BusinessMirror October 19, 2023 by BusinessMirror

Agencies get Nov deadline on anti-laundering B S P. M @sam_medenilla

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ITH the country’s oneyear reprieve from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) almost over, Malacañang has ordered all concerned agencies to complete the country’s pending anti-money laundering commitments under the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) Action Plan by next month. In his Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 37 dated October 18, 2023, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin gave the instructions ahead of the deadline for the country to implement all 18 ICRG Action Plans by January 2024 in order to be removed in the FATF Grey

List. He said he wants the member agencies of the National Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/CounterTerrorism Financing (CTF)/Counter-Proliferation Financing (CPF) Coordinating Committee (NACC) to “assign focal person/s tasked to ensure that all deliverables are completed and all targets are achieved by 30 November 2023.” MC 37 also directed the agencies to establish a mechanism for monitoring the progress and reporting the completion of the said deliverables. As of September 2023, the country still has eight pending deliverables. The country was placed under the grey list or under increased

monitoring status in June 2021 for failing to show “tangible and positive progress” in enforcing the recommendation of the FATF, a Paris-based money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. FATF initially gave the Philippines only until January 2023 to meet its requirements, but it opted to extend the country’s compliance period until 2024. To facilitate the country’s compliance with the ICRG Action Plan, Bersamin tasked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to lead in the implementation of MC 37. The AMLC is also required to submit to the Office of the Executive Secretary a comprehensive report on the implementation of the

National AML/CTF/CPF Strategy (NACS) 2023-2027 on or before December 8, 2023. “The urgent implementation of the NACS 2023-2027, particularly its Strategic Objective 1, will intensify and expedite efforts to address deficiencies identified by the FATF ICRG,” Bersamin said. Countries which fail to implement the FATF recommendations can be included in its blacklist or the so-called high-risk jurisdictions. FATF urged other countries to implement enhanced due diligence or counter measures for those included in its blacklist to protect the international financing system S “A,” A

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PALACE HOLDS ROLLOUT ■

OF MAHARLIKA’S RULES

FLEEING THE WAR In the complex juxtaposition of events, the first wave of repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) escaping the conflict between Israel and Hamas arrived on Wednesday (Oct. 18) at Naia Terminal 3, among them, 16 OFWs and an infant, directly impacted by the strife. Their poignant homecoming was met with warmth by a consortium of government agencies—DMW, DSWD, OWWA, DFA, and DOH—ready to extend assistance. Simultaneously, in Gaza City, wounded Palestinians urgently await treatment at al-Shifa hospital. They arrived from al-Ahli hospital following an explosion on October 17, 2023. The Hamas-run Health Ministry attributes the incident to an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military claims it was a misfired Palestinian rocket. Stories on Filipinos in conflict zones of south Lebanon and Gaza, on page A2. NONIE REYES AND AP/ABED KHALED

B S P. M @sam_medenilla  J R. S J @jrsanjuan1573

ALACAÑANG has suspended the implementation of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11954 or the Maharlika Investment Fund, but did not give a reason for doing so.

In a memorandum issued on October 12, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin directed the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to defer the rollout of the IRR pending further study of its provisions. He also instructed LBP and DBP to notify all concerned heads of departments, bureaus, and other agencies of the Executive department including governmentowned and -controlled corporations about the development. As of press time, the Palace has yet to release the cause of why it initiated the review. The Bureau of Treasury issued the IRR of RA 11954 last August 28 for implementation of the MIF, while both LBP and DBP are undergoing a merger, which is expected to be completed by the first half of 2024. Earlier this month, several in-

cumbent and former lawmakers filed a case before the Supreme Court seeking to declare unconstitutional the Maharlika legislation.

OSG: ready to defend law

THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) will continue to defend the constitutionality of the MIF law before the Supreme Court despite the President’s decision to suspend its implementation. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said his office is preparing its response to the petition filed by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III together with representatives of Bayan Muna Party-list group, seeking to declare unconstitutional Republic Act No. 11954 or Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023. The Court, in a resolution on October 3, 2023, ordered respon-

Halt to MIF’s implementing PINOYS ALL SET FOR THEIR UNDAS, HOLIDAY VACATIONS rules isn’t end of fund: BSP B M. S F. A

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

ITH the upcoming long Undas (All Saints/All Souls Days) break and a newly published list of holidays for 2024, Filipinos are likely headed for vacations to Cebu, Tagaytay, and El Nido, or staycationing in Metro Manila hotels with their families. This developed as the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) revealed these were among the top destinations and hotel locations chosen by buyers during its recent September Online Sales (SOS). According to HSMA Vice President and SOS Project Head Amie Villena, 3,662 vouchers were sold during the monthlong event, and generated revenue over P19.3 million. Seventy-three hotels and resorts participated in the project, with Cebu, Tagaytay and Metro Manila among the top destinations, based on number of vouchers sold. She said hotels that reached more than P1 million in revenue during the sales event were Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay, Miniloc

Island Resort in El Nido, Bai Hotel Cebu, and Okada Manila. Belmont Hotel in Boracay also landed among the top five hotels, selling more than 100 vouchers. The vouchers are valid for one year and if rooms are available, guests can also book during holidays like All Saints/All Souls Days on November 1 and 2. With October 30 recently declared a special non-working holiday due to the Barangay/Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Filipinos are looking at a potential long break from October 28 to November 5. This year’s sales were 48 percent lower though than the P37 million generated from 5,854 vouchers sold in 2022, due to the competing travel fairs held by other organizations. “Yes, we did not meet our target to replicate last year’s performance, but we are more than pleased with the result,” said Villena. “SOS also coincided with the Philippine Travel Mart and our members did their own online sale. Inspite of these events, we were still able to generate significant revenue for the participating hotels/resorts,” she added.

B C U. O @caiordinario

HE Palace decision to halt the implementing rules of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said, does not

mean the government has thrown in the towel in the effort to create the fund. On the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said he was aware of   A

S “P,” A

S “M,” A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES US 56.7430 ■ JAPAN 0.3789 ■ UK 69.1640 ■ HK 7.2526 ■ SINGAPORE 41.4819 ■ AUSTRALIA 36.1226 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 15.1279 ■ EU 60.0171 ■ KOREA 0.0420 ■ CHINA 7.7560 Source: BSP (October 18, 2023)

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Thursday, October 19, 2023

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OFWs in S. Lebanon told: Leave now; Pinoy docs in Gaza unhurt

B M T-B

@maloutalosig

ROUND 800 Filipinos in southern Lebanon have been advised to evacuate “preemptively” as Israel and Hezbollah militants exchange fire across the border. The Philippine Embassy in Beirut said due to the “persistent tension in Lebanon’s southern border,” the rest of the 17,000 Filipino workers throughout Lebanon should also avoid traveling to the south, near the border of Israel. Hezbollah has been exchanging rocket fire with Israeli troops across the border since the Palestinian armed faction Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by Iran and have been vocal against Israel. Both the US and Israel tagged the groups as terrorist organizations. “Due to the persistent tension in

Lebanon’s southern border, posing a significant threat to the safety and security of civilian residents, the Philippine Embassy urges all Filipino nationals close to the border to evacuate preemptively to ensure their well-being and security,” the Embassy in Beirut said in its advisory Tuesday. There are around 800 Filipinos in southern Lebanon, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Many analysts fear that if violence escalates in the the IsraelHezbollah border, it may open a new front against Israel, which is focused at the moment in eliminating the Hamas for killing 1,400

Pinoys...

itiveness,” featuring speakers from government, the tourism industry, and analysts. In her keynote address, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita M. Nograles underscored the partnership between the public and private sectors to sell the Philippines

C  A

Govt-private collaboration

LAST week, HSMA held its firstever summit, “Elevate the Game: Taking the Lead to Global Compet-

people—the most violent attack on Israel since World War II Holocaust. “Given the unstable situation, Filipinos are reminded to avoid nonessential travel to South Lebanon,” the Embassy added. Latest data from DFA showed there are 17,537 registered Filipino workers in the whole of Lebanon. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said despite the hostilities in the Israel-Lebanon border, the government maintains the contingency level to Alert 2. Alert 2 means Filipinos are advised to be on alert and prepare for possible evacuation.

Doctors safe in Gaza MEANWHILE, two Filipino doctors in Gaza Strip are safe amid the massive blast that rocked a hospital in Gaza City. Philippine Ambassador in Amman Wilfredo Santos said the two Filipino doctors from the international nongovernment charity group Doctors Without Borders (also known by the French acronym MSF) are not among those hurt by the recent missile attack to a hospi-

to domestic and international tourists. “Collaborations with you and our other stakeholders are paramount. Our people are the Philippines’s most valuable asset in becoming a preferred destination and none of our achievements would be possible without your support,” she said. The partnership is vital,

tal that killed 500 people. The other 133 Filipinos in Gaza Strip are also safe. “[All the Filipinos who used to live in] Gaza City—where the hospital is located—[have moved] to southern Gaza,” Santos said. Volunteer doctors, nurses and medical personnel from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) have been providing surgical and inpatient care to people of Gaza since the Hamas and Israel resumed hostilities on October 7. But MSF said despite the “incredible needs” in Gaza, they are forced to suspend most of their medical emergency operations. Battle-tested MSF doctors have witnessed many conflicts around the world but Israel’s “relentless bombings” are “unimaginable” and “inhumane.” Dr. Christos Christou, International President of MSF, confirmed hospitals and clinics have been attacked. “Others receive orders to evacuate—with just a couple of hours’ notice—with impossible decisions to make. Patients—including those in critical condition—risk their lives either by moving, or by

staying behind, in both cases perhaps to die without treatment,” Christou added. Christou also demanded that all the medical staff in Gaza be given “basic guarantees of safety” to be able to do work and help those who are wounded and sick.

she said, especially when putting little-known tourism destinations on the radar of travelers. “We have so many hidden gems that have either started to be recognized or have yet to be discovered. Have any of you been to the beautiful sand bars and white sands of Romblon? [Have] you tasted the amazing blend of coconut and sea salt [in Guimaras’s] locally produced Tultul salt?” Nograles also noted the growing connectivity across the country that will help tourists explore these little-known destinations. New international flights from various cities are landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, while direct flights have connected foreign airports to Cebu, Davao, Clark, Kalibo, Palawan, Laoag, Iloilo, and soon Bohol and Bicol, she noted. At the same time, government is strengthening domestic connec-

tivity. “New local flights like the CebuBaguio and Bacolod-Clark routes are opening up better avenues for travel within our diverse regions,” she said. Similarly, HSMA President Loleth So told the BM that their summit stressed the “critical need for connectivity in terms of airlines, infrastructure like airports, and awareness campaign of our culture/heritage in key focus geographic markets to be able to achieve again the 8.2-million visitor arrivals [as in 2019], and close the gap between us and Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.” For her part, HSMA Director for Memberships Agnes Pacis shared that the summit raised the importance of focusing on the “low-hanging fruits [i.e., domestic market] and promoting fresh and pristine destinations in our 7,641 beautiful islands.”

Situation in Gaza and Rafah Border THE MSF official said the people in Gaza were deprived of water, food, protected shelter, medicines. “Basic humanity needs to be restored in the Gaza Strip,” he added. “The indiscriminate bombing must stop. The egregious level of collective punishment currently being meted out on the people of Gaza must end. People in Gaza need protected spaces, and ways to reach them safely and unimpeded. People wishing to cross the border into Egypt should be allowed to—with the future option to come back— and be properly and humanely assisted.” “People also need clean water, reliable electricity, access to food and healthcare,” Christou said.

Maharlika... C  A

dents Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, the House of Representatives and the Senate to comment within 10 days on the petition. Unless the petitioners withdraw the petition due to the suspension of the MIF, Guevarra said it has no other recourse but to comply with the Court’s order. “We have not officially received a copy of the SC’s resolution, but we have been preparing our comment since the Court’s resolution appeared in the SC website,” Guevarra noted. “If the implementation is indeed suspended, it’s up to the petitioners if they wish to withdraw the petition. But, if they don’t, and the SC does not suspend the proceedings either, the OSG will be prepared to submit its comment on the validity of the MIF law,” he added. Republic Act No. 11954 creates the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country’s first sovereign wealth fund. It will be managed by the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), with a seed capital of P150 billion. In seeking to declare RA 11954 unconstitutional, the petitioners raised these arguments: It is void because it was passed in violation of Section 26 (2) Article VI of the 1987 Constitution; the test of economic viability as mandated under Section 16 of Article XII of the Constitution was not complied with prior to the creation of the Maharlika Investment Corporation; and the law violates the independence of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as provided under Section 20, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution. The petitioners said the MIF law is a dangerous law as it entrusts hundreds of billions in public funds to unknown fund managers. They noted the MIF law is being implemented in the midst of a budget deficit of P 1.6 trillion, inflation rate of 6.1 percent, and poverty incidence of 18.1 percent in 2022 and massive unemployment and underemployment.

Halt to MIF’s implementing rules isn’t end of fund: BSP C  A

the developments, but it was not communicated to him officially. Remolona said the order merely pushed for the suspension of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the MIF. However, he said he was not aware of the reason behind the order. “Someone sent me the memo by the Executive Secretary,” Remolona said when asked how he was made aware of the development. “[It was] addressed to someone. It wasn’t addressed to me.” Remolona said he does not yet know the impact of the order, only that it will not affect how they regulate the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, two sources of capital for the MIF. “We will evaluate the request [regulatory relief], as we do for any other request by banks and then we will carry out the usual regulations that we carry out. So they will not be treated in a special way. They’ll be regulated the way we always regulate banks,” Remolona stressed. BM contacted Monetary Board Member Rosalia V. de Leon for comment on the matter. However, none was received as of press time. De Leon, in her former capacity as National Treasurer, drafted the IRR, the implementation of which was suspended by the order from Executive Secretary Lucas B. Bersamin. A copy of a Memorandum from

the Executive Secretary was released on Wednesday, stating that the IRR of the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023 was suspended as of October 12. Bersamin said in the memorandum that “upon the directive of the President,” the Treasurer of the Philippines, in coordination with the LBP and DBP, were directed to suspend the implementation of the IRR “pending further study.” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act in July to help draw more investors to the country. The signing ceremony was held at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang despite criticisms from some groups that it would expose government funds to possible misappropriation. In his speech during the event, the President said the MIF will allow the government to “leverage a small fraction of the considerable, but under-utilized investable fund of the government” to stimulate the economy without the disadvantage of adding additional fiscal and debt burden. In August, the BM first got hold of a copy of the approved implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 11954 or the MIF Act. Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno on Tuesday told reporters that the IRR was published in the Official Gazette last August 28. The approved IRR, which took effect on September 12, outlined the qualifications for the members of the MIC board from Regular

Directors, Independent Directors, and President and CEO. Under Section 39 of the IRR, the MIC PCEO must hold an “advanced degree,” either an MBA, MA, MSc or even a PhD in finance, economics, business administration or a related field from a “reputable university.” The PCEO shall also possess “exceptional” experience and expertise in various aspects: corporate management, financial planning strategy, strategic planning and vision, market and business development, and budget development. The IRR stipulated that the PCEO must have a “minimum” of 10 years experience in finance or investment that including 10 years’ experience in a senior leadership role in a “reputable” financial institution or public/private sector organization. The IRR added that it is “preferred” that the financial institution or organization has Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and sustainable investment.

Agencies... C  A

against money laundering and terrorist financing. Currently, the following countries are included in the FATF blacklist: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran and Myanmar.

Thursday, October 19, 2023

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

‘Gibo’ says DND-AFP undeterred by Chinese ‘harassment’ in WPS By Rex Anthony Naval

HE Philippines remains undeterred by any Chinese “harassment” and will continue to operate its ships in the West Philippines, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. vowed Wednesday. He gave this response when asked on whether the dangerous maneuvers performed by a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Ship 621 against BRP Benguet (LS-507), which was en route to a routine rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to Rizal Reef last October 13, could be viewed as escalation. “I cannot establish on whether this incident is isolated or not, but

on my end, the instructions from the President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] are clear, whatever happens, our operations in the WPS [West Philippine Sea] will continue,” Teodoro said in a mixture of Filipino and English during Wednesday’s “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” forum. And contrary to claims that the Philippines is doing provocative acts in the WPS, the DND chief also reiterated that the country is not provoking anyone and stressed that all its activities are “done in our 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone [EEZ] and other territorial jurisdictions.” “Now if we enter the 200 nautical mile EEZ of other countries then that is a pure provocation which we have no intention of doing whatso-

ever,” Teodoro said. Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the Chinese attempt to cross the bow of BRP Benguet last week was the first time they did such a maneuver on a Filipino vessel doing a RORE mission in Rizal Reef. “The report says that there were instances of harassment this particular way, shadowing operation, but this is the first time that they tried to cross the bow of our naval vessel which is LS-507 which is a kind of elevation of their activities as far as RORE mission with, in Rizal Reef is concerned,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in an interview with CNN Philippines Tuesday. The AFP earlier said the BRP

Benguet warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to PLAN 621 after it shadowed the Filipino ship at an 80-yard distance and attempted to cross its bow with a closest point of approach of 350 yards while 5.8 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier urged China to cease t he s e d a n ge rou s m a ne u ve r s and aggressive actions towards Philippine vessels. He added that the potential for collision and accident at sea further highlights the urgency for China to uphold maritime safety standards. “These dangerous and offensive maneuvers by China’s PLAN not only risk collision but also directly endanger the lives of maritime personnel from both sides. The AFP remains committed to ensuring the safety of its personnel during RoRe missions and asserts that it will continue to adhere to the rules-based international order,” Brawner said.

Go pushes for amplified mental health initiatives

E N ATO R Christopher “Bong” Go stressed in an interview on Tuesday, October 17, the critical need for mental health interventions and sufficient budgetary allocations for related programs given the challenges faced by Filipinos in the aftermath of the pandemic. “According to the World Health Organization, 16 percent of Filipino children had mental disorders...about 404 learners from public schools committed suicide

in 2021, and 2,147 learners attempted suicide,” Go said in response to questions regarding the significance of providing substantial mental health interventions to Filipinos. The senator expressed his concern over the reduction in the proposed mental health budget from P1.9 billion in the 2023 General Appropriations Act to only a proposed P683 million for the following year, which he hopes the Senate will be able to increase

once they start plenary deliberations on the 2024 budget. Go, the principal sponsor and one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, also highlighted the approval of this legislation to bring specialty services including mental health to communities. Signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on August 24, this Act signifies a significant step towards

upgrading the nation’s health system. This Act mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals, covering various medical fields like mental health, cancer, and heart centers, thereby catering to the diversified healthcare needs of the citizenry. Go further stressed the critical importance of healthcare investments and said, “The more we should invest in health. Iyan po ang importante ngayon.”

Air Force looking forward to arrival of 3 new C-130Js

HE Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday said it is looking forward to the commissioning and placing into service of the threenew Lockheed Martin C-130J “Super Hercules” cargo aircraft that the Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered for the service. “The PAF welcomes this development and we look forward to the added capability that these platforms will bring,” Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement. She added that these three C130Js would greatly boost their airlift capability to support military operations and other national development efforts that include relief operations during times of disasters and calamities. “We are immensely grateful to the National Government and the DND for pushing through with this acquisition,” Castillo said. T he DND on Tuesday announced that the Notice to Proceed for the project has been issued. “The acquisition started in 2021 as part of the Second Horizon of the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] Modernization Program. The project was awarded to Lockheed Martin,

an American aerospace, arms defense, information security, and technology corporation,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said. The first C-130J is scheduled to be delivered in July 2026 with the second in October of the same year, while the third will be handed over by January 2027. Defense observers said the contract price of the three C130Js are placed at around P22.2 billion. “The additional cargo space of the C-130J-30, coupled with the reliability of C-130 aircraft we have in our current f leet will provide our Air Force with greater operational flexibility,” Andolong said. The PAF is known to operate four older versions of the C-130 for its heavy lift missions. The C-130J is the newest variant of the venerable C-130 that is equipped with new engines, flight deck and other systems. It is capable of transporting 92 to 128 passengers and has a maximum allowable load of 40,000. The C-130J has a maximum speed of 362 knots (417 miles per hour) and a range of 1,800 nautical miles (2,100 miles) and a service ceiling of 28,000 feet. Rex Anthony Naval

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

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Freeze on FIT-All collection stays for now, ERC says ‘Maharlika IRR’s halt must spur thorough review of concerns’ By Lenie Lectura @llectura

HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) may not lift anytime soon the suspension of the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FITAll) collection to ease the financial burden on consumers amid rising electricity cost. ERC Commissioner Monalisa Dimalanta said on Wednesday the suspension might still take effect until end of the year. “We continue to monitor because we also don’t want the FIT-All fund to be depleted,” she added. The FIT-All is a uniform charge

billed to all on-grid electricity consumers, reflected as a separate component in monthly electricity bills, to cover payments to renewable energy developers who are assured of a fixed rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity generated by their projects over 20 years. It is among the financial incentives provided by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 to promote the use of emerging renewable power sources, such as wind, solar, run-of-river hydro and biomass. The current FIT-All rate collected from consumers is P0.0364 per kWh. The collection was suspended for three consecutive times already. It can be recalled that the collection

of FIT-All was earlier suspended by the ERC from December 2022 to February 2023. This was again extended from March 2023 to August 2023. Thereafter, the ERC imposed an indefinite suspension starting September. With the said ERC issuance, the consumers enjoy the benefit of reduced power cost for almost a year now. “In view of the rising level of inflation and cost of living affecting millions of Filipino households, the ERC re-evaluated the FIT-All fund balance and found its healthy status, which can sufficiently cover the FIT-All payment requirements for six more months,” the ERC said earlier.

Distribution utilities (DUs), the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), and Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES) serve as collecting agents, and the proceeds go to the FIT-All Fund, which is being administered by the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo). She said there could be enough fund to support the FIT-All extension “until otherwise lifted.” TransCo is also tasked to make an annual determination of the FIT-All rate and file its application with the ERC not later than end of July each year for the FIT-All rate that will be implemented for the following year.

EVAP reiterates stand on ‘liberalized’ IAS amid expected EV industry growth

HE expected proliferation of electric vehicles (EV) would eventually bring the country to be at par with its neighboring countries, according to the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP). “With the advent of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development [EVIDA] law, there’s

about 15 percent increase already starting this year, 2023. And now our projection is I think it would be more than double. Like 5 to 10 years from now, the proliferation and the number of e-vehicles on a roll would be sooner than expected,” EVAP President Edmund Araga said in a televised interview on Wednesday.

The EVAP president also noted that considering that there are a lot of players in the market, “eventually we would be the same with our neighboring countries.” Araga said that while the country is far from reaching the “tipping point” or 5 percent of the total new car sales going to fully EVs, consumers are now ready on taking hybrids as a “start-up” before they can shift fully to battery electric vehicles or BEVs. Meanwhile, the EVAP head noted that the industry has a “good problem” in terms of sufficiency of supply of electric vehicles. “That is another good problem in terms of which the dealers and the distributors are concerned because there are a lot of piled up orders or purchase orders that they have to address,” Araga said. He added that the difficulty of shipping in the Philippine setting is another “nitty gritty” that the dealers and distributors have to address in so far as the supply of EVs is concerned. In relation to this, Araga pointed out anew that EVAP is trying to ask approval from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on the Import Assessment System (IAS) for the industry to expedite the shipments of electric vehicles.

“In terms of shipping it here in the Philippines, it has to take a stride on making it easier for them to bring it here so that distributors can have better access on bringing it in the market,” Araga said. In a statement it issued last month, EVAP pushed for exemption of its member companies from the BOC’s import assessment system to “streamline the clearance process” to make it more efficient for EVAP members. During EVAP’s meeting with the Bureau of Custom (BOC), the industry group said that Customs Assistant Commissioner Jet Maronilla emphasized the significance of correct classification as he acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the BOC due to the “youthfulness” of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines. EVAP said Maronilla stated that BOC is “in the midst of overcoming these initial challenges, as the electric vehicle industry is rapidly expanding, thanks to the recent implementation of the EVIDA law.” The industry group earlier bared that sales of EVs in the Philippines reached 2,536 units in the first quarter of 2023, a 500-percent jump compared to the 426 units sold for the entire year of 2022. Andrea E. San Juan

Continued from A20

For his part, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the MIF Act was enacted with “inordinate alacrity without adequate” and searching studies from the President’s economic advisers and congressional allies. “’Haste makes waste’ is an appropriate aphorism for the inscription on the epitaph of the Maharlika Investment Fund,” he said. “What should be suspended by the President is the entire implementation of the law for further in-depth study for perfecting amendments, if still possible, or final repeal because current negative economic indicators do not support the enactment and implementation of the MIF,” said Lagman. “Since the MIF Act bled dry the LandBank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines of their capital assets for infusion into the MIF, the two government banks suffered a depletion of their resources so much so that they had to plead for exemption from the reserve requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” he added.

Senate minority

THE Senate minority bloc hailed President Marcos’s move to halt implementation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), saying it bodes well for the “vulnerable economy.” Minorit y Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said the move was a “very good development,” considering that “the law has a lot of defects.” Recently, he led petitioners in asking the Supreme Court to strike down the hastily approved law for being unconstitutional. The legal challenge is pending in court. “The concept has not been fully studied from the start; hence, we should not wonder what apparently the law is not ready for implementation,” Pimentel said in a vViber

message to BusinessMirror. He praised the Marcos administration as “it appears to listen to reason.“ In a separate statement, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros found the suspended implementation of the Maharlika Investment Act as “welcome news for all Filipinos and for our vulnerable economy.” Hontiveros aired her hope “that the suspension of the rollout of the Maharlika Fund Investment means that the President is starting to heed our warnings.” She pointed out that, “indeed many provisions of the MIF Act require further study.” The senator added: “My own view, of course, is that it is beyond repair— because the law was rushed, and the Philippines is simply not ready at this moment to support a wealth fund. “In fact,” the lawmaker lamented, “it is now clear that Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno misled the Senate when he said that the Land Bank of the Philippines [LBP] and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) had excess funds which were idle and could be used for the MIF.” At the same time, Hontiveros rued: “At best, he [Diokno] simply did not have the competence to understand the repercussions of messing with the finances of Land Bank and DBP. [To think he used to be a BSP Governor].” She also lamented that “the MIF, among its many flaws, is now poised to reduce the LBP and DBP’s capacity to provide loans for farmers, fisherfolk and agri-entrepreneurs by more than P700 billion—or 10 times the capital that will be taken from them.” As it turns out, Hontiveros said the Bangko Sentral’s position is that “DBP and Land Bank will need to be recapitalized. Where will that come from? From borrowed funds, of course.”

News BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Thursday, October 19, 2023

PHL posts P1.4T-approved investments under PBBM By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is confident that the inflow of funds for approved foreign direct investments (FDI) will pick up in the coming months. In his presentation on the updates on investments leads during a sectoral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang last Tuesday, DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said several projects, which were approved by investment promotion agencies (IPA) are already set to be realized. “[The] BOI [Board of Investments] and PEZA [Philippine Economic Zone Authority] are building up a good pipeline of approved foreign-invested projects that will eventually be implemented as actual investments,” Pascual said. DTI came out with the projection after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported last month that the inflow of funds for FDI during the first half of the year declined by 20 percent compared to the same period last year. BSP cited “investor concerns over weak growth prospects amid persistent global uncertainties” among the main causes for the lower FDI inflows. Pascual, however, noted they already

have “ways forward to ensure project realization.” Citing data from DTI’s IPAs, he said there were $8.4 billion worth of approved investment during the first half of 2023 compared to the $1.1 billion in the same period last year. “The future looks promising, Mr. President, given the rising trend in foreign investment approvals by the DTI’s investment promotion agencies—BOI and PEZA. In addition, we continue our efforts to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination,” Pascual said. Since t he star t of t he Marcos administration, he said the DTI, through the IPAs, was able to secure P1.4 trillion in total approved investments. Last Tuesday, DTI reported that of the 130 project leads the President was able to secure from his overseas trips since the start of his term, 11 have already been realized. It noted four to five similar projects, including business process outsourcing, are expected to materialize soon.

Dalipe to ex-president Duterte: House ‘saved the day’ during your Palace term By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives “saved the day” for former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte when the Covid-19 crisis erupted in 2020, the majority leader of the lower chamber said on Wednesday. House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose M. Dalipe said members of the chamber are saddened by the recent criticism of the former president about the House, of which he was a former member. Dalipe highlighted the pivotal role that Congress played during the crisis. He revealed that many members of the 19th Congress had also served during the 18th Congress, which was under President Duterte’s leadership. “During their tenure, they wholeheartedly supported the president’s legislative agenda, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the administration’s goals,” he said. Dalipe said the House extended all-out support to Duterte even before the Covid-19 pandemic. “Even before the time of Covid, whatever our president said, we heeded his call. We didn’t leave him; we made sure that the Duterte administration had enough budget during the time of Covid so that he had funds to give aid; those that were needed for health during the time of Covid, we all supported him,” he added. Dalipe also drew attention to the House’s proactive role in responding to the pandemic. He said the first two vital Covid-19 response measures, Bayanihan 1 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act) and Bayanihan 2 (Bayanihan to Recover as One Act), were swiftly passed in March and July 2020. He said these legislative actions played a pivotal role in empowering the government to effectively combat the crisis, enabling the allocation of funds for essential services and relief programs that supported the Filipino population during the challenging times of the pandemic. Asked what may have prompted Duterte’s recent criticisms of the House, Dalipe said the former president might have resented the changes made in the budgets of the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte, the former leader’s daughter, and the Department of Education, which the vice president heads. The vice president had asked for P500 million in

confidential and intelligence funds for his office as the country’s No. 2 official and P150 million for the Department of Education. He said the House realigned the intelligence funds of civilian offices with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and intelligence agencies to strengthen protection of the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Dalipe clarified that these budget alterations were not isolated incidents. Various other government departments, including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, also experienced budget adjustments. These changes were aimed at enhancing national security, particularly in the WPS. Dalipe said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, accompanied by other lawmakers and military officials, even flew to Pag-asa Island in Palawan recently to check on the requirements of the AFP, which has a contingent in the islet, and of Kalayaan town. He pointed out that instead of criticizing his former House colleagues, Duterte should appeal for unity. Meanwhile, 12 Visayan lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Romualdez in the face of recent challenges and attacks directed at the House’s decision to realign a total of P1.23 billion in confidential funds under the 2024 national budget. “We, the Cebu bloc, including representatives from the Province of Bohol, stand firm and united in the House of Representatives under the dynamic and transparent leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, towards the upliftment of the lives of the Filipino people,” the statement read. The signatories commended Speaker Romualdez for his pivotal role in championing legislation that promotes both social justice and economic development, including notable accomplishments like the Trabaho para sa Bayan Act, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, and the One Town, One Product Act, among others. The House has recently become the target of intense criticism following its decision to reallocate confidential funds from certain government institutions to security agencies, particularly in the midst of escalating tensions with China.

BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 19, 2023

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., Barangay 76, Pasay City AN, SEJUN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 1.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. ANGELICA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. ANNAS ROMMY RSIKI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. ANTONY FUN NYUK FUNG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. BUI, THI THANH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. CHUNG, YUN-SHAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. CHUONG HA ANH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. DAM, VAN DONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. DAVIT MAULANA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. DINH, CONG DINH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

10.

DO ANH TU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 11.

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

DODIE ABDUL MADJID HARAHAP Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 12.

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

DONG, VAN LUAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 13.

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

DONNY FARADITA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 14.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

DUONG, THI TOAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 15.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

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26.

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

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

JEON, WOODAE Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 27.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. JENNIVER Customer Service Representative - 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.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. HOANG, VAN THAO Customer Service Representative - 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.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. HOANG, VAN TAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. HOANG, THI HA Customer Service Representative - 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.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. HOANG THI THUY Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. HOANG DINH CHIEN Customer Service Representative - 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.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. HANG, SEO PHU Customer Service Representative - 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.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. GILANG NUR PRATAMA Customer Service Representative - 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.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. EPI CANDRA Customer Service Representative - 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.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

JUNG, IN HYEOG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 28.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

No.

LAM VAN MANH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 29.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

30.

31.

32.

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34. Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

35. Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

36. Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

37.

38.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. MAI XUAN CHIEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

39.

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

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

MELINDA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 40.

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

NGO VAN BINH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 41.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. LY, VAN CAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. LUONG, THI NHAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. LUAN THU MINH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

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

LU, THI PANG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

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

LIU, YUE Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. LIU, YUANSHUN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LE, NHAT TAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LAM, VAN CAM Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

NGO VAN SI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 42.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese/Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese/Mandarin is an advantage. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGO, VAN TAM Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

43.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN VAN VU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

44.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN HUU BAU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

45.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. NGUYEN THI HOI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

46.

NGUYEN THI NGA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 47.

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

NGUYEN THI NU Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 48.

49.

50.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format. NGWE HNIN YADANAR Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

51.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions suggesting information about other products and services. NINH, THI TUYET Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

52.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. NINH, VAN BAC Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

53.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. PAN, HUIWEI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

54.

PHAM, VAN MINH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 55.

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

PHAN DUC NHAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 56.

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

PHAN VAN HAI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 57.

PHAN, VAN HAO Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 58.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

No.

QUAN VAN CONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 59.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

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

60.

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

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. TRAN HAU PHUONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

67.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

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

TRAN THE KHUYNH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 68.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. TRAN DINH VINH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. TANG, VAN BANG Customer Service Representative - 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.

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

TANG, LINGCHUN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education

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

SAM CHEW ZHEN YEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

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

SAI PHYO SET LIN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

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

ROH, DONGHYUN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. RITA ELYANA Customer Service Representative - 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.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

TRINH THI QUYNH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 69.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

VI, VAN VIET Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 70.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

VUONG, VAN HUY Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 71.

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education

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

VY, THI DUYEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 72.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

WEE SENG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 73.

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

Thursday, October 19, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

No.

YANDRA DWI ADI PUTRA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 74.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent in Chinese/Mandarin is an advantage.

75.

76.

77.

TRAN XUAN Y Invest SPC - Cr [VNM] 78.

79.

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

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

Brief Job Description: Demonstrate passion for delivering world class customer service, maintaining a positive, supportive and professional manner; clear and effective verbal and written communication, with the ability to transition easily from communicating in both Malay and English fluently where required.

VU THI THANH TU Seller Onboard ASC - RCO [VNM]

80.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Investigates suspicious merchant and buyer activity; communicates informed decisions about risk to external and internal customers; be aware of and identify new fraud patterns and trends; and participate in other special projects/assignments as necessary.

REEFLYN OCRYSAN SIJABAT Seller Onboard ASC - RCO [MSA]

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

Brief Job Description: Communicates effectively via email and/or telephone in both Vietnamese and English languages, with our customer base - buyers, merchants, and internal customers. Take appropriate action to identify and help minimize the risk posed by fraud patterns and trends. Consistently achieves/exceeds weekly productivity and quality standards. Participates in ad hoc projects/ assignments as necessary.

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

Basic Qualification: Intermediate skill with Microsoft office including outlook, word and excel. Team player, capable of learning and sharing knowledge in a global team environment. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Prior experience working within a customer service (voice support) is highly desirable; technical (computer and internet) savvy is required; and ability to follow specific detailed process steps. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluency in Vietnamese language. Prior experience working within customer service (voice support) is highly desirable. Ability to follow specific detailed process steps. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ASIAN AEROSPACE PHILIPPINES, INC. Lima Gate, Manila Intl. Airport, Andrews Ave., Barangay 191, Pasay City

KARK, JASON LEE Helicopter Pilot 81.

Brief Job Description: An expert in operating the aircraft safely from origin to destination adhering to standard flight operation procedures by authority and company.

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

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

ZHANG, YANCHAO Customer Service Representative - 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.

YI, JIAMEI Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions and suggesting information about other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin Format. YANG, SEUNGIN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: Hold FAA pilot license. Hold FAA Medicate certificate. 1500 hours on MD500 helicopter rating. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

NGUYEN THAI HIEN TRANG Client BPO Supervisor 82.

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

Brief Job Description: Oversees and assists in handling major incidents and provides training to executives.

Basic Qualification: Must be native Vietnamese/ Indonesian/Malaysian/ Thai/Chinese, and fluent in English and respective native language. With at least 3 years of experience in customer service or similar functions. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHEN, PEI-HSIANG Client Delivery Senior Executive 83.

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational processes.

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LEONARDO VAVINCI Client Delivery Senior Executive 84.

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking with at least some secondary education.

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational processes.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be native Malaysian/ Korean/ Taiwanese/ Japanese/Cambodian/Thai/ Indonesian/Vietnamese/ Indian/Chinese and fluent in English and respective native language. With at least 2 years of experience in a similar field. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of China.

SINGTHONG, THANABRDEE Client Delivery Senior Executive 85.

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational processes.

BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 19, 2023

A6 A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PANG YEE MEI Head Of Client BPO Support 86.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Oversees overall function of the operations and works directly with the managing director.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Must be a native Singaporean/ Malaysian. Fluent in English and native language with credible work experience.

No.

NGUYEN THI UYEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 100.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

87.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate and work with Program Manager and Stream Leads, Conversion Lead and relevant resources and stakeholders. Work with the Conversion Team to manage data maps, data translation and data lineage.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of work experience with data migration/conversion of financial systems, working with Excel (vlookup, Macros) and SQL tools. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

NGUYEN VAN SANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

AXA ASIAN MARKETS SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 39/f Gt Tower International, 6813 Ayala Ave., Cor. H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

KANTHARAJ, SUNIL ANANDARAJ Finance Data Migration And Process Expert

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

101.

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

PHAM TIEN THUAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 102.

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

BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINE TRAVEL AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES, INC. Unit Ug-50 Cityland Dela Rosa Condo., Dela Rosa St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

NILVORAKUL, PAPHANKGON Thai Travel Consultant- Thai Bilingual 88.

Brief Job Description: Provides support and intermediation in the sale of airline tickets to the Thai clients.

Basic Qualification: Must have at least 1 year of experience working in a travel industry company, either from a BPO which is travel related, or from an actual travel agency as a consultant. Fluent in written and spoken Thai language. Good English communication skills.

SHI, SHENGJUN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 103.

TA THI BINH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 104.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 BHP SHARED SERVICES PHILIPPINES INC. 27f, Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, 5th Ave. Cor. 30th Street And 4th Ave. Cor. 30th Street, Bonifacio Global City, City Of Taguig WILDS, SARAH MARIE Head Of GBS HR Operations 89.

Brief Job Description: Lead the GBS HR operations central hub and specialized governance/execution teams (Payroll, Global Mobility, Reward Operations, KL EC input).

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 15 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years of management experience. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

90.

Brief Job Description: Train new technical engineer workers in performing equipment, inspection and preventive maintenance in machinery.

Basic Qualification: Can follow and explain instruction to other workers clearly.

105.

106.

91.

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

107.

DUONG THU QUYNH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 92.

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

HO THI LAN PHUONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 93.

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

HOANG, THI DIEM Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 94.

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

HUYNH THI DINH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 95.

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

LAM THI NGA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 96.

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

LAM, CHANH PHAT Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 97.

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

LO THI THUONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 98.

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

108.

109.

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

110.

111.

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

XIE, HONGZHANG Mandarin Procurement Specialist 112.

99.

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

113.

Brief Job Description: Develop and describe standards & working methods. Ensure all compliance to all applicable requirements & specification imposed by regulatory bodies and the customers. TANG, HONGBIN Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst

114.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Brief Job Description: Develop and describe standards & working methods. Ensure all compliance to all applicable requirements & specification imposed by regulatory bodies and the customers.

PAN, QINYUN Sales Manager

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

Brief Job Description: Uses data to project sales, determine profitability and targets, and identify potential new markets. ZHENG, CHUNFENG Sales Manager

116.

Brief Job Description: Uses data to project sales, determine profitability and targets, and identify potential new markets.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

DAXIFA CORPORATION 1466, Gen Luna St. Ermita, Barangay 673, Paco, City Of Manila

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

117.

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

118.

119.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

120.

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

121.

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

122.

CHEN, HAIBING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

CHEN, JIAJIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

CHEN, PENGHUA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

CHEN, ZHUJIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

CUI, YUXIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

DENG, JIAJUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

123.

DENG, YUXIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

124.

LI, MINGYAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

125.

LIU, ZIXUE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

NIE, XIANMAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 126.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven work experience as a procurement specialist, and good working knowledge of purchasing strategies.

127.

128.

129.

130.

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

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

XIAO, DONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 131.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

XU, SHUXIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 132.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

YI, JIANFENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 133.

Basic Qualification: Experience in managing and directing a sales team and ability to lead a team.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email. XIA, JINGWEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email. WANG, JIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Creative within your field, accurate, disciplined, efficient and capable of working in a multidisciplinary team.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email. WANG, GUIYIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Creative within your field, accurate, disciplined, efficient and capable of working in a multidisciplinary team.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email. WAN, RUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

DAHUA VENTURES INC. 2/f Bachrach Bldg. Ii, 23rd St. Cor. Railroad Sts., 068, Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

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

Brief Job Description: Researching & identifying prospective suppliers. Liaising with internal project teams & maintaining strong suppliers relations.

MA, SHILEI Mandarin Structural Maintenance Analyst

115.

NG LI FEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

CSCEC STRAIT CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD (PHILIPPINES BRANCH OFFICE) 19f Greenfield Tower, 1117 Soler St. Corner Alvarado St., Binondo, Barangay 294, Binondo, City Of Manila

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

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

ZENG, YAYAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

WEI, XIUJUN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

LI, PING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements. TSAN CA HENH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements. TRUONG VAN MAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

CRONYX INC. 6-12, 15-19/f Royal Peak Tower A, 485 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, City Of Parañaque CHIN GEE KIUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

TRAN VAN HUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

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

TANG, PEIYU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

BOEING MATERIAL HANDLING CORPORATION 5/f Aic Center Escolta St., 027, Barangay 291, Binondo, City Of Manila SIVAGNANAM, RAVISANKAR Technical Support Engineer

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

ZHANG, HUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 134.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DENSO TECHNO PHILIPPINES INC. 2/f Sm Jazz Residences, N. Garcia Cor. Jupiter Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

OKURA, TOYOYA General Manager - Powertrain System Toyota Division 135.

Brief Job Description: Support top management by developing and conducting follow-up on business policies and plans, and disseminate such to the entire company focusing on technical divisions/ departments while facilitating the implementation plan.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 4 years of experience in overall planning, leading, organizing, and controlling various activities in software development projects for car engine control systems as Senior Manager. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

No.

HOANG VAN XANH Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 151.

GUO, ANNING Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 136.

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

WEI, FENGMEI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 137.

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

NONG THI NGAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 138.

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

TAN, YAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 139.

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

GAO, JUNJIE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 140.

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

DONG, JIAJUN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 141.

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

YANG, KUN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 142.

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

ZENG, JIHUA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 143.

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

ZHANG, WEI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 144.

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

LIU, HAO Chinese Speaking HR Associate 145.

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

ZHANG, JUNLIN Chinese Speaking HR Associate 146.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms. JIANG, WEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

147.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team. LIU, TAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer

148.

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

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

152.

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

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

149.

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

HOANG VAN THIM Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 150.

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

154.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. NGUYEN SY CUONG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

155.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. NGUYEN THI HUYEN LINH Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

156.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. NGUYEN THI THANH HUONG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

157.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. TRAN CONG PHUOC Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

158.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. TRAN DUY QUANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

159.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. TRAN THI THU THAO Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

160.

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. TRAN THI THUY VAN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

161.

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

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. NGUYEN NANG VU Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

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

VO XUAN THUY Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 162.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

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

DUONG, TIEU BINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 163.

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

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

FIOROTO BRIGANTINI, MATEUS HR Process & Operations Senior Lead 164.

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

Brief Job Description: Oversee all projects in AP HR services, either as the one directly responsible for planning, organizing and directing the completion of specific HR projects.

THENUWARA HENNADIGE, THIMOTHY SUNILATH AMARAJEEWA Senior System Engineering Consultant 165.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for Technical Management, Cloud/ On-Prem infrastructure planning, automation and performance analysis, and cost optimization on cloud hosted client applications and solutions.

170.

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

166.

Brief Job Description: Loan department of Manila branch management and coordinate with Taiwan head office.

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

JIANG, QINGNAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 171.

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

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

LIAO, FAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 172.

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

173.

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

174.

Basic Qualification: Strong continuous improvement experience of identifying and implementing process and/ or technology changes and process mapping.

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

OUYANG, JIANGNING Mandarin Customer Support Representative 176.

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

QIN, XIAOLI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 177.

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

TANG, TAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 178.

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

Basic Qualification: Understands the intent of the clients by professionally clarifying their questions.

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

LUO, YUJIAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

LUO, BANGMIN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Vietnamese language.

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

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

LIU, DALIN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

YANG, YANBING Mandarin Customer Support Representative Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YIN, ZHIZHU Mandarin Customer Support Representative 180.

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

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

WANG, YU-HENG Assistant General Manager

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

AKE SANDIANTO Indonesian Customer Support Specialist

HITACHI DIGITAL PAYMENT SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 31-d 31/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

169.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Vietnamese language.

Brief Job Description: Translation of documents, and test reports needed for certification.

SUHANDI Indonesian Customer Support Representative

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

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

YU, HUAXING Mandarin Customer Support Representative Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Finance/ Accounting/ Banking/Law, at least 1 year of working experience in the related field, and monitoring experience in the middle or back office. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

Basic Qualification: Must have a 3-year work experience as subsidiary finance manager. Knowledgeable in financial management and risk mitigation. With technical skills in budgeting and forecasting methodologies. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Portuguese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

179.

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

168.

GOODYEAR REGIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. 23f Twenty-five Seven Mckinley Building, 25th St., Cor 7th Ave., Bgc, City Of Taguig

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

MUCHAVE, WALDE ROSA Consultant

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

Brief Job Description: To organize mid- and long-term planning and annual budgeting and forecasting of the legal entities in regions. Implement the subsidiary management process. Design exposure and hedging management solutions to reduce foreign exchange losses.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

INTERTEK TESTING SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 2307, Don Chino Roces Ext., Magallanes, City Of Makati

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

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

167.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHENG, YUAN Finance Manager For Subsidiary Finance Forecast And Budget Project

175.

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

No.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking Vietnamese language.

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

EASYTECH SUPPORT INC. 9-11/f, 14/f Capella Bldg., Asean Drive Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

CHAU NHAT KIU Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

153.

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

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. MAI THI DUYEN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Responding to Vietnamese customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone, and social media channels. KIEOU CA NGAN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 8th/f & 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, October 19, 2023

181.

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

ZHAN, CHUNYU Mandarin Customer Support Representative 182.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Indonesian 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 Indonesian 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Thursday, October 19, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHANG, DANDAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

183.

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

DUAN, YONG Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 184.

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

JIANG, EN Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 185.

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

LI, CHANGDA Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 186.

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

LI, JINCHUAN Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 187.

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

OUYANG, JIEPING Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 188.

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

WANG, TIANJING Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 189.

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

WEI, ZHONGJU Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 190.

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

ZHANG, KANGLE Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 191.

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

WIN AUNG Myanmari Customer Support Representative 192.

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

BUI NGOC THOI Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 193.

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

HOANG, THI HONG DIEU Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 194.

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

LAM, THI BAO NGUYET Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 195.

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

NGUYEN THI GIANG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 196.

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

NGUYEN TUY DUC Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 197.

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

NGUYEN VAN CUONG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 198.

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

DINH THI THOM Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 199.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

No.

200.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin 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 and at least college level with related BPO experience.

202.

203.

204.

205.

206.

207.

208.

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

NGUYEN, VAN TAN Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 209.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

NGUYEN VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Burmese and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

NGUYEN VAN DUONG Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

NGUYEN TRONG TOAI Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

NGUYEN TIEN DUNG Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

NGUYEN DUC DUNG Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

NGUYEN VAN DUNG Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

MAI VAN TUY Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

HOANG VAN THAN Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 201.

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

VO NGOC TICH Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist 210.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DUONG HAI DOAN Vietnamese Customer Support Specialist

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese 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 and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

211.

TOMITA, WATARU Account Manager - Japanese Clients 212.

XIN, YAOLONG Chinese Speaking Business Consultant 213.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese 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 Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

216.

DURTESTE, RENAUD Managing Director 217.

Brief Job Description: Execution of new projects and engagements of the business.

218.

LIU, MEILING Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 214.

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

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

219.

215.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

220.

MDS CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY, INC. 9-4 9f Net One Center Blk 19 Lot E-square, 25th St. Cor. 3rd Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

ZHU, JUSHI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 221.

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

LE XUAN NHIEN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 222.

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

LAU SUI PAU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 223.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. LE QUANG HAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

224.

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

LE XUAN DIEU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 225.

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

MYO MYINT AUNG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 226.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. NGUYEN DINH AN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

227.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. NGUYEN THI THUAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

228.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients. PHAM THI HA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

229.

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

TIEU VAN SUC Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 230.

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

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

JIN, XINYU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

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

JIANG, SHUAI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledge of the workplace is essential for developing and maintaining the plans that will ensure the good flow of the business.

Brief Job Description: Build and drive shipping agency business as per business plans. Identify new business and growth opportunities with principals as well as customers so as to grow and expand company’s business.

CHEN, XINXIANG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of the workplace is essential for developing and maintaining the plans that will ensure the good flow of the business.

Basic Qualification: Provide training and supervision on how the use of checking tool. Provide support and communication between Philippines and Japan. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 15 years of work experience in a senior level position in an international shipping or logistics company. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has an experience in sales and marketing, with focus on Japanese clientele.

Brief Job Description: Educate how to operate CAD system. Educate how to use checking tools.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY PHILIPPINES INC. 15/f Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Vietnamese and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Brief Job Description: To promote the sales and business expansion of the company.

Basic Qualification: Has an experience in sales and marketing, with focus on Japanese clientele.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

KAMIYA, SHUNSUKE Technical Adviser

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

ISLA LPG CORPORATION 14/f Bdo Towers Valero, 8741 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: To promote the sales and business expansion of the company.

No.

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

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

TOMITA, DAIKI Account Manager - Japanese Clients

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

TRAN DU THANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 231.

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIN, QUNFENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

232.

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

CHEN, JIALIAN Chinese Speaking HR Associate 233.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/ she will be assigned to. DAO THI THU HA Chinese Speaking Program Designer

234.

235.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions. PHAN, TIEN NGOC Chinese Speaking Program Designer

236.

237.

238.

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

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

No.

LI, WEIHAO Chinese Customer Service 249.

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

250.

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

251.

252.

253.

254.

239.

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.

ZHANG, KAIFU Mandarin Site Supervisor 240.

Brief Job Description: The mandarin site 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.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin deputy project supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

255.

241.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. CUI, ZIJIAN Chinese Customer Service

242.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HOU, LIANG Chinese Customer Service

243.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. HUANG, SHOUYU Chinese Customer Service

244.

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

JIANG, YING Chinese Customer Service 245.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. KONG, LINHU Chinese Customer Service

246.

247.

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

LI, MENGJUAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

LI, QINGMIN Chinese Customer Service 248.

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

RAO, GANG Chinese Customer Service 256.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as mandarin site supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

SHANG, ZHONGXIAO Chinese Customer Service 257.

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

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

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

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

NIU, CHENGKAI Chinese Customer Service

NEPC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP. 15/f Cyber One Bldg., Eastwood Cyberpark City, Bagumbayan, Quezon City JI, LIN Mandarin Deputy Project Supervisor

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

MIN, WENQIANG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

MAO, DONGZHENG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

LUO, WEI Chinese Customer Service

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

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

LI, YULIANG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

LI, XIAODONG Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

SONG, WEICHENG Chinese Customer Service 258.

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 1-year experience in the same field.

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

SU, JIANFU Chinese Customer Service 259.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field

TANG, MINGLIANG Chinese Customer Service 260.

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

TIAN, PENG Chinese Customer Service 261.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

262.

263.

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

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

WU, ZHIBIN Chinese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field.

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

WU, MAOYONG Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field.

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

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

YAN, BIN Chinese Customer Service 264.

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

Thursday, October 19, 2023

A11

No.

YAN, PENG Chinese Customer Service 265.

266.

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

ZHANG, YU Chinese Customer Service 267.

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

HAJATIANA, KEVIN PRISCA Customer Service Representative 268.

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

WIAFE, KELVIN BARRY Customer Service Representative 269.

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

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

YAN, XIAOLING Chinese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

DEDDY HENRY Indonesian Customer Service 270.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field.

MARLIANA Indonesian Customer Service 271.

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

VERONITA VICTORIA Indonesian Customer Service 272.

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

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

WELLY WIRIANTO Indonesian Customer Service 273.

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

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

HONG ZHENG XU Malaysian Customer Service 274.

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

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

KYAN CHIN YAN Myanmar Customer Service 275.

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

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

MOE LWIN TUN Myanmar Customer Service 276.

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

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

MYO AUNG Myanmar Customer Service 277.

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

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

MYO MIN HTUT Myanmar Customer Service 278.

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

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

NANG AYE AYE THU Myanmar Customer Service 279.

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

NAW SAN Myanmar Customer Service 280.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

BusinessMirror

A12 A6 Thursday, October 19, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NI NI KHAING Myanmar Customer Service

281.

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

SENG PAN Myanmar Customer Service 282.

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

SHIN HMONE Myanmar Customer Service 283.

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

THAN HTIKE AUNG Myanmar Customer Service 284.

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

THANDAR MOR Myanmar Customer Service 285.

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

THIHA ZAW Myanmar Customer Service 286.

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

WAN SHIN WAN Myanmar Customer Service 287.

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

YEE WAI AUNG Myanmar Customer Service 288.

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

YEE YEE KHAING Myanmar Customer Service 289.

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

YI YI ZIN Myanmar Customer Service 290.

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

ZAW ZAW Myanmar Customer Service 291.

292.

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

DINH VAN QUANG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

HOANG THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service 293.

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

HUYNH, TUYET HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service 294.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

LE VAN THANG Vietnamese Customer Service 297.

298.

299.

295.

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

300.

LE ANH TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service

301.

296.

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

302.

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

LUONG DINH HOANG Vietnamese Customer Service 303.

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

LUONG VINH HANG Vietnamese Customer Service 304.

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

LUONG, DUC CUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 305.

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

LY THI XUAN Vietnamese Customer Service 306.

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

LY, SINH MAI Vietnamese Customer Service 307.

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

LY, VAN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 308.

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

NGO TRONG AN Vietnamese Customer Service 309.

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

NGUYEN HONG TINH Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

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

LUC THI HUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field.

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

LOI HUYEN TRANG Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field

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

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

LO, THI NGA Vietnamese Customer Service

310.

LAM, THU UYEN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

LO, THI HAO Vietnamese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Preferably 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LINH VAN KHAI Vietnamese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

NGUYEN THI HIEN Vietnamese Customer Service 311.

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

NGUYEN THI THUONG Vietnamese Customer Service 312.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language).

No.

NGUYEN THI YEN CHI Vietnamese Customer Service 313.

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

314.

315.

316.

317.

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

318.

319.

320.

321.

322.

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

323.

324.

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

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

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

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

PHAM, VAN TUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service 325.

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

PHAN DINH LAM Vietnamese Customer Service 326.

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

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

PHAM THI PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service

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

NGUYEN, VAN HANH Vietnamese Customer Service

NGUYEN, VAN TRONG Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN, VAN KHAN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN, THI LAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN, TAI SON Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN, HUU BANG Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN, BA HOANG Vietnamese Customer Service

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

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

NGUYEN VAN LOI Vietnamese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. NGUYEN THUY VAN Vietnamese Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

PHONG MY PHAN Vietnamese Customer Service 327.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field.

THAI HONG THACH Vietnamese Customer Service 328.

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

TRAN ANH TUAN Vietnamese Customer Service 329.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications with good verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably with 1-year experience in the same field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language). Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TRAN PHONG Vietnamese Customer Service

330.

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

TRAN VAN NHAT Vietnamese Customer Service 331.

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

TRAN, BAO LAM Vietnamese Customer Service 332.

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

TRAN, THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service 333.

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

TRUONG VAN HUY Vietnamese Customer Service 334.

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

TSAN, MY PHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 335.

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

VI, VAN QUANG Vietnamese Customer Service 336.

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

XIN, LIN HUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 337.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College Graduate, preferably 1-year experience in the same field, and speaks and write (native language).

338.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business. Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

LIN, HSIN-PO Customer Service Representative 339.

345.

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

346.

347.

348.

349.

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

YOSEPH ERWIN Indonesian Language - Support Supervisor Brief Job Description: Identifies issues and gaps in current documents.

LAU KOK WENG Malaysian Language - Support Manager Brief Job Description: Completing performance evaluations. WEI, JINGJING Mandarin Language - Support Supervisor Brief Job Description: Assist in planning of the organization’s daily operation. NGUYEN NGOC Y NHI Vietnamese Language - Support Officer Brief Job Description: Completing performance evaluations. CHE TOAN THANH Vietnamese Language - Support Supervisor Brief Job Description: Assist in planning of the organization’s daily operation.

AGOS MORDYANTO Site Foreman 350.

Brief Job Description: Oversee the site work execution of all activities by the company. Monitor and supervise the overall progress of each project.

LUU HONG NHI Customer Relation Representative (Mandarin Translation) 351.

Brief Job Description: Handles service support calls, emails, and chats related to inquiry from clients and/or customers through Mandarin to English translation.

LUCYANA LUNTUNGAN Bahasa Indonesian Language - Officer Support 352.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning and administration of the organization’s daily operations.

Brief Job Description: Will be the interface of the various food and beverage third party operators on the property.

LI, GUOYI Safety Manager For Construction 354.

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

340.

ZHAO, XIAOQING Customer Service Representative 341.

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

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

342.

LIANG, PENG Managing Director Brief Job Description: Manages the company towards its primary goals.

355.

356.

357.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking foreign language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

358.

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

343.

VERONICA MERINA APRILLA Indonesian Language - Marketing Officer Brief Job Description: Assist in planning of the organization’s daily operation.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language.

359.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 360.

344.

SALIM WIJAYA ONG Indonesian Language - Support Supervisor Brief Job Description: Identifies issues and gaps in current documents.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Malaysian language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

362.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

363.

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

364.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

365.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Bahasa-Indonesian and English languages. Excellent organizational and leadership skills.

366.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 367.

Basic Qualification: Thorough, extensive & fluency in Mandarin language and characters. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

368.

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

369.

370.

Basic Qualification: Proven professional experience in the related field.

Brief Job Description: Provide an excellent service to customer within the salon environment.

371.

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

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

372.

BANG, SIWON Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff

Basic Qualification: Candidate should have a minimum 1 plus yrs. experience in the same field and proficient in speaking, writing & reading.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. LAO, WEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. LYU, FANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

SHI, MING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

YUN, DEOKSOO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

374.

375.

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

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

PENG, LEI Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

TU, CHIA-CHEN a.k.a. TU, CHIA-HUI Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

WEI, YI Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

XUE, ZHIZHI Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

ZENG, XINYUAN Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

ZHU, LIPING Chinese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

DAVID CANDRA Indonesian Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

SULAIMAN Indonesian Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

CHE, VA MUI Vietnamese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

CHONG TIEU LINH Vietnamese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

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

HOANG THI PHONG LAN Vietnamese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties. RIMAH EDY PRIHANDOYO Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

376.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

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

HENDRIK GEUVEL ALEXANDER RIJNBERG Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

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

LEI, QILIN Chinese Language Research Analyst

DELIANA LESTARI Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ANDRIAN TRIGUNA Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer 373.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. 22/f & 36/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

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

ONE LEG KICKING VENTURES INC. Unit 102 G/f Campos Rueda Bldg., 101 Urban Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Malaysian language.

TONY & JACKEY BEAUTY SALON CORP. 2/f Zen Bldg., 647 Nakpil St., Barangay 697, Malate, City Of Manila

LEE, SUNDEA Hairstylist NGUYEN, NGOC TRAM Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

361.

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

353.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language.

No.

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

WILKES, SAMUEL MARCHANT VP, Food & Beverage Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of experience, and with good verbal and written skills.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SEEKTOP SERVICE MANAGEMENT INC. 25/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

PUERTO PRIMERA INCORPORATED Unit 301a 3/f Myers Bldg. Rs Oca Street, Cor. A.c. Delgado Street, South Harbor, 068, Barangay 650, Port Area, City Of Manila

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

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

No.

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties. TRI AZAR IMAM RIFAI Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

377.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties.

Basic Qualification: Indonesian speaking and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Oct 18, 2023 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.

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A14 Thursday, October 19, 2023

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

PHL gets imported rice allocation from India By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

EW Delhi approved the export of 295,000 metric tons (MT) of non-Basmati white rice to the Philippines, according to a notification published by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday. The notification approved the export allocation for non-Basmati white rice for seven countries, including the Philippines. The Philippines got the highest allocation among the seven countries. Other countries that received a l lo c at io n s w e re C a me ro o n (190,000 MT), Malaysia (170,000 MT), Côte d’ Ivoire (142,000 MT),

Republic of Guinea (142,000 MT), Nepal (95,000 MT) and Seychelles (800 MT). The notification was signed by Santosh Kumar Sarangi, the Director General of Foreign Trade of the Department of Commerce under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Based on the notification, the

WORKERS load bags of paddy rice at the grain market in Ambala, India. T. NARAYAN/BLOOMBERG

National Cooperative Exports Ltd. will ship the non-Basmati white rice to the seven states. In July, India imposed an export ban on its non-Basmati white rice supplies to arrest rising domestic prices. However, in recent months, India has allowed the export of

quantities of non-Basmati white rice to selected countries. Also in July, President Marcos Jr., who is the concurrent agriclture chief of the Philippines, said the government is looking at forging a rice supply deal with India. In August, the Department of

Fair trains spotlight on women’s role in food sufficiency By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

FOUR-DAY trade fair is showcasing the various products of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from different parts of the country. The Agraryo Trade Fair organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) which will run until October 20 at the DAR Central Office Grounds is part of the celebration of International Rural

Women’s Day and Rural Women’s Month. The fair showcases fresh and processed food and non-food products including food additives, furniture, handicrafts, natural and organic products, as well as services of ARBs and ARBOs from all regions, and serves as a platform for wider exposure of these products to potential customers and buyers. It also provides opportunities for ARBs and ARBOs to establish

networks for entrepreneurial partnerships with other ARBs, ARBOs, and private-sector enterprises. Ronald M. Gareza, director of the Bureau of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development (BARBD), said the products on display include food and non-food products of ARBOs produced by women officers and members who were given livelihood training by the DAR in cooperation with the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI), Agriculture

(DA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). He said the fair aims to enable them to engage in profitable livelihood activities as well as increase their farm incomes. “The said efforts of women leaders and members in their respective agrarian communities concretize the DAR’s commitment to the GAD [gender and development] goals of generating public awareness of gender-related issues, particularly

Agriculture (DA) began talks with India and Vietnam for possible rice supply deals to ensure the Philippines’s rice stocks and keep domestic grain prices at affordable levels. The DA said it was working with the government of India to allow the Philippines to import rice from them “on humanitarian grounds.” At the time, the DA had targeted to secure 300,000 MT to 500,000 MT of rice stocks from India and Vietnam. Latest Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data showed that the Philippines, as of October 5, imported 13,579.39 MT of rice from India. Rice imports from India are slapped with a 35-percent tariff under Marcos’s Executive Order 10. Agriculture Undersecretar y for Rice Industry Development Leocadio S. Sebastian said recently that the Philippines’s rice imports this year may decline by 18.42 percent year-on-year to

3.1 million metric tons (MMT), as higher world g rain pr ices dampened traders’ appetite. Sebastian said the country’s rice imports for 2023 could be 700,000 MT lower than the 3.826 MMT recorded last year as higher world rice prices discouraged importers from bringing in foreign stocks. “Rice abroad is expensive. [The importers] are looking at local production and they can buy local, that is okay with me,” Sebastian told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th International Rice Congress in Pasay last Monday. The country’s rice imports from January to September declined by almost 12 percent to 2.672 MMT from 3.035 MMT recorded in the same nine-month period last year, Bureau of Plant Industry data showed. The United States Department of Agriculture earlier projected that the Philippines could become the world’s top rice importer this year with a total estimated volume of 3.9 MMT.

the importance of women empowerment towards more inclusive local and national development,” he said. “We are hoping that the Agraryo Trade Fair will strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit among ARBs especially the women, as well as generate a positive public perception of ARB products.” DAR said it actively supports GA D goa ls and ensures t hat gender-related initiatives are mainstreamed in the plans and programs of the Department for all ARBs and ARB organizations nationwide.

The opening ceremonies of the Agraryo Trade Fair were held last October 17, at the DAR Central Office in Quezon City. In attendance were Margie Santos, who represented Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City; Joy Barcoma, Miss World Philippines 2021 and May Angelica Saludez from the Philippines Commission on Women as special guests. Also in attendance were Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan of the Office of Muslim Affairs, and Undersecretary Rowena Nina Taduran of the Support Services Office.

FAO: Ceremony highlights water’s role against troubled backdrop

HE global ceremony marking this year’s World Food Day took place in Rome last October 16, against a backdrop of increasing world hunger and conflicts. In particular, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said participants stressed water’s critical role in underpinning our food security and how we can better manage and not take for granted this precious and finite resource. In opening remarks, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said this year’s World Food Day theme “makes the vital connection between water and food—without water there is no food and there is no food security without water security.” However, rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, economic development and the climate crisis have all taken a toll on our water resources the world over, while increasing floods and

droughts are further impacting agrifood systems—jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of farmers, Qu noted.

Producing more with less

“BUT the good news is that we can produce more and better, with less,” said Qu. “We can reduce water use, by using water wisely, and by recycling. And we can reduce agriculture’s water footprint by adopting a holistic and integrated approach to water management.” Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella in his address noted that: “Scarcity of water is at the root of poverty, of conflict” and therefore the resource has to be managed “with determination and ingenuity as it can lead to peace and well-being.” Irish President Michael D. Higgins, said: “We are at a perilous tipping point in terms of this precious resource.” He added: “It is important

that we not encourage young people to repeat or extend our mistakes, you will have to do everything differently!” And Pope Francis, in a message read on his behalf said: “World Food Day is being celebrated at a time when misery and despair give no respite to many of our brothers and sisters,” and highlighted the “irreplaceable value” of water as a resource for all living beings on the planet. In his video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underlined water’s role as a necessity for nutritious and healthy food, adding: “The sustainable management of water for agriculture and food production is essential to end hunger, achieve the SDGs, and preserve water for future generations.” Mariam Almheiri, United Arab Emirates Minister for Climate Change and Environment, said:

“There are so many fundamental things we need to change about how water is managed and it’s so important that we do this because water has not been given the attention it deserves.” The World Food Day celebration also featured the presentation of the second-ever FAO Achievement Award, which recognizes professional achievements, dedication and innovation in the field of agriculture and food security. This year’s award has been jointly conferred on the Sara Bangla Krishak Society, a national farmers’ organization from Bangladesh a nd Fa r mer L ifel i ne Technologies from Kenya, which has pioneered technologies to detect crop pests and diseases. In addition, the FAO DirectorGeneral congratulated the FAO country office in Nepal for its Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases.

ORGANIC FERTILIZER PRODUCTION Sen. Cynthia A. Villar reiterates her advocacy

for the use of organic fertilizer during the continuation of the Finance Subcommittee B hearing on the proposed P167.458-billion budget of the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, opposed the P10-billion allocation for the importation of chemical fertilizer, citing its harmful effects to the soil which is already 38 percent degraded. “Importation is only temporary. We use that to cover our shortage, but the permanent solution is to produce our own,” Villar said Tuesday, October 17, 2023. She related that in her hometown of Las Piñas, she established 89 composting facilities converting kitchen and garden wastes into organic fertilizer. The monthly production of 89 tons of organic fertilizer were distributed for free to farmers and urban gardeners. JOSEPH B. VIDAL/ SENATE PRIB

India extends sugar export curbs in risk to global supply I

NDIA, the world’s second-biggest sugar producer, extended its export restrictions in a renewed bid to protect domestic supplies, a move that’s likely to tighten the global market and raise costs for the food industry. The government will continue its curbs on overseas shipments of the sweetener beyond October 31, according to a notice from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade on Wednesday, confirming a Bloomberg News report last week. India introduced a quota system in 2022-23 and limited sugar exports to about 6 million tons after late rains cut production, compared with an unrestricted 11 million tons a year earlier. It’s unclear at this stage the size of the quota, if any, for overseas shipments that will be allocated to

millers for 2023-24. Raw sugar futures are hovering near their highest level since 2011 on concerns about faltering supplies from India and Thailand. While the ban may cool India’s domestic prices, it’s a blow to global manufacturers of everything from fizzy drinks to chocolate and baked products. The Indian government is taking no chances with inflation, with several states heading for polls in the coming month ahead of the national election in 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek a third term. The nation recorded its weakest monsoon in five years and any drop in agricultural output will heap pressure on authorities to control food prices. The restriction doesn’t apply to sugar being exported to the European

Union and the United States under some quota systems, according to the notice. Domestic sugar prices have gained about 3 percent so far this year, according to data compiled by the food ministry. The government indirectly controls costs as it regulates the volume millers can sell each month. According to a Bloomberg survey of 14 analysts, traders and millers last month, most said India may not export any sugar this season due to lower output. Two respondents said shipments could total at least 2 million tons. India also restricted shipments of organic sugar, according to the notification.

China’s GM crops

CHINA has approved dozens of

genet ic a l ly mod i f ied cor n a nd soybean seed varieties for planting, in a breakthrough move that could eventually boost production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. The country is the world ’s top importer of soybeans and corn. Large-scale marketing of GM crops would support the government’s drive for food self-sufficiency and security, a top priority for President Xi Jinping. A national committee set up by the agriculture ministry has approved 37 GM corn seed and 14 soybean seed varieties, after a preliminary review, the ministry said on Tuesday. The approved list, including four corn varieties developed by China National Seed Group, a unit of

Syngenta Group, and five soybean varieties from Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group, is available for public review until November 15. Actual planted areas for these seed varieties, after final approval, should be in accordance with relevant government arrangements, according to the notice on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. China started a pilot program for commercial planting of GM corn and soybean crops in 2021 and has expanded the trial to 20 counties in five provinces including major grain producers Hebei and Jilin this year, state media reported, citing an official from the agriculture ministry. The acreage designated for planting the GM crops is still very small, however, reaching just 4 million mu

(267,000 hectares) this year, state media reported. Corn area alone in China is about 44 million hectares, with output of over 288 million tons likely in the 2023-24 year, according to the agriculture ministry. While productivity lags far behind the US, where GM varieties are widely grown, such seeds can increase yields in China by as much as 12 percent, the ministry said. Chinese seed company shares were among the country’s best performing stocks. Dabeinong surged 10 percent to the limit, while Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co. was up more than 8 percent. The national market for GM corn seed may be worth as much as 60 billion yuan ($8.2 billion), according to some industry estimates. Bloomberg News

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

The World BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 19, 2023 A15

Gaza’s doctors struggle to save hospital blast survivors as Middle East rage grows By Najib Jobain, Samya Kullab, Ravi Nessman & Matthew Lee The Associated Press

HAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip—Doctors in Gaza City faced with dwindling medical supplies performed surgery on hospital floors, often without anesthesia, in a desperate bid to save badly wounded victims of a massive blast that killed hundreds of Palestinians sheltering in a nearby hospital amid Israeli bombings and a blockade of the territory. The Hamas militant group blamed the blast on an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military blamed a rocket misfired by other Palestinian militants. At least 500 people were killed, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said. Rage at the hospital carnage spread through the Middle East as US President Joe Biden headed to the region in hopes of stopping a spread of the war, which started after Hamas militants attacked towns and cities across southern Israel last week. Jordan’s foreign minister said his country canceled a meeting there between Biden, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Biden will now visit only Israel, a White House official said. The war between Israel and Hamas was “pushing the region to the brink,” Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told state-run television. Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza on Wednesday, according to Gaza’s interior ministry. The explosion at the al-Ahli Hospital on Tuesday night left gruesome scenes. Hundreds of Palestinians had taken refuge in al-Ahli and other hospitals in Gaza City, hoping they would be spared bombardment after Israel ordered all residents of the city and surrounding areas to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip. Video that The Associated Press confirmed was from the hospital showed the hospital grounds strewn with torn bodies, many of them young children, as fire engulfed the building. The grass was strewn with blankets, school backpacks and other belongings. On Wednesday morning the blast scene was littered with charred cars and the ground was blackened by debris. Ambulances and private cars rushed some 350 casualties to Gaza City’s main hospital, al-Shifa, which was already overwhelmed with wounded from other strikes, said its director, Mohammed Abu Selmia. Victims arrived with gruesome injuries, Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra said. Some were decapitated, disemboweled, or missing limbs. Doctors in the overwhelmed hospital resorted to performing surgery on floor and in the halls, mostly without anesthesia. “We need equipment, we need medicine, we need beds, we need anesthesia, we need everything,” Abu Selmia said. He warned that fuel for the hospital’s generators would run out within hours, forcing a complete shutdown, unless supplies enter the Gaza Strip. The bloodshed unfolded as the US tried to convince Israel to allow the delivery of supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals in the tiny Gaza Strip, which has been under a complete siege since Hamas’ deadly rampage last week. Hundreds of thousands of increasingly desperate people were searching for bread and water. Hamas called Tuesday’s hospital blast “a horrific massacre,” saying it was caused by an Israeli strike. The Israeli military blamed the blast on Islamic Jihad, a smaller, more radical Palestinian militant group that often works with Hamas. The military said Islamic Jihad militants had fired a barrage of rockets near the hospital and that “intelligence from multiple sources” indicated the group was responsible. In a briefing with reporters, the chief army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the army determined there were no air force, ground or naval attacks in the area at the time of the blast. He said radar detected outgoing rocket fire at the same moment, and intercepted communications between militant groups indicated that Islamic Jihad fired the rockets. Hagari also shared aerial footage collected by a military drone that showed a blast that he said was inconsistent with Israeli weaponry. He said the explosion occurred in the building’s parking lot, and he noted that the death toll could not be confirmed. Since the war began, the military said in a statement that roughly 450 rockets fired at Israel by militant groups had landed in Gaza, “endangering and harming the lives of Gazan residents.” Islamic Jihad dismissed those claims, accusing Israel of “trying hard to evade responsibility for the brutal massacre it committed.” The group pointed to Israel’s order that Al-Ahli be evacuated and reports of a previous blast at the hospital as proof that the hospital was an Israeli target. It also said the scale of the explosion, the angle of the bomb’s fall and the extent of the destruction all pointed to Israel. Before the al-Alhi Hospital deaths, Israeli strikes on Gaza killed at least 2,778 people and wounded 9,700, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and nearly two-thirds of those killed were children. Another 1,200 people across Gaza are believed to be buried under the rubble, alive or dead, health authorities said. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly civilians who were slain in Hamas’ October 7 attack. The assault also resulted in some 200 being taken captive into Gaza. Militants in Gaza have launched rockets every day since, aiming at cities across Israel. Protests erupted across the Middle East. In Amman, a palace statement said Jordan’s king condemned “the ugly massacre perpetrated by Israel against innocent civilians.” The king “warned that this war, which has entered a dangerous phase, will plunge the region into an unspeakable disaster,” the statement said. With troops massed along the border, Israel has been expected to launch a ground invasion into Gaza. Throughout the day Tuesday, airstrikes killed dozens of civilians and at least one senior Hamas figure in the southern half of the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military told fleeing Palestinians to go. An Associated Press reporter saw around 50 bodies brought to Nasser Hospital after strikes in the southern city of Khan Younis. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas hideouts, infrastructure and command centers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to put the blame on Hamas for Israel’s retaliatory attacks and the rising civilian casualties in Gaza. “Not only is it targeting and murdering civilians with unprecedented savagery, it’s hiding behind civilians,” he said. With Israel barring entry of most water, fuel and food into Gaza since Hamas’ brutal attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken secured an agreement with Netanyahu to discuss creation of a mechanism for delivering aid to the territory’s 2.3 million people. But aid was not getting in as of Wednesday morning. More than 1 million Palestinians have fled their homes—roughly half of Gaza’s population—and 60 percent are now in the approximately 14-kilometer (8-mile) long area south of the evacuation zone, the U.N. said. The Israeli military again called on Palestinians to move out of Gaza City and head south, saying that if aid were to be delivered it would be near the city of Khan Younis in south Gaza. At the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s only connection to Egypt, truckloads of aid have been waiting to enter for more than a day. (Kullab reported from Baghdad. Nessman reported from Jerusalem. Lee reported from Amman. The Associated Press journalists Amy Teibel in Jerusalem; Abby Sewell in Beirut; Samy Magdy and Jack Jeffrey in Cairo; and Ashraf Sweilam in el-Arish, Egypt contributed to this report.

A16 Thursday, October 19, 2023

The World BusinessMirror

Biden will be plunging into Middle East turmoil on his visit to Israel By Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long & Chris Megerian

The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden will touch down in Israel on Wednesday for a diplomatic scramble to prevent the war with Hamas from spiraling into an even larger conflict, a challenge that became more difficult as outrage swept through the Middle East over an explosion that killed hundreds in a Gaza Strip hospital.

Biden was originally scheduled to visit Jordan as well, but his meetings with Arab leaders were called off as he was leaving Washington, costing him an opportunity for the face-to-face conversations that he views as crucial for navigating this fraught moment. Now Biden’s only stop will be Israel, where he’s expected to huddle

with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas’ attacks on October 7, which killed 1,400 Israelis. John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, told reporters aboard Air Force One that Biden “wants to get a sense

PRESIDENT Joe Biden waves as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Tuesday, October 17, 2023, en route to Israel. AP/JESS RAPFOGEL

from the Israelis on the situation on the ground” and will “ask some tough questions.” “He’ll be asking them as a friend,” Kirby added. The president also planned to meet Israeli first responders and the families of victims killed and hostages taken when Hamas made its incursion into Israel. Roughly 2,800 Palestinians have been reported killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza. Another 1,200 people are believed to be buried

under the rubble, alive or dead, health authorities said. Those numbers predate the explosion at the Al-Ahli hospital on Tuesday. No clear cause has been established for the blast. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike caused the destruction. The Israeli military denied involvement and blamed a misfired rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group. However, that organization also rejected responsibility. Biden said in a statement that he was “outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted.” He also said he “directed my national security team to continue gathering information about what exactly happened.” Protests swept through the region after the deaths at the hospital, which had been treating wounded Palestinians and sheltering many more who were seeking a refuge from the fighting. Hundreds of Palestinians flooded the streets of major West Bank cities including Ramallah. More people joined protests that erupted in Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan, where an angry crowd gathered outside the Israeli Embassy. Outrage over the hospital explosion scuttled Biden’s plans to visit Jordan, where King Abdullah II had planned to host meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But Abbas withdrew in protest, and the summit was subsequently canceled outright. Kirby said Jordan had declared three days of mourning after the hospital explosion and that Biden understood the move and was part of a “mutual” decision to call off the Jordan portion

of his trip. He said Biden would have an opportunity to speak to the Arab leaders by phone as he returned to Washington. Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told a state-run television network that the war is “pushing the region to the brink.” There are also fears that a new front could erupt along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. The Iran-backed organization has been skirmishing with Israeli forces. Always a believer in the power of personal diplomacy, Biden’s trip will test the limits of US influence in the Middle East at a volatile time. It’s his second trip to a conflict zone this year, after visiting Ukraine in February to show solidarity with the country as it battles a Russian invasion. The visit to Israel coincides with rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where Israel has cut off the flow of food, fuel and water. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, bouncing back and forth between Arab and Israeli leadership ahead of Biden’s visit, spent seven and a half hours meeting Monday in Tel Aviv in an effort to broker some kind of aid agreement and emerged with a green light to develop a plan on how aid can enter Gaza and be distributed to civilians. “We’re optimistic that we’ll be able to get some humanitarian assistance in,” Kirby said. Although only a modest accomplishment on the surface, US officials stressed that Blinken’s talks led to a significant change in Israel’s position going in—that Gaza would remain cut off from fuel, electricity, water and other essential supplies. US officials said it has become clear that already limited Arab tolerance of Israel’s military operations would evaporate entirely if conditions in Gaza worsened. Their analysis projected that outright condemnation of Israel by Arab leaders would not only be a boon to Hamas but would likely encourage Iran to step up its anti-Israel activity, adding to fears that a regional conflagration might erupt, according to four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration thinking.

AP writer Matthew Lee in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

US says China has stepped up ‘coercive’ and ‘risky’ behavior in South China Sea By Tony Capaccio & Roxana Tiron

H I N E SE a i rc ra f t h ave sharply increased what the US says is “coercive and risky” behavior in the South China Sea in the last two years, US officials said, calling it a campaign to deny the US and its allies their right to fly in international airspace. The US has recorded some 300 incidents since September 2021 that it characterized as unprofessional and potentially dangerous encounters by People’s Liberation Army aircraft, said Ely Ratner, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. Of those 300 incidents, 180 involved the US military, Ratner said. “Every one of these is one too many,” he told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday. He said the incidents involved reckless maneuvers, discharging chaff or getting too close to US pilots. Asked for comment on Tuesday, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said the country has taken all necessary measures and the US should stop spreading disinformation. “The US military vessels and aircraft conduct frequent close-in reconnaissance on China, including 657 sorties last year in the South China Sea alone,” Liu said. “We hope the relevant countries can refrain from taking adventurist or provocative moves and stop undermining China’s national security and regional peace and stability.” Citing a report on Chinese actions that’s set to be released in the next few days, Ratner accused China of “a centralized and concerted campaign to perform these risky behaviors in order to coerce and change lawful US operational activity and that of US allies and partners.” That report will discuss the Chinese tactics in more detail. The Pentagon separately released videos and images that the US said showed the Chinese military engaging in those maneuvers. During one June 2022 encounter that lasted about five hours, four PLA aircraft conducted an intercept, including approaching a US plane within 40 feet and taking picture, the Pentagon statement said. That behavior is especially worrisome given China’s refusal to open lines of communications between senior levels of the two countries’ militaries, Ratner said. There have been more incidents in the last two years than in the decade before that, according to Ratner. Bloomberg News

Oil rallies as Gaza hospital blast ratchets up regional tensions By Yongchang Chin & Serene Cheong

IL rallied as a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital boosted tensions in the Middle East before President Joe Biden’s arrival in the region. West Texas Intermediate rose toward $89 a barrel, after swinging more than $2 Tuesday. Following the blast, leaders of Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority canceled a summit with Biden, complicating the US president’s push to ensure the Israel-Hamas conflict doesn’t widen across the Middle East. Beyond the region, crude got additional support Wednesday from data showing better-than-expected economic growth in China, the largest oil importer, as well as signs from the US that inventories may have drawn down further. The global oil market has been rocked by the Middle East crisis, which was ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Traders are on

alert in case the fighting spreads beyond Gaza, potentially embroiling Iran, which supports Hamas. A wider conflict could endanger crude flows, further tightening what was an already-stretched oil market following months of Opec+ supply cuts. “Clearly a widening of the conflict would bring more supply risks to a market which is already very tight,” said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy for ING Groep NV in Singapore. “The most immediate supply risk likely remains around Iranian barrels.” Tehran has already warned of the scope for escalation of the conflict, saying earlier this week that such an outcome was becoming “inevitable.” Israel, meanwhile, has vowed to eradicate Hamas, massing thousands of troops along the Gaza border ahead of an expected ground invasion of the enclave. Following the hospital blast that left hundreds dead, the Gaza authorities said that it was caused by an Israeli airstrike.

Israel, meanwhile, pointed the finger at a failed missile from militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Pentagon said it didn’t have information on who was responsible. In Asia, meanwhile, data showed that China’s gross domestic product increased by 4.9 percent in the third quarter, topping estimates and offering evidence that government efforts to support the economy were starting to gain traction. Apparent oil demand surged by 17 percent in September. Stockpiles will be in focus in the US. The American Petroleum Institute said that inventories at the Cushing, Oklahoma, hub shrank by about 1 million barrels, according to Oilprice.com. If confirmed by official data due later on Wednesday, that would cut them to the lowest level since 2014. Timespreads continue to signal strength, with the gap between global benchmark Brent’s two nearest contracts at $1.50 a barrel in backwardation. That compares with $1.14 a barrel a month ago. Bloomberg News

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Thursday, October 19, 2023 A17

China’s Xi promises open markets and billions in new investments for ‘Belt and Road’ projects By Simina Mistreanu

The Associated Press

EIJING—Chinese President Xi Jinping promised foreign companies greater access to China’s huge market and more than $100 billion in new financing for other developing economies as he opened a forum Wednesday on his signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Xi’s initiative has built power plants, roads, railroads and ports around the world and deepened China’s ties with Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Mideast. But the massive loans backing the projects have burdened poorer countries with heavy debts, in some cases leading to China taking control of those assets. At the forum’s opening ceremony at the ornate and cavernous Great Hall of the People, Xi promised that two Chinesebacked development banks—the China Development Bank and the Export–Import Bank of China— will each set up 350 billion yuan ($47.9 billion) financing windows. An additional 80 billion yuan ($11 billion) will be invested in Beijing’s Silk Road Fund to support BRI projects. “We will comprehensively remove restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector,” Xi said. He said China would further open up “cross-border trade and investment in services and expand market access for digital products” and carry out reforms of state-owned enterprises and in sectors such as the digital economy, intellectual property rights and government procurement.

The pledges of hefty support from Beijing come at a time when China’s economy has slowed and foreign investment has plunged. Xi alluded to efforts by the United States and its allies to reduce their reliance on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains amid heightened competition and diplomatic frictions and reiterated promises that Beijing would create a fairer environment for foreign firms. “We do not engage in ideological confrontation, geopolitical games nor clique political confrontation,” Xi said. “We oppose unilateral sanctions, economic coercion and the decoupling and severance of chains,” a reference to moves elsewhere to diversify industrial supply chains. Reiterating Chinese complaints that such moves are meant to limit China’s growth, Xi said that “viewing others’ development as a threat or taking economic interdependence as a risk will not make one’s own life better or speed up one’s development.” “China can only do well when the world is doing well,” he said. “When China does well, the world will get even better.” Representatives from more than 130 mostly developing coun-

CHINESE President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photo prior to their talks on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. SERGEI GUNEYEV, SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP

tries are attending the forum, including at least 20 heads of state and government. Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending, reflecting China’s economic and diplomatic support for Moscow amid the isolation brought by its war in Ukraine. Addressing the forum right after Xi, Putin praised BRI as being “truly important, global, future-oriented, aimed at creating more equitable, multipolar world relations.” “This is truly a global plan,” he said, adding that it aligns with Russia’s plan “to form a large Eurasian space, as a space of cooperation and interaction of like-minded people, where a variety of integration processes will be linked.” He referred to other regional organizations, such as the security-oriented Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and the Eurasian Economic Union of former Soviet states. Severa l European of f icia ls including the French and Italian ambassadors to China and former French Prime Minister

Jean-Pierre Raffarin walked out while Putin spoke and returned afterwards. On Tuesday, Putin met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is the sole European Union government leader attending the forum. Their meeting was a rare instance of the Russian president meeting a European leader since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine in February 2022. Putin met with Xi after the opening ceremony. A lso in attendance are the presidents of Indonesia, Argentina, Kazakstan, Sri Lanka, Kenya among other countries, as well as UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Most Western European countries and US allies sent lower level or former officials to the forum. Guterres highlighted the BRI’s potential to bring development to neglected areas while stressing the need for projects to be environmentally sustainable. He said the initiative could help drive the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels. “Developing countr ies w ill need massive support for a fair,

equitable and just energy transition toward renewables while providing affordable electricity to all,” Guterres said. He also called for an “immediate, humanitarian” ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine war after a strike killed hundreds at a Gaza City hospital on Tuesday. With the BRI, China has become a major financer of development projects on a par with the World Bank. The Chinese government says the initiative has launched more than 3,000 projects and “galvanized” nearly $1 trillion in investment. It has also attracted criticism from the US, India and others that China is engaging in “debt trap” diplomacy: Making loans Beijing knew governments would likely default on, enabling Chinese interests to take control of the assets. An oft-cited example is a port that the Sri Lankan government ended up leasing to a Chinese company for 99 years. Many economists say China did not make the bad loans intentionally.

A key concern is whether the BR I can become more sustainable in terms of debt burdens, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOA S China Institute in London. The initiative now aims to become smaller and greener after a decade of big projects that boosted trade but left big debts and raised environmental concerns. China will also “monitor the debt sustainability of BRI countries more closely,” Christoph Nedopil, director of the Asia Institute at Griffith University in Australia, wrote in a report. “Chinese financial institutions will likely limit their exposure to projects that do not have stable cash flows from within the project,” he added. “That being said, ‘ beautiful ’ strategic projects, such as strategic railways or ports, will still find Chinese financial creditors.”

The Associated Press researcher Wanqing Chen and writers Ken Moritsugu and James Heintz in Moscow contributed.

A18 Thursday, October 19, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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Confidential funds: Legalized plunder?

ocial media can be a great place to keep up with relatives and friends. It can also be a great place to ventilate issues affecting the country, particularly when taxpayers’ money is involved. In the Philippines, social media has become a transformative force, giving Filipinos greater freedom of expression without censorship. Take the case of the controversial confidential funds, an institutional largesse that Congress gives to government agencies. When the astonishing amounts of these discretionary lump sum funds being requested from Congress were made public, thousands of Filipinos here and abroad protested on social media. Although Congress has been allocating confidential intelligence funds for years, these lump sum requests didn’t make headlines because they didn’t involve scandalous amounts. Originally, confidential intelligence funds only belong to military or uniformed agencies; they cannot be lodged in civilian offices. Then our politicians reclassified these funds to “confidential funds,” which allowed civilian agencies to request for their own. Critics said these are “legalized plunder” because unlike other government budgetary items that are subject to liquidation and documentation, confidential funds do not go through the same auditing rigor. Thanks to social media posts critical of the hundreds of billions of pesos in confidential funds being requested by different agencies, the House of Representatives announced on October 10 that it realigned a total of P194 billion in the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Act to combat inflation and, at the same time, removed confidential funds from several agencies. (Read the BusinessMirror report, “House shifts P194B in 2024 budget to food, WPS, health,” October 11, 2023). House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Elizaldy S. Co said the Office of the Vice President, along with the Departments of Education (DepEd), Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Agriculture (DA), and Foreign Affairs (DFA), are set to receive “zero” confidential funds. Former President Rodrigo Duterte came to his daughter’s defense last week amid controversies on her request for confidential funds. Defending Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte’s proposed P500-million confidential fund, which Congress did not approve, he said he had read the rationale of the Office of the Vice President on how the funds would be spent and saw nothing wrong with it. “She will be spending it on strengthening the PMT [preparatory military training] in high school to instill a love for the country among the youth.” Duterte insinuated that Speaker Martin Romualdez is behind the attacks on the vice president. He said Romualdez has been giving out funds to congressmen as the speaker is poised to run for president in the next elections. Duterte also accused the speaker of “wallowing” in pork barrel, and that he would demand an audit of the funds Romualdez disbursed. In an unprecedented move, leaders of several political parties in the House of Representatives have issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment and taking the “utmost exception” to the recent comments made by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The joint statement released by House Secretary General Reginald Sagun Velasco expressed the concerns of various political parties, including Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, National Unity Party, Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc., Nationalist People’s Coalition, PDP-Laban, and Nacionalista Party, regarding the former president’s recent remarks. (Read the BusinessMirror report, “House blocs react to Duterte tirade,” October 16, 2023). “The decision to reallocate confidential funds to security agencies, especially in the context of escalating tensions with China, was taken in the best interest of national security. It is essential to understand that this decision was made for the benefit of the nation and not as a personal affront to any individual, including Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio,” the parties said. House Secretary General Velasco said that under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez, the House of Representatives agrees with former President Duterte that “government expenditures should be transparent and fully auditable.” Velasco said the House has no confidential and intelligence funds. “All line items in our budget are subject to regular accounting and auditing rules and regulations. As per latest COA report released on October 2, the House of Representatives has no disallowances. No notice of suspension and no notice of charge,” Velasco said. There’s one good thing that came out from the confidential funds fiasco: The House secretary general showed to the public a copy of the latest COA report on the House of Representatives. It would do well for other government offices and agencies to also make public their respective COA audit report, in line with the constitutional requirement of transparency.

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STREET TALK

ust this week another transport strike was staged by one of the many transport organizations, comprising of operators of jeepney and the UV express vans that run in the same manner as a jeepney. The strike proved to be not so successful with the government providing free rides to the public, partial suspension of classes, and with the larger number of the other transport organizations not joining in. Yet as soon as this was resolved, another transport strike loomed in the horizon, this time by another group, still with similar protest reasons—jeepney phase-out, call for higher fares amid increased fuel rates, etc. Though we commend the immediate and coordinated response of the government, especially the MMDA, such cat and mouse game by these jeepney transport groups need to be resolved once and for all, its root cause determined and a longterm solution put in place. Transport strikes have already become a yearly staple in our public affairs and almost always these incidents involve the jeepneys. Seldom do we hear of transport strikes involving other modes of transport such as that of the air, maritime and rail sector. What makes the jeepney sector different from these other modes of trans-

port is that jeepney operations are mostly mom-and-pops, with one or two vehicles, sometimes operating sub-legit, attached to the ones with the proper franchises. On the other hand, the other modes such as those in aviation, rail or shipping and even the buses and taxis, are more corporate in ownership and operations. As such, jeepney operations are almost a day-to-day affair, either operated by the owner or lent out on a boundary system with the driver covering fuel costs. Therefore, any additional pinch such as higher fuel costs will matter. And also, that is why we see most of these vehicles run-down, smoke belching and overqualified to be retired from the road. Jeepney operators are barely surviving. But we need to realize that the jeepneys carry the main bulk of our commuters, with most of them be-

Food insecurity/inflation John Mangun

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Jeepneys: From Kings of the Road to mere pawns

OUTSIDE THE BOX

he Sun.com is a US online edition of The Sun, Britain’s largest newspaper. Its headline on October 13 read: “US warns Starlink satellites will start killing people and chance of hitting a human will soon be 61 percent each year.” Damn that Elon Musk. First, he will not ban from “X” the “posts” from individuals that all good people who know exactly should be banned. Now his Starlink satellites—the service from which should really be free since he is so rich—will start dropping out of the sky killing people. In fact, as the headline says, you have a 61 percent chance of being killed by Musk and what did you ever do to the richest man on earth? Also “in fact,” you are not too terrified to read the actual article, “By 2035, this means that one person

[out of 7 billion] would be expected to be injured or killed every two years.” Well, there goes my brilliant idea for an “Anti-Musk Concrete and Steel Umbrella.” One economic commentator wrote that in 1906, Alfred Henry Lewis stated, “There are only nine meals between mankind and anarchy” to illustrate the problem of national food insecurity. That is the quote that has been repeated several million times. But it is completely inaccurate. What Lewis wrote in the New York Morning Journal (briefly re-

longing to the lower economic base of our society who can barely afford public transport. Pre-pandemic ridership estimated this to be around 30 million jeepney commuters daily nationwide, way more than the other sectors, including rail. And even with the eventual completion of the various train projects, the foreseen ridership capacity will not suffice. The numbers do not include even the “colorum” operations, or those operating without a legitimate franchise. With this fact alone, addressing their concerns should be on the top of the list of any administration. Despite this, response from our past administrations had been ambivalent. So far, our long-term transport solutions and investments are focused on expanding our rail network, representing a lopsided 90 percent of total government spending on transport. Only when election time comes do we hear of the many promises by candidates to look after the jeepney sector, as they remain to be a potent political force. The Duterte administration did try to attempt a long-term solution with the jeepney modernization. To be fair, the program encompassed a holistic solution that covered all aspects of the jeepney ecosystem including not just better, safer, and more efficient vehicles but also route rationalization, consolidation and the needed financing assistance for the operators. It could be that the pandemic disrupted the continuance of the program, but it may very well be also that the main

focus of that program was so much on the vehicle revamp rather than the needed policy changes that could have ensured the program’s success. Sadly, the situation for the jeepney sector has worsened, its numbers decimated, with many of these operators unable to pay for the vehicles they loaned as part of the government’s modernization thrust. The issue is indeed economic for these small operators. But if the government really wants to come out with a strong and long-term solution to our transportation woes, the jeepney issue must be faced head-on. The jeepney has an integral place in our local transport economy. Rails as mass transport will definitely be the ultimate prize, but our communities and road networks are wired always to need the jeepneys as a form of last mile transport. It is high time that our government authorities come out with a real transport masterplan, not knee-jerk reactions to the high emotions every time there is a jeepney strike. There are valid concerns. It may be that the various jeepney leaders fight among each other but they are one and the same in searching for a foothold on their future. Whether they be modernized, phased out or evolved into another transport mode. This, we owe to what was once we called the kings of the road but are now mere pawns where these small jeepney operators have practically no say on their future.

named The Journal in 1895) was this: “Those of us who are well fed, well garmented and well ordered, ought not to forget that necessity makes frequently the root of crime. It is well for us to recollect that even in our own law-abiding, not to say virtuous cases, the only barrier between us and anarchy is the last nine meals we’ve had. It may be taken as axiomatic that a starving man is never a good citizen.” Lewis was not speaking of the problem of “food insecurity” but the problem of “haves versus the have-nots.” Nonetheless there are many nations where food security is a critical problem as the 2010-2012 Arab Spring revolts and riots came on the heels of food price and accessibility troubles. A local newspaper publishes a story from Agence France-Presse with the headline “FAO [UN Food and Agriculture Organization]: Disasters cause $3.8 trillion in crop losses over 30 years.” Crop losses due to weather disasters is a huge problem particularly in the Philippines. But again, context.

Thirty years of $3.6 trillion weather losses equals losing about 2.5 percent of total crop and livestock production of $5 trillion each year. More context. Each Filipino eats about 118,810 grams of rice per year. Each Filipino wastes about 14 grams of rice every day, or about 4.3 percent of the total rice eaten. Maybe humans waste more crop and livestock production than weather destroys. However, as before the Arab Spring, food inflation is crushing millions. Food inflation in Philippines averaged 4.85 percent from 1995 until 2023, reaching an all-time high of 17 percent in July of 2008 and a record low of -0.90 in 2019. Last month it jumped to 9.7 percent. Food security and food inflation go hand in hand. ‘Outsourcing’ your food is more expensive. Further, insecurity and inflation grow worse if there is a lack of availability: the physical availability of food and if there is a problem with accessibility: affected by factors like transportation infrastructure and market access. It is not enough to say, “grow See “Mangun” A19

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Brands dangle freebies at Walmart as online ads lose appeal By Spencer Soper, Brendan Case & Caelyn Pender

nline ads are delivering less bang for the click these days, so brands are turning to an old brick-and-mortar marketing gimmick: handing out free samples at the local supermarket.

In stores across the US, companies are doling out everything from small-batch nut butter and sanitary wipes to Halloween-themed Oreos. While warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s have been offering freebies for years, more retailers are discovering that samples provide something digital marketing can’t: a chance for shoppers to try products before buying them. After conducting a successful trial, Walmart Inc. recently announced plans to expand samples to more than 1,000 locations. In May, grocery giant Wakefern Food Corp. said it would put freebie vending machines in 95 ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer stores. Sampling appeals to online upstarts and conglomerates alike. Smaller brands get exposure and a potential new retail partner, while larger established companies can trial new products and iterations of existing ones. “Free sampling in stores is a great way for brands—which have saturated the marketing opportunities on Facebook and Google—to get more exposure,” says Andrew Lipsman, an analyst at Insider Intelligence. For years, companies large and small used online ads to help target their products at specific demographics. But doing so became less effective in 2021, when Apple Inc. began letting iPhone users block brands from tracking their online behavior. Meanwhile, several states including California enacted digital privacy legislation that made it even harder for companies to access consumer data. The upshot: It’s now much more expensive to find new customers through social media channels and keyword search ads. Online merchants lost an average of $29 on each purchase from a new customer in 2022, more than triple the cost eight years earlier, according to a study by SimplicityDX, a software firm that helps brands with social media marketing campaigns. Los Angeles entrepreneur Michelle Razavi was eager to boost sales of Elavi, a low-sugar nut butter she launched three years ago as an online brand. Ads on Instagram, Amazon and other sites had become pricier and less effective amid growing competition for eyeballs. So Razavi cold-called a Costco Wholesale Corp. executive to ask about giving out samples in stores. A few months later, she and cofounder Nikki Elliott were standing on the precious real estate Costco shoppers pass on the way to the checkout, handing out dollops of cashew butter atop banana slices. Over four weekends, they gave out about $8,000 worth of product and exposed their brand to thousands of shoppers at Costco warehouses in Los Angeles. Comparable sales and exposure would have cost them about $80,000 via Instagram ads and social media influencer campaigns, they estimate. Razavi says about 3 percent of Costco shoppers who tried the product made a purchase, much higher than the 1 percent who purchase something after seeing a social me-

Mangun . . .

continued from A18

more, waste less, grow more” rinse and repeat. The Philippines has the least amount of arable land (5.6 million hectares) compared to our major neighbors. Indonesia: 26.3 million, Thailand: 16.8 million, and Vietnam: 6.8 million hectares. We must get serious about substitution of high-value crops for export. We have not improved rice yields

dia campaign. “In person, you see people’s reaction and can adjust your approach,” she says. “Online is just marketing to a dark screen.” Now she and her partner are negotiating to start selling their nut butter in dozens of Costco stores. Walmart has been working with brands to build its online ad business. In the second quarter, the retailer reported a 36 percent increase in US digital ad sales at Walmart Connect, its retail media business. One of its partners, Mondelez International Inc., is using free samples to raise awareness about new and seasonal products such as those Halloween-themed Oreos. The snack maker has also handed out goodie bags to curbside-pickup customers, typically with a QR code they can use to add the items to their next order. The company isn’t abandoning online advertising but increasingly will use it to point shoppers to recipes with its products or an array of snacks for, say, a college football watch party. “We can’t just have a sampling table at Walmart and expect it to sell,” says Steve McGowan, head of shopper activation and strategic partnerships at Mondelez. “We have to have an omnichannel approach. We need digital media to alert people that this is in the store and potentially a digital offer to get them over the hump to buy the full package.” A key player in the freebies game is Chicago-based Freeosk, which sells automated sampling kiosks that dispense a broad range of household names, including Sour Patch Kids, All detergent and Famous Amos cookies. Freeosk works with leading grocery stores such as Safeway and Albertsons and has kiosks in more than 1,400 locations across the country. Shoppers select samples via a smartphone app, which also collects useful customer data. If they like a specific product, they can fill their cart with merchandise displayed around the machine. Freeosk says shoppers new to a given brand generate 70 percent of kiosk purchases. Digital brands are starting to understand the value of sampling because more than 80 percent of retail spending happens at physical stores, “an audience larger than their online audience,” Chief Executive Officer Matt Eichorn says. One convert is Dude Products, the Chicago-based maker of disposable Dude Wipes. Founder Sean Riley says he’s using Freeosk dispensing machines in Sam’s Club stores for his individually wrapped wipes and, in an effort to disrupt the toilet paper industry, is paying people to hand out bigger packs of flushable wipes at Target. He says the freebies typically boost sales by 20 percent. “We’re in the habit change business, and the best way to change someone’s habit is to give them a chance to try your product,” Riley says. “Some people build a business online and get stuck in a digital mindset with their marketing. Giving out samples helps you grow beyond.” Bloomberg like our neighbors have. Despite its importance, the agricultural sector faces challenges such as outdated farming practices and lack of modern technology. We need a Department of Agriculture that understands the ‘farmto-market’ concept and can get that implemented. 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.

Opinion BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 19, 2023 A19

Biden’s Middle East mission unraveling after deadly hospital blast By Jordan Fabian, Iain Marlow & Ethan Bronner

resident Joe Biden’s dramatic war-time visit to Israel and Jordan began to unravel even before he left the ground, after an explosion at a Gaza hospital left hundreds dead and Arab leaders pulled out of a meeting planned for the trip. The Hamas-controlled Gaza authorities said it was an Israeli airstrike. Israel pointed the finger at a failed missile from militant group Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The US called for an investigation. Blaming Israel for what they called an attack, the leaders of Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority canceled a summit with Biden that had been scheduled for Wednesday in Amman. Anti-Israel protests broke out in several major cities around the region. Biden had planned to use the trip to reinforce the US commitment to Israel as it readies what’s expected to be a punishing ground incursion to eradicate Hamas from Gaza. He also intended to send a warning to Iran and its allies not to follow through on threats to attack Israel from the north. Even before the hospital tragedy, the US had been pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to limit civilian casualties and ease the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Israel has vowed to obliterate the group after its Oct. 7 attacks, which killed 1,300 Israelis. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 3,000 Gazans. “The optics are going to be very bad,” said Randa Slim, senior fellow and director of conflict resolution at the Middle East Institute in Washington. After the hospital blast, she said, “People are up in arms. It’s going to be very hard especially if Biden is to come to Israel and repeat the mantra that Israel has the right to defend itself.” The White House said the Jordan meeting would be rescheduled for a

later date, citing the days of mourning for the hospital blast declared by Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. Later, Biden spoke by telephone with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Netanyahu, the White House said, without providing further details. “I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted,” Biden said in a statement on Tuesday night. “The United States stands unequivocally for the protection of civilian life during conflict and we mourn the patients, medical staff and other innocents killed or wounded in this tragedy.” Even before the explosion, officials in the US and the region were increasingly worried that they wouldn’t be able to keep the conflict from spreading once Israel goes ahead with the ground invasion. Biden has already sent two aircraft carriers to the region and put troops on alert to send a message of deterrence to Iran and its ally Hezbollah, whose thousands of missiles could pose a severe threat to Israel. “The whole region is at the brink of falling into the abyss that this new cycle of death and destruction is pushing us towards,” the Jordanian king said after a meeting in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz earlier Tuesday. “The threat of this war expanding is real.” Fighting picked up with Hezbollah across Israel’s northern border with Lebanon—the group said five of its fighters were killed in clashes Tuesday—and Tehran warned this week that a wider war is becoming “inevitable.”

Even before the hospital tragedy, the US had been pressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to limit civilian casualties and ease the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Hamascontrolled Gaza. Israel has vowed to obliterate the group after its October 7 attacks, which killed 1,300 Israelis. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 3,000 Gazans.

Administration officials have said they didn’t plan to deploy the US military on the ground in Israel. But an escalation raises the risk of a miscalculation, such as an errant missile hitting US forces in the Mediterranean, or a broad assault on Israel, that could force an American response. The US also still has about 2,500 troops in Iraq, where Iranianbacked militias pose a major military threat. Biden called the Iraqi prime minister Tuesday to discuss how to prevent an expansion of the IsraelHamas conflict. The hospital attack casts a shadow over a trip the White House had hoped would showcase Biden’s commitment to a key ally and his foreign-policy experience, key themes as he heads into next year’s election campaign. Late Tuesday, Israeli leaders renewed their vow to destroy Hamas, which the US and European Union have designated a terrorist group. But the 2 million civilians who live in Hamas-controlled Gaza have nowhere to go with the borders closed and Israel cutting off electricity and supplies and stepping up air attacks. Egypt and Jordan say they won’t accept refugees from Gaza, leaving unresolved the question of where civilians there can go. Some Israeli officials have suggested Gazans, too, bear responsibility for Hamas’s actions, having elected the group to

power nearly two decades ago. But Biden has rejected that, pointedly warning Israel last week that civilians in Gaza can’t be held responsible. Adding to the tension are more than 500 US citizens now trapped there, as well as 13 American hostages held by Hamas there after the October 7 attack. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after a whirlwind tour of the region and nine hours of talks with Israel officials Monday, announced the US and Israel would work on a deal to get aid to Gaza. But on Tuesday, trucks were still stuck at the border as Israel sought guarantees the aid wouldn’t be diverted to Hamas. There was no sign of progress in efforts to allow at least foreign citizens to leave Gaza. Scholz, the German chancellor, said he underlined the need for aid in his meeting with Netanyahu in Israel on Tuesday, though there were no new public commitments. Biden’s brief visit may at least buy Gazans that much time before a ground invasion. Israeli officials focus on the US messages of support. Security officials say American visitors, from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week to Central Command Commander General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, in Israel on Tuesday, have shown strong support for their plan to eliminate Hamas, and Biden will do the same. One senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Americans have sought to offer perspective and to ensure that the Israelis know the implications of their actions, but the military aid is not conditioned on their taking the advice. Adding to Israel’s confidence is the conviction that it has the tacit support of some major Arab countries for its plan to destroy Hamas, though they can’t admit that publicly, the official said. With assistance from Courtney McBride and Iain Rogers/Bloomberg

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov set to arrive in NK By Jon Herskovitz

ussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is set for his first visit to North Korea in about five years, as the US made fresh accusations that Pyongyang is supplying weapons to help Moscow in its assault on Ukraine. Lavrov will touch down Wednesday for a two-day visit according to North Korean state media. The trip could also facilitate a possible visit by President Vladimir Putin after he accepted an invitation from leader Kim Jong Un to make the journey to the isolated Asian state when the two met for a summit in Russia in September. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said details of Putin’s visit to North Korea will be discussed during Lavrov’s time in the country, according to Russia’s official Tass news agency. On his last trip to Pyongyang in 2018, Lavrov met Kim to discuss a visit by the Russian president and delivered a letter from Putin, North Korea’s official media reported. The latest trip comes as US President Joe Biden is set to visit Israel in a show of solidarity for the US ally after it was attacked by Hamas, although those plans have already begun to unravel after an explosion at a Gaza hospital. The fact that Lavrov is following through on his promise to visit Pyongyang in the middle of a major crisis in the Middle East, where the Russians also have a vested interest “is a strong indicator of how badly the Russians need North Korea right now,” said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a regional issues manager at the Vienna-based Open Nuclear Network. “The ongoing Middle East crisis could well reinforce their thinking that they would make a good team in what they view as an increasing-

ly fragmented world where the US is growing weaker,” said Lee, who worked as an analyst for the CIA’s Open Source Enterprise for almost two decades. The Lavrov trip is part of a series of high-profile meetings between the neighbors that started in July when Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Pyongyang for an anniversary marking the end of Korean War fighting in 1953. Shoigu was guided by Kim through a collection of North Korea’s latest weaponry and stood next to the leader at a military parade in Pyongyang as nuclear-capable ballistic missiles rolled down the capital’s streets. That was followed by Kim’s trip to Russia, which was one of his longest ventures outside the country since he took power about a decade ago. Putin pledged to help Kim with his space program. This could finally allow North Korea to reach its long-held goal of placing spy satellites in orbit to keep an eye on US troops in the region. The sanctions imposed by leading democracies on Putin and Kim have drawn the two closer in ways that could make the world a bit more dangerous. North Korea has huge stores of artillery shells and rockets that are interoperable with the weaponry Russia has deployed to the frontlines of Ukraine. While the US said the weapons won’t alter the battlefield, they could add to the grinding attacks from the Kremlin’s war machine on its neighbor.

The fact that Lavrov is following through on his promise to visit Pyongyang in the middle of a major crisis in the Middle East, where the Russians also have a vested interest “is a strong indicator of how badly the Russians need North Korea right now,” said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a regional issues manager at the Vienna-based Open Nuclear Network.

North Korea and Russia have denied the US accusations. North Korea might be looking at technology transfers of dual-use materials that could be delivered under the guise of helping its civilian space and nuclear programs, and still appear to be in accordance with international norms. But the materials could also be used to further North Korea’s ability to build missiles and nuclear bombs—in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Siegfried Hecker, a professor emeritus at Stanford University and one of the few American scientists who has participated in inspections of North Korea’s main nuclear facilities, said Russia could offer aid to Kim to get the Asian state’s long-planned experimental light water reactor operational under the premise of peaceful electric power generation. This could be then repurposed for plutonium production, allowing North Korea to exponentially increase its stockpiles of the fissile material for use in weapons such as miniaturized warheads, Hecker said in an interview with the 38 North specialist website last month. Concerns of illicit shipments

picked up in late 2022 when the two restored their sole rail link, which had been shut for nearly three years during Kim’s Covid pandemic-related border closures. Russia and North Korea also share a coast to the east that is suspected by the UN and others of being used to send goods by sea, avoiding any possible interception in international waters. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters this month that Pyongyang had provided 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions. Kirby said the US was also concerned about Russia in turn providing assistance to North Korea. Putin arrived in China this week for the Belt and Road Forum on his first foreign trip since a warrant for his arrest on alleged war crimes was issued by the International Criminal Court in March. He returned to Beijing on Tuesday in a diminished state compared to his last visit, needing the economic support of China and a route out of his self-inflicted political isolation. Prior to arriving in North Korea, Lavrov held talks with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, and said the two leaders would discuss every aspect of bilateral relations, Russia’s Tass news agency reported. Russia’s reliance on China has reached into every facet of its economy in the 20 months since the invasion of Ukraine. With the West severing trade ties, China’s exports to Russia have jumped 57 percent so far this year. China has been Kim’s biggest benefactor and a resumption of trade as Kim eases Covid border curbs could push the economy back to growth after two full years of contraction, Fitch Solutions said. Bloomberg

A20 Thursday, October 19, 2023

MAKABAYAN BLOC RESO: LET ICC PROBE DUTERTE By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE House Makabayan bloc has filed a resolution urging the Philippine government to cooperate with the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the alleged crimes against humanity committed by the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs. House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel filed House Resolution 1393 last Tuesday after former president Rodrigo Duterte reportedly publicly admitted that he used intelligence funds to conduct extrajudicial killings (EJK) on his constituents in Davao City. “With former President Rodrigo Duterte’s televised admission of ordering extrajudicial killings and financing them with his confidential and intelligence funds, it is imperative that we allow the ICC to investigate his crimes,” said Castro. “We urge the House leadership to support and co-author this resolution to show that we do not tolerate EJKs and that we are working for justice to be served to his victims and their families,” added Castro. For her part, Brosas called on the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to let the ICC probe the bloody drug war of the Duterte administration, as the former president recently admitted to using intelligence funds as Davao City mayor to finance EJKs. “This admission by Duterte himself serves as strong evidence against him

and should prompt the Marcos administration to allow the ICC to investigate the matter under the principle of complementarity,” Brosas said. “There was no genuine recourse against the killings in Davao City while he was mayor. As a member state of the ICC at the time these killings occurred, the Marcos administration should allow ICC investigators to enter the country,” Brosas added. The principle of complementarity, as outlined in the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, means that the ICC can only exercise its jurisdiction when national legal systems fail to effectively investigate and prosecute international crimes. “It is crucial that President Marcos take this opportunity to ensure accountability for the extrajudicial killings spearheaded by former president Duterte himself,” she said. “We call on the government to cooperate fully with the ICC and allow a thorough investigation into these grave human rights violations,” she added. In March 2018, Duterte ordered the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute after the ICC announced that it would start a preliminary examination of the complaint against him. However, it does not mean that the international court lost jurisdiction on the case filed before such withdrawal. On July 21, President Marcos said his administration would end further engagement with the ICC after it rejected the Philippine government’s appeal to stop the ICC prosecutor’s investigation of crimes against humanity allegedly committed by Duterte in the drug war.

IMF: 6% and above growth will have to wait till 2025

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Philippines will have to wait for 2025 before it can post growth of above 6 percent, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Based on the Regional Economic Outlook (REO) of the Asia and the Pacific region report released on Wednesday, IMF said the country is expected to post growth of 6.1 percent in 2025. The World Economic Outlook (WEO) growth outlook for 2023 and 2024 were unchanged at 5.3 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively. These were already adjusted from the April 2023 WEO. “This year’s growth is a bit weaker for many factors including, you know, kind of initially underspending in the government of course, the impact of monetary tightening and the weaker external global environment which is very similar to many Asean countries. For next year we are expecting a pickup because you know, service exports are doing quite well,” IMF Asia Pacific Department Division Chief of regional Studies Shanaka Peiris said.

“So (the) current macroeconomic policy in the Philippines has been one hallmark of the good economic performance. Then also you know, the opening up the economy to foreign investment has been an important aspect,” he also. However, Peiris said inflation is expected to remain a concern in the Philippines. He reiterated the IMF views that the government’s inflation target will not be met until the first quarter of next year. “We didn’t think it would come to within target this year, and there’s an upside risk. So what we said is keep the course on monetary policy tightening and you know, you should bring inflation down. But if upside risks materialize, you may need to raise interest rates more. I think that’s where the central bank is at the moment,” Peiris said. Among the emerging market and developing economies in the region, the Philippines will be the

fifth fastest growing economy in 2025. Based on the IMF’s estimates, Vietnam will be the fastest growing at 6.9 percent followed by Bangladesh at 6.6 percent; Cambodia, 6.4 percent; India, 6.3 percent; and the Philippines at 6.1 percent. However, IMF Asia and the Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan said in a briefing that inflation will remain a concern for Asia and the Pacific region. But inflation is expected to slow, even with the threat of higher oil prices. Given this, Srinivasan said central banks across the region should stay the course and maintain their tight monetary policy stance to bring down inflation. “With still accommodative financial conditions in Asia’s emerging markets and the upside risks mentioned above, there is no urgent need to ease monetary policy,” Srinivasan said in a briefing. Earlier, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said he is not ruling out a 25-basis-point (bps) rate hike in November given the latest data, including the 6.1-percent headline inflation rate recorded in September 2023. This, despite the warning of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) on the ill effects of further monetary tightening on the economy. Inflation reached the high end of the BSP’s month-ahead inflation

forecast due to more expensive rice prices which increased 17.9 percent, the highest in 14 years. (Full story here: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/10/06/septemberinflation-rises-to-6-1-rice-prices-blamed/) Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said he is not in favor of further rate hikes, saying inflation is being caused by supply side issues that jack up commodity prices. Such a situation, he said, does not call for monetary policy tightening. Raising interest rates would also not lead to a competitive peso, he added. Balisacan said a weak peso is what the country needs to grow faster since this will allow exporters and local producers to earn more as well as increase the purchasing power of dollar earners and their families in the Philippines. Balisacan explained that it is a misnomer that a weak peso translates to a weak economy. On the contrary, it allows sectors such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to have greater purchasing power. This increase in income is good for consumption-driven economies like the Philippines. Conventionally, the bulk or 70 percent of the economy is driven by consumption and 10 percent of this is accounted for by the consumption from overseas Filipino workers’ remittances.

‘Maharlika IRR’s halt must spur thorough review of concerns’ By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

& Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

OUSE Committee on Ways and Means C ha ir man Joey Sarte Salceda said on Wednesday the suspension of the enforcement of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) paves the way for a thorough review and resolution of any concerns within the Executive Branch’s IRR draft before full implementation. “That is the President’s exercise of executive discretion well within his power. The letter of the law will still be followed without exception. But the IRR should anticipate future issues. If he sees issues in the executive branch’s IRR draft, he can resolve them. It’s better to do so before full implementation,” Salceda said. As the chairman of the Technical Working Group (TWG) responsible for drafting the measure, Salceda gave assurance he would provide guidance to the Executive Branch, ensuring that the legislative intent is upheld. “In any case, I will provide advice to the Executive Branch on our legislative intent as TWG Chair for drafting the measure,” he added. Salceda, one of the principal authors of Republic Act 11954, or the Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2022, expressed optimism on the progress of the MIF and related legislative efforts. He noted that the Philippines remains on course to initiate vital infrastructure projects by the end of the year. Additionally, with the expected enactment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code within the same timeframe, Salceda anticipates a surge in direct investments in development projects in

2024, which will have a substantial impact on the country’s infrastructure development. “We are still on track to get the ball rolling by the end of this year. With the PPP Code to be enacted this year, I also expect very direct investments in development projects in 2024,” he said. “Don’t overthink this. It’s the Executive Branch working things out among themselves, as is proper at this stage of the law’s implementation,” he added.

‘Rushed and flawed’

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said on Wednesday that the suspension of Maharlika Investment Fund implementation by Marcos shows that the measure was “rushed and flawed” on so many levels. “It would be better if President Marcos Jr. just scrapped the whole Maharlika law rather than just suspend it. As Bayan Muna executive vice president Carlos Isagani Zarate said last week, ‘the Marcos administration placed in grave danger the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) respective capitals after the twin state-run depositary banks were required to finance the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF),” Castro said. Earlier, Zarate said, citing the recent moves of the state-run banks seeking temporary reprieve from regulatory requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) like the minimum capital requirements, that “Bayan Muna was not only alarmed but even outraged that these financial institutions’ fiscal health is in jeopardy because of the administration’s obsession with MIF.” Continued on A4

FIGHTING ILLEGAL FISHING Fishermen work on nets as they spend time on the shores of their coastal village in Cavite. Canada and the Philippines have entered into a new agreement to combat illegal fishing through satellite surveillance. Philippine officials said the National Coast Watch Center of the Philippines will now have access to Canada's "Dark Vessel Detection System," utilizing satellite technology to track illegal fishermen, even if they deactivate their location transmitting devices. Given the prevalence of illegal and unregulated fishing in the Philippine archipelago, including disputed areas like the South China Sea, this collaboration addresses a significant challenge. The agreement was signed last week during talks in Ottawa meant to boost relations between the two countries, though specific details were not disclosed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. AP/AARON FAVILA

PPA readies ports for cruise tourism boom By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it has started building ports that are dedicated for cruise operations, as it anticipates an influx of tourists following the country’s win as the “Best Cruise Destination in Asia 2023” at the latest World Cruise awards. PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the agency has “initiated and continuously conducts improvements of its port facilities, including the construction of dedi-

cated ports for cruise tourism,” as it aims to provide safer and more convenient maritime transportation experience to tourists aboard cruise vessels. “On the part of PPA, we have started building terminals that are dedicated to cruise operations; we want to ensure the ports can accommodate the big cruise ships that we expect to come in in the near future,” Santiago said, partly in Filipino. Currently, among the ports under PPA, which cater to cruise vessels include the Ports of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilo-

cos Sur, Manila, Bohol and El Nido, Palawan. It likewise aims to develop more cruise terminals in the near term in the areas of Coron in Palawan, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay and Puerto Galera. “We believe that aside from picturesque tourist destinations, it is the rich culture, desirable local delicacies and the warmth of the Filipino people which entices foreign tourists to visit the Philippines. To complement these attractions, PPA also just recently underwent the Department of Tourism’s ‘Filipino Brand

of Service’ training attended by our Port Managers and other port frontline personnel,” Santiago said. He noted that the PPA is expecting 40,000 additional passengers until the end of the year. “We have a lot of cruise ships coming over, especially this holiday season. Since the resumption of cruise tourism in the country last February 2023, PPA has already served an initial number of 46,657 passengers from ships calling at its ports as of September 2023. So overall, it’s 80,000 plus,” Santiago said.

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, October 19, 2023

CPG targeting to raise ₧5B via sale of preferred shares I

ICTSI breaks ground for East Java terminal

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

he board of Century Properties Group Inc. (CPG) has approved the company’s follow-on offering of preferred shares from which the company is aiming to raise as much as P5 billion. In its disclosure, the company said the board has approved CPG’s issuance of up to 50 million preferred shares with a par value of 53 centavos. The said shares will come from the existing unissued authorized capital stock of the company as series B preferred shares. It will be offered at P100 apiece. The company said the said pre-

ferred shares will still undergo regulatory process, such as filing of registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The said shares will be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. CPG shares closed at 32 centavos on Wednesday. CPG said its income in the first half rose 20 percent to P656 million from P548 million last year.

Revenues rose 27 percent to P6.74 billion from P5.31 billion last year. The company’s executive chairman Jose E.B. Antonio said the revenue growth was driven by the strong contribution of the company’s first home residential brand Phirst Park Homes Inc. It accounted for P3.5 billion or 52 percent of CPG’s consolidated revenues, an expansion from its 48 percent share of P2.6 billion last year. The remainder of the revenues came from vertical developments, commercial leasing and property management segments which contributed P2.4 billion, P670 million and P217 million, respectively. “The demand for quality and strategically located first homes has proven to be resilient and even stronger and CPG was well-prepared to serve this market with its FirstHome Brand. We are aiming to maintain this growth trajectory as

we launch new projects,” Marco R. Antonio, the company’s president and CEO, said. Last year, Phirst broadened its offerings as it entered new market segments under new product brands—Phirst Sights Bay for socialized and economic segments, Phirst Editions Batulao catering to the midincome market and Phirst Centrale Hermosa, a mixed-use township encompassing residential, commercial and retail areas. This expansion significantly widened Phirst’s price point offerings, ranging from P580,000 to P8 million, tackling the complete spectrum of the country’s housing backlog. In the first quarter, Phirst unveiled its maiden development in the province of Nueva Ecija via PHirst Park Homes Gapan. This was followed in the second quarter by the opening of Phirst Impressions Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas.

FEU, MGHI keen on Pampanga school

he board of Far Eastern University (FEU) has signed an agreement with MGHI Holdings Inc. to jointly invest in a company that will become its vehicle to acquire the assets of a school in Pampanga. In its disclosure, FEU said its agreement stipulates that the company and MGHI, a member of the United Laboratories Inc., will each invest P300,000 in Higher Academia Inc. Higher Academia, meanwhile, will invest a total of P600,000 to acquire the assets of Colegio de Sebastian-Pampanga Inc., a secondary and tertiary school in San Fernando, Pampanga. “No definitive agreement has been signed pending finalization of the documentation, discussions, and the conduct of due diligence. We will make the necessary disclo-

sures regarding the project as soon as further information becomes available,” FEU said. Colegio de Sebastian was founded by a couple on January 20, 2011, who are known philanthropists and educators, according to its website. “Its primary purpose is to offer accessible quality education in the tertiary level, the couple’s dream for the young people of Pampanga. It was organized as a non-sectarian, non-stock, non-profit corporation oriented towards service to the community,” it said. The school offers degree programs in accountancy, business administration with majors in financial management, marketing management and human resource development management. The school also offers hospitality management, tourism management and there were also newer

programs in civil engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer engineering and criminology. FEU, meanwhile, operates Far Eastern University in Manila, and is the majority shareholder of East Asia Computer Center Inc. (EACCI), FEU Alabang Inc., Far Eastern College Silang Inc. (FECSI), FEU High School Inc. and Roosevelt College Inc. In turn, EACCI is doing business under the names FEU Institute of Technology and FEU Diliman, while FECSI uses FEU Cavite. FEU also has 51-percent stake in Edustria Inc., a newly-incorporated senior high school in Batangas established and operated in partnership with the Technological Institute of the Philippines Inc., which owns the remaining 49 percent. VG Cabuag

ERC to review, tweak RCOA guidelines

he Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will craft an improved set of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) guidelines following the recommendation of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to conduct a full-blown study on lowering the RCOA threshold. “Senator Gatchalian required us to conduct the study before we lower the [RCOA] threshold. We need to do the study. He wants a full consultant, outsourced study. A study on its impact, what safeguards to be put in place, what’s the impact of lowering to 100 kilowatts [kW],” said ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta. Under the RCOA program, consumers that meet a certain threshold of electricity consumption are allowed to choose their electricity suppliers. The RCOA gradually reduces the energy threshold level of the program until it reaches the household demand level. It started with one megawatt (MW) and above, and was subsequently brought down to 750kW to 999 kW. The threshold was further brought down to 500kW to 749kW. “One major set of rules that we are also coming out with are the Omnibus RCOA Guidelines, customer choice guidelines. We have a Magna Carta for Residential Customers, so it’s sort of Magna Carta, in which it reinforces the obligation of the RES [retail electricity supplier] when they contract and puts into the regulation also the value of the RES scorecard and all other things,” said Dimalanta. Lenie Lectura

nternational Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said on Wednesday its East Java unit has broken ground for the development of a new gateway for the Lamongan, Tuban and central Java hinterlands. According to East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT) CEO Patrick Chan, the project involves the development of a 300-meter quay line, breakwater, super heavy lift breakbulk deck, and dredging of the navigational channel to -13.5 meters. “We are very excited with this new terminal development as it will provide a new and more accessible gateway for our hinterland customers in Lamongan, Tuban and up to central Java. Catering to an already thriving industry with this new investment, EJMT is well-positioned to support the growing economy of East Java and Indonesia,” he said. It will also be supported by two post-Panamax mobile harbor cranes and other cargo handling equipment. “Lamongan Shorebase has been operating and supporting oil and gas customers since 2006. The development of EJMT will provide domestic and international access to our existing and new customers, who will also benefit from the reduced overall supply chain costs. The heavy lift deck will allow us

Photo shows the East Java Multipurpose Terminal. From www.ictsi.com

to support the upcoming project developments in Eastern Indonesia, as well as receive decommissioned platforms,” said David Lim, PT Eastern Logistics chief executive officer. PT Eastern Logistics is the operator of Lamongan Shorebase. The construction of the new terminal is being carried out by EJMT’s local partners PT. PP (Persero). With the current works, EJMT will be ready to receive its first vessel by September 2024. “ICTSI, as the world’s largest independent terminal operator, is pleased to continue its growth by adding EJMT to its global portfolio. By building positive relationships with stakeholders, ICTSI is contributing to the sustainable economic and social well-being of the local community,” ICTSI Head of Business Development of Asia Pacific and the Philippines Gerard Langes said. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, October 19, 2023

FPH ready to tackle hurdles to curbing emissions—exec

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

opez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) vowed to address the challenges involving the group’s journey towards curbing emissions.

“We know that implementing those climate measures will be difficult,” said FPH Chief Sustainability Officer Agnes de Jesus during a forum hosted by the Net Zero Carbon Alliance (NZCA). De Jesus said FPH is committed to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future. To achieve this, she said FPH will come up with available solutions for hard-to-abate and carbon-intensive sectors. Among the challenges she cited are the availability of carbon removal technologies and weighing the gas business and its net zero goal. “The availability of carbon removal technologies. When the UN [United Nations] said there are 12 but we know that there are only two that are economically viable and feasible...The others are under study by more developed countries with the necessary resources,” de Jesus said. How FPH will balance natural gas as a transition fuel and its decarbonization responsibility is also another challenge. “As we support intermittent renewable energy, our GHG [green house gas] will further increase our emissions. We will need to accurately identify that point in time to retire our plants to meet the net zero target.” First Gen Corp., which is the primary holding for power generation and energy-related business of FPH, owns and operates gas-fired power plants in the country. “Overall, climate actions will in-

troduce some changes in operations and we need to sustain the right mindset across the organization to deliver on net zero,” added de Jesus. Aside from First Gen, other FPH subsidiaries are real estate developer Rockwell Land Corp., transport infrastructure company First Balfour, Inc., liquefied natural gas firm Batangas Cogeneration Corp., and transformer manufacturer First Philec Inc. “Each and every subsidiary is looking at refining their metrics and targets this year. Of course, there are risks, challenges. The last challenge is the readiness of our organization. All of the measures that we will adopt will have an impact and change in some protocols in our operation, and we need to make sure that we sustain the regenerative mindset of our employees to do all of that,” said de Jesus. NZCA is a pioneering consortium of Philippine enterprises committed toward collective net-zero carbon in local business. It is guided by the carbon neutrality framework that it designed in partnership with Dr. Rodel Lasco, executive director of the OML Center for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The framework that mainly espouses carbon reduction and removal for Philippine businesses begins with the partner’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest, followed by measuring its climate resilience and carbon footprint, coming

Photo from www.fphc.com

up with its roadmap, implementing it, tracking, disclosing, and validating its progress over time. The alliance likewise developed a

MUTUAL FUNDS

Zero Carbon Gateway to help partners track their progress, including computing their Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions.

October 18, 2023

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 203.73 5.89% 1.49% -3.37% -1.7% -2.31% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.4433 15.47% 10.18% 0.87% 1.26% 7.37% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8063 6.16% 2.08% -5.68% -3.3% -3.73% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.678 2.68% 0.28% -4.82% n.a -2.28% First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a 0.6295 2.76% -2.24% -4.67% n.a -2.94% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.5089 4.76% 2.53% -1.93% -1.39% -3.04% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.6717 4.79% 0.97% n.a n.a -4.19% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 86.82 15.19% 0.75% -4.7% n.a 15.36% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 41.6753 6.23% 2.12% -2.37% n.a -3.52% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 432.24 5.52% 0.98% -2.44% -1.75% -2.75% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.1837 6.29% 5.84% -0.46% n.a 0.73% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 32.6873 7.06% 3.74% -1.49% 0.24% -1.83% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.831 8.23% 2.57% n.a n.a -2.1% Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a 4.3775 7.36% 3.08% -1.5% 0.13% -2.63% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 728.54 7.09% 2.92% -1.56% -0.07% -2.73% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6539 7.23% 2.44% -4.41% n.a -3% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.2537 6.04% 2.02% -3.53% -1.7% -3.54% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8265 6.71% 2.59% -1.89% n.a -2.98% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.0326 6.38% 2.63% -2.04% -0.91% -2% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.0254 5.48% n.a n.a n.a -2.92% COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,20.9983 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a 1.0023 7.45% 3.44% n.a n.a -4.21% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 884.2 6.89% n.a n.a n.a -2.79% Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c98.8727 7.79% 3.33% -1.28% n.a -2.22% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.8018 4.65% -9.55% -3.43% -1.96% -5.89% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.5216 13.2% -1.24% 4.29% n.a 6.85% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.4551 -1.62% -2.16% -1.92% -2.16% -1.99% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.1297 5.25% 1.52% -0.15% -0.21% 1.16% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.4533 2.98% 0.97% 0.01% -1.55% -2.08% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1894 2.49% 1.58% n.a n.a -2.12% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.8907 4.29% 1.09% 1.11% 0.35% -2.77% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.4424 5.01% -0.01% 0.34% -0.57% 0.02% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 15.0808 3.36% -0.7% -0.2% -0.87% -0.4% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 1.9852 4.7% 1.41% -0.26% 0.49% -0.24% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.3065 4.64% 0.75% -1.4% -0.95% -0.7% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.874 5.66% 3.44% -0.61% n.a -0.56% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.92 5.23% -0.39% n.a n.a 0.52% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.8196 5.91% -0.15% n.a n.a -1.91% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.8 5.53% 0% n.a n.a -2.74% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) -7.07% -1.93% -0.16% -2.99% Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03145 0.83% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8514 5.86% -7.27% -1.91% -1.81% -4.98% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $3.9359 7.17% -2.83% 2.07% 2.45% 2.34% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $0.959 2.56% -5.29% -0.78% n.a -1.3% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 386.99 3.06% 1.63% 2.54% 2.12% 2.45% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.8945 1.35% -1% 0.4% 0% 1.05% 0.85% 2.24% 3.76% 2.35% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2863 2.12% Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.236 3.33% -0.84% 1.11% 1.1% 2.68% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4169 1.21% -0.45% 1.79% 1.13% 1.07% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.1866 0.88% -3.34% 2.11% 0.51% 0.94% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a 1.3563 3.05% 1.12% 2.98% 1.64% 2.77% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9691 2.96% 0.09% 2.8% 1.44% 2.6% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0392 2.99% 0.04% 3.6% n.a 2.22% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2346 3.89% 0.54% 3.3% 1.84% 2.82% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7314 2.95% -0.26% 2.51% 1.25% 2.11% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $489.4 2.41% 0.59% 1.88% 2.46% 1.95% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є211.18 1.66% -1.01% -0.19% 0.74% 0.73% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0125 1.96% -6.78% -2.01% -0.14% 0.31% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.024 0.42% -3.25% -0.65% n.a 1.27% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $0.8286 -1.2% -8.83% -4.15% -3.4% -4.24% $2.1491 2.82% -5.18% 0.12% 1.22% -1.44% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0606361 1.66% -0.65% 1.29% 1.57% 1.23% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.56 -0.26% -7.38% -2.32% -0.32% -5.94% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 135.91 2.3% 1.68% 2.54% 1.99% 2% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1006 2.99% 1.72% n.a n.a 2.51% Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.3676 2.61% 1.92% 2.47% 1.94% 2.18% Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 103.65 3.76% n.a n.a n.a 3.19% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0885 1.99% 1.2% 1.47% n.a 1.73% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 41.3781 -5.89% n.a n.a n.a -3.62% Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3744 14.96% 9.34% n.a n.a 11.55% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.9569 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7519 -1.96% -7.5% n.a n.a -5.21% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. 1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.). 2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2022. 3 - Re-classified into a Index Fund starting December 5, 2019 (formerly an Equity Fund) 4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 14, 2021 (formerly, First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is October 4, 2022. 6 - Launch date is August 22, 2023. “While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www.

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

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PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

October 18, 2023

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

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

32,175 111,659,053 96,231 59,256,611 575,605 7,004,285 108,513,249 84,000 1,908,756 306,897 61,040 7,715,644.50 8,954,296 35,730 363,170 2,820 504,076 26,000

-31,589,172 -9,049,927 -6,100 690,927 65,179,754.50 4,690,837.50 -1,220,749.50 228,130 26,000

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 5.18 5.19 5.26 5.29 5.19 5.19 3,952,900 20,586,903 0.57 0.58 0.59 0.59 0.57 0.58 899,000 520,030 ALSONS CONS 0.85 0.88 0.86 0.87 0.83 0.87 1,583,000 1,349,940 ALTERNERGY HLDG 36.6 36.95 36.85 36.95 36.05 36.95 5,881,800 216,685,210 ABOITIZ POWER 1.43 1.47 1.41 1.5 1.41 1.47 1,351,000 1,979,540 RASLAG 0.199 0.203 0.197 0.204 0.196 0.204 700,000 137,760 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 18.48 18.5 18.26 18.84 18.26 18.48 105,200 1,943,638 FIRST PHIL HLDG 60.7 62.55 60.7 62.6 60.7 60.7 1,170 71,570 MERALCO 378 388.6 379.8 388.6 375.2 388.6 258,750 100,053,088 MANILA WATER 18.1 18.2 18.12 18.2 18.1 18.2 82,900 1,506,674 PETRON 3.4 3.42 3.39 3.42 3.35 3.4 330,000 1,116,580 4.34 4.69 4.65 4.69 4.32 4.69 510,000 2,206,690 PETROENERGY 5.72 6 5.71 6 5.71 6 7,200 42,552 PHX PETROLEUM 5.6 5.8 5.7 6.3 5.7 5.85 31,200 178,950 REPOWER ENERGY 7.94 7.96 8 8.01 7.93 7.96 208,100 1,656,146 SYNERGY GRID 13.22 13.48 13.46 13.48 13.1 13.48 56,100 743,628 SHELL PILIPINAS SPC POWER 7.9 7.92 7.92 7.92 7.89 7.92 12,500 98,828 2.58 2.6 2.48 2.6 2.47 2.6 897,000 2,306,560 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 1.92 1.95 1.92 1.92 1.91 1.92 33,000 63,260 11.52 12.26 12.26 12.28 12.26 12.26 19,900 244,106 CNTRL AZUCARERA 29.75 30 29.75 30 29.15 30 2,740,000 81,960,700 CENTURY FOOD 7.54 7.8 7.7 7.8 7.54 7.54 28,600 221,920 DEL MONTE 6.35 6.36 6.36 6.44 6.31 6.36 3,213,400 20,494,867 DNL INDUS 20.75 20.8 20.8 20.95 20.75 20.75 2,929,600 60,794,580 EMPERADOR 52 52.3 52.25 52.5 51 52 63,350 3,304,175 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.67 0.68 0.68 0.69 0.66 0.67 15,946,000 10,771,130 FIGARO COFFEE ALLIANCE SELECT 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 48,000 24,510 1.08 1.09 1.08 1.17 1.08 1.09 29,477,000 33,190,410 FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA 166.8 170.9 170.5 171 170 170.9 1,830 312,393 JOLLIBEE 223 224 219 224.8 219 224 424,030 94,193,758 KEEPERS HLDG 1.44 1.45 1.43 1.44 1.43 1.44 195,000 279,480 7.61 8.18 8 8.18 7.52 8.18 406,200 3,244,030 MACAY HLDG 4.17 4.2 4.25 4.36 4.18 4.18 157,000 659,800 MAXS GROUP 8.74 8.8 8.3 8.81 8.3 8.8 5,362,100 46,467,178 MONDE NISSIN 9.29 9.57 9.29 9.57 9.29 9.57 27,000 251,110 SHAKEYS PIZZA 0.51 0.52 0.53 0.55 0.51 0.51 756,000 397,310 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 3.01 3.09 3.09 3.09 3.01 3.01 19,000 57,670 ROXAS HLDG 0.62 0.72 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 10,000 6,300 113 114.2 114.5 114.5 113 113 1,244,830 141,328,752 UNIV ROBINA VITARICH 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.54 0.52 0.54 170,000 88,460 3.51 3.64 3.55 3.55 3.55 3.55 1,000 3,550 VICTORIAS 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.92 859,000 794,340 CEMEX HLDG 0.85 0.86 0.85 0.88 0.84 0.85 1,310,000 1,127,150 EC VULCAN CORP 5.03 5.04 4.85 5.05 4.81 5.04 1,292,000 6,393,460 EEI CORP 3.15 3.17 3.2 3.2 3.15 3.15 120,000 378,520 MEGAWIDE 1.55 1.58 1.59 1.59 1.53 1.58 69,000 109,290 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 0.76 0.83 0.76 0.76 0.76 0.76 1,000 760 5.18 5.2 5.22 5.22 5.2 5.2 21,400 111,306 PRYCE CORP 14.8 15.3 15.3 15.3 15.3 15.3 400 6,120 CONCEPCION 0.445 0.45 0.46 0.47 0.45 0.45 56,860,000 26,156,300 GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR 3.65 3.7 3.72 3.74 3.7 3.7 148,000 549,820 1.32 1.33 1.37 1.37 1.33 1.33 1,914,000 2,605,030 IONICS 4.58 4.9 4.88 4.88 4.88 4.88 2,000 9,760 PANASONIC 2.17 2.2 2.17 2.21 2.17 2.17 844,000 1,843,360 SFA SEMICON 1.91 1.93 1.9 1.94 1.89 1.93 189,000 359,430 CIRTEK HLDG

-1,144,015 8,600 49,454,450 -439,422 7,759 53,658,320 603,454 84,980 -270,691 -1,348 -270,460.00 42,379,160 -78,000 -438,237 8,202,215 -768,924.50 583,400 -1,088,250 256,085 13,883,444 -323,700 -1,565,095 15,793.00 -6,030 -40,923,911 -373,860 339,180 -74,930 -3,060 -960,250 -200,080 -716,960 -435,440 -1,930

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A KEPPEL HLDG B LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER

-7,625,020 9,677,075 -3,300,745 -7,299,668 1,259,790 -17,468,608 -24,602,180 3,696,995 -8,800 -9,933,757 -1,707,230 -481,442 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

45 134.4 7.2 107.5 30.45 9.52 53.5 8.4 18.64 54.55 23.5 78.4 62.2 1.41 2.87 2.78 174.5 2,550

1.14 616 49.3 11.78 0.49 4.8 10.3 563.5 38.25 5.03 5.51 0.45 4.31 8.99 0.153 2.9 2.9 0.91 812.5 103 112.5

45.9 134.8 7.8 107.6 30.5 9.54 53.95 8.6 18.76 55 24 80 62.4 1.44 2.88 2.83 175 2,650

1.15 620 49.5 11.8 0.52 4.89 10.4 564 38.4 6.02 6.1 0.495 4.5 9 0.167 2.94 3.06 0.92 818 104 115.9

46 136 7.31 107.6 30.4 9.4 52.6 8.4 18.6 55 23.3 78.1 62.5 1.45 2.89 2.82 176.7 2,600

1.11 622 49.75 11.9 0.49 4.64 10.54 571 39 6 7.4 0.495 4.4 9.05 0.154 2.85 3.05 0.97 813 103.5 112.2

46 136 7.31 108.4 30.5 9.6 53.95 8.4 18.8 55 23.5 80 62.7 1.45 2.89 2.82 176.8 2,600

1.15 623 49.95 11.9 0.49 4.9 10.58 574 39 6.02 7.4 0.495 4.4 9.15 0.154 2.95 3.05 0.97 821.5 104 112.5

45.95 134.4 7.2 106.6 30.4 9.4 52.6 8.4 18.5 54.95 23.3 78.1 62.2 1.41 2.87 2.82 174.5 2,600

1.1 615.5 49.2 11.6 0.49 4.64 10.3 563 38.25 6 6 0.495 4.4 8.99 0.154 2.84 3.05 0.92 810 103 112

45.95 134.4 7.2 107.5 30.45 9.54 53.95 8.4 18.76 55 23.5 80 62.2 1.44 2.87 2.82 174.5 2,600

1.14 620 49.5 11.8 0.49 4.89 10.3 564 38.4 6.02 6.1 0.495 4.4 8.99 0.154 2.9 3.05 0.92 812.5 103 112.5

700 829,260 13,200 552,920 18,900 736,200 2,023,950 10,000 102,100 5,580 2,600 96,530 143,740 25,000 126,000 1,000 2,860 10

21,811,000 40,960 352,300 3,526,800 1,000,000 528,000 40,385,300 203,210 274,400 27,000 3,900 10,000 2,000 3,024,500 50,000 56,000 150,000 1,900,000 446,630 5,550 1,400

24,440,460 25,358,455 17,442,685 41,511,080 490,000 2,534,020 416,757,112 114,912,615 10,556,865 162,210 24,048 4,950 8,800 27,281,041 7,700 162,160 457,500 1,748,600 364,490,550 572,915 157,325

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.445 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 150,000 69,000 29.5 29.75 29.3 29.75 28.95 29.75 7,531,200 223,136,295 AYALA LAND 1.82 1.83 1.82 1.84 1.82 1.83 338,000 618,140 AYALA LAND LOG 8.84 9.47 9.49 9.49 9.49 9.49 2,100 19,929 ALTUS PROP 1.04 1.08 1.04 1.09 1.03 1.08 792,000 841,110 ARANETA PROP 32.95 33.05 33.15 33.2 32.9 33 257,200 8,494,795 AREIT RT A BROWN 0.67 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 21,000 14,700 0.73 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 1,000 750 CITYLAND DEVT 0.073 0.074 0.074 0.074 0.074 0.074 40,000 2,960 CROWN EQUITIES 2.53 2.54 2.59 2.59 2.54 2.54 157,000 400,170 CEB LANDMASTERS 0.32 0.325 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32 70,000 22,400 CENTURY PROP 2.54 2.55 2.54 2.55 2.54 2.54 312,000 792,880 CITICORE RT 6.92 7.02 7.05 7.05 6.9 6.9 301,700 2,093,401 DOUBLEDRAGON 1.27 1.28 1.3 1.3 1.27 1.28 3,944,000 5,054,920 DDMP RT 6.3 6.36 6.36 6.36 6.3 6.3 34,300 216,148 DM WENCESLAO 0.149 0.15 0.154 0.155 0.15 0.15 7,940,000 1,204,750 EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO 0.285 0.3 0.28 0.3 0.28 0.3 1,230,000 362,650 FILINVEST RT 2.99 3.03 3 3.01 2.99 2.99 1,150,000 3,450,010 FILINVEST LAND 0.62 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.62 0.63 1,335,000 830,710 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.79 0.86 0.79 0.86 0.79 0.86 3,000 2,440 790 810 810 810 810 810 10 8,100 GOLDEN MV 0.58 0.6 0.55 0.61 0.55 0.58 808,000 480,880 PHIL INFRADEV 0.78 0.8 0.78 0.8 0.78 0.8 113,000 88,720 CITY AND LAND 2.04 2.08 2.09 2.09 2.04 2.04 57,305,000 117,515,770 MEGAWORLD 0.191 0.192 0.194 0.194 0.188 0.192 4,560,000 879,910 MRC ALLIED 12.18 12.28 12.3 12.3 12.1 12.2 340,200 4,140,572 MREIT RT PHIL ESTATES 0.31 0.33 0.305 0.32 0.3 0.32 200,000 63,150 PREMIERE RT 1.53 1.55 1.54 1.55 1.53 1.55 48,000 74,050 4.78 4.87 4.91 4.91 4.78 4.78 1,795,000 8,658,570 RL COMM RT ROBINSONS LAND 14.64 14.94 14.96 14.98 14.64 14.64 4,711,100 68,998,850 ROCKWELL 1.4 1.44 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 12,000 16,560 3.5 3.58 3.58 3.58 3.58 3.58 10,000 35,800 SHANG PROP 3.08 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3.18 3,000 9,540 STA LUCIA LAND 31.2 31.3 31.7 31.95 31.2 31.2 6,126,200 193,045,220 SM PRIME HLDG 1.67 1.68 1.7 1.7 1.66 1.68 158,000 264,850 VISTA LAND 1.68 1.69 1.68 1.69 1.68 1.69 127,000 213,370 VISTAREIT RT SERVICES ABS CBN 3.95 4 4.07 4.07 3.96 4 44,000 177,490 8.32 8.34 8.35 8.37 8.31 8.32 226,800 1,892,575 GMA NETWORK 6 8.19 7.25 8.2 7.25 8.2 1,800 13,145 MLA BRDCASTING 1,799 1,809 1,792 1,815 1,792 1,799 59,780 107,614,615 GLOBE TELECOM 1,226 1,236 1,235 1,240 1,222 1,226 82,135 101,139,820 PLDT 0.016 0.017 0.017 0.017 0.015 0.016 571,000,000 9,139,000 APOLLO GLOBAL CONVERGE 9.98 9.99 10.36 10.4 9.98 9.98 6,522,200 65,941,490 DFNN INC 3.08 3.15 3.08 3.08 3.08 3.08 3,000 9,240 3.66 3.67 3.58 3.72 3.54 3.66 15,729,000 57,184,470 DITO CME HLDG IMPERIAL 0.7 0.76 0.75 0.75 0.69 0.69 20,000 14,080 1.36 1.38 1.4 1.43 1.35 1.36 1,973,000 2,732,810 NOW CORP 0.151 0.154 0.151 0.154 0.151 0.154 500,000 76,100 TRANSPACIFIC BR 14.82 15.44 15.46 15.46 15.46 15.46 1,300 20,098 ASIAN TERMINALS 1.28 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.28 1.33 166,000 218,020 CHELSEA 33.6 33.8 33.3 33.8 33.1 33.8 56,500 1,891,175 CEBU AIR 214.2 214.8 215 216.4 213.4 214.2 1,838,600 395,263,232 INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS 16.94 19.16 19.18 19.18 19.18 19.18 100 1,918 3.93 3.95 3.97 4.01 3.94 3.94 195,000 770,610 MACROASIA 0.51 0.59 0.51 0.51 0.51 0.51 28,000 14,280 METROALLIANCE A 5.2 5.28 5.28 5.28 5.28 5.28 2,600 13,728 PAL HLDG 0.77 0.78 0.73 0.78 0.73 0.78 45,000 33,850 HARBOR STAR 0.4 0.42 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 300,000 123,000 WATERFRONT 8.58 8.93 8.6 8.93 8.58 8.6 4,700 40,433 CENTRO ESCOLAR 555.5 589 570 570 570 570 4,220 2,405,400 FAR EASTERN U 0.415 0.42 0.415 0.42 0.41 0.415 1,030,000 428,500 STI HLDG 1.18 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 1.22 40,000 48,800 BELLE CORP BLOOMBERRY 10.02 10.08 10.26 10.32 10 10.02 4,281,600 43,173,688 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.75 3.82 3.79 4.04 3.75 3.75 2,416,000 9,457,300 PH RESORTS GRP 0.8 0.81 0.84 0.85 0.8 0.81 2,501,000 2,044,670 0.57 0.58 0.57 0.6 0.55 0.57 18,787,000 10,883,040 PREMIUM LEISURE DIGIPLUS 6.79 6.8 6.5 6.85 6.34 6.8 2,804,200 18,581,446 1.85 1.88 1.83 1.89 1.82 1.88 700,000 1,307,930 PHILWEB 0.18 0.183 0.183 0.183 0.178 0.183 3,440,000 618,690 ALLDAY 1.67 1.68 1.68 1.71 1.64 1.68 1,066,000 1,776,060 ALLHOME 1.17 1.19 1.17 1.19 1.16 1.17 305,000 355,880 METRO RETAIL 29.4 29.45 29.65 30 29.25 29.45 20,885,900 617,356,095 PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL 44.85 45 45.45 45.85 44.8 44.85 199,000 8,977,485 PHIL SEVEN CORP 76.1 79 76.1 76.1 76 76.1 3,190 242,470 2.85 2.86 2.93 2.93 2.86 2.86 797,000 2,292,900 SSI GROUP UPSON INTL CORP 1.64 1.7 1.74 1.74 1.63 1.64 117,000 193,770 WILCON DEPOT 22.1 22.4 22.1 22.4 21.8 22.4 4,025,200 89,847,350 0.23 0.241 0.237 0.242 0.23 0.241 60,000 14,240 APC GROUP 0.41 0.425 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.41 50,000 20,600 MEDILINES 1.05 1.17 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 45,000 48,600 PAXYS 0.197 0.199 0.195 0.199 0.195 0.199 660,000 129,080 PRMIERE HORIZON MINING & OIL ATOK 5.3 5.38 5 5.38 4.96 5.38 16,000 79,980 2.64 2.65 2.67 2.7 2.63 2.65 2,744,000 7,323,830 APEX MINING 3.33 3.44 3.39 3.39 3.33 3.33 1,764,000 5,890,530 ATLAS MINING 4.5 4.68 4.71 4.71 4.68 4.68 59,000 277,390 BENGUET A 4.36 4.63 4.47 4.64 4.47 4.64 2,000 9,110 BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK 3.11 3.2 3.19 3.2 3.19 3.2 100,000 319,500 FERRONICKEL 2.69 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.67 2.7 667,000 1,793,600 GEOGRACE 0.039 0.04 0.039 0.04 0.036 0.039 11,500,000 441,000 LEPANTO A 0.087 0.092 0.088 0.09 0.088 0.09 6,540,000 577,460 0.087 0.092 0.092 0.092 0.092 0.092 300,000 27,600 LEPANTO B 0.0045 0.0046 0.0046 0.0047 0.0046 0.0046 49,000,000 227,400 MANILA MINING A 0.98 1 0.97 1 0.97 1 498,000 493,160 MARCVENTURES 5.73 5.9 5.94 5.98 5.73 5.73 23,094,800 132,447,764 NICKEL ASIA 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.71 0.69 0.7 118,000 81,480 ORNTL PENINSULA 2.97 2.98 2.93 2.99 2.91 2.97 1,237,000 3,654,700 PX MINING SEMIRARA MINING 35.15 35.2 35.15 35.35 35.05 35.15 5,588,900 196,569,830 ENEX ENERGY 6 6.2 6.09 6.23 6.09 6.23 1,000 6,188 0.0087 0.0088 0.0086 0.0088 0.0085 0.0088 7,000,000 60,500 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0083 0.0085 0.0083 0.0084 0.0083 0.0084 11,000,000 92,200 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 3.46 3.52 3.68 3.68 3.45 3.52 411,000 1,442,620 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 93.55 95.95 96.7 96.7 93.1 93.5 16,300 1,527,130 1,030 1,035 1,030 1,030 1,030 1,030 10 10,300 ACEN PREF A 1,031 1,035 1,035 1,038 1,035 1,035 1,420 1,470,000 ACEN PREF B 2,450 2,468 2,466 2,468 2,450 2,468 3,190 7,858,240 AC PREF AR 498.6 499.8 499.6 499.6 499.6 499.6 180 89,928 AC PREF B1 97.5 99 99 99 99 99 1,010 99,990 BRN PREF A CEB PREF 33.25 33.5 33.2 33.5 33.2 33.5 17,200 575,240 DD PREF 90.6 91 92 92 91 91 82,580 7,545,940.50 EEI PREF B 96 98 98 98 98 98 200 19,600 990 995 990 990 990 990 500 495,000 GTCAP PREF A 920 925 921 921 920 920 60 55,210 JFC PREF B 90.1 93.9 93 94 93 94 240 22,360 MWIDE PREF 4 100.6 101 101 101 101 101 850 85,850 MWIDE PREF 5 29.55 33.4 33.95 34 33.95 34 300 10,190 PNX PREF 3B 253 264.8 254 264.8 252.8 264.8 240 60,948 PNX PREF 4 965 990 970 970 970 970 1,360 1,319,200 PCOR PREF 3A SMC PREF 2F 72.55 73.65 72.55 73 72.55 73 17,660 1,283,150 70.7 73.55 70.8 70.8 70.7 70.7 13,400 947,933 SMC PREF 2I 67.35 67.5 67.35 67.5 67.35 67.5 700 47,220 SMC PREF 2J 66.7 69 66.65 66.65 66.65 66.65 200 13,330 SMC PREF 2K 48.5 49 49.5 49.5 49 49 2,300 113,400 TECH PREF B2D

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS

TECH WARRANT

3.57 7.48

3.68 3.63 3.63 3.55 3.55 76,000 8.2 7.46 7.46 7.46 7.46 100

0.35

0.375

95,179,115 33,000 2,141,540 -119,380 127,378 266,900 9,000 -3,333,020 220,190 -8,100 -46,200 15,600 -28,385,480 -2,056,446 48,000 -3,918,940 -25,465,016 -8,793,550 -30,160 21,448,680 2,820,315 -3,700 -24,383,621 -1,053,880 285,300.00 45,300 26,600 -184,380.00 17,887,580 123,000.00 -8,600 -199,200 -24,738,732 388,260 316,090 498,527 -288,990 -84,240 -10,584,775 -771,775 -967,350 -90,210 15,645,940 54,860 319,500 -682,210 76,000 -59,611,159 10,350 1,036,840 -3,412,295 -67,200 -115,230 -89,928 -575,240 473,210 -

273,550 746

-39,050 -

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.45 0.46 0.45 0.455 310,000 141,300 0.82 0.82 0.78 0.78 25,000 19,700 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 1,000 920 1.54 1.54 1.54 1.54 8,000 12,320 0.061 0.061 0.061 0.061 30,000 1,830 1.17 1.18 1.16 1.17 537,000 627,970 0.235 0.235 0.233 0.233 140,000 32,640

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

98.8 99 98.6 98.7 2,020 199,536 59,274

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK KEPWEALTH LFM PROP MERRYMART XURPAS

FIRST METRO ETF

0.45 0.78 0.88 1.55 0.061 1.17 0.232 98.4

0.455 0.81 0.92 1.86 0.067 1.18 0.245 98.7

9,100 -

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance

Remolona sees ‘exciting’ opportunities via co-ops By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

DDRESSING oversight in functions between the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) can make cooperatives a powerful tool for growth and financial inclusion, according to the central bank. During the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Cooperative Oversight Arrangement between BSP and CDA last Wednesday, central bank Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said this will create “exciting” opportunities for the economy. This is mainly in the digital payments ecosystem given that 5,790 financial cooperatives are operating in 1,272 municipalities nationwide. This is expected to significantly contribute to the BSP’s financial inclusion efforts. “The opportunities are exciting, yet they also bring risks that need to be managed, somehow. So, we also need to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability and build consumer trust. The activities of these cooperatives as part of the national payment system must, therefore, be subject to the right regulation and oversight,” Remolona said. Through the agreement, cooperatives will become part of the national payment system. The National Payment Systems Act mandates the BSP to exercise oversight over all payment systems. BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan said in his speech last Wednesday that the agreement ensures that gaps and overlaps are minimized in terms of the BSP and CDAs supervision of cooperatives. Tangonan also said allowing cooperatives to offer InstaPay and PesoNet to their members will make cooperatives competitive with banks and e-money issuers.

“This collaboration is crucial in developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that considers the unique challenges and opportunities of others. This collaboration will result in regulations that are proportionate, relevant and futureproofed. The approach will also avoid regulatory arbitrage and enhance transparency and accountability in the financial sector,” Remolona said. CDA Chairman and Undersecretary Joseph B. Encabo told the BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the event the MOA will also help strengthen the payment system within cooperatives. The agreement will not just cover financial cooperatives but also those engaged in agriculture and other sectors across the country. Encabo said this will make transactions more accessible and make the movement of financial assets of cooperatives “more proper, viable and at the same time seamless.” “So, less transactions, better transactions, comfortable transactions for the cooperatives, that will give them more areas to allow them to grow and make better outputs for their cooperatives,” Encabo told this newspaper. In line with the BSP’s objective to promote financial inclusion, the Payments and Currency Management Sector (PCMS) has engaged with the CDA to initiate a cooperative oversight arrangement. The MOA sets out the mutually understood arrangement between the BSP and the CDA to exchange relevant information and to facilitate the discharge of respective regulatory responsibilities and statutory functions with the supervision or oversight of Covered Cooperatives. This will aid in promoting the dynamics and approach to how the BSP and CDA can work together to achieve an inclusive digital payment ecosystem with enhanced oversight.

Bayad Center renews partnership with RCBC By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

AYMENT-system operator CIS Bayad Center Inc. (Bayad) announced last Wednesday of having renewed a partnership with the Yuchengco family-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) for the use of the lender’s digital applications “Diskartech” and “ATM Go.” The value of the agreement was not disclosed either by CIS Bayad or RCBC. RCBC Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Angelito M. Villanueva said that by partnering with CIS Bayad, DiskarTech users can settle their bills for electric and water utilities and cable and Internet, among others, electronically. Villanueva added that the app users can also deposit funds and withdraw cash through CIS Bayad centers. CIS Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer was quoted in a statement as saying that the firm’s partnership with RCBC “is set to continuously amplify financial inclusion.” “Our goal has always been about enabling convenience and accessibility for our kababayans especially those in the underprivileged areas of the coun-

try,” Ferrer said. “With this, we are proactively expanding our biller network making payments for household bills and government contributions just at the fingertips of DiskarTech app users.” According to RCBC, its partnership with micro-sized, small-scale and medium-sized enterprises in low-income, rural and remote communities, allowed the lender to emerge as the only universal private bank to have 100-percent coverage by servicing all 82 provinces including “geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas” through the ATM Go app. Go users can perform a balance inquiry, withdraw and transfer funds by entering their ATM pin on a point-ofsale machine at any CIS Bayad branch. “For the past 26 years, [the CIS] Bayad has been committed to serving the Filipino people through easier outsourced payment and bills payment options,” Villanueva was quoted in the statement as saying. He added that executives of RCBC “stand for the same thing: making digital finance more accessible and easier for everyone.” “Through our renewed partnership, we are optimistic that we will further the financial inclusion goals of both RCBC and the Philippine government.”

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, October 19, 2023

DBP chief doesn’t see merger behind MIF’s IRR suspension

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas & Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

EVELOPMENT Bank of the Philippines (DBP) President Michael O. De Jesus said he does not see the indefinite suspension of the Maharlika Investment Fund’s (MIF) implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to be related with the proposed merger of the bank with the LBP of the Philippines (LBP).

“We do not,” De Jesus responded to the BusinessMirror’s query if the suspension of the MIF’s IRR to be part of the administration’s preparatory work for the proposed merger of the two banks, which is still pending to date. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin issued a memorandum, dated October 12, that ordered the suspen-

sion of the IRR of Republic Act (RA) 11954 (MIF Act of 2023). A copy of the memorandum released to the media last Wednesday was directed to Bureau of the Treasury Officer-in-Charge Sharon P. Almanza, LBP President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and to De Jesus. The three government entities were “directed” to “suspend the

implementation” of the MIF’S IRR “pending further study.” The memorandum did not elaborate why further study was needed. Nonetheless, it noted that the suspension was to be “immediate.”

Regulatory relief

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said last week it has not received an application for the merger of the two state-run banks. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/10/12/applicationon-lbp-dbp-merger-not-yet-withbsp/) Nonetheless, the BSP has confirmed that at least one of the government financial institutions has sought the approval of the Monetary Board for regulatory relief in connection with contributions for the capitalization of the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC). BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the regulatory relief is crucial since the LBP and DBP will be providing capitalization for the MIC. Earlier this week, the LBP said its capitalization as of the first half re-

mains more than adequate to cover its financial risks despite contributing to the country’s MIC. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/10/16/lbp-capitaladequate-even-with-investmentin-mic/) Rep. Ma. Jose Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda has said the request for regulatory relief by the LBP and the DBP from the BSP is a logical response to the evolving financial landscape of the Philippines. On September 14, the DBP remitted P25 billion to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), representing the bank’s share in the initial seed capital in the Philippines’s pioneering sovereign wealth fund. Under the law, the national government, the DBP and the LBP are mandated to provide the initial capital of the MIC, contributing P50 billion, P25 billion and P50 billion, respectively. The Maharlika Investment Fund Law was signed into law by President Marcos, Jr., on July 18, this year, with the implementing rules and regulations taking full effect on August 28, 2023.

‘DSWD unauthorized to give senior-citizen discount’ By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Supreme Court (SC) has declared invalid a provision in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2020) formulated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which exempts non-profit, stock golf and country clubs from giving 20-percent senior citizens discount. However, in a 13-page decision penned by Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez, the Court’s First Division clarified that only the sale of goods and services pertaining to the use of the clubs’ facilities and equipment is subject to the discount as mandated under Section 4 (a)(7) of RA 9994. The discounts apply to the use of golf carts and locker rentals. The said provision specifically states that “senior citizens shall be entitled to the grant of 20-percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if application, on the sale of the following goods and services from all estab-

lishments, for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of senior citizen.” The Court emphasized that Section 4(a)(7) does not apply to the payment of membership dues. The SC also pointed out that membership fees or dues do not involve the sale of a good or service. “Such [membership] fees are paid for the privilege of membership and not for the purchase of a good or service,” the High Tribunal said. The High Court also explained that Section 4(a)(7) does not give the DSWD the authority to come out with exceptions to the 20-percent senior citizens discount as what it did when it issued the assailed paragraph 2, Section 4, Article 7, Rule IV of the IRR of RA 9994. The said DSWD issuance states that “non-profit, stock golf and country clubs which are not open to the general public, and are private and for exclusive membership only as duly proven by their official Securities and Exchange (SEC) registration, are not mandated to give the 20-percent senior citizens discount.” “ W h i le we ag ree w it h t he

DS W D t h at t here a re ‘m at ters which are entrusted to the sound discretion of the government agency entrusted with the regulation of activities coming under the special and technical training and knowledge of such agency,’ and that ‘the exercise of administrative discretion is a policy decision and a matter that is best discharged by the government agency concerned and not by the courts,’ such discretion may only be exercised within the parameters prescribed by the delegating law, and RA 9994 does not contemplate the creation of blanket exemptions to the 20 percent senior citizen discount by mere administrative fiat,” the Court explained. “In view of the foregoing, the Court finds that the DSWD exceeded its delegated authority and the assailed IRR provision is an invalid administrative issuance. “Sec. 4(a)(7), RA 9994, refers to recreation centers and does not provide an exemption for non-profit, stock golf and country clubs nor does the law, otherwise, authorize the DSWD or any other administrative

agency to create such an exemption,” the High Tribunal added. The decision arose from a complaint filed by Carlos T. Santos Jr. before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) against the DSWD and Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club Inc. Santos, a member of Manila Southwoods, asked the RTC to invalidate Rule IV, Article 7, Section 4 (2) of the IRR of RA 9994. Santos claims this provision in the IRR is invalid for being contrary to the plain language of Section 4(a)(7) of RA 9994, which includes services in hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants, and recreation centers among the services covered by the discount. The RTC ruled in favor of Santos, declaring the assailed IRR provision invalid and ordering Manila Southwoods to grant Santos the senior citizen discount for the exclusive use, utilization and enjoyment or availment of the services of the club’s recreation centers. The DSWD and Manila Southwoods were thus prompted to go to the SC and seek the reversal of the RTC Decision.

Allianz PNB inks sales deal for HSBC Wealth’s clients

LLIANZ PNB Life Insurance Inc. announced last Wednesday it secured a contract with HSBC Investment and Insurance Brokerage Philippines Inc. (HSBC Wealth) for the exclusive distribution of life insurance products to the latter’s clientele in the Philippines for over the next decade. Allianz PNB Life said HSBC Wealth “enhanced” its distribution agreement with Allianz SE, which is the insurer’s Singapore

branch, “to become exclusive for 14 years.” “The partnership opens a wealth of possibilities, helping to meet the evolving needs of clients in the Philippines, by offering new and enhanced products, new digital tools and additional training and learning support to our staff,” read the statement Allianz PNB Life issued last Wednesday. Allianz PNB Life Joe Gross was quoted in the statement as saying

that the partnership would help the HSBC Group attain its “ambition to be the leading wealth manager in Asia.” Gross said they “look forward to exponential growth in reaching more customers.” “Through our dedicated team and digital tools, we will be able to offer more compelling protection and health product propositions and innovative customer experiences for affluent clients,” he added.

HSBC Wealth Vice Chairman Peter Faulhaber said they expect to “synergize” with Allianz PNB Life in terms of “product innovation, digital capabilities, and multi-channel access” that would benefit their customers. “We are happy to further strengthen our partnership with Allianz that will provide our customers with a wide range of products and services to meet their everyday needs,” Faulhaber said. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

IC: HMO Carehealth incapable of meeting needs of clients, must stop operation

HE Insurance Commission (IC) issued a cease and desist order against Carehealth Plus Systems International Inc. (Carehealth), stopping the health maintenance organization (HMO) from getting new clients as it was deemed to be incapable of meeting the needs of its current clientele. In a notice to the public, the IC said it has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) against Carehealth last October 10 after it found out that the HMO’s operations “unjustly caused

grave and irreparable injury to its clients” for failing to “comply with its contractual obligations. The IC explained that the CDO covers only the selling of HMO products and transacting of new HMO business. “[It] does not preclude the servicing of existing HMO contracts with members/clients and/or receipt of payments due from existing HMO contracts,” the IC’s notice read that was published on its website on Wednesday. The IC said it has a total of 66

pending complaints against Carehealth since the July advisory of the regulatory agency, encouraging the public to report concerns and issues with the HMO. The IC disclosed that some of the complaints it received came from government agencies that included the Office of the Solicitor General Provide Fund (OSGPF), Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff (OP-PMS) and the Department of Agrarian Reform Employees Association (DAREA) Regional Office X.

“ln its letter dated 29 September 2023, DAREA-Regional Office X is terminating the services of Carehealth due to your company’s ‘inability to cater [to] their needs,’“ the IC said. The OSGPF complained about the non-recognition of Carehealth’s Letters of Authority (LOA) with various healthcare providers as well as delayed action and/or inaction on LOA applications, according to the IC. The OSGPF also experienced delayed reimbursements and unclear

process of consultation or referrals, the IC added. “The OP-PMS shares the same predicament and found from its members that among others - outpatient laboratories cannot be done in hospitals; refusal of most hospitals in Metro Manila to accept Carehealth card; and difficulty in finding clinics and hospitals that still accept Carehealth,” the IC Explained. Carehealth has not yet responded to queries from the BusinessMirror as of press time.

Latest IC data showed that Carehealth’s total assets as of first half stood at P1.419 billion with its liabilities estimated at P1.352 billion. The HMO’s equities were at P67.2 million. IC data also showed that its revenues in the first half reached P119.143 million while its expenses were at P118.022 million, resulting in a net income of P1.120 million. During the six-month period, Carehealth recorded P49.536 million in healthcare benefits and claims, IC data showed. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

B4 Thursday, October 19, 2023

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Be wary of skin problems with MPH to boost expansion the coming ‘amihan’–expert plans, empowerment of nurses By Rory Visco Contributor

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

n addition to acquiring more hospitals in strategic locations in the country, Metro Pacific Health (MPH), the country’s largest private hospital group, is planning to venture into ambulatory care and home care. During a recent roundtable discussion with media, Dr. Harish Pillai, Group Chief Executive Officer of Metro Pacific Health, noted that more Filipinos are visiting outpatient clinics for their health needs. He added that the pandemic had also created a demand for homecare. “We have transformed ourselves into MPH and this is a signal to the community that we are going beyond hospitals. We are moving our focus from hospitals to healthcare overall and in a big way,” he said. Dr. Pillai related that MPH had gone “through a two-year remarkable journey” and that it has always been the dream of Manny Pangilinan, Metro Pacific Investment Corp., chairman, to “invest and build capacity and capability for his homeland, for his beloved Filipinos.” “MPH is a manifestation of Manny Pangilinan’s enduring dream of building capacity and capability for all Filipinos. In the health-care sector, he constantly reminds us that health care gives a sense of equity. As such, we always chase the three As in health care: affordability for all Filipinos; accessibility and assurance which is basically the minimum measure of the quality of care,” Dr. Pillai said.

Going abroad for treatment He added that Pangilinan noted a trend of Filipinos traveling abroad for high end procedures in neighboring countries like Singapore. “Through the health-care portfolio, he says that no Filipino will need to travel overseas for health care because the capacity and capability is in the country. So that’s something that constantly guides us like a North Star,” he said. Just recently, MPH acquired a majority stake in Antipolo Doctors Inc., the owner and operator of Antipolo Doctors Hospital (ADH). This brought to 22 the number of hospitals in MPH’s portfolio and is the group’s first foray into Rizal. Situated along Manuel L. Quezon Extension, Antipolo, Rizal, ADH is a Level 2-ready facility with 77 beds. Since its foundation in 1992 by an enterprising group of 11 doctor-founders, ADH has maintained a record of medical proficiency.

Dr. Harish Pillai, Group Chief Executive Officer, Metro Pacific Health

Dr. Annabelle Borromeo, Chief Nursing Officer, Metro Pacific Health

While primarily serving the healthcare needs of Antipolo City, the hospital’ reach spans various region in Rizal Province such as Taytay, Teresa and Angono, driven by a pool of over 200 doctors. “As part of due diligence, we look at locations in the country where there is a huge demand where we feel we can have hospitals in these areas and help them grow. We are also looking into partnering with local doctors, local communities moving forward so each and every project, in fact the entire 22 hospitals, and the turnaround has been quite significant,” Dr. Pillai said.

became a yearly event until it was decided to do a Mindanao wide regional run in 2022. “This year, MPH brought BOTN to the national stage in the first ever nationwide run with a series of hospital level events that have been running since May of this year and the last of which happened in September 27,” Dr. Borromeo explained. Some 500 students spread across 200 schools participated in the hospital-level runs. Apart from cash prizes, each student in the hospital level round received a P100,000 scholarship to fund their nursing studies. On October 30, BOT will culminate in the national championship with 12 schools. The second event is the Soledad Velez Pangilinan Nursing Excellence Award (SVP NEA), and the goal is to recognize outstanding nurses in three categories: Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice; Excellence in Nursing Leadership and Excellence in Nursing Education.

Focus on mergers He reiterated that MPH is currently focusing on mergers and acquisitions and that the group would only consider constructing its own hospital if it was a “viable opportunity.” “MPH has a very good track record of merger and acquisition projects. The advantage of brownfield projects or an existing project is the existing brand reputation, the existing infrastructure, existing access to clinical resources. Therefore, the turnaround results are quicker and that is our core competency,” Dr. Pillai explained. MPH also introduced during the roundtable discussion its transformative initiative called “Project Nightingale.” Dr. Annabelle Borromeo, MPH Chief Nursing Officer, said Project Nightingale “is our response to a pressing challenge in the healthcare landscape: the nursing shortage.” “This is not only a Philippine issue but a global one, impacting countries worldwide. This year, we are introducing an initiative that not only aims to address the challenge but more importantly, celebrates nursing excellence,” she said.

Empowering nurses With the aim of empowering Filipino nursing students and current nurses, the project is a three-part event happening on October 20 which coincides with National Nurses’ Week. The first is the national championship of the MPH Battle of the Nightingales (BOTN). The BOTN is an inter-nursing school quiz-based competition which started in 2017 with one MPH hospital, West Metro Medical Center and subsequently

Health care, patient advocate The award is named after Pangilinan’s mother who was a staunch supporter of the Philippine health-care system, advocating patient and family-centered care. “From 47 nominees across 18 MPH hospitals, 15 exceptional finalists have been identified and a distinguished jury, renowned nursing, and health leaders, will determine the winners in each category. The winners will be announced on October 20 in a grand event celebrating their achievements and their commitment to embody the heart of Filipino health care,” she said. The third event is the Metro Pacific Health Healthcare Expo which will “showcase MPH hospitals as institutions of health care and as great places to grow and nurture nursing careers.” Dr. Borromeo added that the expo is MPH’s way of showing its support for future nurses who will take the Nursing Licensure Exam in November. “In conclusion, Project Nightingale is a celebration, a commitment, and an empowerment tool. It’s about ensuring that the heart of Filipino health care is stronger than ever, resonating in the lives of our nurses and the patients they serve,” Dr. Borromeo said.

HE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomic Services Administration (PAGASA) declared several days ago that the Philippines’ southwest monsoon or “habagat” season is finally over, and in the course of the coming weeks, the country will feel the onset of the “amihan” or northeast monsoon season, where the prevailing temperature will be much colder. This is indeed a welcome respite from the sweltering heat that comes with the country’s generally tropical climate. However, the cooler weather doesn’t mean that it can’t bother us, particularly those who are prone to certain skin problems.

Skin ailments ACCORDING to Dr. Marjorie Lalaine Salazar of the Philippine Association of Primary Skin Health Physicians Inc. (PAPSHPI), a skin health physician and aesthetic doctor, the “amihan” season, with its cooler temperature and increased wind speed, can cause various skin problems. “During this season, Filipinos can expect more frequent occurrence of dry skin or ‘xerosis,’ which is the abnormally dry skin or membranes, ‘eczema,’ those itchy, dry, reddish lesions on the skin, and a flare up of ‘psoriasis,’ a chronic skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the body,” according to Dr. Salazar in an email interview with BusinessMirror. And since the amihan season coincides with the El Niño weather phenomenon, Dr. Salazar said this will also affect the skin in many ways. Since the amihan season brings dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis, the El Niño will bring in skin afflictions such as increase in rosacea, dermatitis, scabies, psoriasis, and “papular urticaria” or “hives,” which are large numbers of very itchy red bumps or “papules” that can come and go from days to about a month. When asked about typical solutions that Filipinos can use to prevent the onset of skin problems during “amihan,” Dr. Salazar offered some tips that can help combat the drier air and strong winds that can lead to the skin’s moisture loss that eventually results to dry, flaky or irritated skin. One thing that can help, and which the Philippines has in abundance of, is coconut oil. “Coconut oil is rich in nourishing fatty acids that can moisturize dry skin and reduce flakiness. It also contains lauric acid that has an anti-inflammatory effect and can help soothe and calm irritated skin in eczema. Its medium-chain fatty acid, on

iscussion on dengue as a public health concern must be on top of conversation among Filipinos, according to a recent forum on dengue titled “Addressing the Mosquito in the Room.” Organized by RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group (RAN-BCG) and was supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH), the health forum was attended by representatives from local government units, health-care associations, patient organization and Japanese health-care companies including Hi-Eisai, Kao Corporation, Taisho and Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (THPI). “We consider dengue [to be] an international concern, and we are one with the Philippines in your fight against dengue infections,” said Nihei Daisuke, Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. “I would also like to acknowledge Takeda [Healthcare Philippines], Inc. for actively promoting dengue awareness. I have seen the critical trials of the intervention that you developed, and its efficacy based on

the results of your research [is] highly praised.” The dengue forum came at the right time to revitalize discussion on dengue and establish a robust platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the dengue situation in the country. It delved deep into the state of dengue in the country, its far-reaching impact, and current and future prevention and control initiatives.

cussed hospitalization costs and complications. He mentioned that the Philippine Health Corp. (PhilHealth) provides approximately P10,000 for conditions like hemorrhaging, but patient bills can significantly soar to P50,000 or more, depending on required monitoring, blood transfusions, and complications.

Dengue burden

According to the DOH, the fight against dengue is anchored on five essential pillars: surveillance and preparedness, accurate diagnosis and case management, vector management or mosquito control, health education and advocacy, and outbreak response and preventative interventions. These pillars work in harmony to combat the disease and ensure a healthier future free from the threat of dengue. “DOH is actively collaborating with the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health to update their Clinical Practice Guidelines [CPG]. We anticipate the final CPG to be released by the end of the year,” noted Dr. Kim Tejano, Medical Officer IV, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.

Angelica Garcia, Supervising Health Program Officer at the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau, said that dengue is a disease endemic to the Philippines, with cases rising especially during the rainy season. Notably, 70 percent of annual cases affect those aged 0 to19, and 56 percent of deaths occur among those aged nine and below. Dengue with warning signs is the typical presentation, and Dengue 1, among four different strains of the virus, is the most common strain detected via PCR. Meanwhile, the financial impact of dengue on patients and their families is significant. Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, President of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, dis-

Collaboration

Don’t believe in ‘sabi-sabi’ LASTLY, Dr. Salazar warned Filipinos not to rely on sourcing information or solutions to their skin problems by consulting with neighbors, relatives, or even those who post information over the internet. Doing this is a common practice among Filipinos, but is definitely not advisable, she said. “Skin conditions vary widely, and what may work for one person may not be appropriate for another. Usually when patients come to skin care professionals after consulting with their friends first, they have already applied several topical medications that have actually aggravated their condition and prolonged their healing. This makes them spend twice or more than they should have for their treatments. For these reasons, I advise they should seek help and recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional for their skin problems.”

MakatiMed fights heart diseases with new, expanded Heart Station

Japanese government supports PHL fight W vs dengue, an international concern By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes | Contributor

the other hand, can also form a protective barrier on the skin to help it retain moisture and prevent loss of the skin’s natural oils,” Dr. Salazar, who is also the aesthetic director of Elyse Aesthetics, an aesthetic clinic that specializes in providing noninvasive cosmetic treatments, explained. Petroleum jelly is also an affordable solution, according to Dr. Salazar, especially as a lip balm, cuticle conditioner or as a moisturizer on rough areas in the body like the knees and elbows. She also advised people to use moisturizers immediately after they shower in order to reduce the likelihood of water (or trans-epidermal water) loss and help seal the skin’s barrier. It also penetrates skin more effectively and makes the moisturizer work better. “People can also use fragrance-free moisturizers if they have sensitive skin, limit the use of hot water and harsh soaps for it can strip the skin of its natural oil, and avoid picking and scratching the skin.” Dr. Salazar also recommended, whenever possible, the use of an indoor humidifier as it can replenish moisture in the air and thus prevent the skin from becoming overly dry. However, it is still unfortunate that many Filipinos don’t know or are largely unaware of which doctor or specialist to go to for consultations on skin problems. Dr. Salazar recommended that people can go to skin care experts such as dermatologists and skin health physicians who possess specialized knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating various skin issues. “Consulting with them ensures a proper assessment, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plan,” Dr. Salazar pointed out.

ith cardiovascular diseases still the leading cause of death among Filipinos, the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) is stepping up the fight against heart problems with the opening of its Cardiac Diagnostic Laboratory Heart Station, also known as the Heart Station, at a new and upgraded location. The new facility was launched under the guidance of MakatiMed’s Institute of Cardiovascular Learning and Care, which is dedicated to crafting personalized care for cardiovascular patients. The Heart Station, headed by cardiology consultant Dr. Benjamin N. Alimurung, now provides an enhanced space which includes a new cardiopulmonary exercise test machine that assesses one’s exercise capacity and investigates symptoms like shortness of breath. It also dedicates a child-friendly room for pediatric echocardiogram procedures to help identify congenital conditions and other possible abnormalities among kids. With its improved capacity, the Heart Station can now accommodate more patients for routine and life-saving diagnostic procedures like treadmill stress tests, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms to help in the diagnosis of heart conditions and evaluation of their overall heart health. All procedures at the lab are administered by a highly capable and well-trained team of

seasoned physicians, technologists, therapists, nurses, and support personnel. Each test is supervised by a board-certified cardiologist to maintain precision in results and ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care. MakatiMed Co-President and CEO and Medical Director Dr. Saturnino P. Javier emphasized that the new Heart Station is a manifestation of the hospital’s commitment to strengthen the capabilities of its Cardiology Department. “The new improvements for the Cardiac Diagnostic Laboratory-Heart Station mean a noticeable increase in our capability to serve more patients with quality healthcare,” says Dr. Javier. “It’s hard to overstate how important this is—for many cardiovascular diseases, catching things early makes a huge difference.” “The technology and the standard of care may always be evolving, but one thing that won’t change is our dedication to offering quality care and service,” adds Dr. Javier. “It’s a new and exciting chapter for MakatiMed that we can’t wait to share with our patients.” The MakatiMed Cardiac Diagnostic Laboratory Heart Station is now located at 1st Floor, Tower 1, near the Ayala North Exchange Bridgeway. For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Thursday, October 19, 2023

Go ahead and indulge in self care My Free Space A space of sparks lights a thought. A myriad of colors ushers a breath. A nugget of truth binds a whole. For freedom gifts my space my soul.

T’S been a while since I have done any artwork/ poetry. Time flew a little faster for me this 2023. Before I knew it, I was entering the fourth quarter... feeling both blessed and “blasted”. There had been a lot to be grateful for—but also many blasts of painful events that I am not sure if I have fully digested and accepted. As parents, we truly are the first nurturers and teachers of our children. Our children “absorb” our actions more than our words. And with actions come more our feelings and fears that we exude, and which in my experience I know my children feel. Thus, I constantly push myself and all parents to make time for us to reflect and enrich. This allows us to have a full and meaningful cup when we parent our children. I have shared in part columns and talks about my own term called “i-Parent.” I remind parents that we are an “i” first before we became parents. Our “i” bears equal requirement of nurture from us, understanding from our core people and space to always grow. This allows us to be happy “givers” to our family and our environment. Before things get truly busy this Christmas, I thought it best to spend the next few columns in providing tools for reflecting on how we have been these past three months, so we should find stronger

GREATNESS OF GARLIC IN THE NEW GREAT GARLIC ROAST

WHETHER it’s roasted, sautéed or even used raw, garlic undoubtedly has an unforgettable and versatile flavor that adds depth and aroma to many of our dishes. While its taste is rich as is, it can be further enhanced with the wonderful combination of other herbs and spices to make a dish truly mouthwatering and enjoyable to eat. Kenny Rogers Roasters is highlighting the irresistible aroma, depth and complexity of garlic flavor as it introduces its newest offering that’s both healthy and extremely flavorful: The Great Garlic Roast. Available in all Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurants starting October 16, 2023, customers can enjoy their beloved roasted chicken that’s uniquely seasoned in a special blend of herbs and spices for an enriched garlic flavor. The crisp, golden-brown skin is bursting with bold flavors and topped with roasted garlic cloves and bits for that extra garlic kick. For customers who want to enjoy it solo, there’s The Great Garlic Roast Solo B (P305) consisting of quarter roast chicken marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices, served with two side dishes including the new Roasted Garlic Carrots, one (1) rice, one Great Garlic Sauce, and the signature corn muffin. For those looking for a hearty and scrumptious meal, The Great Garlic Burger Steak (P305) is the perfect choice. The plate offers Kenny Rogers Roaster’s signature 1/3 pound beef patty poured with The Great Garlic Sauce and topped with roasted garlic cloves. It’s also served with two side dishes including the new Roasted Garlic Carrots, one rice, and the signature corn muffin. Kenny Rogers Roasters’ new delicious goodies and all-time favorites are available for dine-in, take-out or delivery through www.kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph or via Grab Food and Food Panda.

fuel for the next “ber” months. As much as there was so much uncertainty during the pandemic, each one of us are climbing out of it in our own way. The reality of inflation, varying recoveries across industries, and new health issues arising can be overwhelming. I have a friend who up to now has not recovered from her sense of smell and taste after getting sick from Covid. There are people who suddenly lost loved ones post-pandemic as after-effects of the pandemic. Not to mention the different struggles and adjustments of families on how to augment one’s living expenses. With all the peripherals, it made us feel like our “i” should be the last thing on our to-do list. In Melissa Bernstein’s book, Practice Makes Purpose, she shares: “It turns out that we are locked in autopilot, so entrenched in the day-to-day responsibilities of life that we never to stop to ask ourselves: Who am I? How do I feel? What brings me joy? What gives my life purpose?” Let’s start by looking back at the last three months or even since the beginning of 2023. Try to list down your top five good things/experiences in separate pieces of paper. Fold each and put them in your most favorite container or vase in your house. Then make it a habit that whenever a good thing happens, you write it on a piece of paper and fill the vase. The good thing can be your online delivery arriving earlier than expected, or your children getting a great report card. Whatever it is, it reminds us of how many things are worth celebrating. I learned this from a dear friend, Joanna, during the pandemic. Then pick up a notebook or create a note on your phone and start making a list of what caused you pain, or stressed you out in the past months. Then you can write affirmations like: “Thank you, [God or life], that I overcame.” This hopefully “empties” our cup to give room towards our future quarter...enough room for self-care. In describing self-care, the book says, “We know that how we feel on the inside is reflected in how we look on the outside, and the opposite is true as well: when we take care of our physical needs and feel confident in our appearance, we get a boost in happiness and self-esteem. Positive feels for our body can foster confidence and motivate us to take better care of our body and our mind. So, don’t think about self-care as indulgent; shift your mindset to view it as the foundation for your mental and emotional well-being.” I like how she talks about self-care for the four branches of our well-being: Vitalize (physical),

Ground (mental), Connect (emotional) and Blossom (spiritual). I was able to start my self-care journey by enjoying a quiet night along the Chicago river, and visiting two of my most favorite “havens”: a Church and a museum. I was able to walk at my own pace looking through nice masterpieces from Monet and Klimt. Then I decided to find a spot and spent hours on one floor of the museum emptying my thoughts through words and art. The image and poetry above are the fruits of

my self-care exercise. There is truly a lot that we are facing in each of our lives. Your family, like mine, might still be going through deep grief. There are a million upcoming things to do at home, work and our community. I truly believe we can face the next quarter with a surprising lightness in our stride and in our hearts with a few moments of self-care! Next week, we will focus on self-care for our body and mind. n

WORLD STROKE ORGANIZATION (WSO) ANGELS AWARDS RECOGNIZES TOP HOSPITAL WITH HIGHEST HONOR Consistently at the forefront of stroke treatment and management, top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) was recognized with a Diamond Status by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) Angels Awards for Q2 2023. This highest honor is given to a hospital that meets the stringent criteria of stroke care set by the WSO. Among the quarterly measures met by MakatiMed as stated by the WSO are: 75 percent of ischemic stroke patients treated within the door-to-needle time, 50 percent of ischemic stroke patients treated within the door-to-groin time, 90 percent of all suspected stroke patients undergoing CT/ MRI imaging and procedure, and stroke patients treated in a dedicated stroke unit or intensive care unit during their hospital stay. With the Diamond Status, MakatiMed has surpassed its achievements as a healthcare facility for superior stroke care. Since the third quarter of 2019, the hospital has claimed seven Gold Awards and two Platinum Awards from WSO. MakatiMed was also recently certified by the Stroke Society of the Philippines (SSP) as an accredited Acute Stroke Ready Hospital for its efficient, time-critical response to stroke patients. Valid until April 30, 2028, the Tier 3 certification grants MakatiMed access to

priority training and guidance from SSP’s committee. In turn, the hospital can continue to upgrade its staff’s knowledge and skills with the latest approaches to time-critical stroke care. Mortality from stroke in the last 10 years remains high with an average of 63,804 deaths per year, says a report from the Department of Health. Owing perhaps to limited access to

emergency healthcare at the height of Covid-19 lockdowns, deaths due to stroke in the Philippines in 2021 was 68,180—3,799 more than the 64,381 recorded in 2020. In MakatiMed, 100 stroke patients were received and treated in a period of a month and a half. Thanks to support from the hospital’s administrators and guidelines set by the WSO Angels Initiative, MakatiMed has made

great strides in expediting its treatment of stroke, so much so that “the minute a patient arrives at the emergency room, we should have already done all our evaluation and given the medicine within 60 minutes,” says Perez-Santiago. “And there’s definitely more interaction between the different specialties,” notes neurologist Dr. Anna Marie Sage-Nolido of MakatiMed’s multidisciplinary approach to treating stroke. With the departments of radiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, rehabilitation, pathology, pharmacy, neurosurgery, and psychiatry on board, responses to a stroke patient’s needs are faster and better. “More than anything, we have committed healthcare workers. We conduct trainings and undergo training ourselves. We are also open to changes and improving what we know,” says Alvarez. Ultimately, the goal is to save as many lives and discharge patients with as little neurological deficits as possible—by collaborating with other hospitals. “We’re hoping for MakatiMed to be a center for stroke,” says Sage-Nolido. “Hospitals with no capacity to give tPA can refer their patients to us and we can provide them with the immediate treatment they need.”

Teen’s death in a small town led FBI and police to online sexual extortion scheme WASHINGTON—Last year, a teenager in a small Michigan town killed himself after an online chat turned to demands that he pay money to keep intimate photos secret. He was one of dozens of people targeted online by two men extradited from Nigeria to face charges, FBI director Christopher Wray said on Saturday. The arrests came after the FBI joined with police in Michigan to investigate the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay, one thousands of American teenagers targeted in a sharp rise in online “sextortion” cases in recent years. “They will face charges in the US for what they did to Jordan, but also unfortunately, a whole bunch of other young men and teenage boys,” Wray said in an interview with The Associated Press. “You’re talking

CLOCKWISE: My most recent artwork/ poetry, titled My Free Space; the crucifix at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois; the night skyline across the Chicago River.

about a crime that doesn’t respect borders. We make sure our partnerships don’t have any borders either.” Wray highlighted the case in a speech to the International Association of Chiefs of Police about the ways the agency assists police in tackling violent crime, fentanyl and gangs. In a year where tensions between Congress and the FBI have run high at times, Wray focused on the agency’s relationships with US police departments large and small, including some 6,000 task force officers around the country. “The threats that we face collectively around the country are incredibly daunting,” he said. “By far and away, the most effective means of tackling those threats is teamwork.” After DeMay’s death in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the FBI joined

the investigation by the sheriff’s department in Marquette County and state police. DeMay had thought he was chatting with a girl on Instagram about his own age, and the conversation quickly turned to a request for explicit pictures, authorities said. B ut once he shared images of himself, the talk changed to demands for money in exchange for the other side not sending the images to DeMay’s family and friends. When the teenager could not pay, the person on the other end pushed DeMay to kill himself, authorities said. DeMay had never been talking with a girl, according to the FBI, which said that on the other end were two brothers from Nigeria using a hacked Instagram account. They researched him online,

using details about his friends and family to target their threats. They also tried to contact more than 100 people the same way, authorities said. The pair, Samuel Ogoshi and Samson Ogoshi of Lagos, Nigeria, have pleaded not guilty. Samuel Ogoshi’s lawyer declined to comment. Samson Ogoshi’s lawyer did not immediately return a message seeking comment. T he FBI has seen a tenfold increase in “sextortion” cases since 2021. A least 3,000 children and teenagers have been targeted, and more than a dozen have killed themselves. Many schemes are believed to be originating with scammers based in African countries such as Nigeria and the Ivory Coast. Most victims are between age 14 and 17, but kids as young as 10 have been targeted. AP

THE Philippines’ top hospital, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), leads in stroke treatment and management.

B6 Thursday, October 19, 2023

Three institutions work together to Empower Flipinas on International Day of the Girl

ROUND the world, girls are leading the charge for change: breaking glass ceilings in various fields, professions and challenging perceptions about what is possible for them. Recognizing this, Beiersdorf Philippines, Watsons, and Plan International Pilipinas collaborated to string together a series of initiatives to create sustainable pathways that will allow young women to realize their full potential, unhindred by the biases and barriers that have long held girls and women back. These initiatives were carried out in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl (IDG). Held annually on October 11, IDG is a powerful occasion to bring the world’s attention to the realities and lived experiences of girls and young women. To mark IDG, all three organizations have joined hands for the “BraveHER, BoldHER, & StrongHER: Redefining Girls’ Power to Take Charge, Break Barriers, and Thrive” event. This event serves as a platform to foster discussions about girl’s rights and gender equality, with a particular focus on equitable and quality health services, as well as career empowerment to increase their economic resilience Bringing together Nimisha Jain Country Manager Beiersdorf Philippines,

Cathy Seco of Executive Director Plan International Pilipinas, and Sharon Decapia, AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability of Watsons in one panel became an opportunity to open a genuine dialogue and prompt first-hand discussions about the importance of advancing girls' rights, including their right to equal opportunities, celebrating their achievements, and raising awareness about the challenges they face. “We care beyond skin for an inclusive society and aim to foster social cohesion. From the get-go, our efforts are grounded in our goal of providing inclusive education, promoting protective environments, and fostering skills development in girls. Every initiative is a reflection of our commitment. And the progress of these young girls showcases the impact of our collective effort,” says Nimisha Jain. The invaluable participation of Punlaan scholars and youth advocates from Plan International Pilipinas also provided valuable insights into what it's like to be a girl in today's world and their shared hopes for a gender-equal society, where they are treated as experts in their own experiences, as agents of change, and as equal partners. But more than joining hearts and minds for a conversation, the event also provided a chance for all partners to express their

commitment towards supporting girls and young women in the country. Beiersdorf is setting their sights high with an ambitious target: to make a positive impact on the lives of 300,000 people in total by 2023 through the Empowering Girls projects. To achieve this Beiersdorf has set up programs that offer quality, inclusive education, promote protective environment and strenghten health services, an ideal environment for girls and young women to thrive. To demonstrate this commitment, Beiersdorf Philippines' formal declaration of support for Filipina girls, aligns seamlessly with Beiersdorf’s global commitment, which kickstarted in 2020 and is set to continue until 2025. Additionally, the company is turning over donating PhP1M to Punlaan School's Pharmacist Scholars, providing young women and girls with a better chance to realize their dreams of becoming pharmacists. To generate the funds, Beiersdorf dedicated a portion of all NIVEA sales made at Watsons stores from July 15 to August 31, 2023. Plan International, a development, humanitarian, child and youth-girlcentered organization working in the Philippines since 1961, adopts a lifecycle and gender-transformative approach to economic empowerment.

BEIERSDORF executives turn over their P1 million donation to Watsons Philippines and Punlaan School on International Day of the Girl. The donation will benefit Punlaan School’s pharmacist scholars.

Hilton Manila Celebrates Five Years of Exceptional Hospitality

ILTON Manila, nestled in the heart of the Newport World Resorts’ complex, is marking its fifth anniversary on October 25, 2023. Since its opening, the hotel has consistently delivered outstanding service and memorable dining experiences, earning its reputation as a symbol of elegance and hospitality. In honor of this significant milestone, Hilton Manila is introducing its new E-Store, accessible through the EatDrinkHilton website. This virtual haven invites guests to explore a world of culinary delights and exclusive vouchers with just a click, enhancing their overall experience.

To celebrate this occasion, Hilton Manila is offering special room rate vouchers at P5,555 nett for stays on October 15 and 25, 2023, providing a luxurious staycation opportunity without the hefty price tag. Additionally, guests making a minimum purchase of P2,000 during the E-Store launch will receive a P500 voucher, valid for one year and redeemable on their next EatDrinkHilton E-Store purchase. On October 25th, guests can enjoy a 50 percent discount on Kusina Sea Kitchens’ Dinner Buffet and Hua Yuan’s unlimited authentic Yum Cha at Hilton Manila’s signature Shanghainese restaurant for one day only.

INDULGE in a buffet featuring Filipino, Indian, Western, and global cuisines, showcasing the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings at Kusina Sea Kitchens.

In addition to these offerings, Hilton Manila invites guests to savor a diverse culinary experience throughout October: Kusina Sea Kitchens: Indulge in a buffet featuring Filipino, Indian, Western, and global cuisines, showcasing the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings. Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise: Enjoy lively Chinese entertainment and Unlimited Yum Cha for Sunday lunch. Madison Lounge and Bar: Delight in an assortment of anniversary cakes, including the exquisite avocado cake, available both at the lounge and the E-Store. Experience High Tea with unlimited prosecco and a variety of sweet and savory treats for P2,500++, offered every Friday and Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Freestyle Pool Bar: Unleash your inner mixologist during the unique cocktail-making experience on Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Craft your own signature cocktails for P650++ per drink. Reflecting on this milestone, General Manager John Lucas expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled to celebrate five years of exceptional service and extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed patrons. It has been our privilege to introduce new and captivating experiences for our cherished guests to enjoy.” Join Hilton Manila in celebrating five years of exceptional hospitality and embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories through these special anniversary offerings. For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 2 7239 7788, email MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com, or visit Hilton Manila. Stay updated by following @hiltonmanila on Facebook and Instagram.

NEW VARIANT. Colgate recently launched the NEW Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast. The new variant contains Level Up Whiteners that whiten teeth in two weeks, giving Filipinos the confidence to shine during spotlight moments. Present during the launch were, from left, Anish Agarwal, Senior Director-Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive Phils.; Catherine Lee, Director-HR, Colgate-Palmolive Phils.; Atty. Rexy Garcia, Senior Legal Director, Colgate-Palmolive Phils.; Kunal Chadha, Senior Director-Customer Development Colgate-Palmolive Phils.; Gabbi Garcia, Colgate Ambassador; Francine Diaz, Colgate Ambassador; Angel Qi, SVP, General Manager, Colgate -Palmolive Philippines; Christine Veloira, Colgate Ambassador; and Nica Marquez-Whang - Director, Marketing, Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive ,Philippines

AstraZeneca pushes ambition to have its medicine for patients treated for lung cancer by 2030

STRAZENECA advances its lung cancer portfolio and pipeline at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), held in Singapore last September 2023. More than 40 abstracts featured eight approved and potential new medicines from AstraZeneca, including results from studies of innovative therapeutic options, such as targeted therapies for common mutations in lung cancer, including EGFR and HER2, as well as antibodydrug conjugates (ADCs) in combination with immunotherapy. At AstraZeneca, we are advancing our commitment to increase lung cancer screening and timely diagnosis and bring treatment to earlier lung cancer settings. This includes thinking differently about the underlying biology of lung cancer, from early stages, where we aim to help patients live longer and cancer-free, to late stages, where we look to meaningfully extend survival. Ti Hwei How, Vice President, International Oncology & Market Access, AstraZeneca, said: “Our new data is a significant step forward in shaping the future of lung cancer and provide compelling evidence for the potential role of our diverse pipeline of therapies in improving outcomes for patients at various stages of the disease.” Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancerrelated deaths globally, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths in 2020. Environmental factors, including air pollution, aggravated by climate change, may also play a role in the development of lung cancer globally. The diverse disease epidemiology worldwide requires a differentiated treatment approach. In Asia, an increasing number of non-smokers are diagnosed with lung cancer, especially young women. Additionally, the prevalence of well-characterised genomic drivers is different compared to Western populations. Asian

populations have higher rates of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and lower rates of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) mutations. Dr. Arthur Lui, Medical Oncologist specializing in thoracic malignancies from Metro Davao Medical and Research Center, said: “Differentiated approaches are needed to account for the diverse patient profile across our region. This includes targeting the appropriate population for screening, ensuring patients have access to innovative targeted therapies, and addressing environmental pollution that is increasing the burden of lung cancer.” AstraZeneca is committed to addressing some of the biggest healthcare challenges facing humankind and improving the lives of billions of people. Collaboration in the scientific community is critical to improving outcomes for patients. AstraZeneca collaborates with key stakeholders and decision-makers to ensure innovative solutions can reach patients, no matter where they live. By leveraging the latest technologies and insights, AstraZeneca is dedicated to providing new options for patients and clinicians that allow them the opportunity to achieve improved survival. Supporting our ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death, AstraZeneca is investing in early screening, which is essential to early detection and reducing lung cancer mortality. Published in 2023, a first-of-its-kind consensus paper for the Asian population was developed by the Lung Ambition Alliance to provide recommendations on lung cancer screening in Asia.7 AstraZeneca is a founding member of the Lung Ambition Alliance, a global coalition working to accelerate innovation and deliver meaningful improvements for people with lung cancer, including and beyond treatment.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Launches DILG’s BIDA Video

THE DILG and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls have partnered to showcase BIDA advertisements in Megaworld Theaters and Malls. In the photo are, from left to right, Megaworld MOSD - Special Projects, Head of Partnership and External Relations Joy Melitante; Lucky Chinatown Deputy General Manager Sharlene Maglaque; Lucky Chinatown General Manager Nori Mizoguchi; Arcovia City General Manager Kux Quiogue; Uptown Bonifacio General Manager Camille Elvina; DILG Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr.; AVP for Megaworld and Cluster General Manager for Lucky Chinatown, Forbes Town, Arcovia City, and San Lorenzo Place Mark. Sta. Ana; and Megaworld AVP and Cluster General Manager of Eastwood City and McKinley Hill Tyrone Tan.

EGAWORLD Lifestyle Malls, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), announced the launch of the BIDA program video at Hotel Lucky Chinatown last October 13, 2023. Last May, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and DILG signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a collaborative effort to create a positive impact on the community’s well-being through the BIDA program. The program aims to educate, engage, and mobilize communities in the fight against drug abuse through the dissemination of accurate information and awareness on drug abuse. As part of the lifestyle mall developer’s commitment to aid in spreading the program’s cause, the BIDA video will be featured

prominently in Megaworld Cinemas, which sees an average of over 2,000 viewers daily. The video will also be featured on the LED boards across Megaworld’s properties. “We are thrilled to collaborate with DILG for the BIDA program. By showcasing the BIDA video at our cinemas and LED boards, we hope to aid in creating clean communities and inspire our patrons to be part of the solution. Together, we can make a significant difference in our country,” shared Megaworld Lifestyle Malls cluster general manager, Mark Sta. Ana. For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/megaworldlifestylemalls), Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@megaworldlifestylemalls).

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PBBM confers Sikatuna Award on Dutch seed grower, EWS founder

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Is Pres. Marcos Jr. ready to face ‘wolves’ in Asean-GCC Summit?

HE HAGUE—The Chief Executive has recognized the key roles of a Dutchman for broadening and boosting linkages between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently bestowed the “Order of the Sikatuna, with the Rank of Officer (Maginoo)” on Simon Groot: founder and honorary chair of the East-West Seed (EWS)—one of the world’s biggest tropical-seed firms founded in the Philippines. The citation of the award stated that it was conferred on Groot “for his steadfast efforts in promoting [Philippine-Netherlands] economic cooperation through the creation of opportunities for Filipinos; and for his outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture and for dedication in his mission to break the vicious cycle of poverty and help Filipino farmers prosper through diversification into high-value crops.” On behalf of President Marcos Jr., the special recognition was presented to the EWS stalwart by Philippine envoy to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya on October 4, 2023 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of PhilippinesNetherlands Business Council. The group is headed by former ambassador of the European nation to the Philippines Saskia De Lang.

In his acceptance speech, Groot said: “This recognition is very close to my heart, because I have grown to be a close friend of the Philippines. But the mission is not done yet. We need to create more opportunities for farmers, including the young generation, and develop better seeds.” Through the Dutchman’s vision and innovative leadership, EWS had its first research and breeding program in the Philippines in 1982, in partnership with Filipino seed trader Benito M. Domingo and with the support of Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. It started in a 5-hectare farm in Lipa, Batangas where they produce high-yielding varieties of local crops which are resistant to diseases. A team of breeders from the Netherlands’ Wageningen University and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños started hybrid vegetable varieties. EWS expanded from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to India, China, Africa and South America, and now has over 3,500 employees worldwide and with global headquarters in Enkhuizen in the Netherlands and Bangkok. It has 10 seed-processing facilities in seven countries,

P AMBASSADOR J. Eduardo Malaya and Simon Groot

and 18 research-and-development centers in six countries—including three in the Philippines: in Bukidnon, as well as in San Juan and Lipa in Batangas, where its first-ever experimental farm—the Hortanova— is located (https://www.eastwestseed. com/). During the conferment ceremony, Malaya recalled Groot’s visit to The Hague in February 2022, where the latter acknowledged the Philippines and his Filipino collaborators for the EWS’ early success and phenomenal growth: “I am the greatest fan of the Philippines in Holland; if there is any need for support, I’m happy to help.” “The Philippines is well pleased that [its greatest Dutch fan], who has dedicated his life to raising the productivity and incomes of farmers in the country and beyond—ensuring that Filipinos and other peoples have nutritious and affordable vegetables every day on their tables—is

receiving this high honor,” the ambassador added. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban endorsed the award to the Office of the President. Groot is among the few European individuals to be conferred with the diplomatic decoration, and the first Dutch private citizen to be accorded such. He is also a recipient of the World Food Prize Laureate in 2019 awarded by the World Food Prize Foundation in the Iowa State Capitol—the equivalent of the “Nobel Prize” in the field of agriculture. The Order of Sikatuna is an esteemed order of diplomatic merit awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines, or who have significantly contributed to fostering stronger relations with their country.

EU, Asean launch ‘Green Diplomacy Weeks’ with fun run, walk, cycling event in Jakarta

AKARTA—Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Asean Sujiro Seam, Deputy SecretaryGeneral of Asean for Socio-Cultural Community Ekkaphab Phanthavong and the Ambassador-Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to Asean Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana officially launched the start of the “EU-Asean Green Diplomacy Weeks” on October 15 in Jakarta, Indonesia. More than 300 officials from Asean, the EU and its memberstates, youth, and people with special needs marked the occasion with a symbolic ride, run, and walk along the route of Jalan Sudirman to Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan City in Jakarta. The event marked the start of the first region-wide activities for the Green Diplomacy Weeks 2023. EU delegations across the region are hosting a series of events in Asean member-states until October 22. The series of events will provide a platform for Asean youths to actively engage in green transition efforts such as interactive discussions

AMBASSADOR to Asean Sujiro Seam flags off at start point.

on climate-change issues, online competitions, workshops on waste segregation and plastic recycling, upcycling, a “young climate heroes” campaign, biodiversity and wildlife education. “The EU is committed to supporting our partners in their respective green transitions, including Asean,” said Seam. “This event shows our commitment to continue working together with [the

region] toward a greener future. It is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made; and to encourage individuals, communities and organizations to take stronger action in future: to protect, preserve and restore our environment, for now and for future generations.” “I am confident… this event will enhance Asean-EU collaboration, and particularly encourage the public

and youth to step-up and take bolder climate action for the betterment of Asean and the sustainable planet,” said Phanthavong. “I…invite everyone to take this opportunity to reflect, engage, and motivate others to join in climate action to ensure a sustainable and resilient Asean community.” For her part, Quintana—who is also country coordinator for AseanEU Dialogue Relations, shared that “climate action is one of the Philippines’s priorities as country coordinator for Asean-EU Dialogue Relations. Climate action and environmental sustainability are also central to Asean’s priorities. Each one of us has the ability to make a significant impact on the environment through our own individual actions and steps, and also by inspiring others to follow suit.” First introduced to the public in 2019 as “Climate Diplomacy Weeks,” the event has become an annual gathering of EU delegations and embassies of member-states around the world to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change.

‘North of the Ordinary’: Norway’s design flair finds its way to Manila

NSPIRED by its rugged terrain, Norwegian design can find its distinct characteristic through its fluid connection with nature and its subtle design features that combine form and function. According to its embassy in Manila, Norwegian lifestyle design reflects the Scandinavian nation’s egalitarian society, similar to its neighbors, but with close connections with nature and sustainability. It revealed that some of its iconic

buildings share similar design elements to familiar architectural icons in the Philippines, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines designed by the National Artist for Architecture Leandro V. Locsin, and the Oslo Opera House designed by world-renowned design firm Snøhetta. Norwegian design shares values that are also rooted to home, simplicity, and kos, which can be loosely described as “a cozy, warm like a cup of coffee in

the morning, or keeping warm on a rainy day.” “From sustainable seafood to leading the electric vehicle industry, we hope to spark inspiration where nature meets minimalism,” said Ambassador Christian Halaas Lysster. “Norway is the ‘North of the Ordinary,’ with a strong foundation and sustainability in mind.” The event trained spotlights on FilNorwegian crooner Hillari and Michelin chef Daniel Vergara, who was able to put up a successful food business in Oslo.

AMBASSADOR Christian Halaas Lyster FB: EMBASSY OF NORWAY

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to fly to Riyadh for the first-ever summit between the Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) this Friday, October 20. If not for the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Asean-GCC Summit would have been a happy tête-à-tête party for 16 heads of state from Southeast and West Asia. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu told Palace reporters in a Monday briefing that leaders from the region and the Gulf States would likely tackle “regional and international developments,” including those in the Middle East. “We have to remember that these countries are not exactly, directly involved in the conflict…so probably the discussion will dwell on generalities,” Espiritu said. While it’s true that GCC countries composed of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman are not involved in the conflict, the ongoing war will probably be, at the very least, the “elephant in the room” in their exchanges. Palestinians are mostly Muslims, and images of their brothers and sisters—especially women and children who were affected—will definitely strike a chord among Islamic communities worldwide. In Asean, 240 million—or around 42 percent—are of the same faith. So, it is quite concerning for me when I learned that President Marcos Jr. would attend the summit, even though it is just for a day. Which begs the question: Are we sending him into a “den of wolves?”

PBBM statement

TWO days after Hamas militants held airstrikes and infiltration into Southern Israel last October 7, Marcos Jr. made a quite strong statement supporting the “Holy Land.” Then, after meeting Israeli envoy Ilan Fluss, he assured that the Philippines “will always stand with Israel in this war against the inhuman terrorist attacks by Hamas.” Some diplomats confided that “PBBM’s” statement was “very weak,” considering that the Hamas group is not even a state. “It was an unspeakable terrorist attack against Israeli civilians,” one told me. “And we can’t even call it such.” (Israel, the source reminded me, was one of those who first helped the Philippine military by providing armored personnel carriers with remote machine-gun systems on a turret. Those APCs, he said, saved the lives of the gunners and killed many ISISaffiliated Maute fighters.) Another diplomat thought, though, that it was wrong for PBBM to even make a statement: “We should have

maintained our policy of strategic silence in dealing with the Israel-Palestine conflict. We have thousands more migrant workers in the Arab countries than those in Israel.” Given that, if the conflict in Gaza spreads to the other parts of the Middle East, he said that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may be subjected to undue attacks from Muslims who would associate our countrymen as pro-Israelis.

Asean in GCC

ASIDE from the Philippines, two other countries in Asean have supported Israel: Singapore and Thailand. Singaporean Law and Home Affairs minister K. Shanmugan strongly condemned the attacks against Israel: “We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned.” To him, “it is possible to deplore how the Palestinians have been treated over the years. It is possible to deeply sympathize with the plight of the Palestinians, and yet still unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks carried out in Israel.” Thailand, on one hand, suffered the greatest number of casualties from the Hamas strikes at 20: 12 workers killed, and eight injured. The government is taking a “neutral” position, despite 11 Thai nationals still being held captive. So President Marcos Jr. may not be the only pro-Israel leader who will attend the summit, but he needs to “tread very lightly,” as any word or comment might raise eyebrows from leaders of any of the GCC or other Asean Muslim-dominated countries. It would also help if other agencies, or even former presidents, can keep their lips sealed on the very delicate topic of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Arab diplomacy

WHETHER the President likes it or not…whether he would feel awkward or not, he has no choice but to attend this party. Arab diplomacy is personal diplomacy. State-to-state relations are often influenced by personal ties with the Arab leaders. It would be a good time for PBMM to befriend GCC leaders. After all, we have almost 2 million Filipinos working in those countries. Any mishap involving OFWs—especially those in death row—a phone call from a friend to another might help. If the Chief Executive has inherited his parents’ charm or gravitas, he could also strike deals for the country’s oil supply. But it’s actually unfair to expect that he would perform such a miracle. My expectations are low. The minimum, from my end, is for him not to be attacked by “angry wolves.”

Taiwan sends ‘love’ to the Philippines

AST October 7, the international organization “Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF)” held its first-ever sponsorship activity in the Philippines at the Mount Sea Resort in Rosario Cavite. TFCF’s Philippine branch has been providing assistance to children and families in need since 2019 through various programs such as tutoring classes, scholarships, early-childhood development, vocational training, and more. TFCF Phils.’ valued stakeholders and representatives, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, and Taiwan Association Inc.-Phils attended the event, as 25 sponsored children and their

guardians had the chance to meet and interact with their sponsors for the first time. It was aided by local nongovernment organizations such as the Gems Heart Outreach Foundation, as well as the Families and Children for Empowerment and Development. The day was filled with fun and excitement, as attendees participated in ice-braking, and teambuilding activities, plus exchanged gifts. TFCF invited young kids to showcase their talents and interact with others as the youth program-members performed. It believes that by giving the youth the avenues to step on the stage and interact with others, they can be confident to pursue their dreams.

All PHL para athletes accounted for in Hangzhou games–CdM Rosario

ITH the exception of one judoka who was left at home due to illness, all 72 national para athletes who will see action in the Hangzhou 4th Asian Para Games are accounted for, according to chef de mission Ral Rosario. “We had one judoka who got sick and was unable to make it here, but other than that all of the other 72 athletes are here,” said Rosario as he met the second batch of the Philippine contingent last Tuesday afternoon at the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. The batch is composed of 57 athletes and officials in archery, judo, powerlifting and table tennis, along with para swimmer Ernie Gawilan, a triple gold medalist in the 2018 3rd Jakarta Para Games, and veteran power lifter Adeline Dumapong. Also arriving late Monday night from Jakarta was chess player Jasper Rom, who won a gold each in the men’s standard team and rapid events five years ago in Jakarta. A former national swimming standout, Rosario said that except for the cool weather in the evening as autumn sets in “all our athletes are adjusting quite well and settling in as they gear for their respective events” in the trip supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. He also praised the Hangzhou Asian Para Games organizers “for being very helpful and accommodating in meeting our needs and requests,” adding that Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo was scheduled to arrive Thursday from Manila. The men’s wheelchair basketball team, meanwhile, breaks the ice for Team Philippines against host China no less at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium Thursday. The Filipino cagers, who will make their debut in the continental meet,

take to the floor against the Chinese at 4:15 p.m., with coach Vernon Perea bent on stifling the reputed lethal outside shooting of their hosts in opening Group A action. “If we can defend well against the outside shooting of the Chinese, we may have a chance against them. But admittedly it will be a hard and tough match for us,” said the bespectacled coach of the challenges they face. The Pilipinas Warriors, as the wheelchair squad is known, earned their trip here after finishing third in the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation AsiaOceania Championships last May in Suphanburi, Thailand behind Kuwait and Thailand. This success was followed by the team securing a pair of silvers in the men’s 3x3 and 5x5 competitions of the Cambodia ASEAN Para Games a month later. In the build-up to the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, Perea’s charges captured the bronze medal in the Yutaka Nakamura Asian Dream Cup International Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Japan last July. Perea bared that they wound up in a tough group that also includes Iran, Thailand, Afghanistan in the outing backed by the Philippine Sports Commission. He bared on the eve of the opening match that the team’s morale was be high after they won a tuneup match with the Taiwanese 42-36 Wednesday morning before the meet takes a two-day break. Without revealing their total game plan, Perea said that “we can connect with our inside passes because I believe that our players can battle the Chinese on even terms in and around the basket.” The Pilipinas Warriors play the Afghans on Friday before the tournament takes a two-day respite for the opening on Sunday.

Sports BusinessMirror

That thing called NIL, put in branding, too L

INCOLN, Nebraska— Harper Murray puts on her Adidas volleyball shoes when she practices or plays in a match for Nebraska,

ATIONAL University (NU) blasted away at University of the East (UE), 68-49, for its third straight victory in University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men’s basketball action at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday. The Bulldogs took a stroll in the first two quarters before accelerating in the final half where they made the Red Warriors eat dust on their way to posting a second-best 5-1 won-lost card. “I’m at least 40 percent satisfied on their performance,” said NU head coach Jeff Napa, who adjusted on defense in the second hald. “We gave up 21 points in the first quarter right away and we sent a wrong message, so we addressed that.” Gambian center Omar John and Jake Figueroa had 12 points and 10 rebounds each, while PJ Palacielo added 12 points for NU. The Red Warriors are reeling from earlier losses to Adamson University and Ateneo and dropped to 2-4 at sixth spot. Nobody from the UE side scored in double figures with Nigerian big man Precious Momowei struggled from the field on 3 of 15 for eight points but grabbed 12 rebounds with two blocks.    The Red Warriors’ guard Gjerard Wilson is out for the rest of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in practice. “We need to buckle down in practice for out game on Saturday against Adamson [University], we just cannot relax against coach Nash [Racela],” Napa said. The Red Warriors were ahead by two after the first quarter but the Bulldogs held them to only four points while making 12 for a 31-25 lead at the half.

NU again fortified its defense as UE went scoreless in the first six minutes of the third period to build a 53-36 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The Red Warriors managed only 28 points in the last three quarters. Later on Thursday, Far Eastern University (FEU) rallied past Adamson University for a low-scoring affair, 49-46, victory. L-Jay Gonzales led FEU anew with 13 points and nine rebounds while Patrick Sleat had 10 points as their team improved to a 2-4 card.

Michelle Yeoh elected IOC member

UMBAI, India—Oscarwinning actor Michelle Yeoh was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) despite some “no” votes from her new colleagues. Eight new IOC members were voted in to make a total of 107 drawn from royal families, sports officials, current and former athletes, and leaders from politics and industry. After being summoned to the lectern by Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, the longest serving IOC member at 39 years, Yeoh read the 104-word oath while holding a corner of the Olympic flag—white with five colored rings. “I promise to fight against all forms of discrimination and dedicate myself in all circumstances

UNIVERSITY of Nebraska volleyball player Harper Murray poses with her Avoli, (right) and Adidas (left) shoes on the school campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. AP

to promote the interests of IOC and Olympic Movement,” Yeoh said to complete the oath. Like the other new recruits, Yeoh was presented with a golden medallion by IOC president Thomas Bach. Member duties at annual IOC meetings include approving recommended candidates as future Olympic hosts. In Paris next year, they could also be asked to change Olympic rules to allow Bach to seek a third term as president in 2025 beyond the current 12-year limit. Yeoh, who has ties to the United Nations representing her home

one of the top teams in the country. It’s not necessarily the brand she would choose—it’s because the German company is her school’s official supplier and athletes, coaches and staff are required to wear its products. Texas’s Reilly Heinrich and Virginia’s Ashley Le wear Nikes because their schools are under contract with the shoe giant. Heinrich actually wears basketball shoes bearing the familiar swoosh because she says they fit better than Nike’s volleyball shoes. All three also are brand ambassadors for a new volleyball shoe brand, Avoli, which they promote on social media platforms as part of their name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation deals with the startup based in Portland, Oregon, also the hometown of Nike. The three can tout Avoli all they want, but it is highly unlikely they will ever wear the brand when they actually represent their schools in competition—a familiar and seemingly immovable hurdle for athletes in many college sports. While they now have the freedom to earn money from NIL endorsements, they remain beholden to terms of apparel contracts paying millions to their schools and nothing to them. Adidas, for example, will give Nebraska $4.85 million in cash and

over $6 million in product this year, the seventh in an 11-year contract with a total value of $128 million. Murray, the No. 1 high school recruit last year and already one of the top players for the nation’s second-ranked team, said she accepts she must wear Adidas as part of playing for the Cornhuskers. “I think if I had the option to wear another shoe, I’d 100 percent pick Avoli,” she said. “Obviously, that’s not really an option.” It should be, according to Ramogi Huma, the executive director of the advocacy group College Athletes Players Association. He said college athletes should be able to wear shoes of their choice. Limiting athletes to the brand with which their school is affiliated creates two problems, he said. First, it prevents athletes from achieving their full NIL earning potential because they can’t wear the shoes in competition, when they get the most attention. Second, an athlete’s performance could be compromised if the shoe she’s wearing doesn’t fit properly. “It’s a health and safety issue,” Huma said. “If your foot is being squeezed, that’s a problem. Look at volleyball players. A lot of them are tall, and they may have wider feet than the average person. Everybody is made differently.” Footwear is an issue in any

sport, Le said, but the movements associated with volleyball make it critical to have the right fit. “Volleyball is one of the most jumping-related sports,” she said. “The shoe—especially with ankle stability and the ability to move laterally and vertically without feeling in danger of hurting yourself—is very important.” It would be rare for a college athlete to wear a shoe other than the school sponsor’s brand. For example, the Adidas contract with Nebraska says if an athlete experiences injury, pain or discomfort serious enough to affect performance, Adidas will be given an opportunity to remedy the problem. If the problem persists, the athlete can wear another brand but its logo must be covered. Nike contracts have similar language. Typically, an independent physician must verify the athlete’s need for an exception. Missouri in 2021 considered but did not pass an amendment to its NIL state law that would have allowed athletes to wear shoes of their choice in mandatory team activities. New Mexico passed a bill last year giving athletes freedom to choose their shoes but that language was removed during the 2023 session—state Senator Antonio Maestas, one of the original bill’s co-sponsors, said he did not know how that happened. AP

Manila Chooks! stuns world No. 3 Antwerp

OMAR JOHN has 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

hursday, October 19, 2023 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

THE second batch of athletes to the Fourth Asian Para Games pose with chef de mission Ral Rosario (in dark shirt) upon arrival at the Hangzhou airport Tuesday.

Bulldogs start cold, but finish strong to rout UE Warriors

B8 | T

ANILA Chooks! carved out a stunning 14-12 overtime victory over world No. 3 Antwerp TOPdesk of Belgium in the Level 9 FIBA 3x3 EXPO Al Bidda Park Challenger in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. The country’s No. 7 3x3 player Paul Desiderio nailed what initially appeared to be the game winner as the former University of the Philippines star’s deuce was reduced to a point after the referee declared he stepped on the two-point line. But that was anticlimactic for the fancied Belgians. Desiderio found a cutting Tosh Sesay inside for the backbreaking bucket in front of a horde of overseas Filipino workers, who cheered their hearts out after the team’s gutsy triumph. Chooks-to-Go Vice President Mel Macasaquit lauded the efforts shown by Manila Chooks! and pointed to their teamwork as the key in the big win. “Beating top-tier teams like world No. 12 Futian of China and taking down world No. 3 Antwerp of Belgium is a testament to the hard work that our players and coaches are putting in every day,” Macasaquit said. “Chemistry is finally clicking and their pride to play for the country was evident in how they refused to give up.” Tosh Sesay had seven points and 12 rebounds for Manila Chooks!, while Dennis Santos, the fourth-ranked 3x3 cager in the country, chipped in four points and five rebounds. Marcus Hammonds and Desiderio combined for five points for the Filipinos.

World No. 9 Dennis Donkor led Antwerp TOPdesk with six points and two rebounds, while Mohamed Kherrazi contributed three points.

Teng joins dad Alvin’s SMB team

PAUL DESIDERIO gets adrenalin from the Filipino crowd.

country Malaysia, was elected in a 67-9 vote by secret ballot. Her membership comes in the same year as her Oscar win for best actress in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” She also is an international campaigner for road safety in partnership with her husband, Jean Todt, the former head of the Ferrari team in Formula One racing. He also previously served as president of FIA, the governing body of motorsports. The only unanimous vote Tuesday was the 76-0 result for Cecilia Tait, a three-time Olympian in volleyball and a former congresswoman from Peru. Tait helped Peru win a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The first Israeli to win an Olympic medal, Yael Arad, also was elected Tuesday, 71-5. Now

president of the Israeli Olympic committee, she won silver in judo at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Other new members include Hungarian government sports executive Balázs Fürjes, German sports official Michael Mronz and Tunisian lawyer Mehrez Boussayene. Two recently elected presidents of governing bodies in Olympic sports also got membership: Petra Sörling of Sweden from table tennis and Kim Jae-youl of South Korea from the International Skating Union. IOC members are nominally volunteers but can receive $7,000 each year for administrative costs. They are entitled to receive $450 each day they are at meetings, plus on travel days. AP

AN MIGUEL Beer signed free agent Jeron Teng to a twoyear contract on Wednesday morning, according to player agent Danny Espiritu. Teng, 29, and son of former San Miguel Beer power forward Alvin Teng, will be in uniform when the Beermen play NLEX in their Philippine Basketball Association Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup debut on November 17. The PBA opens its new season on November 5. “Everybody wanted to have an opportunity to play for San Miguel Beer, one of the most popular teams in the PBA,” Espiritu said. “Jeron got that opportunity and both camps are happy as they look forward to this upcoming season.” “His dad Alvin was once a Beermen that’s why it’s good for both sides,” Espiritu added. Alvin Teng, a 6-foot-4 power forward, played for San Miguel Beer from 1986 to 1994 and was part of the 1989 grand slam team under coach Norman Black. San Miguel Beer team manager Gee Abanilla said they are satisfied with Teng’s acquisition. “It’s great to have a two-way player like Jeron Teng who is very versatile,” Abanilla said. “Jeron is a big 3 so if we like to play big, we can use him.” Teng was picked fifth by defunct Alaska in the 2017 rookie draft and was absorbed by Converge after buying the Aces franchise in February last year. Under Converge’s Aldin Ayo last season, Teng averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Josef Ramos