of end-September stood at P3.2 billion, 77.7 percent higher than the Php1.8 billion it posted during the same period last year. ATI said that revenues from international container operations in Manila South Harbor and Batangas Container Terminal increased by 12.7 percent and 56.0 percent, respectively, while

revenues from its non-container operations in Batangas slightly increased by 0.1 percent. From January to September, ATI collectively handled nearly 1.14 million teus (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containerized cargoes, representing a 9.5 percent volume growth compared to the same period in 2022. For its non-containerized operations, the modern Batangas Passenger Terminal continued to scale new heights as the country’s premier interisland travel hub. It handed close to two million outbound passengers from January to September, or 17 perecent higher than last year. This brings Batangas Port closer to its annual average foot-traffic for outbound passengers before the pandemic.

Domestic vehicle traffic transiting Batangas Port likewise increased by nearly four percent to more than 390,000 vehicles during the period, underscoring the importance of Batangas Port as a transport and economic linkage in the Southern Tagalog nautical backbone. Batangas port is positioned to handle more passengers, vehicles, and domestic trade with the completion of its port modernization project towards the first quarter of 2024. Its completion will enable the terminal to handle over 6,000 outbound passengers in any one time, from its current capacity of 3,000, officially making it the biggest, busiest, and most modern passenger terminal in the Philippines.

Nine-year-old boy’s vision saved After EyeSite cataract surgery

FTER suffering from blurry vision for the past five years, a boy from Pangasinan is now well on his way to regaining his clear eyesight with the help of GMA Kapuso Foundation and EyeSite Mandaluyong. “Finally, his problems with his eye sight will finally end,” said Daisy May Taberna, mother of nineyear-old Prince who recently underwent cataract surgery at EyeSite Mandaluyong, a full-service eye clinic. “He will be able to see more clearly. He will be able to study better now.” According to Taberna, Prince was always tripping over things and insisting on playing with his phone in the dark even during daytime since he was four years old. He was then brought to their local eye doctor who diagnosed him with cataracts on both eyes. She said she was advised to get the procedure in a more equipped facility than the hospitals in Pangasinan. With the help of GMA Kapuso Foundation, Taberna was able to connect with EyeSite Mandaluyong and book an appointment to have Prince’s cataracts removed. “When he was brought to the operating room, he did not want to be left alone. He threw a fit so I had to wait until he fell asleep,” Taberna said as she recalled the day of the surgery. Prince, who started getting blurry vision at age four, thought his eyeballs would be plucked out.

“When he woke up, he threw another fit because he wanted to scratch his eyes,” she added. “Prince can really be a handful.”

Recovery

PRINCE is now going through recovery and will return to EyeSite in December for his prescription eyeglasses. According to Dr. Michelle Lingao, the EyeSite Mandaluyong ophthalmic surgeon who performed the procedure, Prince is exceptionally doing well post-surgery because oftentimes, when a person develops cataracts at a very young age and has them removed only at a much later time, the vision wouldn’t be as clear anymore. To avoid delayed treatment, Dr. Lingao advises parents to have their child undergo vision screening as early as two years old or upon reaching school age. For those who have a history of childhood cataracts, screening is recommended as early as infancy. “I have seen a lot of kids who, at first, were thought to be experiencing developmental delays, or were just lazy or struggling academically. Only to find out that they have poor vision,” she said. “If a child tends to go near the TV or reads books too close to their face, frequently tumbles, or if their head is turned to the side when looking at something, the parent should immediately bring

the child to an eye doctor.”

State-of-the-art facilities

WITH its state-of-the-art operating facility catering to both kids and adults needing sightsaving procedures like cataract and glaucoma surger y, EyeSite Mandaluyong has firmly positioned itself as a one-stop eye care center for all eye care needs. EyeSite Mandaluyong offers a comprehensive eye examination that uses topof-the-line equipment to effectively diagnose a child. This allows EyeSite Mandaluyong to treat a variety of conditions, from those that affect the outer part of the eye like stye and ptosis to the inner layer like retina and nerve problems. EyeSite Mandaluyong is a joint venture between the Asian Eye Institute and RelianceUnited, a company under United Laboratories (Unilab) that aligns with Unilab’s mission to provide “Trusted Quality Healthcare.”The clinic directly addresses the changing healthcare needs of Filipinos in the new normal and its services include general ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, and optical retail. For consultations and other services, the clinic can be contacted via mobile number (0966) 9501464 or visited at Level C, Williams Center, Williams St., corner Mayflower St., Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.

Nexplay launches KOL-Lab, benefits thousands of content creators, MSMEs

EXPLAY has launched KOL-Lab, a tech-driven influencer marketing platform that benefits both Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through the KOL-Lab platform, brands and creators from Nexplay’s Creator Tribes and Audience Groups can effortlessly collaborate in just a few clicks allowing brands to find the right brand ambassadors suited to their budget. In less than a month of KOL-Lab’s launch, the platform already has more than 2,000 creators and over 200 brands onboard, resulting in outstanding collaborations between brands and creators. Nexplay’s network reaps over one billion engagements on social media per month. With its roots in the esports arena nurturing the biggest talents in Philippine esports, Nexplay has now extended its reach into influencer marketing. This expansion has seen Nexplay collaborating with brands such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Sharp, and PepsiCo, as it significantly grew its creator network with its reputed pools of talents and creators in Southeast Asia. Studies have shown that micro-influencers gain the highest engagement rate at 8.8 percent, surpassing other influencer types. Their authenticity, relatability, and personal connections with their followers

are key factors. Consequently, brands are projected to spend $32.5 billion on influencer marketing in 2023. KOL-Lab Premium is also available for brands with bigger budgets and aspirations. Derived from the success of the Nexplay Creator Network, KOL- Lab Premium maintains the exceptional service from the Nexplay Creator Network that clients have come to expect. KOL-Lab Premium gives clients the VIP treatment with additional services in terms of supporting campaign strategy, assisting in campaign execution, and providing highly-detailed analytics. Gabriel Benito, Nexplay’s Co-Founder and CEO, emphasizes that their commitment is to deliver the right solutions to customers, thereby building their brands and delivering meaningful results. Nexplay has set industry standards that clients trust, and KOL-Lab Premium continues to uphold this legacy while expanding services, creating fresh opportunities for micro-influencers and MSMEs. Miguel Bernas, Co-Founder and COO of Nexplay, envisions KOL-Lab as a gamechanger democratizing influencer marketing. Simultaneously, content creators, regarded as entrepreneurs and small businesses in their own right, now have a prime opportunity to monetize their content successfully. Visit www.nexplay.gg and www.kol-lab. co to learn more.

Sports BusinessMirror

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

Friday, November 17, 2023 B7

Draymond being Draymond: IP Games back But he’s hurting his Warriors inTPalawan GASTON

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press

CARLO PAALAM has to undergo a box off as a featherweight.

Paalam’s back to square one as he chases Olympic gold

By Josef Ramos

ARLO PAALAM is faced with a major hump ahead as he journeys back to the Olympics in Paris to win the gold medal that eluded him two years ago in Tokyo. A silver medalist at Tokyo 2020, Paalam has to go through a box off to earn a spot on the national boxing team that would be sent to Olympic qualifiers next year. Worse, he has to fight as a featherweight (57 kgs) because his body wouldn’t tolerate a return to the flyweight (54 kgs) division where he clinched his Olympic silver and the next division—bantamweight (54 kgs)—is not on the Paris program. “My body has become naturally heavier so I have no choice but to fight in a heavier division and in a box off,” Paalam, 28, told BusinessMirror on Thursday, at times holding on to his left shoulder that has yet to totally heal from an injury he sustained almost two years ago. “It’s up to the coaches to decide.” “But my dream of making it to the Olympics is still my priority that’s why I have to fight for it all cost,” he said. Standing on his way in the box off are two equally-worthy opponents—Ian Clark Bautista and Junmilardo Ogayre. Bautista has three Southeast Asian Games gold medals to Paalam’s two while Ogayre is virtually new in the trade with 18 fights across his name having won 10 of them. “If can’t make it, I will lend a hand to the boxer who will be chosen, that’s our life as boxers,” Paalam said. The country rejoiced when Paalam and Nesthy Petecio’s silver in women’s featherweight and Eumir Felix Marcial’s bronze in men’s middleweight complimented Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo’s victory in weightlifting—the country’s first Olympic gold medal—in Tokyo. They became instant millionaires because of their exploits but for Paalam, and Petecio, it’s back to square one for both of them as they resume their Olympic gold medal dream. Only Marcial has qualified for Paris so far with his silver medal in last month’s 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, where Paalam and Petecio couldn’t reach the gold medal round that offered tickets to the Olympics. Coaches of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines set the box off in a two-week period at the federation’s gym inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in January. The other box off will be in men’s flyweight, lightweight, welterweight, heavyweight and super heavyweight and women’s flyweight, bantamweight, lightweight, welterweight and middleweight. Petecio has no rival at featherweight and is a shoo-in for the qualifiers. The first Olympic qualifier is set February 29 to March 12 in Busto Arsizio in Italy and the final chance for Paalam and co. is from May 23 to June 3 in Bangkok.

OLDEN State’s Draymond Green is probably going to be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame one day, even with career averages of around nine points, seven rebounds and six assists per game. He’ll have, at minimum, four National Basketball Association (NBA) championships and two Olympic gold medals when he’s all done. He’ll also have baggage. So much baggage. The latest addition to that pile came Wednesday when the NBA handed Green a five-game suspension, one that’ll cost him about $770,000 in missed salary and won’t help a Warriors team that is already without an injured Stephen Curry and not off to the hottest of starts at just 6-6. Green earned every bit of that suspension after putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock during the WarriorsMinnesota game on Tuesday night. It was his second ejection in a span of five days and the 19th—including playoffs—of his career, which is nearly twice as many as any other two currently active players in the league combined. “Not much to say,” Gobert said after the game. “It was clown behavior.” Some say clown, some say Draymond being Draymond. Among Green’s other famous incidents: He punched then-teammate Jordan Poole last season, plus earned suspensions for stomping on Domantas Sabonis’s chest in last season’s playoffs and another after a

“retaliatory swipe of his hand to the groin” of LeBron James to go over the flagrant-foul-point limit in the 2016 NBA Finals, having to sit down with the Warriors up 3-1 in a series that they would give away. Add up all his technicals and fines and the money he’s lost for games missed by suspension and Green’s behavior has cost him somewhere around $2 million. He’s made probably close to 100 times that amount, so it’s not exactly hurting the bottom line. But it will hurt the Warriors, who’ll have to play—again— without Green and amid more distractions that he’s caused. It speaks volumes that the team still defends Green, even after most onlookers would have said he was clearly in the wrong for putting Gobert in the headlock as part of a mess that started with Golden State’s Klay Thompson and Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels getting tangled up. “The Draymond piece of it, if you watched the replay, Rudy had his hands on Klay’s neck and that’s why Draymond went after Rudy,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Tuesday’s game. “I saw one replay right after it happened. Guys on the back of the bench were telling us that Rudy had Klay, and that’s why Draymond went at Rudy. So that’s all I know.” True, Gobert probably didn’t need to get involved in the ThompsonMcDaniels mess and if he did want to play peacemaker he could have grabbed his teammate to pull him out of the fray instead of putting his hands on an opponent. It certainly stands to reason that Green would have been irate over the visual of Gobert grabbing Thompson, though it’s not a well-kept secret that Green and Gobert don’t like each other very much. First off, they’ve battled for defensive player of the year honors a few times and neither has been

THAT’S Draymond Green over there, his arm and hand around Rudy Gobert’s neck. AP too happy when the other prevailed. Green also has openly mocked Gobert for breaking into tears when the then-Utah center missed out on being an All-Star in 2019. And, after Minnesota beat the Warriors on Sunday, Green might have raised a few eyebrows with this assessment: “I don’t necessarily view it as a tough matchup.” It got tough Tuesday night without an injured Curry and an ejected Thompson and Green. Minnesota won 104-101, finishing off a two-game sweep on the Warriors’ home court. The Warriors are 1-4 at home, that

Tabuena, Quiban, Asian Tour regulars toughen up match play cast at TCC

MIGUEL TABUENA looms as one of the marked players in the P2 million championship.

IGUEL TABUENA, Justin Quiban, Angelo Que and Lloyd Go take advantage of a brief break before the Asian Tour concludes in Chinese Taipei as they firmed up the already formidable field in the International Container Terminal Services Inc.

(ICTSI) The Country Club Match Play Invitational unfolding Tuesday at TCC in Laguna. The region’s premier Tour regulars will be coming into the head-to-head clashes in top form, having competed in a series of tournaments in various championship courses abroad with Tabuena looming as one of the marked players in the P2 million championship given his impressive form. The two-time Philippine Open champion had two Top 6 finishes in the last four Asian Tour events but it was his victory in the DGC Open in India last March that fueled his rise to No. 2 in the Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) ranking. While Que, Quiban and Go haven’t achieved finishes higher than 17th in the same stretch, they remain confident in delivering solid performances in what has become the Philippine Golf Tour’s (PGT) season-ending tournament which features the Top 32 players in the OOM ranking after the 10-leg circuit.

Jhonnel Ababa heads the stellar cast, having earned P1.5 million for victories at VillamorPhilippine Masters and Mimosa to secure his first OOM trophy. Inaugural champion and fourtime OOM winner Tony Lascuña, who topped the Caliraya Springs leg, finished second with P1.325 million in winnings followed by Valley stop champion and No. 4 Reymon Jaraula, who pooled P1.064 million in earnings. No. 3 Clyde Mondilla, the backto-back titlist at Forest Hills and Del Monte, however, won’t be around as he is set to vie in the Japan Golf Tour qualifier also slated in the same week of the PGT match play organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. Still, the tournament’s field boasts of a depth of talent with Rupert Zaragosa, who scored a breakthrough in Iloilo, Negros leg winner Ira Alido and former leg titlists Michael Bibat, Zanieboy Gialon, Jay Bayron, Elmer Salvador, Joenard Rates, Mars Pucay and legend Frankie Minoza all eager

Rock N’ Roll Series ready for Manila return

HE Asics Rock ‘n’ Roll Series presented by AIA Vitality has drawn 9,400 participants 10 days before the second edition is held November 26 at the Rizal Park. With health restrictions lifted, organizers anticipate a grand reprise this year, aligning the world’s largest running series, which combines running, music and community, with the capital city’s 451st founding anniversary celebrations. The Ironman Group/Sunrise Events Inc. initiated the event’s return early in the season, aiming to build awareness and ensure a record turnout. The series, which infuses the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water

stations, promises a virtual block-party atmosphere for both participants and spectators. As the series held across various countries, the Asics Rock n’ Roll Series caters to performance, recreation, lifestyle and budding runners. The event also holds prestige on the world stage, receiving official certification and measurement from World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The certification confirms that the 5-km, 10-km, half-marathon (21-km) and marathon (42-km) courses adhere to well-organized, safe and accurate standards. It also validates race times, meeting international standards for qualifying and record-setting.

lone win coming by a single point, and now are further short-handed. This suspension won’t change anyone’s opinion of Green. His fans will stand by him, his critics will be further empowered to rip him. It also won’t change the way he plays; he’ll still be a lightning rod by choice, will probably post on Instagram—just as he did a few days ago—about how he doesn’t care what most people think. Maybe Green should, or at least realize the antics just aren’t worth it anymore. It’s up for debate if he was truly trying to hurt Gobert. There’s no argument that he hurt the Warriors. and ready for the title chase. Also in the hunt are last year’s runner-up Keanu, Albin Engino, Sean Ramos, Marvin Dumandan, Dino Villanueva, Nilo Salahog, Fidel Concepcion, Rico Depilo, Elee Bisera, Art Arbole, Gerald Rosales, Ferdie Aunzo and Koreans Min Seong Kim and Hyun Ho Rho. Adding to the competitive mix is Dutch Guido van der Valk, the reigning back-to-back TCC Invitational champion. Held side-by-side with the PGT match play is the P1.5 million Ladies PGT, featuring the Top 16 in their side of the OOM race, spearheaded by defending champion Harmie Constantino, winner at Luisita and Villamor, with Florence Bisera, who nailed her maiden Ladies PGT win at South Pacific, heading the crack list of challengers. They also include Valley leg winner Mafy Singson and fellow amateur Laurea Duque, Mikha Fortuna, Pamela Mariano, Chihiro Ikeda, Apple Fudolin, Gretchen Villacencio, Sarah Ababa, Korean Seoyun Kim, Rev Alcantara, Kristine Fleetwood, Lovelyn Guioguio, Eva Miñoza and Lucy Landicho.

HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) brings back the Indigenous People’s (IP) Games this weekend at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa City. Coming off a lengthy break after the pandemic, the IP Games returns with nine tribes playing in eight disciplines on Saturday and Sunday. “We are excited for the return of the IP Games for this year, in line with the PSC’s mandate to bring sports for all sectors of our communities, and continue to preserve, promote and propagate the rich cultural heritage of our IPs as embodied in Republic Act 8371,” PSC Commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston said. Gaston, who oversees the IP Games project, thanked the NCIP for assisting the agency in coordinating with the tribe leaders. The nine tribes are the Molbog, Palaw’an, Tagbanua Central, Tagbanua Tandolanen, Tabuana Calamianen, Batak, Cuyonon, Agutaynen and Cagayanen. They will compete in Pana, Sibat, Supok, Pagbayo sa Palay, Santik, Trumpo and Kadang-Kadang. Gaston said 196 tribesmen are listed to compete. The NCIP and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts collaborated with the PSC in 2018 to preserve indigenous sports by creating the IP Games. The first leg of the games were held in Tagum City in April 2018.

Benilde, Letran blast opponents in Challenge Cup

ATIONAL Collegiate Athletic Association schools College of Saint Benilde and Letran met little to no resistance in beating separate rivals to remain undefeated in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. The Lady Blazers rolled past the Volida Volleyball Club, 25-12, 25-12, 25-18, in only 65 minutes of play as the Lady Knights decked Arellano University, 25-21, 25-10, 25-20, in 83 minutes. Saint Benilde, which took care their first two assignments with ease against Parañaque, 25-6, 2520, 25-17, and UP Volleyball Club, 25-20, 25-18, 25-10, zoomed to a 3-0 record in Pool A. In Pool C, Letran moved to 2-0 after previously handling Rizal Technological University (RTU)Basilan, 25-22, 25-11, 22-25, 25-13. RTU-Basilan was quick to shrug off that loss by routing University of Batangas, 25-19, 25-20, 25-15, for its breakthrough win in Pool C of the 16-team women’s division of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission Richard Bachmann, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI. Arellano University slid to 1-1 while the University of Batangas stayed winless in two matches in Pool C. The Volida Volleyball Club also tripped to their second straight loss in Pool A. In other games, Jose Rizal University scored 25-19, 25-16, 2521 win over Davao City for a flying start in Pool B while La Salle-Dasma thwarted Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 for a 1-2 card in Pool D. Davao and LPU-Batangas slid to similar 0-2 slates in their respective pools of the Challenge Cup by the PNVF, headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, with also a 20-team men’s division currently paced by fancied bets National U, Cignal, PGJC and University of Santo Tomas. LETRAN’S Natalie Daisy Melendres tries to crush Arellano University’s defense. NONIE REYES

Motoring BusinessMirror

Friday, November 17, 2023

Editor: Tet Andolong

Honda aims for zero traffic

collision fatalities by 2050 A

Story by Randy S. Peregrino

PART from vehicle electrification, Honda has another ultimate goal— zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. No matter how bold that goal is, it is always the question of how. With the global safety slogan “Safety for Everyone,” Honda’s collision-free society goal is supported by pursuing the research and development of safety technologies from the perspective of both hardware and software. Part of Honda’s plans is to equip all its new automobile models globally with Honda SENSING with a motorcycle detection function by 2030. Moreover, to continue advancing Honda SENSING functions. Through these initiatives, the company aims to reduce global traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles by half by 2030. According to Honda’s internal research, the SENSING safety and driver-assistive system currently applies to its massproduction models. It is installed in 99 percent of the brand’s new automobile models sold in Japan and the US and 86 percent globally as of September 2022. In the Philippines, almost all of Honda’s vehicle lineup is equipped with Honda SENSING, except the Brio. Meanwhile, after witnessing Honda’s presentation at the recently concluded Japan Mobility Show, the Philippine media contingent was sent to the Honda R&D Proving Ground. There, the group had an immersive experience of some of the critical elements of these new functions.

Honda SENSING with motorcycle detection and SENSING Elite

The first demonstration was accurately de-

tecting a motorcycle to avoid collision while traveling below cruising speed. The initial scenario involved an incoming motorcycle suddenly swerving towards the vehicle. Onboard a Honda N-Box demo car as a rear passenger. The vehicle managed to avoid collision by automatically applying emergency braking to a complete halt. The following scenario was closely tailing another car with an incoming non-moving motorcycle. Here, the demo vehicle successfully applied emergency braking to a full stop even while closely following the car upfront, which suddenly swerved to avoid the motorcycle. Impressively, the active function still avoided collision. The next stage was driving the Legend hybrid executive sedan equipped with Sensing Elite (level three certification for autonomous driving). In this stage, the entire oval track was utilized to demonstrate a series of driving scenarios continuously to exhibit several enhanced functions. By initially engaging the adaptive cruise control, the preset speed was gradually increased to high speed. While within a lane, the “Adaptive in Lane Driving” function took control by accelerating, braking, and steering even while intentionally slightly letting off the hand from the steering wheel (hands-off operation). The system kept the vehicle within the lane while maintaining the preset speed, even during a long curve. The following scenario demonstrated the Active Lane Change Assist with Hands-off

During the demonstration of Honda Sensing with motorcycle detection. Honda R&D

The Honda e: ESV demonstrating unique proprietary safety technologies. Honda R&D

Function. Here, while the Adaptive in-lane driving is active, other cars were present to mimic the freeway driving situation. After putting on the turn signal, the system impressively determined safe lane change and even controlled the steering and assisted even with slightly hands-off. Last, the “Traffic Jam Pilot” along with “Adaptive in Lane Driving.” With the scenario surrounded by several vehicles, the system took control of accelerating, braking, and steering while monitoring the surroundings. The system kept the car within the lane while maintaining a proper following distance. The passenger specialist even demonstrated how the function was in total control while allowing the driver to operate the info-

tainment system or navigation system. Impressively, there were even instances, while at high speed, the function detected a slow car and automatically applied strong brakes from a high speed to avoid collision. While the entire demonstration was to allow the driver-assist function to take complete control, it was somewhat of a challenge whenever the behind-the-wheel instinct kicked to regain control. Nevertheless, the advanced safety features of the Sensing Elite demonstrated its impressive level of autonomous driving capabilities.

First in the world, proprietary safety technologies

One of the demonstrations at the compa-

‘Lexus: better car for the planet’

EXUS, the esteemed “big brother” of Toyota, has made quite an indelible impression in the just-ended Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo that I can’t help but dwell a bit on the speech of Simon Humphries, the operating officer and chief branding officer of Toyota Motor Corporation. I was right there seated in front of the huge stage when Simon delivered his lustily-applauded discourse. Here are excerpts: “When it comes to luxury mobility, Lexus was born a disruptor. Over the last 30 years, we’ve broken a lot of rules. “We showed that automotive luxury could be decoupled from legacy and convention. “We showed that highly personalized service could be a game-changer for the industry. “And we showed that electrification could enhance the premium experience. “Quite simply, Lexus has endeavored to push the boundaries at every available opportunity and in every era. “In 2019, we made a commitment to become 100 percent electric by 2035. “We believe that BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), through their unique attributes, will allow us to expand the scope of possibilities to elevate the customer experience. “Ladies and gentlemen, the LF-ZC model is a commitment to a future that we will bring to the road in 2026. “The fusion of digital and physical technology will lead us to three key areas.

“First, we want to achieve the most efficient engineering without losing one ounce of emotion. “More emotional design. “More space and flexibility. “More driver engagement. “Japan is famed for ingenuity in engineering and the key to achieving these breakthroughs is parts minimalization and education across the board including smaller, more efficient batteries with more power and more range. “Second, Lexus’s future is a seamlessly connected one. “The synergy of hardware with the allnew Arene Operating System acts as a catalyst for new experiences and solutions. “The content and services of the digital era are crucial to creating a unique choice and we want everyone, including the driver, to partake in these new experiences, enjoyably and safely. “The car is literally a moving sensor that can see, touch, hear and even smell. “A sensor that will enable unprecedented personalized driving possibilities that will allow application makers to create new, breakthrough content all based on the unique situation and location of every car and user. “And third, people are always looking for new ways to enjoy and express themselves. “The BEV age has only just begun and it won’t be long, before the need for new life-

ny’s R&D Proving Ground was the brand’s unique and world-first proprietary technology involving understanding humans, foresight/predictive, and synlogue-based HMI (Human-Machine Interface). It may sound complex, but upon practical demonstrations, these technologies that are still in the developmental stage are not only groundbreaking but also assuring. The first demo was with the motorcycle HMI system for safety riding. There was a concept model equipped with conspicuity lights and an ADAS radar reflector. The objective is to make the motorcycle more recognizable, enabling drivers to understand its distance and speed. The ADAS reflector, meantime, makes it easier for ADAS-equipped vehicles to detect motorcycles. As for the synloguebased HMI, the system will send forms of signal through the front’s small glass shield to alert the rider of potential risks. Interestingly, the concept model also has an airbag between the steering bar. When deployed, the bag will absorb the rider’s impact and will lessen injuries or even fatalities. Next was onboard the ESV (Experimental Safety Vehicle) Honda e: an all-electric car. Here, the technologies involving detecting the driver’s condition/state, system foresight/predictive, and synlogue-based HMI (Human-Machine Interface) were fully demonstrated. During the series of driving situations, there was a voice prompt informing detected incoming motorcycle and a crossing pedestrian in an intersection. The system even prompts whether or not it is safe to proceed. Then, in the following scenario, the system voice prompt successfully detected a child covered by another vehicle and about to cross. As for the synlogue-based HMI, a camera is installed on the center dash to monitor the driver’s facial condition to detect the level of stress. The last stage was about “Communication Lighting.” With the same ESV demo car, the technicians demonstrated the unique profile accent rear reflectors designed for motorcycle riders’ visibility alert. Moreover, there is pedestrian communication lighting to send signals in the form of moving lights in the car’s front grille, recognizing crossing pedestrians.

style solutions comes to the forefront. “Our next-generation architecture is so flexible that it will allow us to push the boundaries in every segment going forward. “Whether that means a beautiful sports car. “Or a flagship proposition for the future of mobility, like the LF-ZL. “A future where the ownership experience is not limited to a single vehicle, where it learns and anticipates your needs adapting to provide total personalization of motion. “And whatever the form there will be no luxury future, without innate sustainability. “A future where the better the car is for the planet, the better it is for the customer. “Whether it is new carbon neutral materials that contribute to socially sustainable communities, or a system where one day mobility will play an active part in societallevel energy and data management. “Lexus will continue to deliver unexpected products and services that push the boundaries for discerning individuals. “We will change the paradigm not only for the battery electric car, but for what the automotive experience can be. “The future of Lexus is electrifying!”

PEE STOP

No cashew nuts? Not to Jing Atienza who, as the Toyota Motor Philippines’ executive vice president, is the highest-ranked Filipino in the TMP hierarchy today. Last weekend, Jing’s persuasive powers propelled the waiter at Clark Hilton in Pampanga to innovate so that, within minutes, dyarran! a plate of cashew nuts was on the table reserved for Vince Socco & Co. It is improvisations like this that I don’t miss attending the Toyota GAZOO RACING Vios Cup at the SMC-Clark International Speedway. Jing just has this knack to make things happen. It’s an innate talent I keep seeing in him through the years. Cheers!