BusinessMirror October 14, 2021

Debt service dents Sept GIR to $107.16B B B C @BcuaresmaBM

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HE country’s dollar defenses slightly dipped in September this year, largely due to the national government’s debt servicing dollar requirements and revaluation of gold prices.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Wednesday that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) settled at $107.16 billion as of endSeptember 2021 from the end-August 2021 GIR level

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of $107.96 billion. It is still, however, higher than the $100.44-billion GIR level recorded in September 2020.

Despite the dip, the BSP said the latest GIR level represents a “more than adequate external liquidity buffer” equivalent to 10.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

It is also about 7.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.2 times based on residual maturity. “The month-onmonth decrease in the GIR

level was attributed mainly to the debt service payment of the national government’s [NG] foreign currency debt obligations and downward adjustment in the value of the BSP’s gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market,” the BSP said in a statement.

Data from the BSP showed that the country’s gold holdings hit $8.85 billion in September, down from the $9.155 billion in the previous month. The country’s GIR is the level of foreign exchange holdings being managed by

the central bank during a given period.

The GIR is a crucial component of the economy as it is often used to manage the country’s foreign exchange rate against excess volatility.

Just last month, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the country’s strong external position— particularly the country’s strong GIR position—allows the country to manage the impact of shocks, including market reaction over pending move of the US Federal Reserve to normalize its monetary policy.

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Thursday, October 14, 2021 Vol. 17 No. 6

P.  |     | 7 DAYS A WEEK

GOAL, COLLECTS P1.547T BALIKBAYANS RAISE CONCERNS ON NEW PHL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS B M. S F. A

@akosistellaBM Special to the BM

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CHRISTMAS lanterns made of bamboo and plastic are on display at Plaza Quezon in Las Piñas City. With 73 days left before Christmas, Filipinos are hoping for better days ahead as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to decline. NONIE REYES

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B B D. N

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected P1.547 trillion from January to September this year, surpassing its goal for the nine-month period.

Tentative data obtained by the BM showed the agency slightly breached its P1.532-trillion goal for the period by over 0.97 percent.

BIR Deputy Commissioner for Operations Group Arnel SD Guballa also said this is above the amount they netted in the same period in 2020, at P1.446 trillion.

Year-on-year, this represented an increase of 6.98 percent.

For the month of September alone, BIR’s haul amounted to P154.7 billion, also above its P144.26-billion goal for the month by 7.24 percent.

This was also up by 9.59 percent

ETURNING Filipinos or balikbayans vaccinated abroad are supposed to present a World Health Organization-issued International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) upon arrival in the country, while the Philippines’s own Covid-19 vaccine certificate (VaxCertPH) has yet to receive reciprocal courtesy with other countries.

This was the clarification made by Tourism Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Edwin R. Enrile, as local travel agencies and tour operators handling balikbayan clients were in a quandary over the new arrival requirements recently issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“For now, foreigners should present their ICVP,” said Enrile in a Viber message to the BM. In the Philippines, the ICVP is issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ).

A tourism leader pointed out, however, the ease by which an ICVP can be pur-

chased online, filled out, without the BoQ being able to check on the veracity of the document.

Under Resolution 142-A, the IATF requires presentation of “the national digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted the VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement or WHOissued [ICVP] for purposes of verification/confirmation of vaccination status for nonOFWs [overseas Filipino workers] and foreigners fully vaccinated abroad.” This applies to international passengers coming from Green and Yellow list countries.

Can BoQ verify status thru ICVP?

TOURISM Congress of the Philippines President Jose C. Clemente III said his colleagues abroad and balikbayans “wanted to find out if there is a list of countries which already accepts our vaccination certificate or where to get that ICVP,” he said.

“Expectedly, they [balikbayan] raised issue about the new requirement. It would have been much easier for them if S “B,” A

S “BIR,” A

Health advocacy group asks DTI to back TRIPS waiver B T J C. P @Tyronepiad

‘D

ON’T waver on the waiver.”

A health advocacy organization asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to back the measure waiving the intellectual property (IP) rights protection of Covid-19 vaccines, treatment and technology amid the pandemic.

Coalition for People’s Rights to Health (CPRH) made its stance known through a protest held in front of the DTI building in Makati on Wednesday morning.

The group stressed the need to scrap the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement to promote equal access for Covid-19 vaccines—a much-needed shot to end the pandemic.

“The Philippine government’s support to the TRIPS Waiver is a first step in attaining a greater sense of equity in health beyond vaccination,” CPRH Co-Convenor Joshua San Pedro said. The group’s call is also supported by Bantay Bakuna, Council for Health and Development and other organizations.

The TRIPS Agreement is a multilateral accord on IP covering copyright and related rights, trademarks, geographical indications, industrial designs and patents, among others.

The agreement, which took effect on January 1, 1995, sets the minimum standards of IP protection, enumerates enforcement procedures and covers dispute settlement.

San Pedro said that “corporate interest and profits,” which are “protected” under TRIPS agreement, prevent countries from achieving health equity.

“The development of vaccines,

medicines, and diagnostic tools are still determined by market viability instead of fulfilling the people’s right to health,” he said.

“In fact, reports have shown that at least 9 new billionaires have garnered riches from vaccine production, despite also being actually funded by taxpayers’ money.”

“Under TRIPS, this ‘right’ to profit will be protected for at least 20 years,” he added.

San Pedro stressed that the government should “choose people’s health over condoning monopoly S “H,” A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES ■ US 50.8280 ■ JAPAN 0.4474 ■ UK 69.0702 ■ HK 6.5319 ■ CANADA 40.7995 ■ SINGAPORE 37.4699 ■ AUSTRALIA 37.3535 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 13.5523 ■ EU 58.6148 ■ CHINA 7.8837 Source: BSP (October 13, 2021)

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News BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 14, 2021

BIR...

C  A

from P141.16 billion in September 2020.

Asked what was behind the BIR’s exceeding its collection targets, Guballa cited intense monitoring and enforcement, particularly under its Oplan Kandado program that padlocked establishments for tax law violations.

For his part, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay attributed the agency’s collection performance to “professionalism, dedicated public service of BIR employees and their love of country.”

In a message to the BM, Dulay also expressed confidence that the BIR will be able to achieve its full-year collection target of P2.081 trillion.

“On track so far,” he said.

Last year, BIR collected P1.95 trillion, exceeding its downscaled revenue collection target of P1.686 trillion.

The government hopes to raise more revenues this year to cover the expected higher budget deficit. The Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) now projects the deficit to reach a new record high of 1.86 trillion or 9.3 percent of the country’s GDP. The DBCC earlier slashed its growth projection for the Philippine economy this year to 4 to 5 percent from 6 to 7 percent previously, due to the reimposition of lockdowns.

If not for the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the economic team earlier said their original growth target of 6.5 to 7.5 percent could have been attainable.

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Fakes comprise bulk of BOC’s P29-B haul of smuggled goods

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B B D. N

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P29.23 billion worth of smuggled goods from January to September this year, with counterfeit products accounting for the bulk of the haul.

Of the total, P19.556 billion worth of illicit shipments were seized through Intelligence and Enforcement Operations while

P9.672 billion in smuggled goods were confiscated through Port Examination and Inspection.

During the period, the BOC

confiscated P17.51 billion of fake products, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the total value of goods seized.

“BOC remained vigilant against unscrupulous importers through intensified intelligence and enforcement operations and consistent examination and inspection of containers at various ports of entry nationwide,” it said in its third quarter accomplishment report.

A total of 750 seizures were conducted as of the end of third quarter this year.

Among 19 types of commodities seized by the BOC during the period, illegal drugs took the second

spot in terms of estimated value with P7.42 billion.

This is followed by general merchandise (P1.8 billion), cigarettes/ tobacco (P1.34 billion), and agricultural products (P523.27 million).

In 2020, the BOC’s seizure of smuggled goods was estimated to be worth P10.629 billion. This was 48.36 percent lower compared to the value of smuggled goods it seized in 2019 at P20.584 billion.

For this year, the BOC targets to collect a total of P616.7 billion.

As of end-September, it has so far collected P472.2 billion, equivalent to almost 77 percent of its collection target for the year.

DepEd says sorry for incentive payout delay

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HE Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday appealed for patience to the public-school teachers who have yet to receive the World Teachers Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB), noting that the delay may be due to the quarantine status in their respective areas.

According to Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla, the Department had processed the payment in the amount of P1,000 each as early as August and started releasing the incentive by October 5 as required by

the budget law.

“For those experiencing delay it would be probably because of their quarantine status, banking hours, remittance of the cash payment but they need not worry because October 5 is the start of the payouts, but the processing, we started as early as August,” Sevilla said.

The DepEd, however, did not provide the number of teachers who have yet to get their allowance. Introduced during the term of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones and

supported by President Duterte, the WTDIB acknowledges the crucial role of educators during the pandemic and their dedication and commitment to their profession. “During the World Teachers Day we really give gifts to our teachers of P1,000 each and this amounted to P910,000,000 which is due all our teachers and staff on this very important day,” Briones said.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, Project Management, and External Partnerships Tonisito Umali said a celebratory pro-

gram was held on October 5 in Lahug, Cebu, to commemorate the World and National Teachers’ Day. For the first time, higher education institution teachers, including professors in colleges and universities and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority instructors, were encouraged to join the event.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation 242, the National Teachers’ Month runs from September 5 to October 5 of every year.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

Health...

mass production of the Covid-19 doses, instead of securing voluntary licensing.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, said earlier that IP holders could put in place some restrictions preventing the grant of voluntary license.

In securing a voluntary license, the patent holder grants a generic company permission to produce the patented article subject to terms and conditions.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), however, earlier said that voluntary licensing is still the preferred choice because it ensures the quality of the Covid-19 doses being manufactured.

Voluntary licensing, PHAP said, includes “the safeguard of voluntary technology transfer include know-how transfer, sharing of expertise, and joint training of skilled workers with the shared objective of developing and manufacturing quality and safe Covid-19 vaccine.”

South Africa and India earlier submitted the IP waiver proposal to the WTO requesting to remove the copy right, industrial designs, patents and undisclosed information under the TRIPS agreement until majority of the world population has immunity.

C  A

and profits in a pandemic.”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, in a message to the BM, said that the DTI supports the temporary waiver of TRIPS agreement “in principle” and is ready to engage in text-based discussions regarding the proposal.

Senate resolution

“WE have taken note also of the resolution from the Senate urging the Executive branch to support the proposal while mindful of the importance of protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights,” he said.

Last month, the Senate adopted a resolution urging the Executive department to support the IP waiver on Covid-19 vaccines.

“Given that there are many proposals tabled before the WTO involving public health concerns, it is our view that we engage first on the discussions to clarify issues and implementation elements,” he added.

Apart from CPRH and other advocacy groups, over 100 countries have previously supported the proposal as it is seen to allow quicker

Balikbayans...

C  A

they could just present their vaccination cards,” he noted.

However, Enrile said, there is still no list of countries which have accepted the Philippines digital vaccination certificate, VaxCertPH. Even the United States, where bulk of the balikbayans are expected to come from this holiday season, “still has no national digital vaccination certificate. For other countries, the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] is in the process of talking to them to accept our national digital vaccination certificate.”

Clemente also pointed out that, in the US, the WHO-issued ICVP booklets are “easily bought on Amazon. You can have it fi lled out by your doctor, or maybe the pharmacist where you got your Covid jabs.

Theoretically, you can even fi ll it out yourself, and just sign some doctor’s name. When you arrive in the Philippines, how is the BoQ going to check the veracity of the ICVP you are presenting?”

A search on Amazon showed the WHO selling the ICVP booklet, the so-called “Carte Jeune” or Yellow Card, for $ 15.75 each. It functions as a “medical passport” primarily to document the holder’s inoculations against Yellow Fever and Malaria, as part of entry requirements in some countries. However, the WHO itself has not approved the ICVP’s use to indicate Covid-19 inoculations. The world body recently issued technical guidelines on the development of digital Covid-19 vaccination certificates, but had stressed these should not be a requirement for international travel.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control has a list of medical facilities accredited to inoculate versus Yellow Fever and Malaria, which then imprints an official stamp on the ICVP booklet. But it too, has no guidelines on using this for Covid-19 vaccinations.

The Department of Tourism has been pushing for the shortening of quarantine periods especially for vaccinated individuals, as it tries to encourage balikbayans to come home for the holidays. Only returning Filipinos such as balikbayans, OFWs, and foreigners with valid visas can enter the Philippines. International leisure tourists are still prohibited from traveling here.

There are an estimated 4.1 million Filipino-Americans, who account for the largest source of balikbayan travelers to the Philippines. The US is on the Philippines’s yellow list, indicating moderate risk for Covid.

Under the latest IATF guidelines approved late Wednesday, vaccinated passengers coming from Green List countries just have to present a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to arrival here, then home quarantine for 14 days. Those coming from Yellow List countries, five days quarantine at a government-approved hotel, take an RTPCR test on the fifth day, and if they get a negative test result, they can finish their quarantine at home until the 10th day. For unvaccinated individuals, they should quarantine for seven days, and upon testing negative for Covid, go on home quarantine until the 14th day.

Duterte names replacements of Villar, MMDA GM Garcia

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RESIDENT Duterte appointed two new Cabinet members to replace government officials who will be running in the 2022 polls.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque confirmed on Wednesday that Southern Leyte Representative Rog-

er Gaviola Mercado was named the new acting secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Mercado replaced former Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, who resigned to join the 2022 senatorial race.

Meanwhile, the President also

promoted Romando Artes as the new general manager of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Prior to his new assignment, Artes served as MMDA Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration.

Jose Arturo “Jojo” Garcia, the previous general manager of MMDA, also vacated his post to run as congressman in the 2022 elections.

Roque said they welcomed the addition of Mercado and Artes in the Cabinet.

“We are confident that Secretary Mercado and General Manager Artes will continue to oversee the completion of their department’s programs and projects in the remaining months of the current government,” Roque said.

“We wish Sec. Mercado and GM Artes all the best in their new assignments,” he added. Samuel P. Medenilla

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The Nation BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, October 14, 2021 A3

Options on settlement of 13th-month pay bared

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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ASH-DEFICIENT companies reeling from the effects of the pandemic may consider negotiating with their workers for a possible delayed full payment of

their 13th-month pay this year, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

At a virtual news briefing on Wednesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III disclosed that companies might consider paying only half of the 13th-month pay of their

workers before December 24, 2021, payment deadline. The companies could just then settle the remaining balance by next year. But he stressed that the said scheme should gain the approval of affected workers before such could be implemented.

“If the employee approves, there is

ADB hikes climate financing for DMCs by at least $100B

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced that it is increasing its climate financing for developing membercountries (DMCs) to $100 billion between 2019 and 2030.

This means, the Manila-based multilateral development bank said, its financing will increase to a cumulative of at least $80 billion by 2030.

ADB expects the cumulative climate financing from its own resources in 2019–2021 to reach about $17 billion.

In 2018, ADB committed to ensure that 75 percent of its operations support climate action and it’s own climate finance resources.

“The battle against climate change will be won or lost in Asia and the Pacific,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa in a news statement. “The climate crisis is worsen-

ing daily, prompting many to call for increased climate finance. We are taking action to meet this call by elevating our ambition to $100 billion in cumulative climate finance from our own resources by 2030.”

ADB said the additional $20 billion will provide support for the climate agenda in five main areas, namely, new climate mitigation efforts; transformative adaptation projects; private sector operations; the green recovery; and climate resilience and mitigation.

ADB added that cumulative financing for all of these, including energy storage, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport, is expected to reach $66 billion.

The second area will be for projects in climate-sensitive sectors, such as urban, agriculture, and water, will be designed with a primary purpose of effective climate adaptation and enhanced resilience. ADB expects

its cumulative adaptation finance to reach $34 billion.

Investing in private sector operations will mean creating commercially viable projects for ADB and private investors. This will help address post-pandemic recovery, which can be done through new technologies and innovations in climate financing.

ADB aims to support these initiatives with $12 billion in cumulative private sector climate finance from its own resources and anticipated crowding in of an additional $18 billion to $30 billion.

Investing in green, resilient, and inclusive recovery from Covid-19 means, for ADB, increasing its support for financing platforms such as the Asean Catalytic Green Finance Facility and Green Recovery Platform which will help the capital markets and private sector leverage funds for low-carbon infrastructure.

no problem because the law on 13thmonth pay is a benefit intended for the employee. If an employee says he/she can wait until next year, then there is no problem,” Bello said.

Companies or firms that will enforce such arrangements without the approval of their workers,

however, could face charges for violating Presidential Decree 851, according to Bello.

Bello issued the recommendation after Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III said some employers may struggle to pay the 13th-

month pay of their workers due to existing business disruptions caused by the pandemic this year.

“The 13th-month pay is a statutory obligation. Its payment cannot be avoided [by companies]. If you don’t pay it, you will be sued by your workers for sure,” Bello said.

Mobility in PHL: House panel OKs national transport infrastructure bill

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HE House Committee on Transportation on Wednesday approved a bill creating a 30-year National Transportation Infrastructure Program.

Samar Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, the panel chairman and principal author of the measure, said his House Bill 9468 seeks to legislate the 30-year program, which shall be entitled as “The Future of Mobility in the Philippines 2045 Act.” The lawmaker said multiple

changes are being implemented on government plans for infrastructure over the years.

“Thus, it makes it more grueling to meet the goals of the long-term plans being set for the country. Major infrastructure projects are usually complex and capital-intensive which often need adequate planning and efficient implementation,” he said.

“Elections and changes in the administration of the country every so often can put a stop in the proc-

ess of planning and implementing these major infrastructure projects,” he added.

At times, the lawmaker said, these vital and necessary projects are put on hold or, assuming the worst-case scenario, be ultimately canceled.

The bill aims to provide a solution to this problem by adopting a long term development program which indicates the specific projects that are needed to be implemented.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

BI readies deportation of Taiwanese fugitive

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HE Bureau of Immigration announced on Wednesday the arrest of a Taiwanese national who had been hiding from authorities for 17 years after an arrest warrant was issued against him for attempting to kill a compatriot.

In a report to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, the BI’s fu-

gitive search unit (FSU) identified the suspect as 53-year-old Huang Kuan-I, who was arrested last Monday morning in Real, Quezon. Huang was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued against him by the Hualien prosecutor’s office in Taiwan in 2004.

Information provided by the BI revealed that Huang was reportedly con-

victedforshootingandseriouslywounding his victim after a heated argument.

BI-FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy said aside from being an undesirable alien, Huang will also be deported for being an undocumented alien since his passport already expired in February 2019 and has not been renewed since. Joel R. San Juan

A4 Thursday, October 14, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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From AL 4 to 3: Palace loosens curbs in NCR

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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ORE businesses may soon be allowed to operate following the approval of President Duterte to downgrade the National Capital Region’s (NCR) Alert Level (AL) from 4 to 3.

The office of Presidential spokesman

Harry Roque confirmed on Wednesday early evening that new AL and community quarantine classifications, which were earlier recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), were approved by Duterte through Executive Order 112.

In a news statement, Roque said the IATF sought NCR’s AL adjustment downgrade

from AL 4 to AL 3, which is expected to take effect from October 16 to 31, 2021.

Under the guidelines issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for Alert Level 3, venue capacity for indoor dine-in services will be expanded to 30 percent, while al fresco dining would be placed at full 100 percent capacity.

Also to be allowed to resume operation

under AL 3 with 30 percent venue capacity are indoor tourist attractions; meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions; social events; gaming establishments; indoor recreational activities and personal care services.

Only NCR for now will be implementing the new AL since the IATF opted to impose the community quarantine classification in other parts of the country.

Roque said the IATF decided to implement modified enhanced community quarantine in Apayao, Kalinga, Batanes, Bulacan, Bataan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Naga City for Luzon; and Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Norte for Mindanao.

Meanwhile, a general community quarantine with heightened restrictions will take effect in Abra, Baguio City, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, City of Santiago, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Quezon, and Batangas for Luzon; Bacolod City, Capiz, Lapu-Lapu City, Negros Oriental, and Bohol for the Visayas; and Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao del Norte, Davao

Occidental, Davao de Oro, Butuan City, and Surigao del Sur for Mindanao.

The IATF also placed the following areas under general community quarantine: Ilocos Norte, Dagupan City, Ifugao, Benguet, Tarlac, Lucena City, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa, Marinduque, Albay, and Camarines Norte for Luzon; Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Cebu City, Cebu Province, Mandaue City, Siquijor, and Tacloban City for the Visayas; and Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Davao City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Cotabato City, and Lanao del Sur for Mindanao.

All other areas shall be placed under modified general community quarantine.

“This latest risk-level classification shall take effect beginning October 16, 2021 until October 31, 2021,” Roque said.

Central Luzon trade fair rakes in ₧10M in sales

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@TyronePiad

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HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that a Central Luzon trade fair, which seeks to improve market access for businesses, has garnered P10 million in sales.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said on Wednesday that the Likha ng Central Luzon (LCL) Hybrid Trade Fair gathered the participation of more than 100 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) coming across seven provinces in Region 3.

“In this time of post-pandemic recovery, we laud the LCL’s initiatives which have a strong commitment to bolster locally made products as it consistently provides market platforms for our MSMEs to exhibit their best products in every region,” Lopez said.

The trade fair, which both facilitates physical and virtual events, was organized by DTI Region 3 along with Philippine Exporters Federation Inc.-3, Regional Development Council-3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. “From its launch in 1998 until 2019, LCL has been successfully held in Metro Manila.

Now, to adhere to the new normal of organizing trade activities amid pandemic, the

fair was held virtually for the first-time last year, with the collaborative efforts of the One Town One Product Philippines [OTOP PH] Program and the PLDT KaAsenso Program,” Lopez said.

Lopez said that the DTI has been doing its part in helping the MSMEs—major economic contributors—to recover amid the pandemic.

Among the initiatives include the “Buy Local! Go Lokal!” campaign, which encourages the consuming public to buy local products and services, he said. In turn, Lopez explained this also boosts the production capacities of MSMEs amid the demand.

It also opened the Covid-19 Assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) microfinancing program through attached agency Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) for struggling MSMEs to provide additional financing.

The financial institution has approved P5.634 billion worth of borrowings to 56,421 applications as of September 27.

DTI said that the SB Corporation is also initially earmarking P200 million for a lending facility assisting MSMEs in paying 13th month salaries.

The loan program, which is being discussed with the Department of Labor and Employment, is yet to be finalized.

Angara moves to prioritize Marawi compensation bill in Nov sessions

By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

S

EN. Juan Edgardo Angara is moving to ensure the Marawi compensation bill will be high in the list of Senate priority agenda soon as Congress reconvenes regular sessions in November.

The bill provides for a Marawi Compensation Board where the President will nominate five lawyers, preferably Maranaos, and one representative from the ranks of doctors, engineers, certified public accountants and educators.

They will determine the compensation based on the worth of the damages caused by the five-month “Marawi siege” on homes and business establishments.

The board will likewise assess how much the state will compensate landowners that

will be affected by infrastructure projects in the massive recovery effort.

As proposed, the board will fix a one-year period to accept petitions from claimants after which it will distribute compensation within 30 to 60 days.

According to Angara, they are looking to pass a remedial legislation to provide assistance to dislocated Marawi residents without means to rebuild their damaged homes.

“Hindi sila makabalik o hindi pa maitayo ang bahay at negosyo dahil wala silang pera at nasunog o nasira ng bakbakan ang katibayan para sa kanilang ari-arian.”

A United Nations report initially counted over 350,000 residents were affected by the Marawi siege that raged from May to October in 2017, but the last count in May 2020 showed it was down to 126,000.

Blue Ribbon thanks supporters; Senate to reply to SC continued from a12 Business associations, such as the Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, and Shareholders Association of the Philippines, have also made similar calls.

University systems under the De La Salle, St. Paul University in Manila, and several alumni groups of Ateneo de Manila and University of the Philippines have also spoken up against attempts to derail the Senate investigation.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines and Philippine Bar Association (PBA) expressed grave concern over Duterte’s directives, which they said, violate

the separation of powers among executive and legislative branches of government.

Gordon, a lawyer by profession, underscored the importance of the Senate’s vast scope of legislative inquiry, which is as important as its lawmaking powers, in finding out how the government spent public funds for the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are getting closer to the very meat of these shenanigans. We will pursue our investigation without relent, and run after those who deliberately lied and evaded our questions. They will have to answer to our people,” he said.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Revision of ICC guidelines on project approval sought

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

T

HE National Economic and Development Aut hor it y (Neda) is pushing for the revision of the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) guidelines to include regional equity and environment indicators.

During Neda’s budget hearing on Wednesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said enhancing the Neda’s appraisal of projects at the ICC is one of its goals next year.

This is being done to ensure that projects do not only meet time and cost efficiency requirements, but also address infrastructure constraints in areas of the country that need it the most without harming the environment.

“We are proposing that apart from our present method of quantifying economic benefit only based on efficiency, meaning time or cost savings, we also look at equity and environment issues. The equity part will allow more rural areas to get better projects. And also we have to figure out what each project contributes to, for instance, carbon emissions,” Chua said in his presentation.

Chua explained that under the current ICC guidelines, projects undertaken in urban areas have the upper hand in securing approval because they lead to more cost and time savings, which are the primary consideration in the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) used in project evaluation.

The EIRR is calculated to determine whether a project’s economic returns were satisfactory and that money invested in them would achieve development objectives equivalent to or better than alterna-

tive investments.

In 2016, the Duterte administration brought down the ICC Social Discount Rate (SDR) to 10 percent from the initial 15 percent. The SDR reflects the hurdle rate which the EIRR of a project must equal to become viable.

“In other countries where they evaluate projects, they also look at equity wherein premium is given because your society or people in that province are low-income or less rich, so [projects have] a multiplier effect,” Chua said.

Chua said the current system prevents areas that need certain infrastructure from getting what they need. However, he said, if regional equity is added, a project that may fail to meet the EIRR requirement can still pass the ICC evaluation.

In terms of adding an environment criteria, Chua said this would include carbon emissions.

He explained that building roads, for example, will naturally lead to more cars.

Placing the criteria would force the need to balance time and cost savings and the additional carbon footprint that will be created through a certain project. “[The plan] is to use data to back the need for that infrastructure.

Let’s say [a province] lacks water, lacks power, the poverty rate is high and makes it very transparent why this infrastructure is needed so that the proposal is not only based on persuasion or promotion, marketing but really grounded that this infrastructure in this province deserves this. I noticed that some regions and RDC’s [Regional Development Councils] are more persuasive than the others.

So I would like to make it more objective,” Chua said.

Comelec to poll bets: Shun foreign donations to bankroll campaign

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

A

SPIRING candidates in the May 2022 elections may face the possibility disqualification if they will accept campaign donations from foreigners, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez issued the warning as aspiring candidates in the upcoming polls start their fund-raising initiatives.

“Contributions from foreigners and foreign corporations are prohibited,” Jimenez said in a news statement addressing aspiring candidates.

“If they accept donations from prohibited donors, they could be facing an electoral offense charge which could result in disqualification,” he added.

The Omnibus Election Code bans foreigners and foreign corporations from making any direct or indirect contribution to any political activity.

Comelec issued the statement after supporters of Vice President Leonor “Leni” Robredo recently launched a crowdfunding webpage for her presidential bid next year.

In her Twitter account, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon reminded people behind such a page

that “foreigners cannot contribute to any Filipino candidate.”

In the said site, people could donate amounts ranging from P50 to P20,000 to the campaign initiative of Robredo.

Supporters of Robredo replied to Guanzon’s post that Robredo’s crowdfunding site has a tickbox, where donors must disclose they are Filipino citizens.

Automatic listing for new voters

IN a related development, Jimenez admitted that geographic location is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the implementation of the proposed automatic registration for new voters.

In a brief statement, he said they would need aspiring voters to still register to determine the locality as to where they intend to vote as required under the Voter’s Registration Act (VRA) of 1996.

The VRA requires voter registrants to state the place, where they resided for at least six months prior to an election.

“Registration is necessary to determine a person’s eligibility to vote in local elections. So there would still be a need for an 18-year-old to inform the Comelec of his residence information, and thus sign up to vote in that locality,” Jimenez said.

Thursday, October 14, 2021 A5

‘Maring’ crop damage jumps to more than P600M; death toll climbs to 13

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

& Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

D

A M AGE to agr iculture caused by severe tropical storm “Maring” jumped to over P600 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA), even as disaster officials reported that the typhoon’s death toll has climbed to 13.

DA said Maring affected 32,882 hectares of agricultural areas in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region and Western Visayas, affecting at least 29,000 farmers and 36,354 metric tons (MT) of crops, DA said.

Maring pummeled Northern Luzon before it began to move away from the country on Tuesday afternoon, leaving cities and municipalities in some provinces in Regions 1 and 2 and in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) flooded.

While generating widespread flooding in the country’s northern portion that damaged crops in the

three regions, Maring also spawned landslides in Baguio City and Benguet, and flash floods in Palawan and Ilocos Sur, which claimed the lives of most of the fatalities.

“Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and fisheries. These values are subject to validation,” the DA said in its latest bulletin report released on Wednesday afternoon.

The DA said bulk of the agricultural damage and losses caused by Maring was recorded in the rice sector. Rice farmers lost 27,016 MT of produce worth P453.8 million, according to the DA’s report. The DA said Maring damaged 25,945 hectares of rice farms.

The corn sector reported 7,710 MT of production loss worth P119.8 million from 6,637 hectares of land, according to the DA. The DA added that high-value crops farmers, mostly producing assorted vegetables and bananas, lost 1,627 MT of produce worth P26.2 million due to the weather disturbance.

“The DA will provide the following assistance to affected farmers and fishers: Quick Response Fund

[QRF] amounting to P172 million for the rehabilitation of affected areas,” it said.

“A total of 168,998 bags of rice seeds; 16,601 bags of corn seeds, and 1,480 kgs of assorted vegetables from affected regions,” it added.

DA said farmers might also avail of a zero-interest, no collateral and payable in 10 years loan from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) of up to P20,000. The ACPC has a budget of P500 million for the emergency loan assistance program.

The DA said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. has sufficient funds to indemnify affected farmers.

DA also said farmers in three regions were able to save 141,635 MT of rice worth P2.08 billion prior to the landfall of Maring. Corn farmers were able to salvage 55,654 MT worth P779.15 million from their 13,776 hectares of farm, DA added.

The NDRRMC said that search and rescue personnel were still sifting through the landslide-affected houses on Wednesday, hoping to find victims that it listed as missing.

Maring damaged at least an initial 109 houses in Regions 3 and 4B

DOJ sets arraignment of Spanish man facing sexual abuse charges

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

T

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed on Wednesday that Spanish national Francisco Manuel Sanchez, 36, is set to be arraigned on October 15 before a trial court in Taguig where he is facing 10 counts of child abuse and violation of the Anti-Child Pornography Act filed by the same victim in the case of former US diplomat Dean Edward Cheves.

DOJ Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said Sanchez’s camp has also filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the complaint on the basis of the affidavit of desistance executed by the complainant.

“The prosecution will oppose the said motion,” Villar said.

While Sanchez managed to post bail, Villar said, the accused has been barred from leaving the country owing to the hold departure order (HDO) issued by the court.

It can be recalled that Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 Judge Byron San Pedro issued an arrest warrant last August 31 against Sanchez, who also uses the name Franco Sanchez, for violation of Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act).

The arrest warrant was issued based on the complaint of the alleged victim, a 16-year-old minor who accused Sanchez of sexually abusing her and recording on video their sexual acts.

The minor is also the complain-

ant in a similar case filed against the 61-year-old Cheves before the Pasay RTC. The victim reportedly met Cheves online when she was just around 12 or 13 years old. They went to a motel in Pasay City where they stayed for two hours.

Without the victim’s knowledge, Cheves allegedly recorded their sexual intercourse. Pasay City RTC Branch 109 Judge Christian Castañeda has also issued a warrant of arrest against Cheves, who is now in the US facing charges before a District Court in Virginia for his conduct in the Philippines.

Judge Castañeda recommended a P200,000 bail for Cheves.

The DOJ is mulling over the possibility of seeking Cheves’s extradition to the country to put him on trial for the criminal offenses.

Mayor Isko’s camp denies ‘infighting’ report ahead of presidential derby

P

OLITICAL strategist Angelito Banayo Wednesday took exception to media speculations that the resignation of radio broadcaster Cesar Chavez as chief of staff to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has something to do with alleged “infighting” in the presidential campaign team of Moreno.

“Masyado namang ina-angguluhan ng intriga iyong pagbalik sa MBC-DZRH ni Cesar Chavez na hindi lang kaibigan, kundi inaanak ko sa kasal,” said Banayo, who is also the campaign strategist of Mayor Isko.

Banayo explained that sometime in September, Chavez told Mayor

Isko that a vice president of the Manila Broadcasting Corp., which owns radio station DZRH, is retiring and Chavez was offered the position by top management.

Banayo was with Mayor Isko in his City Hall office when Chavez broke the news to the mayor. (Chavez resigned as chief of staff effective September 30.)

“I said that’s a great opportunity and the Mayor said it would be a good career move since talaga namang love niya ang pagiging broadcast journalist. Cesar has been an outstanding and intrepid radio announcer since the Cory Aquino days, which was when we became good friends,”

Banayo said in a news statement.

Banayo pointed out that through the years that he had been in government, he had the occasion to recommend Chavez to various posts where he performed with great competence.

“Kaya dun sa mga bashers and intrigueros—tigilan nyo na ang chismis at intriga. Walang kabutihang naidudulot iyan,” said Banayo.

Banayo added: “We wish Cesar all the best as he returns to his professional love from whence he got his moorings in public service.”

Even Chavez was reportedly surprised by media speculations particularly in an online news site.

and in CAR and Caraga Region, and affected 6,111 families or 21,511 individuals in 237 villages. It also forced the preemptive evacuation of 1,216 families.

The NDRRMC is yet to determine Maring’s damage to infrastructure.

BBM deploys aid to Northern Luzon

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said has started deploying rapidresponse teams to aid “Maring” victims in Northern Luzon.

The former senator who hails from Ilocos Norte, has dispatched teams from Manila and nearby provinces to help facilitate the distribution of relief goods and extend assistance in areas hardest hit by the storm.

“I have given instructions to activate our quick response teams in Manila and in key areas in Northern Luzon. Our staff and volunteers have started shoring up our relief packs.

Each team that will be dispatched will bring with them relief packs that will consist of rice, slippers, vitamins and KN95 face masks as a standard kit,” Marcos said.

Go vows to be a ‘working VP’ if elected in ’22

S

EN. Christopher “Bong” Go has denied speculations that he is paving the way for the candidacy of another individual through substitution, saying that he is welldecided to run for vice president in the upcoming 2022 elections.

“I can’t speak for the other candidates. Hindi po ako makapagsalita kung ano po ang magiging desisyon ng partido... As far as I am concerned, sa aking tinakbuhang posisyon, desidido na po ako,” Go said in an interview during the launch of the country’s 143rd Malasakit Center at Doña Maria D. Tan Memorial Hospital in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, on Tuesday, October 12.

“Desisyon po ‘yan ng partido at ni Pangulong Duterte since he withdrew, hindi na siya tumuloy bilang kandidato as vice president. Kaya ako po ’yung pinatakbo ng partido at ni Pangulong Duterte dahil kailangan po namin na meron tayong timon na magdadala at magpapatuloy ng mga adhikain ng PDP at ng administrasyong ito,” he added.

Go said that President Duterte’s plan to retire from politics prompted him to take on the challenge to run for vice president. He added that the ruling party, PDP-Laban, has been preparing for the elections and that someone must step forward for the party and the whole administration to continue its programs and pursue further the positive change that Duterte has started.

“So I accepted the challenge to run as VP candidate po ng PDP. Ako po ay desidido at tuloy na tuloy po ito ang aking pagtakbo bilang VP,” explained Go. Go mentioned that he is determined to continuing Duterte’s legacy, assisting the country in overcoming the pandemic and providing a better life for all Filipinos, particularly for the most vulnerable, helpless, and hopeless segments of society.

Lockdowns curb SME access to financing, stalling recovery—Neda Chua said this entails adding three more groups to Neda: the Strategy and Results Group; Monitoring and Evaluation Group; and Legislative, Legal and Institutions Group.

This will mean the number of groups in the Neda Secretariat will become seven from the current four—Policy and

Planning; Regional Development; Investment Programming; and Corporate Affairs.

These changes will include the creation of Innovation and Strategic Foresight Staffs under the proposed Strategy and Results Group while Monitoring and Evaluation will be divided into two staffs, Monitoring and Evaluation.

Under the Investment Programming Group, the current Infrastructure Staff will be divided into two—Connectivity Infrastructure Staff and Social Infrastructure Staff.

The current Legal and Governance Staff of Neda will be lumped under the proposed Legislative, Legal and Institutions

Group together with a new staff, the Legislative Liaison Staff.

“All of these, we will propose as amendments to the Neda bill. And it is not necessarily that we will ask for a big budget. We will try our best to do efficiency and internal reorganization so that we try to live within our means. I think that is what we will do first before

asking for more budget. We will also do scrap and build,” Chua said.

The Neda also aims to review the structural integrity, and retrofit if needed, of its 45-year-old building in Pasig City. The Neda has another building in Makati which is currently closed due to structural issues.

The oversight agency will also

continued from a12

focus on using data science to improve their internal service delivery, as well as institutionalize knowledge management.

This will help Neda and the government to have a single source of truth for all data so that the agency will have no problems with different data from different sources. Cai U. Ordinario

TheBroa

Business

A6 Thursday, October 14, 2021• www.businessmirror.com.ph

Telco, fintech weigh in M

By Rizal Raoul Reyes

@brownindio

ONDAYS are never liked, especially in local eSports.

It was a Monday when the “largest and most prestigious mobile games competition in Southeast Asia,” Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League, issued a statement confirming irregularities in Week 7 of the eighth season of the Philippines contest.

“We are aware of the controversial behavior during the match between Nexplay EVOS and Omega Esports in Week 7,” MPL Phi l ippines’s statement read. “Please be assured that the MPL PH Operating Committee will investigate and take necessary actions per our rule book and guidelines.”

The MPL Philippines Operating Committee issued a statement saying it is conducting an investigation.

“We will work and listen to the feedback of our fans to build a more professional tournament for all,” the 2-paragraph statement read.

This may be inane to some but the statement mirrors that eSports, especially tournaments, is taken very seriously in the country. Just take the fines that MPL Philippines said (in its Facebook page) it will issue to those involved in the controversy: $500 (P25,324.25 at current exchange rates) to $3,000 (P151,945.50).

The gravitas of eSports in the Philippines comes with the phenomenal growth of competitive video gaming.

According to Ireland-headquartered Research and Markets Ltd., the global esports market reached a value of nearly $1.070 billion in 2020, having increased at a compound annual growth rate of 16 percent since 2015.

The online research store added that this market is expected to grow to $2.108 billion in 2025 at a rate of 14.5 percent.

Booming industry

EVEN Dennis Anthony H. Uy, CEO of Converge ICT Solutions Inc., expressed excitement over the growth of eSports.

The self-made billionaire said he is aware that the current youth generation is going bananas over eSports. Uy told the BusinessMirror he doesn’t blame them because competitive video gaming has now become a lucrative activity for young people who can earn megabucks after winning.

To respond to the increasing needs of the network and customers, Uy said Converge ICT will embark on a substantial upgrading of its network.

“We are supporting eSports by providing capacity to the gamers,” he told the BusinessMirror. “We ensure that the latency and connection to the server will be fast enough for the gamers.”

According to Uy, the listed firm will double the data transmission capacity of its metro backbone from the existing 400 Gigabit per second (Gbps) to 800 Gbps, in anticipation of the use of next-generation, hyper-scale capacity applications over its fiber optic network.

“This aims to reduce latency and to allow for high-speed data transfers needed for next-generation technologies such as the

Internet of Things and ‘smart cities,’” he said.

Expanding access

ACCORDING to Uy, the “developments in cloud computing, big data, virtual reality, combined with the increasing demands on remote storage and streaming technology, are creating massive demand on our network and data centers.

“We want to respond to the high-capacity needs of our network and customers; and to be able to accommodate any new-generation technologies they may have.”

Putting a premium on customer satisfaction, Uy said Converge ICT continues to invest in technological improvements to deliver high quality of service. Their efforts have yielded dividends as Converge has consistently topped the “Netflix ISP Speed Index” for the Philippines, which ranks Internet service providers (ISP) in terms of prime-time Netflix performance.

Internet testing and analysis provider Ookla LLC. recently verified Converge ICT as the most consistent fixed internet provider in six regions, including Metro Manila. The Seattle, Washingtonheadquartered Ookla based this on its recent speed-test intelligence analysis for the second quarter of the year.

The other regions with consi ste nt Converge IC T I nter net connectivity are Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-BatangasRizal-Quezon), Ilocos, Central Luzon, Bicol and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Historical roots

FOR financial technology (fintech) company PayMaya Philippines Inc., entering the ESports arena is a good business move as it sees the Philippine mobile games industry as a high growth area.

Paymaya Chief Marketing Officer Pepe Torres told the BusinessMirror that since the firm’s early years, professional and casual gamers, especially those who don’t own a credit card, have been utilizing the company’s e-wallet “as a way to get more convenient and secure transactions on their gaming purchases.”

“As we continue to power a seamless gaming experience for our customers through digital payments, we also continue to strengthen our support to the esports community,” Torres, also managing director for Paymaya’s consumer business, added.

Since 2019, the subsidiary of PLDT Inc. has been building its partnership with different organizations to promote eSports.

That year, PayMaya partnered with “The Nationals,” the country’s first and only franchisebased eSports league, and became the league’s official digital payments platform. Under the partnership, the eSports athletes

participating in “The Nationals” were all enabled with PayMaya accounts where they received their winnings.

Envelope pushing

THIS year, Torres said the company further pushed the envelope in supporting the gaming industry with the launch of PlayMaya, a fintech-first in-app service elevating the gaming experience of Filipinos. Further, the firm introduced the “PlayMaya Tournament,” an online multi-league tournament for gamers nationwide with over P10-million worth of prizes up for grabs.

The tournament aims to gather mobile gamers from across the country to compete in some of the most popular mobile games today such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile.

Torres said this is a major step for his company and ultimately would further boost the growth of the already-flourishing eSports industry.

When PayMaya was launched in 2016, Marcos recalled that the local eSports industry was already on the growth path.

During that year, the local team TNC defeated the powerhouse European team, OG, in the International 6; considered as one of the biggest upsets in DOTA 2 history.

Attracting gamers

THE gaming industry also attracted non-professional players, also known as casual gamers, Torres pointed out.

A report published by London, UK-based YouGov Plc. in 2020 revealed that 80 percent, or four out of five Filipinos, engaged in mobile or video games.

Meanwhile, data from a study by games insights and analytics firm Newzoo International B.V in 2020, revealed that the Philippines is the world’s 25th largest market in game revenue and a key driver of Southeast Asia’s overall games market in 2019.

To push the growth of eSports further, PayMaya has to address the challenge of finding ways on how it can further empower the growing industry.

According to Torres, they introduced “PlayMaya” to provide “an all-in-one gaming service that elevates the gaming experience, whether through more gamingrelated products, exclusive content or even casual games.”

He told the BusinessMirror the PlayMaya Tournament already started with qualifier games.

“We’re looking forward to a more explosive final [leg] in November,” Torres said.

He added they launched the tournament “as a way to open up opportunities for aspiring esports athletes across the country.”

Leadership assertion

FOR Globe Telecom Inc., it is imperative to be a major force in eSports.

“Being the purveyor of the digital lifestyle, the core focus for Globe Telecom in games has been to lead in the development of the esports landscape in the Philippines since 2018 when we first launched our esports programs,” Senior Vice President for Content Business and Product Management Nikkolai Z. Acosta told the BusinessMirror.

“It’s been our push to solidify the country’s position amongst regional esports giants and we continue to do so by providing numerous opportunities for gamers to play, compete and win in eSports,” Acosta added.

According to the executive, Globe Telecom has formed strategic partnership with Los Angeles, California-headquartered Riot Games Inc. in hosting the ICON Series and the Valorant Challengers Series. The latter two are the local professional leagues for “League of Legends: Wild Rift” and Valorant.

Targeting students

A SIDE from bringing professional leagues to the local gaming scene, Globe Telecom concentrated on uplifting the quality of play and programs for grassroots

eSports, according to Acosta.

They also tapped the education sec tor t hrough t he telecommunication f ir m’s g rassroots program to elevate eSports in schools across the country and develop the skills of aspiring eSports professionals.

The program called “AcadArena” is the company’s collegiate and university eSports program that has been running multiple tournaments for student gamers “while at the same time promoting good academic values as they balance work and play in school.”

At the same time, the company wants to dispel the misconception that by engaging in eSports, young people will not have good career prospects. “eSports is more than a game,” Acosta said. “As the industry continues to grow, it can offer several viable career options for students and professional employees alike.”

He admits, however, that the eSports curriculum is “still in its infancy.” “ We’re cur rently ex plor ing different ways we can support these efforts,” Acosta told the BusinessMirror.

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Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, October 14, 2021

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n on future of esports BusinessMirror, citing the firm’s own data. eSports, to note, has 225 million fans across the region.

Alimurung added that according to their data, the Philippines as of January 2021 has a market size of 51 million players, growing 19 percent since July 2020.

He also noted that mobile gaming is gaining in popularity.

In fact, 87 percent of gamers in Southeast Asia use mobile devices to play games, which is significantly higher than 60 percent in North America and 59 percent in Europe, Alimurung said.

He said they discovered that “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” is the top gaming title played and watched among fans in the Philippines.

A limur ung added that the growth potential of eSports offers a lot of opportunities for the Philippines.

He cited the partnership between ONE eSports and Unilever Philippines Inc. last year that was able to engage the wider Mobile Legends community through Unilever-branded online community tournaments.

Marketing ties

FURTHER, ONE eSports worked with Unilever to produce a series of Unilever-branded video guides to enable players to upgrade their gameplay, according to Alimurung.

According to the Research and Markets firm, the esports market is segmented by revenue source into sponsorship, advertising, merchandise and tickets, publisher fees and media rights.

“The sponsorship market was the largest segment of the esports market segmented by revenue source, accounting for 61.2 percent of the total in 2020,” the Ireland-based company said on October 12. “Going forward, the advertising segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the esports market segmented by platform, at a CAGR of 19.7 percent during 2020 to 2025.”

BM GRAPHICS: JOB RUZGAL

Heading forward

Healthy future

THE listed firm also launched its first “eSports merit scholarship” program. Under this program, students will be able to “pursue their passions while at the same time get the very best education available to them,” Acosta explained.

The executive said the company also continues to build its eSports team. The team called “Liyab” is currently competing in two major tournaments: The Pacific Championship Series for League of Legends PC and the ICON Series for League of Legends Wild Rift.

Acosta said Globe Telecom

a lso cont inues to work w it h many different communities to promote eSports development by engaging student communities and organizations, inf luencers and content creators, league operators and developers, as well as niche communities that are getting into esports like advertisers.

He told the BusinessMirror that the company wants to provide the total package for eSpor ts athletes and reg u lar students as well as open opportunities for them to grow their careers in esports, technology

and med ia industr y t hrough educational programs developed with the help of industry leaders and experts.

Acosta said Globe Telecom would like explore more eSports programs with local government units.

“The private sector cannot do this alone,” he said.

Yield growth

THE Philippines is the secondlargest market in Southeast Asia for gaming and eSports, after Indonesia, ONE Esports Pte. Ltd. CEO Carlos Alimurung told the

ALIMURUNG believes the eSports industry needs great storytelling to gain a bigger traction.

Just like traditional sports, he said “the individual personalities usually draw our attention, capture the imaginations and tug at the hearts of the fans.”

“Our aim is to ensure that esports athletes are recognized and elevated to the same tier as other global icons like Serena Williams, [Cristiano] Ronaldo, [James] LeBron and [Roger] Federer,” Alimurung told the BusinessMirror.

Through one of its core properties, the company has pushed inclusivity by localizing the content in English, Tagalog, Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese and Thai.

It covered the Filipino team OB.Neon’s incredible performance during the ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore Major earlier this year.

“OB.Neon was the last Southeast Asian team standing in the tournament and they exceeded expectations,” Alimurung said.

He added that eSports also experienced an exponential increase in interest, viewership and participation over the years and will keep growing regardless of the pandemic.

Empowering women

CITING their data, Alimurung said women are one of the growth drivers of esports, especially in Southeast Asia.

“In this region, women account for almost half of the esports community in the region,” Alimurung told the BusinessMirror.

I nterest i ng ly, t he g a m i ng audience in the Philippines is

dominated by women, with a 48-percent male and 52-percent female split. He attributed this to the widespread adoption of mobile phones and the rise of new players in the video streaming market, which have enabled easier access to more gaming titles and eSports content.

Further, his firm’s insights show that women are drawn to esports and gaming for different reasons than men.

For female gamers, esports and gaming provide them with a sense of community and self-expression, whereas men tend to be more focused on competition and climbing up the ranks, Alimurung said. He added that 96 percent of female gamers surveyed indicated that playing and/or watching games with friends is a great bonding activity.

The future is bright for women in esports, he said adding they plan to expand opportunities for women in the industry.

Alimurung shared the story of Filipino “Tekken 7” professional gamer Alexa “RR Asahina” Gabriel, a trans-woman who has become popular in the gaming community.

He also noted that Philippines’ cosplay queen and gamer Alodia Gosiengfiao has launched her own makeup line.

Alimurung, likewise, cited the story of 46-year old mother of three-Alma “Nanay Gaming” Enario, the most wholesome streamer of “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.”

“She was making puto (steamed rice cakes) and selling them for a living before becoming a streamer and capturing the hearts of the community,” he said.

Rise of PTE

ACCORDING to David Tng, head of growth at TZ Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., gaming in the blockchain space is experiencing a lot of innovations as developers and users test out a broad range of new concepts from the establishment of DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations).

These DAOs influence gameplay, in-game assets (through non-fungible tokens or NFTs) that can be bought, traded and sold between players, and most recently, the booming popularity of the play-to-earn (PTE) model wherein players can “cash-out” their successes in the game. “ These three developments have enabled new ways for gamers to participate and interact not only with each other in-play but with gaming developers themselves,” Tng told the BusinessMirror.

He cited as an example the DAO tokens, which allow a gaming community to vote on updates, granting them power to directly influence the evolution of the game in a way that never existed before.

NFTs on the other hand, enable the development of an in-game economy that is under the control and ownership of the players themselves, Tng explained.

“This has also given rise to the play-to-earn model as players can loan in-game assets to other players for interest or sell them on marketplaces for cryptocurrency,” he added.

More games

TNG said blockchain facilitates the tokenization of in-game assets, from cosmetic features like character skins to in-game currencies, which can yield real-world value based on their levels of demand from other players within the gaming realm.

The PTE model has bailed out families in their financial problems, according to Tng. “In an extremely challenging economic environment, [PTE]

gaming has provided an alternative source of income generation, creating financial relief for many families, particularly in developing economies,” he said.

Tng said Axie Infinity was the primary example of this development in the Philippines. Similar trends are being seen worldwide, from Vietnam to Venezuela, he added.

“For example, ‘gold farming’ in RuneScape has buffered Venezuelans from hyper-inflated economic conditions, as gamers sell their gold in exchange for cryptocurrencies, enabling access to US dollars,” Tng said.

With a growing international appeal, Axie and blockchain-based gaming would attract esports enthusiasts, from both a player and spectator standpoint. Although a lot of a people are lured for their earning potential, the entertainment value cannot be underestimated. The most appealing games are both fun to play and entertaining to watch.

“Blockchain-based gaming is still in its infancy and so, as more games are developed, the most successful will need to balance earning potential with entertainment value,” Tng said.

Axie Infinity

TOKENIZED games such as Axie Infinity rely on external funding for professional teams. Nevertheless, the most important part is purchasing of the precise in-game assets considered necessary for their competitive strategy. Currently, Tng said basic level Axie is valued around $310 (at time of writing), while custom breeds cost exponentially more.

By leveraging blockchain technology for their brand success, esports teams can have “infinite possibilities.” “For example, teams could launch a series of collaborative, limited edition NFTs with sponsor brands for their fan communities. Further, they could create a team token or DAO that would allow their fanbase to vote on things such as their team jersey colour, to build a sense of community,” Tng explained.

Tng pointed out that the business sector must take a serious look at the gaming sector because it was not affected by the pandemic.

He noted that video game industry revenue grew tremendously during the pandemic, with Asia Pacific gaming revenue estimated to breach $174 billion by 2021. Mobile games account for nearly half of this revenue. The global gaming market is set to reach $256.97 billion by 2025, with more than 2.5 billion people worldwide playing games. “By the end of 2020, gamers have spent $4.5 billion on immersive games,” he said.

New economies

THE advent of blockchain gave the traditional and established communities an opportunity to reinvent themselves and pave the way for new gaming economies, according to Tng. The PTE games offer a great opportunity for businesses and investors to step foot into the world of gaming at a lower level.

Just like sponsoring competitive teams, businesses have an opportunity to sponsor scholarships for play-to-earn gamers who have high audience reach.

“It also offers players an investment opportunity and even maybe a way to earn a living,” Tng said.

Apart from income generation, it also offers community building, which businesses can harness to fuel their own brand-ecosystem.

And maybe this could also lead to gaming any day of the week, even Mondays.

A8

Thursday, October 14, 2021

TheWorld BusinessMirror

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

Russia posts new record for Covid deaths, Kremlin rules out lockdown

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OSCOW—Russia hit another record of daily coronavirus deaths Tuesday as the country struggled with a rapid surge of infections and lagging vaccination rates, but authorities have been adamant that there would be no new national lockdown.

The government coronavirus task force reported 973 coronavirus deaths, the highest daily toll since the start of the pandemic.

Russia has repeatedly hit record daily death tolls this month, and daily infections also have been hovering near all-time highs, with 28,190 new cases reported Tuesday.

Despite the rapidly mounting toll, the Kremlin has ruled out a nationwide lockdown, delegating the power to make decisions on toughening coronavirus restrictions to regional authorities.

The soaring infections raised the pressure on Russia’s health

care system, with hospitals filling up quickly. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said 11 percent of Russia’s 235,000 hospitalized Covid-19 patients are in serious or critical condition.

Overall, Russia’s coronavirus task force has registered over 7.8 million confirmed cases and 218,345 deaths—the highest death toll in Europe. Yet the state statistics agency Rosstat, which also counts deaths where the virus wasn’t considered the main cause, has reported a much higher total—about 418,000 deaths of people with Covid-19.

Crows sit on grave crosses in the section of a cemetery reserved for coronavirus victims in Kolpino, outside St. Petersburg, Russia on October 12. Russia hit another record of daily coronavirus deaths Tuesday as the country struggled with a rapid surge of infections and lagging vaccination rates, but authorities have been adamant that there would be no new national lockdown.AP/Dmitri Lovetsky

If that higher number is used, Russia would be the fourth hardest-hit nation in the world during the pandemic, after the United States, Brazil and India. Even the lower mortality figure only shifts Russia down to fifth place, after Mexico.

The Russian government has blamed the sharp rise in infections and deaths that began last

month on a slow vaccination rate.

Only 47.8 million Russians, or almost 33 percent of its nearly 146 million people, have received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine, and 42.4 million, about 29 percent, were fully vaccinated, the government said Friday.

Speaking at a meeting with newly elected Russian lawmakers, Russian President V ladimir

Putin emphasized on Tuesday the importance of broad vaccination and urged lawmakers to help encourage the population to get the shots. “ We mu s t p at ie nt l y a nd persistent ly work w it h people and ex pla in a l l t he advantages of prophyl act ics aga inst t hat d a n g e r o u s d i s e a s e ,” P u t i n sa id, not ing t hat t he popu l at ion must be persu aded to get t he shots w it hout resor t ing to ad m inist rat ive pressu re.

Amid a quick tide of infections, some Russian regions have restricted attendance at large public events and limited access to theaters, restaurants and other places to people who have been vaccinated, recently recovered from Covid-19 or tested negative in the previous 72 hours.

But life remains largely normal in Moscow, St. Petersburg and many other Russian cities, with businesses operating as usual and mask mandates loosely enforced. In Moscow, the authorities expanded free coronavirus tests in shopping malls, hoping it would help stem contagion. AP

US to reopen land borders in Nov for fully vaccinated

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A S H I N G T O N —T h e US will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel next month, ending a 19-month freeze due to the Covid-19 pandemic as the country moves to require all international visitors to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Vehicle, rail and ferr y travel between the US and Canada and Mexico has been largely restricted to essential travel, such as trade, since the earliest days of the pandemic. The new rules, to be announced Wednesday, will allow fully vaccinated foreign nationals to enter the US rega rd less of t he rea son for travel starting in early November, when a similar easing of restrictions is set to kick in for air travel into the countr y.

By mid-Januar y, even essential travelers seeking to enter the US, like truck drivers, will need to be fully vaccinated.

Senior administration officials previewed the new policy late Tuesday on the condition of anonymity to speak ahead of the formal announcement.

Both Mexico and Canada have pressed the US for months to ease restrictions on travel that have separated families and curtailed leisure trips since the onset of the pandemic. The latest move follows last month’s announcement that the US will end countrybased travel bans for air travel, and instead require vaccination for foreign nationals seeking to enter by plane.

Both policies will take effect in early November, the officials said. They did not specify a particular date.

The new rules only apply to legal entry to the US. Officials cautioned that those seeking to enter illegally will still be subject to expulsion under so-called Title 42 authority, first invoked by

former President Donald Trump, that has drawn criticism from immigration advocates for swiftly removing migrants before they can seek asylum. One of the officials said the US was continuing the policy because cramped conditions in border patrol facilities pose a Covid-19 threat.

According to the officia ls, travelers entering the US by vehicle, rail and ferry will be asked about their vaccination status as part of the standard US Customs and Border Protection admissions process. At officers’ discretion, travelers will have their proof of vaccination verified in a secondary screening process.

Unlike air travel, for which proof of a negative Covid-19 test is required before boarding a flight to enter the US, no testing will be required to enter the US by land or sea, provided the travelers meet the vaccination requirement.

According to the Centers for

China: Military drills and flights were needed to defend Taiwan

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EIJING — China’s recent increase in military exercises and warplane missions near Taiwan—which have raised concerns around the region—were necessary to defend the nation’s sovereig nt y and territory, a Chinese official said Wednesday.

China’s military flew 56 planes off the southwest coast of Taiwan on a single day earlier this month, a single-day record that capped four days of a sustained pressure campaign involving 149 flights. All were in international airspace, but the display raised fears that any misstep could provoke an unintended escalation in the region.

Taiwan views China’s moves as advertising its threat to bring the island it claims as its own territory under its control by military means as necessary. The sides split amid civil war in 1949 and have no official contacts.

The purpose of the maneuvers w a s to “ f u nd a ment a l ly safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” said

Ma Xiaoguang, spokeman for the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office.

“The People’s Liberation Army exercises are necessary actions to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ma told reporters at a biweekly news conference in Beijing.

Ma blamed actions by Taiwan’s independence-leaning democratically elected government and its relations with “external forces” for heightening tensions.

Outside observers say the military maneuvers are intended to degrade Taiwan’s physical defense capabilities through wear and tear, while turning the citizenry against their leaders through a form of psychological warfare.

Taiwan, a close US ally, scrambled jets to intercept the Chinese aircraft and activated its missile air defense systems. It is also working to boost its defenses by buying new technology from the US and developing domestic systems, including submarines.

Public opinion surveys show the vast majority of Taiwanese in favor of maintaining their de facto independent status without giving in to China’s demands for

political unification.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ingwen on Sunday vowed to defend the island from China’s rising pressure after a week of unprecedented tensions with Beijing.

She spoke a day after Chinese leader Xi Jinping said annexing Taiwan “must be realized,” while saying that was best brought about by peaceful means.

However, Xi also added that, “No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s strong determination, will and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

While such rhetoric is familiar, many see an increased possibility of conflict arising from Xi’s desire to resolve what China refers to as the “Taiwan question,” and the Taiwanese leadership’s resolve to maintain the status quo of de facto independence.

Ta iwa nese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng earlier this month called the situation the most severe in the 40 years since his enlistment and that he believed China would have “comprehensive” capabilities to invade Taiwan by 2025. AP

Disease Control and Prevention, the US will accept travelers who have been fully vaccinated with any of the vaccines approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization, not just those in use in the US. That means that the AstraZeneca vaccine, widely used in Canada, will be accepted.

Officials said the CDC was still working to formalize procedures for admitting those who received doses of two different vaccines, as was fairly common in Canada.

The delay in the vaccination requirement for essential crossborder travel is meant to provide truck drivers and others with additional time to get a shot and minimize potential economic disruption from the vaccination mandate, officials said.

All told, the new procedures move toward a policy based on the risk profiles of individuals, rather than less targeted countrybased bans.

The vaccination requirement for foreign nationals comes as the White House has moved to impose sweeping vaccination-or-testing requirements affecting as many as 100 million people in the US in an effort to encourage holdouts to get shots.

On Tuesday, the US Department of Labor completed the initial draft of an emergency regulation that will require employers of 100 workers or more to demand their employees be v acc i n ated aga i nst Cov id-19 or tested weekly. The Office of Management and Budget is now reviewing the order before its implementation.

Mexico has not put in place any Covid-19 entry procedures for travelers. Canada allows entry of fully vaccinated individuals with proof of vaccination against Covid-19 as well as proof of a negative test conducted within 72 hours of entry to the country. AP

European companies urge China to better manage energy crisis

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E uropean b u s i n e s s organization called on China to improve its handling of the energy crisis, saying some companies are complaining they get text messages in the middle of the night telling them to halt the next day’s production.

Representatives of the European Union Chamber of Commerce said at a video conference on Wednesday that firms sometimes get just an hour’s notice to reschedule shifts at plants with 1,000 employees.

“We need far better communication from the government in order to help our companies to cope,” said Joerg Wuttke, the organization’s head. “We don’t ask for privileges. We just ask for clarity.”

T he chamber asked author it i e s i n t h e w o r l d ’s s e c o n d l a rgest economy to rev ise how t hey dec ide wh ic h compa nies must c ut or cease product ion, ca l l ing for a “scient if ic, trans pa rent approac h ” a nd bet ter

commu nicat ion of dec isions.

The complaints underscore the troubles businesses are having with a power crunch rippling across China, hitting factor y floors and homes as the nation’s coal-based electricity producers can’t buy enough of the fuel.

The crisis is impacting several provinces and crimping growth forecasts.

Price increases

The government last week took its most dramatic step yet to address the problem, with the cabinet letting electricity prices rise as much as 20 percent against a benchmark, compared with the previous cap of 10 percent.

The European chamber started voicing its concerns about the electricity situation in May when Klaus Zenkel, board chairman of the chapter in southern China, said about 100 of the 250 members had been affected by the shortages. AP

Harvard moves summer program from ‘unfriendly’ Beijing to Taipei

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arvard Un iversit y ’s Chinese language prog ram w i l l relocate to Taipei from Beijing, citing a hostile environment in China amid strained diplomatic relations between the world’s two largest economies.

The Harvard Beijing Academy will leave the Beijing Language and Culture University where it has been since 2005, Har vard C r i m son st udent ne w s paper wrote. The academy will form a new pa r t nersh ip w it h National Taiwan University next summer.

The program decided to move because of a “perceived lack of friendliness” from BLCU, program director Jennifer Liu said, according to the Crimson. That included barring students from holding a Fourth of July party in 2019 and limiting access to classrooms and dorms, Liu said, spec u l at ing t h at t he c h a nge was due to shifting attitudes toward the US under President X i Jinping.

A representative for BLCU disputed Liu’s account and warned that such statements could harm people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The university fully supported efforts by academy students to use facilities and hold activities on school grounds, the representative said, adding that administrators only responded to a noise complaint about Fourth of July celebrations in 2019.

The academy is a nine-week course joint ly set up by t he universities to let Iv y League students study local language and culture and “ become a messenger of friendship between China and the US,” according to BLCU’s website. The program was suspended last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the BLCU representative said.

Many joint education programs remain between the two countries, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma X iaoguang told a reg u lar news br ief ing Wednesday in Beijing, adding that one institution relocating was “nothing to hy pe”. China welcomes foreign students and protects their legitimate rights and interests, Foreign Ministry Spokesm a n Z h ao L iji a n sa id during a regular press briefing Wednesday.

T he a n nou ncement comes as competition intensifies between Beijing and Taipei, and the US ramps up criticism of China’s increased military pressure on the self-ruled island.

While Washington and Beijing have been rebuilding communication lines in recent weeks, the program departure’s highlights lingering tensions between the two sides after years of disputes that targeted education among other things.

At least 50 0 C hinese st udents have been denied visas to the US under a Trump-era policy that aims to block Beijing from obtaining US technolog y with possible militar y uses. A US government-sponsored language program for university students relocated from Beijing to Taipei in 2019, partly due to political tensions according to media reports.

William Kirby, chair of the Harvard Center Shanghai, told the Harvard Crimson that most organizations affiliated with the school weren’t relocating and said the Harvard Beijing Academy’s move to Taiwan was for “purely logistical reasons.”

Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou praised the decision, welcoming “Harvard’s best and brightest to study Mandarin” in Taipei.

Bloomberg News

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 14, 2021

A9

Energy agency urges bigger global push to cut emissions

In this May 19, file photo, a licensed practical nurse draws a Moderna Covid-19 vaccine into a syringe at a mass vaccination clinic at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Starting Thursday, October 14, the Food and Drug Administration convenes its independent advisers for the first stage in the process of deciding whether extra shots of Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines should be dispensed and, if so, who should get them and when. AP/Steven Senne

Next on FDA’s agenda: Booster shots of Moderna, J&J vaccines

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A SH I NG T ON —W it h many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn.

Federal regulators begin tackling that question this week.

On Thursday and Friday, the Food and Drug Administration convenes its independent advisers for the first stage in the process of deciding whether extra doses of the two vaccines should be dispensed and, if so, who should get them and when. The final goahead is not expected for at least another week.

After the FDA advisers give their recommendation, the agency itself will make a decision on whether to authorize boosters.

Then next week, a panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will offer more specifics on who should get them. Its decision is subject to approval by the CDC director.

The process is meant to bolster public confidence in the vaccines.

But it has already led to conflicts among experts and agencies — and documents the FDA released Tuesday suggest this week’s decisions will be equally difficult.

In one earlier vaccine dispute, the CDC’s advisory panel last month backed Pfizer boosters at the six-month point for older Americans, nursing home residents and people with underlying health problems. But CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky overruled her advisers and decided boosters should also be offered to those with high-risk jobs such as teachers and health care workers, adding tens of millions more Americans to the list.

Some health experts fear the back-and-forth deliberations are muddling the public effort to persuade the unvaccinated to get their first shots. They worry that the talk of boosters will lead people to wrongly doubt the effectiveness of the vaccines in the first place.

When the FDA’s panel meets to review the Moderna and J&J vaccines, experts will discuss whether a third Moderna shot should contain just half the original dose and what’s the best timing for a second shot of the single-dose J&J vaccine.

The panel will also look into the safety and effectiveness of mixingand-matching different brands of vaccine, something regulators have not endorsed so far.

A n est imated 103 m i l l ion Americans are fully vaccinated with Pfizer’s formula, 69 million with Moderna’s and 15 million with J&J’s, according to the CDC. Regulators took up the question of Pfizer boosters first because the company submitted its data ahead of the other vaccine makers.

Tim Anderson, a US history teacher at a high school outside Louisville, Kentucky, already had his two Moderna shots months before he came down with Covid-19 in August. While his symptoms hit him “like a sledgehammer,” he is convinced that the inoculation saved him and his girlfriend from the more severe effects of the disease.

T he t wo a re now awa it ing

c lea ra nce of a Moder na booster shot.

“Until we can build up enough immunity within our own self and, you know, as a group of humans, I’m willing to do what I need to do,” Anderson, 58, said.

The FDA meetings come as US vaccinations have climbed back above 1 million per day on average, an increase of more than 50 percent over the past two weeks.

The rise has been driven mainly

by Pfizer boosters and employer vaccine mandates.

While the FDA and CDC so far have endorsed Pfizer boosters for specific groups only, Biden administration officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, have suggested that extra shots will eventually be recommended for most Americans.

In a new review of Moderna’s data, the FDA did not indicate Tuesday if it was leaning toward clearing the company’s booster.

It said vaccines used in the US still provide protection, and it raised questions about some of Moderna’s data.

The two initial Moderna shots contain 100 micrograms of vaccine each. But the drugmaker says 50 micrograms ought to be enough for a booster for healthy people.

A company study of 344 people gave them a 50-microgram shot six months after their second dose, and levels of virus-fighting antibodies jumped. Moderna said the booster even triggered a 42-fold rise in antibodies able to target the extra-contagious delta variant.

Side effects were similar to the fevers and aches that Moderna recipients commonly experience after their second regular shot, the company said.

As for people who got the J&J vaccine, the company submitted data to the FDA for different options: a booster shot at two months or at six months. The company said in its FDA submission that a six-month booster is recommended but that a second dose could be given at two months in some situations.

J& J released data in September showing that a booster given at two months provided 94 percent protection against moderate -to -severe Cov id-19 i n fec t ion. T he compa ny h a s not disclosed patient data on a six-month booster, but early measures of virus-fighting antibodies suggest it provides even higher protection.

Even without a booster, J&J says, its vaccine remains about 80 percent effective at preventing Covid-19 hospitalizations in the US. Scientists emphasize that all three vaccines used in the US still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from Covid-19. The issue is how quickly, and how much, protection against milder infection may wane.

In one recent study, researchers compared about 14,000 people who had gotten their first Moderna dose a year ago with 11,000 vaccinated eight months ago. As the Delta variant surged in July and August, the more recently vaccinated group had a 36 percent lower rate of “breakthrough” infections compared with those vaccinated longer ago. AP

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RANKFURT, Germany—The International Energy Agency is urging governments to make stronger commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions at an upcoming UN climate summit, warning the world is not on track to meet environmental goals and that new investment in clean energy was needed to “jolt the energy system onto a new set of rails.”

The Paris-based international organization said Wednesday in its annual world energy outlook that great strides have been made to move away from fossil fuels by relying on more wind and solar energy, while electric vehicles are setting sales records.

But the economic rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic also has seen an increase in the use of coal and oil, the report said, as well as a leap in emissions. Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas that scientists blame for climate change.

“The world’s hugely encouraging clean energy momentum is running up against the stubborn incumbency of fossil fuels in our energy systems,” said Fatih Birol, executive director of the 30-country IEA. Governments at the summit

needed to “give a clear and unmistakable signal that they are committed to rapidly scaling up the clean and resilient technologies of the future. The social and economic benefits of accelerating clean energy transitions are huge, and the costs of inaction are immense.”

The report said the recovery was putting major strains on parts of the energy system, leading to sharp rises in prices for natural gas, coal and electricity as worldwide energy demand is set to regain the ground lost last year during the pandemic.

Electricity demand in particular had come “roaring back” in Asia, leading to a rise in the use of coal-fired plants. Such energy crunches were a prelude of more disruption to come if investment in new sources of energy did not

In this April 29, file photo, a coal-fired RWE power plant steams on a sunny day in Neurath, Germany. The International Energy Agency is urging governments to make stronger commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions at an upcoming UN climate summit. The 30-country organization said on October 13, in its annual world energy outlook that the economic rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic also has seen an increase in the use of coal and oil as well as a leap in emissions. AP/Martin Meissner

increase, according to the report.

Representatives of more than 200 countries will gather for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, to discuss new targets for cutting or curbing the growth of emissions that contribute to climate change.

The goal under the 2015 Paris climate accord is to limit the rise of global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the rise to 1.5 degrees.

The UN’s scientific committee on climate change has said emissions must be cut to net zero—when greenhouse gases

UK economy grows less than expected as services disappoint

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he UK economy grew less than expected as shoppers reined in spending, raising doubt about whether output will return to pre-pandemic levels this year. Gross domestic product rose 0.4 percent in August, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday. A series of revisions showed an unexpected drop in July, leaving the economy 0.8 percent smaller than it was when Covid-19 struck in February 2020.

The figures add to evidence Britain’s recovery is being squeezed by supply shortages and a jump in the cost of goods.

That may give the Bank of England reason to delay an increase in interest rates that financial markets anticipate will come this year.

“The prospect of rising costs, further disruptions, and a potential winter wave of Covid cases could threaten a fragile economic recovery,” said Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK. The data did little to disrupt investors’ view that the BOE will hike rates this year.

Markets are betting on the first move coming in December, with a further two increases by the middle of next year.

Growth of more than 2 percent will be needed in September if the third quarter overall is to expand by 2.1 percent, as the BOE recently predicted. That’s unlikely, meaning the economy may remain short of pre-Covid levels on a quarterly basis until

next year.

“The final quarter of the year will be challenging amid a continued supply crisis, soaring energy prices and a squeeze on household incomes. We don’t expect quarterly GDP to reach its pre-pandemic level until early next year,” said Bloomberg economist Dan Hanson.

Households are also facing a cost of living squeeze that threatens to weigh on spending, with energy bills and taxes set to increase sharply in the spring.

The ONS said services grew 0.3 percent in August, half the pace expected because of drops in retail sales and health care output.

Construction shrank during the month, but both manufacturing and industrial production were stronger than expected.

“The recovery is certainly facing more headwinds,” said Martin Beck, senior economic adviser to the EY ITEM Club.

“While growth will likely slow over the rest of this year and into 2022, the expansion should prove to be down, but not out.” The report comes a day after data showing the labor market remained in robust health last month, reflecting a boom in hiring after the end of lockdowns. Policy makers are hoping that means employers will absorb many of the 1 million people who were still receiving furlough benefits when the program ended on Sept. 30.

Total imports of goods, excluding precious metals, fell 3.1 percent in August, while total exports also dropped 4.6 percent,

with the gap between imports to European Union countries and non-EU members closing to its narrowest since the end of the Brexit transition period. The ONS said it was unclear whether this reflected short-term pandemic disruption or longerterm supply chain recalibration.

“With the ongoing pandemic and recession, it is difficult to assess the extent to which this reflects short-term trade disruption or longer-term supply chain adjustments,” the ONS said.

Brexit red tape and limits to doing business with the EU remain the biggest pressure point on firms’ bottom lines, said Ana Boata, head of economic research at trade credit insurer Euler Hermes.

“Added to the mix is the uncertainty created by the Northern Ireland border dispute that further enforces the narrative that this could be a difficult winter for trading with the UK,” she added. Gains in growth since lockdown are a fillup for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak as he prepares to deliver his annual Budget on October27.

The budget deficit in the current fiscal year is forecast to come in well below official forecasts made in March, though progress in repairing the public finances is expected to slow.

“Our economic recovery is continuing with more employees on payrolls than ever before and the UK forecast to have the fastest growth in the G-7 this year,” Sunak said in a statement.

Bloomberg News

are balanced out by their removal from the atmosphere—by 2050 to reach the 1.5-degree limit.

Birol said governments’ current pledges would result in only 20 percent of the reduction by 2030 needed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. He said investment in clean energy and infrastructure would have to triple over the next decade “to jolt the energy system onto a new set or ra i ls.” Most of t hat spend ing wou ld have to come in emerging and developing economies, where f ina nc ing ca n be sca rce a nd wh ic h a re st i l l fac ing a publ ic hea lt h cr isis.

There remains only a “narrow but achievable” pathway to net zero, according to the agency. AP

Americans quit their jobs at record pace in August

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A S H I NG T ON — O n e reason America’s employers a re h av i ng trouble filling jobs was starkly illustrated in a report Tuesday: Americans are quitting in droves.

The Labor Department said that quits jumped to 4.3 million in August, the highest on records dating back to December 2000, and up from 4 million in July. That’s equivalent to nearly 3 percent of the workforce. Hiring also slowed in August, the report showed, and the number of jobs available fell to 10.4 million, from a record high of 11.1 million the previous month.

The data helps fill in a puzzle that is looming over the job market: Hiring slowed sharply in August and September, even as the number of posted jobs was near record levels. In the past year, open jobs have increased 62 percent.

Yet overall hiring, as measured

by Tuesday’s report, has actually declined slightly during that time.

The jump in quits strongly suggests that fear of the Delta variant is partly responsible for the shortfall in workers. In addition to driving quits, fear of the disease probably caused plenty of those out of work to not look for, or take, jobs.

As Covid-19 cases surged in August, quits soared in restaurants and hotels from the previous month and rose in other public-facing jobs, such as retail and education. Nearly 900,000 people left jobs at restaurants, bars, and hotels in August, up 21 percent from July. Quits by retail workers rose 6 percent. AP

A10 Thursday, October 14, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

E-governance can help spur economic growth

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ilipinos have long suffered from the scourge of corruption and red tape in the bureaucracy. Millions of small businesses and struggling entrepreneurs, for example, have to spend so much time, effort and money just to secure permits and licenses from local government units. In 2018, President Duterte signed Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law, in a bid to cure the defects of the previous law, the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. At the same time that the law was signed, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) was also created under the Office of the President.

In an interview with the BusinessMirror, Arta Director General Jeremiah Belgica said the President has always wanted to make it easier for Filipinos to deal with government, adding that the first beneficiary of the government’s efforts to cut red tape would be the ordinary guy who wants to put up a business for his family. He said red tape turns off foreign investors from setting up shop in the Philippines, thus preventing the creation of jobs for Filipinos.

“Cutting red tape will create more jobs, boost income, generate more investments and hasten not only government service but also business turnarounds because people would be investing more. Locals would open more businesses, so economic growth would be much quicker,” he said (See, How do you solve a problem like red tape?, in the BusinessMirror, October 10, 2019).

The best way to eliminate red tape is to automate government services.

According to the law, every agency and local government unit should have undergone full automation by 2021.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr. said Congress could help fast track the national government’s digitalization tack by approving the e-governance law, which will facilitate contactless transactions and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of basic services. He said the President endorsed his proposed e-governance law during the Chief Executive’s last State of the Nation Address (See, e-Governance law’s passage seen hastening digitalization, in the BusinessMirror, October 4, 2021).

E-governance (short for electronic governance) is the use of technology to perform government activities and achieve the objectives of governance. Through e-governance, government services are made available to citizens and businesses in a convenient, efficient and transparent manner.

The basic purpose of e-governance is to simplify processes for all – government agencies, citizens, businesses, etc. at the national and local levels.

It involves the integration of information and communication technology in government processes and functions so as to cause simple, efficient, accountable and transparent governance.

Through e-governance, Villafuerte wants to establish a contactless, electronic-based system of services in all government offices and state-run corporations to do away with paper-based official transactions and physical queuing in government offices, especially during the time of the pandemic. He said the Philippines needs to speed up its digital shift, given the predominance of online transactions and electronic payments, as well as the use of the Internet to access information. He said the use of technology-driven tools will provide the country with new opportunities for growth “and make our economy more inclusive, especially for millions of Filipinos in the countryside.”

The House of Representatives last year approved the e-governance bill, which mandates the establishment of an integrated, interconnected, and interoperable information and resource-sharing and communications network spanning the entirety of the national and local governments. The bill remains pending in the Senate.

Fighting corruption and red tape in the bureaucracy is definitely a gargantuan task, given the sheer number of government departments, bureaus, and agencies. Add to that the 42,046 barangays throughout the country that have the power to issue barangay permits, apart from the 1,634 municipalities and cities that also issue business and other permits.

The 18th Congress can help speed up, simplify and enhance service delivery in government by passing a well-studied e-governance measure. Once signed into law, it will instantly improve the country’s business climate. This will help regain public trust, improve citizen engagement, and encourage more entrepreneurs to start their business. It might even entice more foreign investors to come and invest in the Philippines. Let’s attract more investors so we can create more jobs. Productive citizens help sustain the country’s economic growth.

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Start thinking ahead now John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

T

he leader of a family has the duty and responsibility to provide two things to the members of that family: protection and provision. In return, it is expected that he or she will receive cooperation and participation for the good of the household.

It is an exercise in futility if the house has strong doors and secure locks and family members forget or are too lazy to close the doors at night.

Likewise, those who dwell under the same roof that waste food or electricity, for example, in effect steal the provided provision from all the rest.

From Francis of Assisi—“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”—to Mahatma Gandhi—“An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching”—is the idea that a leader must show the example to follow. But too often we may be caught up in what might be called the “moral” qualities of leadership. Integrity, professionalism, truthfulness, honesty, being diplomatic, and communication are important.

However, what the “followers” say

they want, as evidenced by studies in the corporate sector, is perhaps something different. Topping the list of what subordinates all the way down the ranks want from their “boss” is decisiveness, dependability, loyalty, and reliability.

Perhaps the same applies to nations.

One person that is a private leadership consultant says this: “Effective leaders are those who can make decisions with the information they have. Effective decision-making comes with experience. Effective decisiveness requires research, evaluation, and problem solving, often with a quick turnaround. Decision-makers should be able to pull from their own experience with similar tasks, evaluate what might work best, make the decision, and be confident in

If you want to protect and provide for your family, company, or nation, you must take into account crucial external factors. You must know what is going on and figure out ways to prepare. Lack of knowledge and lack of experience is not an acceptable excuse.

Two words: Google it. taking responsibility for the result.”

We have seen many instances of both competent and incapable leadership—if results are any measure— from local companies in the past 18 months. Some companies were in the right place at the right time and took advantage of opportunities as they presented themselves. Others made opportunities. And yet others are still trying to figure out what happened.

The 21st century is proving to be more difficult almost on a daily basis for the person in charge, both in the private and the public sector.

If you want to protect and provide for your family, company, or nation, you must take into account crucial external factors. You must know what is going on and figure out ways to prepare. Lack of knowledge and lack of experience is not an acceptable excuse. Two words: Google it.

I have mentioned many times in the past five years that “interest rates

haven’t been this low in 5,000 years.”

That is a quote from David Jones, director of global investment strategy at Bank of America in 2021. Oil is the lifeblood of every economy and the oil price is the “blood pressure”.

Interest rates are the “cost” or “value” of cash, not simply how much your “1-pc. Chickenjoy w/ Double Rice” is in pesos. And this 5,000-year low is not going to last forever. Here is the “so what?”

In April 2020, the local price of gasoline was about P40 per liter, the lowest price since 2007. Now the price is about 35 percent higher, at 2014 levels. We did not care back in April 2020 because we were not allowed to drive. A “good” leader would have been at least mentally preparing for the future, thinking low gasoline prices will not last forever and neither will the lockdown.

When the trigger is eventually pulled on interest rates, are you contemplating what the effect might be on your business and personal finances? What will happen when cash becomes “expensive” again?

Think about it. It might not be a pretty picture that you want to be surprised by.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

UN told failure to deal with diversity is root cause of wars

By Edith M. Lederer Associated Press

U

NITED NATIONS—One by one, South Africa’s former president listed African countries Tuesday where the failure to deal with diversity was a root cause of conflict, from the Biafran war in Nigeria in the late 1960s to the current clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

Thabo Mbeki also cited “the centrality of failure to properly manage diversity” in the conflicts in Congo, Burundi, Ivory Coast and Sudan.

He pointed to the 2004 report of the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission “which tells the naked truth, that it was as a result of the failure to manage diversity that the country experienced a very costly 11-year war which started in 1991”—and there is a similar failure to manage diversity “in the violent conflict which has been and is still going on in Cameroon.”

France’s UN ambassador, Nicolas De Riviere, had some additions.

In the Sahel region stretching across northern Africa between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea, “terrorist groups use differences to stir up hatred between communities,” he said. And ethnic and religious violence is also prevalent in the Middle East including Iraq, Yemen and Syria.

They spoke at a UN Security Council meeting on “Diversity, State Building and the Search for Peace” that was organized by Kenya, which holds the council presidency this month, and chaired by its president, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“The key message I wish to deliver today is that poor management of diversity is leading to grave threats to international peace and security,” Kenyatta said.

He said inequality within and between countries “is too often the result of exclusion on the basis of identity” that becomes institutionalized in governments and in economic relations. “And it manifests in stereotyping and bigotry,” leading among other consequences to lack of work for billions of people simply based on who they are, he said.

“The result is a profound sense of grievance and bitterness that populists and demagogues can easily exploit,” Kenyatta said. “It is fodder for terrorism, insurgencies, the rise of xenophobia, hate speech, divisive tribalism, as well as racism.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cited a UN-World Bank study that found “many conflicts are deeply rooted in longstanding inequalities among groups,” which leave people feeling excluded and marginalized because they are denied opportunities based on their

culture, race, skin color, ethnicity or income.

He pointed to the sharp increase in armed groups at the heart of conflicts—“rebels, insurgents, militias, criminal gangs and armed trafficking, terrorist and extremist groups”—as well as a rise in military coups. While combatants can agree to end hostilities, Guterres warned, “without including a wide range of diverse voices at every step of this process—without bringing all people along—any peace will be short-lived.”

He said that women and young people must be “meaningful participants” and that “when we open the door to inclusion and participation, we take a giant step forward in conflict prevention and peace building.”

Fawzia Koofi, the first woman to be deputy speaker of Afghanistan’s Parliament who left the country after the Taliban takeover on Aug. 15, said her country is the latest test of whether the global community can come together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, including promoting the rule of law, justice and equality for men and women.

“There are serious reports that fundamental freedoms are being flouted,” she said. “Women and girls are once again regarded as secondclass citizens, literally. They are making us invisible again... [and] thou-

sands of people from religious minorities and other minority groups are forced to flee their villages.”

Koofi said the Afghan situation shows how the imbalance in power is “at the roots of so much conflict and inequality.”

Rwandan President Paul Kagame, whose country was the scene of genocide in 1994 in which 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred by the majority Hutu population, said sustainable peace can only be built if the root causes of conflict are understood by a broad range of the population, and it requires dialogue and search for solutions.

“It may not be possible to entirely prevent all conflict,” he said. “In fact, disagreements and grievances will always be there in one form or another. But the intensity and the impact of conflicts can be minimized by remaining attentive to local needs” and delivering “the results that citizens expect and deserve.”

South Africa’s Mbeki recalled that the Nigerian government was victorious against secessionist-seeking Biafra 50 years ago but its leaders announced “that they would follow a policy of no victor, no vanquished.”

Looking at the “painful example” of the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian government and ethnic Tigrayans, Mbeki said, “this is exactly what Ethiopia needs.”

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, October 14, 2021 A11

Beijing Consensus vs PHL neo-liberalism: Four decades after Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS Part three

T

he debate on the superiority of the Beijing Consensus (BC) over the Washington Consensus (WC) usually ends up with the question: what is the ideal role for the government in growing the economy? A market shaper or, simply, a market facilitator?

In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan of the United States and Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom provided the answers: “privatization,” “liberalization” and “deregulation.” The two led the global assault against the “visible hand” of the State in the market. No or minimal State intervention in the market. No or minimal State regulation on the flow of goods, capital and investment.

No or minimal role for government corporations in the market, that is, in the production, distribution and delivery of goods and services.

Hence, yes to policies of trade and investment liberalization, privatization and deregulation of different sectors of the economy. It is a laissez faire market scenario so close to the hearts of the founders and developers of the neo-liberal school—Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman and the so-called Chicago school.

Neo-liberalism became the guiding policy framework in the lending operations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in the 1980s and 1990s, with

the Philippines becoming one of the original guinea pigs of the socalled “structural adjustment loans” (SALs). Subsequently, the architects of the World Trade Organization (WTO) embraced neo-liberalism and exerted utmost efforts to broaden the concept of global commerce to include not only the free flow of industrial and agricultural goods but also the free flow of services and capital. The dream of the neo-liberalizers and globalizers was to have a “borderless” world economy.

The problem is that not all countries are equal in a borderless world economy. Countries in the North, with their strong industrial base, are naturally able to progress further given their technological superiority and their “global reach” advantages (R&D, market linkages and so on).

Countries in the South, which are not prepared to compete in this borderless world order, are marginalized further. This is particularly true for the heavily indebted developing countries that accepted the SAP/SAL neo-liberal packages in

an uncritical fashion. These packages—composed of fiscal austerity, currency devaluation, tax reliefs for the big investors, trade/investment liberalization and privatization of public services—have an immediate anti-growth impact without any assurance of sustained growth in the medium and long terms. These packages weaken these countries’ capacity to get out of the debt quagmire. This is precisely what happened to the Philippines and a number of Latin American and African countries in the 1980s and 1990s.

The dislocating impact of how an uncritical acceptance of the neoliberal policy package, marketed as “economic reform package,” can damage a country is dramatically illustrated by what happened to the Russian Federation (former Soviet Union), when it decided to accelerate its twin programs of marketization and global economic integration by implementing in 1992 the so-called “shock therapy” package proposed

by Western economists such as Lawrence Summers and Jeffrey Sachs and the Russian advisers of President Boris Yeltsin. Overnight, the Russian government lifted controls on prices and credit, eliminated all forms of subsidies, allowed the Russian ruble to float freely, opened the economy to world commerce and foreign investors, and declared the wholesale privatization of government-controlled businesses.

The results? Economic “shock” to the Russian people due to inflation (reaching 2,500 percent within a year), double-digit unemployment, collapse of the safety nets (pensions, food subsidies, etc.) under the old Soviet system, bankruptcy of a large

‘There will be an answer, Leni be’ Val A. Villanueva

Businesswise

I

borrowed this title from a Facebook meme because I believe it best reflects the sentiment of the silent majority in the country today who for nearly six years has been praying for a better, decent, effective, and credible government.

The phrase, lifted from the lyrics of the Beatles’ song ‘Let it Be’, is pregnant with prose of hope: “… And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be… And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me, shinin’ until tomorrow, let it be.”

Vice President Leni Robredo, who has recently thrown her hat into the political ring to vie for the presidency, has become an overnight symbol of hope and resiliency. The masses feel for her, seeing her as a battered government leader who has been subjected to orchestrated, vociferous, and daily bashing by no less than President Duterte himself, his allies, and thousands of die-hard supporters and trolls of the deposed dictator’s son Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. Many marvel at how the mud slung at Robredo has easily slid off each time, shrugged off by Robredo who has thus far refused to be cowed by intimidation, harassment, and groundless accusations. She has seemingly become immune to misogynist rants, and has in fact made good use of them. When diehard Duterte supporters (DDS) insulted her feeding program, saying that her brain has nothing but ‘lugaw’ (porridge), she called her outreach program ‘Lugaw ni Leni’. What seems to be her most effective weapon is tirelessly working on her various Office of the Vice President (OVP) socio-civic projects without fanfare. By her silence, Robredo has proclaimed that she prefers to be judged by her actions that seek to benefit those on what she calls ‘laylalan ng lipunan’ (the downtrodden).

When the pandemic struck and the whole government machinery seemed to halt in shock, the OVP sprang into action and optimized its limited funds by forging tie-ups with the private sector and non-government organizations to provide assistance to those in need. Her efforts, instead of being lauded and supported by the Administration, were ridiculed in the

print and social media. Day in and day out, a hundred or more online trolls appeared to shadow her every move to publicly insult and downplay each noteworthy endeavor she undertook.

The unfazed Leni is no stranger to hecklers. Her family—especially her late husband, then Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo—had been a target of unfounded attacks by political rivals. As its mayor for 18 years, Jesse Robredo transformed the once-sleepy Naga City in Camarines Sur into a premier city in the Bicol region. By the end of his first term as mayor (1988-1998), he catapulted the city into a model of local governance in the country, and a workshop of governance innovations—making it a magnet for other local governments worldwide in search of governance paradigms. It is apparent in the way the OVP is run that Leni has adopted Jesse’s mantra of “good governance is good politics.”

Unprovoked anti-Leni tirades recently spewed by presidential aspirant and Manila City Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno left a bitter taste in the mouth of many Filipino voters. For someone who says he is advocating for national healing, Moreno came off as a “lawyer” for Leni’s bitter presidential rival Bongbong Marcos. It is as if Yorme (as Moreno prefers to be called), is lip-syncing Duterte’s and Marcos’ misogynistic, anti-Leni diatribe. Yorme’s beef? Leni is not after unity because she allegedly abandoned the Liberal Party to run as an independent presidential candidate, conveniently glossing over the fact that he too left the Nacionalista Party to run under Aksyon Demokratiko. He also questioned why Leni seems to be “more interested in defeating Bongbong than fixing the country’s pressing problems”.

Among his most foul insults is calling Leni’s supporters “yellowtards”, displaying a pattern of muckraking his political handers are experts at. For a troll to result to

China’s marketization and global integration drives have been pursued without the State, led by the Communist Party, giving up its role as the overall economic leader, as intervenor in the market when needed, as regulator of how industries should be run (look how Jack Ma is being tamed), as protector of industries both export- and domestic-oriented, as investor in new industries which need to be developed, and so on.

number of Russian industries and enterprises, ruble-to-dollar exchange rate declining from R144/$1 to R5,000/$1, and the overall contraction of the Russian economy (by 45 percent in three years). Gone was the old image of the former Soviet Union, a “superpower” Cold Warrior, competing head-to-head with America.

The big winners in the “catastroika” are the Russian mafia or privileged buyers/managers of government businesses, e.g., oil, mining and so on, that were privatized in the name of marketization.

In contrast, there was no “shock therapy” for China. Nor were there any SAP/SAL policy packages. Yes, China embraced marketization and global economic integration. But it did so at its own pace and based on its vision of development. There were no IMF-WB economic advisers offering loans with SAP policy conditionalities.

Yes, China joined the WTO. But unlike the Philippines, it did not join the WTO by offering the wholesale

such a flagrant display of bad manners is somewhat understandable, but definitely unbecoming for someone running for the highest position of the land.

Yorme also has a shallow reading of the country’s political landscape. It is not about a battle between two families. It is about the quest of a family to rewrite Philippine history by obfuscating the evils and excesses of Marcos Sr.’s totalitarian rule. Marcos’ 20-year reign had sunk the country to an economic pitfall. It was a time when the country’s coffers had been made into the private piggy bank of the Marcoses; when critics were illegally imprisoned, mercilessly tortured, or unceremoniously killed.

Of this I write, not from reading Google files or from stories relayed by relatives or friends, but as someone who lived in fear and personally suffered from the heavy hand of the repressive Marcos regime.

Perhaps, Yorme should study the accounts of two retired jurists about the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth. Former Justice Artemio Panganiban described as a “milestone and perhaps the most damning Supreme Court ruling against the Marcoses—the one on Republic v. Sandiganbayan: It forfeited in favor of the Republic more than $658 million plus interests owned by Ferdinand and Imelda but hidden in front foundations and organizations.”

On July 15, 2003, then Justice Renato C. Corona ruled that “$304,372.43… [was] the only known lawful income of the [Marcos couple from 1965 to 1985] since they did not file any Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as required by law, from which their net worth could be determined.” This ruling on the Marcoses’ lawful income, Panganiban observed, “became crucial in subsequent cases which deemed as ill-gotten any cash, [bank] deposit or asset owned by the couple in excess of such sum.”

There are other instances when the Philippine government won its ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcoses, but only a few victories by the Marcos Family due to technicality, were given more prominence by the traditional media and later amplified in the social media. In fact, it is in this latter platform where Marcos and Duterte rule.

In her recent testimony before the US Congress, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen testified that the company prioritized “astronomical profits over the safety of the platform’s billions of users and it should not come as a surprise that the social-media giant was responsible for the rise in authoritarianism in the

tariffication and liberalization of its industrial, agricultural and other economic sectors. In fact, it became a WTO member only in 2001, that is, after 15 years of lengthy negotiations on how to adjust its tariff schedule line by line (there are 10,000 plus tariff lines). China was insistent on maintaining policy space in deciding which domestic industries deserve continuing protection and which ones need to open up. On foreign exchange, China resisted for over three decades Western demand to freely float the renminbi and give up its two-tier exchange rate policy, which enabled China to conquer global markets while preserving its domestic industries.

In brief, China is a classic developmental state, not a subservient one that is dependent on the neo-liberal diktat of Western banks and economists. China’s marketization and global integration drives have been pursued without the State, led by the Communist Party, giving up its role as the overall economic leader, as intervenor in the market when needed, as regulator of how industries should be run (look how Jack Ma is being tamed), as protector of industries both export- and domestic-oriented, as investor in new industries which need to be developed, and so on. In a way, China has replicated what the Asian developmental states—Japan in the pre-war and post-war periods, Asian NICs (Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan) in the 1960s-1980s and Malaysia (1980s-2000s)—did by pursuing an integrated nation-first economic modernization and development program, a program that provides protection and support to both the domestic- and export-ori-

Philippines.” Haugen’s testimony fortifies a 2017 study by the University of Oxford which found that $200,000 or about P10 million was spent to hire trolls who spread propaganda for Duterte and attack his critics using Facebook and other socialmedia platforms.

Should the Filipinos forgive and forget the ill-gotten wealth of the unrepentant Marcoses and their Martial Law abuses?

Posted in her official FB account, former Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno says: “Stealing from government coffers is a crime against the Republic of the Philippines, the corporate entity trying to recover the ill-gotten wealth; the People of the Philippines whose criminal laws were violated; the poor who have been deprived the benefits of the money that was stolen; and the taxpayers who will continue to shoulder the loans that the Marcos government incurred….”

As Sereno points out, anyone who blocks or discourages the act of holding those thieves accountable is an enabler in the ‘works of wickedness’.

Translated from the original Filipino in which her post was written, Sereno reiterates: “And what is right? To ask for the ill-gotten wealth to be returned to the nation’s coffers. And for the thieves to ask for forgiveness, given the huge amount of what was stolen. Brothers and sisters, open your eyes. Three final decisions of the Supreme Court ruled that Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos stole from our country. And this stolen wealth is what Mrs. Imelda and her three children, including Bongbong, are now claiming to be legitimately owned by them.”

According to Sereno, the Supreme Court’s exact words are: “The joint income tax returns of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos cannot, therefore, conceal the skeletons of their kleptocracy.” To those who seem bent on rebuking people for wanting what is right and true to prevail, she pleads, “For the love of Christ, please think very carefully.”

Sereno continues: “Imelda’s liberty is not proof that she did not steal. The civil proceedings of those three cases had the final judicial pronouncement that the concerned assets were ill-gotten or stolen wealth. Imelda was convicted for seven counts of graft. She is out on bail and filing an appeal with the Supreme Court.”

Will Leni pave the way for truth and justice to finally prevail in the Philippines?

For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mvala.v@ gmail.com

ented industries as well as one that continuously tries to upgrade national industrial capacity. The big difference: China is doing the program of a developmental state on a larger scale and in a focused and sustained manner, which explains its success in registering annual double-digit GDP growth in four decades.

The Western economists who coined the term Beijing Consensus such as John Williamson are painting an incomplete and inaccurate picture when they assert that the Washington Consensus is not repudiated by the BC simply because the BC builds upon key components of the WC (e.g., market liberalization) by adding new policy components such as innovation.

They forgot the central role of China’s developmental state in engineering economic transformation. According to the China’s Institute of Reform and Development (China’s Economic Transformation Over 20 Years, Beijing, 2000), Russia’s “shock therapy” failed because it meant the abandonment of the State of its critical duty to provide macroeconomic control over foreign trade, exchange rate, investment and credit policies, “unified allocation of goods and equipment,” fixing prices and so on.

The point is that a country can be market-oriented and outward-looking without being imprisoned in the narrow neo-liberal policy constructs advanced by the WC economists.

More in the next issue (on major principles of political economy as articulated by the Chinese economists themselves).

Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo is a Professor Emeritus of University of the Philippines. For comments, please write to reneofreneo@gmail.com.

PHL loses staunch rights defender: Chito Gascon led CHR during trying years

By Carlos H. Conde

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he Philippines has lost a beloved human rights defender. Jose Luis Martin Gascon, known to all as “Chito,” who had chaired the governmental Commission on Human Rights since 2015, died October 9 from complications due to Covid-19, his family said. He was 57.

Friends and allies in the human rights movement mourned Gascon’s passing. “The country lost a dedicated public servant who never cowered in fear in asserting people’s rights and civil liberties,” said Fides Lim, spokesman of Kapatid, a group advocating for the rights of political prisoners.

“Amid the challenges faced by the CHR… he carried on with dignity, strength and courage,” said Jacqueline Ann de Guia, Gascon’s colleague at the commission.

Even the military, often the target of commission investigations, paid its respects.

Gascon championed truth telling as a way for the Philippines to address the horrors of its past. Before his appointment as CHR chair, he was a member of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board, which administered reparations for the victims of martial law abuses in the 1970s and 1980s. “Remembering serves as society’s bulwark against tyranny and the evils of violence, discrimination, social exclusion that come with it,” Gascon said in a speech last year.

Gascon’s idealism sprang from his exposure to politics during the tumultuous Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship, which he opposed as a student leader at the University of the Philippines. After Marcos was ousted in 1986, President Corazon Aquino appointed Gascon as the youngest member to the commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution.

He then represented the youth in Congress, where he advocated legislation to protect children, among others. Over many years he held a string of human rights-related positions both inside and outside of government.

Gascon’s death comes at a crucial time for the Philippines. The administration of President Duterte has committed catastrophic rights violations through its “drug war” and other abusive policies, and has sought to destroy institutions promoting accountability such as the CHR. “This is going to be a long, hard fight,” he told me the last time I saw him three years ago, tapping his cane on the floor of his office. “But we will overcome.”

Filipinos determined to overcome the ongoing relentless assault on their rights should take inspiration from the commitment of Chito Gascon.

Carlos H. Conde is the Senior Philippines Researcher, Human Rights Watch.

A12 Thursday, October 14, 2021

FULL ROLLOUT OF QR PH P2M FACILITY CHEERED

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the payments industry led by the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) announced the full rollout of the QR Ph Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payment facility, one meant to simplify digital payments made by customers to merchants.

“Digitalizing merchant payments through QR Ph P2M is expected to have a far-reaching positive impact as it empowers small economic actors like micro, small and medium enterprises [MSMEs] to realize greater opportunities for growth,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said.

QR Ph is the National QR Code which uses the Quick Response technology and code scanning for payments. It provides both customers and merchants faster and cheaper payment options.

QR Ph P2M allows customers to transact with a wider range of businesses, including purchases of goods and services in department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, hardware stores, and restaurants.

P2M covers a broad consumer base that includes individuals, as well as MSMEs, which comprise over 98 percent of registered businesses in the country.

With the full implementation of QR Ph P2M, more banks and nonbank e-money issuers join

entities that have been onboard since the facility’s pilot launch on April 30, 2021.

The full launch means customers who have accounts with AllBank, Asia United Bank (AUB), Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, China Banking Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Starpay, Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), and USSC Money Services Inc. (UMSI) can now pay using QR Ph to more than 20,000 participating merchants in over 30,000 locations and whose accounts are with AllBank, AUB, BDO, Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank, Metrobank, PayMaya, RCBC, Starpay, Unionbank, and UMSI. With the interoperability feature of QR Ph P2M, consumers and merchants do not need to maintain an account with the same bank or e-money issuer to use the facility.

“Because of its low cost and ease of use, QR Ph P2M can enable small unbanked vendors, such as sari-sari store owners and tricycle drivers, to participate in the digital payments ecosystem and allow them to build financial profiles which may eventually facilitate their access to other financial products and services that can help them grow and enhance the resiliency of their businesses,” Diokno said. Bianca Cuaresma

‘PHL imposed most number of NTMs on env’tal goods’

T

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Philippines has imposed the most number of non-technical nontariff measures (NTM) on imported environmental goods in the Asia Pacific region, according to a report released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap).

Unescap explained that prevalence scores are the average number of NTMs applied to exports or imports of certain products.

“The vast majority of export and import-related NTMs are not targeting environmental goods specifically, but they are caught up in regulations applied to broader lists of products,” Unescap said.

Given this, Unescap recommended that countries adopt the system

implemented during the pandemic where consideration was given for essential product lists under trade and multilateral agreements and apply these on environmental goods.

These non-technical NTMs, Unescap said, are generally considered “non-tariff barriers” and can be targeted by countries for removal to facilitate trade of environmental goods.

The report said all Asia-Pacific countries have applied at least one Chapter E NTM or non-automatic licensing, quotas, prohibition and quantity control measure other than for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), technical barriers to trade (TBT) on environmental goods.

However, Unescap said except for four economies, all countries in the sample have applied at least one measure from chapter F which pertains to rice-control measures, including additional taxes and charges.

“In the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when personal protection equipment was in short supply globally, governments around the world temporarily, and in some cases permanently, removed measures restricting imports of essential equipment,” the report stated.

“Arguably, given the urgency of climate change, a low-hanging fruit could be to remove non-tariff bar-

riers that affect trade in environmental goods,” it added.

Unescap said barriers to trade in environmental goods are more prevalent than barriers to trade in carbon-intensive fossil fuels.

Wasteful and regressive fossil fuel subsidies also continue to contribute to GHG emissions in the region.

According to the report, their timely abolishment and replacement with more targeted support policies could provide much-needed finance for social and environmental policies in addition to reducing emissions.

“As key trade partners consider putting border taxes in place on carbon, there are strong concerns on the effects on the developing countries since many economies in the region are at risk of being pushed out of key markets,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of Escap.

Lockdowns curb SME access to financing, stalling recovery–Neda

L

OCKDOWNS and mobility restrictions prevent small and medium enter prises (SMEs) from accessing financing and this makes it more difficult for them to sustain their operations, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

At the Neda budget hearing at the Senate on Wednesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said this is one of the primary reasons for his recommendation to reopen the economy albeit safely, taking into consideration health and safety protocols.

Chua explained that as the country continues to restrict movement and limit economic activities, the more difficult it is for banks to be less risk averse and lend funds to SMEs that need it to continue operating at this time.

“If we continue to have heightened quarantine, the lender has a lot of hesitation and uncertainty.

That is why the more sustainable way to help businesses is to first open the economy,” Chua said on Wednesday.

Chua said businesses have been restricted for 18 months, which not only limited the consumption of their goods and services but also their access to financing.

But if they will finally be allowed to open, Chua said, banks would be more assured that the businesses will be able to repay their loans.

Chua said a restricted economy limits business operation, lowers tax revenues, and limits the resources of the government to help those in need.

Providing ayuda can be done, Chua said, provided that the reopening of the economy becomes an “underlying condition.”

“Yes, we will provide the support but I think the underlying condition is the opening up [of the economy] otherwise we will just be lending money to firms and people that cannot turn around that money around and become productive,”

Chua said.

Food packs over cash

MEANWHILE, Neda Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said the assistance advocated by the oversight agency was to provide food packs rather than cash.

Edillon said this is a safer way to provide assistance since providing households with food packs—for example those who tested positive for Covid-19—prevents them from stepping out and do the transactions themselves, keeping their communities safe.

She added that apart from the food packs, the government has promoted the various trainings and webinars that Filipinos can attend while on lockdown. This will help workers, especially those who lost their jobs, to face a new world of work after the pandemic.

Further, Edillon said that based on the government’s National Action Plan Phase 4, the government places emphasis on Covid-proofing businesses.

Much of this, she said, had to do with retrofitting businesses particularly to address ventilation and digitization issues. Edillon said the Neda is in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in helping businesses in this regard.

“We are in close coordination with the DTI on providing assistance to businesses that are actually going to reconfigure their business spaces so that there will be proper ventilation or if they can have outdoor venues, so much the better and of course for the digitalization,” Edillon said.

Neda reorganization

IN order to better address the country’s socioeconomic challenges, Chua said the Neda is pushing for the reorganization of the Neda Secretariat under the proposed Neda Bill now pending in Congress.

Continued on A5

MOTORISTS navigate their way past a closed off portion of the southbound lane of Mabini (Nagtahan) Bridge, which suffered cracks due to a recent earthquake, according to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos. ROY DOMINGO

Blue Ribbon thanks supporters; Senate to reply to SC

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

H

EEDING a Supreme Court directive to comment on the legal challenge by Pharmally executive Linconn Ong, Senate President Vicente Sotto III asked the chamber’s legal counsel to justify the decision to cite Ong in contempt and detain him for his evasive testimonies on multibillion-peso pandemic contracts.

Sotto directed Senate lawyers to respond to the petition before the SC seeking to declare unconstitutional the order to detain Ong, who has expressed his refusal to further cooperate in the Blue Ribbon committee inquiry into juicy contracts landed by Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. to supply personal protective equipment to government.

Sotto conveyed the senators’ confidence the High Court will uphold the Senate stance, given the jurisprudence on similar cases.

Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon, a former Secretary of Justice in the Aquino administration,

recalled the Arnault landmark case, where the Court upheld the senators’ decision to detain an uncooperative witness for six months.

In the 1950s case, the Senate kept French lawyer Jean Arnault in the old Bilibid prison after he refused to name the party to whom he gave a share of the payment to government for a private property.

Ong, through lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, earlier asked the SC to declare unconstitutional his detention in the Senate premises for what the members of the Blue Ribbon committee deemed evasive testimony regarding Pharmally’s transactions with the government.

Ong was brought to the Senate building in Pasay City, where he remains until now. Senators reconsidered a plan to detain him at Pasay City jail owing to fears for his safety, since he played a crucial role in Pharmally’s being able to bag P11 billion in negotiated contracts for pandemic supplies despite being undercapitalized, newly incorporated, and with no track record in making PPE products.

He initially declined to reveal

how Pharmally funded its multimillion pesos’ worth of deliveries to government, given its paid-up capital was only P625,000, but Blue Ribbon members eventually gathered that money was loaned by businessman Michael Yang, President Duterte’s friend and former economic adviser.

Blue Ribbon says thanks

MEANWHILE, the Blue Ribbon Committee thanked various sectors and groups for their overwhelming support to its investigation into the allegedly anomalous procurement deals that marred the government’s pandemic response.

Sen. Richard J. Gordon, committee chairman, said the outpouring of public support bolstered the Senate’s resolve to continue unearthing the truth behind the Pharmally deals.

“We thank members of the health-care sector, various universities and alumni groups, the academe, the Catholic Church, and reputable lawyers’ organizations for speaking out against the corruption plaguing this administra-

tion,” he said.

“Your Senate is more than determined to get the bottom of this anomaly. The Filipino people have long suffered during this pandemic, and the government owes them an explanation where the public funds for Covid-19 response went,” he added.

Statements of support started pouring in after Duterte ordered Cabinet officials and their employees not to attend Senate hearings, and for the law enforcement authorities not to cooperate in serving its arrest orders.

Former health secretaries, notably Esperanza Cabral and Manuel Dayrit, public health advocate Tony Leachon, and medical societies have urged Duterte to allow the Senate to exercise its oversight function unhampered.

Among other medical and allied/paramedical organizations who signed the petition are Makati Medical Center, Philippine College of Physicians, Philippine Pediatric Society, Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, and others.

Continued on A4

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza, 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City GUN, CHUNHUAI Customer Service Representative-mandarin Speaking 1.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format.

VU QUY HAO Customer Service Representative-mandarin Speaking

2.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format.

YANG, XIAO Customer Service Representative-mandarin Speaking

3.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

WAN HWE NEINT @ SAI SENG WAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 12.

4.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

HAO, JIANGUO Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 5.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

HOANG VO MINH CHAU Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 6.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

SU MINH TU Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 7.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

WANG, CHUANLONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 13.

8.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

SUN, DAPENG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 9.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

TAN, PENGLIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 10.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

TONG, TIANTIAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 11.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

WANG, XINGYU Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 14.

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

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

WU, BIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

15.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

16.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

17.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result

XIA, WENBAO Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 18.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all Marketing activity and result

20.

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

21.

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

22.

23.

CHU, XIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

THANT ZIN WIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

YOU, CHANGSHA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHANG, SHULAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHANG, XIAOSHAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

24.

ZHOU, BEIJIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

No.

25.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ELIZABETH Bahasa Indonesian Language- Officer Fund Management Brief Job Description: Must ensure their funds reporting requirements are met.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

CANDRA Bahasa Indonesian Language-officer Fund Management 26.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend to Senior Management

27.

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

Brief Job Description: Must ensure their funds reporting requirements are met.

LIU, QIANG Chinese IT Support Specialist 28.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist shall answer incoming phone calls from clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware.

29.

MIN, SHAN-ROU Mutilingual Service Desk Member Brief Job Description: Provides technical support in Mandarin

LI, BING Chinese Technical Consultant 30.

Brief Job Description: Performing analyses on hardware, software and network capabilities

MA, QINGYU Chinese Technical Consultant 31.

Brief Job Description: Performing analyses on hardware, software and network capabilities

LI, WEIWEI Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor 32.

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

REN, GUILIN Mandarin Mechanical Superintendent 33.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficient in written and verbaal communications in English language and excellent knowledge of Mandarin, proficient computer and technical skills

Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communication in both English and mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent oral and written communication in both English and mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by the company; Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin mechanical superintendent, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by the company; demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

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

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg., Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance Management or any business course.

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

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

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

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

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Rm 501 Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Bgy. 699, Malate, City Of Manila

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance Management or any business course.

CHINA ENERGY ENGINEERING GROUP GUANGDONG ELECTRIC POWER DESIGN INSTITUTE CO. LTD., (PHILIPPINES) BRANCH U-1205 12/f 6750 Ayala Bldg., Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Numerate, analytical and methodical; capable of evaluating financial information.

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg., Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Ave., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend to Senior Management

Brief Job Description: Assist in the operation of budgets within finding bids, working closely with the finance team

PHENG, SIMALY Khmer Language- Officer Fund Management

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

GAO, GENGGENG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

XIAO, KAIJIE Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

19.

SU, SHAOQIANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

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

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1, Pitx Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

FAN, ZHIWEI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, October 14, 2021

TRAN MINH PHU Senior Process Executive 34.

Brief Job Description: Service support solution includes diagnosis , resolution and reporting of customer issues and questions relating in YouTube paid content products. Service in tier 1 end user support with escalations to Google in Vietnamese language

Basic Qualification: BA or BS degree holder minimum 2 years customer service support experience (voice, e-mail, or chat) working with direct consumer preferably in a b2c environment; native Viet speaker Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

COMMUNICATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CREI PHILS INC. Unit A, 7th Flr., Clipp Center 11th Ave. Cor. 39th St. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

A14 Thursday, October 14, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION KASHMIRI, KHWAJA ABDULLAH USMAN Country Head

35.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing overall operations, recruiting staffs and creating budgets

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, 15 years work experience with PMP certification Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

46.

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

WANG, XIAOLI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 36.

Brief Job Description: Assist / Help customers, give customers information about product and services

47.

37.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

48.

38.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Finance Supervisor will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

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

WANG, MENG Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst 39.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

YANG, KANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

SU, YUHE IT Technical Mandarin Brief Job Description: Knowledgeable in systems and networks

LUO, ZHICHANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 50.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

ZHANG, BIAO Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 51.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

DIGIDO FINANCE CORP. (UNAPAY, AND UNACASH) Unit 3&4 15th Floor Ibp Tower, Jade Drive, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

40.

Brief Job Description: Analyze opportunities develop, and implement strategies to grow the marketplace business through new channels and programs

Basic Qualification: Must have a strong working knowledge of Russian and English language

ZHANG, XUEJIE Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 52.

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

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin speaking

DL MANILA BRANCH 12th Flr. Menarco Tower, 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig JO, KOOKRAE Launching Gantry Manager 41.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that the company’s quality of work is maintained at high standards and to promote the company competent imagine in the construction industry.

NAM, JUNGMIN Quality Assurance Manager

42.

Brief Job Description: Develop company-wide processes and controls to ensure that high quality works is completed.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience as a launching gantry manager or a similar role.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate; Preferably with 3 years or related experience.

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

CHEN, ZHENHUI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 53.

HU, PU Marketing And Sales Agent 43.

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

54.

55.

56.

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

ZHANG, ZHEHAO Marketing And Sales Agent 44.

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

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

HALVEY, DERRICK EDWARD Chairman Of The Board 60.

Brief Job Description: Represent the organization as the top executive personnel

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report all Marketing activity and result

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

CAO, YANNI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 61.

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers; give customers information about product and services

LUO, YOUPING Chinese Speaking Program Designer 62.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing plans and projects, recommend optimization to Senior Management

57.

SHAO, ZIMING Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

XIA, ZHANHAO Mandarin Customer Service Staff

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers; give customers information about product and services

NOORDZIJ, PETER GERARD Head, Wholesale Banking Tech IBSS Manila 63.

Brief Job Description: Provide software development, maintenance and support services from manila to ING Wholesale Bank

Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

ZHANG, YUHAN Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

ZHOU, JIN Mandarin Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Assist customers through chat or email

MASSOUD, OCEANNE Senior Product Manager 58.

FAIR CONSULTING GROUP PHILIPPINES, INC. U-2103, 21/f Phil Axa Life Centre, 1286 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Cor. Tindalo St., San Antonio, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Providing inputs into the company’s roadmap, planning budgeting,

64.

Brief Job Description: Supervise HR processes and practices and ensure that the operations are run according to global policies and procedures

FENG, GUANGLONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 65.

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

LI, HONG Material Controller 66.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carring out all work in accordance with established Safety Standard and Work Practices.

QIN, WENDE Material Controller

67.

Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience

Brief Job Description: Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with established Safety Standard and Work Practices.

69.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 70.

Brief Job Description: Understanding what the client or company wants to achieve. Collaborate with engineers, architects etc., to determine the specification of the project.

YANG, SHENGYONG Project Manager

71.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with established Safety Standard and Work Practices.

XU, FENG Project Manager

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

Basic Qualification: Must have Bachelor’s Degree In Business Management

Brief Job Description: Responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with established Safety Standard and Work Practices.

WONG KHAI YANG Material Controller

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

Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Cable of setting up a local hub for a global tech organization, at least 15 years experience in an international bank/financial institution Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: at least 6 years of human resources experience with a financial institution, proven global stakeholder management.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin /Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

JANGHO CURTAINWALL PHILIPPINES INC. Level 40 Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

68.

Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience

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

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor, Eight West Campus Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

TIANG HOCK ANG Material Controller

HC CONSUMER FINANCE PHILIPPINES, INC. 15th Floor, Ore Central, 9th Ave. Cor 31st. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

HASCU, CATALINA HR Business Partner

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

Basic Qualification: Skilled using MS office with 1 year work experience

Basic Qualification: Appointed by the board and part-owner of the company

ING BUSINESS SHARED SERVICES B.V. BRANCH OFFICE 27th Floor World Plaza Building, 5th Avenue, E-square Zone Cresent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

INFOVINE INC. 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City

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

GLVICTORY TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 1, 14/f 6789 Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St, , Binondo, City Of Manila Basic Qualification: can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor, Silver City 4, Ortigas East, Ugong, City Of Pasig

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

GORIAINOV, ALEKSANDR Head Of Marketplace

Basic Qualification: High School graduate in Chinese curriculum. Can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin. Can operate computer mandarin characters

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5, Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive, Sto. Niño, City Of Parañaque

49.

LIN, XIAOJIN Mandarin Finance Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Basic Qualification: High School graduate in Chinese curriculum. Can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin. Can operate computer mandarin characters

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Finance Supervisor, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic Qualification: High School graduate in Chinese curriculum. Can speak and write fluent Chinese Mandarin. Can operate computer mandarin characters

No.

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

CSCEC STRAIT CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD (PHILIPPINES BRANCH OFFICE) Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

WANG, ZHOUJIA Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

WU, YAJUN Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

KANG, SHUO Customer Service Representative

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Understanding what the client or company wants to achieve. Collaborate with engineers, architects etc., to determine the specification of the project.

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both verbal and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both verbal and written.

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

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House, Magallanes St., 069, Bgy. 655, Intramuros, City Of Manila

XU, XINYU Strategic And Facilitation Officer 72.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and it’s client to generate more income for the company

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

IBM BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. 7th To 9th Floors, 1800 Bldg., Eastwood City Cyberpark, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City OKUBO, SHOGO Assistant Manager Under Relationship Management Department 45.

Brief Job Description: Assist Management in rendering financial, taxation and other advisory services pertaining to the client’s requirement.

FAREAST OUTSOURCE PROCESSING INC. 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Nu Tower, Moa Coral Way, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Japanese language Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

MOHAMADUBASIRU, ABUBAKAR NGALA HR Contact Center Representative- French 59.

Brief Job Description: Provide highly skilled analytical assistance to management teams; lead reviews and manage recommendations to appreciate closure

Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate with formal business qualifications or equivalent; must be fluent in French language Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

IFIVE INC. 8th Flr., Robinsons Zeta Tower, C-5 Road, 3, Ugong Norte, Quezon City

JP & L BEAUTY PRODUCTS INC. 22 The Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave. Cor. 32nd St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

AVRAHAM, YEHUDA Multilingual - Products Development Specialist 73.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting editing, retrieving and transmitting text data and graphics from English to other language such Hebrew, Malay and Mon-Khmer

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer Language Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PONY, ADI Multilingual - Products Development Specialist

74.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting editing, retrieving and transmitting text data and graphics from English to other language such Hebrew, Malay and Mon-Khmer

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Hebrew, Malay and MonKhmer Language

75.

Brief Job Description: Accept summons and other legal process for on behalf of the company; participate in formulating and administering company policies

91.

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

MARUBENI-ITOCHU STEEL PTE LTD MANILA REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE 8/f L.v. Locsin Bldg., Ayala Cor. Makati Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati IWAKI, TAKAYUKI General Manager/Chief Representative

No.

Basic Qualification: Must have a degree in business management or a master’s degree in business administration

92.

93.

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

MEGAWIDE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION #20 N., Domingo St., Valencia, Quezon City 94.

HENNIG, MARKUS EVP & Head, Business Units 76.

Brief Job Description: Leads directly the heads of each business unit and their financial operations, QA/QC, HSE reports to the chairman and CEO and work collaboratively with the BSC in leading the transformation of Megawide business units.

Basic Qualification: Must be bachelor’s degree holder in business management; experience in 5 years Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

95.

MITSUI & CO. (ASIA PACIFIC) PTE. LTD. MANILA BRANCH 36/f Gt Tower International, 6813 Ayala Avenue, Bel-air, City Of Makati KATOU, TAKAHIRO Project Manager 77.

Brief Job Description: Management in the division’s project operations and business activities and supervision of all staff members in the division under the supervision of the General Manager

Basic Qualification: Strong leadership, high level of abilities in project management, new business development and internal control.

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

96.

97.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, YAHAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LIN, XIDA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LIU, GANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LIU, XIANGTING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LUO, JIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LUONG THI LAN ANH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MA, WENRUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

78.

79.

80.

81.

82.

83.

84.

85.

86.

87.

AI, JIANLI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ARR CHAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CAI, BENBIAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHEN, WANWAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHEN, YAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

DEVIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

DONG, XINWEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

GUO, SHILEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

HU, KAILONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

JIN, XIAOZHI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

98.

88.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

99.

89.

90.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

QIN, JIAXIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

100.

QIU, JINSHENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

101.

SONG, YIKE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

102.

SONG, ZHIWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

103.

SU, JINDING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

104.

SU, TIANCAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

105.

SUSANTO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

106.

WANG, YONGQIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

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

107.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 109.

LI, XICHUN Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

108.

KHAW YONG XIN Chinese Customer Service

MO, KAIHUAN Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

110.

111.

WANG, YOUQING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

WONG SHEN FUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

WU, GUOJUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

XIAO, QIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

YANG, PAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Thursday, October 14, 2021

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language

No.

112.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

113.

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

114.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

115.

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

116.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

117.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

118.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

119.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHANG, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHANG, XINHUA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHAO, QUANHAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHOU, JIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LIU, CHENG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MAO, XUGANG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

XU, WEI Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

GUAN, YIYANG Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 120.

121.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist/ Help customers, give customer information about product and services

122.

DAI, RONGRONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

WIN WIN KYI Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

123.

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

YEU THUY OANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

WU, XUEMIN Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist 124.

Brief Job Description: Evaluates expansions or enhancements by studying workloads and capacity of computer system

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

125.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Good oral and written communication skills in mandarin, at least 6 months’ work related experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BAYLOR, KENNETH JOHN Chief Information Security Officer Brief Job Description: Set overall strategy for the information security group

Basic Qualification: Certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and/ or Certified information security manager (CISM) or related certifications strongly desired, 12+ years of relevant professional experience Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

QI, YI Mandarin Sales And Marketing Specialist

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

PAYMAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. 6/f Launchpad, Reliance Cor. Sheridan, Brgy. Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

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

OUTWIT, INC. 2/f Marvin Plaza, 2153 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

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

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

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

YE, YANGHUI Chinese Customer Service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

126.

Brief Job Description: Monitor the day-to-day sales and marketing within the company, such as market data on a local, regional or national level, through the use of Mandarin native language

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Marketing Management, Mandarin Speaking Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

BusinessMirror

A16 Thursday, October 14, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHAO, XINFENG Equipment Installation 127.

Brief Job Description: Assisting in planning, programming and implementing the company goals and making sure that the project undertaking are completed strictly on time

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both written and verbal and with working knowledge of the latest business policies and regulations

128.

Brief Job Description: Oversees the inspection and testing of materials, parts, and products

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

YU, INKUL Project Manager 138.

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

POWERTRAC INCORPORATED 2015c, Apolonia St., Mapulang Lupa, City Of Valenzuela

LIN, SENLIN Quality Control Supervisor

No.

Brief Job Description: Oversee daily operations, coordinate employee, enforce all workers, coordinate training, track and monitor project progress

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

GAI, YUFEN Mandarin HR Chief Administrator 139.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin HR Chief Administrator will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

PTT PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 32/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

THUNYAPHOL, SUPINYA Treasurer And Chief Financial Officer 129.

Brief Job Description: Acts as Treasurer, Financial Controller and Chief Fiscal Officer and the custodian of company funds, securities and property

Basic Qualification: Master’s Degree in Accountancy/Finance/ Business Management/ Economics. Preferably a Certified Public Accountant or with Post Graduate studies related to Finance and/or Business Management. Must have at least 15 years work related experience or 5 years in a supervisory and managerial level. Having competency in strategic planning and analytical ability. Having competency in negotiating and good relationship.

Knowledge in oil business and global economic.

Must be proficient in oral and written English and Thai Languages. Must be computer literate.

Knowledge of financial accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting principles, methods, techniques, and standards as applied within corporate environment including the competency in establishing new strategy and policy.

Must be industrious and willing to work in any given situation, if required

HE, HONGMEI Mandarin Human Resources Officer 140.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Human Resources Officer will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

Brief Job Description: Receive inbound customer calls and email communication for Italian accounts

ZHANG, ZHENGWEI Mandarin Slip Form Supervisor 141.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Slip Form Supervisor will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

ZHANG, CHEN Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst 142.

Brief Job Description: Develop business proposals, analyze current and past expenses, and develop creative strategies

DONG, JINQING Chinese Customer Service Representative 132.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

GUO, ZHIFANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 133.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

LIN, ZHIJING Chinese Customer Service Representative 134.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

LIU, JIANXIN Chinese Customer Service Representative 135.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

XIAO, DAIQUAN Chinese Customer Service Representative 136.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

Basic Qualification: College Graduate/College Level

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

137.

Brief Job Description: Oversee daily operations, coordinate employee, enforce all workers, coordinate training, track and monitor project progress

DONG, ZETING Chinese Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

SODEXO ON-SITE SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 11/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., 8747 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

144.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

CAI, BINGBING Administrative Consultant Level 3

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

Brief Job Description: Determines actual need for kitchen from supplies/ equipment to financial aspect.

MAHESH CHANDRASHEKAR KALEPALYA Department Manager For Procurement Operations 145.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for generating reports. Spearheads spend consolidation analysis and annual exercise for bidding of stock supplies

STARK, JULIAN ECH Inside Sales Account Manager (German Speaking)

146.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

Brief Job Description: Establish and maintain direct relationship with new and existing clients to determine their business needs and propose suitable products, services and upgrades in order to maintain and grow revenue. ; Understand the customers objectives, buying criteria and decision-making processes. Negotiate price and volume discounts with vendors in accordance with tipi’s policies.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: With 2 years experience as a Project Manager, Engineering degree or equivalent, with leadership skills, Bilingual English & Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Slip Form Supervisor , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

HU, WENCUI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 150.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in both Mandarin and English.

151.

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

Basic Qualification: Master’s degree or any equivalent certificate in the related industry. Native German speaker with excellent command of the English language. Able to simplify the complexity of technology and translate it as a compelling solution story that resonates with customers.

152.

HO NGOC BINH IT Support Specialist 147.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fukien and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

Basic Qualification: 1-2 year related work experience

GODBEY, MATTHEW WAYNE Operations Manager Brief Job Description: Establish a high standard for productivity

ZHANG, WENJUN Cloud Core Network Employee 153.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for LLD network design; quality supervision; network commission and integration; responsible for the service test of the cloud core network; handle daily problems SHAO, BINGBING Project Control Manager

154.

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

Brief Job Description: Communicate and align with customer; in charge of management; understand the sow contract; develop project integration; monitor project delivery project; responsible on ip access network and optical network products

Basic Qualification: To provide consulting technical and advisory services Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: To provide consulting technical and advisory services Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ZONAC AND SHIBATA SERVICES INC. 4/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati EDISON Bahasa/Indonesian Customer Service Representative 155.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction BRENDA WINATA Mandarin Customer Service Representative

156.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction.

CAMELIA LIM Mandarin Customer Service Representative

157.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction ERNA SUSANTI Mandarin Customer Service Representative

158.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction HARDIANTO Mandarin Customer Service Representative

159.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction HENDRA WIJAYA Mandarin Customer Service Representative

160.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction JENNY Mandarin Customer Service Representative

161.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction JESICA Mandarin Customer Service Representative

162.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction JONY Mandarin Customer Service Representative

163.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction SISKA LEVIANI Mandarin Customer Service Representative

164.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

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

VOLENDAY INC. U1406 14/f Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

TIANYU TECHNOLOGY INC. 16/f Socialdesk Tower, H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Japanese language, oral an written

URBANFLIX OUTSOURCING PHILS. INC. 11/f Rockwell Business Center, Sheridan, Brgy. Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably graduate of IT or related course, has experience in SAP, SAP ARIBA tools and NOAH

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

WANG, ZHIGAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin, both oral and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Directly responsible for the supervision of actual construction implementation at site

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West, Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

TELSTRA INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. 15th Floor, Zuellig Building, Makati Avenue Corner Sta. Potenciana Street, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

149.

ST. LUKE’S MEDICAL CENTER (GLOBAL CITY), INC. Rizal Drive Cor. 32nd St. & 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Human Resources Officer , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2f-5f, Unit 710 Shaw Blvd., Global Link Center, Brgy. Wack Wack, City Of Mandaluyong

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

SB CONSTRUCTION CORP. U2702 27/f Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil J. Puyat Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

KIM, YOUNGMOON Project Manager

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin HR Chief Administrator , Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SORANO, HIROYUKI Site Supervisor

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

143.

131.

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

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

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

PANG CHEE SHYONG Business Lending Development Officer

Basic Qualification: With 2 years experience as a Project Manager, Engineering degree or equivalent, with leadership skills, Bilingual English & Korean

No.

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

RELIASOURCING INC. Unit 403 Corporate 101 Bldg., 101 Mother Ignacia 4, South Triangle, Quezon City

130.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

PEGORARO, GABRIELE AGATINO Italian Bilingual Sales Executive

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SINOMA CBMIPH CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION 37b Rufino Pacific Tower, Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: With at least 3 yrs quality control experience; Must have a background in Automotive Industry; and 30-55 yrs old.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction YESSY Mandarin Customer Service Representative

165.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction

Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Indonesian and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Oct 13, 2021

TOYO CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. 3/f Planters Products Bldg., 109 Esteban St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

OKADA, YASUHIRO Site Supervisor 148.

Brief Job Description: Directly responsible for the supervision of actual construction implementation at site

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in Japanese language, oral an written Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, October 14, 2021

B1

AllDay Marts reduces IPO price to ₧0.60 per share

By VG Cabuag

A

@villygc

llDay Marts Inc., operator of the Villar Group’s supermarket chain, has slashed its initial public offering (IPO) price to P0.60 per share from the previous indicative price of P0.80, but the company retained the IPO size.

At the said price, AllDay Supermarket will raise as much as P4.52 billion, down from the previous P6.02 billion, from the sale of 6.85 billion unissued shares to be offered by way of primary sale, while the over-allotment option shares will comprise up to 685.71 million issued shares in secondary offering.

The company engaged PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as the sole issue manager for the offer. BDO

Capital and Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp., along with PNB Capital, will serve as joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners.

According to sources, the institutional tranche of the IPO is 2.5 times oversubscribed.

“We intend to use the net proceeds from the primary shares for debt repayment and capital expenditures and initial working capital for store network expansion,” the company said.

“We believe that pursuing this strategy will increase the overall shareholder value of the company as this will decrease our financing cost by as much as P264.4 million per annum. Any balance of the net proceeds will allow us to partly fund our store network expansion. We believe, however, that we will still be able to access debt funding from our various relationship banks as the need arises in the medium-term,” it said in its registration statement.

The company pay off its loans from several banks that carry interest rates of 5 percent to 8.08 percent. These loans were obtained to fund the capital expenditures and initial working capital of its 33 existing stores These banks are Union Bank of the Philippines, which accounts for P1.67 billion; Philippine Business Bank, P900.4 million; Maybank Philippines Inc., P149.9 million; Security Bank Corp., P200 million; RCBC Capital Corp., P600 million; Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, P380

million; and Cathay United Bank Co. Ltd., P200 million.

“As part of our store network expansion, we plan to have up to a total of 45 stores by 2022 and 100 stores by the end of 2026. The viability of a potential location for a new store is based on a number of factors, including the demographics of the area, the size of the population, its income levels, local government and local infrastructure and support, and, in particular, proximity to residential developments,” the company said.

The new stores planned up to the end of 2022 will be funded mostly from the net proceeds from the sale of primary share.

“As all of our stores are leased, we will not incur any expenses for construction. We do not have plans to acquire land,” the company said.

AllDay said it recorded a profit of P179.6 million in the first half, some 59 percent higher than the previous year’s P114 million.

Sales rose 19 percent to P4.49 billion for the period from last year’s P3.75 billion, the company said.

EDC, Cebu firm ink RE supply deal

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

C

ebu-based steel manufacturer Chioson Development Corp. (CDC) has tapped Energy Development Corp. (EDC) for the supply of 750 kilowatts of renewable energy (RE).

EDC will source power from its geothermal facilities to energize CDC’s facilities. The power supply contract is valid until March 25, 2025.

“We are delighted to move into the RE space with First Gen and EDC. We want to have a sustainable and reliable renewable energy supplier to push our advocacy for producing

rebar, nails, and pipes in a clean and sustainable way.

So by moving words into action, Chioson Development Corporation has chosen to source its power supply from geothermal energy to further reduce its own carbon footprint on the environment. With this investment towards clean energy we can leave a lasting impact for future generations,” said Bernard B. Chioson, chief operating officer of CDC. EDC is a unit of Lopez-owned First Gen Corp.

Three of CDC’s facilities now enjoy a stable supply of clean power from EDC’s geothermal facilities.

Considered as the “Holy Grail” among RE technologies, geothermal

energy provides uninterrupted baseload power all year round.

Being powered by geothermal energy enables CDC to avoid 1.86 million tons of carbon dioxide in lieu of coal each year. This then enables construction companies to take a stand for the environment and indirectly lower their carbon footprint by getting materials from green companies like CDC. Businesses with an average monthly electricity consumption of at least 100 kilowatts like CDC can now choose to get power from renewable sources with the help of the government’s Green Energy Option Program.

The program basically allows con-

sumers to source from RE as opposed to consuming whatever is supplied by their distribution utility.

Shifting to RE through licensed GEOP providers like First Gen and EDC’s geothermal facilities is crucial to helping the country decarbonize and be a part of the solution to climate change.

EDC has over 1,480megawatts (MW) total installed capacity that accounts for 20 percent of the country’s total installed RE capacity. Its 1,181MW geothermal portfolio accounts for 62 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity and has put the Philippines on the map as the third largest geothermal producer in the world.

‘The Final Pitch’ Season 7 to premiere on CNN Philippines on October 24 T

he Final Pitch, the Philippines’s first and only business reality TV show, is set to premiere its seventh season on CNN Philippines starting October 24, and will air every Sunday at 9 p.m. with replays every Tuesday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Hosted by the show creator John Aguilar, the 10-episode series will feature aspiring entrepreneurs and startups with business solutions equipped for the country’s transition to the new normal who will have a chance to pitch their innovative ideas to a diverse panel of investors looking to fund and back their initiatives.

With its theme “virtual edition,” the show offers a hybrid setup where the investor judges will virtually interact with the contestants as they pitch their businesses on-location at The Final Pitch studios. The new season also aims to encourage Filipinos to pursue entrepreneurship and continue with their plans despite the current pandemic surge.

“We want to make a statement with this season that just because there is a pandemic and a Delta variant out there, it doesn’t mean that we should stop conducting businesses, trying to look for solutions, and even making a living.

This is also a very aggressive call out for entrepreneurs with solutions for all of the challenges we face and to those who had their businesses particularly adapted to the new normal,” Aguilar said.

This year’s distinguished panel of investor-judges include Dennis Uy, Chief Executive Officer of Converge ICT Solutions; Bernard Dy, Cauayan City Mayor; Ricky Villarante, Chairman and CEO of 8Ventures; Rose Ong, Senior Executive Vice President-COO of Wilcon Depot; and David Almirol, Founder & CEO of Multisys Tech-

nologies Corporation.

The Final Pitch ultimately aims to continue its mission to make an impact in nation-building.

However, considering the pandemic’s current dilemma, the show now wants to focus on nation rebuilding.

“Before, we used to always emphasize nation-building, but with the challenges we continue to face, we realize that it is first and foremost a collective nation rebuilding effort. That’s the focus of this season—to give a break to these entrepreneurs and in-

troduce them to the right people who may be in a position to help them, whether it’s through funding, resources, or network,” shared Aguilar.

All contestants went through a virtual business mentorship with selected business mentors, namely Dean Bernales, Managing Director, Uniquecorn Strategies; Patt Soyao, Managing Director, Icon Executive Search; and Hiyasmin Neri-Soyao, Managing Director, Shoppertainment Live.

The Final Pitch is a reality TV show where viewers see the coming together of the best and brightest startup entrepreneurs, and investors and business leaders searching to back and support their enterprises. The idea was spawned to create a platform to not just serve as a guide and inspiration to those who will trek the long and winding road of entrepreneurship, but for investors to find and invest in the ones they are willing to back.

The Final Pitch is produced by independent television production company Streetpark Productions Inc., producer of the longest-running real estate and construction show Philippine Realty TV, also on CNN Philippines. For more information, visit www.thefinalpitch.ph.

Century Pacific founder Ricardo Po Sr. dies at 90

R

icardo S. Po Sr., founder of Century Pacific, has passed away on October 11 from complications arising from surgery.

“His family was by his side throughout the ordeal until he returned to the Lord,” a family statement said, adding that their patriarch passed away “peacefully and painlessly.”

“He was 90 years old and lived a full life raising his family, building his company, and perfecting his golf game,” it said.

Po was the chairman emeritus of the Century Pacific Group, one of the country’s top food canner which has

diversified to other businesses. Under his vision and leadership, the company has grown its interests from affordable food and beverages to family restaurant chains and sustainable real estate developments.

He also leaves behind the RSPo Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger among vulnerable communities.

Po, the family said, was a devoted husband and a loving father not just to his children, but to the entire company. So much so that many within the Century Pacific Group fondly call him “Tatay.”

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 14, 2021

B2

DHL Express, DTI team up to assist small businesses

D

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

HL Express has teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide “different market expansion opportunities to all clients of DTI’s Negosyo Centers,” particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

DHL Express Philippines Head of Commercial Eric Queppet said the partnership will provide DTI

Negosyo Center clients a 10-percent discount on published rates until August 2022.

PHL tops list of nations with most female investors

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

T

he Philippines has the h i g he st p e rce nt a ge of female investors in the world, according to a new research released by a platform that helps compare brokers online.

Ba sed on Broker C hooser’s study, 44 percent of women in the Philippines are investors. This figure is lower than the 56 percent of males but it is the highest in the world.

BrokerChooser said the relatively high levels of female investors were in a number of Caribbean islands, including Barbados at 39 percent; Trinidad and Tobago, 38 percent; and Jamaica, 37 percent.

“Investors are predominantly male the world over, with the number of male users outnumbering females in every single country around the world and a global split of 76 percent male to 24 percent female,” BrokerChooser said.

“However, this investing gender gap isn’t quite as wide everywhere you look. The Philippines is the country with the highest percentage of female investors, at 44 percent.”

Rounding up the top 10 are Papua New Guinea with 38 percent; Belarus, 36 percent; Hong Kong and Mongolia, 35 percent; and China, 34 percent.

Bangladesh has the lowest proportion of female traders, at just 12 percent. Other countries in the bottom of the list are Saudi Arabia and Somalia at 14 percent; Pakistan, 15 percent; and Brazil, 16 percent.

Globally, investors are predominantly male, with the number of male users outnumbering females in every single country around the world and a global split of 76 percent male to 24 percent female.

Investing experts at BrokerChooser analyzed their internal data to reveal the proportion of female investors, their age range and what devices they use to invest.

All figures sourced from BrokerChooser internal data and show the proportion of BrokerChooser users in each country.

When making comparisons between countries, BrokerChooser omitted any nations with fewer than 1,000 users to avoid anomalies, although these countries were included in the global totals.

“The MSME sector in our country has produced many creative and proudly Filipino products that deserve a place in the global market. Whether through traditional or online selling, DHL Express is making it easier for MSME businesses to thrive through innovation and digitalization, such as with our Phygital Program. Our strong partnership with DTI supports our aim to help MSMEs harness opportunities presented by the growth of cross-border e-commerce,” he said in a statement.

DHL Express’ Phygital Program, Queppet said, combines both online and offline settings to enable a more comprehensive customer experience. The new system requires

no contact, service staff, making it relative to the new normal.

Aside from the discount, customers may also connect with DHL Express retail sales desks via chat are also available to assist customers regarding bookings or when using the codes.

“Through our presence in over 220 countries and territories and combined with our logistic expertise, MSMEs can truly leverage our global network to grow their businesses,” Queppet said.

According to the DTI, MSMEs account for 25 percent of overall export revenue in the country. The government estimates that 60 percent of all exporters in the country are MSMEs.

mutual funds

October 13, 2021 NAV One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

227.82

16.86%

-1.02%

-2.78%

0.27%

ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

226.79

16.22%

-1.17%

-2.68%

-0.18%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.643

53.15%

6.76%

3.85%

25.13%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1453

19.05%

-4.88%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7488 11.91% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7803 15.6% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

-5.48%

0.39%

-3.98% n.a.

-7.87%

0.3% n.a.

5.22%

5.1112

22.09%

1.98%

-0.53%

3.44%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.7627

16.85%

-0.33%

-4.35%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

-3.2% n.a.

-1.2%

100.65

18.72%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

46.7087

19.38%

0.8%

-1.17%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

487.44

16.03%

0.81%

-1.76%

-0.3%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

1.1351

25.29% n.a. n.a.

3.44%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2655

26.51%

2.31%

0.22%

8.33%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

35.6048

21.55%

1.19%

-0.19%

2.4%

18.72% n.a. n.a.

0.24%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9152

-0.28%

4.81

20.36%

1.63%

-0.49%

0.39%

802.96

20.19%

1.64%

-0.54%

0.17%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7317

20.07%

-2.75%

-3.66%

1.78%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.6803

19.69%

-1%

-1.86%

1.56%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9164 19.76%

1.28%

-0.73%

-0.14%

United Fund, Inc. -a

1.15%

0.18%

1.83%

1.8%

-0.05%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

3.3792

20.41%

-1.76%

107.95

20.44%

0.37%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.1525

6.15%

7.12%

5.06%

-4.19%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7739

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

13.68%

12.75%

11.29%

6.04%

0.56%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.678

8.57%

1.97%

-1%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2214

9.32%

1.62%

-0.88%

-2.8%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.672

12.08%

3.69%

0.9%

1.72%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1983

9.62% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9909

8.78%

4.01%

1.27%

1.21%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7447

8.75%

3.83%

0.07%

-1.2%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.7274

8.61%

3.61%

0.03%

-1.26%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0872

9.66%

1.74%

0.04%

-0.19%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6006 11.17%

1.04%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9833

-0.64%

0.76%

5.64% n.a. n.a.

-3.84% -2.61%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9244

12.33% n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9135

14.22% n.a. n.a.

-2.1%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

16.06%

3.56%

0.9193

1.14%

-0.74%

0.1%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03715

-5.04%

2.42%

0.74%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0667

0.69%

4.16%

2.79%

-5.6%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.6773 10.13%

9.44%

7.96%

3.65%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.201

5.32%

4.05%

-0.1%

0.39%

3.75%

-4.99%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

372.58

1.12%

2.96%

2.43%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9264

-1.32%

1.22%

0.2%

1.37%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2421

1.19%

3.3%

4.12%

0.83%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2489

-1.85%

2.04%

1.28%

-2.15%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4248 -1.02%

3.1%

1.68%

-1.16%

-4.22%

5.42%

1.25%

-4.19%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4358

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3164

0.32%

3.99%

2.6%

-0.37%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9674

0.25%

4.71%

2.31%

-0.84%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0222

-1.47%

5.39%

1.56%

-2.04%

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

October 13, 2021

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

46.4 129.6 84.7 23.9 9.57 49.5 9.5 17.52 21.8 55.7 99.2 19.78 117.5 90.8 4.27 0.59 3.21 6.57 1.12 0.31 901 230 2,550

46.5 130.3 84.75 24 9.66 49.7 9.99 18.2 21.85 56.45 105 19.92 117.9 91.5 4.28 0.63 3.43 7.9 1.14 0.315 950 231.8 2,580

45.9 127.2 84.8 23.9 9.65 49.65 9.5 18 21.3 55.6 99.2 20 115.7 87.9 4.27 0.64 3.22 7.96 1.14 0.315 950 217 2,580

46.4 131.5 85.35 24 9.81 49.8 9.5 18 21.95 56.45 99.2 20 117.9 93.9 4.28 0.64 3.25 7.96 1.14 0.315 950 230 2,580

45.9 126 84.75 23.75 9.57 48.7 9.5 18 21.2 55.6 99.2 19.78 115.7 87.9 4.27 0.64 3.21 7.95 1.14 0.31 950 217 2,550

46.4 130.3 84.75 23.9 9.66 49.7 9.5 18 21.85 56.45 99.2 19.78 117.9 91.5 4.28 0.64 3.25 7.95 1.14 0.31 950 230 2,550

32,200 3,718,610 3,967,630 292,300 1,201,800 4,215,400 15,300 800 1,199,200 2,710 100 72,600 808,860 255,050 28,000 1,000 14,000 500 1,000 130,000 20 24,960 205

1,489,260 482,939,482 337,315,010.50 6,988,675 11,658,289 208,474,590 145,350 14,400 25,900,910 150,988 9,920 1,445,886 94,713,741 23,219,897.50 119,710 640 45,150 3,976 1,140 40,600 19,000 5,691,298 522,900

978,300 223,945,507 24,860,954 -629,300 -97,400 108,902,725 -2,257,320 5,580 -5,964 28,065,977 -2,872,403 -42,800 6,200 4,419,058 510,000

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 12.1 12.12 12.98 13 11.3 12.12 93,922,300 1,148,858,238 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 38,000 43,320 ALSONS CONS 30 30.2 30.7 31.9 29.65 30 11,601,000 359,974,215 ABOITIZ POWER 0.56 0.57 0.59 0.6 0.55 0.56 16,336,000 9,400,380 BASIC ENERGY 29.1 29.5 29.6 30 28.6 29.3 1,983,000 58,262,320 FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG 75.2 76 77 77 76 76 13,710 1,043,052 MERALCO 289 290 292 292 288 289 176,950 51,150,466 MANILA WATER 26.2 26.6 25.5 26.6 24.85 26.6 4,402,300 112,405,375 PETRON 3.58 3.59 3.64 3.7 3.56 3.59 4,165,000 15,139,330 4.1 4.12 4.1 4.12 4.1 4.1 31,000 127,280 PETROENERGY 11.46 11.6 11.5 11.7 11.46 11.58 20,100 233,022 PHX PETROLEUM 21.45 21.5 21.6 21.8 21.1 21.5 158,700 3,416,360 PILIPINAS SHELL 13.4 13.6 13.48 13.9 13.38 13.4 759,100 10,250,106 SPC POWER VIVANT 15 18.48 15 15 15 15 500 7,500 4.75 4.95 4.98 4.98 4.81 4.95 72,000 354,830 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.79 2.82 2.79 2.82 2.77 2.82 124,000 346,440 13.72 14.4 14 14 13.7 13.7 800 11,110 CNTRL AZUCARERA 25.1 25.25 25.65 26 25.1 25.1 1,263,600 31,920,295 CENTURY FOOD 14.7 14.8 15.38 15.5 14.24 14.7 365,000 5,424,382 DEL MONTE 8.02 8.05 8.1 8.11 8.01 8.05 1,945,700 15,666,096 DNL INDUS 18.06 18.08 18.2 18.28 18.02 18.08 7,428,300 134,294,858 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 75.4 75.5 76.2 76.9 75.5 75.5 270,410 20,460,510.50 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.61 0.64 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 1,000 620 1.32 1.35 1.33 1.35 1.32 1.35 4,179,000 5,577,110 FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA 115 116 118.9 118.9 114 116 53,690 6,235,704 216 216.4 217.8 217.8 215 216 537,320 116,071,544 JOLLIBEE 6.53 7.86 6.32 6.5 6.32 6.5 1,200 7,602 MACAY HLDG 7.01 7.09 7.12 7.21 6.8 7.09 995,000 6,979,409 MAXS GROUP 0.18 0.183 0.182 0.183 0.182 0.183 550,000 100,520 MG HLDG 16.98 17 18 18.2 16.5 17 54,519,100 936,610,032 MONDE NISSIN SHAKEYS PIZZA 8.1 8.2 8.2 8.2 8.09 8.2 228,800 1,873,663 ROXAS AND CO 0.77 0.78 0.79 0.79 0.76 0.79 2,467,000 1,916,210 RFM CORP 4.55 4.6 4.68 4.68 4.6 4.6 21,000 96,830 ROXAS HLDG 1.27 1.32 1.26 1.34 1.26 1.33 54,000 68,330 0.114 0.118 0.118 0.118 0.114 0.114 960,000 110,760 SWIFT FOODS 130 131.8 133.4 133.4 130 130 1,349,380 177,054,216 UNIV ROBINA 0.76 0.77 0.77 0.78 0.75 0.77 3,940,000 2,979,790 VITARICH 2.35 2.48 2.48 2.48 2.48 2.48 22,000 54,560 VICTORIAS CEMEX HLDG 1.29 1.31 1.3 1.32 1.29 1.29 2,881,000 3,757,090 EAGLE CEMENT 14.3 14.46 14.4 14.64 14.2 14.46 63,200 905,898 EEI CORP 6.59 6.6 6.85 6.85 6.58 6.6 691,700 4,606,592 HOLCIM 6.19 6.2 6.25 6.3 6.18 6.2 357,100 2,212,949 6.41 6.46 6.65 6.75 6.3 6.41 2,608,800 16,997,299 MEGAWIDE 14.5 14.68 14.7 14.7 14.5 14.68 15,500 226,444 PHINMA 0.92 0.93 0.91 0.93 0.91 0.93 254,000 232,370 TKC METALS 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.16 1.11 1.12 4,222,000 4,766,870 VULCAN INDL CHEMPHIL 144.5 199.5 144.5 144.5 144.5 144.5 70 10,115 1.67 1.68 1.68 1.68 1.67 1.67 27,000 45,170 CROWN ASIA 1.64 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.64 1.64 20,000 32,950 EUROMED 4.13 4.28 4.2 4.2 4.13 4.13 14,000 58,520 LMG CORP 5.47 5.48 5.48 5.48 5.48 5.48 64,000 350,720 PRYCE CORP 21.85 23 22.5 23 21.65 23 27,300 620,560 CONCEPCION 2.27 2.29 2.28 2.31 2.2 2.29 5,899,000 13,410,880 GREENERGY 8.91 8.94 8.52 8.97 8.52 8.91 1,801,800 15,956,910 INTEGRATED MICR 0.85 0.86 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 202,000 171,700 IONICS PANASONIC 6 6.02 5.96 6.02 5.96 6.01 29,900 179,133 1.14 1.15 1.18 1.18 1.13 1.14 459,000 523,590 SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG 4.3 4.32 4.35 4.37 4.29 4.3 3,709,000 16,021,490

209,130,610 2,302,095 -180,110 2,424,030 126,337.50 -7,721,086 27,491,520 -666,300 1,020,195 21,210 9,900 -2,266,265 -290,034 -1,511,807 -4,960,454 -1,587,140.50 31,920 3,352,094 57,276,342 -14,268 -356,869,902 -12,297 266,760 -59,930 -106,205,408 151,000 147,030 -571,858 -3,686,539 -1,696,665 343,185 -273,100.00 -448,500 -1,384,600.00 -88,520 21,660 -1,104,450.00

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.08 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.04 1.09 11,321,000 12,114,500 825 828 825 836.5 816 828 344,570 285,053,610 AYALA CORP 47 47.05 46.95 48.15 46.95 47 5,050,600 238,791,510 ABOITIZ EQUITY 10.28 10.3 10.42 10.46 10.26 10.3 9,382,800 96,843,206 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 5.71 5.8 5.85 6.09 5.4 5.71 15,281,700 88,556,371 AYALA LAND LOG ANSCOR 7 7.09 7.09 7.09 7.09 7.09 100 709 0.91 0.92 0.91 0.92 0.91 0.92 893,000 820,670 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.485 0.5 0.5 0.51 0.5 0.5 410,000 205,500 ATN HLDG A 0.495 0.51 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 1,000 490 ATN HLDG B 5.1 5.12 5.16 5.17 5.06 5.12 1,338,000 6,838,224 COSCO CAPITAL 9.09 9.1 8.93 9.35 8.93 9.1 39,465,200 361,375,494 DMCI HLDG 7.7 7.85 7.7 7.85 7.7 7.85 48,300 371,955 FILINVEST DEV 0.3 0.305 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 800,000 240,000 FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL 549.5 550 559.5 559.5 536 550 188,860 103,647,710 HOUSE OF INV 3.59 3.93 3.58 3.58 3.58 3.58 3,000 10,740 61.5 61.9 63 63.2 61.5 61.5 730,230 45,601,099.50 JG SUMMIT LODESTAR 0.64 0.65 0.64 0.68 0.64 0.65 248,000 159,590 3.19 3.27 3.27 3.29 3.27 3.29 137,000 448,410 LOPEZ HLDG 9.7 9.71 9.88 9.9 9.67 9.71 7,533,300 73,587,712 LT GROUP 3.83 3.84 3.82 3.87 3.81 3.84 15,314,000 58,877,610 METRO PAC INV 3.18 3.27 3.28 3.28 3.28 3.28 1,000 3,280 PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA 1.5 1.51 1.5 1.5 1.48 1.5 269,000 400,340 REPUBLIC GLASS 2.61 2.88 2.83 2.86 2.83 2.86 14,000 39,750 1.16 1.19 1.19 1.19 1.16 1.16 94,000 111,560 SOLID GROUP 975 978 1,000 1,015 968 975 246,210 242,189,140 SM INVESTMENTS 114.1 114.9 115.9 115.9 113.6 114.9 92,750 10,666,456 SAN MIGUEL CORP 0.25 0.26 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 10,000 2,500 WELLEX INDUS 0.184 0.185 0.184 0.184 0.184 0.184 30,000 5,520 ZEUS HLDG

8,406,050 -13,680,495 9,448,095 -37,843,436 -8,097,219 1,079,547 55,359,252 -100,100 -16,495,590 10,226,091.50 -32,000 -167,190 12,945,376 12,464,930 219,040 -64,790,690 -175,910 -

PROPERTY

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ARTHALAND CORP 0.64 0.67 0.65 0.69 0.64 0.67 509,000 345,110 35.5 35.9 36 36.1 35.25 35.9 8,587,400 308,256,565 AYALA LAND 39.95 40 40 40 39.3 40 905,400 36,090,625 AREIT RT 1.34 1.36 1.37 1.37 1.34 1.34 109,000 149,130 BELLE CORP 0.87 0.9 0.9 0.92 0.88 0.9 261,000 234,320 A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT 0.78 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.77 0.78 177,000 138,950 CROWN EQUITIES 0.117 0.12 0.117 0.12 0.117 0.117 600,000 70,230 3.05 3.06 3.05 3.09 3.02 3.05 1,964,000 5,999,500 CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP 0.45 0.455 0.45 0.46 0.445 0.455 9,070,000 4,119,700 10.22 10.24 10.26 10.4 10.22 10.24 118,600 1,218,244 DOUBLEDRAGON 1.83 1.84 1.88 1.88 1.83 1.84 7,889,000 14,535,330 DDMP RT 6.85 6.88 6.9 6.9 6.85 6.85 21,800 149,450 DM WENCESLAO 0.27 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.27 0.27 210,000 57,650 EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO 0.32 0.325 0.335 0.335 0.32 0.325 11,290,000 3,671,350 FILINVEST RT 7.35 7.38 7.4 7.4 7.34 7.35 3,440,000 25,365,605 FILINVEST LAND 1.1 1.11 1.1 1.12 1.1 1.11 20,578,000 22,820,710 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.88 0.91 0.93 0.93 0.86 0.88 1,818,000 1,610,580 11.3 11.44 10.36 11.48 10.28 11.44 11,777,600 124,512,884 8990 HLDG 1.15 1.18 1.19 1.19 1.15 1.15 456,000 525,650 PHIL INFRADEV 0.94 0.96 0.95 0.97 0.94 0.94 126,000 120,290 CITY AND LAND 3.04 3.05 3.07 3.11 3 3.05 20,383,000 62,112,180 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED 0.285 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.285 0.29 5,800,000 1,654,900 MREIT RT 17.74 17.8 17.78 17.82 17.6 17.8 1,257,100 22,303,998 PHIL ESTATES 0.5 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.5 0.5 3,358,000 1,687,920 PRIMEX CORP 1.94 1.95 1.8 1.95 1.79 1.95 331,000 628,300 6.82 6.85 6.77 6.9 6.76 6.85 1,968,400 13,473,643 RL COMM RT 16.08 16.1 16.5 16.5 16.04 16.08 1,185,000 19,228,606 ROBINSONS LAND 0.246 0.249 0.249 0.25 0.246 0.246 640,000 158,000 PHIL REALTY 1.52 1.53 1.55 1.56 1.53 1.53 1,328,000 2,042,790 ROCKWELL 2.62 2.7 2.67 2.7 2.67 2.7 331,000 890,400 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.84 2.85 2.88 2.9 2.82 2.85 353,000 1,010,790 35.6 35.8 35.15 35.8 35.1 35.8 8,702,700 308,816,360 SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS 3.7 3.96 3.8 4 3.7 3.96 18,000 68,890 SUNTRUST HOME 1.44 1.46 1.47 1.47 1.43 1.46 1,623,000 2,346,360 3.67 3.68 3.63 3.68 3.63 3.67 2,090,000 7,641,550 VISTA LAND

SERVICES ABS CBN 15.8 15.82 16 16.2 15.4 15.8 854,700 13,578,522 15.8 15.9 15.5 16.08 15.06 15.9 5,776,200 90,904,616 GMA NETWORK 0.415 0.435 0.44 0.44 0.435 0.435 70,000 30,650 MANILA BULLETIN 3,198 3,200 3,150 3,216 3,120 3,198 87,550 278,055,720 GLOBE TELECOM 1,630 1,638 1,620 1,650 1,607 1,630 114,190 186,068,130 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.101 0.102 0.103 0.104 0.1 0.102 245,450,000 24,824,730 CONVERGE 32.1 32.25 35.1 35.2 30.6 32.1 47,253,000 1,534,155,775 DFNN INC 3.11 3.15 3.26 3.26 3.1 3.11 399,000 1,241,940 DITO CME HLDG 7.41 7.42 7.6 7.7 7.31 7.41 5,423,700 40,599,338 1.42 1.5 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42 5,000 7,100 IMPERIAL 1.9 1.92 1.91 1.97 1.9 1.91 945,000 1,818,230 NOW CORP 0.325 0.33 0.35 0.35 0.32 0.33 9,260,000 3,055,800 TRANSPACIFIC BR 2.16 2.19 2.29 2.34 2 2.16 1,265,000 2,725,480 PHILWEB 2GO GROUP 8.02 8.12 8.12 8.12 8.02 8.02 32,000 258,111 ASIAN TERMINALS 14 14.1 14 14.1 14 14.1 4,800 67,580 2.09 2.12 2.14 2.15 2.09 2.09 997,000 2,110,970 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 42.2 42.3 42.1 42.6 42.05 42.3 350,000 14,794,275 174.5 174.8 179.1 181.9 171.7 174.5 2,446,520 429,508,457 INTL CONTAINER 18.1 18.68 18.3 18.68 18.1 18.1 56,000 1,029,734 LBC EXPRESS 5.45 5.46 5.4 5.66 5.4 5.45 5,869,300 32,658,210 MACROASIA 1.52 1.53 1.49 1.63 1.49 1.53 865,000 1,312,910 METROALLIANCE A HARBOR STAR 1.05 1.06 1.03 1.06 1.03 1.06 630,000 656,460 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.063 0.064 0.067 0.067 0.061 0.063 248,140,000 15,911,890 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.3 2.39 2.33 2.43 2.2 2.39 1,823,000 4,214,510 11 12.8 11 11 11 11 500 5,500 GRAND PLAZA 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 464,000 241,280 WATERFRONT 6.81 7 6.82 7 6.81 7 7,100 48,726 IPEOPLE 0.36 0.365 0.365 0.365 0.365 0.365 450,000 164,250 STI HLDG 5.45 5.58 5.7 5.7 5.45 5.6 83,900 462,176 BERJAYA 6.07 6.1 5.99 6.2 5.99 6.07 4,847,300 29,450,775 BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE 1.9 2 1.99 2 1.87 2 65,000 124,630 LEISURE AND RES 1.61 1.63 1.63 1.65 1.6 1.63 607,000 979,570 MANILA JOCKEY 1.71 1.8 1.79 1.79 1.79 1.79 29,000 51,910 1.1 1.11 1.1 1.12 1.07 1.1 792,000 864,170 PH RESORTS GRP 0.415 0.42 0.425 0.425 0.415 0.42 4,920,000 2,060,500 PREMIUM LEISURE 10.38 10.4 10 10.52 9.71 10.4 3,443,200 35,230,459 ALLHOME 1.36 1.37 1.39 1.4 1.36 1.37 419,000 576,500 METRO RETAIL 42.1 42.3 42.45 43 42.1 42.1 875,100 37,225,695 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 59.5 59.6 59.9 60.5 58.5 59.5 1,092,540 64,995,429.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP 90.05 94 89.5 94 89.25 94 51,200 4,582,524 SSI GROUP 1.18 1.19 1.2 1.22 1.19 1.19 2,352,000 2,812,120 WILCON DEPOT 28.5 28.6 28.85 29.5 27.85 28.5 8,148,000 233,461,250 0.25 0.255 0.26 0.265 0.255 0.255 1,290,000 331,800 APC GROUP 4.6 5 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 5,000 24,000 EASYCALL 521.5 540 540 540 540 540 60 32,400 GOLDEN MV 7.05 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.05 7.05 2,100 14,905 IPM HLDG PAXYS 2.08 2.39 2.08 2.08 2.08 2.08 1,000 2,080 0.86 0.87 0.91 0.93 0.85 0.87 21,559,000 19,271,490 PRMIERE HORIZON SBS PHIL CORP 4.23 4.25 4.27 4.27 4.23 4.25 131,000 556,270

MINING & OIL

ATOK 6.8 6.89 6.99 7 6.8 6.89 87,600 610,096 1.42 1.43 1.41 1.43 1.4 1.42 715,000 1,015,600 APEX MINING 6.2 6.22 6 6.25 6 6.2 1,201,000 7,404,858 ATLAS MINING 5.15 5.41 5.48 5.48 5.15 5.41 19,100 101,756 BENGUET A BENGUET B 4.82 5.17 4.9 5.19 4.8 5.16 47,000 230,200 Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1908 0.24% 5.05% 2.68% -0.48% 0.295 0.3 0.305 0.31 0.3 0.3 1,040,000 317,550 COAL ASIA HLDG 2.78 2.79 2.78 2.78 2.78 2.78 3,000 8,340 CENTURY PEAK Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7346 -0.58% 4.27% 2.02% -1.16% DIZON MINES 5.7 5.71 5.75 5.75 5.71 5.71 10,700 61,105 2.05 2.06 2.1 2.1 2.05 2.05 3,677,000 7,613,310 FERRONICKEL Primarily invested in foreign currency securities 0.13 0.131 0.132 0.132 0.129 0.131 3,050,000 397,150 LEPANTO A 0.0093 0.0095 0.0095 0.0095 0.0093 0.0095 80,000,000 754,000 MANILA MINING A 0.86 0.88 0.86 0.88 0.85 0.86 1,643,000 1,407,390 MARCVENTURES ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $487.46 1.55% 3.03% 2.16% 0.71% NIHAO 1.04 1.05 1.04 1.05 1.04 1.04 535,000 558,020 5.35 5.36 5.56 5.57 5.3 5.35 11,489,500 62,286,092 NICKEL ASIA ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.74 1.02% 1.02% 0.77% 0.24% OMICO CORP 0.33 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.33 0.35 130,000 44,700 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.83 321,000 266,760 ORNTL PENINSULA 1.01% -7.51% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1837 -4.78% 1.85% 5.31 5.32 5.01 5.35 5.01 5.31 958,200 5,053,135 PX MINING 30.4 30.5 28.55 30.5 28.55 30.5 12,881,200 379,333,375 SEMIRARA MINING First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0257 -3.02% 1.2% 0.55% -3.38% 0.0067 0.007 0.0068 0.0068 0.0068 0.0068 3,000,000 20,400 UNITED PARAGON 16.54 16.58 17.2 17.5 16.5 16.54 133,800 2,236,622 ACE ENEXOR PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0108 -7.16% -0.43% -1.64% -7.27% ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 14,100,000 157,500 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 5,500,000 60,500 ORNTL PETROL B 0.0097 0.0098 0.0097 0.0098 0.0097 0.0097 32,000,000 311,400 PHILODRILL Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.4431 -2.62% 4.63% 1.59% -3.81% 6.17 6.2 6.21 6.21 6.13 6.2 492,700 3,033,088 PXP ENERGY

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0625624 1.44% 3.24% 1.98% 0.42% PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 101.2 101.9 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 2,450 247,940 Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.08 -3.53% 2.31% 0.35% -4.45% 101 101.5 101 101 101 101 2,000 202,000 HOUSE PREF A 519 520 520 520 511 511 220 114,310 AC PREF B1 Money Market Funds 101.6 102.6 101.5 101.5 101.5 101.5 2,600 263,900 ALCO PREF B 103.7 108 103.8 103.8 103.8 103.8 3,000 311,400 ALCO PREF C Primarily invested in Peso securities AC PREF B2R 524.5 525 524.5 525 524.5 525 4,200 2,204,900 41.4 41.5 42.3 42.3 41.3 41.5 91,700 3,804,980 CEB PREF CPG PREF A 104 105.5 104 105.5 104 105.5 25,940 2,697,910 ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 130.8 1.2% 2.95% 2.53% 0.75% 105.3 105.6 105.6 105.6 105.6 105.6 780 82,368 FGEN PREF G 1,030 1,035 1,030 1,030 1,030 1,030 400 412,000 GTCAP PREF B First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0558 0.97% n.a. n.a.

0.73% 100.5 101 100.6 101 100.5 101 10,100 1,015,260 MWIDE PREF 101.5 102.8 102 102.7 101 101 9,800 999,708 MWIDE PREF 2B 1.53% 2.73% 2.55% 1.11% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3113 107 107.6 107 107.6 107 107.6 260 27,880 PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 1,006 1,010 1,006 1,009 1,006 1,009 990 996,750 Primarily invested in foreign currency securities 1,123 1,135 1,123 1,123 1,123 1,123 35 39,305 PCOR PREF 3A 1,170 1,180 1,170 1,170 1,170 1,170 500 585,000 PCOR PREF 3B Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.059 0.86% 1.54% n.a.

0.51% 79.2 79.25 79.2 79.2 79.1 79.2 84,900 6,723,930 SMC PREF 2F 76.05 76.35 76 76.35 76 76 4,530 344,290.50 SMC PREF 2H 79.15 79.3 79.35 79.35 79.1 79.1 4,380 347,078 SMC PREF 2I Feeder Funds 76.3 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.25 76.5 8,700 665,232.50 SMC PREF 2J 76.15 76.5 76.5 76.5 76 76.5 811,430 62,058,126 SMC PREF 2K Primarily invested in Peso securities

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3299 27.81% n.a. n.a. 17.73% ABS HLDG PDR 14.9 15.5 15.5 15.5 14.9 14.9 53,000 815,920 14.52 14.9 14.7 14.8 14.5 14.8 86,500 1,273,796 GMA HLDG PDR Primarily invested in foreign currency securities

WARRANTS ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d $0.97 2.11% n.a. n.a.

-1.02% TECH WARRANT 1.35 1.36 1.44 1.46 1.32 1.36 9,599,000 13,208,000

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

16.92 1.82 3.86 3.55

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

FIRST METRO ETF

107.3

1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.).

20,496,920 -5,085,285 1,098,690.00 -221,643,910 21,780 3,917,913 -1,930 137,250 57,529.00 17,120 -3,095,850 -36,443,289 -16,670 -583,424 33,600 -23,940 135,050 5,520 -4,700,141 19,750 64,600 11,790 83,000 8,462,382 -21,930,015 -5,705,029 812,613 -17,150 -20,445,495 -648,470 4,270 6,800 36,920 92,996 8,340 1,537,680 -103,200 -37,987,973 882,990 -8,394,155 -36,476.00 -184,500 -3,523,350 38,000 - 246,000 - 368,340

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART

-17,550 -103,683,290 14,675,890 -21,720 62,200 -435,540 162,000 29,722 221,240 -20,550 104,000 5,600,144 496,170 -151,836 58,000.00 11,649,700 -45,600 -1,073,610 -2,600 61,080 -2,771,206 -2,795,876 -419,460 215,210 1,048,045 22,500 510,410

17 1.87 4.03 3.56

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

107.5

17 1.85 4.04 3.66

17.12 1.91 4.04 3.67

16.88 1.81 4.04 3.5

17 1.82 4.04 3.55

97,900 249,000 2,000 8,557,000

1,664,112 459,550 8,080 30,597,750

25,350 -494,590

108.2 108.3 107.3 107.3 12,290 1,324,452 143,571

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Thursday, October 14, 2021 B3

DA: Import ban on beef, cattle from Brazil to stay

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

(DA) imposed the import ban to protect the country’s cattle population and Filipino consumers as mad cow disease could affect humans.

The DA noted that the atypica l t y pe of mad cow disease “may pose a risk to consumers due to BSE’s assumed link with the variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.”

Other countries, such as China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Indonesia and Iran, have also banned Brazilian cattle and beef products.

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) had warned that the temporary blanket ban on Brazilian beef products would increase the retail prices of processed goods as manufacturers will be forced to use more expensive raw materials from Australia and the United States.

Brazil accounts for about 40 percent of the Philippines’s annual beef imports. It also supplies up to 70 percent of the raw material requirements of local meat processors.

“With the ban, meat processors will be forced to use higher priced

@jearcalas

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HE Philippines has no plans to lift the temporary import ban it slapped on Brazilian cattle and beef products in September due to the outbreak of atypical mad cow disease.

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said his agency is not considering rescinding the import ban on Brazilian beef, a measure being awaited by local meat processors.

“Wala pa, wala pang plano [no plans yet to lift it],” he said when asked if he will scrap the import ban during a recent virtual press briefing.

Last month, the Philippines slapped a temporary import ban on Brazilian beef products, including live cattle, after the Latin American country reported an outbreak of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2021/09/18/mad-cowdisease-outbreak-prompts-phl-toban-beef-imports-from-brazil/) The Department of Agriculture

WORKERS on horseback herd cattle at a ranch in Paulinia, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on March 2, 2021. BLOOMBERG NEWS

beef from suppliers such as Australia, Ireland and the US,” the group said in a statement last month. “Hence, the increased cost of beef raw material for processed meats will be passed on to consumers in terms of higher prices, while the ban on Brazilian beef is in effect.”

In a statement, Pampi said the government should have already lifted the ban on Brazilian beef since it only involves the atypical type of the mad cow disease, which does not affect animals and humans.

The Philippines imported nearly 40,000 metric tons of beef from Brazil in January to September, based on the latest government data.

In September, Dar issued Memorandum Order (MO) 54 authorizing the temporary ban on the importation of live cattle, meat and meat products derived from cattle from Brazil.

With the order, the Bureau of Animal Industry suspended the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance for Brazilian beef imports.

‘₧4.12-B fund to bankroll DSWD feeding ‘Bangladesh to dislodge PHL as world’s second-largest rice importer’ programs, help local farmers and fishers’

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HE Philippines may import more rice this year as local traders are expected to increase their purchases from Vietnam, according to the latest estimate from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA has also projected that Bangladesh will overtake the Philippines as the world’s second-largest buyer of rice this year.

In its latest monthly global grain situation report, the USDA revised upward its rice import forecast for the Philippines this year by 200,000 metric tons (MT) to 2.3 million metric tons (MMT) from its previous estimate of 2.1 MMT. The USDA hiked its import forecast due to the “strong pace and large purchases from Vietnam” by Philippine rice traders and importers.

Despite the projected increase

in the country’s rice purchases this year, the estimate is still 145,000 MT lower than the 2.45 MMT the Philippines imported last year, USDA data showed.

The USDA also revised upward its rice import forecast for Bangladesh this year to 2.4 MMT, higher than the Philippines’s purchases.

The USDA said Bangladesh is poised to import more rice this year on the back of “lower import tariff, high internal prices, and continued tender activity.”

In 2019, the Philippines became the world’s largest buyer of rice after it imported a record volume of 2.9 MMT, based on USDA data.

The USDA has also revised upward its estimate for the Philippines’s rice imports next year to 2.2 MMT, from the previous forecast of 2.1 MMT due to “higher consumption” as the

staple “remains competitive against the increasing price of wheat.”

This will make the Philippines the world’s second-biggest buyer of the staple next year, behind China which is projected to import 4 MMT of rice.

The BusinessMirror earlier reported that the Philippines has approved the importation of 3.844 MMT of rice as of end-August, but arrivals are less than half of the volume applied by traders and importers.

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data showed that the agency approved 4,091 sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance for rice imports from January to August, corresponding to a total volume of 3.844 MMT. The volume for the eight-month period was 2.86 percent lower than the 3.737 MMT approved by the BPI last year. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

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EN. Francis N. Pangilinan pressed for the availability of a P4.12-billion annual fund in the budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to bankroll direct food purchase for its feeding programs to “combat hunger, and uplift the livelihood” of Filipino farmers and fishermen.

The opposition senator moved to amend the Bayanihan 2, which was adopted by the Senate, paving the way for the inclusion of General Provision 22 in the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) mandating government agencies, including DSWD, to

Solon files resolution urging DA, Neda to maintain tariffs on corn imports

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the need to keep our local farmers motivated, encourage them to continue planting, and keep their production stable by implementing a more strategic approach to balance enterprise resource planning,” according to the resolution, which was filed on October 11.

Last month, the Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. (PAFMI) urged the government to review the current tariff structure for yellow corn imports, particularly for non-Asean yellow corn imports which are slapped with a 50-percent tariff. The group said government should consider reducing the tariff

to temper the increase in animal feed costs.

With the current tariff structure, PAFMI said imported corn from non-Asean countries “is bloating the Philippines’s import costs to unrealistic levels.”

The country has a three-tiered tariff structure for corn: 5 percent for imports from Asean membercountries, 35 percent for supply falling under the minimum access volume (MAV) committed by the country to the World Trade Organization, and 50 percent for imports over MAV. “At a 50-percent tariff, feed corn im-

ports could lead to a landed cost as high as P30.10 a kilo,” PAFMI said. (Related story:https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/09/29/feed-millers-pushfor-review-of-tariff-structure-foryellow-corn-imports/) Corn growers led by PhilMaize opposed the proposal of feed millers to reduce the tariff on yellow corn imports, arguing that the measure will only benefit a “few” and may even be detrimental to the domestic corn industry. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/09/30/corn-growers-vsfeed-millers-bid-to-cut-tariff-onyellow-corn/) Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

need for livelihood must be addressed, especially during this pandemic.

“Ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda ay mga frontliners din. Kailangan din nila ng sapat na kita para mapakain ang kanilang pamilya. At dahil panahon ng pandemya, marami sa kanila ang humina ang kita kaya naman malaking tulong ang direktang pagbili na ito dahil diretso sa bulsa nila ang kita. Kasabay pa nito napakain natin ang mga bata at iba pang mga benepisyaryo ng feeding programs ng DSWD,” he said.

Moreover, the senator acknowledged the DSWD’s Supplemental Feeding Program also seeks to give nutritious food to children in daycare centers between 2 and 4 years old.

Record US soy crop, bulging reserves point to inflation relief

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BLOOMBERG NEWS

LAWMAKER has filed a resolution urging the Executive branch to maintain tariff rates for corn as this will encourage farmers to continue planting the crop.

House Deputy Speaker Rufus B. Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City filed House Resolution (HR) 2289 which called on the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and the Tariff Commission to “defer lowering of corn tariff and maintain tariff rates for corn.”

HR 2289 noted that the DA formed a technical working group (TWG) to “study the lowering of corn import duties to provide access to cheaper animal feeds in the agriculture sector.”

The DA has repeatedly defended the creation of the TWG, saying its role is to study and explore the possible reforms in the country’s tariff structure of yellow corn and identify necessary measures to protect farmers if tariff reforms would be pursued.

The DA emphasized in numerous events that the creation of the TWG was not meant for the sole purpose of lowering yellow corn tariffs but to make the industry competitive through productivity-enhancing and safety net measures.

HR 2289 noted the opposition of various groups, including the Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PhilMaize), Bayanihan sa Agrikultura, and the United Broiler Raisers’ Association, to the proposed tariff structure reform.

“The state should recognize

implement direct purchase from farmers and fisherfolk for their food requirements.

Pangilinan, a vice presidential aspirant in the upcoming national elections, praised fellow lawmakers for enabling the DSWD to set aside funding for the direct purchase of agricultural products for their feeding programs intended for farmers and fishers.

“We are extremely elated that the DSWD is fulfilling this mandate,” he said.

At the same time, Pangilinan’s Sagip Saka Act also sought to lower food prices and make affordable food accessible to all Filipinos by uplifting the lives of food producers, reminding that farmers and fisherfolk are frontliners whose

HE United States lifted its estimates for corn and soybeans reserves on Tuesday, in a sign that relief from higher food prices could be on the way.

American farmers have been struggling with extreme weather, including pockets of drought and flooding in key growing areas this season. Yet plants have proved resilient, and it looks to be a year for bumper production.

The US soybean crop will be record large this year, according to a government report Tuesday, while US corn output will be the secondlargest ever. Stockpiles at the end of the season are also building up more than than expected, with soybean reserves at 320 million bushels and corn at 1.5 billion bushels.

Bigger crops are welcome news for consumers, who have been contending with higher grocery billls. Global food prices recently touched a decade high, according to a United Nations gauge. US consumer price index data due Wednesday is expected to show cost pressures remained elevated last month.

The supply-and-demand report, known as WASDE, underscored what state accounts and word of mouth have hinted at for weeks: bigger crop yields.

“We are going to see less urgency in buying” on both futures exchanges and in cash markets, AgriVisor LLC commodity risk analyst Karl Setzer said in an e-mail.

Futures prices for both crops plunged after the report. Soybeans in Chicago fell as much as 2.5 percent to $11.98 a bushel, a 9-month low. Corn dropped as much as 2.1 percent to $5.22 a bushel. It could fall below $5, a key psychological level, said ED&F Man Capital Markets Inc. analyst Charlie Sernatinger.

Other bearish events have helped bring crop prices down by about a quarter since reaching multiyear peaks in May. Hurricane damaged to ports in the Gulf of Mexico and a crane accident on the West Coast stoked concerns that the pace of American exports could slow, with supplies potentially getting backed up.

One obstacle to inflation relief could be wheat prices, which rose after the report due to smallerthan-expected world supplies.

While corn and soybean crops are mainly fed to animals raised for meat, wheat is directly consumed in a variety of foods.

“The main takeaway from the entire report is a bearish tone, with the lone exception of wheat, where the balance sheet in the US is tightening to levels not seen since the 2007-08 drought period,” Sal Gilbertie, chief executive officer of Teucrium Trading LLC, said in an e-mail. “The global balance sheet is the tightest in five years, all due to healthy global demand for wheat and climate-related supply disruptions.”

Wheat rose as much as 1.6 percent to $7.4375 a bushel. Bloomberg News

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 14, 2021

B4

Ambassador to UAE leads opening of PHL pavilion at Dubai World Expo

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BU DHABI—The Philippine pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai was inaugurated by Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hjayceelyn M. Quintana.

She opened the structure on October 1—the start of the world’s fair—which runs until the end of March 2022. The Philippines is among 192 participating countries with self-built pavilions at the World Expo, considered the most digitallyadvanced in history.

The country’s pavilion sits on a 3,163-square-meter lot. It is located in the sustainability district of the expo site, which covers an area as big as 600 football fields as a whole. The pavilion is named “Bangkóta”—the ancient Tagalog word for coral reef, which is also the design inspiration for the structure. The theme evokes the idea that “the Filipino, like a coral reef, grows into colonies [and] spreads out all over the world connected by migration, travel, and technology.”

World expos are some of the oldest running and largest international events that take place every five years and showcase the achievements of

nations. Through the Bangkóta, the Philippines highlights its creative industries such as architecture, landscape architecture, content curation, multimedia arts, music, dance, film, fashion, animation, game development, artisanal objects, food, photography, and performing arts.

Trade Assistant Secretary Rosario Virginia Gaetos, who is the alternate commissioner general for the Philippine Expo’s participation; Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes; and Architect Royal Pineda, who is the Bangkóta Pavilion’s overall artistic and thematic director, joined the ambassador at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A crowd of about 500 Filipino residents in the UAE attended the opening event. The Filipino Social Club choir provided musical entertainment.

As she spoke before the Filipino community, Quintana said, “Today, as we opened the doors of the Bangkóta Pavilion, we have six months

AMBASSADOR Hjayceelyn M. Quintana (third from right) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Assistant Secretary Rosario Gaetos (third from left), Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes (second from right) and Architect Royal Pineda (second from left) ABU DHABI PE

to show the world that the time has come for a new way of thinking about who we are as a people. We will see [within] the thought-provoking halls of the Bangkóta the depth, authenticity, and inherent freedom to create in every Filipino.”

She added: “Indeed, if we want to understand the concepts represented in the curves and lines of the Bangkóta, we have to change old mindsets in looking at ourselves and in the way that we represent ourselves. The Bangkóta finds its place in the World Expo [to teach us new ideas and create] new images that will help us face the future with confidence.”

Quintana commended the UAE’s visionary leadership as host country for its determination and serious efforts in ensuring that the expo is safe, as the world gathers anew for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and at the time of a pandemic.

The first in the Arab region where 2 million Filipinos reside and work, the World Expo 2020 Dubai provides a platform for the Philippines to project a strong presence in the global stage. The country has participated in previous expos, particularly the ones in Seattle, New York, Osaka, Brisbane, Vancouver, Seville, Hannover, and Shanghai.

Japan boosts PHL’s disaster-response know-how via defense department

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MBASSADOR Kazuhiko Koshikawa joined Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Andres C. Centino at a ceremonial turnover of humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief (HA/DR) equipment at the Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 6.

This assistance forms part of the Japanese government’s ¥500-million “Non-Project Grant Aid for Provision of Japanese Disaster Reduction Equipment” signed on March 26, 2015. The package included a variety of top-quality HA/DR implements, such as electric hydraulic-rescue tools, which share the main

LORENZANA (left) and Koshikawa

functions as the standard-issue equipment used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

The JSDF and the AFP will continue to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, including disaster-response capability, for the eventuality of large-scale disasters in an effort to build back better societies, according to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Said countries are both vulnerable to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons due to their climate, geography, and topography. As the Philippines’s top overseas development assistance bilateral donor, Japan will continue to support local HA/DR efforts with the evolving threat of natural disasters.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Peace Corps’ 60th year marks US, PHL’s partnership, amity

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HE United States Peace Corps, the US Embassy in the Philippines, the Philippine government and other partners held a virtual event to commemorate the American Peace Corps volunteers— more than 9,300 of them—who had served alongside Filipino host-communities across the country since October 1961.

Hundreds of former volunteers, host organizations, Peace Corps staff, as well as youth and other beneficiaries gathered online on October 6, as they recognized contributions of American volunteers and their local partners working in education, fisheries, coastal resource management, youth development, and other sectors through the decades. Participants also reflected on the unique ability of Peace Corps volunteers to meaningfully impact and integrate into their host communities as they learned local Filipino languages and lived with Filipino host families.

“Peace Corps volunteers have significantly advanced our shared diplomatic and human development objectives with the Philippine government, and will continue to embody the best in our partnership and friendship with the Filipino people for many more years to come,” said Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.

Heather Variava in her remarks.

Meanwhile, Acting Peace Corps Agency Director Carol Spahn recognized Peace Corps Philippines partners and staff on the recent pandemicresponse efforts: “These are unprecedented times, and I commend you all for creatively working together to support students and communities across the Philippines in recovering from this [health crisis].”

Executive Director James Donald Gawe of the Philippines’s National

THE first Peace Corps volunteers comprised of teachers arrived on October 12, 1961.

Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency also considered the contributions of Peace Corps Philippines staff and volunteers in education and social and economic development as “exceptional,” as he concluded: “Your dedication to service has been an inspiration to all of us, and we look forward to many more years of partnership, coordination, and advocating for national volunteerism.”

The event likewise featured anniversary greetings from senior leadership at the departments of Education and Social Welfare and Development, as well as a speakers’ panel composed of prominent Filipino leaders and national public-service award winners whose lives were touched and shaped by Peace Corps Philippines.

The Peace Corps is the US government’s premier volunteer-service organization. It was founded by former US president John F. Kennedy in 1961. Since then more than 240,000 Americans have served in 141 countries and committed themselves to achieving the Peace Corps’ mission of world friendship and peace.

Peace Corps Philippines is the agency’s second-oldest program. It looks forward to many more years of volunteer service and partnership with Filipinos. according to the US Embassy.

Korean Natl Day highlighted stories of friendship with PHL

Poland: Her middle name is History

By Karol Nawrocki

President, National Remembrance Institute

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E want to tell you about the extraordinary history of Poland—a country that has not only suffered as few others have, but also knew how to use its experience as a source of strength to fight for the most universal human value: freedom.

World War 2 (WW2) started in Poland. Although this is common knowledge, a lot of people might be surprised to find out that the country was attacked not only by Germany.

Its border was also crossed by Soviet troops on September 17, 1939 who took control of almost half of Polish territory. They did this to implement a secret agreement signed prior to August 23 between Nazi Germany and Bolshevik Russia. It was that very day the European Parliament chose as the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism.

Poland was once among the most powerful states of Europe, boasting a then-innovative system of democracy that curtailed royal power.

As early as the Middle Ages, Polish jurists developed the “Polish School of the Law of Nations,” which rejected aggression and wars against pagan states.

Practicing a unique form of tolerance, the Kingdom of Poland attracted intellectuals from all over Europe who sometimes fled persecution in their own country. It provided a haven of the Jewish diaspora that had been pushed out of Western Europe from the time of the Middle Ages.

In the 19th Century Poland was

torn apart by Russia, Prussia and Austria, as it lost its independence for 123 years. The invaders bloodily put down any uprisings, destroyed Polish culture, and required that Polish children be educated in foreign languages. Yet, five generations on, in 1918, it took us only several months to rebuild the state and raise an army of volunteers who, in 1920, saved Europe from the invasion of Bolshevik Russia eager to impose Communism on the continent.

More than 100 years after the battle, considered the 18th-most important in the world’s history, it is worth emphasizing that Poland accomplished a feat that was not the result of its economic or military might. What tipped the balance was the exceptional gene of freedom that the Poles have always carried.

After 1920 Poland developed a robust economy and a strong state, but only managed to raise one generation born in a free country. As soon as 1939 started, the first shots of WW2 were fired, and our freedom was taken again by two totalitarian regimes. That time, they wanted to physically annihilate the nation.

About 6 million Poles were killed during the war, including more than 3 million of Jewish descent. It was in Poland that the Germans perpetrated the Holocaust. Polish elites were being methodically murdered.

Over 800 villages were subjected to pacification, their inhabitants killed and buildings burned to the ground.

The Germans built their largest death factory, Auschwitz-Birkenau, initially for the Poles.

The Soviet Union, which seized

almost half of Poland, murdered about 20,000 Polish officers. Hundreds of thousands of Polish citizens were transported to the far reaches of Russia where they died of hunger and slave labor. The economy and agriculture were totally destroyed; the biological continuity of the nation, severed.

Even so, the Poles fought right from the very first day of the war, as they deployed the fifth-largest army after the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and France. Polish mathematicians provided the French and the British with complete Enigma encryption machines, which shifted the mathematics of war in favor of the Allies, while our engineers gave the Allied forces the mine detector and the walkie-talkie.

The Poles still had that gene of freedom that drove them on to fight the Germans in Africa, Italy, France and England whether in the air or at sea. They also accomplished extraordinary acts of courage in Germanoccupied Poland, where helping Jews carried a death sentence like in no other country captured by the Germans. Social worker Irena Sendlerowa contributed to save almost 2,000 Jewish children. Sister Matylda Getter used the network of orphanages run by her religious order to hide several hundred children taken out of ghettos.

On the cusp of freedom, the great powers handed Poland over to be ruled by the Soviet Union and its Communist government. Soviet special forces entered our country and carried out mass arrests and murders

RYAN Bang and Sam Oh

NAWROCKI

of the people who had fought for their freedom for five years. As the West celebrated its regained freedom, Poland’s liberty was taken again by Soviet Russia.

The Poles have never renounced their freedom. At the time when half of Europe was under the influence of the Soviet Union, Poland rebelled. There was no decade without a protest that was usually bloodily suppressed, and the scale of social rejection of Communist rule is best demonstrated by the fact that when “Solidarity” was founded in 1980, 10 million Poles became members!

The birth of “Solidarity” started the erosion of Soviet Communism.

Ten years later the entire Europe could again enjoy freedom. The Soviet empire collapsed, Central European countries became democratic again, and their citizens were set free.

The regained European unity was also due to the Polish freedom gene.

The Polish Institute of National Remembrance wants to tell the world about Poland and the Poles, so that history can teach us lessons of wisdom and responsibility—including in global politics.

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HE Embassy of the Republic of Korea celebrated its country’s National Day on October 3 online, as it shared stories from the seven decades-long partnership with the Philippines.

When asked about her essay Pink, Jowee Dator, an overseas Filipino worker in Korea for 5 years, shared in Filipino: “Actually, pink used to be the color I disliked the most, since it’s girly, and my personality is more boyish. But when I arrived in Korea during spring time, when the cherry blossoms were in bloom, they were beautifully pink. So I eventually fell in love with the color.”

Next was Nicole Torre Campo.

Her story, The Underlying Tie of Peace and Camaraderie, relayed an event in the life of her grandfather, who was a Korean War veteran: “In 2019 we joined the revisit program held by the Korean Ministry of Patriots, which is held annually for veterans. Together with my mom, we were lucky to join my grandfather.”

Finally, Angeli Marie Baclea-an’s entry, It Started with a Hobby, was about her experience in Southern Leyte when Korean troops came to help survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda. As someone who could speak the language, she worked as a translator of many written materials, and served as a bridge for others to communicate with the Koreans: “I learned a lot at the camp. At that

time, I was only learning Korean for about three years. Other than improving my Korean-speaking skills, I appreciated a lot about Korean history and culture.”

Thanking several hundred story contributors, Ambassador Kim Inchul said in his introductory remarks: “They all together shape the great book of Korea-Philippines relations.

Let’s look forward to more and more stories, as the partnership between the Philippines and Korea, [as well as the friendship between our people], continues to flourish.”

The National Day event highlighted 30 years of the development partnership between Korea and the Philippines. Emcees Ryan Bang and Sam Oh wore shirts produced by project-recipients of Igting, a social enterprise in Bulacan which partnered with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Camp Asia in creating jobs for women in the province. The apparel was given as souvenirs for the occasion.

Rowena Osal, Igting’s company supervisor, also shared how they are able to help communities respond to the needs of the pandemic: “At its onset, KOICA and Camp Asia developed a response program, as we began to produce personal protective equipment for hospitals, as well as face masks that would be given to numerous communities and other health facilities.”

Parentlife BusinessMirror

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Elements of entertaining

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Thursday, October 14, 2021

If you want to support the health and wellness of kids, stop focusing on their weight

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By Nichole Kelly University of Oregon

INCE the pandemic started, people of all ages have gained weight. At the same time, the rate at which youth and young adults are seeking treatment for eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder, has increased. While the reasons for these changes are complex, pandemic-related stress and weight bias— the belief that a thin body is good and healthy, while a large body is bad and unhealthy—are prominent contributors.

As researchers who study health behaviors and are also parents of young children, we often see health research and health initiatives that place a disproportionate emphasis on weight.

That’s a problem for two big reasons.

First, it draws attention away from better predictors of chronic disease and strategies to address these factors. Although a high body mass index, or BMI, is one risk factor for various chronic diseases, it is only one of many, and far from the strongest. And while moderate weight loss does reduce chronic disease risk for some people, about 80 percent of individuals who manage to lose weight regain it. The other 20 percent describe their ongoing efforts to maintain their weight loss as stressful and exhausting.

Second, disproportionate emphasis on weight reinforces weight bias. Weight bias, in turn, contributes to weight-related discrimination, like bullying and teasing, which is common among youth.

Across diverse samples surveyed, 25 percent to 50 percent of children and adolescents report being teased or bullied about their body size, and these experiences are linked to disordered eating and depression, as well as poorer academic performance and health.

To best support the physical and emotional health of children during this pandemic, we suggest reducing the emphasis on body size. Below are some specific tips for parents, teachers and medical providers.

1. Stop using the words “fat,” “obese” and “overweight.” When asked, children and adults with larger bodies consistently indicate that these are the least preferred and most stigmatizing terms to talk about body size, while “weight” and “body mass” are the most preferred. So, consider modeling less stigmatizing language. For example, if your teen refers to her friend as “overweight,” respond by saying, “Yes, your friend does have a larger body.”

Likewise, if your doctor refers to your child as “obese,” ask them to share their “body mass index percentile” instead. Or, better yet, ask them not to talk about weight at all—which leads us to our next recommendation.

2. Focus on health behaviors. Physical activity, eating habits and emotional support from friends and family are stronger predictors of disease and death than BMI, and all of these have been greatly affected

by Covid-19. Considering that behavioral weight loss programs are ineffective for the majority of people, we recommend focusing on behaviors that are more easily changed and have stronger influences on health and well-being. Regular physical activity, for example,

PHOTO BY ANNIE SPRATT ON UNSPLASH

improves mood and lowers risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, even in the absence of weight loss.

Building and sustaining new health behaviors can be challenging. Parents are more likely to be successful if they start by setting realistic goals that include the whole family rather than singling out one child based on their body size.

3. Challenge weight biases. Weight bias stems in large part from the belief that individuals are responsible for their body size, and if they are unable to lose weight or keep it off, they are deserving of blame and ridicule. These beliefs may contribute to an increased risk of disordered eating in children through parental behaviors like overly restrictive feeding practices and negative comments about weight. Parents are also greatly affected by this bias, reporting guilt and sadness for their perceived contributions to their child’s weight. We suggest that parents challenge weight bias by acknowledging that—quite literally—hundreds of factors outside of a person’s immediate control contribute to body size, including genetics, racism and trauma, and environmental factors, like levels of crime and proximity to green space and recreational facilities.

4. Advocate against weight discrimination.

Weight is the No. 1 reason youth are teased, according to a large sample of teenagers in the United States.

However, weight bias is lower in schools where body weight is part of anti-bullying policies. Consider talking with your child’s principal, attending the

next PTA meeting and advocating for the inclusion of weight discrimination into existing bullying policies.

If your child is being teased, get curious. Ask them how they feel about it. Acknowledge that weight discrimination is a very real phenomenon. Do not take this time to encourage weight loss. Instead, help your child appreciate their body as it is. Then, talk with their teacher. Schools who have teachers who are willing to intervene have less bullying. And if your child is struggling, consider working with a mental health professional, in-person or remotely.

5. Help youth be savvy consumers of social media. Youth who spend more time on social networking sites feel more dissatisfied with their bodies and engage in more disordered eating.

Furthermore, more than half of adolescents surveyed reported increased experiences with weight discrimination on these sites during the pandemic. Of course, social media isn’t all bad. Research suggests that it may depend on how youth engage with these sites, with “photo-based activities” being most closely linked to disordered eating symptoms. Parents can help their children learn to notice when posting and viewing photos or following appearance-focused influencers leaves them feeling bad or comparing their body to others, and encourage them to take a break. They can also suggest that they consider unfollowing those accounts and instead seek out people who inspire them, make them laugh and help them feel empowered. THE CONVERSATION

Helping families bridge digital divide in distance learning IN an article published for the Heinrich Böll Stiftung in Brussels, Ana P. Santos writes: “Filipino students have not been inside a classroom since March [2020], when President Rodrigo Duterte declared a nationwide public health emergency. Government education bureaus had planned to eventually allow face-to-face classes in areas with low Covid-19 infection rates but then, in May [2021], Duterte created a ‘no vaccine, no classes’ policy, effectively keeping schools closed indefinitely.”

This resulted in kids either doing distance, modular or blended learning. For those doing distance learning, this means needing a reliable Internet connection to attend classes, coordinate homework with teachers, and doing research for more complex assignments. In my case, I noticed that in higher levels like my daughter’s require more group work and video projects that use online applications.

In the same article, Santos underscores the challenges in pandemic-induced distance learning: “[The situation becomes greatly problematic], given a DepEd [Department of Education] survey showing that, of the 6.5 million students who have access to the Internet, approximately 20 percent use computer shops or other public places to go online. Worse, 2.8 million students have no way of going online at all.

This is especially common in the rural areas where 53 percent of the population live and where both Internet

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access and speed can be a challenge.”

It is bad enough that, according to Unicef, “when education is disrupted by emergencies like disease outbreaks, children are more likely to drop out of school completely. The agency also warned that delaying the opening of the school year would further widen the education gap and would have long-term repercussions on children’s development.” That said, while distance learning may not be perfect, it is still a better alternative that should be made available to every student at this time. With schools across the country welcoming students back for another year of distance learning, reliable access to data is crucial to ensure the continuity of every student’s education.

To help provide relief to distance learners struggling with connectivity, Globe Business and Unilever forged

a partnership that give hundreds of thousands of Filipino households access to free mobile data for the school year.

Ongoing until December 31, through a promotion powered by Unilever and Globe’s enterprise arm, any purchase of specially-marked Lady’s Choice Sandwich Spread products gives customers the chance to win 100MB and 300MB Globe and TM data for free. To redeem the free data, customers need only text the promo code found inside the Lady’s Choice packs to 2117 in this format: LC<SPACE><CODE>.

Each participant must use up one data promo at a time before availing of another code. The promo is available in all leading supermarkets nationwide.

This is a partnership that can help bridge the gap in data connectivity access for education. “We are honored to become part of the solution to the connectivity woes that beset many Filipino learners.

Through our partnership with Globe Business, we have become a channel that will give students easier access to mobile data which is so important in their day-to-day learning,” says Marjorie Chan, Lady’s Choice brand manager.

“Our collaboration with Unilever is an example of how like-minded enterprises can team up to become a force for good, especially in ensuring that Filipino students continue to have access to proper education through seamless online learning experience,”

says Peter Maquera, senior vice president for Globe business, enterprise group.

Besides this partnership, this year the telco giant has also extended free access to government learning platforms such as DepEd Commons and Phil-Connect for distance learners. Through this plan, data is only charged when a user is brought to an external site outside the whitelisted web sites. “Globe believes in the power of education to enable a brighter future for Filipinos,” adds Maquera. “This is why we remain committed to developing solutions and forging partnerships and programs to enable the youth and academic institutions to thrive amid changing learning structures.”

Globe has also launched its e-Library, a free learning resource that Globe and TM subscribers can access to help them with their assignments and expand their learning through the materials made available on the platform. To safeguard underage students from exposure to harmful content on the Internet, the telco has also rolled out the Digital Thumbprint Program which helps teach young students the rudiments of online safety, digital responsibility, and online discernment and empowerment. The program recently ramped up its campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children through insightful educational sessions.

B6 Thursday, October 14, 2021

Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel Help Inoculate More Nasugbueños

Christian artist Kristine Lim goes back to Manila Hotel for 2nd solo exhibit

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STAGGERING 33 framed mixed media works, with several of them triptychs, comprise the 2nd solo exhibition of visual artist Kristine Lim at the famed Manila Hotel. Using her specialized technique of combining a special textured ground with layers of transparent metallic bronze and gold colored glazes over the graphite pentimenti, or under drawings, which she deliberately allows to be seen as a trace of the journey the artist makes.

She occasionally adds special details like straight gold lines, reminiscent of her graphic design practice, and small, shaped mirrors and textured and brightly colored red resinous epoxy to attach them which both illuminate and serve as surfaces of reflection. Lim creates a cohesive and compelling exhibition using the Philippine eagle as the central motif with complementing verses from the Bible scribbled lightly at the edge of each work.

“SOAR” is Kristine Lim’s 2nd solo exhibition. It is presented by Art Lounge Manila. The exhibition is located at the lobby lounge of The Manila Hotel runs the whole month of October 2021.

Proceeds of the Closing Auction will go to Malasakit Para Sa Bayan Foundation Inc. A Filipino Christian with an evangelical inclination, Lim considers herself as an “Artist with a mission”, as her faith and her patriotism serve as foundation for the art that she makes, while remaining true to her own personal life experiences.

AT SOAR opening, from left: President/Executive, Malasakit Para Sa Bayan Foundation Anthony Rolando Golez, Jr., DPWH Secretary Mark Aguilar Villar, Kristine Lim, Annie Alejo. and The Manila Hotel President Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. “SOAR is not just my story or personal reflection. It’s everyone’s story that presents who our Creator truly is that we can only discern when we allow ourselves to. SOAR also shows us times we fail and fall to the lies and traps of forces we think are so great as if in comparison to who God is; revealing our vulnerabilities like our fears that engulf us or our pride that consumes us into thinking we can achieve great heights with our own strength and effort, yet at the end of it all, He is still beyond what we can even fathom and comprehend... and no one can make us truly SOAR but Him,” she explained.

For Lim, SOAR is both a testament to God’s love and saving grace, as well as the capacity of the Filipino spirit to transcend limitations, especially in the lowest periods. It provides hope that even in the direst situations, the love of God, and the

love for our fellow man, will enable us to transcend our condition, and be free to be our realest and fullest selves.

“She is a wonderful young woman, a loving wife and mother, and an inspiring artist. Last year, we hosted her exhibit “Almost There” here at The Manila Hotel, from which she raised funds to support frontliners and displaced workers affected by the pandemic. With this new exhibit, she continues to give glory to God with her innate talent and inspire others to do the same in their own ways. We are happy to support her,” said Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. For inquiries, call at 09778398971 and 09989937963, or email info@ artloungemanila.com.

Follow @artloungemanila on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For updates on upcoming shows, log on to https:// artloungemanila.com

10th Arangkada Phils. Forum to explore pathways to economic recovery and beyond

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HE seven members of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines will host their tenth annual Arangkada Philippines Forum on December 1 and 7, 2021 via Zoom.

The forum’s theme this year is Pathways to a Better Future. More than 50 private and public sector leaders are expected to identify policies and programs to put in place during the decade of the 2020s as the Philippines regains its economic vitality as the pandemic fades.

In addition to keynote speeches by senior government and business leaders, the forum will feature six panels that build on the core advocacies discussed in past annual fora and in the numerous publications of Arangkada Philippines.

On December 1 a panel will explore “Pathways to Economic Recovery and Beyond” that looks at the key growth sectors of the Philippine economy and prospects for high levels of foreign investment. Another panel will take a hard look at infrastructure modernization

in airports, bridges, power, rail, roads, seaports, telecommunications, and water as a result of the Duterte Administration achieving sustained annual spending of 5% of GDP on infrastructure. The third panel will discuss “Pathways to an Educated and Healthy Workforce” to highlight the challenges facing the country’s youth to prepare them to succeed in the more sophisticated economy of tomorrow.

The day will end with an important address describing the coming effects of climate change and possible remediation strategies.

December 7 will be bracketed by keynote speeches by DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and NEDA Secretary Karl Chua.

There will be three panels in between.

The first will discuss opportunities to increase foreign investment in agribusiness, creative industries, IT-BPM, and manufacturing, mining and tourism.

The next panel analyzes overall country competitiveness among regional peers and explains recommendations to improve

efficiency in bureaucratic, logistics, manpower, and power costs in order to attract more investment. And the final panel will host presidential candidates who will be asked to discuss their policies for the economy and foreign investment.

Aside from the speeches and panels, there will also be four breakout sessions each day featuring guests and experts discussing a variety of subjects. The JFC will also award its Lifetime Achievement Award and hold a press conference.

The Arangkada Forum is an initiative of the JFC that provides a platform for collaborative engagement among business leaders, industry experts, representatives from the public sector, the diplomatic community, and the media.

In 2010, the JFC published Arangkada Philippines, an advocacy paper promoting seven sectors with high growth potential: agribusiness, ITBPM, creative industries, infrastructure, manufacturing and logistics, mining, and tourism, with recommendations to build a more competitive Philippine economy. The Arangkada Philippines Project of the JFC has also produced various policy briefs and policy notes on how to improve the country’s investment climate.

The JFC is a coalition of the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, Incorporated (PAMURI). It supports and promotes open international trade, increased foreign investment, and improved conditions for business to benefit both the Philippines and the countries the JFC members represent.

To register for the 2021 Arangkada Philippines Forum, visit https:// investphilippines.info/forum2021/ or contact Angelie Payuyo at avpayuyo@ teamasia.com or at +639178813702 (Mobile or Viber). You may also direct your inquiries to forum@ arangkadaphilippines.com For more information, visit www. arangkadaphilippines.com.

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ITUATED in the lush coastal terrain of Nasugbu, Batangas, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel has always been committed to serve their community in more ways than one. Even through the lull period of the pandemic, they remained committed to provide employment opportunities to Nasugbueños and serve the community in all its capacity. Driven by its SustainablySafe Program, the hotel continues to be at the forefront of providing memorable and worry-free staycations, with the guests’ safety as its ultimate mission. With each step forward, no matter how small, each member of the community is assured that in the road to recovery and growth, no one will be left behind.

As such, in light of the spirit of unity, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel donated 200 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to the Rural Health Unit of Nasugbu, Batangas last October 4, 2021.

As part of their effort to give more Filipinos secure and comfortable access to vaccines,

the endeavor was made to extend a helping hand to all those in need through actionable programs. Through this, they hope to inspire and empower the community to stay strong amidst challenges and to encourage people to support one another.

Present to accept the vaccine were Emerlito Bordeos, Municipal Administrator; Dra. Sarah Marquez, Municipal Health Doctor; and Alex Pimentel, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Head from Nagsugbu’s local government unit. The vaccines were formally turned over by Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel Club Manager Brian Bicaldo, Hotel Manager Lizette Villanueva, and HR Director Jon Padilla.

Chevron donates Pinoy compost kits to families in Tondo

CHEVRON donated Bokashi Compost Kits to disadvantaged families to help them on their journey to self-sustainability in terms of food production.

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HEVRON recently held a virtual workshop, Project Bokashi Compost, as part of their Annual Volunteer week.

The activity aimed to promote a sustainable lifestyle among its volunteer employees by teaching them to divert food wastes away from landfills and into urban areas where healthy soil can be produced to support local food production.

Chevron partnered with Bokashi Pinoy Composting, a social enterprise that aims to save the environment one bucket at a time through their homegrown Bokashi Ipa. Chevron donated Bokashi Compost kits and Grocery bags to 56 families in Tondo, Manila through St. John Bosco Parish and Bureau of Plant Industry’s Gulayan ni Juan. Gulayan ni Juan is a community effort that help families within Tondo to sustain their livelihood by selling local produce. The donation made aims

to help these families to grow more crops for less cost and earn more by using Bokashi Composting technology.

Around 127 employees of Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) and Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI) attended a virtual workshop wherein they learned the importance of composting and process behind it using the Bokashi Compost Ipa technology. Bokashi Pinoy’s bran is specifically made with rice hull (also known in Tagalog as “ipa”) with good microbes which is the heart of Bokashi composting. This workshop was facilitated by a Certified Bokashi Compost Mentor and Edible Urban gardener, Ms. Karen Pascua.

Project Bokashi Compost is part of a series of activities for Chevron Volunteer Week 2021 that aims to provide sustainable aid to local communities and promote a healthier lifestyle among its volunteers.

Vendiz Pharmaceuticals offers life-changing solutions

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NSPIRED by his desire to offer costeffective and high-quality healthcare products to Filipinos, Juvencio “Ven” D. Dizon opened Vendiz Pharmaceuticals Inc., a 100% Filipino-owned pharmaceutical company that aims to provide “worldclass customer service, competitive product alternatives, stronger doctorpatient relationships, and growth in career opportunities.”

“Vendiz’ principal mission is to improve the lives of the Filipino people through continuous innovation, quality products, and cost-effective prices,” he said.

Vendiz is affiliated with Ashford Pharmaceutical Laboratories., Inc. which manufactures all of Vendiz’ products. Ashford continues to comply with *Current Good Manufacturing Practices and PIC/s standards.

Ashford is equipped with the required manufacturing equipment and quality control analytical instruments. It is one of the few remaining pharmaceutical plants that is licensed to manufacture sterile products in the country.

“Our vertical integration with Ashford gives us the edge over the competition. This ensures meeting strict quality standards and stock availability in the supply chain.” he commented.

Vendiz products are FDA-approved and available nationwide in leading drug stores and hospital pharmacies. These are recommended and prescribed by healthcare professionals. Over-the-counter (OTC) products include vitaClear – an eye supplement and Osteoprotec calcium supplement with Vitamin D3 for bone health,

and Vitamin C and Eye Drops for dry eyes.

For prescription products, Vendiz offers eye drops and ear drops for various eye and ear conditions; dermatological creams and ointments, and anti-infectives, anti-diabetic oral preparations.

With more and more people becoming conscious of their health due to COVID-19, Vendiz continues to build its portfolio of products and hope to launch them by 2022.

Vendiz carries on Ven’s legacy through its CSR program. By doing several medical missions, a feeding program for children, scholarship programs, support for socio-civic organizations such as UNICEF, Resources for the Blind, Hand and Foot Artists, MOWEL Fund, Boys’ Town, and Orphanages, they continue the spirit of serving that launched Vendiz into the world this Christmas season and for the years to come.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Pinoys ready to take on new, next normal

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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re Filipinos more comfortable to go out now a year after the pandemic and with the rollout of Covid-19 vacc i n at ion prog ra m?

According to the respondents of the “2021 PhilCare Wellness Index: The Philippine Roadmap to the Next Normal,” they are more comfortable to go to the hospital now compared to the start of the pandemic, with a mean score of 3.05 (“neither”) from a score of 3.93 (“disagree”).

A total of 1,500 respondents nationwide took part in the survey and were asked to rate themselves from a fivepoint scale. With regards to the degrees of agreement, scores ranging from 1 to 1.80 represented “strongly agree,” 1.81 to 2.60 as “agree,” 2.61 to 3.40 as “neither,” 3.41 to 4.20 as “disagree,” and 4.21 to 5 as “strongly disagree.”

Likewise, a total of 505 working Filipinos were interviewed for the 2020 PhilCare CQ Wellness Index where they stated that they were less anxious about going out to attend to their necessities.

The results of the survey were presented in a webinar recently.

Interestingly, workers have also become more comfortable going to the supermarket, with the score jumping from 2.85 (“neither”) to 2.46 (“agree”).

Period of adjustment

While working Filipinos still “strongly agree” about washing hands properly, with a score of 1.43, this was significantly lower than the 1.15 score for the same behavior last year. The same goes for disinfecting items bought outside before bringing them into the house, which also declined from 1.49 to 1.67.

“With the study, we get a better picture of how Filipino workers have adjusted after more than a year into the pandemic and how going through the new normal affects their health and wellness,” said Dr. Fernando Paragas, lead researcher of the 2021 PhilCare Wellness Index and a professor at the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

“The Philippine Roadmap To The Next Normal” is the fourth PhilCare Wellness Index national survey to be conducted. The first was done in 2014.

This year’s study was conducted through a nationwide telephone survey from September 4 to 20, 2021.

“We found it very important to conduct this very relevant study at a time when people are raring to return to their workplaces while conducting them in a safe manner since the virus.

At the end of the day, we want to help the economy and our fellow Filipinos move past our current situation into a healthier and safer next normal,” said Dr. Enrique Ona, chairman of the 2021 PhilCare Wellness Index and former Health secretary.

For his part, PhilCare president and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco said the study was undertaken to determine the state of the health and wellness of employed Filipino workers who are at the center of concerted efforts to reopen the economy and reinvigorate business and industry.

“People obviously play a very key role in the effort of businesses­—and the country in general—to recover from the effects of the pandemic. This study was developed and implemented with the goal of finding out how prepared employees are as they navigate the transition between the Covid-19 new normal and the prospective next normal,” he said, adding that understanding the employees gives a very clear guide on “how we can all get back on our feet.”

The respondents were randomly selected from Metro Manila and over 60 provinces across the country, who are currently employed mostly in the services sector (81.9 percent), followed by those in the industrial (16 percent) and agricultural sectors (2.1 percent).

Demographic representation

Services and sales workers comprised the biggest group of respondents (45.9 percent) followed by technicians and associate professionals (15.8 percent) and professionals (14.7 percent).

Of the respondents, 64.5 percent worked for the private sector, while another 10.4 percent worked for the government. The rest worked as either employers in their own family-operated farm or business (7.9 percent), were selfemployed without any paid employee (7.5 percent), worked for a private household (6.6 percent), worked with pay in their own family-operated farm or business (2.1 percent) or worked with pay in the same business set-up (1 percent).

Covid-19 and vaccination

Surprisingly, only 7.6 percent of respondents said they do not want to be vaccinated.

In addition, half or 49.1 percent have not been vaccinated, with 34.7 percent expressing willingness to get a shot and 14.4 percent having a vaccination schedule already at the time the survey was done.

A quarter of the respondents (26.2 percent) have been fully vaccinated, while one in five (17.1 percent) had received their first of two shots.

Four out of five respondents (82 percent) are confident with the Covid-19 vaccinations, having a composite score of 1 93 (“agree”).

They said that they trust the vaccines’ efficacy (1.83) and safety (1.85).

Filipino workers also trust the health services that administer the vaccines (1.92), that the vaccines can end the pandemic (1.92), and the policy-makers who decide on the vaccination program’s rollout (2.13).

Many Filipino workers also “strongly agree” about their right to get vaccinated (1.66), that Covid- 19 is a serious risk to their health (1.69), seeking information on the vaccines (1.75), and that getting vaccinated is a way to protect others against the disease (1.77).

Almost half (46.6 percent) of the respondents said they personally knew someone who had Covid-19. In addition, over a third (36.6 percent) said they personally knew of someone who died from the disease.

Health care as among most valued in workplace

Compared to pre-pandemic days, Filipino workers now see health care as among the top 3 things they value in their workplace, alongside good salary and financial stability of the company.

Having a health-care program in the office ranks third with a score of 1.46, with salary as first (1.43) and financial stability of employer (1.45). Health care even ranks higher than the usual worker values, such as appreciation among peers, good relationship with colleagues, work-home balance, having a good boss, career growth, and skills training.

With regard to the change in importance, scores ranging from 1 to 1.80 represented “much more important,” 1.81 to 2.60 as “more important,” 2.61 to 3.40 as “the same,” 3.41 to 4.20 as “less important,” and 4.21 to 5 as “much less important.”

In terms of percentages, around six out of ten respondents (56.9 percent) say that having a health-care program in the office is “much more important” now than before the pandemic. This ranks fourth compared to those who said the same for salary (62 percent) financial stability of their employer (58.1 percent) and appreciation for their work (57.4 percent).

“The pandemic brought us to our senses in many ways, but in the end, it’s all about going back to basics—taking care of the human person’s basic needs, including health. This is why I believe that employers should view spending for health care as an investment rather than an expense. After all, having good

health is a basic right,” said Dr. Ona. “As for workers, they should understand that achieving good health in the workplace is a partnership with their respective employers. It is, in fact, a personal responsibility, which means they still must practice proper nutrition, exercise, and avoid vices as much as possible,” he added.

Health and wellness

Overall, even with the threat of Covid- 19, respondents said they perceive their overall state of health and wellness during the pandemic was “very good” with a score of 1.57 (score of one, being the highest), which was surprising because in 2019, prior to the pandemic, respondents rated their wellness as “good” with a score of 1.82.

Among the factors of wellness that saw the biggest jumps in score are sense of satisfaction (“All things considered, I am satisfied with my life”) which rose from a score of 3.56 in 2019 to 1.76; self-rated health (“Overall I am in good health”) from 3.07 to 1.55, and sense of respect (“People respect me”) from 2.76 to 1.52.

Work set-up

Half (49.9 percent) of all respondents said they worked entirely in their respective work sites, while 36.2 percent worked both at home and on-site. The rest (13.9 percent) worked entirely at home.

But given a choice of their preferred work arrangements, roughly half (48.7 percent) are willing to take on the hybrid work set-up in the next six months, 35.5 percent would continue going to their respective places of work, while the rest (16.3 percent) would work entirely at home.

Respondents agreed that their workplace was adapting well to the pandemic, especially in the following terms: having a clear strategy to respond to the economic impact of the pandemic (87.2 percent); having a good system in place to ensure their safety as employees during the pandemic (86.7 percent); and having a program for promoting their health and wellness as employees (85.3 percent).

Despite the high marks given for the pandemic preparedness in the workplace, respondents “strongly agree” that they are stressed at the thought of being exposed to Covid-19 (1.73) and taking care of personal and family needs while working (1.78).

PhilCare Chairman Monico V. Jacob said that for this year’s study, they wanted to highlight workers and their health and well-being.

Covid-19 related mental health issues growing among the youth

By Rory Visco Contributor

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he onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced many people to stay at home due to restrictions in mobility.

While parents were happy about this development, little did they know that being locked down at home would become a growing problem, especially among the youth. They were forced to stop all their usual activities, which later led to stress, anxiety, among others.

Going online helped—attending online classes, talking to friends, family, enjoying online games—but was temporary and even became a doubleedged sword. Fake news online changed their perspectives and only added to the trouble. Health issues also emerged as they forgot to become physically active because of too much screen time.

Dr. Cornelio Banaag Jr. Professor Emeritus, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) noted that even before the pandemic, an alarming global increase in mental health problems was already noted.

He said the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents suffer from various forms of mental disorders, with most happening among adults starting at age 14 and remain unrecognized until it’s too late. The risk of suicide is highest in ages 15 to 24 years old.

Dr. Banaag cited a global schoolbased Student Health Survey done in collaboration with the WHO and private groups, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from January to March 2021. He said 17 percent of high school students (13 to 15 years old) attempted to commit suicide at least once, 12 percent admitted they seriously considered attempting suicide,

and 11 percent made plans on how they would commit suicide.

“Social Media Envy” was also alluded to as a moderate significant predictor of symptoms of depression among Filipino high school students. Then came an emerging mental health crisis with a serious lack of mental health facilities (only 60) in the country, and only about 7 percent of all public and private hospitals have a psychiatric ward, and the ratio of mental health workers (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers) with only two per 100,000 population.

The advent of Coronavirus 2019

“None of us realized we would deal with this difficult time. There is an invisible enemy that can only be seen in terms of morbidity and mortality numbers, which we constantly monitor in the news, further adding to the burden of mental health because of the negative news.”

How visible are these impacts on mental health? What can be seen are elevated levels of stress and anxiety.

“A lot of people are now experiencing toxic anxiety, marked by signs such as constant worrying, changes in sleep and eating habits, changes in emotion.”

He pointed to factors that contributed to the rise of mental health problems, essentially those related to “uncertainty” and “isolation.”

In uncertainty, Dr. Banaag said no one knows how all these happened, how it started; it just descended on us, and no one knows when it will end. “The kids keep asking when they will go back to school and play with their playmates, the teenagers languish in their rooms wishing to meet their friends but cannot due to the pandemic. We’re scared to go out for fear of contracting the virus and if we get it, are we going to be hospitalized? For how long? Will our savings suffice? Too much uncertainty makes

us feel we are not in control.”

When it comes to “isolation,” it is something horrible for Filipinos who are used to be connected to each other, he said, and it brought a lot of loneliness and grief.

Filipinos living in the new normal

People are now living in what is called a “new normal,” which Dr. Banaag referred to as a “constantly shifting normal.” He said distance learning and work from home became major sources of stress.

Distance learning changed the context of school for both parents and children and presented unique challenges. “Unfortunately, going to school has become a matter of compliance now, not of learning.”

The “work from home” setup presented problems on managing and balancing responsibilities, especially for mothers where playing multiple roles added to their stress. The pandemic also changed humans’ experiences of loss, grief and bereavement, Dr. Banaag said. When a family member gets sick or hospitalized, no one is allowed to be with them. “And when we lose them to Covid-19, we can’t even exercise the normal grieving process, another risk factor for depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder. There is so much complicated grief going around.”

In the Philippines, the pandemic’s impact on Filipino students’ mental health in terms of stress, depression, anxiety and impact of the event itself, based on a study by the Philippine One Health University Network and the Southeast Asian One Health University Network released in August 2021, showed that National Capital Region students experienced high levels of stress with 19 percent, 22 percent admitted feeling depressive symptoms, 36 percent admitted to anxiety, and close to 26 percent admitted to having a terrible time cop-

ing with the pandemic’s impact.

Compared to other students from other areas, Dr. Banaag said it did not change much but when compared to non-students, the numbers dropped to about 50 percent, which showed that students are the most stressed group, even higher than other groups like employees, farmers, and others.

And the instances of suicide among the youth is increasing. In “The State of the World’s Children 2021” by UNICEF, it said suicide is now the world’s 4th leading cause of death among 15 to 19-year-olds, almost 46,000 children aged 10 to 19 commit suicide annually, or one in every 11 minutes. “That’s scary, alarming and very, very sad.”

An important first step when suicide and depression is noticed is through “screening for depression” to prevent deeper mental health problems and suicide. “Screening helps provide accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and appropriate follow up.”

Young people taking action

They are aware of Y4MH or Youth for Mental Health, whose task is to push back the darkness beginning to envelop young people. The group called “Student Solidarity Network to Survive Covid-19 2020” wrote a petition for the issuance of Memorandum Order to implement other measures to address issues of accessibility, financial, physical and mental stress amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s a plea by students to not just look at their academic performance but also other concerns like poor Internet, unavailability of devices, poor learning conduciveness, physical, mental and financial stress on their families, coping with requirements.

In everything that is happening, Dr. Banaag said the WHO expressed it all: “There is no health without mental health.”

Thursday, October 14, 2021 B7

Protect elderly against the ‘twindemic’–experts

By Rory Visco

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he country can barely cope with the existing Cov id-19 pa ndemic.

However, the battle against this disease is slowly gaining traction thanks to the Covid-19 vaccines.

However, the medical community warned of another disease where the elderly population, already most vulnerable to Covid-19, is seen to be most susceptible as well— influenza.

In the Philippines, the elderly population is reportedly growing. According to Dr. Eduardo Poblete, president of the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine, there were only about 4.5 million senior citizens in the country back in 2000. But this has grown to 7.5 million in 2015.

He added that in 2019, 8.6 percent of the population were already 60 years old and above, and the same age bracket is expected to double to 16.5 percent by year 2050.

The ‘twindemic’ threat

I nflu enz a-at t r ibut able deaths in the Philippines account for 5.09 deaths per 100,000 persons, and it is highest among individuals aged 60 years old and above.

Out of 37,000 confirmed deaths in the Philippines due to Covid-19, 56 percent are male, with the 60-69 age group being the most affected, followed by the 70-79-year and 50-59-year bracket.

Experts have warned that the elderly, who are unprotected from flu and Covid-19, can also be at risk of a possible coinfection, the most vulnerable to this so-called “twindemic,” especially since both can be acquired via respiratory droplets and have similar symptoms.

“One disease can already be very burdensome to the elderly, and so the threat of two diseases to which the elderly is vulnerable—Covid-19 and the flu—can be very dangerous to them. It is imperative that we protect the vulnerable, and we have a vaccine we can maximize for that,” according to Dr. Poblete during the webinar organized by the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Vaccine Safety Net, in line with the celebration of Elderly Week in the Philippines.

For her part, PFV Founder and Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo supported Dr. Poblete’s statements, who said that another way to protect senior citizens from the flu is by having everyone around them be vaccinated against influenza.

“When you give the flu vaccine to the very young and the very old, they actually protect each other. To me that’s how it should be. Give them the flu

vaccine they need to prevent them from getting hospitalized,” Dr. Bravo explained.

Recognizing the vulnerability of elderly citizens to the “twindemic,” the Senior Citizens Party-list have beefed up its efforts to ensure that more seniors will be vaccinated against the flu.

Discussing the party-list’s best practices on flu immunization, lawyer Charles de Belen, Legal and Legislative Head of the Senior Citizens Party-list, represented in the Congress by Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, said that only three out of 10 elderly citizens are aware of flu vaccination, while four of 10 know of pneumococcal vaccination.

However, what’s troubling, de Belen said, is that 53 percent of those aware are not vaccinated against pneumonia, while 36 percent of those who are aware of flu vaccines are not vaccinated. This means 19 percent of those aware of pneumonia and flu vaccines are not vaccinated. This leads to 5,000 flu-associated deaths and 57,000 pneumonia-associated deaths.

But what ’s even more alarming, he said, is that these numbers were all “prepandemic.” “This shows how important it is for the elderly to get vaccinated, considering that the existence of Covid-19 has made getting vaccinated against the flu more imperative for the elderly.”

So why aren’t senior citizens getting vaccinated? He said lack of awareness, vaccine hesitancy, accessibility, complacency and lack of motivation are the reasons given.

That is why, according to de Belen, they have proposed policies and programs for the immunization of the elderly.

One is the door-to-door flu and pneumococcal vaccination, where barangay health workers can be tapped in the immunization of the elderly in the safety of their own homes. The group has also rolled out a vaccine education campaign at the grassroots level about vaccine efficacy to help reduce hesitancy. de Belen also added they have implemented an incentive program for vaccinated senior citizens to help encourage others to get vaccinated.

One of their major thrusts is to increase the availability of vaccines to senior citizens through legislation. He said what they are advocating is to expand the coverage of the law to include any Department of Health-approved vaccines like tetanus and diphtheria be made available to senior citizens. “We believe that if we make all vaccines available to senior citizens, it will increase their trust on the vaccines and the government to decrease vaccine hesitancy.”

DOH distributes maternity kits to Region 4A expectant moms

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or expectant mothers, a maternity kit is a must.

The Department of Health (DOH)—Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) has started to deliver maternity kits or “mama kits” to various provincial health offices in the region.

A total of 2,500 kits will be given with each province having an allotment of 500 kits.

“The kit contains the necessary supplies to help provide a clean and safe delivery whether in a hospital or clinic.

This is to protect the mother and the baby from neonatal infections that may occur,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.

Janairo said that clean delivery—including clean hands, clean delivery surface, clean cord cutting and tying, proper cord care, and bathing—is

a key intervention for reducing infections in newborns.

The mama kit contains cotton cloth (baby wrapper), nail cutter, bar soap, face towel, toothpaste and toothbrush, cotton balls, isopropyl alcohol, maternity pads, bathroom tissue, disposable umbilical cord clamp, sterile surgical gloves, sterile surgical blade for cord cutting, disposable underpants and pail with cover.

“They are still newborns and mothers who die from infections soon after birth.

That is why skilled attendant and adequate hygiene in our birthing facilities are necessary to address this.”

The maternity kits will be given to pregnant and expecting mothers in the communities through the b a r a n g a y h e a l t h u n it s .

Claudeth Ciriaco-Mocon

Sports BusinessMirror

By Josef Ramos

M

ERALCO refused to turn the power off on Wednesday night and with a 102-98 Game 5 victory over Magnolia, the Bolts stayed alive in their best-of-seven semifinals series in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Gunner Allein Maliksi and stocky playmaker Nards Pinto provided the jolt for the Bolts, who narrowed their series deficit to the Hotshots at 3-2.

“We had our backs against the wall so we gave it our best,” Maliksi said. “I really needed to step up in a do-or-die situation and set a good example as a veteran of this team.”

Maliksi averaged 5.25 points in the first four games of the series but erupted when the Bolts needed him most by firing a playoff career-high 29 points on a near perfect 7-of-8 shooting from beyond the three-point arc.

Pinto, meanwhile, didn’t let the semifinals door shut down on the Bolts and came up with a careerhigh 24 points and five assists.

Maliksi nailed three free throws and back-to-back three-pointers in a pivotal 9-3 assault that saw the Bolts break loose from a 90-all count to a 99-93 lead with only one minute and 21 seconds left.

Calvin Abueva buried a trey and completed an alley-oop to keep the Hotshots in the game, 98-100.

Raymond Almazan then

PHL volleyball gets avid support

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HE main supporter of the national men’s and women’s national teams at the Asian Club Championships hosted by Thailand sees the international volleyball club competition as a great opportunity for local athletes to get the all-important foreign exposure that will hone their game.

Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco, said everyone at Rebisco is happy that volleyball is alive despite the global situation and that the country’s veterans and next generation athletes are able to play their game at a high level of competition.

“Rebisco is truly committed to pursue its passion for volleyball by supporting the game at all levels, from grassroots development, to competitive sports in the amateur and professional levels, and at the national level through this partnership with the PNVF,” Ng said.

Rebisco started supporting the national volleyball teams since 2017 and sealed a three-year partnership with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to run a long-term, consistent national team program by providing regular funding and participation in competitions.

Rebisco’s sights are set on a podium finish in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in 2022.

“Our dream is to help the PNVF grow the sport and make this game an expression of the Filipino soul, locally and internationally,” Ng said.

“Our long-term goal is to make the Philippines a recognized international power in volleyball.”

B8

| Thursday, October 14, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

MERALCO KEEPS

New Jersey won’t play unvaccinated Kyrie Irving

LIGHTS ON

converted two free throws off Paul Lee’s foul to give Meralco a four-point breather with seven seconds left.

Jio Jalalon’s running desperate three-pointer was short as the buzzer sounded.

“It’s a great gutsy performance from my players because we fought Magnolia on a good night,” Meralco Coach Norman Black said. “They really played well and they wanted to eliminate us, but we stood our ground.”

“We made some big shots down the stretch, kept our composure and gave ourselves a chance to get back on the series,” Black added.

The Bolts stared at a 19-30 deficit in the first quarter but came back strong in the second period with Maliksi erupting with 10 points in a 22-14 run for as the Hotshots precariousy held on to a 47-45 advantage.

Pinto scored 10 points in the third quarter as the Bolts trailed

T

HE length of Phil Mickelson’s driver he used in winning the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Championship won’t be allowed. Bryson DeChambeau can only use a 48-inch driver when he’s competing in Long Drive Association events.

Golf’s governing bodies announced a new “model local rule” available January 1 that would limit the maximum length of all clubs except the putter to 46 inches.

Mickelson uses a 47.5-inch driver—it was 47.9 inches at Kiawah Island when at age 50 he became golf’s oldest major champion—and Lefty was not pleased in August when he heard this limit was close to being announced, calling it “pathetic.”

Mickelson argued that restricted length of a driver would promote a shorter and more violent swing, which would be injury prone, and doesn’t allow

Lady Lakay JENELYN OLSIM, the smiling Lakay lady warrior who is all charm and friendliness when announced into the One Championship Circle before a fight, transforms into a relentless, unstoppable fighting machine the moment the bell rings to start hostilities.

Quite like a female Kevin Belingon, in my humble opinion.

Her first fight was as a strawweight against Maira

but kept the Hotshots within striking distance, 69-71.

Chris Newsome scattered 23 points, got five rebounds and dished out six assists while Almazan, who missed Game 4 due to a sprained left ankle, had 10 rebounds, nine points and two assists for the Bolts.

Mark Andy Barroca led Magnolia with 25 points and Abueva tallied 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ian Sangalang finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

The Bolts try again to end the series in Game 6 at 6 p.m. on Friday. Magnolia is eyeing a 17th Philippine Cup and 30th overall championship appearance.

KYRIE IRVING isn’t even eligible to practice with the Nets in New York just yet. AP

N

ALLEIN MALIKSI (22) and Nards Pinto rise to the occasion for the Bolts.

USGA, R&A set to enforce rule on driver length for the length of arc in the swing to create speed. He also said the “amateur” governing bodies were trying to make golf less fun.

But this isn’t for everyone, only the elite.

A model local rule gives a tour or any other golf organization the right to apply the rule to specific tournaments. Given that the US Golf Association and Royal & Ancient are in charge of the rules worldwide, the driver limit will be in effect at the US Opens, British Opens and their other championships.

The PGA Tour also said it will go along, which was not a surprise.

The major tours have been working with the governing bodies on rules in recent years, including the overhaul of the Rules of Golf that took effect in 2019.

The tour said after hearing feedback on the USGA and R&A’s proposal, it surveyed its own

members and found a small number of players on the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour were using clubs longer than 46 inches.

“We have concluded that the PGA Tour will implement the local rule,” the tour said in a statement, saying adopting it was consistent with other equipment rules changes the tour has supported since 2003.

DeChambeau toyed with the idea of using a 48-inch driver at the Masters. His emphasis has been on speed of swing to generate enormous distance. Those drivers are used in long drive competitions, and DeChambeau recently reached the quarterfinals with a number of drives that went 400 yards or more.

The restriction on driver length has been on the table for years, put on hold when the USGA and R&A embarked on an ambitious “Distance Insights”

project in which it determined that increased gains in distance was not good for the game.

“Admittedly, this is not the ‘answer’ to the overall distance debate/issue, but rather a simple option for competitive events,” Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA, said in a statement. “It’s important to note that it’s not a ‘Rule of Golf,’ and as such, it is not mandated for the average recreational golfer.

Rather, this is an available tool for those running competitive events.”

Martin Slumbers, the CEO of the R&A, said the governing bodies have consulted with players and tours and equipment manufacturers, and considered their feedback.

“We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time and will provide tournament organizers with the flexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the rules,” Slumbers said. AP

Boxing coach Boy Velasco retires

B PHIL MICKELSON is not pleased with the new rule. AP

Mazar, the Brazilian jiu jitsu expert who had made quite a name for herself since she turned professional in 2014. Jenelyn made her tap out with a guillotine choke in the third round of their match at One: Fists of Fury in March 2021.

Only on her second fight in One Championship, she had no qualms about moving from strawweight (115 lbs or 52.2 kgs) to atomweight (105 lbs or 48 kgs) to face perennial contender Bi “Killer Bi” Nguyen in One: Battleground last August.

The Team Lakay rising star convincingly dismantled “Killer Bee,” and made it look like she did not have any problems adjusting to a new weight class.

Changing weight classes has been the undoing of many great fighters before.

But not Jenelyn Olsim. She takes ‘em as they come. Not one to play diva or find excuses, she seems game for any challenge that her fighting career throws her way.

“I only try to do my best. That has been our mantra from the moment I started training with coach Mark [Sangiao] and Team Lakay,” said the 30th Southeast Asian Games muay thai silver medalist.

The win against Nguyen could have earned Olsim a chance to be an alternate in the One Women’s

OXING Coach Nolito “Boy” Velasco is retiring from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) national team effective December 31.

In a letter to the Abap, the long-time boxing trainer said he was “looking forward to enjoy my retirement with my family, as I give them the time and effort I missed because of work.”

Velasco, 58, is the elder brother of Olympic boxing medalists Roel (bronze, Barcelona 1992) and Mansueto “Onyok” (silver, Atlanta 1996).

Abap accepted his request for retirement in a letter signed by president Ricky Vargas and secretary-general Ed Picson.

The two officials wished Velasco “well in your future endeavors.”

Atomweight World Grand Prix at the historic all-female One: Empower card last September, but her original opponent Grace Cleveland had to pull out of the card.

She had so looked forward to it, the chance of competing in the bright lights of the Grand Prix. But that’s the way the cookie crumbled, and Jenelyn, raised to accept realities in the philosophical way that people look at life, just moved on and in her own unique way, smiled.

Luckily, she is getting another crack at earning her place in the Grand Prix.

After staging successful events like One: Empower and the super-stacked One: Revolution, One’s next treat is a trilogy of MMA events that features its Next Gen gems. Jenelyn’s golden chance comes in an alternate bout at One: Next Gen II which happens on November 12 in Singapore. Her opponent is Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan, a Malaysian hometown hero.

“I’m very excited to earn my spot in the Grand Prix.

I know Jihin is a very good technical fighter and she’s very dangerous on the ground, so it’s something I will have to be wary about,” she said.

It’s a surprise, even for Olsim, to say the least.

But the 24-year-old has prepared herself for any eventualities here in One Championship, so much so that she has kept a close look at her potential

EW YORK—Kyrie Irving can keep refusing to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

He just won’t play for the Brooklyn Nets until he does.

The Nets announced Tuesday that Irving would not play or practice with them until he could be a full participant, ending the idea that he would play in only road games.

Irving hasn’t said he isn’t vaccinated, asking for privacy when he spoke via Zoom during the team’s media day on September 27.

But he had rarely been with the team in New York, where a mandate requires professional athletes playing for a team in the city have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to play or practice in public venues.

“Kyrie’s made it clear that he has a choice in this matter and it’s ultimately going to be up to him what he decides,” general manager Sean Marks said. “We respect the fact that he has a choice, he can make his own and right now what’s best for the organization is the path that we’re taking.”

Teams aren’t allowed to reveal private details of players’ health.

But asked Tuesday if Irving was vaccinated, Marks said: “If he was vaccinated, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. I think that’s probably pretty clear.”

Marks said he and owner Joe Tsai together made the decision, adding that it came through discussions with Irving and his associates.

“Kyrie loves to play basketball, wants to be out there, wants to be participating with his teammates,” Marks said. “But again, this is a choice that Kyrie had and he was well aware of that.”

Irving wasn’t even eligible to practice with the Nets in New York until Friday, when the city told the team that its training facility was considered a private venue.

Irving then joined the team at an outdoor practice Saturday and worked out with the Nets on Sunday, but didn’t play in Brooklyn’s exhibition game at Philadelphia on Monday. AP

opponents if ever she makes it to the Grand Prix.

When asked who she wants to face in the future, Jenelyn without hesitation says, “I am excited to take on Ritu Phogat. I saw that she is really good at wrestling and it’s a skill that I really want to test myself against in my next matches.”

Phogat, who has had a string of losses before she again showed her true worth in One: Empower is riding high in the Grand Prix, pursuing a new trajectory.

Thinking about Phogat this early doesn’t mean that Jenelyn is already looking past The Shadow Cat at this point. For her, it’s all about making the most of the chances given to her.

“I’m really happy to get this opportunity again even if I’m only considered as an alternate. This is one of the main reasons why I moved weight classes, because I really wanted to be part of the Grand Prix,” she said.

And even if there is some concern from those in the know that changing weight classes can be disadvantageous or even dangerous for fighters, Jenelyn has no qualms about transitioning into the lightest weight class widely recognized within MMA. In fact she feels comfortable being an atomweight already. It’s not the weight or the girth of the fighter that matters, she’ll tell you. It’s the size of her heart.