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THE MTIT with the DICT lead the graduation ceremony of completers of Social Media Marketing Training under the Digital Jobs PH Training Program on November 8, 2023, at the Em Manor Hotel in Cotabato City. MICHAEL CAMSA/BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE

Southern biz comes alive

Maguindanao sees new online entrepreneurship going viral soon in DICT-supported drive

By Manuel T. Cayon | Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—The traditionally reserved and predominantly rural Maguindanao provinces in central Mindanao are poised for a transformative shift in their business and social landscape. A group of social-media trainees is set to embark on a journey towards online entrepreneurship in the autonomous region in the South. At least 25 residents have applied for business permits to embark on pioneering online entrepreneurship following the completion of a seven-day intensive social media marketing training. These individuals are now prepared to integrate information and communication technology to effectively promote their products and services in the virtual realm. “We have seen many opportunities in social marketing in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Embrace your knowledge and skills, especially in social media as a main platform for doing business,” said Mario Cuñado, regional director of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). He also commended the graduates for their strong desire and determination to expand their skills and potential, not only to improve themselves but also to contribute to the economic progress of the region.

Trailblazing

WHILE online entrepreneurship has flourished globally during the Covid-19 pandemic, the predominantly rural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—home to some of the country’s most impoverished provinces—has lagged behind, primarily due to the absence of even the most basic access to electricity, let alone broadband connectivity. But because online entrepreneurship continued to grow beyond being just a fad in this country, all nooks and crannies of the Philippines will be reached

by this viral trend in online cloud technology. The DICT and the Bangsamoro Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) have opened a training under the former’s Digital Jobs PH Training Program to address the unemployment rate and improve the capacity of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the BARMM. Those who completed the training graduated at the Em Manor Hotel in Cotabato City last week. MTIT Director II Roy Ladiasan said DICT’s initiative is seen to contribute widely to the advancement of MSMEs in the region, comprising the mainland Mindanao provinces of Maguindanao, divided now into Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, and the southwestern Mindanao island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The island provinces were collectively and informally referred to as the country’s southern backdoor. “This milestone is implemented to help you become more innovative and develop strategies for selling and promoting products in social marketing,” Ladiasan added. He said the MTIT and the DICT would play a vital role in economic development via online marketing. “We offer and implement a number of programs and projects to combat unemployment and increase employability through online [platforms],” Cuñado said, noting that social media “is creating various opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs during the pandemic.”

Fresh start

THE participants underwent training in various ICT-related tasks focused on promoting products and services. This included instruction in website development, social media content planning, business blogging, search engine optimization, and email marketing. Additionally, they received insights into the relevant laws, including the Data Privacy Law, Cybercrime Law, and Digital Marketing Ethics. Ivan Lawrence Cornel, owner of Taho Cotabato City Project, said he appreciated the efforts of MTIT and DICT in providing them with strategies and tips that they can immediately apply in their respective social marketing, the Bangsamoro Information Office said in a news dispatch last week. “The knowledge, learnings, ideas and fresh perspective I gained were very informative and helpful. I can say that the training is a game changer because as an entrepreneur, I’m always looking for ways to improve my business,” he said. “I highly recommend this training program to anyone who wants to learn about digital marketing, particularly to entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level,” he added.

Regional government support

THE Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the region’s lawmaking body, recently received a bill from its members to ensure that “registration, regulation and development of the cooperatives in BARMM would be implemented.” BTA Bill No. 210, or An Act Providing for the Bangsamoro Cooperative and Social Enterprise Code, seeks to establish a clear legal framework “that encourages the creation and expansion of cooperatives as vital tools to foster economic development and social equity within the BARMM region,” the information office said. The proposed code will provide explicit guidelines for the establishment, operation and management of cooperatives. The comprehensive code consists of 70 pages in four books, each addressing essential aspects of the cooperative and social enterprise sectors. These include general provisions, cooperative development, social enterprise development, and miscellaneous and final provisions. Under the proposed code, a cooperative is defined as an autonomous and duly registered association of individuals with a shared interest who voluntarily come together to meet their social, eco-

nomic and cultural needs. Such cooperatives would contribute equitably to the capital required, support their products and services, and share the risks and benefits of their endeavors in accordance with universally accepted cooperative principles and moral governance. Under this code are covered the social enterprises, characterized “as business organizations primarily dedicated to addressing social, cultural, or environmental challenges, with profit generation for owners and stakeholders being a secondary concern.” Social enterprises are required to adhere to principles such as fulfilling Shari’ah objectives, promoting halal transactions, generating legitimate wealth from business and asset-based transactions, avoiding haram (forbidden) practices, and sharing risks in business and financial transactions. The code strictly prohibits usury, gambling, speculative transactions, and haram products and services within cooperatives and social enterprises. To streamline and oversee the viability and growth of Bangsa moro cooperatives and social enterprises, the code proposes the establishment of a dedicated gov-

erning body, the Cooperatives and Social Enterprise Authority (CSEA). The agency will be the sole entity responsible for registering cooperatives and social enterprises in the Bangsamoro government. Cooperatives may be classified into different types: credit, consumer, producer, marketing, workers, and other categories determined by the CSEA. The CSEA is also mandated to also organize the Bangsamoro Social Enterprise Council (BSEC), an alliance of social enterprise leaders leveraging their networks, knowledge and experience. BTA Bill No. 210 was filed by Members of the Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos, Ishak Mastura, Lanang Ali Jr., Rasol Mitmug Jr., Amilbahar Mawallil, Baintan Ampatuan, Eddie Alih, Michael Midtimbang, Ali Sangki and Suharto Ambolodto. MPs Dan Asnawie, Ali Solaiman, Froilyn Mendoza, Khalid Hadji Abdullah, Tarhata Maglangit, Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., Atty. Randolph Parcasio, Takawakal Midtimbang, Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, MP Akmad Abas, Mohammad Kelie Antao and Basit Abas were also coauthors of BTA Bill No. 210.

ZUBIRI, CHINA REP SHAKE HANDS:

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri (right) shakes the hand of Wang Ke, vice chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, National People’s Congress (NPC), during the opening of the AsiaPacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF 31) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Members of the APPF31 tackled political and security matters as well as regional cooperation among member countries. Story on A4. BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA/SENATE PRIB

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 55.4840 n JAPAN 0.3710 n UK 69.5603 n HK 7.1146 n CHINA 7.7616 n SINGAPORE 41.3936 n AUSTRALIA 36.3809 n EU 60.5164 n KOREA 0.0427 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.7938 Source: BSP (November 24, 2023)

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Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim faces hard policy decisions as his popularity dips

By Ram Anand and Netty Ismail Bloomberg

FTER years of political turmoil that saw rapid turnover at the prime minister’s office, Anwar Ibrahim’s first 12 months as Malaysia’s leader might feel like a success in itself. Except a stalled reform agenda has meant the 76-year-old has been unable to boost the nation’s revenues and pare debt, as the rising cost of living hits the pockets of ordinary Malaysians. The lack of promised reforms— undoing hefty subsidies and broadening the government’s revenue base—is weighing on Malaysian assets, adding to the pressure from a surge in US interest rates and sputtering growth in China, the nation’s biggest trading partner. The ringgit has lost almost 6 percent against the dollar this year, making it the worst performer in emerging Asia. Kuala Lumpur’s benchmark stock index has been one of the biggest losers worldwide. The political shocks that ushered in four administrations since

2018 have unnerved investors, as have the lack of promised reforms, which have proved tricky to execute given the country’s fractious political environment. “Headlines on the Malaysian political situation don’t boost investor sentiment,” said Jian Shi Cortesi, a Zurich-based fund manager at GAM Investment Management, whose Asia equity strategy has no exposure to the country. “Malaysia doesn’t look particularly attractive.” Here’s how Anwar’s government has fared and the potential pitfalls it faces:

Political stability

IT’S been a striking comeback for Anwar, whose career has included a stint as deputy prime minister

ANWAR IBRAHIM, Malaysia’s prime minister, speaks during the Apec CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, on November 15, 2023. BLOOMBERG

and two jail terms that he said were politically motivated. His promise for reforms had fueled hopes that he would be able to repair Malaysia’s international standing, following the 1MDB investment-fund scandal that led to the jailing of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Still, political stability hasn’t been a given for Anwar. A member of his ruling alliance pulled out in September to protest a decision to drop corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi—Anwar’s key ally. The premier has since managed to attract four opposition lawmakers to back him, giving him the support of 151 out of 222 members of parliament. Voters though are getting impatient with the government’s handling of the economy. The premier’s approval rating dropped to 50 percent from 68 percent in December, according to a poll by Merdeka Center for Opinion Research conducted last month. Anwar doesn’t know how to solve the nation’s problems, including a weakening ringgit and the rising cost of living, according to Mahathir Mohammad, a two-time former prime minister. “A popular person is not necessarily a capable person,” Anwar’s 98-year-old archrival said. “He does not know how to handle the government.”

Economic direction

ANWAR’S administration has spent the year outlining the country’s ambitions, including plans to scale up the nation’s renewable energy mix, while looking at ways to export renewal energy. It wants to mine rare earth minerals and raise wages. Malaysia still relies heavily on revenue from fossil fuels, with national oil company Petronas paying 40 billion ringgit ($264 million) in dividends to the government this year. “The strategy is clear,” said Munirah Khairuddin, the chief executive officer of Principal Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. “We are waiting to see how that translates into the real economy, the stock market.” Anwar has revealed that Malaysia’s debt and liabilities stood at 1.5 trillion ringgit, or 82 percent of gross domestic product. His administration has also acknowledged the need to find new sources of revenue, though it has resisted introducing

key component of Malaysia’s fiscal position is the hefty subsidy bill it foots every year. All Malaysians enjoy subsidies on petrol, diesel, cooking oil and locally produced rice. Electricity is also subsidized with lower tariffs for most domestic users. The government’s subsidy bill, which has been growing due to rising global commodity prices since last year, will exceed 81 billion ringgit this year. goods and services tax, opting instead to marginally increase service taxes and introduce taxes on luxury goods and capital gains.

A hefty subsidy bill

A KEY component of Malaysia’s fiscal position is the hefty subsidy bill it foots every year. All Malaysians enjoy subsidies on petrol, diesel, cooking oil and locally produced rice. Electricity is also subsidized with lower tariffs for most domestic users. The government’s subsidy bill, which has been growing due to rising global commodity prices since last year, will exceed 81 billion ringgit this year. “No country can survive” such a hefty subsidy bill, Anwar has said while hoping to shift to a system that targets lower-income groups. However, a clear plan on how the subsidies will be reallocated has not been presented to the public, and anticipation of possible cuts is raising inflation risks in the country. “The challenging domestic political landscape constrains the prospects for material revenue reform, subsidy rationalization and, ultimately the reversal of the deterioration in its fiscal metrics over the past few years,” said Moody’s Investors Service Senior Vice President Christian de Guzman.

The reformist

ANWAR has spent decades as the figurehead of the reform movement in Malaysia. His government, however, is still working on several promised pieces of legislation with wide political and social implications. A bill to introduce a two-term limit to the office of prime minister and policies to provide equal funding for opposition lawmakers— both of which his coalition advocated—have yet to materialize. Nor has a promise to separate the powers of the attorney general and chief

public prosecutor. A pledge to prohibit smoking appears to be on the back burner, while an attempt to rationalize citizenship laws, especially those concerning children born overseas, has proved to be controversial. “Despite his clear majority in parliament, the administration does not have the political will to push for much-needed institutional and fiscal reforms,” said Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, a former deputy managing director for Bower Group Asia, who is now an independent analyst.

The outlook

ANWAR’S ability to execute his economic and fiscal plans within the next two years will be key. A series of state elections starting in 2025 will heighten political considerations before federal polls in 2027. If Anwar manages the shortterm pain of reforming the local economy, Malaysia is poised to benefit from supply-chain realignments and increasingly positive relations with its more developed neighbor, Singapore, said Mark Mobius, the veteran emerging-markets investor, who is considering buying Malaysian stocks. Concerns about “what reforms are possible” are partly why Malaysia’s ringgit is one of the cheapest among developing currencies that make up MSCI Inc.’s widely followed indexes, said Charlie Robertson, the Londonbased head of macro strategy at FIM Partners UK Ltd. “Anwar is a smart individual who might be taken as a positive by markets,” Robertson said. “Not a negative.” With assistance from Joy Lee and Kok Leong Chan / Bloomberg

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Saturday, November 25, 2023

UK envoy: Investors leaving China choose other countries over PHL

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

HE Philippines is not in the radar of foreign investors leaving China as they prefer to transfer to countries where regulations are “more predictable,” according to the United Kingdom’s top diplomat in Manila. “I speak to businesses on a regular basis, and I’m delighted that some have indeed chosen to invest in the Philippines. But some are still cautious and some of the companies that are divesting in China are not yet choosing the Philippines over the likes of Vietnam,” Ambassador Laure Beaufils said in a recent forum held in Makati City. When asked why foreign firms

are shunning the Philippines, she said many have said that taxes and government regulations are “not transparent.” “When I talked to them about it, the bottomline is, it’s still very much about the ease of doing business, very much about predictability—predictability when it comes to taxes as well as legislation or regulatory environment,” Beaufils said.

Domestic travelers to Boracay exceed prepandemic levels By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

Special to the BusinessMirror

OMESTIC travelers to Boracay have exceeded their pre-pandemic numbers, helping lift total visitor arrivals to 1.83 million as of November 7. According to data posted by the Malay-Boracay Tourism Office on its Facebook page, of the 1.83 million arrivals from January to November 7, 2023, Filipino domestic travelers accounted for 1.43 million, while foreigners reached 357,066. Overseas Filipino workers numbered 35,668. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, 2 million tourists descended on Boracay, with foreign nationals reaching some 1.07 million, while domestic travelers numbered 932,433, as per data from the Department of Tourism (DOT). This year’s visitors exceeded the 1.7-million arrivals in the entire 2022 by 7.6 percent.

Simplified entry procedures

STILL, Boracay stakeholders expressed concern on the “decline” in tourists, especially foreign nationals, who spend more than locals. Filipinos also appear to be ditching Boracay and prefer traveling abroad because airfares and hotel rates are cheaper there, they said, especially during the recent long All Saints Day/ All Souls Day break. (See, “Regular passenger traffic seen at Naia for long ‘Undas’ break,” in the BusinessMirror, October 27, 2023.) Their concerns were addressed by Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” M. Miraflores, who issued Executive Order No. 097 on November 13, lifting the requirement on visitors to submit their hotel vouchers via the Akquire system before entering Boracay Island or any point in the province. The requirement was instituted at the height of the pandemic as a way to monitor the movement of visitors, and enable the local government to quickly implement measures and control any Covid outbreak. The Malay-Boracay Tourism stressed, however, that tourists should still book with DOT-accredited hotels and resorts “for your convenience and safe[ty].”

Last year, Aklan also lifted the requirement for tourists to register via QR code. In a separate post on his page last November 17, the local chief executive also announced the “opening of the beach. Allowing the beach beds and umbrellas for tourists to enjoy.” He added that night swimming will be allowed until 9 p.m., while food and drinks will now be served on party boats. He also suspended the P20,000-fee charged foreign tour guides.

Balancing environment and economy

THE local chief executive also assured there will be “continuous dialogue on having a unified ticket [at the] jetty port,” another concern raised by stakeholders during the 2nd Boracay-Caticlan Sustainable Development Council last November 15. In a statement released to the BusinessMirror, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Boracay said the organization supported “government’s efforts in responsibly relaxing regulations and in improving guest experiences for Boracay’s invaluable tourism visitors. Priority points such as limited and regulated beach usage rules, shifting the burden of hotel compliance [through hotel voucher requirement] from the tourist to between business and government, and a look at some of the fees are welcome improvements. The changes at the Caticlan Jetty Port towards easing entry requirements for a quick and convenient arrival will enhance the tourist arrival experience by leaps and bounds, which is quite exciting as well. But this is just the beginning, of efforts to elevate the overall Boracay experience, from a warm and convenient arrival, a relaxing island holiday, and a fuss-free departure.” The group also encouraged fellow stakeholders to “set a good example” by following the new guidelines. “Boracay has come a long way since the six-month government-imposed island closure in 2018, and those gains must be continued and carefully evolve,” balancing the environment and economic growth.

WORKERS assemble a car in a factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna, in this BusinessMirror file photo.

According to the UK Department of Business and Trade, foreign direct investments from the UK to the Philippines reached £449 million (P31 billion) in 2021. In contrast, FDIs flowing from UK to Vietnam in the same year amounted to £785 million (P54 billion).

Overall, FDI inf lows to the Philippines in 2022 declined by 23 percent to $9.2 billion (P524 billion), from $11.9 billion (P678 billion) in 2021. “Since 2010, the Philippines has lagged regional peers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in attracting foreign investment,”

according to the 2023 investment climate report of the United States State Department. During the pandemic, foreign companies experienced difficulties in doing business in China due to zero Covid policy. And as tensions over trade and geopolitics between China and Western countries rise, may foreign companies have decided to withdraw their operations from China and transfer to other countries. Western governments call it “de-risking.” Aside from Beaufils, other ambassadors who spoke during the forum “Pilipinas Conference 2023” also said they heard the same line of complaints from businesses. Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said that in the past, many Australian companies are keen on investing in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam. “But in more recent years they are starting to pay serious atten-

tion to the Philippines as well… and the reason for that is because [the Philippine government] is sending the world the right signals in terms of your economic reforms, your regulatory framework inconsistency in that, and opening up to foreign investment and carrying through with the implementation of Public Services Act in a way that is meaningful for foreign investors,” Yu said. The British and Australian ambassadors said their governments are willing to help the Philippines in addressing the complaints of foreign businesses who want to set up shop in the Philippines. “I would encourage the government to continue to invest in that predictability in addressing red tape and corruption against some of these issues that were mentioned over the course of the morning as fundamental to securing those additional investments,” Beaufils said.

PHL return to ICC now under study–Marcos By Samuel P. Medenilla & Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government is now studying the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC). “ There is also a question: Should we return under the fold of the ICC? So that’s again under study. So we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are,” the chief executive told reporters in an interview after the inauguration of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in Taguig City last Friday. He made the pronouncement after he was asked about Resolution 1477 of the House of Representatives urging the Marcos administration to cooperate with the ICC’s probe on the anti-illegal drug campaign of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The President said he finds nothing unusual with the House resolution on the ICC probe, but he noted it faces “jurisdiction and sovereignty issues.” Last February, Marcos said the government will not cooperate with the ICC in its investigation of the drug war of the Duterte administration since the country already withdrew from the Rome Statute. The ICC is looking into the possible liability of the previous administration on the reported

deaths of at least 6,000 people from its anti-illegal drug drive. T he w ithdrawa l from the Rome Statute removed the country from ICC jurisdiction in 2019, Marcos said. He said he is against any foreign courts directing the investigation and prosecution of any crime that has been committed in the country. “We have our police. We also have the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] and the DOJ [Department of Justice]. That [investigation] is part of their job. And that’s really where the conflict is,” Marcos said partly in Filipino. The House resolution was filed amid claims by some groups there was already a “crack” in the Uniteam alliance of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, the daughter of the former president. Marcos denied it and even publicly defended Sara, who is also his concurrent Education Secretary.

Clarification

HOUSE Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe on Friday clarified that the leadership of the lower chamber has not issued any directive regarding the House Resolution seeking government cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating former President Duterte’s alleged “crimes against humanity” for the thousands of

deaths during his so-called “war on drugs.” According to Dalipe, House Resolution 1477, which urges the Marcos administration to collaborate with the ICC, is being treated like any ordinary measure that has to go through the normal legislative process. Dalipe noted that in extraordinary cases where the Speaker wants to expedite House action on certain measures, he would usually ask the House Committee on Rules, which he also chairs, to prioritize the schedule of deliberations and plenary action. “As Chair of the Committee on Rules, I know for a fact that there is no instruction from the Office of the Speaker that requires us to give special attention to the House Resolution seeking our cooperation with the ICC. This will be treated like all other House Resolutions, but we have to respect the autonomy of the legislative process and the necessity for adherence to established procedures,” Dalipe said. Dalipe added that former President Duterte is held in high esteem by the House leadership, including Speaker Romualdez, but it will not suppress any member of Congress advocating for ICC support in investigating his anti-drug campaign. “The democratic principles that underpin the legislative process allow for the expression

of diverse opinions. The House is composed of 310 independent minds and diverse cultural and political backgrounds, so it is important that we hear the sentiment of everyone,” he said. He said the House leadership acknowledges the diversity of opinions within the legislative body and encourages a respectful exchange of ideas. The democratic process allows for constructive debate, ensuring that all perspectives are considered in the formulation of legislative decisions, he said. “The legislative process is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the House of Representatives remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities with the utmost dedication to the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Dalipe said. “All members of the House are entitled to voice their perspectives within the democratic framework, ensuring a robust and inclusive discussion on matters of national importance,” he added. Earlier, Vice President Sara Duterte said allowing ICC prosecutors to investigate alleged crimes that are now under the exclusive jurisdiction of Philippine prosecutors and courts is not only patently unconstitutional but effectively “ belittles and degrades our legal institutions.”

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PHL urged to sell sovereign carbon credits By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

HE Philippines should aspire to become the first countr y in Asia to sell sovereign carbon credits, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said on Friday. Salceda said the Philippines’s entry into the sovereign carbon credit market under the 2015 Paris Agreement could be a “key accomplishment” of the Marcos administration, as “the law and the incentives are already in place for making it work” and “we should aim to be the first country in Asia, and perhaps the world, to sell sovereign carbon credits.” He made the remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Climate Change Commission, Maharlika Carbon Technologies, LLC, and LMC Consultancy (Luntian) as the private partner. Under the MOU, the company will assist the Philippine government in setting up the registry which

will link to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). T he MOU was signed Friday. The set up will allow the Philippines to participate in the trading of Certified Emissions Reductions (CER), more commonly known as voluntary carbon credits, and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) between countries, which includes “sovereign carbon credits.” “In short, it sets up the foundation for us to be in the market. There is a race among developing countries to be the first to sell sovereign carbon credits in the global market, and the Philippines should be in that race. That will be a key PBBM accomplishment, if ever,” Salceda said. Countries and companies buy carbon credits to offset their emissions and meet their targets net emission levels. “In recent years, there has been a push towards governmentbacked carbon credits, as some perceive them as more credible

sources of emissions reduction,” Salceda said. Salceda, who was co-chair of the UN-established Green Climate Fund, said that the entry into the carbon credits market could “ bring in an initial $14 billion worth of benefits initially to the country, in cash and in kind like climate benign technologies, which are much needed for the Philippines shift towards sustainable socioeconomic development.” He noted that the new PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Code “will accelerate our carbon credits efforts, because it identifies carbon credits as a sovereign asset that can be subjected to PPP arrangements.” “That means the private sector can engage in projects and partnerships with the national government that generate and package carbon credits,” Salceda added. The lawmaker is the principal author of the PPP Code and was chair of the technical working group that drafted the measure.

“This will be very good for us, and the tax incentives also already exist for renewable energy companies who want to work with us here.” Salceda cited Section 15 of Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Law, which exempts the sale of carbon emissions credits by renewable energy developers from all taxes. “We have not been able to maximize that provision. That is why I will be working with the PPP Center, the CCC, and the DOE so that we can come up with joint guidelines on how the private sector and the government can work together on this,” Salceda said. Salceda hopes that such initiatives “will build financing for our clean energy transition.” “President Marcos set the tone early on in his term that he will be a Green President. Making the Philippines a pioneer in carbon credits will be a key accomplishment. It will also provide much needed financial resources for our development,” he said.

JV partner in LTO tech project sets more cases vs Dermalog By Lorenz S. Marasigan

ERZONTAL Builders Inc., one of the joint venture partners in the P3.14-billion Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) project of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), plans to file another round of civil and criminal complaints against German information technology (IT) firm Dermalog due to payment issues. In a statement, Verzontal’s legal counsel Ricardo Gao Pronove III said the company has yet to exhaust its legal options “in ensuring that Dermalog will be exposed” for allegedly dubious practices. To recall, Verzontal alleged that Dermalog failed to pay the company its 25-percent share despite

completing the civil, mechanical, and electrical works needed in the LTMS project. Verzontal also claimed it was made to believe that the electromechanical works only amounted to P278 million, when the contract actually indicated a total of P390 million. However, the complaint was recently dismissed by the Court of Appeals (CA) “due to technicalities,” said Pronove. Pronove explained that the new civil case would still be based on Dermalog’s alleged failure to pay Verzontal fully for the services it completed in the contract, particularly the construction of LTO’s IT center, while the criminal case is related to Dermalog’s supposed illegal activities in the LTMS project.

Verzontal is “already beefing up the cases and these are expected to be filed before the year ends,” he said. Pronove also revealed that Verzontal was “terminated by Dermalog from the JVA without their consent.” He noted that without Verzontal, the LTMS contract would be “deemed invalid” since the Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) requirement for publiclyauctioned government projects was with Verzontal. Because of such alleged contract violations, “We don’t want to partner with them,” Pronove said. Earlier, Verzontal Director Jose Natividad said in a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that there were no coordination meetings among the JVA partners, hence leaving Verzontal “unaware” of the other components of the LTMS. Microgenesis Software Inc. and Holy Family Printing Corp. were the two other partners in the JVA. The LTMS is a platform where the public can do their LTO-related

transactions online. It can process various online transactions, including driver’s and conductor's application for permits or licenses, among others. T he Commission on Aud it (COA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) earlier found that the LTMS project “has been facing delays,” with issues including multiple contract schedule extensions, several undue advance payments, and still pending unfulfilled project deliverables hounding the project. Natividad said this validates their claim that there is really something wrong with the project. “Would you entrust your personal data with this company? They hold sensitive information of the Filipino motorists, and we need to be cautious about that,” Natividad said. The LTO is actively pursuing a full government takeover of the LTMS from Dermalog to “expedite the resolution of technical issues previously raised by the COA and the DICT.

Migs Zubiri to APPF delegates: Choose ‘non-confrontational’ approach to rows By Butch Fernandez

ENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri, addressing international lawmakers attending the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Manila, prodded the visiting delegates to “opt for cooperative security approach.” The Senate leader suggested such option is “both inclusive and non-confrontational to resolve conflicts.” Addressing the Asia-Pacific lawmakers at the APPF opening Thursday at the Philippine International Convention Center, Zubiri said, “We are again living in a time of relative instability [as] conflicts are unfolding on multiple fronts, with aggression and intimidation taking precedence over the principles of the rule of law.” Zubiri’s call for regional peace cooperation found echoes in a speech by the Senate Defense committee, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who urged delegates to address “a matter of grave concern that requires our collective attention.” He said lawmakers must “raise serious concerns over recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, which refers to parts of the South China Sea over which the Philippines has sovereign rights, and jurisdictions, as they have the potential to undermine the peace and stability that our nations have collectively worked towards over the years.” As representatives of their respective peoples, the delegates must respond to the issue with “the utmost diplomatic care and urgency.” He claified, however, that “the concerns we express are not intended to assign blame or take sides. Instead, they reflect our shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order. It is through these rules that we can navigate the complexities of competing claims and interests in a manner that fosters understanding and preserves regional stability.” For the sake of “over 4.6 billion people in our region,” Estrada said parliamentarians must “acknowledge the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and mitigating tensions. The Asia Pacific region has had its fair share of historical disputes and territorial conflicts. However, it is through open and respectful communication that we can find common ground and build bridges towards lasting peace.”

He noted that the Philippine government, “under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been consistent in trying to address the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means, in the hope of decreasing tension in the area. President Marcos met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the recently concluded APEC Summit in San Francisco, California. They affirmed that the situation in the South China Sea does not comprise the entirety of Philippines-China relations, and that maritime issues should be managed properly.”

‘Apec of parliamentarians’

THE APPF, which Zubiri earlier dubbed “the Apec of parliamentarians,” is a multilateral parliamentary forum between membercountries in the Asia-Pacific region, covering Southeast Asia, Oceania, Northeast Asia, and the Americas. More than 200 parliamentarians from 19 countries in the Asia-Pacific, with the Philippines as the host country for the second time, gathered to discuss political and security issues, economic and trade matters, and regional cooperation. These cover everything from climate action to transnational crimes, from universal health care to critical infrastructure, Zubiri said. “I believe that humanity is once again at a turning point in history, and we need to make a critical choice. Do we decide to soar together as a one, united Asia-Pacific region? Or do we allow ourselves to spiral into distrust and disarray?” Zubiri warned. “Let us be better neighbors. Let us opt for a collaborative security approach that is both inclusive and non-confrontational. As Parliamentarians, let’s steer our governments toward the pathway of peace,” Zubiri told lawmakers from the different countries. With the theme “Building Resilient Partnerships: Advancing Peace, Prosperity and sustainability in the Asia Pacific,” the delegates are expected to come out with resolutions on several issues. Aside from Philippine legislators, lawmakers from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mexico, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russian Federation, Thailand, and Vietnam joined the conference.

Sen. Bong Go calls for more support for Filipinos in crisis

EN. Christopher “Bong” Go has affirmed his commitment to supporting Filipinos affected by disasters, emphasizing the importance of resilience and mutual aid in times of crisis. Addressing those affected by fires, Go, in a recent interview after aiding fire victims in Davao City, underscored the need for hope and perseverance. “Sa mga nasunugan, parati kong sinasabi sa kanila ‘wag ho kayong mawalan ng pag-asa [I always tell the fire victims, never lose hope],” he said. “Clothes can be washed, lost things can be bought again, money can be earned again if one works hard. But money can never buy back a life. A lost life is a lost life forever. So let’s take care of the life the Lord has given us,” he added, partly in Filipino. Go then stressed the significance of health and well-being. Go’s legislative work reflects his concern for the welfare of people, particularly in times of disaster. He has been instrumental in the enactment of Republic Act 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)

Modernization Act of 2021. This law greatly enhances the capabilities of the BFP. It outlines a 10-year modernization program that includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and providing specialized training. Go has been a vocal advocate of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 192, institutionalizing the Rental Housing Subsidy Program. This bill provides disaster victims with better and more affordable access to formal housing through rental subsidies if enacted into law. Finally, he addressed an appeal to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for equitable aid distribution. “If there is government aid through DSWD, I ask you to use it for those in need and affected by crisis, especially those who lost jobs and livelihood,” he said, mostly in Filipino. Go continued, “Don’t be selective, ‘don’t choose those you will help. Don’t let politics intrude. That’s why it’s called, ‘Assistance in Crisis Situations.’ That means they are in crisis, are hungry, have no money to buy basic things; need education and cash for food,” he reminded.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

OurTime BusinessMirror

House bill creating pension fund for elderly farmers filed

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, November 25, 2023

₧1,000 maintenance medication support for senior citizens eyed

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

ANILA—A bill was filed in Congress providing P1,000 monthly maintenance medication support for senior citizens to help improve their quality of life and ease financial constraints.

A farmer transplants rice seedlings in Sumapang Matanda, Malolos, Bulacan on September 14, 2023. United Senior Citizens Party List Rep. Milagros Aquino Magsaysay on November 17, 2023 pushed for the creation of an agriculture pension fund for aging and elderly farmers and fisherfolk so that they may enjoy social security benefits upon their retirement. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc By Filane Mikee Cervantes

ANILA—A party-list lawmaker on Friday pushed for the creation of an agriculture pension fund for aging and elderly farmers and fisherfolk so that they may enjoy social security benefits upon their retirement. In filing House Bill 9455, United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino Magsaysay said the proposed agricultural pension will serve as the foundation for social security benefits that aging and elderly agriculture workers can access, similar to the pension enjoyed by employees upon their retirement. Magsaysay noted that while agriculture is considered one of the primary drivers of the country’s economy and the work of farmers is considered essential in ensuring the Philippines’s food security, the agricultural sector remains one of the poorest sectors in the country. “In as much as the government is pushing developments in agriculture and campaigning for the younger generation to take an interest in the industry to ensure continuity, it is equally imperative to ensure that our elderly farmers are well-taken care of in their old age,” Magsaysay said. “This is the least we could do for them after they have given the best years of their lives putting food on our tables so that we

do not go hungry,” she added. The proposed fund, according to the bill, shall serve as the contribution from both the national government and local government units (LGUs), which shall be given only upon payment of the monthly contribution of the poor farmer or fisherfolk, in accordance with the schedule of payments prepared and prescribed by the Social Security System (SSS). Farmers and fisherfolk identified to be extremely poor will avail themselves of the full subsidy from the national and local governments until such time that upon regular assessment by their LGU under the supervision of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), they have been found to be non-extremely poor. The bill states that poor farmers and fisherfolk who are over 55 years old and would like to be part of the agricultural pension fund shall contribute only up to the time they reach 60 years old and the rest of the contribution shall be subsidized by the government to complete the minimum contribution of 120 months. The pension fund shall have the following benefits and entitlements: retirement benefits of P2,000 per month upon reaching 65 years old; death benefits; and disability benefits, among others. The SSS shall be the administrator of the agricultural pension fund. PNA

Jollibee, Greenwich and Burger King to hire elderly, PWDs in Muntinlupa

MUNTINLUPA Mayor Ruffy Biazon signs the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for their partnership with Jollibee Foods Corp. to hire senior citizens and persons with disabilities at quick service restaurant brands of JFC. Joining him are JFC Human Resources Director Gerard Juliano (front, right) and Jollibee Area Manager Rose Solomon (front, left). By Roderick Abad Contributor

OOD-CHAIN giant operator Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) has teamed up with the local government unit (LGU) of Muntinlupa to give senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) a chance to become productive and be able to support themselves or their families despite their age and physical conditions. The city government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Muntinlupa franchises of JFC brands —Jollibee, Greenwich Philippines, and Burger King Philippines—for the temporary employment of elderly and PWDs. The deal was sealed by Mayor Ruffy Biazon, together with JFC Human Re-

sources Director Gerard Juliano and Jollibee Area Manager Rose Solomon. The local chief executive expressed his gratitude to the conglomerate led by business tycoon Tony Tan Caktiong for partnering with the LGU with the end goal of uplifting the lives of these minority groups. “What we have actually done is break through some barriers for our fellow Muntinlupeños particularly our PWDs and senior citizens,” Mayor Biazon said. Seniors and PWDs who want to apply for employment must visit the Office for the Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) for evaluation. Qualified applicants will then be submitted to the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) for job processing.

House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo, co-author of House Bill 9569, said the proposal responds to a critical issue facing the elderly population, particularly those dealing with chronic or long-term medical conditions. “It acknowledges the fundamental importance of preserving and enhancing the health and well-being of senior citizens in our society,” Tulfo said. Tulfo said chronic illnesses often require regular and costly treatments, imposing a substantial burden on senior citizens and their families. “This bill recognizes this bur-

den and aims to alleviate it by providing financial assistance,” he said. “It acknowledges that managing chronic diseases should not be compromised due to economic limitations.” He said around 9.2 million senior citizens or those aged 60 and above were recorded by a Philippine Statistics Authority survey in 2020. Under the measure, the monthly medication maintenance support shall be used exclusively to purchase prescribed maintenance medications, including but not limited to medicines for chronic illnesses, vitamins and supplements, from all public or private

AN elderly lady from Gasan, Marinduque, receives free grocery items from a municipal employee in this undated photo. A measure providing P1,000 monthly maintenance medication support for senior citizens has been filed at the House of Representatives. Photo courtesy of Gasan-PIO

pharmaceutical establishments upon presentation of a prescription validly issued within the last six months from the date of purchase. The support shall be non-transferrable. Any unused portion shall not be convertible to cash. To qualify, a registered senior citizen must submit an application to the Department of Health or its designated agency, accompanied by a valid prescription for maintenance medications issued by a licensed medical practitioner

within the last six months from the date of application. Once approved, beneficiaries shall be issued a monthly maintenance support card. “The bill is a manifestation of our society’s commitment to honoring and caring for our senior citizens who have contributed to our nation’s growth and development over the years. It recognizes their invaluable role and endeavors to ensure that they can enjoy their senior years with dignity and good health,” Tulfo said. PNA

Is someone staying rent-free in your mind? By Nick Tayag

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

here is one person in my life whose face I couldn’t shake off my mind for many years. I first encountered Mr. G in an ad agency that was at that time newly established. I was one of the first to join it, and even had a minor share. Then a short time later, he was recruited to head the agency. Before that he used to be a formidable hot shot in a top multinational agency with international companies as clients. Then suddenly he stepped down from that agency. Rumors had it that he had been eased out by a more formidable rival, another rising star. He retired with a hefty separation package, but eventually he put up his own shop, which did not last long. I was ready to look up to him and learn from his extensive experience. But alas, we didn’t hit it off from the very start. I don’t know what I did to rub him the wrong way but he gave me that disdainful look and constantly singled me out during meetings, belittling my talent at every chance, scoffing at any idea I would present during internal creative sessions. Yet my fellow creatives laughed at his ideas behind his back. I was the only one treated that way by him. I suspected that he looked down on me because I came from a medium agency with limited experience. Did I make him uncomfortable? Or maybe I was an obnoxious reminder of someone in his past. Then in one creative session preparatory to a big pitch, I couldn’t take his disparaging attitude anymore

and left the meeting abruptly, packed my stuff and never came back. I left that agency with a heart heavy with rancorous feelings, but it helped me breathe freely again. Four years ago, I learned that Mr. G. had passed away. Upon hearing his name, a flood of painful feelings came surging again. But it quickly subsided because by that time, I was enjoying a boom in my career as a writer and I had already forgotten all about him. Is there a person you too can’t shake off your mind, for whatever reason? A lingering hatred towards somebody, perhaps? Are you holding a grudge against someone, which has been smoldering within you for the longest time? Is there a friend or relative who has borrowed money and promised to pay it back soon but has apparently forgotten about it while you can’t? Who hasn’t been hurt by the actions or words of another person? The wound can leave lasting feelings of resentment, bitterness and anger—sometimes even hatred building or eating away at you. One Japanese master of the art of brokenness says it’s OK, learn to respect that wound, no need to rush-force the healing. Imagine yourself being a landlord giving room to a tenant and not benefiting from it? This tenant occupies a lot of space, which could be used for someone or something else more beneficial for you. Yet, you’re not doing anything to make the said occupant move out. Remember the maniac who

was exorcised by Jesus in Mark’s gospel? When Jesus asked for the name of the entity possessing the man, the answer was: “My name is legion.” It turned out it was not just one, but a multitude of demons. In many cases, our minds are occupied by a legion of “demons.” We have an unwritten list of people we dislike, hate, envy, jealous of, and obsessed with. We can’t seem to get them off our mind. These people are all “living rent-free in your mind,” which is one of the new slangs I picked up from social media postings. Advice columnist Ann Landers coined the original phrase “lives in my head rent-free.” It was used primarily to refer to negative feelings toward another person. For example, my wife continues to bring up negative experiences from the past, and summons up the same intensity of outrage no matter how many times she has told me already about them. I could probably say, “They’re living rent-free in your head.” On average, adults hold onto a grudge for five years—but some far longer, 11 years or more. Around a third admit their mental health has suffered as a direct result of ongoing feuds, and they regret holding grudges for a long time. The thing is harboring resentful feelings against someone does not take place out in the open. It is a deepseated emotion and hidden away. Many would not even admit they are holding a grudge, which makes it more difficult to overcome it. Holding onto a grudge can significantly affect your mental and physical health. As Nelson Mandela said: “Having a grievance or resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill the enemy.”

Or to paraphrase an Irish proverb: “While you secretly harbor grudges, you’re carrying the burden while the other person is out dancing.” Worse, that grudge or resentment has a tight grip on you. You are in effect under its control, at the losing end. Try to see it from another perspective. What if you’re the one living rent-free in someone else’s mind? Have you considered the possibility that someone might be harboring feelings of hate or resentment against you for a long time and never told you about it? Yes, you’ve been hurt. But you also must have hurt somebody in the past. Realizing this, why not work on being more understanding? It can help loosen the hateful feelings’ grip on you and gradually free you from the control of the person who deeply wounded you. Keep in mind what one of my favorite writers, E. H. White, said: “One of the most time-consuming things is to have an enemy.” Or an object of your hate and resentment. Time to transform the negative meaning of living rent-free to a positive one. Like an astute landlord, make productive use of every inch of space in your property to make you richer in old age. Invite new occupants such as good memories, good people and new learnings and the blessings you now enjoy. Let them squeeze out and push away memories of toxic and obnoxious memories of people you’ve hated or disliked all these years. There will always be people who will hate and resent us. Don’t give them space in your mind. Instead, remember the prayer of the late Cesar Chavez, religious and spiritual figure and community organizer: “Help us love even those who hate us, so we can change the world.”

Education BusinessMirror

A6 Saturday, November 25, 2023

DepEd: Better to realign CIF with learning-recovery program

HE Education Department reiterated its call for the realignment of the disapproved confidential funds with its National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).

Saying such a move will be “very useful” for students, Education Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas noted that during a recent hearing, senators seemed “very serious” on providing additional funds for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “Government Assistance for Private Education (GASTPE)” program, which prompted Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte to request instead for the realignment of the funds amounting to P150 million. In an interview at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, Bringas explained in Filipino that

the request of the secretary during the hearing is to re-focus the confidential funds with the department’s NLRP, as it will bring more impact to our learners, considering that the country is still recovering from losses in learning not only during the pandemic, but even prior. The assistant secretary reassured that DepEd will still improve the basic education’s literacy levels—including the implementation of programs focusing on the well-being of learners to protect them against external threats deemed detrimental to their development not only as students, but as citizens

ASSISTANT Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas DEPED FB/PNA of the country. He pointed out that in the DepEd curriculum, there is peace education meant to develop

the appreciation of learners for peace, patriotism and nationalism. During the Senate plenary debates, Duterte assured that even without confidential funds, DepEd will try its best to eliminate threats to the learning environment, as well as work for the safety and security of its personnel. According to DepEd, threats needing surveillance- and intelligence-gathering may include sexual abuse and all other forms of violence; graft and corruption; learners’ and personnel ’s involvement in illegal drugs; recruitment for insurgency, terrorism, and violent extremism; child labor; child pornography; as well as recruitment for criminal activities, gangsterism, and financial and other scams. In the same hearing, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa made a manifestation where he urged teachers to be extra vigilant on the possible recruitment of insurgents from among basic education learners. Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA

Covid notwithstanding, local authors squeeze creative juices, stoke Filipinos’ love for reading By Roderick L. Abad

HE coronavirus contagion may have had a dent on the publishing sector, but it did not halt local writers from creating stories stoking Filipinos’ penchant for reading, especially when they were all locked in their homes at the height of the lockdowns. For Executive Director Charisse Tugade of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Covid-19 pandemic was quite difficult for the industry, as bookstores were rendered unessential, and libraries were closed at the time. “There was no access [to reading materials. What we had] was the rise of e-books, and books that are available online. And many of our publishers also offered subscription services,” Tugade told reporters on the sidelines of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) Circle Philippines inauguration held at the National Library of the Philippines in Manila last November 15. “What was very interesting, however, was [the] growth in writing.” In fact, the official cited that the number of writers who registered with NBDB rose from 500 pre-pandemic to 3,000 during the health

crisis. She added that new book titles made at the onset of the emergency rose from 6,000 in 2020 to 9,000 in 2022. “This is the highest in the history of the Philippines, which means we’re creating [books constantly even during tough times],” Tugade confirmed. She noted that the country has also become a top outsourcing destination for creative content, given that many Filipinos are writing not just for the Southeast Asian market, but for readers around the world. Proof of such is the Pinoy komiks “Alandal” which has been translated into Deutsche, and is now on sale in Germany. “All of our titles are being picked up around the world, which means people globally are interested in our stories. Also, it brings more money for our creatives, because it doesn’t just end with the book itself. Others can be translated into movies like Harry Potter,” she continued, as she cited as an example “Trese”—a suspense-detective story powered by Filipino mythology that was adapted by Netflix. Apart from major publishing companies that have been operational over the years, there has been a rapid rise of independent

EDUCATORS SPEAK

The rarity of ‘common sense’ By Herman M. Lagon

NE might assume that common sense is common. After all, is not common sense simply the application of our accumulated knowledge and life experiences in practical ways? We have all heard someone exclaim: “That’s just common sense!” when faced with an obvious blunder. But is common sense truly as “common” as it sounds? Common sense is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving trait that varies person-to-person. Each of us possesses a unique blend of knowledge and experiences, making our common sense…anything but common. When a team or its leaders brush off a problem with a casual, “That’s just common sense,” they often miss the opportunity to identify and address its underlying causes thoroughly. True common sense is the ability to question the status quo, challenge procedures and norms, and trust our instincts over blind adherence to social conventions. It is an innate judgment that transcends mere knowledge, often called “discernment,” “sound judgment,” or “gumption.” Interestingly, common sense is intricately linked to maturity, but not the kind measured by an intelligence quotient or IQ test. The elusive emotional intelligence or EQ, cultural intelligence or CI, creativity quotient or CQ,

social intelligence or SI, and adversity quotient or AQ genuinely matter. Intelligence alone does not guarantee common sense; the fusion of common sense, connection, interaction, contextualization, and reason leads to sound decision-making. Sadly, in a world where misinformation runs rampant, making informed decisions can be a Herculean task. So, where does common sense originate? Some argue that it is a product of childhood; a blend of nature and nurture. Some individuals seem born with a natural awareness, observing their surroundings keenly from infancy. Parents and caregivers who exhibit common sense can help nurture this attribute in kids. But those who grow up without such role models might find themselves lacking common sense as adults.

Common consequences THE consequences of lacking common sense can be observed everywhere. From the person who invades your personal space in a queue, to the dog owner who allows their pet to jump on strangers; from the hooligan who votes for a corrupt politician and still expects good governance, to a parent who spoils his child as an expression of care; from the wife who continues to seek solace from an abusive husband, to a student who expects to get 1.0 grade without lifting a finger, the world is replete with instances of common-sense deficiency.

publishers nationwide, even as far as Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao, per the NBDB executive director. Amid today’s digitalization era, physical books remain in-demand vis-a-vis their electronic formats. Tugade said “there are people [who prefer to read online, and those are mostly people who live in cities where there is strong Internet connection. But if you go to the provinces where] even electrification will be a problem, of course, people still like the physical books.” For her, such a traditional way of reading must continue, especially among children, given proof that the absorption rate of reading an actual book is higher than just doing it virtually.

Scene in Singapore AGREEING with her was Singapore Book Council (SBC) executive director William Phuan, who believes hard copy books are extremely important for children, “especially those very young, to start them on this journey and love for reading.” Prospects in the local publishing industry are so bullish post-pandemic that even other

On the other hand, those who possess it are a joy to be around. They navigate social situations with grace and consideration. Common sense also extends to understanding and respecting various cultures. When traveling or interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, embracing their customs and norms—it’s common sense. For instance, staying on the right side when walking or driving is a common-sense courtesy in our country. Furthermore, parents should heed the call of common sense when their children act out in public. While children will be children, common sense dictates that if a child’s behavior disrupts others, it is time to remove them from the situation, or reconsider the idea of bringing them along in the first place. Common sense is also about troubleshooting. Before declaring something as “broken,” it is prudent to invest a few moments in investigating the issue. A simple light bulb replacement or computer reboot may be all that is needed. In essence, common sense permeates our daily lives in a myriad of ways. It is the unsung hero of social harmony; the silent mediator between individuals’ unique perspectives. But as our world undergoes constant evolutions, common sense must adapt and expand. The digital age, marked by the third “Big Bang” of technology, presents new hurdles and opportunities for common sense to f lourish or falter.

‘A dynamic force’ COMMON sense is more essential than ever in this brave new world of cyberspace, where the rules are still being written. As we grapple with the complexities of online interactions, distin-

Southeast Asian nations are willing to help develop it further and boost Filipino children’s literacy competencies, while turning them into readers. The Singaporean official revealed that the Philippines will be the next country of focus for their “Core Translation Project,” as select reading materials will be translated into the native tongue of young readers in the Philippines, and are set to be unveiled in the AFCC Circle Singapore from May 23 to 26, 2024. He said SBC is now discussing programs with the NBDB that will showcase writers and books at AFCC, as well as those that will be translated into Filipino. “That means [children, young people, and] teens can read them in their own languages. Hopefully, through these stories, they open up a window into another culture from another country, and then, they want to learn and find out more,” Phuan remarked. “We hope that through book translation, we can really bridge all these cultural and linguistic barriers.” “It’s high time to really focus on our own stories,” Tugade concluded. “We have so many languages, yet it’s hard to find books in the languages that we speak.”

guishing truth from falsehood becomes a daily endeavor. Understanding the various forms of truth across different realities—physical, psychological, and artificial—is paramount. Physical reality, with its fixed laws of physics, guides our dealings with the material world. Psychological reality, driven our neurons’ intricate workings, shapes our perceptions and interpretations. Meanwhile, artificial reality—a product of technology and the digital age—introduces a new layer of truth in transformation. To teach common sense effectively, we must recognize that it is not a one-size-fitsall proposition. Instead, it is about imparting common knowledge derived from the scientific method. Whether we teach road safety in the physical realm, stranger danger in the psychological realm, or online etiquette in the artificial realm, common sense stems from scientifically validated principles. In our increasingly complex world, the boundaries between these realities blur, challenging our ability to discern truth. Common sense becomes a crucial tool for navigating this multifaceted terrain. As we reflect on common sense’s intricate nature, we must acknowledge that it is not a fixed entity, but a dynamic force shaped by our evolving understanding of reality. In our pursuit of common sense, let us foster awareness, embrace diversity, and adapt to the everchanging landscapes of our existence. Dr. Lagon, or “Doc H,” fondly describes himself as a “student of, and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and “why-driven” world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views herewith do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.

Editor: Mike Policarpio

BatStateU confab pools global eng’g, S&T innovation leaders

DR. Tirso Ronquillo

ATANGAS CITY—Batangas State University (BatStateU), the “National Engineering University,” opened the sixth edition of the International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST) on November 22. The latest IRCIEST was a biennial conference organized and spearheaded by the university since 2013. Centered around the theme “Propelling Transformations and Accelerating Reforms through Research and Innovations,” this year’s conference facilitated in-depth discussions among researchers, academics, industry professionals, and students from both national and global landscapes who delved into the forefronts of cutting-edge advancements in various thematic areas. “As we chart the evolution of this international research conference, each theme from previous years…tells a story of ambitious growth and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the face of an ever-changing global narrative,” reflected university president Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo on the IRCIEST’s preceding years. The sixth IRCIEST conference chair Engr. Albertson D. Amante cited co-host universities Indian Maritime University, College of Estate Management and Universiti of TeknologiMalaysia for partnering with BatStateU in the endeavor. He also extended his appreciation to the panel speakers and innovation leaders who graced the event. In her keynote address, United States Agency for International Development Office of Education director Michelle Chen highlighted their support in fostering government, university, and industry ties in making innovation a key driver of prosperity in the Philippines. She mentioned Dr. Ronquillo’s close partnership with USAID in boosting local higher education capacities by rolling out innovative diagnostics with all state universities and colleges, while leading the creation of their innovation platforms. Chen concluded that “as a partner in prosperity, the US remains firmly committed to supporting the Philippines in its goals of making innovation the engine of prosperity and inclusive growth.” Further, the panel discussion on University Models of Sustainable Innovation brought together experts from diverse educational institutions who shared insights and experiences. Dr. Muhammad Rana, who is a lecturer at the University College of Estate Management in the United Kingdom delved into redefining higher education, highlighting UCEM’s online and sustainable approach to innovation. Prof. Kou Ikejima, who is the vice president for Education in Japan’s Kochi University, discussed initiatives aimed at regional sustainability and innovation. Dr. ChuaChin Wang, who is the vice president for Research and Development at National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, provided an overview of “IC Design and Advanced Technology Research.” Meanwhile, Dr. Nurzal Effiyana Binti Ghazali, who is a director of Malaysia’s University of Technology-Center for Engineering Education, focused on sustainability, innovations, and futures-thinking in engineering education. The experts offered a comprehensive exploration of diverse perspectives and approaches in fostering sustainable innovation within university settings. The gathering, which ran until November 24, featured more plenary sessions, panel discussions, and masterclasses with academicians, researchers, and innovators from the Philippines, Japan, US, UK, Taiwan, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam as resource speakers.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, November 25 , 2023 A7

NOT SO STRANGE AND UNFAMILIAR

India for the Individual T

he sing-song voice of Navjot Singh, popularly known as Mr. Nobodydudy, saying “mekus mekus” has taken Filipino netizens by storm with his hilarious vlogs while reacting to Indian food preparation videos. Like him, an estimated 190,000 Indians call the Philippines home—and I don’t just mean the Punjabis extending microfinance loans. Many are in the fields of IT, business processing, NGOs and other international agencies and trading. For many Filipinos, India remains an exotic destination—perhaps even too exotic for some, strange and unfamiliar. There are currently no direct flights between the Philippines and India and past attempts at a ManilaNew Delhi route were unsuccessful, despite a fairly significant number of Indians in the country—not counting the tourists. And while’s it’s said there are Filipinos in almost every country on the globe, it would be very hard to bump into one even in the most cosmopolitan of cities in India as there are less than 3,000 Pinoys in one of the largest countries in the world. Strange as India is to many Filipinos, there are remnants of Indian influences in our culture and customs, even in our cuisine. But much of the evidence that show links between the Philippines and India that date back to pre-Spanish colonization is anecdotal—most of it told through stories. Something has always drawn me to India long before I set foot in the subcontinent. Some friends who have visited India have vivid memories of their experience there, often reposting travel throwbacks on their feeds. So one day, I finally decided to make that trip to India.

Taj Mahal

Yes—it is safe for a foreign female to travel alone in India. Goes without saying that one must take precautions, be vigilant and use common sense—which any traveler would need to do anywhere in the world. The bigger question is where to go and how to maximize time while in India because with 36 states and union territories, the Indian subcontinent holds a wealth of wonder to whet every traveler’s wanderlust. Research, ask around and decide exactly what catches your fancy.

Plan, prepare, proceed Once you figure out what you want to see and do in India, plan the details of the trip. Most tourists typically visit Delhi, Agra and Jaipur—the so called “Golden Triangle” because of how each city is situated. It’s an easy road trip getting to and from each city. There are package tours for the “Golden Triangle” which includes visits to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in Agra and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. You can also book day trips via popular travel booking sites. Downloading Google Maps (and having a data plan) will also help. Tourist SIM cards are affordable and easy to install, though you have to register upon activation. I usually bring a spare, unlocked mobile device with me for the local SIM, along with a photocopy of my passport ID page.

Humayum’s Tomb I opted to go totally on my own so I could control my time. Taxis, cars booked through ride-hailing apps, and (yes, I took these!) public transportation like the autorickshaw (a tricycle) and the train are easily available in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Tour guides can be hired on-site so you can pick and choose what you need to get the full experience and immerse yourself. In Delhi, I stayed at the Connaught Place area, where it’s relatively safe, accessible and has lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance. From here, I took an autorickshaw to Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, where blue skies and bright sunshine enhanced the red sandstone brick structures that date back to the early 13th century. An adjacent train station allowed me to take mass rail transit to Humayun’s Tomb, a grand Mughal mausoleum which predates the Taj Mahal. The autorickshaw is a great way to get around and feel the local vibe. Planning an efficient route makes it easier to sightsee and visit attractions. Plus, autorickshaw drivers are a great

‘Testing the waters’ of sea travel By Edwin P. Sallan

espite numerous movies and TV series (yes, I’m old enough to have watched The Love Boat back in the day) depicting sea travel as a luxurious experience, I’ve always been wary about taking this route, partly because of weather concerns, the long travel time and also due to the notion of being seasick, even though it’s something I never experienced. It took some convincing but I finally decided to travel by sea during a recent sojourn to Bacolod for this year’s Masskara Festival. Not counting the usual boat rides I take from Caticlan to Boracay and back, my previous sea travel was a 90-minute ferry trip from Cagayan de Oro to Camiguin, a rather uneventful journey that does not in any way prepare me for my more adventurous voyage from Bacolod to Manila last month. Our group took a plane ride from Manila to Bacolod where we spent the next four days in the City of Smiles, it was the journey back to Manila where we booked MV 2GO Maligaya, a state-of-the-art vessel recently acquired by 2GO from Japan. Although 2GO

Agra Fort

Solo travel in India???

THE WAY 2GO Photos by Bobby Fabayos

Qutub Minar

calls the MV 2GO Maligaya as its “youngest roll-on, roll-off passenger vessel,” the experience of being on board, depending on your choice of accommodation, is pretty close to being on a cruise. But I’m getting ahead of myself. During our time in Bacolod, I finally got to know this wonderful city. I was here for business on two occasions during my previous corporate job way back in the 1990s so I did not have the time to get to know the Negros Occidental capital until now.

City of Smiles indeed

Defined largely by its rich history and culture, sought-after cuisine as well as by its warm and friendly people, I finally got to know Bacolod City through several landmarks that are part of our itinerary. There’s the historic San Sebastian Cathedral, a late 19th-century Catholic church. There’s the Negros Museum, the Public Plaza, Capitol Park and Lagoon, and the Art District. Of course, there’s also The Ruins, touted as the Taj Mahal of Negros Island. Along with popular dining options such as Delicioso Wine Food Coffee, Aida’s Chicken Inasal, Lanai by FreshStart Organic, Gina’s Seafood Restaurant, and Tractor

Café, these places all add to Bacolod City’s unique appeal to both locals and tourists alike. I’m not surprised that this is such a sought-after destination for 2GO where it sails here four times a week. And then there’s the Masskara Festival, one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines and very much comparable to Cebu’s Sinulog and Iloilo’s Dinagyang in terms of pageantry and splendor. The festive atmosphere during this time of the year is so infectious, I personally had to participate in the revelry. 2GO was one of the popular establishments that took part in its Float Parade and I was invited on board its luminous float where I dance to that infectious Masskara theme song along with its mascot, Shippy and other 2GO personnel. I hope to come back here for next year’s festivities.

Maligayang pagbabalik

It was American literary giant Ralph Waldo Emerson who once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” No truer words are spoken when it comes to sea travel, especially when sailing in style via MV 2GO Maligaya, one of the largest vessels in 2GO’s current fleet. Because of its size, it also has the feel of a

Hawa Mahal source of stories and local intel. One autorickshaw driver in Delhi saved me so much time and weaved me through rush-hour traffic giving me information on key attractions and finding perfect parking spots to take great photos; while another in Jaipur knew all the places to shop in the old market. Stomach troubles, popularly known as “Delhi belly” among travelers in India is a common ailment many travelers to India experience. I enjoy Indian cuisine but I must admit that the flavors and spice level take some getting used to. I was fortunate that I never got any stomach trouble the entire time I was in India—but I chalk this up to taking precautions like always drinking bottled water (or in my case, refilling my water bottle when I stay at reputable hotels), not drinking anything with ice or any prepared juices, taking probiotics, being careful about where and what I eat, and a keeping a stash of emergency medicines, including medicines for diarrhea and dyspepsia. An important note for solo travel to India is to keep track of the security situation in the places you visit. When

posh hotel from the minute you enter its lobby where on-board amenities like the reception desk, salon, clinic, charging station, gear shop, KTV, Sea Breeze lounge, and QwikMart with grocery essentials and Watsons products and café and restaurant can be seen even before you get to your cabin. During our trip, I was booked in one of their luxurious State Rooms which includes twin beds, a coffee table with two chairs, and more importantly, its own bathroom with shower. While there is wifi throughout the vessel, the connection becomes intermittent during the long trip but does pick up from time to time. I used the idle time to catch up on my sleep and later to sing along with my fellow passengers in either the “jukebox” karaoke machine at Sea Breeze and later, with the rest of our group in one of the more private KTV rooms. I also took the opportunity to go around the open areas but was slightly disappointed that the sundeck where passengers also love to roam is currently under renovation. But even without the sundeck experience, my first trip inside a passenger ship was pretty much a memorable affair. Our voyage from Bacolod to Manila took us, at least in my estimate, over 20 hours but provided me with enough time to recharge and more than enough respite from work. And no, I didn’t feel seasick at all. Provided time is not an element and you’re very much open to trying something new or something different, then traveling via 2GO could be the way to go. In my particular case, the journey is just as eventful as the destination.

Fatehpur Sikri I was in Jaipur, there was tension in the area, prompting authorities to cut mobile data signal, though old-school mobile call and text messaging worked. Having a local contact—whether it’s a friend or perhaps tour guide or the hotel concierge would be a big help.

Ask, and you shall receive Most Indians are polite and cordial, so don’t hesitate to ask—whether it’s to bargain for a fair price when shopping, or for the fare with an autorickshaw driver. Haggling is a way of life. And if you’re travelling alone, asking people to take your photos is a must! In my travels, some would even make sure the angle and photo look nice.

Dress the part Yes, I know women can dress in whatever they want these days, and much as I fear getting cancelled for writing this—I strongly advise to dress conservatively when travelling to India. Sexual harassment does happen and while I did not experience this, I once made a mistake of walking around in a dress that was just below my knees in

STATE room

Sea Breeze lounge

Jaipur and got long, unwelcome stares from men (and women). Most Indians are used to dressing modestly and it’s simply easier to go around wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers the legs and arms. Sleeveless clothing is acceptable—but always bring a shawl to cover bare shoulders when necessary.

Take your time Sunrise or sunset at the Taj Mahal in Agra, an afternoon walking around Fatehpur Sikri, or tea across the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur are experiences that allow you to imagine the rich history of India. Take in the sights, the sounds, the colors and even the odors in your olfactory organ. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, and you will surely learn something and discover insights. Even Mark Twain, while traveling across two dozen cities and towns across India for almost three months, was in awe. He wrote, “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great-grand mother of tradition.”

Saturday, November 25, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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Lionsgate Play makes its mark in Philippine streaming scene KASPERSKY TIPS PINOY E-SHOPPERS TO QUIT 8 SCAM-DRAWER ONLINE BEHAVIORS

JENNIFER LAWRENCE is the star of The Hunger Games franchise. IMAGE COURTESY OF LIONSGATE PLAY

BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor

HE streaming service Lionsgate Play launched in the Philippines with over 16,000 titles in 2022. While many might say that the streaming service market is overcrowded, Lionsgate Play only recently marked its first year in the country. Lionsgate Play Philippines’ country manager Cecilia Marino said their exclusive partnership with PLDT Home gave Fiber users full access to the platform. For the first year of Lionsgate Play in the Philippines, PLDT gave their subscribers 12 months of access to the app and this is one of the reasons why the app has had success in the country. Lionsgate Play continues to attract a market that may not be the Korean drama watchers but those looking for Hollywood content. Lionsgate Play is accessible to consumers in the Philippines via the app. For a monthly subscription cost of P79, the titles can be streamed with a PLDT Home account. The Lionsgate Play app is available on the App Store and Google Play. Earlier this year, Lionsgate Play unveiled its revamped brand identity across South Asian markets including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The platform’s new logo is inspired by the concept of a prism with multiple perspectives that convey the diverse narratives of Lionsgate Play and its multifaceted approach to storytelling. Lionsgate Play’s content includes the Saw series, which is considered one of the most iconic horror franchises in cinematic history. Saw has consistently pushed the boundaries of the horror genre, introducing morally complex characters like Jigsaw and his victims. In October, the spy thriller Gray also premiered on Lionsgate Play. The series tells the story of CIA agent Cornelia Gray, played by Oscar nominee and

Emmy and Golden Globe winner Patricia Clarkson, who spent two decades in hiding due to suspicions of treason. She returns to her old life and discovers a new mole within her spy network. As the latest installment from The Hunger Games franchise, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, hits the big screen, you’d be glad to know that all the four movies in the series are on Lionsgate Play. Over the past year, Lionsgate Play’s content included franchises, like John Wick, Hunger Games, and Twilight. Popular watches on the platform included Bruce Willis’ new, never-before-seen movies, like APEX and Corrective Measures, along with series, like Spartacus, Power, Gaslit, and The Serpent Queen.

PHL INTERNET USERS ARE THE MOST ENGAGED

INTERNET users in the Philippines are among the most engaged in the world but digital participation across sectors remains lower, according to this year’s e-Conomy SEA report, titled Reaching New Heights: Navigating the Path to Profitable Growth.

The annual report combines Google Trends, Temasek insights and Bain & Company analysis, as well as industry sources and expert interviews and spotlights the digital economies of six countries in Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The report said the Philippine digital economy is on track to hit $24 billion Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in 2023, after growing at 13 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) mainly driven by E-commerce. Online media, which includes music and video streaming, and online gaming, is projected to grow at $3 billion GMV in 2023, at 13 percent CAGR. This sector is also expected to reach $5 billion by 2025 at 19 percent CAGR. Transport and food delivery are seen to reach $2 billion GMV in 2023 and continue to grow at 19 percent CAGR to hit $3 billion GMV in 2025. Transport’s growth is attributed to return to office, travel, eating out, and brick-and-mortar shopping. The Philippines has the highest spend index for this sector among High Value Users in Southeast Asia. ■

PHL orgs need to fastrack deployment of AI -Cisco study BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES THE Philippines will be a laggard in the technology race if local organizations cannot step up their deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies. To exacerbate the situation, only 17 percent of the local organizations are fully prepared to deploy and leverage artificial AI-powered technologies, according to Cisco’s inaugural AI Readiness Index released last week. While 87 percent of respondents believe AI will have a significant impact on their business operations, it also raises new issues around data privacy and security. The Index findings show that companies experience the most challenges when it comes to leveraging AI alongside their data. In fact, 77 percent of respondents admit that this is due to data existing in silos across their organizations. The Index, which surveyed over 8,000 global companies, was developed in response to the accelerating adoption of AI, a generational shift that is impacting almost every area

of business and daily life. The report highlights companies’ preparedness to utilize and deploy AI, showcasing critical gaps across key business pillars and infrastructures that pose serious risks for the near future. The new research finds that while AI adoption has been slowly progressing for decades, the advancements in Generative AI, coupled with public availability in the past year, are driving greater attention to the challenges, changes and new possibilities posed by the technology. Nevertheless, there is also positive news on the study. According to the Index, companies in the Philippines are taking many proactive measures to prepare for an AI-centric future. When it comes to building AI strategies, 94 percent of organizations already have a robust AI strategy in place or are in the process of developing one. More than two thirds (77 percent) of organizations are classified as either Pacesetters or Chasers (fully/partially prepared), with 4 percent falling into the category of Laggards (not prepared). This indicates a significant level of focus by C-Suite

executives and IT leadership. The study this could be driven by the fact that a majority of respondents (98 percent) said the urgency to deploy AI technologies in their organization has increased in the past six months, with IT infrastructure and cybersecurity reported as the top priority areas for AI deployments. “Today, with the availability of more computing power, the abundance of data, and with the maturity of large language models, AI has crossed the threshold of technological and economic viability to unlock new opportunities to create value for businesses and industries,” said Zaza Soriano-Nicart, managing director, Cisco Philippines. “As companies in the Philippines rush to deploy AI solutions, they must assess where investments are needed across different pillars of readiness like infrastructure and data to deliver on their business outcomes. They also have to pay attention to how AI is being used to ensure a good return on investment, with security and responsibility in mind,” Nicart added.

WHILE online scams are prevalent today, Kaspersky reminds Filipino online shoppers that this should not deter them from still purchasing on the web, but rather advises them to quit eight things for the safety of their money and personal details. According to Kaspersky Southeast Asia general manager Yeo Siang Tiong, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for shoppers and cybercriminals alike. “More shoppers mean more targets for cybercriminals. It’s not always easy to spot a scam, especially if you are a shopper in a hurry. But we cannot ever let our guard down. We’re listing below eight common behaviors or easy traps that Filipino online shoppers usually walk into as they excitedly add to their shopping carts, forgetting that these would hurt them and their bank accounts in the long run. Remember, being forewarned is being forearmed,” he said. 1. TRUSTING OPEN WIFI NETWORKS THAT REQUIRE NO PASSWORDS. Cyber felons often make such networks to get a whiff of users’ personal data. Use a VPN to connect to public networks. 2. CHOOSING SIMPLE, GUESS-ABLE PASSWORDS. The usual family names, birthdays, pets’ names, and the like are insecure passwords. Better use ones that are unlikely for others to guess. Kaspersky has a password checker, a helpful tool to learn how to make better passwords. 3. CLICKING LINKS IN E-MAILS. Clicking on a link in spam or phishing email can lead to a site that automatically downloads malware to a computer or a site that seems familiar but steals a password. At the very least, clicking will confirm to spammers that a person opened the message—it informs them they found a mark. 4. FORGETTING ABOUT DEVICE PROTECTION. Everyone commits mistakes, even the most vigilant users. The good news is that website verification can be automated by using a reliable solution like Kaspersky Premium that automatically detects and blocks phishing sites in real-time. It has Identity Protection Wallet, Safe Browsing and Anti-phishing protection. 5. LINKING BANK CARDS TO ONLINE SHOPPING ACCOUNTS. It’s advisable not to do so. If the service saves the card automatically, never forget to unlink it. Better decline the “remember card” option and enter the numbers manually. That way, losing money via a long-abandoned account like an online pet store once patronized is less likely to happen. 6. PAYING WITH A DEBIT CARD. With debit, the money loss will be pulled directly from an account. A credit card is not necessarily more secure than the former. But disputes are easier to settle with banks if a malicious transaction involves a credit card. 7. NOT USING A SEPARATE CARD FOR ONLINE SHOPPING. Get another card for online purchases with minimal funds on it. Had attackers find out the details of this card, they still won’t get their hands on the main source of money. It’s best to top up the card quickly prior to buying and only by the intended amount of spend. 8. NEGLECTING YOUR PAYMENT HISTORY. Any unexpected debit, even if it’s just a small amount, should serve as an alarm that scammers may be floating a trial balloon, or the first automatic payment for a subscription not asked for. Set up transaction notifications, and regularly check the payment history. Spotting on something suspicious calls for an immediate contact with the bank. For a worry-free online shopping this yuletide, Kaspersky security solutions are up for grab for up to 20 percent discount on Lazada and Shopee. For more details, visit www.kasperskyph.com.

OpenAI says ousted CEO Sam Altman to return to company behind ChatGPT THE ousted leader of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is returning to the company that fired him late last week, the latest in a saga that has shocked the artificial intelligence industry. San Francisco-based OpenAI said in a statement late Tuesday: “We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board” made of former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo. OpenAI’s previous board of directors, which included D’Angelo, had refused to give specific reasons for why it fired Altman on Friday, leading to a weekend of internal conflict at the company and

growing outside pressure from the startup’s investors. Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars in OpenAI and has rights to its technology, quickly moved to hire Altman on Monday, as well as another co-founder and former president, Greg Brockman, who had quit in protest after Altman’s removal. That emboldened a threatened exodus of nearly all of the startup’s 770 employees who signed a letter calling for the board’s resignation and Altman’s return. Microsoft chief technology officer Kevin Scott put out a call to the startup’s employees Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter: “We have seen your petition and appreciate your desire potentially to join Sam Altman at Microsoft’s new AI Research Lab. Know that if

needed, you have a role at Microsoft that matches your compensation and advances our collective mission.” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also made clear in a series of interviews Monday that he was still open to the possibility of Altman returning to OpenAI, so long as the startup’s governance and board problems are solved. Cofounded by Altman as a nonprofit with a mission to safely build so-called artificial general intelligence that’s smarter than humans and benefits humanity, OpenAI later became a for-profit business but is still run by its nonprofit board of directors. The board was down to just four members after the departure of Altman and Brockman.

Brockman returned to social media on Tuesday as if it were business as usual, touting a feature called ChatGPT Voice that was rolling out for free to everyone who uses the chatbot. “Give it a try—totally changes the ChatGPT experience,” Brockman wrote, flagging a post from OpenAI’s main X account that featured a demonstration of the technology playfully winking at recent turmoil. “It’s been a long night for the team and we’re hungry. How many 16-inch pizzas should I order for 778 people,” the person asks, using the number of people who work at OpenAI. ChatGPT’s synthetic voice responded by recommending around 195 pizzas, ensuring everyone gets three slices. AP

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, November 25, 2023

I ditched my laptop for the Honor Pad X9 interfere when I’m writing my articles. Despite having just 4GB of RAM, the Honor Pad X9 provided a comfortable multitasking experience. But do expect some occasional hiccups when doing more demanding tasks or running multiple resourceintensive apps simultaneously. Remember that this is still a budget tablet after all, and even though you can add 3GB more via Honor RAM Turbo, it still has its limitations. Another thing that’s limited is its storage as the Honor Pad X9 has non-expandable 128GB internal storage.

OR the past month, my ASUS Zenbook OLED earned a well-deserved break because of an experiment that lasted way longer than I expected. Like other content creators and the growing number of remote workers, I bring my laptop wherever I go, even during vacations or overnight staycations, because you’ll never know when you’ll need to work and require a bigger screen, especially if you need to edit spreadsheets and presentations. So, when Honor sent me the Honor Pad X9 that came with a keyboard, I just had to test it out to see if it can indeed replace my laptop. This isn’t the first time I’ve used a tablet with a keyboard setup, but the previous one didn’t have Google, making it inconvenient to use, especially when most of my work uses Google’s apps. The Honor Pad X9 isn’t the most powerful tablet, nor does it have the best display, but for those looking for a capable tablet, its price tag of P11,999 and includes a Smart Keyboard make it a very good deal.

DESIGN AND BUILD

THE Honor Pad X9 has an elegant and minimalist design that effortlessly blends aesthetics with functionality. The first time I took it out of the box and held it in my hands, I immediately noticed its premium build quality. The Honor Pad X9 impresses with its simple but sleek design, giving it a more premium feel than its price suggests. The all-metal construction and flat sides not only exude a sense of durability but also contribute to a modern and sophisticated look. And though I prefer my smartphones shiny, I do appreciate a more subtle color for bigger devices. The Space Gray back panel flaunts the HONOR branding in the middle, creating a minimalist look. Up front, the bezels are not the smallest I’ve seen, but unlike in a smartphone, these thicker bezels provide some place to rest your fingers. Around the flat edges, there are a bunch of tiny speaker holes that are integral to its audio prowess, which is a highlight we’ll get into later. The power button and volume rocker are placed on the same side, just above the front-facing camera. This ensures that they won’t get in the way when using the device in landscape mode, especially when watching content or playing games. One of the main reasons why I prefer bringing a tablet on short trips is because it’s relatively smaller and lighter and could fit inside my Pacsafe cross-body

bag. The Honor Pad X9 measures 267.3mm x 167.4mm and is 6.9mm thick and weighs 499g. Its size is perfect for everyday use, as its compact enough for school or work, and large enough for movies and games. Despite its slightly weighty feel, the tablet’s ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip. For those concerned about prolonged usage, the keyboard case provides added peace of mind and enhances the device’s stability when placed on surfaces and gives you the right angle when using it as your laptop. Unlike your phone though, I would strongly advise using this tablet while lying in bed because the risk of it falling on your face might result in more than just a bump on the head. The Honor Pad X9 features an 11.5-inch 2K Honor FullView Display with an 86% screen-to-body ratio. The display is bright and vivid enough to make those long hours of looking at the screen a pleasant experience, even if you are just staring at endless text or scrolling through your feed. The 120Hz refresh rate, meanwhile, adds a layer of smoothness to every interaction. The high refresh rate not only enhances the tablet’s overall performance but also elevates the quality of gameplay, making it suitable for those who enjoy casual gaming on the go. It’s also worth noting that like the Honor 90 5G, it’s equipped with eye-protection technologies and has TUV Rheinland certification. While its display is just okay, the Honor Pad X9 does have a remarkable speaker setup that provides an immersive audio experience. With a total of six speakers strategically positioned around the device, it’s clear that Honor has prioritized audio quality in this tablet. The speakers are not just ordinary; they are designed to create a surround sound effect that elevates your multimedia experience to new heights. By releasing sound from the bottom speaker and utilizing symmetrical left and right

LONG BATTERY LIFE, LONGER CHARGING

arrangements, the tablet produces a surprisingly rich and multidirectional sound field. Whether you’re watching your favorite series, movies, or immersing yourself in your favorite game, the Honor Pad X9’s speakers offer a remarkable audio experience. The tablet’s audio capabilities are not limited to entertainment alone; they can significantly enhance your online learning or video conferencing experience, thanks to Honor’s Vocal Enhancement Algorithm. The only downside to its audio capabilities is that it doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Just a quick note about its cameras. Tablets are not known for having good cameras, and the Honor Pad X9’s 5MP front and rear cameras serve their purpose for taking quick snapshots and video calls. In well-lit environments, the rear camera captures decent images for everyday use, while the front-facing camera provides satisfactory quality for video calls and selfies.

SOFTWARE AND PERFORMANCE

UNDER the hood, the Honor Pad X9 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset that is optimized for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multitasking. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been using the Honor Pad X9 for around three weeks, and I didn’t have any separation anxiety from my laptop. I even paired it with a Bluetooth mouse, which made working on spreadsheets and presentations even easier. I was able to create blog posts, edit photos, create reels via Capcut, and by pairing it with my Honor 90, I can simply drag files to transfer them to the tablet. I did have to change the default keyboard to GBoard so that the onscreen keyboard won’t constantly appear and

BATTERY life is often a concern with budget tablets, but the Honor Pad X9 exceeded my expectations. Its 7,250mAh battery lasted me almost an entire workday with my usual daily work routine making it an ideal companion for those who prefer not to carry around charging accessories constantly. Sadly, the 10W power adapter takes a long, long, long time to fully charge the battery, taking more than three hours.

FINAL WORD

DESPITE not having the best display or the snappiest performance, the free smart keyboard gives the Honor Pad X9 a big advantage over its competitors. Considering its price tag of P11,990, the Honor Pad X9 has proven to be a reliable work and entertainment companion whenever I don’t feel like bringing a laptop and need to do light work. For professionals on the move, students seeking a reliable study companion, or those who want a bigger screen for immersive entertainment experiences, the Honor Pad X9 also presents a compelling package.

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

HONOR joins the Black Friday sale with up to P9,000 discount on the HONOR 70 (plus free Gift Box worth P2,499). The Honor X6 is also down just P3,990. Moreover, the Honor X9a 5G will be priced at P16,340 while the Honor Pad X9 will be available for P11,590 with a free Magic Keyboard worth P2,499. Lastly, the crowd-favorite Honor 90 5G will be on sale for only P23,990 from its original price of P24,990 with a free Gift Box worth Php 2,499. Don’t miss out on these exciting deals this Black Friday Sale from November 24 to 26, 2023, available on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and Honor stores nationwide. ■

European lawmakers try to balance protection and privacy with law on explicit images of children BY SAMUEL PETREQUIN The Associated Press BRUSSELS—Seeking to strike the right balance between protecting children and protecting privacy rights, European Union lawmakers on Tuesday adopted a series of amendments to a draft law that is intended to keep sexually explicit photos and videos of minors from circulating online. The draft position adopted overwhelmingly by the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs would require internet providers to assess the risk of their services being used for the sexual abuse or exploitation of children, and to take steps to mitigate those threats. But to “avoid generalized monitoring of the internet,” lawmakers proposed excluding end-to-end encrypted material from detection, while making sure time-limited detection orders approved by courts can be used to hunt down illegal material when mitigation actions are not sufficient. They said they “want mitigation measures to be targeted, proportionate and effective, and providers should be able to decide which ones to use.”

Their position now needs to be endorsed by the whole Parliament before further negotiations involving EU member countries can take place. Reports of online child sexual abuse in the 27-nation bloc have increased from 23,000 in 2010 to more than 1 million in 2020. A similar increase has been noticed globally, with reports of child abuse on the internet rising from 1 million to almost 22 million during 2014-2020 and over 65 million images and videos of children being sexually abused identified. The European Commission proposed last year to force online platforms operating in the EU to detect, report and remove the material. Voluntary detection is currently the norm and the Commission believes that the system does not adequately protect children since many companies don’t do the identification work. Digital rights groups had immediately warned that the Commission’s proposal appeared to call for widespread scanning of private communications and would discourage companies from providing end-toend encryption services, which scramble messages so they’re unreadable by anyone else and are used by chat apps Signal and WhatsApp.

The Computer and Communications Industry Association, a big tech lobbying group, praised the committee’s proposed measures that “narrow scanning obligations, safeguard end-to-end encryption of communications and strengthen more targeted mitigation measures.” “Indeed, the ‘cascade approach’ adopted by Parliament would first have online service providers assess risks and then take action to mitigate those,” the group said. “The tech industry commends this approach, just like the important clarification that detection orders will only be issued as a last-resort measure by a competent judicial authority, and have to be targeted and limited.” Lawmakers from across the political spectrum also welcomed the changes to the initial proposal. “There will be no such thing as general scanning of communications, and nothing will undermine endto-end encryption,” said Hilde Vautmans, the Renew Europe group’s negotiator on the regulation. “This agreement is a major step forward in making the internet a safer place for children whilst upholding fundamental rights.″ The Parliament committee also wants

pornography sites to implement appropriate age verification systems, mechanisms for flagging child sexual abuse material and human content moderation to process these reports. “To stop minors being solicited online, MEPs propose that services targeting children should require by default user consent for unsolicited messages, have blocking and muting options, and boost parental controls,” the Parliament said in a statement. To help providers better identify abuse, the Commission had proposed the creation of an EU Center on Child Sexual Abuse, similar to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a US nonprofit reference center that helps families and exploited victims. Lawmakers approved the idea. The center would work with national authorities and Europol to implement the new rules and help providers to detect abuse materials online. “The center would also support national authorities as they enforce the new child sexual abuse rulebook, conduct investigations and levy fines of up to 6 percent of worldwide turnover for noncompliance,” they said.

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A10 Saturday, November 25, 2023

Tennis star Eala leads Siklab Youth sports awardees

HE future heroes of Philippine sports will be honored during the 3rd Siklab Youth Sports Awards on December 4 at the Market! Market! Activity Center at Ayala Malls BGC in Taguig City. Leading the awardees are double Asian Games bronze medalist Alex Eala of tennis, World Combat Games champion Alyssa Kylie Mallari of muay thai, weightlifting world youth champion Prince Keil Delos Santos and 20 other athletes from various sports named as Go For Gold Siklab Young Heroes during the gala for the finest Filipino athletes 18 years old and younger. Asian youth double gold medalist Artegal Barrientos of bowling, gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo, an Asian championship junior silver medalist, and Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Kira Ellis and Matthew Hermosa will likewise headline the event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Olympic Committee (PSC-POC) Media Group in partnership with the PSC and POC. World champions Joseph Anthony Godbout of modern pentathlon, pitcher Erica Arnaiz of softball, muay’s Jan Brix Ramiscal and Asian championships bronze medalist Jasmine Althea Ramildo of gymnastics will banner the Burlington Super Kids Award along with wrestling’s Lucho Aguilar, Trisha Mae Del Rosario of obstacle sports and karate’s Sebastian Niel Mañalac. Sharing the limelight during the awards night backed by MVP Sports Foundation, Smart/PLDT, CEL Logistics, JC Premiere, NLEX, Pacquiao 3-in-1 Coffee, Blue Hydra and Gilligan’s are Rising Stars awardees Christian Gian Karlo Tade and Mark Jay Bacojo of chess, archers Miel Mckenzie Cipriano, Miguel Carlos and Marc Dominic Collantes, Mico Villaran (athletics) and swimmer Julian de Kam. With Market! Market! and Ayala Malls renewing their support as venue partners, the third edition of the Siklab awards will present a special citation to the Youth Football League and the Davao Aguilas Football Club supported by Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde of Quezon City’s First District. This year, pole vault celebrity EJ Obiena is the hands down Sports Idol awardee while Asean Para Games double gold medalist Ariel Alegarbes of swimming is the lone recipient of the Para Youth Star award during the event, which will be graced by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as guest of honor and godfather awardee. A total of 59 awardees from 33 sports belong to the 2023 class of the Siklab Youth Sports Awards, which was previously held in 2018 and 2019 before it was shelved due to the pandemic.

Mikha-Miguel show at ICTSI Match Play Fortuna bags 1st crown as professional

IKHA FORTUNA capped a four days of brilliant golf with a decisive final round performance to overpower amateur Laurea Duque, 7&5, and secure her first professional win in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) The Country Club (TCC) Match Play Invitational at the TCC course Friday in Santa Rosa City. Despite the wet conditions, Fortuna showcased consistent play from tee to green, winning three holes from No. 5 to dominate their frontside battle. She kept her momentum even after the rain had subsided, claiming the first three holes at the back en route to a victory that highlighted a series of dominant wins.

Duque, who bested three pros— including Florence Bisera, Apple Fudolin and Gretchen Villacencio— to earn a shot at the championship, found herself unable to gain any ground against Fortuna’s superb all-around game during their abbreviated match. “It’s so special, this being my first pro win,” Fortuna said. “I just feel happy, I don’t know how to put into words what I’m feeling right now.” This week also marked a significant achievement for the 23-year-old Fortuna, whose victory worth P280,000 helped erase the memory of at least three previous unsuccessful attempts in the regular Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) on final round setbacks. “I think I had three attempts being in contention and finally I got

it,” said Fortuna, who stuck to her game plan and stayed focused all week. “Heading to the finals, knowing I was going to play with Laurea, I just really focused on my game. I knew she can play, she was hitting good. But I just told myself to give more birdie opportunities for me, I think that was the key,” said Fortuna, who drained five birdies in annexing her title romp. As the last ranked player in a field of 16, her noteworthy 5&3 triumph over the top-seeded and last year’s winner Harmie Constantino hinted at the potential for a breakthrough week for the Univ. of Oklahoma product. And she did it in dominant fashion, rolling past Korean Seoyun Kim, 5&4, in the quarterfinals then blasting Chihiro Ikeda, 4&3,

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

Benilde vs UP in Challenge Cup women’s finale

C MIKHA FORTUNA makes mark at The Country Club and so does Miguel Tabuena. ROY DOMINGO to roll into the finals of the P1.5 championship which served as the season-ending tournament after the 10-leg LPGT season. “It’s match play and anything can happen. So I just stayed focused and I’m proud of myself,” added Fortuna. Despite initial nerves induced by rainy conditions, she exhibited resilience, regaining her confidence over time. “When it rained, I was pretty nervous but I told myself that ‘I can’t control the weather.’ I had a ‘it is what it is mindset,’” said Fortuna. “This is the condition and I got to play with it. But I needed to focus on one shot at a time. It pretty worked and I’m proud of myself about that.” While the title duel concluded in one-sided fashion, the battle for third extended to the 18th hole where Ikeda narrowly edged Villacencio, matching the latter’s birdie on No. 17 to preserve a 1-up lead and birdying the last for a 2-up victory.

Tabuena topples Lascuña, triumphs in rainy condition

Record draw stirs Asics RnR Series Manila

OFFICIALS and sponsors of the Asics Rock n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by AIA Vitality grace the opening of the AIA Vitality Health and Wellness Expo at the Midtown Wing Exhibit Area of Robinsons Place Manila. They are (from left) Bernard Fernandez, Operations Manager of Hype-Pro Electrolyte Power Drink; Charlie Dungo, Department Head of Tourism, Culture and Arts in Manila; Sonak director Ishna Buxani; Kabir Buxani, director of Sonak Corp., official distributor of ASICS; Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo; Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines; Kats Cajucom, Head of Health & Wellness of AIA Philippines; and Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc.

IGUEL TABUENA departed from his usual narrative of dramatic comefrom-behind victories by opting for an aggressive stance early on as he dethroned Tony Lascuña with a masterstroke of a 4&3 victory for the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) The Country Club (TCC) Match Play Invitational Friday. Unlike in his quarterfinals and the semifinals escapes Thursday, where he rallied from a four-hole deficit with eight to play to stun Angelo Que, 1-up, and fought back from two holes down after 13 holes to edge Justin Quiban on the 20th, Tabuena took control from the onset against the inaugural champion, going 2-up after six holes in a rainy final round battle. He won No. 7, yielded the next and maintained his dominance until the 11th, seizing the opportunity to extend his lead and leaving Lascuña struggling to regain his earlier form, having previously disposed of Marvin Dumandan, 3&1, in the quarters, and dominated Elmer Salvador, 3&1, in the semis. But even if Lascuña had managed to reclaim his rhythm, the seasoned Davaoeño campaigner would have faced a formidable challenge against Tabuena, who, in a display of remarkable shotmaking and putting,

HE Asics Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by AIA Vitality has ignited the enthusiasm of a diverse crowd since its launch in February and attracted both the new and seasoned participants to hit the streets on midnight of Sunday. Following its successful inaugural run, the event has become the most awaited running spectacle in the country with this year’s sold-out participant count reaching 9,400 from 53 countries, doubling its size from the previous year. The event, which brings together the global phenomenon of running, music and community, will lead runners through historical sites where on-course entertainment, live bands, DJs and distinctive heavy medals embody the very spirit of rock ‘n’ roll amidst the city’s heritage streets. Starting at Luneta Park and weaving through landmarks as the National Museum, Manila City

added the finishing touches to an extraordinary week, conquering the elements and mastering one of the country’s most formidable courses while fighting off fatigue. He came through with another amazing chip-in birdie on No. 14 to go 4-up and matched Lascuña’s output on the next to wrap up the championship worth P280,000 in a victory that augured well for his LIV Golf qualifying bid in Abu Dhabi next month. “Right now, I am currently tired, it’s been a long week with 38 holes yesterday [Thursday]. So it’s important for me to recover well last night,” said Tabuena. “But I’m happy to come out on top, it’s definitely a confidence-booster heading to my last tournament of the year in Abu Dhabi in a week’s time.” “So I’m pretty happy with where I’m hitting it. I tried out some shots today [yesterday] that I could use next week,” added Tabuena, who also relished the chance to play with the four-time Order of Merit winner again. “I haven’t played with Tony in over a year, so it’s nice to share the round with him today,” said Tabuena. Lascuña, who romped off with a 4&3 win over Keanu Jahns in last year’s inaugurals of the event, put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., took home P200,000. “This course fits me,” said Tabuena,

who won the TCC Invitational and the 100th Solaire Philippine Open, both in 2018. “It suits the longer hitters and this year has been a pretty good year for me.” “I was happy with the way I was hitting coming into this event. It’s been a great year on the Asian Tour especially, I’m ranked No. 2 now, so I believe in my game now and I had an edge this week,” added the 29-year-old ace, who thanked God and his team, including his sister-caddie Dani, for his latest feat. Earlier, Justin Quiban shook off a shaky start before winning five in a six-hole stretch from No. 8 as he turned a 1-up lead to a 6&5 victory over Elmer Salvador in their battle for third in the P2 million championship backed by the PGT’s official golf apparel Kampfortis Golf. The South Pacific leg champion received P150,000 while Salvador earned P100,000 in a strong finish for the multi-titled campaigner making a comeback after a two-year absence.

Hall, Fort Bonifacio and Chinatown in Binondo, Mayor Honey Lacuna expresses her elation at the return of event, which not only showcases the vibrancy of Manila but also highlights its historical gems like Jones bridge, Arroceros and the Walled City of Intramuros. “It’s an opportunity to promote the beautiful sites of Manila,” said Lacuna. The four-category event features the 42K, 21K, 10K and 5K races. Kabir Buxani, director of Sonak Corp., the official distributor of Asics and the event’s title sponsor, emphasizes the celebration of Manila’s pulse and the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle. Asics, a long-time supporter of community initiatives promoting health and wellness, believes that a sound mind and body are the foundations of a true well-being, illuminating the path to a healthier

and more fulfilled community. As the presenting sponsor, AIA Philippines’ chief marketing officer Melissa Henson also expresses excitement about AIA’s involvement in the blueribbon event. “Being active is the key to achieving and sustaining physical and mental well-being. Events like this make staying active more enjoyable,” said Henson. “AIA Philippines, through its groundbreaking wellness program, AIA Vitality, is pleased to take part in this fun and engaging event that helps thousands of Filipinos live healthier, better lives.” Aligned with the Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign, Princess Galura, regional director of the Ironman Group Philippines, also aims to take participants on a new adventure in the heart of the city. “Runners of all skill levels will

OLLEGE of Saint Benilde and University of the Philippines drubbed separate foes on Friday to arrange a final between top collegiate teams in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Challenge Cup women’s tournament on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. Saint Benilde clobbered fellow National Collegiate Athletic Association school Letran, 25-20, 25-17, 25-16, while UP, playing out of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, defeated Philippine Air Force, 25-18, 25-18, 19-25, 25-18, in the knockout semifinals of the 16team women’s division. Saint Benilde and UP will duke it out in the one-game championship at 3 p.m., Saturday for the prestigious crown of the PNVF Challenge Cup supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco, Akari, Foton and CBPI. Rhea Mae Densig starred in Saint Benilde’s yet another straight-sets victory to be hailed as the Best Player of the match that needed only 87 minutes to finish. Overall, the two-time reigning NCAA champion St. Benilde has only yielded a single set in a stellar campaign so far marked by a 3-0 wipeout of Pool A in the eliminationround play against the UP Volleyball Club, Parañaque City and the Volida Volleyball Club. The Lady Blazers, under the watch of seasoned mentor Jerry Yee, absorbed their only set defeat against the San Beda Lady Red Spikers in the quarterfinals, 25-14, 23-25, 25-13, 25-20, before barging back to dominant ways versus Letran. Ranged against a fellow unbeaten squad in the Philippine Air Force, the Shaq Delos Santos-mentored UP for its part was not to be denied in scoring a four-setter win in one hour and 20 minutes. Like Saint Benilde, UP coasted its way in the prelims with a 3-0 slate in Pool D before needing to fend off the UP Volleyball Club in the quarterfinals, 25-15, 18-25, 2521, 26-24. RHEA MAE DENSIG delivers for the Lazy Blazers. NONIE REYES

experience a unique tour through iconic Manila, illuminated by the festive lights of the season. The energetic atmosphere, accompanied by music and live entertainment, fosters a sense of camaraderie, creating memorable and enjoyable moment for our last event of the year,” Galura said. Awarded with official certification and measurement from the governing World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), participants in all four race categories will be allowed to use their finishing times for potential qualification in major endurance runs in the world, including the Boston and New York marathons, along with the Tokyo, Berlin, London and Chicago runs.

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Saturday, November 25, 2023 A11

Ukraine says Russian cluster bomb attack in daylight killed 3 civilians O

Oil declines as Opec+ dispute clouds outlook for production

By Illia Novikov

The Associated Press

YIV, Ukraine—A Russian attack using cluster munitions killed three people Thursday in a suburb of Ukraine’s southern city of Kherson, a Ukrainian official said, bringing the number of civilians to die in a day of war to at least six. Five people were wounded in what Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said was heavy afternoon shelling of Kherson’s Chornobayivka suburb. More than 60 residential and infrastructure buildings were damaged in the daylight attack, he said. Cluster munitions—a t y pe of bomb that opens in the air and releases smaller “bomblets” across a wide area—are used by both Russia and Ukraine, which has received them as military aid from the United States. Critics say the weapons litter the ground and harm and kill many more civilians than combatants. Kherson city is the capital of a re-

gion of the same name that is located on the Dnieper River near the mouth of the Black Sea and a key gateway to Crimea. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and uses it for logistics operations and rear supply depots during the current war. Of military significance and lying on the war’s long front line, the Kherson region has been a stage for heavy fighting. Ukrainian troops last week reported gaining multiple bridgeheads on the Russian-held eastern side of the river. Before the afternoon attack, Russian forces fired other parts of the

AN aerial view of the multiple craters left by shelling in a field on the frontline close to Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. AP/ALEX BABENKO province with eight nighttime artillery barrages, killing a 42-year-old man in his apartment building and wounding another man, the Ukrainian presidential office said. Russian shelling also killed two people in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, the office said. It was not possible to independently verify the reports. Long-range Russian shelling that hits civilian areas has been a hallmark of Moscow’s 21-month war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian state media reported that TV journalist Boris Maksudov died after being wounded in a drone attack while working in southern Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region. Maksudov, who worked for Russian state television channel Russia 24, was hit Wednesday while working on a story about Ukraine allegedly shelling civilians, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defense. Zapor-

izhzhia is one of the four Ukrainian regions that Russia illegally annexed last year. A stepped-up Russian bombardment of civilian infrastructure has prompted Ukraine and its Western allies to beef up air defense systems. Officials fear the Kremlin’s forces will repeat their aerial attacks on the Ukrainian power grid this winter in an effort to break the country’s will. The grid is already showing signs of strain. Ukrainian national electricity operator Ukrenergo reported an energy deficit Wednesday due to a steep rise in consumption caused by a drop in temperatures after a spell of mild weather, a company statement said. Ukrenergo asked system operators in Romania, Slovakia and Poland to provide emergency assistance. At a meeting Wednesday of some 50 countries supporting Ukraine’s war effort, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said they were placing extra emphasis on ground-based air defense, with Germany and France leading the European effort to furnish equipment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that “Ukraine’s sky shield is getting more powerful literally every month.”

IL held a decline after the Opec+ alliance was forced to delay a critical meeting amid a dispute over output quotas, casting a pall of uncertainty over the group’s production policy for next year. Globa l benc hm a rk Brent wa s steady above $81 a barrel after dropping 1.3 percent over the previous two sessions, while US counterpart West Texas Intermediate was below $77 a barrel following the Thanksgiving break. Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and its allies are embroiled in a dispute over output quotas for African members. The meeting initially planned for this weekend has been pushed back to Nov. 30, and it’ll be an online session instead of in-person. Crude is on course for a backto-back monthly loss, with prices down about 16 percent from a high in late September. The drop has been driven by signs of increased supplies from non-Opec+ countries, rising US stockpiles, and the fading of the premium generated by the Israel-Hamas war. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency sees the market tipping back into surplus next year. “Dark clouds are looming on demand growth for next year, so the market is in need of stronger supply constraints,” said Gao Mingyu, Beijing-based chief energy analyst at SDIC Essence Futures Co. Bloomberg News

A12 Saturday, November 25, 2023

TheWorld BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

fires rockets at north Israel after 4-day truce in Gaza war sets stage to swap Hezbollah an airstrike kills 5 of group’s senior fighters Hamas hostages for Palestinian prisoners By Bassem Mroue The Associated Press

By Wafaa Shurafa, Bassem Mroue & David Rising The Associated Press

EIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip— A four-day truce in the IsraelHamas war took effect early Friday, setting the stage for the exchange of dozens of hostages held by militants in Gaza in return for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The halt in fighting promised some relief for Gaza’s 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment, as well as families in Israel fearful for the fate of their loved ones taken captive during Hamas’ October 7 attack that triggered the war. The cease-fire kicked off at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and is to last at least four days. During this period, Gaza’s ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took on October 7. Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides will release women and children first. Israel said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed. The truce-for-hostages deal was reached in weeks of intense indirect negotiations, with Qatar, the United States and Egypt serving as mediators. If it holds, it would mark the first significant break in fighting since Israel declared war on Hamas seven weeks ago. The agreement raised hopes of eventually winding down the war, which has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East. Israel has pushed back against such speculation, saying it was determined to resume its massive offensive once the truce ends. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was quoted as telling troops Thursday that their respite will be short and that the war would resume with intensity for at least two more months.

PALESTINIANS inspect the rubble of destroyed building of Muharib family killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in Nusseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip on Thursday, November 23, 2023. AP/ADEL HANA A first group of 13 women and children held by Hamas will be freed Friday afternoon, according to Majed al-Ansari, the spokesman of the Qatari foreign ministry. Three Palestinian prisoners, also women and minors, are to be released for every freed hostage. Israel’s Justice Ministry published a list of 300 prisoners eligible to be released, mainly teenagers detained over the past year for rock-throwing and other minor offenses. The return of hostages could lift spirits in Israel, where their plight has gripped the country. Families of the hostages have staged mass demonstrations to pressure the government to bring them home. Netanyahu’s office said it notified the families of hostages listed for release Friday. Increased aid for Palestinians will start to enter Gaza “as soon as possible,” al-Ansari said Thursday. The hope is that the “momentum” from this deal will lead to an “end to this violence,” he told reporters. Hamas said 200 trucks a day will enter Gaza carrying aid. Qatar said the aid will include fuel, but has given no details on quantities. Israel cut off all imports at the

start of the war, except for a trickle of food, water and medical supplies allowed in from Egypt. The lack of fuel has caused a territory-wide blackout, leaving homes and hospitals reliant on faltering generators. The war erupted when several thousand Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killing at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking scores of hostages, including babies, women and older adults, as well as soldiers. Hamas is expected to demand a large number of high-profile prisoners in return for soldiers. The Israeli bombardment, now in its seventh week, has killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamasruled Gaza, which resumed its detailed count of casualties in Gaza from the war. The ministr y had stopped publishing casualty counts since November 11, saying it had lost the ability to do so because of the health system’s collapse in the north. The new numbers were not fully broken down, but women and minors have consistently made up around two-thirds of the dead. The figures do not include updated numbers from hospitals in the north. The

ministry says some 6,000 people have been reported missing, feared buried under rubble. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its death tolls. Israel says it has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, without presenting evidence for its count. Israeli airstrikes continued in the final hours ahead of the truce. On Thursday afternoon, a strike leveled a residential building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At least 12 people were killed, according to officials at nearby AlAqsa Hospital. One resident, Hosni Moharib, said his wife and several children were killed and other relatives remained buried under the rubble. “It exploded on the house, striking the babies and young children. Everyone in the house, they are all dead,” he said, bursting into tears. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war after the truce expires to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities, end its 16-year rule in Gaza and return all the estimated 240 captives held in Gaza by Hamas and other groups. “We will continue it until we achieve all our goals,” Netanyahu said, adding that he had delivered the same message in a phone call to US President Joe Biden. Washington has provided extensive military and diplomatic support to Israel since the start of the war. In Gaza’s city of Khan Younis, Palestinians welcomed the respite of the upcoming cease-fire but said four days would do little to relieve the humanitarian disaster caused by the war. “God willing, it becomes a total cease-fire,” said Jihan Qanan. “People have had houses brought down on their heads, they’ve been expelled ... There’s no homes, no money, no possessions. The whole world is wrecked.” Mroue reported from Beirut and Rising reported from Bangkok.

Millennial president takes over broke, crime-wracked Ecuador By Stephan Kueffner

ISTRESSED debt, political assassinations, anti-mining unrest and soaring crime: Ecuador’s problems would be daunting for an experienced statesman. Instead, it is a 35 year-old president, Daniel Noboa, and one of the world’s youngest cabinets who face the colossal task of rescuing a nation at risk of becoming a failed state. “A lot of people see youth as a synonym of naivety,” Noboa said in his inaugural speech on Thursday. “For me it’s a synonym of strength to defeat the challenges that are imposed on us.” Speaking alongside Noboa, President of Congress Henry Kronfle said Ecuador faces “the most serious crisis in our history as a republic”, and said the legislature would seek a multi-party majority to help the government address the security crisis. The new administration has just 17 months until Noboa completes the term of outgoing leader Guillermo Lasso. Investors are skeptical that they’ll succeed in halting the nation’s downward spiral. Before the October election, many analysts predicted

that a Noboa win over his socialist rival would spark a bond rally, but so far it has failed to materialize. Latin American voters yearning for change have recently elected leaders who are either very young, or far outside the mainstream. Chilean leader Gabriel Boric, who took office aged 36 last year, has seen his popularity plunge early on in his mandate, and has had to appoint more experienced politicians to his cabinet to replace some of the student leaders who helped him to office. Costa Rica and El Salvador have also elected presidents in their thirties in recent years, while Argentine voters this month backed 53-year-old libertarian economist Javier Milei, who doesn’t have any experience of holding executive office, on a pledge to scrap the nation’s entire economic model. Noboa’s most urgent task, and the top issue for voters, is curbing the cocaine trafficking and extortion gangs that have overrun the country, causing an increase of more than 300 percent in homicides over the last five years. He’s said he’ll move the most dangerous offenders to barges in the Pacific Ocean, and get a grip on the prison system after a series of riots and massacres. Noboa’s 26-year-old party boss in congress, Valentina Centeno, said Wednesday that Noboa will declare a state of emergency to allow the government to pass a tax bill and an energy bill, and to take quick action on crime.

Cash-strapped

THE government’s other urgent task is a stabilization of the nation’s deteriorating fiscal accounts, Hurtado said. The US-educated Noboa has said he wants to cut taxes to boost job creation and attract investment to energy and tourism. But he’ll take over a cash-strapped treasury that is effectively cut off from global credit markets. Noboa asked a more senior economist, Cornell-educated Juan Carlos Vega, 51, to be his finance minister, Vega told Bloomberg early Thursday in response to written questions. The president-elect had originally appointed economist Sariha Moya, 35, for the role, then moved her to the planning department the day before his inauguration. The fiscal situation calls for unpopular austerity measures, which run counter to Noboa’s desire to be reelected in 2025, said José Hidalgo, head of Quito-based economics think-tank CORDES. To add to the administration’s financial difficulties, the government is about to lose a chunk of oil revenue after voters in a referendum ordered the closing of one of national oil company Petroecuador’s main fields. “The incoming government faces a more difficult, complicated cash and financial situation than it realizes,” said Simon Cueva, finance minister in 2021 and 2022. “This implies measures that are unpopular in the short term but which are necessary for a serious government.”

CORDES estimates a fiscal deficit of about 4 percent of gross domestic product this year, rising to 4.5 percent to 5 percent in 2024. The nation’s dollar bonds due 2035 are trading at 37 cents on the dollar, as investors bet that the government is likely to default as soon as 2026 when large payments come due. Noboa’s press office didn’t return phone calls or reply to written requests for comment.

Green hydrogen

ANDREA ARROBO, 33, an expert on green hydrogen, takes over the Ministry of Energy and Mining. She also faces a tough challenge as oil and mining, the nation’s biggest and fourth-biggest export industries, face hostility from Indigenous and environmentalist pressure groups, making development of the sector fraught with political risk. Sade Fritschi, 26, becomes environment minister, a key role in a country where voters recently backed a referendum to restrict gold and copper mining. She’ll also need to protect her native Galapagos archipelago and its unique wildlife against a giant, mostly Chinese, fishing fleet that has operated nearby in recent years. Noboa’s chief of staff and the ministers of trade, public works and education are all in their thirties, while his health minister is 49 and his appointment for head of foreign relations, Gabriela Sommerfeld is 52. With assistance from Maria Elena Vizcaino and Philip Sanders/Bloomberg

EIRUT—The militant Hezbollah group fired more than 50 rockets at military posts in northern Israel on Thursday, a day after an Israeli airstrike on a home in southern Lebanon killed five of the group’s senior fighters. The waves of rockets sent over the border represented one of the most intense bombardments since Hezbollah started attacking Israeli posts in the country’s north at the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. Hezbollah has said that by heating up its actions on the Israel-Lebanon border, it is easing pressure on the Gaza Strip, where Israel’s crushing aerial, ground and naval offensive has left more than 13,300 Palestinians dead and caused wide destruction in the sealed-off enclave. The war was triggered by an October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that left about 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and resulted in about 240 hostages getting taken to Gaza. An agreement for a four-day cease-fire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages held by the militants and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, was set to take place Thursday but it was later announced in Qatar, which was a main mediator, that the truce would go into effect Friday morning. Hezbollah said in a series of statements released Thursday that the volleys it fired toward Israeli posts included 48 Katyusha rockets that were directed at an Israeli army base in Beit Zeitem, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the border. In another attack, Hezbollah said its fighters monitored four Israeli soldiers as they took positions inside a house in the Manara Kibbutz then fired an anti-tank missile that destroyed the house and killed the soldiers. There was no comment on the claim by Israel’s military. Hezbollah released at least 21 statements claiming attacks on Thursday alone making it a record in one day since the fighting began last month. The group said its fighters also struck Israeli tanks. The intense fire followed an Israeli

airstrike on a house in Beit Yahoun, a village in southern Lebanon, which killed the five senior fighters, including Abbas Raad, the son of the head of Hezbollah’s 13-member parliamentar y bloc in Lebanon, Mohammed Raad. The deaths bring the number of Hezbollah fighters who have been killed in seven weeks of fighting to at least 83. Thousands of people, including senior Hezbollah officials, attended Raad’s funeral in the southern village of Jbaa. After a Thursday afternoon ceremony in the main square, the coffin, draped in Hezbollah’s yellow flag, was carried to a cemetery for burial. “When Netanyahu accepts to abide by a truce, this means he is not capable of wiping out the resistance,” top Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine said in a funeral speech, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hezbollah leader Say yed Hassan Nasrallah met in Beirut in Thursday with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. They discussed the ongoing war in Gaza and efforts to “stop the Israeli aggression,” as well as the situation at the tense Lebanon-Israel border, according to a statement released by Hezbollah. Amirabdollahian warned in comments to journalists upon his arrival in Lebanon Wednesday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas war could “spiral out of control” if a truce does not last. Iran-backed factions in Iraq, including the militant group Kataib Hezbollah, have carried out more than 60 and rocket or suicide drone attacks at bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria. Kataib Hezbollah is allied with Lebanon’s Hezbollah but the groups have different leaders. The US military said Thursday that one of its warships in the Red Sea shot down bomb-carrying drones launched from territory controlled by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The American militar y ’s Central Command said the USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, shot down the drones early Thursday morning. “The ship and crew sustained no damage or injury,” Central Command said.

EU sends border police reinforcements to Finland over fears that Russia is behind a migrant influx By Lorne Cook & Jari Tanner

The Associated Press

ELSINKI—The European Union’s border agency said Thursday that it will send dozens of officers and equipment as reinforcements to Finland to help police its borders amid suspicion that Russia is behind an influx of migrants arriving to the country. Frontex said that it expects a “significant reinforcement” made up of 50 border guard officers and other staff, along with patrol cars and additional equipment, to be put in place as soon as next week. More than 800 migrants without proper visas and documentation have arrived in Finland so far since August, with more than 700 in November alone by the end of Wednesday— compared to a few dozen in September and October. They include people from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, Morocco and Somalia. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who addressed lawmakers at Parliament on Thursday, called the situation “a serious disruption of border security” that affects the national security of Finland, whose population is 5.6 million. “Finland cannot be influenced, Finland cannot be destabilized,” Orpo said with a decisive tone. “Russia started this, and Russia also can stop it.” The Kremlin denies the allegations. On Wednesday, Finnish border guards and soldiers began erecting barriers, including concrete obstacles topped with barbed wire

at some crossing points on the Nordic country’s lengthy border with Russia. The government decided to close four busy Russia border crossings in southeastern Finland last week over suspicions of foul play by Russian border officials. It plans to only leave one Arctic crossing point open for migrants seeking asylum. Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens said that sending border reinforcements is “a demonstration of the European Union’s unified stand against hybrid challenges affecting one of its members.” Finland has nine crossing points on the border with Russia, which runs 1,340 kilometers (830 miles) and serves as the EU’s easternmost frontier as well as a significant part of NATO’s northeastern flank. Finnish authorities believe that Russia has become more hostile toward Finland since the country joined NATO in April. Finnish border officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday that there’s been a remarkable change in Russia’s modus operandi at the Russia-Finland border zone, which is normally under the heavy control of Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said this week that the challenges on Finland’s border gave her a feeling of “deja vu,” two years after Belarus began driving migrants into Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in what European officials said was an attempt to destabilize the 27-nation bloc. “The Finnish border is the EU’s border,” Johansson told EU lawmakers in a message of support to Helsinki. “The European Union is behind you. You can count on our full support to protect the EU border and uphold fundamental rights.” Most of the migrants—many seen wearing sneakers in Finland’s harsh winter conditions— are young men in their 20s and 30s, but some are families with children and women, border guard data and photos indicate. Nearly all have arrived at the border zone on bicycles that Finnish and Russian media reports say were provided and sold to them. Lorne Cook reported from Brussels.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

WANG, SIANG-MIN Mandarin Speaking Operations Supervisor Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain employee attendance records.

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin.

11.

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

NAY LIN HTET Customer Service Representative (Chinese Speaking) Brief Job Description: Provide customer service to clients.

SHI, ZHENZHEN Key Accounts Specialist Consultant

WIN ZAW TUN Customer Service Representative (Chinese Speaking) Brief Job Description: Provide customer service to clients.

12.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Detail-oriented and has the ability to multi-task. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Deciding on its price the areas or should be supplied to and how it should be advertise.

Basic Qualification: Knowledge on English, mandarin, Fukien, or other chines language

13.

KANEKO, TAKUHEI Admin Assistant (Japanese Translator) 5.

Brief Job Description: Translate both verbal and written engineeringrelated technical information during TV conferences, MS Teams Meeting, Trainings, discussions, and other documents from Japanese to English or Tagalog and vice-versa. SAKAI, YUKIHIRO Admin Assistant (Japanese Translator)

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

CHEN, LIN Bi-lingual Business Administrative 7.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business.

14.

15.

16. Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the quality management of warehouses, supporting collaborative operations to achieve quality KPIS.

BLOOMBERRY RESORTS AND HOTELS INC. Solaire Resort And Casino, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Brief Job Description: To provide highest quality of service to all casino patrons.

PARK, JIYOUNG VIP Host, Marketing International - Korea 10.

Brief Job Description: Report any incidents and provide customer feedback to supervisors.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing technical issues on materials, equipment being used on project.

Brief Job Description: Responsible to help the general manager to ensure the day-to-day business operations runs smoothly.

HU, BING Chinese Cuisine Cook 17.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and people skills.

Basic Qualification: College degree or above. At least 3 years of quality managementrelated work experience; With priority given to quality management in e-commerce and logisticsrelated industries. At least 1 year of team management experience.

Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts; able to speak and communicate using mandarin.

Basic Qualification: With 2 years’ experience as an Admin Asst.; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; with leadership skills; bilingual: English & Chinese language.

23.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the quality, consistency and production of all Chinese food preparation, accountable for the overall food cost for the team.

Basic Qualification: With 3 years’ experience as Chinese cuisine cook; Bilingual: Chinses and English language; knowledge in housekeeping.

CHANG, CHIH-YUEH Administrative Manager Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within the company. Supervise day-to-day support activities, coordinate clerical tasks, and lead teams of administrative officers.

ZHENG, GUOYIN Marketing Specialist 19.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for creating advertising campaigns, pricing strategies, and targeting the demographic data of their target audience. Work with marketing teams at companies to achieve success through more awareness about what they offer.

LIN, YU-TING Marketing Consultant (mandarin Speaking Clients) 24.

25.

Brief Job Description: Use the expertise on Vietnamese language to manage Payment Posting Process including verifying error and perform resolution, act a liaison to the client.

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

TANG, LIHUI Mandarin Technical Support 26.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and network.

HOANG, NGUYEN NGOC THANH Business Development Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Contacting potential clients to establish rapport and arrange meetings.

LE ANH DUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 28.

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

TRAN, THI THANH HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 29.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin Language. Technical skills as stated below.

EXCELLENT JNGR RESTO FOOD CORP. (ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE) G/f-5/f, 5345 Gen. Luna St., Poblacion, City Of Makati

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: 21 years old and above with Business development experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and people skills.

GAMMA INTERACTIVE INC. 21/f Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin Language. Technical skills as stated below.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese both written & spoken (close to native). More than 2 yrs experience in accounting & related management experience.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

IACCESS VISION, INC. Unit 2 Upper Penthouse, Ctp Asean Tower, Blk3 Lt2 Asean Dr., Spectrum District, Filinvest City, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

BAHLENBERG, URBAN MATIAS President/chief Technology Officer 30.

20.

Brief Job Description: studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs.

TRINH BOI NGHI Marketing Consultant (mandarin Speaking Clients)

DIAGEO ASIA PACIFIC SHARED SERVICES CENTRE LIMITED, INC. 10th Floor, Commerce & Industry Plaza Bldg., Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

NGUYEN, THI THANH TRAM Invoice Processing and T&E (Vietnamese Speaking)

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customers of Fiber home in the Philippines.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and people skills.

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

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

DARKWOODS SERVICE INC. Unit 25d 2f Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

CHEN, YI Finance Manager

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin & English both oral and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Oversee all restaurant operations to ensure that restaurant run smoothly.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. 20/f Nex Tower, 6786 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin & English both oral and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with management and staff to understand their needs. THAPA SUBEDI, KALPANA Restaurant Supervisor

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

Basic Qualification: Proven professional experienced.

Basic Qualification: Proven professional experience.

21.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts; able to speak and communicate using mandarin.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION GURUNG, BINA DEVI Consultant

27.

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

JANG, YOUNGWOO Agent, Casino Services

Brief Job Description: Oversees the activities of other workers.

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

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

No.

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

CHINA CONSTRUCTION SECOND ENGINEERING BUREAU LTD. PHILIPPINE BRANCH OFFICE Unit 38 A & B Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

18.

HU, ZHIWEI Business Manager

LIU, GUOQING Project Manager

BIPO SERVICE PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 1002-1004, 10th Floor, The Mega Tower Edsa Corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

JIANG, BO Warehouse Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversee the relationships of the company with Chinese clients; responsible for obtaining and maintaining long term key customers by comprehending their requirements.

WANG, YULIN Assistant General Manager

BEHOLD TRADING INTERNATIONAL INC. Unit G-h Legaspi Tower 300, Vito Cruz St. Cor Roxas Blvd, Barangay 719, Malate, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Can develop strong positive relationships with executive and management contacts; able to speak and communicate using mandarin.

CHINA CAMC ENGINEERING CO. LTD. PHIL BRANCH Unit 2104-a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Ctr., San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

ARK OVERSEAS HUMAN RESOURCE CORP. Rm. 302, 3/f Executive Bldg., Center Sen. Gil Puyat Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Oversee the relationships of the company with Chinese clients; responsible for obtaining and maintaining long term key customers by comprehending their requirements.

WANG, HE Key Accounts Specialist Consultant

ANDA MOTORS INCORPORATED 333-339 256 6, Quezon Avenue, Lourdes, Quezon City

WANG, ZHANGYAO Marketing Manager Specialist

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

22.

ALTERA KARNA BUSINESS CORP. 5th, 6th, 7th Flrs. Eighty-one Newport Blvd., Newport City St., Barangay 183, Pasay City Basic Qualification: Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Detail-oriented and has the ability to multi-task.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the relationships of the company with Chinese clients; responsible for obtaining and maintaining long term key customers by comprehending their requirements.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CAI, DAXIN Key Accounts Specialist Consultant

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Brief Job Description: Strategic thinker, an effective communicator, & an expert in technological development.

Basic Qualification: Advance technological skillset and demonstrated history with technology. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

INDIPHIL FAMILY ORGANIZATION INC. Unit 308 Building, Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro, City Of Parañaque CHUA KIM SIAH Development Associate 31.

Brief Job Description: Overseeing fundraising activities and recording donations.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and people skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JEJUAIR CO. LTD. 704 Pablo Ocampo St, G/f Alcantara Bldg., Barangay 719, Malate, City Of Manila

BusinessMirror

A14 A6 Saturday, November 25, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PARK, WANGCHAN Regional Manager

32.

Brief Job Description: Perform ground contract for domestic and international route. Control ground operations. Support airport service material and stocks for the company’s airport branch and act as internal quality auditor for the airport service station.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of professional working experience in the Korean Airline Industry.

33.

34.

35.

36.

Brief Job Description: Teach Chinese Language.

WU, FAN Chinese Language Trainer Brief Job Description: Teach Chinese Language

WU, SIXIAO Chinese Language Trainer Brief Job Description: Teach Chinese Language.

ZHOU, XIANLAN Chinese Language Trainer Brief Job Description: Teach Chinese Language.

37.

Brief Job Description: Extensive knowledge in operations, can lead people.

48. Basic Qualification: Must be Fluent in Speaking Chinese. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

49.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Japanese and English language.

50.

38.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

LIU, YONGCHENG Assistant Supervisor

51.

39.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

YUE, BINGBING Assistant Supervisor

ACHSAL RIVALDI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 52.

40.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

LIN, WENXIANG Financial Consultant 41.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

PENG, QIANWEN International Consultant 42.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

SHI, WENGUANG International Consultant 43.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

JI, FANGYUAN Management Consultant 44.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

WANG, ZHONGPENG Management Consultant 45.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

53.

54.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

55.

46.

Brief Job Description: To guide clients through all procedures required and responsible for furnishing clients with relevant information.

Brief Job Description: provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

ANI KAROLINA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 56.

Brief Job Description: provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

LIUS DHAN LEE Indonesian Customer Service Representative 57.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problem.

TASHIMADA, KOJI Team Leader / Vice President for Japanese Corporate Banking 58.

Brief Job Description: Based on branch goals, develop & discuss customer strategy, targets including the team’s kpis for the year, responsible for negotiation of rates & fees, also ensuring required margins are applied to relevant transactions.

59.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 61.

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

No.

GUO, YULONG Chinese Customer Service 62.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English.

63.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

64.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

HE, LONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

KE, WENHUA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LI, BINBIN Chinese Customer Service 65.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

66.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: graduate 4 years’ bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

67.

MA, HONGGANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: graduate 4 years’ bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

68.

SHAN, YICUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: graduate 4 years’ bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

69.

SHAO, ZHIWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: graduate 4 years’ bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

70.

WAN, FANRONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: graduate 4 years’ bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

71.

WANG, JINHUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate 4 years’ bachelor degree with critical thinking and problem solving skills.

72.

WANG, YUSEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

Basic Qualification: 4 yr. college/university degree desirably a business-related course, extensive knowledge of bank products & services, n1 level fluency in Nihongo.

73.

74.

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/Level and Fluent in Mandarin/ Basic English.

MUFG BANK, LTD. Oledan Square 15/f, 6788 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

60. XIAO, ANPING Operation Supervisor

Brief Job Description: provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

ANDRIYANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

Brief Job Description: provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

ANDI REZA PUTERI MURSYADI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

Brief Job Description: provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

AGUNG SEPTIAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

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

PHAM VAN BIEN Call Center Agent

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent Communication skill verbal or written.

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

PHAM HOAI NAM Call Center Agent

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

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

ONG WEI KANG Call Center Agent

MCP BUSINESS CONSULTANCY INC. 207b 2nd Floor, 409 A. Soriano Ave., Barangay 656, Intramuros, City Of Manila

HA THI THUY Assistant Consultant

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

ONG SIEW HOONG Call Center Agent

KAGPHA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING HOLDINGS, INC. Unit 317 3/f 928, A. Arnaiz Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

IKEDA, TSUBASA Chief Operating Officer

LIAO, ZIXI Call Center Agent 47.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

JUBILEE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, INC. #1607, E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City

HE, XIANGLING Chinese Language Trainer

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

CHENG, DAWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

FAN, QINGHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

75.

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

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

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

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

CALVIN JANUARDY Indonesian Customer Service 76.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

77.

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

78.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

HERRY SETIAWAN Indonesian Customer Service 79.

80.

81.

82.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

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

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

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

CHONG HUANG KUN Malaysian Customer Service 83.

84.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

LAW WEI JUN Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ARR WAI Myanmari Customer Service 85.

86.

87.

88.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

AUNG THU Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

KHIN SABAL OO Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

MYINT MYAT KYAW Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

YAN NAW NAW Myanmari Customer Service 89.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

YAN SAN KYU Myanmari Customer Service 90.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

BUI VAN PHUC Vietnamese Customer Service 91.

92.

93.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

CAO PHUOC VAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DUONG, DANG THANH Vietnamese 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 oral and written communication skills.

No.

DUONG, NHAT Vietnamese Customer Service 94.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services.

95.

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

96.

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

97.

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

98.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

99.

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

100.

101.

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

102.

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

103.

104.

105.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HOANG VAN AN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LA, NGOC KHANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

LE DUC THANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

LE, THI NGOC TRAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LU VINH LAM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LU XA HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LUONG THU BINH Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

HOANG CONG SANG Vietnamese Customer Service

106.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills

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

NGUYEN DUC MANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

107.

108.

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services.

No.

110.

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

111.

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

112.

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

113.

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

114.

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

115.

116.

109.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NGUYEN, HOANG DUC HAU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. PHAM VAN DUONG Vietnamese Customer Service

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

118.

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

NGUYEN VAN THIEN Vietnamese Customer Service

PHAM VAN CHIEN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

PHAM QUANG DAI Vietnamese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN THI THUY NGUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service

119.

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

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

117.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Saturday, November 25, 2023

120.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

PHAM, THI THU HA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PHAN VAN HOAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

PHUNG CUN LIEN 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 application with good oral and written communication skills.

121.

PHUNG THI XAY 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 application with good oral and written communication skills.

SUNG THIN SAI Vietnamese Customer Service 122.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

123.

THONG THAI SON 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 application with good oral and written communication skills.

124.

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

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

125.

TRAN THI MY UYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

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

BusinessMirror

A16 A6 Saturday, November 25, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

126.

127.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TRAN THI THAO NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

TRAN, THI HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service 128.

129.

130.

131.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

TRIEU, THI NGHIM Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TRINH QUOC HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VO THI HUYNH TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VU XUAN HOA Vietnamese Customer Service 132.

133.

Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good oral and written communication skills.

VU, NGUYET HA Vietnamese 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 oral and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

134.

Brief Job Description: Managing information technology and computer systems, Controlling and evaluating IT and electronic data operations, Managing IT staff through the use of Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients. ZHEN, JIAHAO Network Management Supervisor

135.

Brief Job Description: Maintain Contract and monitor Datacenter AC and power and Act as Backup administrator of Veeam backup and recovery by providing analyze system functions and failures to isolate and define problem areas and resolving engaged to provide significant support, through the use of Mandarin native language.

CHEN, AISHUANG Operation Planning Manager

136.

Brief Job Description: Overseeing planning development plans from dayto-day operation sales and marketing within the company, such as planning the markets data on a local, regional or national level, through the use of Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients.

139.

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

140.

WINNY Indonesian Language- Support Officer 141.

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

TIO MARTIN SUTANTO Indonesian Language- Support Supervisor 142.

143.

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

LAI, YU-CHOU a.k.a. JERRY LAI Mandarin Language- Marketing Supervisor

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

JUMNONG, SUPANEE Thai Language- Support Officer 144.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization, fluently speak and write Thai language daily operation.

145.

Basic Qualification: Overseeing planning development plans from day-to-day operation sales and marketing within the company, such as planning the markets data on a local, regional or national level, through the use of Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language.

151.

152.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write thai language.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of incoming phone calls.

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

146.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin is an advantage. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Proficient in MS Office. Able to follow health and safety regulations. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills.

WANG, ZHAO Project Manager 147.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for planning and overseeing projects to ensure their completion in a timely manner and within budget. Plan and designate project resources, prepare budgets, monitor progress and keep stakeholders informed the entire way.

154.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin and English languages. With extensive experience in planning and implementing sales strategies, customer relationship management and directing/managing a team.

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

Brief Job Description: conduct market research to find answers about consumers requirements, habits and trends.

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends

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

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirements, habits and trends.

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

LU, YING-RU Chinese Marketing Specialist 155.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research to find answers about consumer requirement, habits and trends.

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

TRIPLE J GO’S CONSTRUCTION AND MACHINERY INC. N 1803 A Vasquez St., Corner Julio Nakpil St., Barangay 697, Malate, City Of Manila

WU, YANQING Administrative Officer 156.

Brief Job Description: To act point if contract to other nationalities, prepare for budget.

TONGKAMSEK, TAWEESAK Technical Consultant 157.

Brief Job Description: Provide advice and lend expertise in ensuring compliance with site requirements, making sure all assigned works are completed on time and within budgetary limitations.

148.

Brief Job Description: Analyzing and expanding business operations toward sustained growth. Monitoring revenue streams and identifying opportunities to increase profitability.

CHANG, CHIA-HSIN Chinese Technical Support Representative 158.

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

LEE, YI-CHING Chinese Technical Support Representative 159.

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

NGUYEN MANH DUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 160.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Operations Management, Mandarin Speaking.

TAN SOON YU Sous Chef, Casino Beverage 149.

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure all cuisine served to guest follow established guidelines for quantity, quality , appearance and palatability.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar role. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

TAIKISHA PHILIPPINES INC. Suite 501-502 5/f Golden Rock Bldg., 168 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 3 years of minimum working experience in a similar industry. With completed technical training relevant to the position applied and with acceptable proficiency in the English language.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, with excellent communication skills and technical expertise.

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

SUNIWAY GROUP OF COMPANIES INC. Liwasang Darangen Cor. Magdalena Jalandoni And Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Ext., Ccp Complex St. Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City

YU, TENGHONG Mandarin Business Development Specialist

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

VESTAS SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. Flr. No.12/f, Five E-com Center Bldg., Harbor Drive St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

SUNGROW POWER RENEWABLES CORP. Level 6 Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Handles administrative requests and queries from senior managers/officers.

LU, SHAN-SHAN a.k.a. LU, YUN-CHU Chinese Marketing Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Basic Qualification: At least 19 years old; with ability to speak, write and communicate in their respective language.

LEE, WEN-YI Chinese Marketing Specialist

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHEN, YING-WEN Chinese Marketing Specialist

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WU, YI-PENG Chinese Admin Support Specialist

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

HA, THI THAM Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

LIANG, YUANBO Chinese Construction Technician

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

No.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language.

RIDGE OUTSOURCING SERVICES INC. 46/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

YANG, YIJUN Operation Planning Manager

137.

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

Brief Job Description: Implement new strategies for selling products.

Basic Qualification: Customer support and database services.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

153.

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

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

SUSAN MARIA SETIADI Indonesian Language- Support Officer

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

RIDWAN CRISTANDA Indonesian Language- Support Officer

Basic Qualification: Customer support and data base services. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 11th Floor, The Marajo Tower, 26th Street Cor. 4th Avenue Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig SUN, DAOSHUN It Manager

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

NGUYEN, BA THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 161.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for, Fluent in Chinese Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Nov 24, 2023 LUO, JIALI Procurement Supervisor

138.

Brief Job Description: Monitor and report on procurement performance, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards on a local, regional or national level, through the use of Mandarin native language, to senior professionals in China, Taiwan and other Mandarin speaking counterpart and clients.

SHIBATA, TAKAO Consultant Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Operations Management, Mandarin Speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

150.

Brief Job Description: Documentation of construction activities, purchasing of required equipment and materials and supervision of work site.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience in project management. Fluent in Japanese language. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

TIAN XIA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 6/f Filinvest Cyberzone Bldg. B, Superblock A Central Business Park 1 Bay City St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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