BusinessMirror October 20, 2021 by BusinessMirror

PHL Asia’s leading beach, dive site anew By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

HE Philippines has been recognized anew as Asia’s leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination. “We are elated that the country’s pristine beaches and mesmerizing dive spots have once again been cited as the best in Asia by the prestigious 2021 World Travel Awards [WTA],” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat. “We share this recognition with our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and all Filipinos who have been helping us promote our country’s attractions, products, and culture,” she added.

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This is the Philippines’s fifth time to win Asia’s Leading Beach Destination and the third time in a row to win the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination award. The Philippines is also running in the categories of World’s Leading Beach Destination 2021 and World’s Leading Dive Destination 2021. Other destinations also looking for the thumbs up are Siargao, for World’s Leading Island Destination 2021; Intramuros, for World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2021; while the DOT is running under the category World’s Leading Tourist Board 2021. Voting for the world categories is ongoing until midnight of October 25, 2021 at https://bit.ly/3BYSkEU. The DOT chief said the awards “will

boost our efforts to keep the Philippines as a top-of-mind destination for foreign tourists as we await the resumption of international leisure travel to the country, consistent with our ‘More Fun Awaits’ global campaign.”

Vaccinating tourism workers She cited some of the country’s top beach destinations, for instance, like Boracay in Aklan, Siargao in Surigao del Norte, and El Nido and Amanpulo in Palawan, have already opened to domestic tourists and are ready to welcome foreign tourists once international borders reopen. As such, the DOT, with the help of the National Task Force against Covid-19, are helping fast-track the vaccination of tourism workers in key destinations

in the country. This is to help prepare them not just for domestic tourism, but for the eventual easing of travel restrictions for international tourists. As of October 15, about 65.53 percent, or 276,248 of 421,559 targeted tourism workers in the country, have received their Covid-19 jabs. Romulo Puyat said, “We are constantly identifying potential destinations that may be developed for dive tourism.” Top div ing spots in the countr y include the Tubbataha Reefs Natura l Park in Pa lawan, A nilao in Batangas, Ma lapascua and Moalboal in Cebu, Balicasag, Panglao and A nda in Bohol, and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. See “Beach,” A2

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PHL’S GLOBAL PENSION INDEX RANKING DROPS By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HE decline in the country’s economic growth has caused the Philippines to further decline in its ranking in Mercer’s Global Pension Index 2021. Based on the report, the Philippines ranked 41st out of 43 economies included in the index. In 2020, the country ranked 36th out of 39 economies. Mercer said the Philippines retained its D-grade with an overall index value of 42.7, a slight drop from its rating of 43 in 2020. “[The slight drop in its Index value was] primarily due to a fall in the country’s real economic growth rate. For each sub-index, the Philippines scored highest

A CHRISTMAS village theme is displayed outside a hotel in Manila, October 19, 2021. Filipinos are hoping Christmas 2021 will be different from the previous year’s with the easing of travel restrictions and social gathering norms. NONIE REYES By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@Tyronepiad

HE digital economy of the Philippines may reach P5 trillion by 2030 but it needs to address roadblocks to fully take advantage of the opportunities, a global strategy and economic advisory firm said. See “Digital,” A2

for sustainability [at] 52.5 which was more than the Asia average at 48.1, followed by adequacy [at] 38.9 and integrity [at] 35, which improved 0.2 points from 34.8 in 2020,” Mercer said in a statement. Mercer data showed the Philippines is ranked 19th globally for the sustainability sub-index, which measures the likelihood of the system’s ability to provide benefits in the future. It ranked 41st for adequacy, which considers how the countr y’s system is designed to provide adequate retirement benefits. However, the Philippines ranked the lowest in the world for the integrity sub-index, where factors affecting the See “Pension,” A2

PHL lifts import ban on Brazilian beef products By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Philippines has lifted its temporary import ban on Bra zi l i a n beef a nd cattle-der ived products after Brasilia proved to Manila that the risks of importing the meat products from the Latin American country are “negligible.” Brazil has been temporarily

Dar: “There is satisfactory evidence to show that the risk of importation of cattle and its related commodities is negligible and Brazil maintains to be officially recognized by OIE with negligible BSE risk status.”

banned from exporting beef and cattle products to the Philippines since last month due to a confirmed outbreak of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or commonly known as mad cow disease. The lifting of the ban came a few days after Agriculture Secretar y William D. Dar said that the government has no plans yet to scrap the import ban on

Brazilian beef. The Department of Agriculture (DA) issued Memorandum Order (MO) 65, Series of 2021 on October 18 that authorized the lifting of the temporary ban on the importation of live cattle, meat and meat products derived from cattle from Brazil. Dar,whosignedtheMO,explained See “Beef,” A9

PESO exchange rates n US 50.8070 n japan 0.4445 n UK 69.7631 n HK 6.5323 n CHINA 7.9023 n singapore 37.6627 n australia 37.6531 n EU 59.0022 n SAUDI arabia 13.5460 Source: BSP (19 October 2021)

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

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Udenna insists Malampaya deal legal, as citizens sue Cusi, firm By Lenie Lectura @llectura

DENNA Corp. (UC) of Davao businessman Dennis Uy maintained that the deal it sealed with a Chevron subsidiary that has a 45-percent stake in the Malampaya gas field is fair and above board. “At this juncture, we maintain that the acquisition of UC Malampaya Phils. Pte.,Ltd. [UCMP] of the shares of Chevron Philippines in Chevron Malampaya LLC is within the parameters of the law,” said Udenna spokesman Atty. Raymond Zorilla. He issued a statement following reports that Uy, Udenna officials and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi face graft charges before the Ombudsman over alleged anomalies in the deal. “We have yet to receive the supposed complaint filed against Udenna officials before the Office of the Ombudsman and have learned about it only through media reports. At the proper time and venue, we w ill address all allegations raised against the company to prove that everything is done aboveboard,” he said. The DOE, for its part, described

Pension. . .

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the graft allegations against Secretary Cusi as purely political harassment. “ The Department could not but suspect that political motivation may be behind the reported complaint as DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi is also the incumbent President of the ruling party PDP-Laban headed by President Rodrigo Duterte,” said the agency on Tuesday evening. Two of the alleged complainants are Filipino-Americans who were reportedly identified with the “Oust Duterte” movement in the United States. “Clearly, this is harassment, but it comes with the territory, so we will just address it at the proper forum where it was filed. “I have no doubt the truth will vindicate me and the innocent people dragged into this purported action obviously filed for the singular purpose of political propaganda. “Those who reportedly filed this unwarranted action want to present themselves as patriots when the truth is they are not even residing in the country. They would want to dictate government policy while living comfortably abroad. I say let them come here, so they can be within reach of our justice system when

citizens’ confidence level in the retirement system are considered. “Although there was a slight increase in the integrity score this year, there is

we get to establish that they are guilty of perjury,” Cusi stressed. The DOE chief said he would answer all allegations in the proper venue after formal receipt of the complaint.

Deal OK’d in April

The DOE approved in April the sale and transfer of Chevron Malampaya LLC’s entire 45-percent stake in the Malampaya gas consortium to UC Malampaya Pte. Ltd. owned by Uy. The sale, finalized in March last year, is worth $565 million. Senate Energy Committee Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian found clear violation on DOE’s part for approving the Chevron-Udenna deal despite “insufficient foundation” of legal basis to do so. “To be honest about it, what I am getting here is that you legitimized an illegitimate transaction. [It’s as if] this transaction is not qualified [but you insisted on making it] qualified and legitimized it. That was a clear violation in the transaction. So, why despite the violation, [did] your department approve this transaction?” Gatchalian asked DOE officials at a recent hearing. The DOE’s Energy Resource Development Bureau—the group that assessed

still room for improvement. The voluntary direct compensation scheme needs to be reinforced and reinvigorated, while the government has to start looking at

Chevron’s transfer of its stakes to UC Malampaya—almost did not go through evaluating UC Malampaya technically because the transaction involved only the sale of shares and the second party remains to be the same company with the same set of employees and technical experts. The DOE officials even presented the technical and legal aspects of UC Malampaya, which suddenly changed the name to UC38 when it needed to be financially evaluated. “You evaluated the technical and legal aspects of UC Malampaya [but when it came to the] financial aspect, it became UC38. Because UC Malampaya did not hurdle the financial evaluation,” said Gatchalian. “I’m discouraged by the fact that you admitted that there is insufficient foundation for legal basis, yet you pursued the recommendation and ultimately the DOE secretary approved it. Such an important asset was sold to a company that, based on your findings, is unqualified,” said Gatchalian. DOE officials noted that Chevron Malampaya LLC initially said that a review of the transfer of the shares of its parent company Chevron Philippines Ltd. to UC Malampaya Philippines Pte. Ltd. was not necessary. However, DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau Director Cesar Dela Fuente said that when Chevron Malampaya requested for a change of name, the DOE insisted on a review of its deal with UC Malampaya.

‘no cash-out’ options to preserve savings and benefits for employees when they retire,” Harold Tan, Mercer’s Wealth Business Leader in the Philippines, said. “In addition, investment of pension assets are not sufficiently diversified outside of the Philippines and hence, return-risk ratios are not fully optimized across a larger and more prosperous financial market. All of these factors can help to build confidence and improve the Philippines’s overall index value,” he added. The data showed that the Philippines retained its D-grade, indicating that the country’s pension system has efficiency and sustainability issues. Mercer said this may lead to major weaknesses or omissions in the pension system if these are not addressed. The grade of the Philippines is the same grade as Asian countries, such as India, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. The 2021 Global Pension Index found that Asia’s retirement systems continue to lag the world’s. Asia’s overall index value average was 52.2, against a global average of 61. “For the long-term sustainability of the Philippines’s pension system, there is a need to account for longer life expectancies and ensure there are enough pension savings to see retirees through more years in retirement. Compounding the issue, the gender pension gap presents additional and urgent challenges, with women facing their retirement years with fewer benefits,” CFA Institute Asia-Pacific Research Exchange’s Engagement Committee Chair, Francis Adrian Viernes, said. “With these concerns in mind, the promise of a secure retirement depends on policymakers and industry stakeholders taking collective action to examine the strengths and weaknesses of pension systems, with the purpose of delivering better retirement benefits to every individual,” he added. Apart from this, Mercer’s data showed that while the Philippines was the best ranked among its peers in the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Global Gender Gap report, less than half of women are in the labor force. Mercer noted that only 49.1 percent of women are in the job market in the Philippines, significantly lower than the 75.2 percent recorded for men. It added that progress still needs to be made with 69.3 percent of the income gap between men and women in the Philippines closed so See “Pension,” A9

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Digital. . .

Continued from A1

Fraser Thompson, AlphaBeta founder and managing director, said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday that shifting to digital is a must to make the country resilient not only during the pandemic, but after as well, as it seeks economic recovery. “Digital transformation can unlock up to P5 trillion worth of economic value in the Philippines by 2030,” he said. This is equivalent to 27 percent of the country’s gross domestic products (GDP) last year. Nearly a quarter of this forecast, or P1.22 trillion, will be driven by the consumer, retail and hospitality sectors, he noted. This is followed by the education and training sector; agriculture and food; and the government with P607.1 billion, P576.7 billion and 550.2 billion, respectively. Contributions from the health sector, transport services and financial services are pegged at P416.1 billion, P364.3 billion and P355.7 billion, respectively. Resources and infrastructure, meanwhile, are expected to contribute P245.4 billion and P204.6 billion, respectively. “Of that total digital opportunity, 69 percent or P3.5 trillion is driven by technologies that can help mitigate the impacts of Covid-19,” Thompson shared. Broken down, bulk or P1.78 trillion of the P3.5 trillion are for technologies facilitating customer interactions, transactions and marketing through digital platforms. These include digital retail sales and marketing channels, online food and beverage delivery platforms, e-career centers and digital platforms, online retraining programs and telehealth applications. This is followed by tools needed in enforcing hybrid work arrangements as part of a business continuity plan with P1.33 trillion. Examples of these are remote patient monitoring; automation and artificial intelligence (AI) customer service in hotels; and automation and robotics in the manufacturing sector. The remainder, P334.2 billion, is for digitizing supply chains amid the prolonged global delays. Some of the technology applications for this are Internet of Things-enabled supply chain management in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors; and smart ports. Google Philippines commissioned AlphaBeta to conduct the study. The report also revealed that Google’s products and services in the Philippines translate to P363.4 billion in annual benefits to businesses and P214.5 billion in annual benefits to consumers. “By enabling businesses to unlock new revenue streams and expand their businesses through the use of Google Ads, AdSense, and YouTube, Google indirectly supports over 110,000 jobs in the Philippines,” the study added.

Challenges The AlphaBeta official said the Philippines has low digital adoption, in addition to lack of awareness about the digitalization on the part of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He noted that over 50 percent of the companies in a 2020 survey did not have any web presence. This, as only 26 percent of the MSMEs have knowledge about the digitalization programs. Apart from these, he pointed out that only 32 percent of the households in the National Capital Region have Internet access. The figure is lower at 5 percent in predominantly rural regions like Bicol province, he said. “The Philippines lags its neighbors on equipping skills for the future work force,” he added. As such, Thompson stressed the need to improve the digital skills training and education, in addition to accelerating the digital adoption and innovation. “Digital adoption is crucial for the Philippines to unlock new opportunities and gain resilience in the post-pandemic future,” Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario said. “By providing businesses access to global markets, equipping businesses with digital capabilities to conduct electronic transactions, and facilitating remote work, technology can help businesses manage the long-term economic implications of the Covid-19 pandemic and while staying resilient against future similar events,” she added. Meanwhile, Thompson added it is also crucial to promote digital trade opportunities.

DTI’s part The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), for its part, said the report can help the country’s bid to boost digital capabilities. “However, to fully unlock this potential, we need to overcome certain barriers such as the challenges surrounding our digital adoption and digital infrastructure,” he admitted. As such, Lopez said the DTI is always pushing for partnerships between the public and private sectors. Since last year, the trade official said the DTI and Google have trained over 46,000 small business owners and employees to inform them about digital transformation. “The road ahead of us may be steep, but this pandemic only made us realize that no obstacles can stop us with our collective effort and shared mission,” he said. The DTI earlier this year said it aims to boost the contribution of the e-commerce industry to P1.2 trillion by 2022, which is equivalent to 5.5 percent of the country’s GDP.

Beach. . .

Continued from A1

Created by the London-based World Media and Events Ltd., the WTA has come to be known as the “Oscars” of the hospitality industry. Every year, it honors industry players through its regional gala ceremonies across hundreds of categories. To be included in the awards, interested participants must enter themselves online. The entries then go to a panel of experts from the World Travel and Tourism Council for evaluation against a set of criteria. Approved entries are listed in the categories as finalists. Anyone can vote for the finalists, although more weight is given to travel industry voters. According to the WTA, “Despite the ongoing global challenges, the appetite for travel has reached unprecedented levels. Evidence is reflected in the [awards’] annual voting figures. In 2019, we reported a record 1.95 million votes cast, a 17-percent increase on the previous record. In 2020, a record 2.03 million votes were cast, with more people taking part than in any other year of WTA’s 28-year history, representing a huge vote of confidence for the travel and tourism industry.”

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Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, October 20, 2021 A3

BFAR raises alarm over illegal Chinese militia fishing in WPS By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday expressed “serious” concerns over the continuous presence of foreign vessels, such as Chinese maritime militia vessels, fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The BFAR, an attached bureau of the Department of Agriculture (DA), pointed out that these foreign fishing activities in WPS are “illegal,

unreported and unregulated” (IUU). “These foreign vessels have no clearance from the Philippine government or any existing fisheries cooperation agreements with the country that allow them to conduct any fishing operations,” BFAR said in a news statement issued on Tuesday. “Their fishing activities, therefore, are considered Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated [IUU] fishing within the Philippine territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone [EEZ],” it added.

The DA-BFAR said it is “closely coordinating” with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) regarding the continuous presence of foreign vessels in WPS. Furthermore, the bureau threw its support behind the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) plans to file new diplomatic protests against the continuous presence and activities of these foreign vessels. “Following the directive of the NTF-WPS, the DA-BFAR maintains

the deployment of its law enforcement vessels in the WPS,” DA-BFAR said. “With the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between DA-BFAR and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group [PNP-MG], the conduct of joint seaborne patrol in Philippine seas, including the WPS, will be further intensified with members of the latter to serve as ship riders on DA-BFAR vessels,” it added. The DA-BFAR said its fisheries monitoring center (FMC) is conduct-

ing 24/7 operations to monitor fishing activities in the WPS. “The FMC monitors and tracks activities of Philippine flagged commercial fishing vessels including foreign vessels equipped with Automatic Identification System [AIS], and detects fishing boats that employ lights to attract fish at night using the satellite-based tool, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suites [VIIRS]. Further, starting next week, Synthetic Aperture Radar [SAR] images will also be used to reinforce

monitoring and analysis of IUU fishing activities in the WPS,” it added. Earlier this month, the DA-BFAR signed a agreement with PNP-MG that allowed PNP personnel the “right to embark” on any DA-BFAR available vessel as “ship rider” to conduct joint seaborne patrol. Late last month, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. instructed the DFA to file three diplomatic protests over the continued intrusion and activities of Chinese vessels in WPS.

DOJ chief tells Julian Ongpin to cooperate in drug case Mayor Isko says ‘rule of law’ will By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

ULI AN ROBERTO ONGPIN, son of billionaire and former trade minister Roberto Ongpin, was officially charged before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Fernando, La Union for possession of illegal drugs (cocaine). This developed as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra urged Ongpin to cooperate in the court proceedings where he can present all his evidence to refute accusations being lodged against him. Guevarra also said the issuance of an arrest warrant against Ongpin would depend on the trial court’s review of the case. “The judge whom the case will

be raffled will first determine the existence of probable cause based on the records submitted to the court by the DOJ [Department of Justice] panel of state prosecutors. If the judge finds probable cause, he/she will issue a warrant of arrest,” Guevarra said. “It is best for the accused to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court so that he will have all the time and opportunity to defend himself in a fair and impartial trial,” the DOJ chief added. The justice department has yet to receive any information from the court as to whether the case has been raff led off already and to what branch of the court. The DOJ also said there is no

need for it to seek the court’s issuance of a hold-departure order (HDO) since the precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) is valid until lifted by the court. The complaint against Ongpin was filed after a panel of prosecutors found probable cause to indict him for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 after two preliminary investigation hearings. The DOJ stressed that the criminal offense is non-bailable. The case stemmed from the recovery of 12.6 grams of cocaine in the room that Ongpin shared with his girlfriend 30-year-old Bree Jonson at Flotsam and Jetsam Resort in La Union. The cocaine was discovered after

authorities responded to a report of an attempted suicide at the resort and found Jonson unconscious in a room. Jonson was brought to the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Ongpin claimed that Jonson committed suicide as he found her hanging inside the bathroom, prompting him to seek assistance in bringing the latter to the hospital. Both Ongpin and Jonson reportedly tested positive for illegal drug use. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is still conducting an investigation to determine Jonson’s cause of death and Ongpin’s possible liability over the incident.

mark his presidency if he wins

ANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will be guided by the “rule of law” in dealing with the shenanigans of past leaders and not by political vendetta as what other presidential candidates would like to do. “Ang mga magnanakaw, papanagutin. Ang mga pumatay, papanagutin. Ang mga gumawa ng pera sa panahon ng pandemya, papanagutin. Pero ayaw kong maging katulad nila na kaya lang papanagutin kasi kalaban sa pulitika,” Moreno said during a one-on-one interview by veteran journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes of TV 5. Moreno, who is gunning for the presidency under the Aksyon Demokratiko party, said he would never allow political vindictiveness to be the reason in dispensing

justice should he become president in 2022. Moreno had said that his government will be a “healing presidency” and this he was able to practice when he became mayor in 2019, beating two political giants, including former President Joseph Estrada and former police general Alfredo Lim. “Sa Maynila kaya tayo umunlad… kaya kami unti-unting umangat sa pagkakalugmok dahil pinatawad ko lahat eh. May nagkakaso ba?,” said Moreno. It can be recalled that right after he was elected Manila mayor, Moreno immediately extended the hand of reconciliation with Lim and Estrada. He even appointed to City Hall officials who formerly served under previous mayors who were his political opponents.

A4 Wednesday, October 20, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

DOLE official presents ‘proportionate’ computation on 13th mo pay envelop By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

MPLOYEES who were already hit by pay cuts this year may likely receive a lower amount in 13th-month pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). During a television interview last Tuesday, Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez explained the amount of the 13th-month pay to be received by workers is “proportionate” to the total salary they earned in a year divided by 12 months. Many companies were forced to temporarily

retrench or reduce the workdays of their workers because of quarantine restrictions implemented by the government. This, Benavidez said, may translate to companies paying a lower salary and consequently a lower 13th-month pay to their workers. The labor official noted they would be coming out with a labor advisory on the matter to serve as guide for both employers and workers. “Many employers think that the 13th-month pay should be [equivalent] to a whole monthly salary of a worker. This is not how a 13th-month pay is computed,” Benavidez said.

DOLE issued the clarification to allay the concerns of several business leaders that many pandemic-affected companies, specially the small ones, may not be able to afford the usual 13th-month pay of their workers. Presidential Decree 851 mandates employers to pay the said benefit to their workers before December 24 of every year. To address the matter, the Small Business Corporation of the Department of Trade and Industry will be once again extending zero-interest loans to micro and small firms, which may not be able to afford to pay the 13th-month of their workers.

BBM highlights MSME role in PHL’s economic rebound

LLOWING micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to operate again will help the country’s economy bounce

back amid the pandemic crisis, according to former Senator and presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standardbearer said to achieve this goal, vaccinated workers and even business establishments that were closed down due to Covid-19 quarantine restrictions must be allowed to go back and continue their operations again. “Let’s allow the small businesses to operate again because the economy will not move if there is no economic activity. There must be someone who will buy and avail of services because it has a multiplier effect that can

help in the recovery of the economy,” he added. “As long as they are vaccinated, let’s allow them to go out and work. Let’s give them a privilege since they are already safe,” Marcos said. Almost two years into the pandemic, Marcos said, people want to land on jobs to support their families and while some are still employed, may not be earning due to lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the government. He added that some employees are even on a “no work, no pay” basis making it hard for them to sustain their daily living. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that 3.76 million Filipinos remained jobless since June 2021. The government said the 7.7-percent unemployment rate shows the limits of job creation due to quarantine restrictions, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR). “If you look into the lives of Filipinos, they are looking for jobs right now as they need money to support their families. We need to have an extensive approach so that everyone will benefit,” he said.

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Group steps up consumer call to snub imported ‘galunggong’ By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Tuesday launched an information drive as part of the group’s call to boycott imported fish, particularly round scad or galunggong. “The objective is to guide the public on how to identify the imported and local galunggong. We will release and distribute informative leaflets explaining why we should boycott the imported galunggong and other fishery products, and instead patronize the fresh produce of our local fishers,” Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya national chairman said in a news statement. The former Anakpawis party-list representative said as part of the campaign, members of the group will go market hopping for a massive information and a separate education drive in coastal and urban poor communities. The group is also appealing to fish vendors to reject imported fish so as not to incur losses once the group begins its full-blast campaign to boycott imported fish. To recall, the Department of Agri-

culture (DA) has allowed the entry of at least 60,000 metric tons of galunggong, among other pelagic fish products, to be directly sold in local markets starting this month. With the policy, the group expects imported fish, particularly galunggong once dubbed as the so-called poor man’s fish, to flood local markets. “We are calling on the consumers and fish vendors to reject the imported fish for their own safety and benefits. The fish-consuming public deserves fresh, quality fishery products, not frozen and tainted with chemical preservatives from imported ones,” Hicap said. According to Hicap, it would be easy for the regular market goers to identify the imported from the local fish. “Fresh fish has clear and bulging eyes, compared to the dull and sunken eyes of those that are frozen. Moreover, we can determine the freshness of the fish by its gills, which should be pinkish or bright red. Faded gills indicate that the fish is already past its prime,” Hicap explained. Lastly, Hicap said the campaign would ultimately demand the strengthening of local fisheries production in the form of livelihood subsidy and aid, to end the country’s reliance on imported agricultural products.

Leni open to RTL law review if she wins top Palace seat in 2022 polls

ICE President Leni Robredo said she is open to a review of the rice trade liberalization (RTL) law to ensure that Filipino rice farmers are really benefiting from the measure, and not only the “big markets.” Robredo recently issued a letter addressed to rice farmers, which outlined her priorities for agriculture should she be elected as president next year. “Bukas tayo na muling pag-aralan ang Rice Tariffication Law, para ang makinabang dito, hindi lang ang malalaking merkado pero pati na ang magsasakang nag-aani nito,” she said in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the BusinessMirror. “Prayoridadangpagtiyaknamagandaang kitangatingmagsasakakayatututukannatin ang pagpapalakas ng lokal na produksyon ng bigasparasakailangannatinatmag-i-import lang kapag kukulangin,” she added. The RTL law or Republic Act 11203 was enacted in March of 2019, which legally deregulated and liberalized the country’s rice industry, effectively allowing freer entry of rice imports. Some rice industry groups have lamented that the law has been a bane to the sector instead of a boon, citing the plunge in palay prices and drop in farmers’ income. Robredo emphasized that one of her priorities is increasing budgetary investment in agriculture and boosting interventions to food producers. Robredo noted that the major challenges being faced by Filipino rice farmers include the adverse impact of the RTL law, limited

access to capital and farm inputs as well as the absence of direct market linkages and lack in government support. “Kaya malinaw sa atin ang mga susunod na hakbang: Kailangang mag-invest sa agrikultura, at magbuhos ng suporta sa mga kailangan ninyo para tunay na guminhawa ang buhay sa paghahanap buhay,” she said. “Sa larangang ito, kaisa ninyo ako sa pagsisigurong magagawa natin ito sa susunod na administrasyon,” she added. Robredo explained that her office has implemented various programs aimed at providing Filipino farmers with guaranteed markets since the start of the pandemic. These programs included connecting farmers to buyers situated in hospitals, malls, restaurants as well as online marketplaces. “Napakalaking tulong nito para tuloytuloy pa rin ang kita nila sa kabila ng mga community lockdown. Lahat ng ito, nagawa at ginagawa natin kahit limitado ang mandato at resources, kahit patuloy ang panggigiit ng mga nasa poder,” she said. “Isipin ninyo kung ano pa ang kaya nating gawin kung maitututok ang buong enerhiya ng gobyerno sa tangi nitong dapat iniintindi: Ang kapakanan ng taumbayan,” she added. Robredo earlier revealed that stopping a food crisis would be one of the priorities of her administration should she win the elections next year. This is also one of the reasons why she chose Senator Francis Pangilinan as her running mate for the 2022 elections. Pangilinan is a known agriculture advocate. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

IATF widens ALS ‘experiment’ beyond Metro Manila borders

TARTING today, Wednesday, 19 more areas nationwide will be implementing the granular lockdown-based Alert Level System (ALS) of the government. Malacañang said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) issued Resolution 144-D, last Monday, which, in effect, expanded the coverage of the pilot study of ALS beyond the borders of Metro Manila. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque explained the measure would allow the government to further test the effectiveness of the ALS.

Expanded study

UNDER the new IATF issuance, Negros Oriental and Davao Occidental will be classified under Alert Level 4. Meanwhile, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Siquijor, Davao City, and Davao del Norte will be placed under Alert Level 3. Alert Level 2 will be implemented in Batangas, Quezon Province, Lucena City, Bohol, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu

City, Mandaue City, Cebu Province, Davao De Oro, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Roque said the Alert Level in the said areas would be in effect from October 20 to October 31, 2021. IATF Resolution 144-D also adjusted the criteria before provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUC), and independent component cities (ICC) could be placed under Alert Level 1 to include the inoculation of 70 percent of their population, who are eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines.

Promising initial results

THE new alert system was initially implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR), which was placed under Alert Level 4 last September 17. It was supposed to last until September 30, 2021, before the IATF opted to extend it to October 15, 2021. Last Wednesday, the IATF decided to lower the Alert Level in NCR to 3, which will be in effect until the end of the month. Samuel P. Medenilla

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

The World

China calls spacecraft launch ‘routine test’ of new technology

EIJING—China said Monday its launch of a new spacecraft was merely a test to see whether the vehicle could be reused. The launch involved a spacecraft rather than a missile and was of “great significance for reducing the use-cost of spacecraft and could provide a convenient and affordable way to make a round trip for mankind ’s peaceful use of space,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said. China’s space program is run by its military and is closely tied to its agenda of building hypersonic missiles and other technologies that could alter the balance of power with the United States. “China will work together with other countries in the world for the peaceful use of space and the benefit of mankind,” Zhao said. Zhao’s comments on the test conducted in August came days after China launched a second crew to its space station. Their six-month mission, when completed, will be China’s longest crewed space mission and the three-person crew will set a record for the most time spent in space by Chinese astronauts. Alongside its space program, China’s expansion into hypersonic missile technology and other advanced fields has raised concerns as Beijing becomes increasingly assertive over

its claims to seas and islands in the South China and East China Seas and to large chunks of territory along its disputed high-mountain border with India. US State Department spokesman Ned Price would not comment on intelligence about the August test but noted the US remained concerned about China’s expansion of its nuclear capabilities, including delivery systems for nuclear devices. These developments underscore that (China), as we said before, is deviating from its decades-long nuclear strategy based on minimum deterrence,” Price told reporters Monday in Washington. He said the US was engaging with China about its nuclear capabilities and would continue to maintain the US’s deterrent capabilities against threats to the United States and its allies. US ally Japan, one of China’s chief regional rivals, said it would boost its defenses against what it interpreted as a new offensive Chinese weapon. Chief Cabinet Secretar y Hirokazu Matsuno on Monday called it a “new threat” that conventional equipment would have difficulty dealing w ith. He said Japan w ill step up its detection, tracking and shooting-dow n capability of “any aerial threat.” AP

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

New Zealand hits new record, pushes Covid jabs as way out

ELLINGTON, New Zealand—New Zealand counted its most new coronavirus cases of the pandemic Tuesday as an outbreak in its largest city grew and officials urged vaccinations as a way out of Auckland’s two-month lockdown. Health officials found 94 new local infections, eclipsing the 89 that were reported twice during the early days of the pandemic 18 months ago. Most of the new cases were in Auckland, but seven were found in the nearby Waikato district. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said lockdown rule-breakers were contributing to the spread of infections and noted that many of the new cases had been detected among younger people.

“I know the highs and lows of cases is incredibly hard on people, particularly those in Tamaki Makaurau,” Ardern said, using the Indigenous Maori name for Auckland. “I just wanted to reinforce again that we’re not powerless. We do have the ability to keep cases as low as we can.” New Zealand had successfully eliminated earlier outbreaks by imposing tough border controls and strict lockdowns, as well as aggres-

sive contact tracing and isolating those who were infectious. But the approach failed against the more transmissible Delta variant. The government has since eased some of Auckland ’s lockdown rules, allowing more people to return to work. Ardern has also embarked on an all-out effort to get people vaccinated. That’s included a televised “Vaxathon” festival on Saturday, which saw a record 130,000 people getting shots, more than 2 percent of the New Zealand’s population of 5 million. Ardern has promised to outline a path out of lockdown for Auckland based on vaccination numbers. The government has previously talked about the importance of getting 90 percent of people aged 12 and over fully vaccinated, including a high proportion of Maori, who have been particularly hard hit by the outbreak. But that goal remains some distance away, with 85 percent of eligible people having had at least one dose and 67 percent fully vaccinated.

The numbers are lower among Maori. Professor Michael Baker, an epidemiologist at the University of Otago, said he was concerned that contact tracers in Auckland would soon become overwhelmed. He said lawmakers needed to consider temporarily reimposing stricter lockdown rules as a circuit breaker. “There are burning embers all over the city,” Baker said. “They have lifted the wet blanket of the strong lockdown, and people are getting lockdown fatigue.” Baker said he thought it was possible for the government to continue eliminating the outbreak outside of Auckland, provided it kept in place strict border controls around the city. He said the most important goal in any reopening would be to ensure the health system was not overrun. Health officials on Tuesday also said they had authorized people with weakened immune systems to get a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine and were recommending they do so. AP

BusinessMirror

A6 Wednesday, October 20, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr., 81 Newport Bl Newport City, Brgy. 183, Pasay City CHANG, TING-HAO Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) 1.

Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience.

LIEW CHOONG HEN Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

NGUYEN THIEN CHI Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking 11. Basic Qualification: Detail-oriented and has the ability to multi-task. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. *Preferably 6 months to 1 year customer service experience. *Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NG WEI LEN Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns.

Basic Qualification: *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently. *Preferably 6 months to 1 year customer service experience. *Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza, 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking w/ atleast some secondary education

12.

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

13.

Brief Job Description: Communicate with the client functional design incharge about the detail of requirement definition and function design

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science or other relevant fields Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

ACCIONA CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES INC. 21/f Tower 2, The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

PATON MORA, JESUS Main Bridge Surveyor

Brief Job Description: Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites. Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, property lines, and other characteristics of terrain. Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe; certify, and assume liability for work performed as directed by QA/ QC requirements as a minimum. Compute geodetic measurements and interpret survey data to determine positions, shapes, and elevations of geomorphic and topographic features. Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas using theodolites, transit levels, electronic total stations, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS). Establish fixed points for use in making maps, using geodetic and engineering instruments. Plan and conduct structural surveys during all phases of the project if necessary, using all methodology available in the market, such as LIDAR, laser scanner, use of UAVs, etc. Conduct research in surveying and mapping methods using knowledge of techniques of photogrammetric map compilation and electronic data processing.

HA THI LE QUYEN Senior Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking 14.

15.

Brief Job Description: Ensure the compliance and implementation of the hse plan and requirements

16.

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered NGO VIET HAI Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking

10.

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered

Brief Job Description: Pro-active selling of products to both existing and new customers in order to achieve and exceed weekly, monthly and annual sales revenue targets and other performance targets

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 7 years experience in Civil Construction in genereal, with focus on highways, bridges and special structures. Knowledge on StayesCable bridge is an asset. Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize and prioritize demands, handlemultiple complex tasks simultaneously, set and meet deadlines, and followthrough within a fast paced environment with multiple and competing demands. Proficient skills in software for Civil Infrastructure design: Civil 3D, Power Civil, or similar used in the country of work. Knowledge in Survey Network adjustment software is an asset. Advance Skill in Excel. Fluency in Englis and/ or high level of Spanish is required.

Basic Qualification: Master’s degree

LEE, SEUNGHWAN Automotive Consultant 17.

18.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

No.

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

ZHAO, YIDUO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 24.

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

25.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

Brief Job Description: Provide technical training to the automotive mechanics in skilled areas

Brief Job Description: The IT support specialist shall answer incoming phone calls from clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware

19.

26.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking Korean and English

28.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitoring inventories

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

OSHIMA, HIROYUKI Manufacturing Services Sr. Manager

21.

Brief Job Description: The Engineering Senior manager is a member of the supply chain leadership team and is responsible for plant infrastructure project planning, execution and evaluation. Engineering operation which including plant infrastructure maintenance management (civil works, MEPs, Machineries, and equipment) The role shall also ensure mechanical efficiency of production lines.

VON OELHAFEN, MATTHIAS HANNS KONRAD WERNER LUDWIG SIXTUS Supply Chain Vice President

22.

Brief Job Description: • Design and lead strategies of processes of: Manufacturing, Logistics, Transportation, Warehouses and Distribution to achieve the targets proposed by the Division Business Plan, ensuring the best use of materials, human and technological resources to maximize system’s capabilities and availability of product with Quality, Quantity, Time and Cost in distribution centers • Participate in the Senior Leadership Team in order to valuate and support from Supply Chain point of view, division strategies

Basic Qualification: 15 years of total experience in a supply chain directorship role with 8 years focused on heading national distribution for a beverage or consumer goods company. Must have a strong strategic vision in supply chain Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: More than 15 years of mechanical experience in plant management, Advance maintenance and engineering project management in the beverage or consumer goods industry. Must have knowledge and exposure to global practices om plant and maintenance operation. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: At least 3-5 years of Directorate work experience in a matrixed global organization. Strong background in Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Planning Engineering, Supply Chain Excellence, Quality Environment & Safety and other facets of the business.\

29.

23.

Brief Job Description: Respond to basic and routine inquiries of a technical nature, including hardware/software and other designated client products. This position assist internal users of the client’s technical problems or services by answering questions and solving problems involved in their use.

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

WANG, LE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 30.

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

XU, LUOYI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 31.

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

YANG, CHAOJIE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 32.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

DIGIDO FINANCE CORP. (UNAPAY, AND UNACASH) Unit 3&4 15th Floor Ibp Tower, Jade Drive, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig RYBALKO, DANIIL Logistics And Operations Owner 33.

Brief Job Description: Management of warehouse units and delivery units in companies & launching fulfillment centers from scratch

Basic Qualification: Must have a strong working knowledge of Russian and English languages Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

DIGIVIRTUAL TECH CORPORATION 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg., 8747 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati ZHANG, JIANBING Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist 34.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

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

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St, , Binondo, City Of Manila

YANG, MENGXUAN Marketing And Sales Agent 35.

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. 25/f Ayala North Exchange, Tower 2, 6796, Ayala Ave. Cor. Salcedo & Amorsolo Streets, City Of Makati BARAN, RAFAL GRZEGORZ Technical Support Associate I

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

GAO, HUA Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DEXIN 999, INC. Red Hotel No. 345, Edsa Cor. Don Carlos Revilla St., Barangay 147, Pasay City

COCA-COLA BEVERAGES PHILIPPINES, INC. 28th/f Six/neo Bldg., 5th Ave. Cor. 26th St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

20.

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

CHEN, XINWEN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin speaking

Brief Job Description: • ensure national level fill rate compliance. Establish distribution and storage strategy, targets and alignments at the national level. • optimize total cost of distribution. Generate and approve initiatives to improve distribution. • ensure the execution of the business plan.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

ZANA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 27.

GUO, ZHANMIN Chinese Production Planner Technicians

KOBAYASHI, KATSUNORI Logistics Director

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Customers Information about Products and Services

XU, YE Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

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

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

NGUYEN TRUNG DUC Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City

CENTURY PEAK CEMENT MANUFACTURING CORP. U-1403/140 14f Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

AUTO SHOWROOM ACCESS LEASING INC. 120, West Ave., Phil-am 1, Quezon City

APRICUS TECHNOLOGY INC. 8/f Aguirre Building, 107 Aguirre St. Legaspi Village, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati DINH LAN CHI Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered TRAN THI CUC Telesales Marketing Officer - Vietnamese Speaking

ALSTOM TRANSPORT CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES, INC. 4/f U-2c One E-com Center, Moa Ocean Drive, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered TRINH HUNG VINH Senior Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking

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

LE ROUX, ERIC Ordonnancement Planification Coordination Manager (OPC Manager)

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered

TANG YI QUAN IT Support Specialist

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong AHMED MOHAMED ABDELAZIZ AHMED ABDELAZIZ Application Development Senior Analyst

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered PHUNG DUC TRUONG Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking w/ atleast some secondary education

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered NGUYEN TRAN TUAN ANH Customer Service Officer - Vietnamese Speaking

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

NGUYEN MINH THANH Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5, Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive, Sto. Niño, City Of Parañaque FU, QINGQUAN Mandarin Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English and/or Polish

36.

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

FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 9th Flr. Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, 5th Avenue 30th Street Cor. 4th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Provide and maintain customer service

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CAI, YINGJIE People Business Partner Specialist

37.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Analyzes trends in metrics in partnership with the group to develop solutions, programs and policies

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree / 5-10 years supervisory / managerial experience in logistics or operations / Multilingual

38.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and basic English

39.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints, They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and the help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

52.

ZHAO, ZHUANG Mandarin Human Resources Supervisor 40.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Human Resources 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. KONG, JIE Mandarin Quality Inspector

41.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Quality Inspector 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. WANG, YONGXIN Mandarin Structural Maintenance Supervisor

42.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Structural Maintenance 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.

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

53.

54.

43.

Brief Job Description: Optimize CRM campaigns & newsletter based on performance and engagement data

55.

44.

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

DING, WEILONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 45.

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

JIA, XINYUE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 46.

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

TU, ZIHAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 47.

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

ZHANG, YONGCHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 48.

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

ZHU, BAOYUAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 49.

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

HUANG, SHENGWU Project Manager 56.

50.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its Chinese clients generate more income for the company

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating telecommunication systems installation project LIU, WEI Project Manager

57.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating telecommunication systems installation projects

BHAVANAM, PRAVEEN KUMAR REDDY Operations Director

58.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fuken 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/Fuken 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/Fuken and at least college level with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Account Services roles specialize in providing customer service and daily support in service center operations, addressing customer enquiries, processing transactions, troubleshooting problems, handling complaints, and identifying opportunities to refer services based on customer needs (internal and external)

PUKSHLIS, IVAN Sales Effectiveness Director

59.

60.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language

67.

68.

69.

Brief Job Description: Ensure effective marketing strategy implementation and execution across sales organization. Lead regionalization, analysis and constant development of M&S programs through close collaboration with marketing & SIBI function. Build process to ensure cross functional support is provided to all area sales management.

Basic Qualification: Understanding of tobacco industry environment / deep understanding of sales and marketing business process. Advance negotiation skills. Excellent stakeholder management skills. Commercial trade & financial planning skills. External environment (taxation, pricing, external/ corporate relations. Legal)

CHOI, SUKHYANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage Korean Customer queries/Complaints

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Speaking, reading and Writing Korean and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RAHUL SUGUNAN Product Manager 61.

Brief Job Description: Takes ownership of project from day one, managing al phases of the product development. Maintains long working relationships with various internal teams such as Engineering, sales, marketing and Ops.

Basic Qualification: At least 3 years of work experience in digital product management, have shipped something - a product or a service, an app or website.

70.

RIVERA VASQUEZ, MARIO PAUL Process Expert

62.

Brief Job Description: Assist customers with their issues and inquiries Keep close communication with colleagues locally and overseas in order to ensure prompt handling of exceptions or concerns. Read and reply to correspondences of both internal stakeholders and customers within SLA as defined for the specific communication channel. Propose and support initiatives for continuous improvement of the process. Attend to export- and import-specific processes as assigned in the team MALDONADO HORTUA, HELVERT CAMILO Spanish Speaker Collector - Spain

63.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management and collection of outstanding customer accounts, whilst maintaining the highest level of customer service

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree, strong communication and customer service skills. Team player with extreme passion for results. Solid background on import and export processes

71.

72.

73.

64.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

74.

LI, WEIXIONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

LI, XINYUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

75.

LIU, JIAHAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDLING SERVICE SUPPORT CALLS

76.

LUO, HAIBO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

77.

NG WAI KHAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

78.

QU, YAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

79.

REN, WANXIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

80.

SONG, YUDI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

81.

SUN, SONGTAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

82.

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

KONG DENG HENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

WANG, JINGNAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Experience in handling collections or accounts receivables or any end to end general accounting process.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

JIANG, LUN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

83.

WANG, XIANGGANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg., Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City BI, HONGXIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

HUANG, ZHIWEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

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

HUANG, YIQI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD. Levels 5-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices, Capitol Commons Meralco Ave., Oranbo, City Of Pasig

HUAN YIK PING Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese and English language

Basic Qualification: ·Overall 15 - 18 years of experience in similar environment, with a higher vintage and strong team management experience in similar environment ·Strong Interpersonal skills to be able to communicate internally & externally and at all levels ·Experience of working / partnering with Risk, Audit and Compliance to ensure that the overall organizational objectives are met ·Excellent written & oral communication & interpersonal skills

CHIN NING YI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese and English language

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

CHIN NING LIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

CHENG, XI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language

LAMUDI TECHNICAL SERVICES CORP. Unit 28b 28/f Bpi Philam Life Bldg., 6811 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Must be FLuent in CHinese Language

66.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language

KINDOSAR PROCESS SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 5d, Rose Industries Bldg., Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in Mandarin/Fuken and at least college level with related BPO experience

65.

JT INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) INC. Penthouse, W Office Building, 28th St. Cor. 11th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language

No.

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 23/f Net Plaza, 31st St. E-square Zone, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House, Magallanes St., 069, Bgy. 655, Intramuros, City Of Manila DUAN, XUE Strategic And Facilitation Officer

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its clients to generate more income for the company

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

JIDA COMMUNICATION (PHILIPPINES) INC. 99 Comclark Reliance Center, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor, Eight West Campus Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig CHENG YOKE HUO Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its clients to generate more income for the company ZHOU, JINCHUN Strategic And Facilitation Officer

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Structural Maintenance Supervisor. Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

INQUICK SERVICES INC. Unit 606 6/f Itc Bldg., 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati TAN WEE SIAN Mandarin Speaking Marketing Officer

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its clients to generate more income for the company ZHANG, LUOXIANG Strategic And Facilitation Officer

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Quality Inspector. Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its clients to generate more income for the company XUE, HUALONG Strategic And Facilitation Officer

GUANGXI HYDRO ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION BUREAU (GHCB PHILIPPINES CORPORATION) #58, Road 1, Project 6 1, Quezon City Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Human Resource Supervisor. Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Brief Job Description: Your primary function is to help the company and its clients to generate more income for the company WU, XIAOLONG Strategic And Facilitation Officer

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

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center, Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

DENG, YUXIANG Customer Service Representative

51.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LUO, TAO Strategic And Facilitation Officer

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

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building, Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

TRAN QUOC LOI Customer Service Representative

No.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

84.

XIANG, XIA Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: PROFICIENT IN SPEAKING, READING, AND WRITING IN MANDARIN Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A8 Wednesday, October 20, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

85.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YANG, JIE Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

86.

YU, KAI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

87.

ZHAO, XIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

88.

ZHONGXIN, LU Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

89.

ZHOU, XINYI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

90.

LE THI THUY NINH Vietnamese Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

91.

NGUYEN THI TUYET MAI Vietnamese Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin

No.

105.

92.

93.

94.

95.

96.

97.

98.

99.

100.

101.

102.

103.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DONG, YAHUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, BIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SONG, FEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SUN, YANXIA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, KUNMING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, KUAN-TE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIANG, MINGFA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHEN, CAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

CONG, PEIHAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

XU, XIUYAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

ZHANG, YAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer Service

104.

Brief Job Description: Maintains the computer networks of all types of organizations, providing technical support and ensuring the whole company runs smoothly.

Brief Job Description: Leading and training personnel/project

CHANDOK, SIMARPREET SINGH DevOps Lead 106.

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

107.

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

Brief Job Description: Experience in Product management & Agile Methology, Practical Eager to Explore the Possible Solutions Without sight of our Vision of Standards.

YAMAMOTO, MASAYUKI Assistant General Manager 108.

Brief Job Description: Does planning and forecasting for the branch sales and revenue

CHEN, YAO Chinese International Sales Consultant 109.

Brief Job Description: Assign duties and responsibilities in a professional manner, in good faith and to the best of their skills, abilities, talents and experience. Develop and generate sales from the product of the company through international clients and maintain good relation.

TODA, SEITARO Technical Assistant To General Manager 110.

Brief Job Description: Provide Technical Assistance to Nickel Mining Operations

111.

YOO, JUNG A Korean Senior Consultant Brief Job Description: Works and coordinates closely with operations

112.

Brief Job Description: Customer relations service provider

MARTIN HERI SINAGA Bahasa Indonesian Operations CSR II

113.

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

Brief Job Description: Provides expedient and accurate customer service to French speaking clients and customers. Addresses French customer concerns, queries, issues, complaints and/or places sales orders and product information requests. Prepares reports by accessing account database, analyzing the information contained and providing useful accurate and appropriate data

ROMI CAHAYA ADHA Bahasa Indonesian Operations CSR II

114.

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

117.

FIEN ANNETTE, LA REINE FARKA French Operations CSR II

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 115.

THE QUALITY PRIME OCEAN PRODUCTS INC. 9507 Miguela Street, Airport Village, Vitalez, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: -Ability to effectively analyze the company’s business conditions, make effective & timely suggestions & work schedules. Skillful management of purchases, sales and storage of fishery products. College level. Highly proficient (written & verbal) in Chinese & other dialects. with driving skills.

Brief Job Description: To be able to classify the products offered to China market according to the requirements of the client ant variant

Basic Qualification: -Highly skilled and experienced in the trading, classification, storage and shipment procedure of shrimp products. Can negotiate well with China counterparts and clients. College level. Highly proficient (written & verbal) in Chinese & other dialects Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TIANYU TECHNOLOGY INC. 16/f Socialdesk Tower, H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati MA, WENTING Chinese IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT support specialist is an integral of the company infrastructure. Application support and of the it division and is responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise system throughout the chinese clients.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin , Cantonese And Fukien language

Basic Qualification: 1. Graduate of International Studies & Commercial Science, 2. wide experience in Freight forwarding company

118.

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

TOP ACCESS INFINITY INC. 27th Floor The Curve Building, 32nd Street Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Experience in developing leads and researching potential clients. Interpersonal skills and comfort with meeting new people on a daily basis. Have excellent people skill and intuitive to client’s needs. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make presentations.

HOU, YONGLI Management Associate 119.

Basic Qualification: 5 years work Experience, Native Japanese & Business Language Skill Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

120.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin, both oral and written

MA, YINGGUI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 121.

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

Basic Qualification: Candidate must possess at least a Vocational Diploma in any field, Must be fluent in both written and verbal French and English language, At least 1 year of working experience as a BPO Professional, preferably with experience supporting a Bilingual Queue

122.

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

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

XUE, CHAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 123.

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

ZHANG, JIE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 124.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin speaking; preferably graduate in China or at least graduate in prestigious school in the Philippines; knowledgeable in Chinese corporation. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin speaking; preferably graduate in China or at least graduate in prestigious school in the Philippines; knowledgeable in Chinese corporation. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati LI, CHUN Bilingual Admin Support Specialist 125.

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

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

XIAN ELECTRIC ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED PHILIPPINES BRANCH 2101-2102, Raffle Don Francisco Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

126.

SHI, XIAOYU Chinese Project Manager Brief Job Description: Planning and defining scope of the project

Basic Qualification: Demonstrable experience in Marketing together with the potential and attitude Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

XUSHENG TECHNOLOGY CORP. Flr. No. 1-5 Bldg., No. 0050 F.b. Harrison St. Cor. Williams And Roberts St., Zone 4, Barangay 013, District 1, Pasay City CHEN, CHUNYU Mandarin Speaking Technical Support

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

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

TANG, DAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Brief Job Description: To work closely with senior personnel, learning techniques and gaining the knowledge required to run a company smoothly.

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

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West, Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: To work closely with senior personnel, learning techniques and gaining the knowledge required to run a company smoothly.

LAN, JUNBO Management Associate

127.

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

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

CHEN, YUYONG Shrimp Classifier Supervisor

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre, Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: With bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or any related course with a minimum of 1 year IT experience and able to speak and write in MANDARIN.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 2f-5f, Unit 710 Shaw Blvd., Global Link Center, Brgy. Wack Wack, City Of Mandaluyong CHEN, QUANSONG Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage and supervise the marketing status and quarterly reports of all imported and exported aquatic products

Basic Qualification: Experience in Financial Industry

SAMSUNG HOSPITALITY PHILIPPINES INC. 8/f Science Hub Tower, 4 Campus Ave. Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

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

116.

PACIFIC METALS CO., LTD. Unit-2 22/f Nac Tower, 32nd Street, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

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

Basic Qualification: Strong Experience working in devops environment and managing the flatforms that act as a foundation for products being able to help other teams refine their processes and workflows giving them more control over the release circle

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

NOBEL TECH TRONICS CORP. 2280, Marconi, San Isidro, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

XU, XIANDA Business Manager

NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Lot 85 A & B, Avocado Road Fti Complex, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig

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

Brief Job Description: Building devops skills core competencies within uploan and supporting junior members to learn and thrive developing long term strategy

CHARLET, PIERRE BERNARD GEORGES Product Manager

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

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

No.

Basic Qualification: College graduate and fluent in English

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NEW CROSS CREDIT AND FINANCING GATE PH, INC. 16/f M1 Tower, 141 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Taguig

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

NANTAI TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 3rd Floor Net One Center Building, 26th Street Corner 3rd Ave., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

YAO, YAJUN It Technical Support

DEBRICK, MATTHEW CHARLES Project Consultant

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NEW CHANGE TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS INC. 7/f Glorietta 4, Ayala Center

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Brgy. 076, Pasay City CAI, BAIJIN Chinese Customer Service

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Deals with hardware and application support queries and issues reported to the support desk

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin Speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Oct 19, 2021

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

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

The World BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Rule-breaking couple blamed for Covid outbreak in Beijing

hina’s latest Cov id-19 outbreak, caused by a rulebreaking elderly couple enjoying China’s tourist sites, has now spread to the closely guarded capital city of Beijing and possibly beyond. The flareup that surfaced over the weekend has been tied to two retired university lecturers from Shanghai who started a road trip with several others through the nation’s scenic nor thwester n provinces in early October, according to media reports. The pathogen proliferated, sparking a handful of local cases in northwestern provinces in recent days. One traveler from Gansu—a close contact of an infected patient—was diagnosed in Beijing on Monday. It’s the city’s first case since a w idespread outbreak caused by the highly infectious Delta variant this summer prompted officials to scrap travel there to stop further transmission. Authorities have now sealed off apartment buildings and other related venues, according to a statement Tuesday from local health officials. It’s the latest resurgence in China, the last holdout of several so-called Covid Zero countries seeking to eliminate the virus. It comes just days after the country contained two separate Delta outbreaks in its northeastern and coastal provinces. The elderly couple at the center

Beef. . .

Continued from A1

that the Philippines requested for “several documentary requirements” from Brazil regarding the profile of its BSE positive animals as well as the measures it undertook to eradicate the outbreaks. Dar pointed out that Brazil had proven there is “satisfactory” evidence that importing beef and cattle-related products from the South American country pose no risks to human and animal health. “Brazil provided supporting documents regarding the immediate and timely response after the detection of two atypical BSE cases, extensive national BSE surveillance programme and activities to maintain the negligible BSE risk status,” he said in the order. “Based on the relevant information provided by Brazil, there is satisfactory evidence to show that the risk of importation of cattle and its related commodities is negligible and Brazil maintains to be officially recognized by OIE with negligible BSE risk status,” he added. With the lifting of the ban, traders and importers may resume bringing in beef and other cattle-related products from Brazil subject to certain conditions stipulated under MO 65. Under MO 65, importers can bring in “ boneless beef except meat from head, industrial, sangria and neck meat” that came

of the outbreak tested positive on Saturday during their tour, which started around October 9 and included stops in Gansu and Inner Mongolia, according to the Global Times. A day earlier, on Friday, October 15, the pair underwent batch testing in Gansu, where they were informed that their results came back abnormal.

Unprotected travel

They nevertheless left the city without informing authorities, and continued on to Shaanxi province. The next day they were tested again. While they were waiting for the results, they traveled around the provincial capital of Xi’an and visited many scenic spots. That evening the results came back positive. Several people in Shaanxi province were subsequently found to be infected, with Inner Mongolia and Gansu both reporting new cases on Tuesday. W hile tiny in comparison to outbreaks in most countries, the cluster—about 20 infections identified so far—underscores the challenges of eliminating the virus. The more dangerous Delta variant has wreaked havoc on Covid responses across the globe. It has breached tight containment measures more often than previous strains in China, which has some of the world ’s toughest defenses against Covid and responds aggressively to every new case. Bloomberg News from cattle of all ages “devoid of any nerves and other BSEspecified risk materials.” “ T he boneless beef shou ld come only from healthy ambulatory and not downer cattle,” the document read. “The slaughter date of the cattle or the production date of the beef shall be included in the packaging label,” it added. The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (Pampi) had earlier warned that the temporary blanket ban on Brazilian beef products would increase the retail prices of processed goods, as manufacturers will be forced to use more expensive raw materials from Australia and the United States. Brazil accounts for about 40 percent of the Philippines’s annual beef imports. It also supplies up to 70 percent of the raw material requirements of local meat processors. “With the ban, meat processors will be forced to use higher priced beef from suppliers such as Australia, Ireland and the US,” the group said in a statement last month. “Hence, the increased cost of beef raw material for processed meats will be passed on to consumers in terms of higher prices, while the ban on Brazilian beef is in effect.” T he Ph i l ippi nes i mpor ted nearly 40,000 metric tons of beef from Brazil in Januar y to September, based on the latest government data.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

UK faces calls for ‘Plan B’ as virus cases keep rising

ONDON—Many scientists are pressing the British government to re-impose social restrictions and speed up booster vaccinations as coronavirus infection rates, already Europe’s highest, rise still further. The UK recorded 49,156 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, the largest number since mid-July. New infections averaged 43,000 a day over the past week, a 15 percent increase on the week before. Last week, the Office for National Statistics estimated that 1 in 60 people in England had the virus, one of the highest levels seen in Britain during the pandemic. In July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government lifted all the legal restrictions that had been imposed more than a year earlier to slow the spread of the virus, including face coverings indoors and social distancing rules. Nightclubs and other crowded venues were allowed to open at full capacity, and people were no longer advised to work from home if they could. Some modelers feared a big spike in cases after the opening-up. That

Pension. . .

Continued from A2

far. Women’s caring responsibilities lead more women to engage in part-time work and suffer lower incomes than men. This, Mercer said, affects women’s access to pension benefits during parental leave, absence of pension credits while caring for young children or elderly parents in most systems, and the lack of indexation of pensions during retirement, ultimately affecting women’s life expectancy. “Closing the gender pension gap needs to be a multistakeholder undertaking, from employers playing an active role to ensure gender equity in pay, to individuals improving their financial literacy. Our study shows that failure to address the gender retirement

did not occur, but infections remained high, and recently have started to increase. So have hospitalizations and deaths, which are averaging more than 100 a day—far lower than when cases were last this high, before much of the population was vaccinated, but still too high, critics of the government say. Some say Britons have been too quick to return to pre-pandemic behavior. Masks and social distancing are gone in most settings in England, including schools, though other parts of the UK remain a bit stricter. Even in shops, where masks are recommended, and on the London transit network, where they are mandatory, adherence is patchy. A plan to require proof of vaccination to attend nightclubs, concerts and other mass events in

savings gap will have long-term costs for businesses, particularly in their ability to attract and retain talent, as well as for society. We need to act now and urgently,” Janet Li, Mercer’s Wealth Business Leader for Asia, said. “ The pension industr y can take the lead by removing eligibility restrictions for individuals to join employment-related pension arrangements. This could be expanded to include part-time or informal workers who represent a large population of working women in Asia. Credits for those caring for the young and the old could also be introduced to ensure that individuals who have had to take time out of the formal work force due to caregiving responsibilities are not left behind,” she added. The 2021 Global Pension Index reviewed each retirement system through three weighted

England was dropped by the Conservative government amid opposition from lawmakers, though Scotland introduced a vaccine pass program this month. Some scientists say a bigger factor is waning immunity. Britain’s vaccination program got off to a quick start, with shots given to the elderly and vulnerable starting last December. That means millions of people have been vaccinated for more than six months, and studies have suggested vaccines’ protection gradually wanes over time. Millions of people in Britain are being offered booster shots, but critics say the program is moving too slowly. And while almost 80 percent of people over 12 are fully vaccinated, the number of doses delivered each day has declined sharply. The UK also waited longer than the US and many European nations to vaccinate children aged 12-15, and most in that age group still have not received their shots. Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson, a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said the UK also has relied heavily on the AstraZeneca vaccine, “and, while that protects very well against very severe outcomes of Covid, it protects slightly less well than Pfizer against infection

and transmission, particularly in the face of the Delta variant.” Ferguson noted that “most Western European countries have kept in place more control measures, vaccine mandates, maskwearing mandates, and tend to have lower case numbers and certainly not case numbers which are going up as fast as we’ve got.” “But at the end of the day this is a policy decision for government to make,” he told the BBC. Last month, the prime minister said the country might need to move to a “Plan B”—reintroducing measures such as mandatory masks and bringing in vaccine passes—if cases rose so high in the fall and winter that the health system came under intense strain. For now, the government says it won’t change course. Johnson’s spokesman, Max Blain, said “we always knew the next few months would be challenging.” But he said the government was trying to protect “both lives and livelihoods.” “Because of the protections put in place by our vaccination program, we are able to be one of the most open economies in Europe,” he said. “We believe this approach is the right one. We continue to keep it under review.” AP

sub-indices (adequacy, sustainability and integrity) and includes four new systems this ye a r — Ice l a nd , Ta iw a n , UA E and Uruguay. Mercer said the MCGPI is a comprehensive study of global pension systems, accounting for two-thirds (65 percent) of the world’s population. It benchmarks retirement income systems around the world, highlighting some shortcomings in each system, and suggests possible areas of reform that would provide more adequate and sustainable retirement benefits. Globally, Iceland’s retirement income system (84.2) has been named the world’s best in its debut, closely followed by the Netherlands (83.5) and Denmark (82).

For each sub-index, the systems with the highest values were Iceland for adequacy (82.7), Iceland for sustainability (84.6) and Finland for integrity (93.1). The systems with the lowest values across the sub-indices were India for adequacy (33.5), Italy for sustainability (21.3) and the Philippines for integrity (35.0). The Global Pension Index is a collaborative research project sponsored by CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, in collaboration with the Monash Centre for Financial Studies (MCFS), part of Monash Business School at Monash University, and Mercer, a global leader in redefining the world of work and reshaping retirement and investment outcomes.

A10 Wednesday, October 20, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

How govt can bring down pork prices

wo years after the deadly African swine fever (ASF) was first detected in a backyard piggery in Rizal, the hog disease continues to threaten the country’s livestock sector. While outbreaks have declined in recent months, the entire country cannot yet heave a sigh of relief (See, DA reports decline in ASF outbreaks, in the BusinessMirror, June 8, 2021). We can’t let our guard down yet because all it takes for outbreaks to flare up again is just one careless trader transporting infected pigs to abattoirs.

The continuing threat of the fatal hog disease has been putting pressure on food inflation since January, when pork prices jumped to more than P400 per kilogram in some Metro Manila wet markets. In August, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua said pork remained expensive due to “production problems” caused by ASF (See, “Pork prices remain elevated due to ASF—Chua,” in the BusinessMirror, August 26, 2021). This despite the fact that the government has already lowered tariff rates for imported pork as a way of tempering the spike in pork prices. What compounded the country’s pork supply woes is the container crisis, which caused delays in the arrival of shipments and precipitated an increase in shipping costs. Discussions on the purchase of imported pork were made in February and the President gave his approval to the measure in April, when the Executive Order lowering tariffs on pork was issued. Around the same time that the EO was released, importers and exporters have been experiencing delays in their shipments due to the container crisis and the worsening congestion in global ports (See, “Shipping charter rates up 65% in Q2, food importers hurting,” in the BusinessMirror, May 24, 2021). The reimposition of the toughest quarantine restrictions also delayed the arrival of pork imports in cold storage facilities (See, “Imports beef up pork inventory in Oct–NMIS, in the BusinessMirror, October 18, 2021). This swelled the inventory of pork in local cold storage facilities particularly in the National Capital Region. To reduce the inventory, the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines urgently proposed the lifting of restriction and the sale of imported pork in areas outside of Mega Manila. The arrival of more imported pork in the coming months would make it difficult for local traders to find cold storage facilities for their shipments. Of the record 83,469.53 metric tons of pork inventory as of October 1, the National Meat Inspection Service noted that 97 percent were imported. Cold storage facilities in NCR, Regions 3 and 4-A accounted for nearly 84 percent of the total. The easing of tough quarantine restrictions coupled with the expected increase in demand during the holidays could cause pork prices to again accelerate. It would do well for government to remember that in February, the price of fresh pork sold in areas outside of the NCR jumped by 53 percent year-on-year. Allowing the sale of imported pork outside the National Capital Region could help temper inflation and give low-income families in other areas a chance to enjoy cheaper pork during the holidays. Since 2005

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DAEM: Fast and convenient way to receive your SSS benefits and loans Aurora C. Ignacio

All About Social Security

ack in the 1980s, 1990s and beyond 2000, employees’ payroll, benefits and loans were paid out in the form cash or checks. It was a tedious process and one must wait for some time to receive the check considering the registered mail has to go through different channels as well as several postal branches. Once received, the recipient has to go to the bank and wait in queue just to have it deposited or encashed.

As part of SSS’ digital transformation over the years, we decided to do away with the usual check payments and longer transmittal processes. We adopted a system where our members and pensioners can enroll their account to easily and readily receive their benefits or loans. This system is simpler, faster and more convenient and can be accessed anytime at the comfort of their homes. C a l le d t he D i sbu r s e me nt A ccou nt En rol l ment Modu le (DAEM)— it was previously called Bank Enrollment Module (BEM)— this was introduced by SSS in 2019 primarily to facilitate immediate crediting of payments of benefits and loans of members and em-

ployers, through their duly registered personal or corporate bank accounts. Before applying for any benefit or loan, your disbursement account must be enrolled in your My.SSS account. SSS will deposit proceeds of the benefit or loan application to the member’s preferred disbursement account. The DAEM enrollment covers all employers, employed, pensioners and individually paying members such as self-employed, OFW and voluntary members. Exempted from enrollment are those with UMID-ATM cards wherein all proceeds (amount of benefit or loan) shall automatically be deposited into their UMID-ATM account.

With our online processes and transactions being done online, we have made DAEM enrollment truly beneficial and advantageous to all our stakeholders. Just make sure that you provide the correct information to avoid any difficulties. This is our purpose in offering DAEM—that you, our members and employers, may enjoy the SSS benefits and loans when you need it most in real time. To enroll your account, simply follow these procedures: 1. Log-in to your My.SSS account and click DAEM under the E-Services tab. 2. Read the reminders on account enrollment, tick the box to certify that you have read and understood them, then click “Proceed.” 3. Choose your PESONet-Participating Bank/E-wallet/Remittance Transfer Company (RTC)/ Cash Payout Outlet from the dropdown menu and encode the required disbursement account number (for banks) or mobile number (for e-wallets/RTC/CPO) twice. 4. Attach supporting documents. Uploaded supporting documents for bank account must con-

tain your account name, account number and bank name. 5. Tick the box to agree to the Data Collection and Usage clause. Click “Enroll Disbursement Account,” then “OK.” 6. Check your e-mail for a confirmation Notice from SSS. To avoid payment delays, make sure to provide your valid and active bank account details or mobile numbers and avoid providing closed account, dormant or frozen account, dollar, joint (and/or) or time deposit accounts, incorrect or non-existing bank accounts, and invalid mobile number. Bank account details and mobile numbers should be valid, active and should not be among the following: n Account name differs from member name; n Different disbursing bank; n Prepaid account; and n Account with restrictions. It is important to double, even triple check the information being encoded in the system as duplicate account/numbers will be rejected. Errors in the details of your enrolled disbursement account shall result to non-crediting of the benefit proceeds. Re-crediting of the benefit amount may take up to 30 days processing time or more upon rejection of the PESONet transaction by the participating bank/ See “Ignacio,” A11

Colin Powell: A trailblazing legacy, blotted by Iraq war

By Mattthew Lee | AP Diplomatic Writer

ASHINGTON—A child of working-class Jamaican immigrants in the Bronx, Colin Powell rose from neighborhood store clerk to warehouse floor-mopper to the highest echelons of the US government. It was a trailblazing American Dream journey that won him international acclaim and trust. It was that credibility he put on the line in 2003 when, appearing before the United Nations as secretary of state, he made the case for war against Iraq. When it turned out that the intelligence he cited was faulty and the Iraq War became a bloody, chaotic nightmare, Powell’s stellar reputation was damaged. Still, it wasn’t destroyed. After leaving government, he became an elder statesman on the global stage and the founder of an organization aimed at helping young disadvantaged Americans. Republicans wanted him to run for president. After becoming disillusioned with his party, he ended up endorsing the last three Democratic presidential candidates, who welcomed his support.

For many Iraqis and others, Powell will forever be associated with that 2003 speech and the bloodshed that followed. But with Powell’s death Monday at 84 of Covid-19 complications, Republicans and Democrats remembered him as a historic figure, a groundbreaking soldier-turned-statesman, the first Black secretary of state and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell rejected comparisons between himself and previous icons like George Marshall, the World War II general that became America’s top diplomat. But he embraced a local-kid-does-good narrative that reflected his humble roots. He was fond of recalling his youth in the Bronx, working first as a clerk in a neighborhood store

and then as a sweeper in the massive Pepsi-Cola plant directly across the East River from the United Nations headquarters, a job he frequently referred to in meetings at the United Nations. A geology student at City College of New York, Powell made clear that he found his calling in the Reserve Officer Training Corps or ROTC, which would initiate his 35-year career in the Army. Powell served two tours in Vietnam and rose through the ranks

with various stints in Cold Warera Europe before President Ronald Reagan tapped him as his national security adviser. President George H.W. Bush then appointed him chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he oversaw the ouster of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq from Kuwait in 1991. It was then that the “Powell Doctrine” emerged; it was a strategy for the use of American military power that relied on the deployment of overwhelming force and a clear and defined exit strategy from conflict. Powell held the Joint Chiefs of Staff position into the Clinton administration, where he recalled arguments with Cabinet members over military intervention in the Balkans, which Powell believed was unwise. “I thought I would have an aneurysm,” Powell wrote in a memoir about a White House incident in which then-US Ambassador to the United Nations Madeleine Albright asked what good the armed forces are if they were never used. See “Colin,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

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A new momentum in transforming agri-food systems in the march to end hunger By Qu Dongyu

his year’s World Food Day finds us at a critical moment. The Covid-19 pandemic remains a global challenge, causing untold losses and hardship. The impacts of the climate crisis are all around us. Crops have gone up in flames. Homes have been washed away. Lives and livelihoods have been thrown into turmoil due to conflict and other humanitarian emergencies. Global food security challenges have not been this severe for years. Yet in the midst of this all, there is an encouraging new momentum and energy building as we strive to overhaul the ways in which our food is produced, stored, distributed and consumed. We have started confronting the problems and making the structures more fit for purpose. Last month’s UN Food Systems Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, mapped out the broad outlines of how the world needs to move forward to transform agri-food systems. The closing maxim of the gathering was: “From New York back to Rome,” where the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and sister UN food agencies are based. We at FAO have already rolled up our sleeves and got down to the practical tasks of leading the implementation and driving the transformation. A groundbreaking World Food Forum was successfully convened in the Italian capital early this month, powered by the global youth, and youth representatives at FAO and our sister agencies, focused on harnessing the creativity and resilience of our younger generations. They have the most at stake. They will be the ones living with the direct consequences of the climate crisis and malfunctioning agri-food systems. At the same time, the 1.8 billion young people in the world today between the ages of 10 and 24, of which nearly 90 percent are living in developing countries, provide an unlimited potential to tap. We have already started to leverage that into widespread awareness, holistic solutions and concrete youth-lead actions for change. Of course the young aren’t the only ones who need to worry about our agri-food systems not being fit for purpose, and on how to make them more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. Even before Covid-19 shone a spotlight on the vulnerability of the world’s agri-food systems, hundreds of millions of people worldwide were afflicted by hunger—and that number has increased in the last year up to 811 million—despite the world producing sufficient food to feed all of us. This is unimaginable and unacceptable. At the same time, 14 percent of the food we produce is lost, and 17 percent is wasted. Combine this with other stressors—such as pests and diseases, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction, and conflict—and you can see the magnitude of the challenge we face in meeting the world’s growing food needs, while simultaneously reducing the environmental and climate impact of our agri-food systems. FAO, as the leading agency working on food and agriculture, has developed a toolbox that we are confident can enable us to make an impact on many of these complex systemic problems.

Even before Covid-19 shone a spotlight on the vulnerability of the world’s agri-food systems, hundreds of millions of people worldwide were afflicted by hunger—and that number has increased in the last year up to 811 million—despite the world producing sufficient food to feed all of us. This is unimaginable and unacceptable. We have a clear sense of where we are going, framed in the objectives: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life. And our work is underpinned by a new Strategic Framework 2022-2031 for the next 10 years that defines the concrete actions and inputs needed to make the Four Betters a reality, and leave no one behind. FAO estimates that as much as $40 billion to $50 billion in annual investments on targeted interventions are needed to end hunger by 2030. There are plenty of low-cost, high-impact projects that can help hundreds of millions of people better meet their food needs. For instance, targeted interventions on Research and Development to make farming more technologically advanced, innovation in digital agriculture, and improve literacy rates among women can go a long way to reducing hunger. But there are also other essential elements such as better data, governance and institutions, that need to be added to the equation. In addition, our approach can only be effective if it’s rooted in working together with governments, and key partners, as they forge their own national pathways towards transformation in line with their specific conditions and needs. We also need to realize that scientists and bureaucrats and even food producers and distributors will never be able to bring about all these desperately needed changes on their own. The transformation can and must start with pragmatic and concrete action by ordinary consumers and the choices we make. The decisions we make every day on the foods we consume, where we buy them, how they are packaged, how much food we throw away—all these have an impact on our agri-food systems and the future of this planet. All of us have the potential to be food heroes. Our actions are our future. The process of transforming our agri-food systems— and making an impact on global hunger, healthy diets, environmental damage and waste— starts with you and me. But it doesn’t end with you and me. The old adage goes: “We are what we eat.” It also holds true that how our children and grandchildren develop will also be influenced by what we eat. Hope is in their hands to carry on. Let us learn together, work together and contribute together. Qu Dongyu is the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 A11

Spinal conditions as compensable work-related illnesses Dennis Gorecho

Pinoy Marino Rights

seafarer’s spinal illness is considered compensable due to strenuous activities on board the vessel that could have led to or at least aggravated his work-related medical conditions.

The Supreme Court used this rationale in granting total permanent disability in the case of Resty Caampued v. Next Wave Maritime Mgt. Inc. (GR 253756 May 12, 2021). The seafarer was tasked to assist in the repair of the ship’s generator. He was directed to pull the lining of the generator's piston. In a squatting position, he forcefully pulled the piston lining upward. Shortly thereafter, he suffered persistentmild pain on his lower back that later led to his medical repatriation. Upon his arrival in the country, he was diagnosed to have suffered from at least three spinal conditions, i.e., degenerative disc, spondylolisthesis, and spinal tuberculosis. Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition caused by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs which results in the loss of flexibility and ability to cushion the spine. When discs degenerate, the vertebral bodies become closer together and this increased bone on bone friction causes the wearing away of protective cartilage and results in the condition known as osteoarthritis. The degenerating discs place excessive

Ignacio. . .

continued from A10

e-wallet due to account detail errors. Processing time will depend on the submission of reports by your banks/e-wallets, your reenrollment of disbursement account in DAEM and submission of your re-disbursement transaction through the module in the My.SSS portal. For bank account, employers or their authorized personnel must enroll only one PESONetparticipating bank account, which may be used for all its branches and subsidiaries. The employer’s registered business name in SSS should be the same as the “bank account name” being enrolled in the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module.

Colin. . .

continued from A10

Powell ended up succeeding Albright as secretary of state in 2001. And while his military career had taken him from the minefields of Vietnam to West Germany’s strategic Fulda Gap, it was his role as secretary of state in wartime that almost did him in. Powell was the first of President George W. Bush’s Cabinet members to publicly blame Osama bin Laden for the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the first of Bush’s top national security aides to visit Pakistan, just a month later, to make clear to the Pakistanis that they must join the US-led coalition or be labeled an enemy. Amid significant security concerns in the aftermath of 9/11, Powell flew to Islamabad, his plane blacked-out as it went into a corkscrew landing to avoid potential rocket strikes, to tell then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that his support in the operation to avenge the attacks was nonnegotiable. It worked, at least in the short-term. Powell was personally skeptical of the 2003 Iraq invasion and cautioned against the war privately. But he dutifully presented the administration’s case for invasion not only in diplomatic meetings with his counterparts but also in

stress on thejoints of the spine and the supporting ligaments, which, over time, can lead to the formation of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a stage of degenerative disc disease. Spondylosis, on the other hand, is a term used to describe osteoarthritis of the spine. The company denied the claims for disability benefits on the ground of non-work relatedness of spinal tuberculosis. The Supreme Court ruled otherwise, noting that the other illness, spinal disc degeneration/desiccation or osteoarthritis, is a compensable disease. Prior to assuming his duties as Engine Fitter aboard the principal’s vessel, the seafarer was declared fit to work after the Pre-Employment Examination (PEME) with the company-designated physician. The seafarer showed no signs of any spinal injury before he boardedthe vessel. His back pain and limited lumbar movement started only after he forcefully pulled the piston lining of the ship's generator. And these symp-

Under Section 32-A (21) of the 2010 POEA-SEC, osteoarthritis is expressly considered as an occupational disease when contracted in any occupation involving any of the following: (a) joint strain from carrying heavy loads, or unduly heavy physical labor; (b) minor or major injuries to the joint; (c) excessive use or constant strenuous usage of a particular joint, (c) extreme temperature changes (humidity, heat and cold exposures); and (d) faulty work posture or use of vibratory tools.

toms persisted way beyond the time he got medically repatriated. It is reasonable to claim a causal relationship between seafarer's illness and his work as Engine Fitter of his employer’s vessel. Under Section 32-A (21) of the 2010 POEA-SEC, osteoarthritis is expressly considered as an occupational disease when contracted in any occupation involving any of the following: (a) joint strain from carrying heavy loads, or unduly heavy physical labor; (b) minor or major injuries to the joint; (c) excessive use or constant strenuous usage of a particular joint, (c) extreme temperature changes (humidity, heat and cold exposures); and (d) faulty work posture or use of vibratory tools. As Engine Fitter, the seafarer was constantly exposed to strenuous work. His responsibilities included several strenuous physical activities

such as: (a) fabrication and shaping of steel, aluminum and other materials; (b) lifting of metals and materials for fabrication; (c) setting up and operating manually controlled machines in skilled precision; (d) carrying and lifting heavy-duty tools and equipment during maintenance and repair; and (e) other all around strenuous duties as instructed by supervisor. To carry out these duties, he had to stand for most ofthe day and constantly moved around. Such strenuous activities could have led to or at least aggravated his condition, thus making it a compensable work-related illness. Moreover, despite the findings that the seafarer has degenerative disc and spondylolisthesis, the company only treated and based their findings of non-compensability on the seafarer's spinal tuberculosis. The company simply ignored the seafarer’s pleas to get him treated and medically assessed for his degenerative disc and spondylolisthesis, thus remained untreated and unresolved. Consequently, no medical assessment and certificate were issued to him for these conditions. Without a valid final and definitive assessment from the companydesignated doctors within the mandatory 120/240-day period, the law already steps in to consider a seafarer's disability as total and permanent.

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

ence Number), re-crediting of the benefit amount to the correct or new mobile number may take up to 30 days processing upon receipt of request. With our online processes and transactions being done online, we have made DAEM enrollment truly beneficial and advantageous to all our stakeholders. Just make sure that you provide the correct information to avoid any difficulties.This is our purpose in offering DAEM—that you, our members and employers, may enjoy the SSS benefits and loans when you need it most in real time. Have a productive week!

Members and pensioners, on the other hand, may enroll up to three disbursement accounts, but must nominate only one of these accounts for benefit or loan disbursement. When enrolling bank accounts, remember to enter the bank account number and not the ATM card number. If unsure of your account number, please check your correct bank account number with your disbursing bank. Bank account numbers should be written as a continuous string of numbers and do not put a dash (-) in between numbers, spaces, or any non-numeric characters. If you are enrolling cash cards, make sure that the issuing bank allows the use of the card for SSS disbursements. For RTCs/CPOs, SSS will send the Reference Number needed to

claim the benefit proceeds via text message, so you need to make sure that the mobile number or SIM card you’re providing is active. Just input your mobile numbers in its 11-digit format (i.e., 09171234567) without +63, dash (-) or any non-numeric characters. If you are enrolling E-Wallets, such as PayMaya, make sure that your account is upgraded so it can receive the full amount of proceeds beyond the usual limit. An upgraded account has a green check beside the owner’s profile in the PayMaya app. T h e m a x i mu m a l l o w a b l e amount for disbursement thru RTC/CPO is P100,000 with corresponding transaction fees based on prevailing rate. In case of incorrect mobile number encoded in the DAEM or lost mobile phone (or lost Refer-

Aurora C. Ignacio is SSS president and chief executive officer. We welcome your questions and insights on the topics that we discuss. E-mail mediaaffairs@sss. gov.ph for topics that you might want us to discuss.

the now-infamous speech before the U.N. Security Council in February 2003. Confronted with widespread doubts about the accuracy of the American and British assessment of Saddam’s capabilities and intentions, many compared the stakes of Powell’s speech to be similar to those of former United Nations Ambassador Adlai Stevenson’s electrifying 1962 presentation to the council about the Soviet Union’s placement of missiles in Cuba. In Powell’s speech—which he would later call a “blot” on his record—he brandished a vial that he said could have contained anthrax that intelligence agencies insisted Saddam was producing in mass quantities. “Less than a teaspoon of dry anthrax, a little bit—about this amount,” he told the council, waving the vial. “This is just about the amount of a teaspoon. Less than a teaspoonful of dry anthrax in an envelope shut down the United States Senate in the fall of 2001.” Some, including several critics of the Bush administration, believed Powell had hit the mark, but unlike Stevenson 41 years earlier, whatever convincing he accomplished was quickly erased. No anthrax or, in fact, any weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq after the end of the war, which led to a protracted US

military occupation of the country that many believe resulted in a broader destabilization of the Middle East, including the rise of the Islamic State, that persists to this day. While he will always be associated with the Iraq War, Powell was not an unaccomplished diplomat. He oversaw the resolution of the Bush administration’s first foreign policy crisis, China’s force down of a Navy spy plane and the detention of its crew, and self-deprecatingly referred to successes in resolving a spat with Moscow over a Russian ban on US chicken imports and an armed dispute between Morocco and Spain over a small Mediterranean island. Powell was also critical in engineering an end to a standoff between Israel then Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat who had been blockaded in his Ramallah headquarters by Israeli troops during the second “intifada” or Palestinian uprising. And he was the first senior US official to visit Afghanistan after the Taliban were ousted, flying into Kabul on a military plane in Jan. 2002, to meet with then-President Hamid Karzai. Nonetheless, Powell’s biggest legacy at the State Department may be bureaucratic rather than diplomatic. A natural tinkerer who loved to collect and repair old Volvos and was a fan of the thennew Chrysler PT Cruiser, Powell

pushed to bring the department’s antiquated computer and communications systems into the age of email and interoperability. He fought budget battles to increase diplomatic spending and hiring and also led a successful drive to prevent the newly established Department of Homeland Security from entirely taking over the process of issuing visas, something that had been recommended in the wake of 9/11. Unlike his predecessors and several successors as secretary of state, Powell was not enamored of foreign travel and spent less time overseas than almost any of America’s top diplomats since the dawn of the jet age, an aversion perhaps exacerbated by his unsuccessful behind-the-scenes attempts in Washington to blunt his Bush administration colleagues’ push for war with Iraq. Personable and often approachable, Powell sought to assure his new employees that he would not be a burden on them in some of his first remarks to the diplomatic corps. “I will be around to see you in due course,” he told his first town hall meeting. “I am an easy visitor. We are going to try to make it very easy for me to visit. Just to save a lot of cable traffic, I have no food preferences, no drink preferences. A cheeseburger will be fine. I like Holiday Inns, I have no illusions.”

A12 Wednesday, October 20, 2021

PEZA touts halal industry opportunities to investors

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has urged Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in the country’s growing halal industry.

PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said in a statement on Tuesday that the Malaysian investors can locate and expand their operations in the halal hubs and production economic zones in the countryside. She explained that Republic Act (RA) 10817 or Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 and Republic Act 11439 (RA) the Islamic Banking Act are supporting the country to become a “significant player in the global halal industry.” “In continuous support to our Transformation Road Map which

also heeds to the call of the national government under Administrative Order (AO) No. 18, we have identified 18 locations in Mindanao such as Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur and del Norte, Davao City, Sulu, Sultan Kudarat, Surigao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Sur and del Norte, Davao del Norte, North Cotabato, Zamboanga del Sur and del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, TawiTawi, and Maguindanao, areas rich in agriculture, aquaculture, and agro-forestry among others,” Plaza added. Released in June 2019, AO

18 bans new ecozone developments in Metro Manila in a bid to spur economic activities in the countryside. The PEZA chief—during a recent meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Charles C. Jose, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Norman Bin Muhamad, and representatives from PEZA-registered Malaysian enterprises—noted there are 56 Malaysian locators in the ecozones. They have contributed P17.571billion worth of investments and currently employing nearly 11,000 workers. These enterprises contribute $52.599 million in exports. “Given the Malaysians’ contribution in our economy, which is vital especially during this time, we must continue to attract more Malaysian investors to come and invest in the Philippines and widen our reach for sectors unique only in Malaysia,” Plaza stressed. Plaza said that Malaysian investors can benefit from the country’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus status given by the European Union. This, as the Philippines seeks to renew trade perks with the

United States as well. “Our country is also waiting for implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership [RCEP] which is seen to enhance our businesses’ participation in the global value chains given that this agreement will promote partnerships between the ASEAN nations, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea,” she said. For his part, Jose said that ecozones are crucial in increasing the export revenues and boosting employment. “Benefitting from decades of investments and rising investor appetite for manufacturing projects, economic zones in the Philippines have become an important export promotion tool and investment destination,” he said. The regulator has 415 economic zones hosting 4,665 locator companies that employ 1.6 million workers. In the first half, PEZA approved 119 projects amounting to P32.057 billion, which is 8.52 percent more than P29.541 billion in the same period last year. Exports, meanwhile, amounted to $30.177 billion in January to June.

WB: 8-M COVID VAXX DOSES DUE BY DEC. 2021 By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

VER 8 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines are set to arrive in the country by December 2021, according to the World Bank. The Washington-based lender said to date, 4.73 million doses of the 13 million doses procured under the $500 million Covid-19 Emergency Response Project Additional Financing have arrived in the country. “The World Bank is pleased to contribute to the Philippines’s national Covid-19 vaccination effort so that more Filipinos are protected against Covid-19, can resume normal lives, and the country can rebuild the economy faster, restore jobs and incomes, and ensure its resilient recovery,” said Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Approved in March, the Additional Financing was designed to support the Philippine government’s program to purchase and distribute Covid-19 vaccines, strengthen the country’s health systems, and overcome the impact of the pandemic especially on the poor and the most vulnerable. In addition to the purchase of vaccines, the additional financing also financed the Philippines’s efforts to implement public health measures includ-

Oil deregulation law merits tweaking–DOE By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

HE Department of Energy (DOE) is asking Congress to provide the government a power to intervene and address sudden and prolonged oil price increases by amending the Oil Deregulation Law. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi sent a letter on October 18 to the chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Energy— Sherwin T. Gatchalian and Juan Miguel M. Arroyo, respectively— as the country faces a prolonged oil spike due to the continuing increase in the world market price. Cusi said amending the Republic Act 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Law of 1998 is important to prov ide a framework for the government. The amendments should include, he said, the unbundling of the cost of petroleum retail products to determine their true and passed-on costs. According to Cusi, the DOE in May 2019 issued a department circular requiring the unbundling of oil prices for its data gathering and policymaking function. “[However] upon the opposition of the oil industry players, the circular has been subjected to an injunction by the RTC [regional trial court] despite the DOE’s argument that the ‘unbundling policy’ is not violative of the Oil Deregulation Law,” he said.

Spike

CUSI also cited several reasons for the prolonged oil price spike, noting the sudden global increase in demand and an unanticipated lack of supply. According to Cusi, the oil demand is now estimated at 103.22 million barrels a day as of October 16, 2021 against a supply of 100.32 million barrels per day. “The surge of economic activities due to the containment of Covid-19 was a result of measures

adopted and implemented worldwide, [including] mass vaccination, control of the Delta and other variants, Europe’s no-lockdown policy, and China’s economic boost. This led to a sudden demand in energy utilization, including the demand [for] oil products in the transportation sector like gasoline and diesel,” he said. Also, the DOE secretary said the stocking of petroleum products’ inventories as winter approaches to cover demand from October this year to March of next year, with stocking expected until February 2021. He noted as well the slowed production due to the current global direction of sourcing energy from low-carbon emitting sources. “This has limited the optimum level of production, causing the halt and even withdrawal of investments in the development and expansion of the fossil fuel industry,” he added. Also, Cusi noted international sanctions were imposed on oilproducing countries like Iran and Venezuela that stopped the drilling by oil companies and the buying of oil products from these countries. “Hurricane Ida, a category 4 storm that hit the US gulf coast on August 29 had caused an estimated loss of US crude oil production by as much as 30 million barrels,” he added. Before the pandemic, Cusi said the latest recorded total worldwide supply is, more or less, 104 barrels a day. To cope with the supply, he said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) committed to increase the production and supply of crude oil by 400,000 barrels/day. The OPEC will meet on November 4, 2021 to discuss and reassess the situation. The Philippines, Cusi said, utilizes the equivalent of 425,000 barrels a day, which is around 0.4 percent of the world supply.

ing increasing testing and improving isolation capacity. This financing builds upon the initial ongoing Philippines Covid-19 Emergency Response Project approved in April 2020 and implemented by the Department of Health (DOH). The project provides funding for the purchase of laboratory equipment and test kits, and ambulances as well as medical equipment and supplies such as mechanical ventilators, portable x-ray machines, and infusion pumps. The financing has also been used to refurbish isolation rooms and quarantine facilities for Covid-19 patients. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Bank Group has deployed over $157 billion to fight the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic, considered as the bank’s fastest and largest crisis response in its history. The financing is helping more than 100 countries strengthen pandemic preparedness, protect the poor and jobs, and jump start a climate-friendly recovery. The Bank is also supporting over 50 low- and middle-income countries, more than half of which are in Africa, with the purchase and deployment of Covid-19 vaccines and is making available $20 billion in financing for this purpose until the end of 2022.

Senate orders Pharmally’s Darganis detained

LUE-RIBBON probers on Tuesday cited in contempt, and ordered the detention in the Senate premises, of two officials of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation for refusing to provide senators subpoenaed documents in their ongoing inquiry. Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Blue Ribbon inquiry, asked Committee Secretary Atty. Rudy Quimbo to order the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to take custody of Pharmally officials Mohit and Twinkle Dargani after citing them in contempt. Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon said the two key witnesses at an ongoing inquiry were “obviously refusing to answer” and will remain detention at the Senate “until they comply” and “produce documents” required by Senate probers. Mohit, corporate secretary and treasurer of Pharmally, earlier told Drilon he was advised by their lawyer not to provide the documents, which senators had earlier made subject of a subpoena duces tecum. Twinkle sits as company president. The senators did not hide their frustration over the disrupted paper trail, especially after Pharmally external auditor Iluminada Serbial, who gave the company an unqualified opinion, admitted that Pharmally accountant Jeff Mariano did not provide her any documents. She merely signed the financial report of the controversial start-up that bagged P8.7 billion in government contracts for pandemic supplies. “Nobody wants to tell the truth,” Senator Francis Pangilinan observed. At one point, Dargani also denied reports reaching Senate probers that he tried selling a friend’s 2019 Ferrari sports car. Drilon moved to cite Mohit and Twinkle in contempt after putting on record that both witnesses were not cooperating. Butch Fernandez

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Del Monte aims to corner 10% of PHL dairy market By VG Cabuag

@villygc

el Monte Philippines Inc. said it wants to capture at least 10 percent of the local milk market via the Vinamilk products made by its Vietnamese joint venture partner Vietnam Dairy Products. “We’ll be happy with that 10 percent in the immediate term,” said Dani Eleazar-Ocampo, marketing lead for the brand. Luis Alejandro, president of Del Monte-Vinamilk and COO of Del Monte Philippines, said they are planning to produce the dairy products in the country. “As you know Del Monte has a very, very big footprint in Bukidnon. We have 26,000 hectares of pineapple plantation. We also have

cattle as part of our agreement with the Department of Agriculture. We have more land. We think if in the future our success justifies local production, and is feasible then we will explore. This may involve dairy operations,” he said during the company’s product launch held virtually. Vinamilk has initially rolled out 4 products in small sizes for children and a milk tea variant for adults. The company is planning

to launch one-liter packs for adult drinkers, according to its officials. In August, Del Monte and Vinamilk formed a 50-50 joint venture entity to enable the Vietnamese firm to enter the local market and sell their products. The company currently imports co-branded dairy products from Vinamilk in Vietnam, then markets and distributes the products in the Philippines through Del Monte, which is known for its pineapple and tomato sauce. “The joint venture is intended to leverage the respective strengths of Del Monte and Vinamilk: Del Monte’s established distribution network in the Philippines and brand equity for healthy food and beverage products, and Vinamilk’s vast experience and technical knowhow in dairy products,” it said. The joint venture’s initial authorized capital stock is about P300 million, while the initial capitalization is about P72 million, which will be shared equally by the two firms.

The joint venture will have six directors, with each of Del Monte and Vinamilk having the right to nominate three directors. The president of the new company came from Del Monte while the chairman and the chief financial officer will be nominated by Vinamilk. “With the joint venture, Del Monte will have the opportunity to accelerate its entry in the growing dairy industry in the Philippines,” the company said. Vinamilk is among the top 40 largest dairy companies globally, ranked 36th by revenue with $2.6 billion in sales in 2020, and has a 45-year track record. It is the largest listed food and beverage company in the stock exchange of Vietnam with a market cap of $9 billion. It operates an end-to-end value chain with 13 dairy farms, some 160,000 cattle, 13 factories, and 250,000 retail outlets across Vietnam and has been exporting to 56 countries.

ACEN: RE portfolio to hit 100% by 2025 By Lenie Lectura @llectura

y 2025, AC Energy Corp.’s (ACEN) portfolio will be 100-percent renewable. On Tuesday, the power arm of conglomerate Ayala Corp. said the board approved this transition as part of the company’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Net zero is a global movement to achieve zero net greenhouse emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050. “Transitioning the company’s generation portfolio to 100 percent renewable energy by 2025,” AC Energy said. To achieve this, the company will retire its 270-megawatt (MW) coal plant operated by South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) by 2040, or 15 years ahead of the plant’s technical life. When asked to elaborate, the power firm said its coal divestment policy remains, but in addition to

this, “we will work towards an early retirement and transition to cleaner technology for SLTEC.” “We will ensure that the divestment process incorporates the just transition approach,” said ACEN President and CEO Eric Francia. “This means that we will work towards an early retirement of SLTEC coal plant, targeting 2040 or 15 years earlier than its technical life, and transition SLTEC to a cleaner technology.” The coal plant is located in Calaca, Batangas. AC said the retirement approach for the plant will make use of an Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), which leverages low cost and long-term funding geared towards early coal retirement and reinvestment of proceeds to enable renewable energy. BPI Capital Corp. is the lead arranger for the ETM for SLTEC. Part of its move to fully generate power via renewable energy is to spin off all its thermal assets by 2025. This will be done via share-swap with ACE

Enexor Inc. whereby ACEN will assign 100 percent of its equity in Palawan 55 Exploration and Production Corp., Bulacan Power Generation Corp., One Subic Power Generation Corp., CIP II Power Corp., and Ingrid 3 Power Corp., valued at P3.339 billion, in exchange for 339 million primary shares at P10 per share. Separately, ACEN said it will acquire the remaining 51.6-percent stake in UPC\AC Renewables Australia joint venture to raise its ownership in the renewables development platform to 100 percent. ACEN, through its subsidiary AC Renewables International Pte Ltd, will acquire the interest of its joint venture partner UPC Renewables Asia Pacific Holdings and Anton Rohner in UPC\AC Renewables Australia for $ 243.3 million. The sellers will in turn subscribe to up to 942 million common shares of ACEN with a subscription price of P11.32/share. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals.

“This transaction marks a strategic pivot for ACEN, as the company embarks on its first wholly owned development and operations platform outside of the Philippines,” said Francia. “We are excited to scale up investment in our Australia platform, as we expect the country to accelerate its energy transition.” Since its formation in 2018, UPC\ AC Renewables Australia has developed over 8,000 MW of renewable energy pipeline across New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia and is currently constructing the 520 MW New England Solar Farm. ACEN has about 2,600 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Australia. The company’s renewable share of capacity is at 80 percent, among the highest in the region. ACEN’s aspiration is to become the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of having 5,000 MW of renewables capacity by 2025.

Converge ‘PLDT to build PHL’s biggest data center’ MNP services to buy clean energy from W First Gen By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

onverge ICT Solutions Inc. has committed to purchase geothermal energy from First Gen Corp. for it to shift to a 100-percent renewable energy source in its headquarters in Pasig. Dennis Anthony Uy, the chief executive officer of Converge, said the deal involves the acquisition of 2.5MW of geothermal energy from First Gen through 2023. “The clean energy that First Gen will provide for our head office in Pasig complements our business in more ways than one. It reflects our choices as a responsible company that wishes to do its share for the environment,” he said. First Gen Chairman Federico Lopez lauded Converge for actively reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy. The clean energy will be sourced from Tongonan geothermal power plant in Leyte, with the energy firm providing a maximum of 1.5 megawatts during the first year, increasing to 2.5 megawatts through its second year. Lorenz S. Marasigan

ith t h e p r o j e c t e d increase in demand f rom g loba l hy per scalers, PLDT Inc. plans to build the “biggest data center” in the Philippines. PLDT VP Nico Alcoseba said the company is “set to build” a data center that is designed to serve the “massive power and IT requirements of global hyperscalers.” The facility will have more power capacity than all of PLDT’s existing data centers combined, and will be a Tier-3 certified structure and Tier-4 ready once it starts operations. PLDT officials were unavailable when sought for further details about the project. “We are very optimistic and bullish about the hyperscaler demand in the enterprise sector. To support the growing needs of global technology giants and cloud service providers expanding in the region, we at the PLDT Group are proud to announce that we will be building the first hy-

perscaler data center facility in the Philippines,” Alcoseba said in a statement. PLDT is also “further enhancing its network of data centers” concurrent to the construction of a new facility. “We at PLDT are continuously enhancing our existing data centers in three main ways. First, we are adding more power capacity per rack to support the dense and high-powered equipment of hyperscalers. Second, we’re further enhancing the reliability and energy efficiency of our data center facilities. And last, we’re also looking for ways to deliver renewable energy to support the carbon neutrality commitments of these companies.” Currently, PLDT has 10 Vitro Data Centers across the country. These facilities are supported by the 524,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables spread across the Philippines. They are also linked to the 14 international undersea cable systems and one terrestrial system that carry data in and out of the Philippines.

Smart Communications Inc., a subsidiary of PLDT, said it expects to further grow the user base of its GigaLife mobile application following the implementation of the mobile number portability (MNP) services recently. Jane Basas, an SVP at Smart, said the GigaLife app recently reached its 10-million user milestone, and this is expected to rise as the company expects to acquire more users through the MNP. “With MNP, more mobile users can finally make the Smart move and experience the country’s fastest mobile data network without the hassles that go with changing one’s mobile number—such as having to import contacts and inform your circles, as well as relinking digital subscriptions and e-wallets,” she said. The MNP service essentially allows subscribers to shift from one network provider to another without changing their mobile numbers. Smart claims to have the widest 5G coverage in the Philippines with over 4,400 5G sites deployed across 4,000 locations.

Jollibee strengthens food safety culture

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ast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. on Tuesday said it is strengthening its food safety culture to further elevate the quality of its offerings. “Our product standards are aligned with global standards even prior to the pandemic. To elevate quality further, we instituted additional measures to ensure safety in food preparation, as well as safety protocols to help protect the health of store teams and customers,” said Wally Mateo, Jollibee’s head of global quality management. “We have also linked our supply chain processes to a centralized digital data management system to help us in data analysis and store monitoring anytime we need it. It’s an end-to-end food safety model from our suppliers to our commissaries, and even up to the store levels.” Mateo said digitization is playing a huge part not only in improving the customer experience with Jollibee’s brands during this pandemic, but also in its supply chain operations—way before meals reach its customers. One such initiative in response to the pandemic is the supply chain food safety and quality agile audit system, which allows the company’s quality management

team to assess risk factors and ensure compliance of vendors, commissaries and stores despite limited mobility caused by lockdown restrictions. The company said it evaluates and monitors emerging food safety and quality risks and keeps itself updated on the trends. As a response to these identified risks and trends, the company designs food safety and quality programs that are observed from farm to fork—from product design and development, sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, up to restaurant processes. To strengthen the culture of food safety across the organization, the Jollibee Group provides continuing education and training for its workforce. All restaurant personnel from the company are required to undergo food safety trainings. Jollibee Group has also trained more than 700 food quality champions and quality advocates across different levels in the organization through its internal certification program. “Food safety is everyone’s responsibility in the Jollibee group. Our standards for food safety and cleanliness are well-ingrained in our employees and are integrated in our operations,” Mateo said. VG Cabuag

Eternal Crematory Baesa gets new machine

ternal Crematory Corp., one of the pioneers in the country, continues to upgrade its facilities to ensure the good quality of service provided for its clients. The company’s first branch, located inside Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Baesa, Caloocan City, has recently purchased a new crematory machine which will allow it to accommodate more cases every day. Supplied by Newlife Techwin

in the country over the past year due to the pandemic. On top of this, Filipinos have become more open to the idea of choosing cremation as an economical and ecofriendly alternative to traditional underground interment. Aside from the one in Baesa, Caloocan City, the Eternal Crematory branches located inside the Eternal Gardens parks in Biñan City, Laguna; Dagupan City, and Balagtas, Batangas City will also

Inc., the diesel-fueled crematory machine can finish the cremation process within 45 minutes to an hour, and can accommodate about 9 cases within a 12-hour operation. The demand for cremation services has significantly increased

be getting new crematory machines. The company, whose fifth and latest branch can be found in Naga City, is a member of the ALC Group of Companies founded by Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon.

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PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

October 19, 2021

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

BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

130.9 85.7 24.15 9.48 49 17.52 20.85 56.8 19.9 124.9 90.8 0.9 4.25 3.27 1.12 0.315 901 0.62 226.8 0.87

131.8 85.8 24.2 9.5 49.05 18.6 20.95 56.85 20 125 90.9 1 4.27 3.44 1.14 0.345 945 0.64 227 0.9

132.9 86 24.5 9.48 49.75 18.5 21.1 56.8 20.5 126 92 0.91 4.26 3.25 1.12 0.32 945 0.62 226.8 0.86

133.4 86.95 24.5 9.58 50 18.5 21.2 56.85 20.5 126.5 92 0.91 4.26 3.47 1.12 0.35 945 0.64 226.8 0.86

128.8 85.3 24.15 9.48 48.75 18.3 20.6 56.8 19.9 123.5 90.8 0.91 4.25 3.2 1.12 0.32 945 0.62 226.8 0.86

131.8 85.8 24.2 9.5 49 18.3 20.85 56.85 20.05 124.9 90.8 0.91 4.25 3.44 1.12 0.35 945 0.64 226.8 0.86

2,393,330 2,718,330 75,500 632,700 2,571,000 10,100 651,800 360 39,900 634,220 54,430 45,000 51,000 173,000 2,000 20,000 10 43,000 910 4,000

313,373,374 233,822,195 1,832,260 6,025,618 126,545,865 184,850 13,581,445 20,450.50 801,760 79,185,700 4,968,739 40,950 217,180 561,850 2,240 6,700 9,450 27,400 206,388 3,440

104,221,096 3,081,577 -700,000 891,098.00 14,659,625 -3,510,600 0 49,639,604 -1,690,054.50 3,720 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 11.88 11.9 10.7 12.04 10.7 11.88 59,519,300 696,377,568 1.11 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 256,000 291,840 ALSONS CONS 31.25 31.4 31.4 32.05 31.25 31.25 3,115,300 98,481,200 ABOITIZ POWER 0.73 0.74 0.62 0.75 0.62 0.73 263,378,000 183,241,160 BASIC ENERGY 29.1 29.15 29.2 29.4 29.05 29.1 854,100 24,962,120 FIRST GEN 76.1 76.2 76.1 76.5 76.1 76.2 19,630 1,494,928 FIRST PHIL HLDG 297.8 298 298.6 299.2 297 298 135,510 40,368,770 MERALCO 24.5 24.6 24.6 25.85 24.35 24.6 1,666,200 41,112,255 MANILA WATER 3.96 3.98 3.65 4.02 3.65 3.98 14,180,000 54,726,690 PETRON PETROENERGY 4.31 4.47 4.28 4.47 4.28 4.31 330,000 1,453,440 PHX PETROLEUM 10.9 11.1 11.2 11.2 10.88 11.1 120,100 1,330,728 PILIPINAS SHELL 24.1 24.25 24 24.35 23.55 24.25 1,208,500 29,130,350 SPC POWER 13.8 13.88 13.96 13.98 13.44 13.88 322,700 4,408,764 AGRINURTURE 4.9 4.93 4.95 4.98 4.9 4.95 95,000 468,920 AXELUM 2.82 2.83 2.83 2.83 2.77 2.83 281,000 789,150 24.95 25 25.5 26.15 24.85 24.95 4,651,600 116,798,600 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 14.24 14.28 14.26 14.3 14.24 14.28 89,000 1,269,916 8.29 8.3 8.28 8.36 8.28 8.3 2,406,500 19,987,325 DNL INDUS 18.16 18.2 18.2 18.32 18.12 18.16 708,600 12,877,430 EMPERADOR 76 76.35 76.95 76.95 75.9 76 270,000 20,527,565 SMC FOODANDBEV 1.33 1.35 1.37 1.38 1.32 1.33 20,481,000 27,438,280 FRUITAS HLDG 115 115.8 115 115.9 115 115 91,110 10,485,259 GINEBRA 227.2 227.4 227 229 224 227.2 376,000 85,408,738 JOLLIBEE 6.63 6.98 7 7 7 7 200 1,400 MACAY HLDG 7.4 7.43 6.87 7.4 6.87 7.4 1,743,300 12,619,398 MAXS GROUP 0.177 0.18 0.176 0.177 0.176 0.177 730,000 128,500 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 15.14 15.16 15.28 15.98 15.08 15.14 73,359,500 1,129,732,218 SHAKEYS PIZZA 8.14 8.19 8.6 8.6 8.19 8.19 162,900 1,341,293 ROXAS AND CO 0.77 0.78 0.79 0.8 0.77 0.77 885,000 697,260 4.65 4.66 4.59 4.66 4.59 4.66 5,000 23,160 RFM CORP 0.117 0.118 0.12 0.12 0.116 0.117 1,280,000 149,730 SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA 139.7 139.8 136.9 140.2 136.9 139.8 1,134,870 158,089,605 VITARICH 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.75 0.75 2,890,000 2,173,290 VICTORIAS 2.43 2.48 2.48 2.48 2.48 2.48 11,000 27,280 1.27 1.28 1.28 1.29 1.27 1.28 1,406,000 1,795,010 CEMEX HLDG 14.6 14.7 14.36 14.76 14.36 14.6 31,000 452,536 EAGLE CEMENT 6.28 6.29 6.26 6.69 6.25 6.29 3,056,500 19,247,535 EEI CORP 6.03 6.06 6.12 6.12 6.02 6.06 1,308,200 7,945,183 HOLCIM 6.18 6.19 6.1 6.25 6.1 6.18 885,200 5,480,947 MEGAWIDE 14.52 14.6 14.64 14.64 14.6 14.6 112,600 1,644,080 PHINMA 0.9 0.91 0.9 0.91 0.9 0.91 87,000 78,320 TKC METALS 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.14 1.09 1.12 3,078,000 3,418,320 VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA 1.68 1.7 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.68 24,000 40,420 EUROMED 1.62 1.63 1.61 1.62 1.6 1.62 175,000 280,800 5.42 5.46 5.48 5.48 5.46 5.46 4,000 21,890 PRYCE CORP 22.35 23 23 23 23 23 6,300 144,900 CONCEPCION 2.39 2.4 2.29 2.41 2.28 2.4 12,002,000 28,089,260 GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR 8.59 8.6 8.7 8.9 8.51 8.59 300,400 2,605,498 0.84 0.85 0.87 0.87 0.85 0.85 190,000 162,920 IONICS 6 6.02 6 6.02 6 6.02 3,000 18,018 PANASONIC 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.13 1.12 1.13 137,000 153,640 SFA SEMICON 4.33 4.34 4.28 4.35 4.24 4.33 1,611,000 6,889,350 CIRTEK HLDG

91,284,220.00 9,120 -2,538,005 -3,881,060 -1,561,015 36,552 7,407,764 30,630 -3,803,120 79,230 -201,600 -128,150 -244,960 59,830 21,083,855 -6,631,770.00 -1,650,524 8,952,176 25,600 8,604,132 23,990,234 -188,556 -555,593,450 -84,365 -26,680 21,440,247 45,750 51,200 -2,952 -13,932,095 -1,594,072 -890,672 95,850 16,900 666,740.00 347,320

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.08 1.12 4,991,000 5,520,680 5.28 5.8 5.26 5.28 5.26 5.28 13,400 70,552 ASIABEST GROUP 853.5 854 861.5 872.5 852.5 854 154,230 132,921,515 AYALA CORP 49.5 49.85 48.6 49.85 48.6 49.85 944,000 46,806,085 ABOITIZ EQUITY 10.8 10.86 10.48 10.92 10.48 10.8 8,045,300 86,934,864 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 5.21 5.28 5.09 5.35 5.09 5.21 7,155,900 37,508,637 AYALA LAND LOG 7.01 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.19 7.25 52,500 379,163 ANSCOR 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.94 0.92 0.93 516,000 476,150 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.47 0.5 0.455 0.5 0.45 0.5 722,000 330,370 ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B 0.47 0.54 0.455 0.455 0.455 0.455 10,000 4,550 5.12 5.13 5.03 5.12 5.03 5.12 811,200 4,135,402 COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG 9.09 9.1 9.3 9.31 9.1 9.1 14,561,400 133,537,266 FILINVEST DEV 7.71 7.85 7.7 7.72 7.69 7.71 178,900 1,377,643 FORUM PACIFIC 0.29 0.305 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 250,000 72,500 577.5 578 578 582 577.5 578 298,050 172,772,210 GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT 65.3 66 64.25 66 64.25 66 1,823,830 119,563,473.50 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 5.31 5.45 5.45 5.45 5.3 5.31 4,000 21,415 0.63 0.64 0.66 0.66 0.63 0.64 209,000 133,820 LODESTAR 3.22 3.25 3.21 3.25 3.21 3.25 230,000 746,300 LOPEZ HLDG 9.69 9.75 9.8 9.8 9.63 9.75 4,301,800 41,758,721 LT GROUP 1.2 1.3 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 8,000 10,000 MJC INVESTMENTS 4 4.02 4.02 4.13 3.96 4 33,679,000 136,806,820 METRO PAC INV 1.52 1.59 1.48 1.52 1.48 1.52 121,000 181,730 PRIME MEDIA 2.54 2.9 2.88 2.88 2.88 2.88 2,000 5,760 REPUBLIC GLASS 1,000 1,008 980 1,009 977.5 1,008 255,980 256,260,825 SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP 114.9 116.5 116.5 116.5 114.8 116.5 170,980 19,794,991 SOC RESOURCES 0.67 0.71 0.67 0.67 0.67 0.67 6,000 4,020 128.5 130 130 130 128.2 128.2 50 6,464 TOP FRONTIER 0.25 0.26 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 50,000 12,500 WELLEX INDUS 0.179 0.193 0.179 0.179 0.179 0.179 10,000 1,790 ZEUS HLDG

1,529,040 64,919,850 15,931,080 15,674,594 511,930 3,625 2,336,874 61,936,598 -706,606 48,614,065 43,794,747 -643,500 3,222,089 36,322,380.00 -3,543,315 -83,645 -

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.65 0.66 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 23,000 14,720 7 7.49 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.9 600 4,140 ANCHOR LAND 37.9 37.95 38.15 38.8 37.4 37.9 8,827,100 335,278,375 AYALA LAND 1.03 1.08 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 125,000 127,500 ARANETA PROP 41.5 41.9 40.05 41.95 40.05 41.5 420,200 17,420,745 AREIT RT 1.37 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.36 1.36 217,000 296,180 BELLE CORP 0.86 0.87 0.87 0.9 0.86 0.86 272,000 235,630 A BROWN 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.77 0.76 0.76 67,000 51,070 CITYLAND DEVT 0.115 0.117 0.119 0.119 0.115 0.117 2,360,000 272,380 CROWN EQUITIES CEBU HLDG 6.4 6.96 6.2 6.4 6.2 6.4 120,700 766,500 2.89 2.9 2.94 2.95 2.89 2.9 3,227,000 9,424,020 CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP 0.445 0.45 0.46 0.47 0.45 0.45 15,100,000 6,888,750 DOUBLEDRAGON 10.3 10.32 10.18 10.36 10.18 10.3 235,200 2,407,664 DDMP RT 1.79 1.8 1.81 1.81 1.79 1.8 13,170,000 23,714,500 DM WENCESLAO 6.8 6.84 6.8 6.82 6.8 6.8 34,500 234,718 EMPIRE EAST 0.275 0.28 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275 550,000 151,250 EVER GOTESCO 0.35 0.355 0.3 0.35 0.295 0.35 38,550,000 12,741,150 7.39 7.4 7.4 7.41 7.39 7.4 5,943,800 43,983,187 FILINVEST RT 1.15 1.16 1.14 1.15 1.13 1.15 11,595,000 13,272,090 FILINVEST LAND 0.88 0.89 0.88 0.89 0.87 0.88 2,383,000 2,079,390 GLOBAL ESTATE 9.9 10 10.7 10.7 10 10 1,251,600 12,822,218 8990 HLDG 1.22 1.23 1.19 1.28 1.18 1.23 2,263,000 2,789,160 PHIL INFRADEV 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.93 0.93 284,000 265,180 CITY AND LAND 3.17 3.19 3.07 3.19 3.07 3.19 39,917,000 125,879,950 MEGAWORLD 0.295 0.3 0.28 0.3 0.275 0.295 48,150,000 14,123,700 MRC ALLIED MREIT RT 17.78 17.8 17.82 17.82 17.7 17.8 1,497,500 26,653,270 PHIL ESTATES 0.5 0.51 0.5 0.52 0.5 0.5 1,910,000 958,600 PRIMEX CORP 2.33 2.34 2.13 2.35 2.1 2.33 1,337,000 2,976,370 RL COMM RT 6.68 6.71 6.7 6.72 6.66 6.68 9,602,200 64,277,387 ROBINSONS LAND 17.6 17.64 17.46 18.1 17.46 17.6 5,220,100 92,723,660 PHIL REALTY 0.241 0.249 0.243 0.243 0.241 0.241 1,160,000 279,710 1.55 1.58 1.52 1.58 1.48 1.58 181,000 283,910 ROCKWELL 2.66 2.67 2.69 2.69 2.67 2.67 30,000 80,600 SHANG PROP 2.85 2.92 2.9 2.95 2.9 2.92 209,000 610,080 STA LUCIA LAND 36 36.15 36.6 36.75 35.9 36 3,385,600 122,294,720 SM PRIME HLDG 3.69 3.85 3.87 3.87 3.69 3.85 9,000 33,860 VISTAMALLS 1.43 1.44 1.45 1.45 1.42 1.44 197,000 281,980 SUNTRUST HOME 43.05 50.95 47 47 47 47 1,200 56,400 PTFC REDEV CORP 3.78 3.79 3.76 3.82 3.73 3.78 1,994,000 7,529,830 VISTA LAND SERVICES ABS CBN 15.1 15.2 14.32 15.28 14.3 15.2 189,400 2,839,934 14.74 14.76 14.48 15.3 14.28 14.74 1,912,700 28,464,022 GMA NETWORK 0.405 0.435 0.41 0.41 0.405 0.405 430,000 174,750 MANILA BULLETIN 8 9 9 9 9 9 5,100 45,900 MLA BRDCASTING 3,108 3,110 3,210 3,210 3,104 3,108 55,855 174,492,360 GLOBE TELECOM 1,620 1,628 1,632 1,640 1,616 1,620 94,820 154,147,635 PLDT 0.093 0.094 0.095 0.096 0.092 0.094 309,390,000 28,804,550 APOLLO GLOBAL 31 31.05 29.5 31.8 29 31 34,107,100 1,049,016,450 CONVERGE 3.09 3.11 3.05 3.14 3.02 3.09 293,000 898,130 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 7.09 7.1 7.1 7.15 7.07 7.09 3,908,000 27,744,824 IMPERIAL 1.42 1.5 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42 35,000 49,700 1.82 1.83 1.88 1.88 1.82 1.83 1,360,000 2,511,140 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.295 0.305 0.3 0.305 0.29 0.305 6,060,000 1,795,050 PHILWEB 2.2 2.23 2.22 2.26 2.2 2.2 294,000 649,410 7.9 7.95 7.95 8 7.87 7.94 53,500 422,648 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS 14 14.2 14.2 14.2 14.2 14.2 203,600 2,891,120 2.03 2.05 2 2.06 1.99 2.05 1,672,000 3,359,480 CHELSEA 43.95 44.45 44.85 45 43.95 44.45 460,000 20,428,540 CEBU AIR 180 181.3 183 184.9 180 180 869,980 157,553,075 INTL CONTAINER 20 20.2 19.96 20.2 19.96 20.2 6,800 136,128 LBC EXPRESS 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 15,000 13,800 LORENZO SHIPPNG 5.23 5.24 5.2 5.33 5.01 5.24 1,289,500 6,750,507 MACROASIA 1.63 1.66 1.55 1.68 1.55 1.66 136,000 223,610 METROALLIANCE A 1.04 1.06 1.05 1.06 1.04 1.06 163,000 169,600 HARBOR STAR 1.51 1.54 1.5 1.51 1.5 1.51 14,000 21,080 ACESITE HOTEL 2.26 2.35 2.26 2.35 2.24 2.35 121,000 277,050 DISCOVERY WORLD GRAND PLAZA 11.12 16.48 12.8 16.5 12.8 16.48 3,000 42,696 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 372,000 193,440 WATERFRONT 6.66 7.03 6.68 6.68 6.65 6.66 2,200 14,681 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.88 7.1 6.87 7.1 6.87 7.1 2,500 17,629 IPEOPLE 0.355 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.355 0.355 3,180,000 1,133,750 STI HLDG BERJAYA 5.41 5.55 5.4 5.56 5.4 5.56 43,200 234,609 BLOOMBERRY 6.32 6.38 6.48 6.58 6.32 6.32 7,215,800 46,137,951 PACIFIC ONLINE 2.12 2.13 2.15 2.15 2.12 2.12 24,000 51,450 1.63 1.68 1.66 1.7 1.6 1.69 314,000 509,580 LEISURE AND RES 1.04 1.05 1.03 1.05 1.02 1.04 2,808,000 2,899,610 PH RESORTS GRP 0.425 0.43 0.43 0.435 0.425 0.425 1,120,000 479,850 PREMIUM LEISURE 10 10.06 10 10 9.76 10 1,113,400 11,005,357 ALLHOME 1.33 1.35 1.36 1.36 1.33 1.33 566,000 764,180 METRO RETAIL 41.05 41.1 42.35 42.4 41 41.05 3,211,600 133,266,875 PUREGOLD 59.5 59.6 58.5 59.9 58.5 59.5 945,120 55,756,707.50 ROBINSONS RTL 92.05 96 96 97.7 96 97.5 5,590 538,300 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 1.21 1.24 1.23 1.25 1.21 1.24 2,173,000 2,649,440 WILCON DEPOT 28.5 28.6 28.5 28.9 28 28.5 4,795,900 136,381,645 APC GROUP 0.245 0.25 0.247 0.247 0.246 0.246 870,000 214,040 4.65 4.8 4.6 4.65 4.6 4.65 3,000 13,850 EASYCALL 7 7.06 7.06 7.06 7.06 7.06 4,300 30,358 IPM HLDG 2.06 2.08 2.08 2.08 2.06 2.06 31,000 63,980 PAXYS PRMIERE HORIZON 0.86 0.87 0.84 0.86 0.81 0.86 24,914,000 20,878,240 SBS PHIL CORP 4.18 4.25 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 256,000 1,075,200 MINING & OIL ATOK 6.9 6.93 6.97 6.97 6.53 6.93 363,900 2,435,451 1.45 1.46 1.46 1.47 1.45 1.46 247,000 360,390 APEX MINING 6.46 6.5 6.65 6.65 6.45 6.5 985,200 6,423,325 ATLAS MINING 4.77 5.2 5.1 5.1 4.77 4.77 200 987 BENGUET B 0.285 0.295 0.295 0.3 0.28 0.295 870,000 246,200 COAL ASIA HLDG 2.7 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 2.79 10,000 27,900 CENTURY PEAK 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.2 2.15 2.18 1,415,000 3,074,500 FERRONICKEL 0.212 0.213 0.213 0.213 0.213 0.213 200,000 42,600 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.133 0.136 0.134 0.136 0.133 0.133 6,250,000 835,720 0.138 0.14 0.139 0.139 0.138 0.138 2,450,000 338,950 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.0093 0.0094 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 3,000,000 27,900 0.0097 0.0099 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 0.0097 1,000,000 9,700 MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES 0.91 0.94 0.9 0.94 0.9 0.94 390,000 353,240 NIHAO 1.01 1.03 1.02 1.03 1.01 1.03 125,000 127,990 5.69 5.73 5.71 5.75 5.6 5.69 3,175,900 18,054,062 NICKEL ASIA OMICO CORP 0.33 0.35 0.34 0.35 0.34 0.35 140,000 48,000 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.83 117,000 97,310 ORNTL PENINSULA 5.35 5.38 5.5 5.5 5.35 5.36 870,800 4,715,340 PX MINING 29.25 29.35 29.7 29.7 29 29.25 9,408,000 274,773,700 SEMIRARA MINING 0.0066 0.0067 0.0067 0.0069 0.0067 0.0067 9,000,000 60,500 UNITED PARAGON 17.18 17.3 17.7 17.98 16.98 17.18 640,500 11,032,878 ACE ENEXOR 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 21,200,000 237,600 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 32,700,000 377,400 ORNTL PETROL B 0.0098 0.01 0.0097 0.01 0.0097 0.0098 26,000,000 254,700 PHILODRILL 6.48 6.5 6.4 6.55 6.37 6.48 539,300 3,479,014 PXP ENERGY PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 101.2 101.5 101.9 101.9 101.5 101.5 90 9,155 511 520 520 520 520 520 80 41,600 AC PREF B1 101.5 102.6 102.6 102.6 102.6 102.6 1,380 141,588 ALCO PREF B 524.5 525 524.5 525 524.5 525 5,740 3,013,175 AC PREF B2R 44.55 44.65 44.8 44.9 44.55 44.55 26,900 1,200,135 CEB PREF 101 102 101.6 102 101.5 102 1,850 187,805 DD PREF 105.4 105.6 105.6 105.6 105.6 105.6 100 10,560 FGEN PREF G 990 1,018 1,018 1,018 1,018 1,018 30 30,540 GTCAP PREF A 1,010 1,050 1,050 1,050 1,010 1,010 600 626,000 JFC PREF A JFC PREF B 1,023 1,028 1,020 1,028 1,020 1,020 8,265 8,430,420 101 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 50 5,070 MWIDE PREF 98 101 101 101 101 101 1,000 101,000 MWIDE PREF 2A 100.2 102.8 101 102.8 100.1 102.8 11,150 1,120,652 MWIDE PREF 2B 106 107.5 107.5 107.5 106 107.5 660 70,275 PNX PREF 3B 1,007 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,007 1,009 980 988,460 PNX PREF 4 1,185 1,189 1,186 1,189 1,170 1,189 800 944,000 PCOR PREF 3B 79.15 79.35 79.35 79.35 79.35 79.35 500 39,675 SMC PREF 2F 76 76.35 76 76.35 75.9 76.35 88,700 6,733,640.50 SMC PREF 2H 79.25 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 110 8,745 SMC PREF 2I 76.25 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.25 76.25 38,800 2,960,125 SMC PREF 2J 76.25 76.95 76.25 76.5 76.25 76.5 45,000 3,433,630 SMC PREF 2K PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 14.12 14.48 13.34 14.5 13.34 14.48 6,600 95,484 14.3 14.48 14.48 14.48 14.26 14.4 27,200 389,908 GMA HLDG PDR WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.27 1.21 1.23 1,309,000 1,616,070

166,876,915 1,826,180 8,700 15,200 363,670 122,850 955,702 95,470 -29,240 -55,000 1,356,300 -6,462,689 4,492,190.00 210,336 285,680 9,300 -6,006,240 -52,850 1,381,654 -15,000 -41,490 -13,913,507 42,423,310 -6,492,315 130,700 -36,830,750 -90,397,035 564,730 -198,055,325 -30,400 -193,000 394,300 238,200.00 218,709 10,500 -5,217,245 -4,315,009 -457,232 -79,200 1,623 -15,995,819 66,000 -771,760 8,600 3,736,285 -23,502,375 38,872,306 -12,206.50 -51,190 -1,581,690 -63,980 468,530 4,200 -27,740 5,840 439,699 27,900 -240,080 207,000 -9,700 -26,320 -2,587,335 955,102 24,739,465 -512,439 1,079,610 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART

17.08 1.88 3.85 3.33

FIRST METRO ETF

109.9

17.14 1.9 3.92 3.34

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

110.3

17 1.85 3.8 3.2

17.2 1.93 3.9 3.42

17 1.85 3.79 3.2

17.12 1.9 3.9 3.34

81,700 362,000 63,000 5,850,000

1,397,602 687,970 239,770 19,559,870

57,600 14,370 -9,450 141,690

109.9 110.5 109.8 110.3 29,040 3,199,435 88,419

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Libertad Power’s ₧919-M biomass plant secures nod

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@TyronePiad

he Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the application of Libertad Power and Energy Corp. to build a P919.4-million plant in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur.

The attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Tuesday that the company was recognized as a renewable energy developer of biomass resources covered by Special Laws (Renewable Energy) of the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan. The company is planning to start

the commercial operation of the 6-megawatt (MW) biomass plant by December next year. It will employ about 300 people during construction and up to 60 workers to man the site upon formal operation. “Provisions of the Biomass Renewable Energy Operating Contract (BREOC) No. 2018-05-089

will govern the development, construction, installation, commissioning and operation of a Biomass Energy System that will generate electrical power from Direct Combustion System (Boiler Steam Turbine Generator) using rice husk, coconut husk, rice straw, corn cobs, wood chips and coconut parts as feedstock,” the DTI said in a statement. Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said the project will contribute to the required capacity additions of 12,273 MW in Mindanao and the National Renewable Energy Plan (NREP) target of 823 MW biomass power by 2040. “The demand for power in Mindanao will continue to increase due to the resurgence of economic

growth as the country prepares for a post-pandemic scenario. The building up of capacity is needed to sustain this demand and ensure that supply of power to consumers is unhampered,” he said. Citing data from the Department of Energy, the DTI said Mindanao contributed 17.4 percent to the total installed capacity of the country last year with peak demand reaching 1,978 MW. On Monday, the BOI greenlighted the P549-million irradiation facility by Irradiation Solutions Inc. in Tanay, Rizal. The investment will cover the construction and operation of a commercial irradiation facility; and will use an electron-beam technology, technically known as Corad UELR-1015S-10 MeV Linear Accelerator.

SIA seeks Davao City govt’s clearance for flights By Manuel T. Cayon Mindanao Bureau Chief @awimailbox

avao Cit y—Singapore Airlines (SIA) is seeking airport clearance from the city government as the airline wants to resume flights to its usual destinations. City Tourism Operations Office Chief Regina Rosa Tecson said Monday that Singapore Airlines has sent a letter requesting for runway and terminal clearance for their so-called Northern Winter Flights, which will operate from October up to March next year. Tecson said the airline would start its operation on October 31. The airline operates a weekly flight between Davao City and Singapore which caters mostly to overseas Filipino workers, local businessmen and foreign nationals. The route was cancelled last year after the Francisco Bangoy International Airport was closed to air traffic due to the pandemic. The airport is now handled by the Davao Airport Authority and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Tecson expressed optimism that SIA’s request would be approved. She also said the resumption of the Davao-Singapore flights would help revive the tourism industry. “The Northern Winter Flight scheduled from October 31, 2021, to March 6, 2022, is the first for Singapore Airlines more than a year after the Covid-19 affected all international travels globally,” the city information office said,

which posted the interview it had with Tecson upon the request of Singapore Airlines. She said she has discussed the matter with the private sector for an offering of a “staycation package” for a group of foreign tourists who will arrive via a chartered flight of Singapore Airlines on October 31. Quarantine hotels for the arriving international tourists would not be a problem, Tecon said, as the city is “well prepared.” Davao City requires the presentation of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to traveling to the city, Tecson said. The Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution Nos. 144-A and 144-B dated October 14, classified Singapore as a Yellow List Country, indicating moderate risk. The testing and quarantine requirements for travelers from yellow list countries are specified as follows: n Fully vaccinated individuals travelling to the Philippines from Singapore are to undergo a 10-day quarantine, while unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are to undergo a 14-day quarantine; n Fully vaccinated foreign nationals must be pre-booked in a facility or quarantine accommodation for at least six days while fully vaccinated Filipino travellers must be in a facility-based quarantine until the release of negative RTPCR on the fifth day; n Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals, or those travelers whose vaccination status cannot be validated, or fully-vac-

GE completes repair of Avion gas plant

he second unit of First Gen Corp.’s 97-megawatt (MW) Avion gas fired-plant has been repaired more than a month after it went offline due to damage found in its gas turbine. Prime Meridian Power Gen Corp. (PMPC) informed its parent firm First Gen that restoration works of Unit 2 of Avion power plant have been completed by GE, the original equipment manufacturer. “Re-commissioning and testing activities, which are necessary to determine whether the unit can be declared ready to return to commercial operations, have commenced,” First Gen said Tuesday. The Avion power plant is owned

by PMPC and is located within the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City. Last August, First Gen reported that the damage to Avion Unit 2, which has a capacity of approximately 48.5 MW, was found during an ongoing routine inspection. GE then advised PMPC that Avion Unit 2 cannot be operated and will require further offsite assessment at a GE service depot abroad to determine the extent of the damage and effect repairs necessary to place the gas turbine back into service. The Avion gas plant is one of the gas facilities that source fuel from the offshore Malampaya gas field. Lenie Lectura

cinated persons but who failed to comply with the test before travel requirement, they must be prebooked in a quarantine accommodation for at least eight days; and n Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Filipinos or whose vaccina-

tion status cannot be validated, or fully vaccinated Filipinos but who failed to comply with the test-before-travel requirement must be in a facility-based quarantine until the release of negative RT-PCR test on the seventh day.

mutual funds

October 19, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

230.54

19.1%

-1.74%

-2.61%

1.47%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5987

48.33%

4.81%

3.08%

21.76%

-5.5%

-5.39%

1.79%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1892

21.44%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.751 12.39%

-4.8% n.a.

-7.6%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7764 15.81%

-1.09% n.a.

4.69%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.1527

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

23.86%

1.04%

-0.44%

0.7743

19.45%

-1.12%

-3.62% n.a.

4.28% -4.14% -0.27%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

99.2

16.84%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.4267

22.02%

0.14%

-1.22%

-2.62%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

495.42

18.84%

0.26%

-1.68%

1.33%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

1.1491

26.8% n.a. n.a.

4.72%

1.25%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2854

29.25%

1.84%

0.3%

10.03%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

36.0093

23.71%

0.55%

-0.22%

3.56%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9416

23.12% n.a. n.a.

3.13%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8843

23.02%

1.94%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

815.43

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7423

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7091

0.94%

-0.55%

22.85%

0.94%

-0.61%

1.72%

22.43%

-3.42%

-3.63%

3.25%

21.72%

2.35%

-1.77%

-2.03%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9306 22.42%

0.59%

-0.79%

1.41%

United Fund, Inc. -a

0.77%

0.39%

3.81%

3.445

23.25%

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

109.6395

23.16%

1.12%

-0.11% 1.94%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1743

9.33%

7.52%

5.67%

-2.38%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8187

16.73%

13.67%

12.05%

8.72%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6852

8.93%

1.58%

-0.98%

0.99%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.238

10.19%

1.33%

-0.75%

-2.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.686

13.06%

2.96%

1.02%

2.25%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1988

10.38% n.a. n.a. 0.35%

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

2.0007

9.56%

3.74%

1.22%

1.71%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7467

9.25%

3.38%

-1.14%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.7699

9.34%

3.19%

-0.01%

-1%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.1054

11%

1.52%

0.13%

0.68%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6131 12.12%

0.51%

-0.67%

1.11%

6.32% n.a. n.a.

-3.53%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9865 Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9352

14.2% n.a. n.a.

-1.47%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9251

16.31% n.a. n.a.

-0.86%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

17.35%

0.9244

0.87%

-0.78%

4.13%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03752

-4.36%

2.7%

0.95%

-4.04%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0764

1.47%

4.64%

3.18%

-4.74%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7547 12.13%

10.08%

8.43%

5.36%

5.64%

4.34%

0.9%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.213

4.95%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

372.24

0.95%

2.93%

2.47%

0.3%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.923

-1.52%

1.17%

0.15%

1.19%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2416

1.16%

3.28%

4.11%

0.81%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2422

-2.22%

1.31%

-2.44%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4213 -1.16%

3.06%

1.69%

-1.3%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4093

5.42%

1.27%

-4.77%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

-0.39%

-4.87%

1.3162

0.31%

3.96%

2.6%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9576

-0.06%

4.66%

2.43%

-1.09%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0218

-1.55%

5.54%

1.68%

-2.08%

0.05%

5.02%

2.83%

-0.68%

-0.77%

4.21%

2.18%

-1.33%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1842 Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7316

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$487.98

1.47%

3.06%

2.19%

0.82%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є219.94

1.05%

1.04%

0.78%

0.33%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1915

-4.79%

2.06%

1.23%

-6.9%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0259 -2.26%

1.46%

0.71%

-2.63%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0203

-6.75%

-0.09%

-1.43%

-6.39%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.4753

-1.83%

5.07%

1.9%

-2.55%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.0625025

1.08%

3.2%

1.97%

0.33%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1346 -2.49%

2.9%

0.76%

-2.76%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

2.54%

0.78%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0562 0.99% n.a. n.a.

0.77%

2.54%

1.13%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1

130.83 1.3116

1.21% 1.53%

2.95% 2.71%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0591

0.85%

1.53% n.a.

0.52%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3507

30.54% n.a. n.a. 19.57%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d

$0.97

2.11% n.a. n.a.

-1.02%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU). 1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.).

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

Lipa City courts convict ex-Synergy Bank officers

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Tuesday that Lipa City courts convicted former officers of the closed Synergy Rural Bank Inc. (Synergy Bank) for violating banking laws. In a statement, the Central Bank said that the Regional Trial CourtLipa City (RTC-Lipa City) and Municipal Trial Court in Cities-Lipa City (MTCC-Lipa City) sentenced said officials on five counts of violation of the General Banking Law of 2000 in relation to the New Central Bank Act, as amended; and one count of violation of the Revised Penal Code. The decision was based on the charges filed by the BSP. RTC-Lipa City, based on the decision dated September 7, ordered former president and chairman of Synergy Bank Herman S. Villalobos to pay a total fine of P200,000. The bank’s former compliance officer Danilo D. Tobias was charged with a P150,000 penalty, according to the BSP. MTCC-Lipa City, meanwhile, sentenced Villalobos to 1-year imprisonment for one case, and to a minimum imprisonment of six months to a maximum of two years and four months for another case. In addition, he was instructed to pay a

fine of P10,000. “The criminal cases stemmed from a directors, officers, stockholders and related interests (Dosri) loan granted to Tobias in violation of approval, reportorial and ceiling requirements for Dosri loans provided under the law, as well as a fictitious loan application, which the BSP discovered during its investigation of the bank’s transactions,” the BSP said. The loans reached P2.51 million. The Central Bank said it is “committed to ensure banks’ compliance with the law while maintaining the soundness of the financial system and protecting public interest through the implementation of good governance practices among its supervised financial institutions.” Recently, the BSP reported that a former bookkeeper of the now closed Rural Bank of Bayawan (Negros Oriental) Inc. was convicted for violating the General Banking Law of 2000 and the Revised Penal Code. The former bookkeeper, Mary Grace M. Tito, participated in the processing, approval and grant of ten fictitious loans amounting to P1.705 million, the BSP said. Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

Covid-19–Quo Vadis?

any people are still wondering where this Covid-19 is heading to. Will it soon end —and when? This year, next year, or maybe never? New variants, the latest of which is the Delta variant are challenging the efficacy of the existing vaccine. History shows that pandemics will typically meet two types of endings: medical—when cases and resulting death decreased—and social—when the fear about the epidemic wanes. This is the first time I learn that there is such a thing as a social ending to the pandemic. But social behaviors in the past toward diseases will attest to that. A historian of medicine at John Hopkins Dr. Jeremy Green was quoted as saying that people are actually asking about the social ending when they ask when will this end. In most countries, when people discuss when to open the economy, those decisions are determined more not by medical and health statistics but by sociopolitical processes, according to New York Times by Gina Kolata published on May 10, 2020. Quoting Allan Brandt, a Harvard historian as saying “As we have seen in the debate about opening the economy, many questions about the so-called end are determined not by medical and public health data but by sociopolitical processes.” The social ending can be clearly explained that it ended not because this virus has been completely eradicated but because the people grow tired of quarantines, exhausted of being panicky, limited by fear, continuing rise of poverty and unemployment, businesses closing, etc.—and ultimately they learn to live with the disease. People also confused epidemic, pandemic, and endemic, but they are not the same. A disease will start with an epidemic that is just confined within a certain place. When the disease spreads to a larger space such as globally—which we are experiencing now—it is called a pandemic. And finally, when the disease is still there but the people learn to live with it and manage it—it is called endemic. Look at the 1918 flu or the Spanish flu—it killed 50 million to 100 million people before it disappearedwhat remains of it is the more benign flue which is less fatal. Socially it also ended together with the end of World War 1—with people ready to move forward and leave this disease behind as its fatal effect wanes. This Covid-19 may evolve into something new just as it has evolved into new variants. But just like the ordinary flu, we need to get vaccines or boosters as protection from new strains. As the new administration of President Biden announced for all Americans to get boosters 8 months after their initial vaccination—this Covid-19 can be effectively prevented once the initial vaccine wanes down when booster shots are administered. The problem with third-world coun-

Finex free enterprise Wilma Inventor-Miranda tries like the Philippines is, we are still far from achieving herd immunity since there are not enough vaccines to achieve this. What exacerbates the problem, is there are people who still refused to be vaccinated because of different reasons such as religious beliefs, fake news spreading like wildfire influencing greatly the vulnerable who easily believes certain lies, lack of proper knowledge, etc. There is also the need to increase the budget on health to place the health of the people as a priority agenda. Many countries spend less than 2 percent of their gross domestic product on health. It should be the priority of every nation to provide quality health care to its people and make it accessible to everybody (source: forbes.com dated August 17, 2021 by William Haseltine). What we are seeing now is that people are tired of waiting where this Covid-19 is heading to—there is no guarantee that it will not evolve into another variant. What every person can do now is to have himself protected so that others around him will not be infected by the disease in case he gets sick. With no human host for which the disease can transfer to because of vaccination—it will weaken itself. Just like the flu before which was deadly and killed millions but later evolve to a benign or less deadly virus, Covid-19 will be living with us in the coming years with no one “silver bullet” to kill it as one writer says but will be weak enough to respond with the right vaccines. However, just like the regular flu, we might need to get the vaccines regularly after the previous vaccine wanes or better still a booster against this virus to make sure we are properly protected. We can then look back in the future—just like the seasonal flu we have now—rarely remembering the initial destruction it brought and the fear that goes with it. However, the whole world should never forget the lessons that these pandemics brought to our lives. That the deadliest war is the one in which the enemy is an invisible one. And it has been proven by history that human inventions are inferior to this invisible enemy and the medical weapons and vaccines were just activated when the enemy strikes and many had fallen. Wilma Miranda is the Chair of FINEX Media Affairs Committee, Managing Partner of Inventor, Miranda & Associates, CPAs, Board of Directors Member of KPS Outsourcing Inc. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Govt rejects bids by investors eyeing full gains from bonds

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

reference rate. When compared to the BVAL rate for a 6-year tenor of 4.1688 percent, this would have also been up by 71.5 basis points. With a remaining life of five years and six months, the tenor is set to mature on May 4, 2027. While higher rates reflect investor confidence on economic recovery beyond the Duterte administration, these also mean investors expect rising inflation. De Leon reminded investors on the statement by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno that elevated inflation is “transitory.” She added that Diokno’s “statement that [it is] still early to lift rates should assure the market.” But should elevated inflation persist, De Leon assured the public that the government has sufficient funds backing its debt papers. “We have strong cash position supported by improving revenue collection and expected ODA [official development assistance] inflows,” she said. Inflation eased to 4.8 percent in

@BNicolasBM

NVESTORS sought to acquire full gains—“arm and leg,” the National Treasurer said—from longertenor government-backed securities, reflecting concerns on wobbly inflation curves. But the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) rejected submitted bids for reissued 10-year Treasury Bonds (T-bonds) as rates soared.

“Full rejection; submitted rates like an arm and a leg,” National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon told reporters. De Leon said the rates shot up on lingering inflation concerns as well as anticipated action by the US Federal Reserve. The auction attracted total bids of P34.1 billion.

If the Treasury fully awarded the tenor, bid rates would have averaged 4.883 percent, surging by a whopping 169.8-basis point (bps) from the previous auction rate of 3.185 percent. This would have also been higher by 84.6 bps from 4.037 percent secondary-market benchmark rate for the security, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service (BVAL)

September, slightly lower than 4.9 percent in August. While it is within the range of BSP’s projection for the September inflation of 4.8 percent to 5.6 percent, this exceeded the government’s 2-to-4 percent target. De Leon earlier said they expect investors would seek higher rates given that the BSP sees inflation this year averaging beyond its target at 4.4 percent. The Treasury aims to raise P200 billion from the local debt market before the clock ticks to All Saints Day. It’s part of the Treasury’s role in helping the national government achieve its programmed borrowing for this year of P3.1-trillion. Much of that amount is being raised through domestic sources. The government borrows to meet its spending requirements as well as to finance its budget deficit—when it’s spending more than it is earning. As of end-August this year, the national government’s outstanding debt has hit a new record-high of P11.64 trillion, up by more than a fifth from P9.62 trillion a year ago.

DOF, attached units to craft back-to-office plans

INANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez announced he has ordered the Department of Finance (DOF), its attached agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to craft back-to-office transition plans after more than a year of implementing the work-from-home scheme. Dominguez said the DOF and its agencies and other attached organizations should gradually shift to working normally in their respective offices as more government employees get fully vaccinated. DOF

agencies include the Insurance Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the bureaus of customs, of internal revenue, of local government finance and of the treasury. As of October 8, 76.6 percent of DOF employees have been fully vaccinated. “I think that we should already have a plan for transitioning back into working normally. In other words, back-to-office work,” Dominguez was to have said during a recent executive committee meeting for

other attached agencies and staterun corporations under the DOF. “I’d like everybody to start working on this plan already assuming that we’re going to have to live with this virus,” he was quoted in a statement issued by the DOF as saying. Dominguez said these transition plans should include testing protocols for employees and their immediate families. Moreover, seminars should also be included in the plans to educate employees on how they can return safely to

full-time office work. The Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has yet to allow the full transition to back-to-office arrangements in the National Capital Region, currently under Alert Level 3 until end-October. The Department of Health reported last Tuesday there were 4,496 new Covid-19 cases and 63,637 active cases. Meanwhile, new recorded deaths reached 211. There were also 9,609 new recoveries. Bernadette D. Nicolas

GSIS waives penalty fees Banks hire for $93B SEA, for paying govt agencies India tech-talent search

HE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is urging government agencies to pay unremitted premium contributions to avail of penalty condonation. “We encourage government agencies to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with [the] GSIS to assist you in settling the unremitted contributions of your employees,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando L. Macasaet was quoted as appealing in a statement. “Magtulungan po tayo sa pagbibigay ng nararapat na ginhawa sa kapwa natin kawani ng gobyerno.” [Let us work together to provide the necessary relief to our fellow government employees.] A percentage of the penalties of the total amount of agencies’ obligations will be condoned. Agencies may get a 40-percent condonation on the penalties of their outstanding premium obligations if their account is in arrears for 7 months to less than 25 months. Other payment arrangements include the following: a 35-percent condonation if the account is in arrears for 25 months to less than 37 months; 30 percent, if 37 months to less than 60 months; and, 20 percent, if 60 months and above. The GSIS said it is even willing to throw in an additional 10-percent condonation will be given to the agency if at least 20 percent of the total obligation is paid prior to the execution of the MOA and 5-percent additional condonation if at least 15 percent is paid. “We may even extend the con-

donation rate to a maximum of 60 percent of the computed penalties on your premium arrearages, subject to approval,” Macasaet said. “Seize this chance to help your employees and ensure that they will fully enjoy their privileges and receive the correct computation of their benefits. The program will also aid in maintaining a healthier pension fund.” Qualified to enter into a MOA are government agencies with no existing agreement on premiums settlement yet with GSIS and those with pending cases due to non-remittance of premiums. The option is now also open to government agencies previously covered by the Social Security System but are now under the GSIS, the pension fund manager said. This is also open to agencies that previously entered into a MOA with the GSIS but failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the said agreement, the agency added. Noncompliance must be due to valid reasons and subject to Board approval. Agencies interested to enter into a MOA must submit a written request to GSIS to settle their obligations and reconcile the accounts of their affected employees. The updated service records of employees to be covered by the MOA must also be submitted. Using GSIS and submitted records, the pension fund will come up with a statement of account to determine the total outstanding balance of the agency. Once the agency signifies their agreement with the total outstanding obligation, the GSIS will process the request.

NVESTMENT banks are boosting their technology hiring in Southeast Asia and India as the region’s fast-growing consumer Internet markets catch up with their peers, pushing deals to new heights. Global lenders Barclays Plc and Citigroup Inc. have created new senior roles, while regional and boutique players are staffing up to capture a surge of activity in mergers and acquisitions and initial public offerings. “Every single investment bank is looking to hire technology, media and telecommunications bankers,” said Anand Menon, managing director of Executive Principles, a head-hunting firm in India. “TMT is an animal producing multiple babies. We need new-age bankers who think like entrepreneurs to cover them with the same speed as these startups.” Technology-focused investment bankers in Asia previously focused on larger and more developed markets such as Japan and South Korea, and more recently, China. Galvanized by the coronavirus pandemic’s boost to e-commerce and remote working, financiers are jockeying to work with startups as they open up markets with a combined population of about 2 billion. In Southeast Asia, Citigroup created a new managing director role to oversee TMT, Bloomberg News has reported. BDA Partners Inc., BNP Paribas SA and Malayan Banking Bhd. are among the other banks that have recently made or are making sector hires in the region, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified discussing internal matters. Barclays’s India investment bank chief, Pramod Kumar, said the firm is beefing up its team in Mumbai by adding a senior posting. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is hiring a TMT banker at the executive director level, according to a person familiar with the matter. Representatives for BNP Paribas and JPMorgan declined to comment. A representative for BDA Partners said the firm is active in India and Southeast Asia technology investment banking and will

continue to hire in the space. Rajiv Vijendran, regional head of investment banking at Maybank Kim Eng Group in Singapore, said the bank is constantly looking for new areas to grow the business, including TMT. Ashish Kehair, chief executive officer at India’s Edelweiss Wealth Management, said its investment banking unit is hiring three to five bankers with technology expertise. “Digital and technology has the force multiplier effect now,” he said.

Deal record

THE bankers will have their hands full. Technology, telecommunications and media deals announced in South and Southeast Asia are at a record $93 billion this year, nearly double the same period last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Consolidation of regional leaders is already taking place. Ride-hailing and payments giant Gojek agreed to combine with e-commerce pioneer PT Tokopedia in May to create the largest internet company in Indonesia. Next stop is the capital markets, where the combined firm is considering mopping up as much as $2 billion from listings at home and in the U.S. at a valuation of about $30 billion, Bloomberg News reported in July. Tech startups in Southeast Asia and India are maturing in terms of scale and size, with many becoming unicorns and some ready to go public either through direct listings or mergers with blank-check firms, said Jwalant Nanavati, head of TMT for Asia exJapan at Nomura Holdings Inc. In April, the Japanese bank hired an executive director in Singapore focusing on TMT, Bloomberg News has reported. “The pandemic provided strong tail winds in terms of faster adoption by consumers of online business models,” said Jeff Acton, a Tokyo-based partner at boutique investment bank BDA Partners. “Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem is relatively younger, but many first-generation tech companies suddenly saw an increase in demand.”

Bloomberg News

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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‘Halloween Kills’ carves out $50.4 million at box office

SMART AND SEXY GIRL

SO the sexy girl and her politician boyfriend need to be low key because of the 2022 elections, and what better way to do this than to make it appear that she’s interested in someone else? The sexy girl used to be a social-media darling but when it started to get out that she’s a married guy’s GF, the public’s perception of her started to change. She still has fans, yes, but not a few showbiz observers are resentful in their belief that she lied about her background. So now, she’s being linked to a hot young actor and a dramatic actor, who was also the “pretend BF” of a controversial personality. Fans of the dramatic actor are resentful of the sexy girl because they feel that she will just use him to sanitize her image.

BIG BUDGET

THE politician is running for higher office and he’s got a huge campaign budget. This early, he has mobilized his people in barangays to go house-tohouse and offer money or groceries to people in the guise of ayuda, a Filipino word for help. The thing is, if you say yes, the politician’s people will get your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. They’re promising the ayuda will be regular, like every fortnight. What politician has a budget like that? If there are others, they will surely not spend it like this.

TOTAL PACKAGE

THE singer is making waves not just because of her powerful voice and impressive performance skills but because she is very beautiful. Not a lot of people will remember this but she went by a slightly different name before and her face was not as beautiful as it is now. Kudos to the singer’s cosmetic surgeon for making her look this lovely. The singer’s new face has done wonders for her career. She’s not only gained more fans (she was already popular before but even more so now) but also gotten endorsements. Thanks to the improvements she’s had done, the singer is now the total package.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alona Tal, 38; John Krasinski, 42; Snoop Dogg, 50; Viggo Mortensen, 63.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Set your sights on what you want, and don’t stop until you are satisfied. Make a promise to someone you love, and you will receive the support you require to reach an important milestone. Put health, joint endeavors and finances first. HHH

By Lindsey Bahr | The Associated Press

alloween Kills may be available to watch at home, but the latest installment in the Michael Myers saga is making a killing at the North American box office in its first weekend in theaters. The David Gordon Green-directed horror scared up $50.4 million from 3,705 locations, according to studio estimates Sunday. Universal’s Halloween Kills far surpassed expectations, which had the film pegged for a more conservative debut in the $30 million range. It also easily bested its main competition, which included the James Bond pic No Time to Die, in its second weekend, and Ridley Scott’s medieval epic The Last Duel. Both are playing exclusively in theaters. The film picks up where Green’s 2018 Halloween left off, on the same bloody night, with Jamie Lee Curtis back as Laurie Strode. Some were surprised when the studio made the decision to release Halloween Kills simultaneously in theaters and on NBC Universal’s Peacock for premium subscribers, but the day-anddate strategy does not seem to have hurt its box office haul. “David Gordon Green crafted an incredibly terrifying continuation of this franchise that our core audience was more than eager to come out to the theater to see,” said Jim Orr, Universal’s head of domestic distribution. “Audiences want to be out, they want to be in theaters, and they want to experience it communally.” Before Halloween Kills, which had a reported $20 million production budget, the biggest day-and-date opening of the year was Warner Bros.’s Godzilla vs. Kong which grossed $32.2 million in its first weekend while also being available on HBO Max. It’s a best for a pandemic-era horror opening, narrowly beating out A Quiet Place Part II. The 2018 Halloween was a massive hit that opened to $76.2 million and went on to gross north of $256 million against a $10 million budget. And there are plans for a third that will close out the modern Michael Myers trilogy. The opening weekend crowd for Halloween Kills was slightly more male (52 percent), and it was diverse (36 percent Caucasian, 34 percent Hispanic and 18 percent Black), according to exit polls. “Horror movies have been a mainstay of the box office throughout

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t stumble when precision and detail are required. Put a safety net in place, and proceed with confidence. Keep moderation in mind, and display what you want to do in simple terms. Getting your point across will require patience and understanding.HHH

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your energy where it counts. You’ll gain recognition for what you accomplish, not what you neglect to finish. An opportunity to use your skills and your intelligence at a networking event will help you sell what you have to offer. HHHH Universal’s Halloween Kills far surpassed expectations, with the latest installment in the Michael Myers saga opening as the No. 1 movie in North American theaters.

the pandemic,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst. “Audiences just love seeing horror movies in a movie theater.... But this also isn’t just a horror movie, Halloween is a huge brand, and this is 43 years in the making.” The James Bond film No Time to Die slid into second place in its second weekend in North America with $24.3 million, which is down only 56 percent from last weekend and brings its total to $99.5 million. Globally, No Time to Die has earned $447,521 million. Further down the charts is The Last Duel, Scott’s 14th century drama starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jodie Comer and Adam Driver, which has earned only an estimated $4.8 million from 3,065 locations despite positive reviews and an exclusive theatrical run. Distributed by the Walt Disney Co., The Last Duel was a title the company inherited in the deal with 20th Century Fox. Next week Warner Bros.’ big budget adaptation of Dune opens in North American theaters and on HBO Max, as does Disney’s Ron’s Gone Wrong and Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch. “Every week we’re getting a lesson in the dynamics of this marketplace as related to the various release models,” said Dergarabedian. “Halloween Kills is important because people could have just sat at home where the buy-in was modest. This is evidence of the power of the movie theater and its allure and appeal to the moviegoer.” n

Short film on Pinoy cuisine airs on FB Culinary experts and performing arts practitioners collaborated to showcase the rich tradition and heritage of Filipino cuisine and its role in the Filipino cultural identity, explored in an original 30-minute film, titled Estamos Llenos, which will be screened from October 25 to 30 at 6 pm. A chronicle of the evolution of local gastronomy, the short is inspired by the precolonial discoveries of Italian scholar and explorer Antonio Pigafetta, as told through Pigafetta’s Philippine Picnic: Culinary Encounters During the First Circumnavigation, 1519-1522 (2021), the newly published book by renowned food historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria.

By Eugenia Last

Happy Birthday: Keep the peace, regardless of the situation. Your strength is in your ability to offer equality and suggestions that are reasonable. Show discipline in the way you budget and run your household, and you’ll avoid an unpredictable financial situation. A meaningful relationship with someone special will encourage positive lifestyle changes. Romance and commitment will lead to stability and contentment. Your numbers are 5, 11, 19, 28, 31, 37, 41.

REVELATION

THE couple is ready to reveal something which they have been hiding from the public but which has been an open secret among showbiz insiders and that is their baby. The girl, a young star, even went abroad to hide her pregnancy—which is why people thought she and her boyfriend, also an actor, have split. They actually just toned things down publicly for the sake of their careers. Now that a number of young stars have been open about having babies, this couple is more than willing to come forward. The thing is that there is someone in the guy’s life who still believes that him becoming a father would ruin his career.

Today’s Horoscope

Estamos Llenos was written by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer and multi-awarded playwright Layeta Bucoy. It was directed by Gawad Buhay! Philstage Awardee and Benilde Theater Arts chairman Tuxqs Rutaquio. The story follows the lessons learned by sisters Metida and Destraza, who amid the pandemic ventured into the booming home-cooked food business after closing down several family owned bars. The movie demonstrates how to concoct some of the most delectable Filipino delicacies, such as

Pancit Habhab, Lumpiang Shanghai, Ginataang BiloBilo, Sugba na Isda with Filipino Sawsawan and Arroz Valenciana. This project was produced by the School of Design and Arts-Arts and Culture Cluster and School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management Culinary Arts of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Estamos Llenos is free and open to the public. It will be streamed on the official Facebook page of Benilde Arts and Culture Cluster (www.facebook.com/ benildearts) and Chefs in Progress (www.facebook.com/ chefsinprogress).

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Lean on someone who has shared and relied on you for support. The assistance you receive will encourage a unique relationship to develop to help you overcome any adversity you face. The chance to make a positive move looks hopeful. HHHH

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Recognize the changes going on around you, and gravitate toward what makes you feel comfortable. Home improvements will pay off and offer the freedom to make positive adjustments that suit your financial needs. Romance will bring you closer to someone you love. HH

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take good care of domestic matters and your physical wellbeing. Don’t get into an emotional tiff with a friend or relative. Keep the peace and go about your business. Concentrate on self-improvement, not trying to change others. HHH

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t limit yourself because of a decision someone makes. Finish what you set out to do. Personal growth and self-improvement will be enlightening and give you a unique perspective on what’s possible. Trust and believe in your ability to thrive. HHH

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Refuse to let uncertainty be your downfall. Research, develop and formulate what you are trying to achieve, and map out a path that will take you from where you are to where you want to be. Make decisions based on your needs. HHH

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Focus on efficiency and getting along with those you live or work alongside. Don’t let an outsider interfere with your plans. Be specific about what you want and how you expect to reach your target. HHHHH

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Elaborate, leave nothing to chance and choose your battles wisely. Emotions will surface, causing disputes with friends and relatives if you don’t play fair. If you want something, offer incentives and prepare to live up to your promises, and do your part. HH

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put on your happy, optimistic face, and charge forward with enthusiasm. Your attitude will make a difference when faced with controversy or opposition. Know what you want, and drum up the excitement that will encourage support. Romance is on the rise. HHHH

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Play to win when dealing with challenging situations. Use your insight and unique outlook to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way. Take the necessary precautions when in crowded areas or unfamiliar settings. HHH Birthday Baby: You are emotional, optimistic and resourceful. You are charming and well-liked.

‘pH factor’ by alan massengill and doug peterson The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Luxury craft 6 Big oil grp. 10 “Just Do It” company 14 Possible reaction to unwanted flowers 15 Temporarily bright star 16 Sign of the future 17 Fantastic 1990s card carrier? 19 Zipped and zoomed 20 Actor Rogen 21 High ___ (classic Western) 22 Way off base, say?: Abbr. 23 “Como ___ usted?” 25 Draws on 26 “Hey, who’s pretending to be rocker Liz?”? 31 Leather for some jackets 32 Toned 33 ‘Vette roof option 35 Western neighbor of Ga. 36 “Why are you still bothering me?” 40 Sometimes-hazy brew, briefly 41 They’re smart and funny

3 Futbol stadium cry 4 44 Crude abode 46 Connections at a scam call center? 50 Ad agency award 51 Take it easy 52 Varieties 53 Told, as a yarn 55 Muddy spot 59 Child’s play, maybe? 60 Epic sigh of relief? 62 Mortgage adjustment, for short 63 Light snack 64 Do more than apologize 65 Word a sliding runner likes to hear 66 Kyle’s bestie on South Park 67 Heavily promotes DOWN 1 Puppy sounds 2 Tooth or ear malady 3 Have a convo 4 Someone with a short fuse 5 AAA service 6 From another museum, perhaps 7 Water ___ (Olympic sport)

8 Divisible by two 9 One may be feral 10 “Easy peasy!” 11 “Are you sure?” response 12 Backbone of a boat 13 Word before “point,” “line” or “zone” 18 Marching insects 22 Firepit residue 24 Meal in a Crock-Pot 25 “I’ve had it ___ here!” 26 Blooming bulb 27 Annoying feline in comics 28 Frequently 29 Altoids container 30 Lassos 31 Didn’t miss? 34 Friend 37 Hostess product similar to a Yodel 38 Famous boxer and trash-talker 39 Expert 42 Dressy neckwear 45 Nearly out of gas 47 Certain sib 48 ___-free restaurant

9 Penny, but not Abbey 4 52 Assemble-it-yourself furniture brand 53 Executive’s apparel 54 Hummus scooper 56 Stack chain 57 Russo of Thor 58 Lambs’ mothers 59 12th graders: Abbr. 60 NFL signal-callers 61 “That feels wonderful!” Solution to today’s puzzle:

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, October 20, 2021

DOES RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE KILL JOBS? FOR decades it was conventional wisdom in the field of economics that a higher minimum wage results in fewer jobs. In part, that’s because it’s based on the law of supply and demand, one of the most well-known ideas in economics. Despite it being called a “law,” it’s actually two theories that suggest if the price of something goes up—wages, for example—demand will fall—in this case, for workers. Meanwhile, their supply will rise. Thus an introduction of a high minimum wage would cause the supply of labor to exceed demand, resulting in unemployment. But this is just a theory with many built-in assumptions. Then, in 1994, David Card, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley, and one of this year’s Nobel winners, and the late Alan Krueger used a natural experiment to show that, in the real world, this doesn’t actually happen. In 1992, New Jersey increased its minimum wage while neighboring Pennsylvania did not. Yet there was little change in employment. When I discuss their work in my economics classes, however, I don’t portray it as an example of economists providing a definitive answer to the question of whether minimum wage hikes kill jobs. Instead, I challenge my students to think about all the ways one could answer this question, which clearly cannot be settled based on our beliefs. But rather, the answer requires data—which in economics, can be hard to come by. USING MODELS TO STUDY BEHAVIOR ECONOMICS studies the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. And so, like other social sciences, economics is fundamentally interested in human behavior. But humans behave in a wide variety of often hard-topredict ways, with countless complications. As a result, economists rely on abstraction and theory to create models in the hopes of representing and explaining the complex world that they are studying. This emphasis on complicated mathematical models, theory and abstraction has made economics a lot less accessible to the general public than other social sciences, such as psychology or sociology. Economists also use these models to answer important questions, such as “Does a minimum wage cause unemployment?” In fact, this is one of the most studied questions in all of economics since at least 1912, when Massachusetts became the first state to create a minimum wage. The federal wage floor came in 1938 with the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act. And it’s been controversial ever since. Proponents argue that a higher minimum wage helps create jobs, grow the economy, fight poverty and reduce wage inequality. Critics stress that minimum wages cause unemployment, hurt the economy and actually harm the low-income people that were supposed to be helped. A TALE OF TWO THEORIES MOST students in my introductory microeconomics class can easily show, using the standard supply and demand model, that an increase in the minimum wage above the level that the market sets on its own should drive up unemployment. In fact, this is one of the most commonly used examples in introductory economics textbooks. However, this result assumes a perfectly competitive labor market in which workers and employers are abundant and employees can change jobs with ease. This is rarely the case in the real world, where a few companies frequently dominate in what are known as monopsonies. And so others theorized that because monopsonistic companies had the power to set wages artificially low, a higher minimum wage could, perhaps counterintuitively, prompt companies to hire more workers in order to recover some of their lost profitability as a result of the increased labor costs. How can economists tell which of these two theories may be right? They need data. DATA TRUMPS THEORY STUDYING the real world is difficult, and it’s constantly changing, so it is not easy to obtain all the relevant evidence. In studying the minimum wage, we cannot simply look at past times when it was increased and check what happened to unemployment a few weeks or months later. There are many other factors that affect the labor market, such as outsourcing and immigration, and it’s virtually impossible to isolate and pin down one factor such as a minimum wage hike as the cause. This is where the pioneering work of natural experiments like the ones Card and Krueger have used over the years to study the effects of raising the minimum wage and other policy changes comes in. It began with their 1994 paper, but they’ve replicated the findings with other studies that have deepened the amount of data that shows the original theory about the minimum wage causing job losses is likely wrong. Their approach isn’t without flaws—mostly technical ones—and in fact economists still don’t have a clear answer to the question about the minimum wage that I posed earlier in this article. But because of Card, Krueger and their research, the debate over the minimum wage has gotten a lot less theoretical and much more empirical. Only by studying how humans actually behave can economics hope to make meaningful predictions about how a policy change like increasing the minimum wage is likely to affect the behavior of the economy and the people living in it. THE CONVERSATION

PHOTO BY CAMPAIGN CREATORS ON UNSPLASH

What is SOP? W

HEN I talk to friends about how they are doing in their work, there would always be a story or two about how one of their coworkers did not follow a certain process, and how they lost time and resources because of it. Too often, there are standard operating procedures (SOP), or protocols, in departments or groups within their organization that are not documented. It is up to the new employee to learn them on their own, especially in a big organization where SOPs are established between departments over time among different people. Most of the time, people do not know these protocols because they are not written down. Documented workflows provide a ready reference for commonly used processes and, at the same time, ensures work quality is sustained. This also guarantees that groups within the organization continue to be reliable and the results are consistent. When protocols are not documented or poorly articulated, leaders have difficulty sustaining their team’s efforts or even working with other groups. These protocols help ensure better working conditions among team members and other departments. Aside from maintaining work quality, having clearly delineated protocols helps make it easier for the group to onboard new employees. Just about anybody in the team can onboard new hires and explain the common procedures, and walk them through what to expect and what to avoid. Onboarding reduces downtime for new hires and reduces their learning curve. A word of caution

though: these protocols need to be updated regularly and reinforced to old and new members so that everybody is apprised of new protocols. Having clearly defined protocols also ensures everybody knows what to do in different scenarios. Protocols help everybody understand the common processes involved in doing their work. At the same time, such understanding helps others in the team pitch in when one of the members becomes sick or unavailable. When protocols are clear, everybody is on the same page. However, protocols can also become too restrictive when they do not allow for people to think creatively, or provide opportunities for improving existing procedures. To improve the quality of work, especially when protocols are not working as intended, or people have discovered a better way of doing things, a periodic review of protocols helps to avoid making them too restrictive. Once they are reviewed and revised, everyone in the group needs to understand and use these new procedures. Be warned that overly changing the SOPs, to the extent that people become confused, can be counterproductive. To avoid this, set regular reviews and carefully consider existing conditions to ensure smooth implementation. Also consider that there might be other factors that were not thought of when the protocols were drafted and make allowances for team members to decide on their own. They should be able to understand the spirit of the protocol without being too literal. Draconian wordings and implementation of protocols can result in more harm than good. To avoid this, teams should understand the principle behind the protocol and adjust their implementation as long as it follows its basic principles. Another benefit of having well thought-out protocols is the guarantee that the group complies with the minimum requirements of regulatory laws. Certain procedures are mandated by law to avoid a company being placed in a compromising situation, and to assure the public that the organization is compliant with established rules. The danger lies when organizations implement their protocols with the same rigor as if they are regulatory laws. It would

help an organization better by complementing these regulatory measures with protocols that are tailor-fit for their group. Having protocols also reduces the risks involved in doing work by helping employees avoid dangers. Occupational and safety hazard protocols and data information confidentiality guidelines are examples of protocols meant to safeguard the well-being of employees. These are in place to ensure nobody gets hurt and sensitive information is amply protected. But there are also protocols which delimit people’s ability to make decisions on their own because the punishment is harsh, or which make them too afraid to commit a mistake. Either there is punishment for not following procedure, or the protocols do not contain any provision to address a novel situation. When I was a teacher, mobile phones were not allowed for students and the protocol was to confiscate them if used inside the classroom. I caught one using his mobile phone during class and promptly confiscated it. It turned out he had a special pass for a medical condition which required him to be in touch with his parents. That incident resulted in students being given special passes for those needing their mobile phones. Which brings me to my last point: documented protocols also help in identifying weaknesses in the process and help the team fill in those gaps with what has worked for them in the past or the best practices from other groups. You end up improving your workflows and giving multiple opportunities for your team to troubleshoot and diagnose processes in order to get the work done in the most expedient way. A word of caution though: the entire team must understand the reasons for the new set of protocols and how they will implement them. A clearly articulated and prominent set of protocols goes a long way in ensuring your team understands the nuances of your operations, and helps new members acclimatize to their new working environment. But at the same time, they should be easy to follow, and should allow team members to think critically when they encounter new issues. After all, protocols are meant to make their work simpler and faster. ■

Top carrier issues anniversary surprise CEBU Pacific surprises consumers on its 25th anniversary with the launch of the new Cebu Pacific Gold and Platinum Credit Cards, in partnership with Go Rewards, Union Bank of the Philippines, and Visa. Using this card will enable cardholders to earn Go Rewards points to fly faster as they will get one point for every P100 spent with Cebu Pacific. If used anywhere else, one point will be earned for every P200 spent. As a valued cardholder, they are eligible to be a Black Card member of Go Rewards. When flying as a Black card member, they can get the preferential earn rate of 1 Go Rewards point for every P20 spent (for the base fare and some ancillaries) when flying with Cebu Pacific. Cardholders will also get early alerts for CEB promo fares, and other Go Rewards, UnionBank and Visa exclusive offers. Platinum cardholders will also gain exclusive access to Pacific Club Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 on top of a worry-free travel insurance of up to P10 million. “We are very happy to announce this partnership with Go Rewards, UnionBank, and Visa. Through

this, consumers will now have easy access to endless value-for-money deals and rewards—whether for booking those much-awaited trips, or just buying dayto-day needs,” said Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and customer experience at Cebu Pacific. Those who sign up for a card on or before December 31 will receive Go Rewards bonus points which can be used to book a CEB flight online conveniently. A Gold cardholder will receive 5,000 points, while a Platinum cardholder will get 10,000 points. All these points can be redeemed not just for flights, but even to purchase essentials. These credit cards are also accepted worldwide through the accredited merchants of Visa. CEB continues to offer the lowest fares on flights across its widest domestic network. To date, it operates regular flights to 32 domestic destinations which include Boracay, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Siargao.

The carrier has been rated 7/7 stars by www. airlineratings.com for its Covid-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multilayered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, antigen testing before duty for all frontliners and crew members, and contactless flight procedures. Its jet fleet are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA air filters, keeping viruses at bay.

B6 Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Pacquiao distributes relief and cash aid to residents of Batangas

MPIC bridges the gap for Cebu-Cordova’s economic growth with P30-B CCLEX

ETRO Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) reaches a major construction milestone for its P30B Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) this month. CCLEX, MPIC’s first toll road project outside Luzon, has finally closed the two-meter gap that separated the main bridge decks of Towers 1 and 2. Despite unprecedented challenges brought upon by the pandemic, the major construction feat now successfully connects the modest town of Cordova in Mactan Island to Cebu City, providing an alternative route to decongest the traffic-choked channels that preceded it. Implemented through Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of its toll road arm, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, CCLEX becomes an integral component in MPIC’s goal towards progress for the whole country.

An Iconic Bridge

THE complex project spanned more than three years of non-stop construction and is now cited as an “engineering marvel”. It is expected to become a tourist attraction within itself. “It is with pride that we commemorate this milestone for CCLEX. Through the resolve of all sectors involved, primarily MPTC and CCLEC, we are gradually reigniting the economy of one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country. It is a strategic step towards spurring industrial growth all throughout the Visayas region,” said MPIC President and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim. CCLEX measures 8.5 kilometers long and rises 51 meters from sea level, poising it to become the country’s largest watercrossing infrastructure. The bridge is built with a navigational clearance to allow large vessels to safely traverse a path underneath the bridge. The bridge expressway will have two lanes in each direction and will feature

the main twin cable-stayed bridge, viaduct approach bridges, a causeway, and toll facilities. Spanning eight kilometers from the mouth of the Guadalupe River to Shell Island and then Cordova, the project will connect mainland Cebu to the Municipality of Cordova and is expected to serve at least 50,000 vehicles daily. The 8.9-kilometer CCLEX will be open to the public for commercial operations in the first quarter of 2022. The bridge will be using a full electronic toll collection system and is fitted with several state-of-the art equipment, including a Road Weather Information System that provides weather watches and warning for public safety.

Economic growth

CCLEX is already generating positive economic growth for the municipality of Cordova, exhibited by the significant rise in land prices within the proximity of the project site. Prices have reached P5,000 per square meter in January 2020. This dramatic boom in real estate value directly increased the Cordova’s demand in the market. A good pull for investments, this attracted the attention of several of the country’s biggest conglomerates including Ayala Corporation, SM Prime Holdings Inc., and the Gokongwei Group. “The influx of infrastructure brought about by the completion of CCLEX is already generating socio-economic impacts that truly benefits all our constituents,” said Cordova Mayor Mary Therese “Teche” Sitoy-

Cho. “We are grateful for the work that MPIC and their tollways arm. Aside from improving the convenience of travel, this project has been integral in creating more employment opportunities and uplifting our local tourism as another means of livelihood for our community.”

Linking Progress and Purpose

CCLEX was built as a “fishermen’s bridge” with additional clearance and channels designed into the structure to give local fishermen and their boats access to their traditional fishing grounds. The bridge was carefully designed and built to protect the existing 278-hectare mangrove ecosystem. With Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), MPIC, and the Cordova LGU, CCLEC inaugurated its Mangrove Propagation and Information Center in Barangay Day-as, as part of MPIF’s flagship environmental program, Shore It Up! As MPIC’s legacy project, the two-storey facility shall serve as the center for the protection and propagation of mangrove trees in the coastal areas, including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in the whole Municipality of Cordova. It will also be an information hub to let locals and visitors appreciate the importance and benefits of mangroves in the ecosystem. “MPIC is driven by purpose – by always doing good while doing well,” said MPIC Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

RESIDENTIAL aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquio visited the vote-rich province of Batangas and distributed goods and cash aid to residents affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano in 2020. Pacquiao, the “adopted son” of Batangas - based on a resolution passed by the Provincial Board in 2019 - returned to the said province to distribute relief goods and P1,000 to each resident who attended the event on October 14. Pacquiao denied that the distribution of aid was part of his early campaign because he had been helping people since 2002. Pacquiao's camp explained that the senator provided cash aid to fulfill his promise to Batangas residents in November 2020. Nearly 7,000 residents attended the event. “Pacquiao first visited Batangas to distribute relief and extend financial

support during the eruption of Taal in January 2020. He followed this up with another relief assistance visit in November 2020 where he promised that he would return after his fight to provide more help,” the statement said. Aside from handing out cash and relief goods, Pacquiao also toured Batangas where he visited his Senate colleague President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and House Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto. He also visited the Lipa Public Market where he was warmly received by the people and his running mate House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza. The senator bought sacks of Barako coffee to support for the local coffee industry. The senator also made a courtesy call to Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa as well as Archbishop Gilbert Garcera where he asked for spiritual guidance.

Quitting smoking? E-cigarettes may be right for you

VER the years, numerous steps towards quitting smoking have been developed and suggested by experts – a combination of physical, psychological, or medical interventions – all with varying degrees of effectiveness. However, what has worked for some has not always worked for others.

Nicotine Replacement Treatment (NRT)

The SM StartUp Package invites 100 small business owners to set up shop in SM malls T has been almost two years since the pandemic brought Filipino life and many livelihoods to a screeching halt. According to a 2020 Asian Development Bank (ADB) study of 1,804 Philippine MSMEs, 70.6% were forced to temporarily close with 66.2% reported to have temporary staff cuts during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Bucking these statistics and the odds created by the changes in the landscape, the enterprising Filipino found many opportunities in online businesses, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recording over 88,000 new e-commerce registrations at the end of 2020. This figure is projected to be a million e-commerce enterprises by 2022 (from 500,000 in 2020). By taking advantage of the online space, MSME owners have become unsung heroes of the economy, all the while providing for their families and making their business dreams a reality. SM Supermalls very well understands the potential of each Filipino to be successful business owners because of their founder, the

SENATOR Manny Pacquiao received warm welcome from nearly 7,000 people when he visited Batangas province to distribute cash aid and relief goods to residents affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano in 2020. The "adopted son" of Batangas fulfills his promise to return. His first visit to the province was in November 2020.

late Mr. Henry Sy’s own inspiring story. Sy, fondly called “Tatang” in SM, started out as a small business owner with his first footwear shop ShoeMart. It is in SM’s DNA to enable and inspire small businesses like the one it once was. On October 15, Tatang’s birthday, SM launched The SM StartUp Package, which aims to provide small online businesses the valuable support they need so they can set up their own shop in an SM mall. This is available to the first 100 digital-based MSME owners who currently don’t have a shop inside SM or any other physical store in general. The package offers features such as start-up friendly rental rates and use of kiosks or carts free of charge; marketing assistance to give the brand free exposure in SM online assets and ad spaces inside malls; financial assistance with BDO; and mentorship from SM experts on operations and marketing. The StartUp Markets will be situated in prime mall locations within 13 regional and premier malls: SM North Edsa, Megamall,

DURING the virtual launch of the SM StartUp Package hosted by Sam YG last Oct 15, SM Supermalls President Mr. Steven Tan was joined by three young successful MSMEs; Nina Cabrera from Colourette, Patty Ang from Patton, and Jerald Sze from 365 Designs Retailing, who talked about how their business began online and how they successfully grew it at SM Supermalls.

Mall of Asia, Southmall, Pampanga, Clark, Grand Central, Sta. Rosa, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, CDO Downtown Premier, and Lanang Premier. “We created The SM StartUp Package because we saw how Filipinos persevered in the past year. Very much true to the spirit of Henry Sy, who always said he worked harder during bad times, many MSMEs did not let the pandemic stop them from providing good service and products -even from their own homes. We want to give them a chance to further grow their businesses and brands, and enable them to start their own SM shops which they can one day grow into business empires, just like our founder once did.,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.

ONE such medical intervention is Nicotine Replacement Treatment or NRT which involves either prescription nicotine in a nasal spray or inhaler, over-the-counter patches and gums, or even prescription medicines that contain bupropion and varenicline. While the Mayo Clinic notes that these short-acting nicotine replacement therapies can help one overcome intense cravings, other comprehensive studies, such as one conducted together with UK Stop Smoking Services, point to e-cigarettes being more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in facilitating validated long-term smoking reduction and smoking cessation wherein validated smoking reduction including cessation was achieved by 26.5 % versus 6.0% when using NRT.

Acknowledging the benefits of e-cigarettes

A study conducted in the United States found e-cigarettes to be a highly effective alternative, enough reason to urge the media community, health professionals, and policymakers to take a second, closer look at the benefits they bring, most glaring of which is reducing cigaretterelated mortality. Evidence also indicates how

e-cigarette use can undoubtedly increase odds of quitting smoking. All these advantages should be examined while carefully balancing the impacts of product regulation towards ensuring democratic consumer access. Significantly, they cite a promising smoking cessation randomized controlled trial showing how smokers assigned to e-cigarettes achieved nearly twice the rate of biochemically confirmed smoking cessation at one year or 18% more than smokers assigned to nicotine replacement therapy or 9.9%.

Making the switch

IT has become quite clear that the potential of e-cigarettes as a means of quitting smoking is fast gaining ground worldwide. Even the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom weighs in by stating how “many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette” and that “there’s growing evidence that they can be effective.” Perhaps, then, if you’ve long been thinking of quitting or are in the difficult process of trying, e-cigarettes are certainly worth a try.

Modern-day entreps

CHIZMOZZA founder Hannah Ramos sold her own mozzarella recipe online before opening her food cart at SM. Ian Darcy started his namesake fragrance brand after being forced to resign from his marketing job. Oishii Maki chef Ramon Molina started a sushi and maki business at SM after working as an Overseas Filipino as a Japanese Chef in 5-star hotels. “I took a chance to grow Chizmozza from an online store to having one humble food cart in SM North Edsa back in 2016. Now Chizmozza has 21 SM branches. They saw the potential of our unique cheese products and through our mutual hard work and perseverance, we grew, even through the pandemic.” Hannah shared The SM StartUp Package will allow more people to level up their online start-up, inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of “Tatang” so they can take more confident steps even during these uncertain times. Find out how to sign up for The SM StartUp Package. Visit www.smsupermalls. com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

PRIMEWATER TARLAC CITY AND TARLAC WATER DISTRICT BOOST SERVICE IN TARLAC CITY. PrimeWater Tarlac City, led by (seventh from left) Branch Manager Aris Ballesteros with joint venture partner Tarlac City Water District (TCWD), inaugurated the San Isidro Booster Station that will benefit more than 2,000 households with sufficient water supply and will address water demand in remote areas of Tarlac City. Present during the event were officers from PrimeWater namely (from L-R) External Affairs and Communication Representatives Trixia Mae Gumapas and Ferdinand Delos Santos; Marketing Head Myrna Jorque; Project Study Assistant Randy Claus; Project Study Head Ricky Mallari; PrimeWater Tarlac HR Head Gemma Saluta; PrimeWater Tarlac Branch Manager Aris Ballesteros; PrimeWater Tarlac Production Head Riconinio Lacanlale; NRW Engr. Barlo Alcantara; PrimeWater Tarlac Sales Division Head Joserhino Mercado; MRS Head Liza Kliatchko; WRF Technician Ricky Mata; PrimeWater Tarlac Commercial Service Division Head Marites Lobo; PrimeWater Tarlac Commercial Services Dept. Head Olivia Manalo; (not in the picture): Meanwhile, Brgy. Dolores Chairman Marcy Pascual; TCWD Board Member Dir. Boris Luis Taglines; City Environment and Development Office Dept. Head Dra. Mina Tañedo; Tarlac City Vice Mayor Genaro Mendoza; TCWD General Manager Ester Vengco; Brgy. San Isidro Councilor Armando Perinio also attended the event.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 B7

A PHirst for the golden girl

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

HE country’s first Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting definitely knows the challenges and rigors of not owning a home. Hidilyn Diaz, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist pointed out that owning a home is quite important for her. Coming from a humble background, she recalled the six siblings of the Diaz clan had a difficult time because of the congestion they experienced in the places they had stayed. “Owning a house is definitely one of my major wishes and I am sure every Filipino aspires to have their own,” Diaz told the press in an interview after the Century Properties Group (CPG) presented on September 27. The Zamboanguena received the deed of donation for her PHirst Park Homes house and lot prize in the community she personally handpicked at PHirst Park Homes Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. Diaz also emphasized it would be an advantage for athletes like her to have their own home in Metro Manila after they retire from active competition and could no longer stay at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. “I agree that rewarding athletes with a house and lot for their stellar performance in the Olympics and other international competitions is a very wonderful incentive. They deserve it because they have given their blood, sweat and tears in training and international competitions for the flag and country. It also inspires the athletes to give their best,” Diaz explained. Diaz said the government also gave her a house and lot in Zamboanga. She chose Batulao mainly because of the cool weather, proximity to Manila and Tagaytay City and to easily reach out to her parents. On his part CPG and PHirst Park Homes Executive Chairman Jose E.B. Antonio

said giving Diaz a house and lot package was “really a spontaneous reaction for us when she won it.” “There were so many similarities—first gold medal, PHirst Park Homes. She came from humble beginnings, our company Century Properties, grew, more than 30 years ago. It also came from humble beginnings. We started with only six personnel. The same tenets that you emboldened in your mind: hard work, faith in God and perseverance. It’s not automatic that you’ll get these awards just because you like it. You have to work for it. When I saw her on television, I found her story quite inspiring,” Chairman Antonio said. “PHirst Park Homes has many dreams and aspirations, just like Hidilyn and many of our kababayans. Not only are we going to do more projects of a similar concept, but we’re thinking of expanding the concept into exciting opportunities, more products, creating more destinations, creating more than just the amenities, a lifestyle and a place that people can really be proud of,” CPG President and CEO Marco Antonio explained. Diaz was accompanied in the donation signing by her family members as well as her coach, trainer and partner Julius Naranjo. Welcoming her into the PHirst Park Homes community were CPG, Jose E.B. Antonio, Marco R. Antonio and PHirst Park Homes President Ricky M. Celis. Diaz expressed her gratitude to PHirst Park Homes and Century Properties as she accepted the gift, stressing the hard work she put in to realize her dream. “I gave all my best in training and poured all of my strength in because I believe that we need to make sacrifices and work hard if

PHirst Park Homes President Ricky M. Celis (from left), CPG and PHirst Park Homes Executive Chairman Jose E.B. Antonio, Hidilyn Diaz and CPG President and CEO Marco R. Antonio

Diaz in front of PHirst Park Homes’ Unna unit, which was renamed to HIDILYN

we have a dream,” Diaz said. CPG Executive Chairman Antonio likened Diaz’s achievement to the aspirations of the young Filipinos….“The message that we get from you is that if you persevere, work hard, and aspire to work towards your goal, it is possible to achieve your dreams. That is the message that we glean from your achievement and we would like to share this to all our countrymen all over the world.” Moreover, the event became special when Celis announced that starting September 27 PHirst Park Homes would be officially naming her Unna unit Hidilyn. “As a tribute to the honor that you have given every Filipino, we at PHirst Park

Demand for Greenfield developments boosted by NCR, South Luzon road infrastructures By Roderick L. Abad

NCREASED transportation infrastructure investments are among key factors that bring growth to the country’s major regions, such as Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, according to Greenfield Development Corp. (GDC). Given the government’s over 100 infrastructure projects—either completed or in the pipeline—increased connectivity and accessibility lead to the rising value of property surrounding these developments. “Big-ticket infrastructure developments are designed to improve traffic flow, and increase people’s access to services, business and job opportunities. Road infrastructures are value drivers for surrounding real-estate projects as they open doors for economic progress; on top of providing greater mobility, connectivity to other cities and sustainability. Investing in such properties are deemed attractive because their value will appreciate over time,” said GDC Executive Vice President and General Manager Duane A.X. Santos. For instance, GDC’s flagship mixed-use developments Greenfield City and Greenfield District are seen to further gain the interest of more buyers and investors on the back of the now operating Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax); North Luzon Expressway (Nlex)-South Luzon Expressway (Slex) Connector Road; and Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, more popularly known as the Kalayaan Bridge. The partially operational Calax cuts travel time between Manila–Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and Slex to around 45 minutes from 90 minutes. Motorists have also been experiencing faster mobility because of the Nlex-Slex Connector Road, which reportedly lessens travel time between the two expressways to 20 minutes only. Increased accessibility due to these mega infrastructure projects adds to what makes the 400-hectare Greenfield City highly appealing. A commercial and residential com

Greenfield City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna

munity in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, this metropolis can be accessed via the Sta. Rosa Interchange, Eton-Greenfield exit, and Greenfield-Unilab exit. Its promise to offer refuge to families and individuals seeking a balanced life is also a huge drawing factor. “Part of Greenfield City’s unique value proposition, the first city within the park conce pt, is committed to promote a balance between a fast-paced modern living and a refreshing lifestyle away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Calax and the Nlex-Slex Connector Road have made it easier for more people to gain access to this promise,” the top executive noted. GDC’s Greenfield City is home to four residential communities, namely, Trava, Solen Residences, Pramana, and Zadia; three commercial centers like Laguna Central, Arcadia and Paseo Outlets; two business districts, such as Sta. Rosa Business Parks 1 and 2; and an industrial park called Greenfield Autopark.

The real-estate company’s Greenfield District, on the other hand, that is a 15-hectare, eco-friendly development located at Mandaluyong’s Central Business District, continues to attract property buyers. The opening of the Kalayaan Bridge across the Pasig River is expected to heighten their interest to the project. This urban center bordered by the main thoroughfares Edsa and Shaw Boulevard, is just a five-minute drive from the Pasig River—thanks to the 613-meter two-way Kalayaan Bridge, wherein motorists can reach Pasig and Mandaluyong from Kalayaan Avenue in Makati and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig in 12 minutes. “The growth of Greenfield District and Greenfield City is now made better because of these transport infrastructure developments. Owning a property in our highvalue communities is a prized asset that brings unparalleled edge and benefits,” Santos said.

Diaz with Century Properties Group (CPG) and PHirst Park Homes Executive Chairman Jose E.B. Antonio

Homes are pleased to announce that starting today, we are officially naming our Unna unit into Hidilyn… the name that has brought pride to the Philippines and the Filipino people,” Celis said. The Unna is a 2-story single-attached home with 54 sq m of floor area and 88 sqm of lot area. Diaz’s chosen unit is a 54-sq-m home on a 146-sq-m corner lot. She also received a commemorative plaque and medal from PHirst Park Homes during the symbolic handover of her prize, and placed the house plans of the Hidilyn home into a time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony, at the exact spot where her future home will be built. The target completion for her new home

is in December 2022. Established in 2017, PHirst Park Homes is a partnership between Century Properties Group and Mitsubishi Corp. It has emerged as one of the fastest-selling developers of affordable housing with 10 communities to date and more than 13,000 units launched. PHirst Park Homes posted reservation sales of P4.38 billion for the first half of 2021, 38 percent higher than P3.17 billion in the same period last year. In terms of units, reservation sales reached 2,327 or 28 percent more than 1,819 units in the comparative period. Total collections for the first half of 2021 hit P2.02 billion, a 172-percent increase over P744 million in the same period last year.

Asia Pacific employees unaware of employers’ carbon reduction commitments

mployees across Asia Pacific want greater representation in their companies’ sustainability initiatives, with the majority feeling disengaged from their employers’ environmental and social agenda. According to JLL, (NYSE: JLL) 65 percent are not aware of their companies’ carbon reduction goals and 60 percent said their companies do not involve them in green initiatives. In addition, 50 percent of employees expressed a desire to contribute to sustainability agendas to meet future carbon reduction targets, identifying real estate as a major catalyst for carbon reduction. The findings were published in the JLL Asia Pacific “Sustainability in the built environment: An employee perspective” report, which surveyed 1,200 employees, aged between 21 and 45, across the region. JLL analysis found that employees believe the built environment will be instrumental in supporting employee and employer sustainability expectations and goals across Asia Pacific. Approximately 70 percent of employees believe that offices can be highly impactful in reducing carbon emissions and 90 percent see residential buildings as a catalyst to enhance urban greenery. “In their pursuit of sustainability, businesses in Asia Pacific must ensure that their corporate goals are closely aligned with the goals of their employees. What we’ve learned is that a gap exists between the expectations of employees and the actions of employers on sustainable initiatives across Asia Pacific. At JLL, our commitment to shaping the future of real estate for a better world aligns with our ability to

use this actionable data and research to more effectively advise our clients on meeting the growing sustainability demands of employees,” said Anthony Couse, chief executive officer, APAC, JLL. According to the report, seven in 10 employees believe that sustainability initiatives are a must for businesses today and 75 percent expect their companies to follow sustainable business practices, creating implications for talent attraction and retention. These expectations are a determining factor when choosing which company to work for—especially among younger employees. Half of those polled would choose a sustainability leader as their future employer when weighing up career opportunities. But 78 percent of employees aged 21 to 30 want to work for a company that actively involves employees in sustainability efforts, while 64 percent of respondents aged 31 to 40 share this view. “Sustainability has always been at the forefront of our business agenda in the Philippines. Our journey towards a work set up that combines freedom and flexibility started ahead of the curve, and we have long acknowledged that our efforts need to be centered on engagement, emotional well-being, and mental health,” said Christophe Vicic, country head of JLL Philippines. He added, “From achieving WELL pre-certification for our Manila office this year to proactively offering sustainability solutions to our clients, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a work environment that promotes productivity through hybrid work.”

Sports BusinessMirror

GYMNASTICS WORLDS ON

HEAD Coach Genice Bong Marquez and dancers Julius Obero and Rhea Marquez grace Tuesday’s forum.

Para dancers set focus on worlds

EMBERS of the Philippine Para Dance Sports team are oozing with confidence as they gear up for the prestigious World Para Dance Sport Championships in Ulsan in South Korea from November 26 to 28. “We still have one month to prepare and we will do our best in training,” head coach Genice Bong Marquez told the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. The world meet will gather entries from as many as 40 countries, including favorites Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Marquez said the event will definitely bring out the best from the Philippine entries who are coming off a memorable stint in the Polish Open, which served as the last qualifier for the worlds. The Philippines brought home seven gold, four silver and eight bronze medals from Lomianki, Poland, where dancers from 16 countries participated. Bringing home four gold medals was Evelyn de Asis (women’s single freestyle 2, single conventional 2, duo freestyle 2 with partner Julius Obrero and junior competition). The other gold medalists were Obero (combi Latin class 2 and freestyle combi class 2 with partner Rhea Marquez) and the pair of Jhona Pena and Joey Maglasang (duo standard class 2). Winning silver medals were De Asis and Shaquile Hanze Basan,

Silver hopes Irving gets vaccinated

DAM SILVER, the basketball fan, would prefer to see Kyrie Irving on the court again with the Brooklyn Nets as soon as possible. Adam Silver, the National Basketball Association (NBA) commissioner, would prefer to see Irving vaccinated. Silver said Monday he hopes Irving—one of the few players in the league who has not yet chosen to be vaccinated—changes his mind before long and clears a path to get back on the floor with the Nets. “I would like to see our players vaccinated, because I think it’s a public service of sorts, particularly to young people who might not see the value of getting vaccinated,” Silver said on the eve of the league’s 75th anniversary season, the third to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Irving cannot play for the Nets in large part because of rules unique to New York and San Francisco requiring vaccinations as a prerequisite for working. The Nets said last week that Irving would not be involved in team activities “until he is eligible to be a full participant.” And at this time, that means vaccinated. Silver would not disclose if he has spoken with Irving directly, but made his stance clear. “There’s nothing fair about this virus,” Silver said. “It’s indiscriminate in terms of who it impacts. And I think it’s perfectly appropriate that New York and other cities have passed laws that require people who both work and visit arenas to be vaccinated. That seems to be a responsible publichealth decision.” AP ADAM SILVER thinks it’s perfectly appropriate that New York and other cities have passed laws that require people who both work and visit arenas to be vaccinated. AP

Switzerland’s Lilli Leanne Habisreutinger performs during the preliminary round of women’s floor exercise at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan, on Monday. The Philippines’s Carlos Yulo is defending his men’s floor exercise gold medal in the event. AP

| Wednesday, October 20, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

BATTLE OF WITS

Christian Apolinario, Jhistine Glyde Baguio, Filemon Baguio II, Obero and Pena. Bronze medalists were Anne Charlaine Santos with four, Jed Villaruel, Christian Apolinario and Joey Maglasang. Marquez told the weekly forum presented San Miguel Corp., Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. that all medalists in Poland will vie in the world event. Obero and Rhea Marquez also graced the forum, saying they are working very hard in bubble training in Novaliches to make sure the Philippines is represented well in Ulsan. “We train from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with solo practices in between and we found that very effective,” said Marquez. “Bubble training was difficult at the start but we adjusted well to it,” added Obero, a prosthetics technician at UERM Hospital.

EXPECT a classic showdown on coaching from TNT’s Chot Reyes and Magnolia’s Chito Victolero.

By Josef Ramos

HE last time Chot Reyes shouted his voice hoarse from the TNT Tropang Giga bench was nine years ago. That long. On Wednesday, Reyes is in familiar territory chasing a familiar trophy. Reyes and TNT square off with the Magnolia Hotshots for the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup, the last of eight trophies the 58-year-old Tropang Giga coach hoisted in 2012 for TNT before he was tasked to handle the Gilas Pilipinas program. He will be facing the Hotshots’ Chito Victolero, who’s eight years his junior but one he can’t take for granted. “I have a huge respect for coach Chito [Victolero]… and I’m not afraid to admit

Fifa, Qatar team up with WHO for World Cup health promotion

ENEVA—Fifa and Qatari organizers of next year’s World Cup teamed up with the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday to use soccer’s marquee event for promoting public health. The move follows years of scrutiny on Qatar and criticism of conditions for hundreds of thousands of migrant GHEBREYESUS

workers needed for massive projects tied to the tournament. “Events like the World Cup and the Olympic Games are perfect partners for promoting health and solidarity,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. When Fifa picked Qatar in 2010 to host the World Cup, the expected health risk was exposing 32 teams of players, thousands of workers and hundreds of thousands of fans to 40-plus Celsius (100-plus Fahrenheit) heat in June and July. Though that issue was solved by moving the games to cooler November temperatures, the coronavirus pandemic is moving into a third year and closer to key tournament preparations. “The tournament is likely to be the first global mass gathering of this scale since the spread of the pandemic,” Hassan al-Thawadi, the head of the Qatari World Cup

organizing committee, said at WHO headquarters. No details were given Monday of practical planning to protect the World Cup from Covid-19, and no questions were taken at the launch broadcast from Geneva. Vaccine mandates for visiting fans to enter stadiums was the official Qatari policy four months ago. Officials have since moved to a more flexible approach, which is expected to be tested one year ahead of the World Cup when Qatar hosts the 16-nation Arab Cup on November 30. WHO officials on Monday praised Qatar and Fifa for their financial and practical contributions. Qatar was a “top 10 voluntary donor” last year, WHO regional director Ahmed Al-Mandhari said. Tedros described Qatari support as “critical to our work”

and noted two flights it recently provided to take medical supplies to Afghanistan. Fifa made a $10 million donation to WHO last year, and Fifa president Gianni Infantino said in a video message Monday the state of Qatar was committed to “the safest World Cup ever.” The “Healthy 2022 World Cup” aims to create a legacy for future major sporting events, including the 2026 tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The launch included signing Ivory Coast great Didier Drogba as a WHO goodwill ambassador to promote a healthier lifestyle. “May we unite to be better prepared,” Drogba said, “and respond to future pandemics more collaboratively as we seek to tell the WHO narrative to global audiences in languages and platforms that are accessible to all.” AP

Manila gets exposure in one-day 3x3 hoops

ANILA Head Coach Aldin Ayo is glad that his team could gain more organized games under their belt through the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Invitational powered by TM set on Wednesday at the Laus Group Events Centre in San Fernando, Pampanga. And it’s timely as Manila Chooks (HeiHei in the domestic league) will be competing in the 2021 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters from October 29 to 30. “I’m happy because we are going to have games which we lacked,” said Ayo, who is in his first year in handling the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 program.

“In our first game, we were beaten and we struggled, but in the second game we were able to adjust. Hopefully, after this, we learn more about adjusting in tournaments.” Despite having two Masters tournaments experience in Doha last March and Montreal last September, the team only competed in four games as there are no domestic or continental 3x3 leagues at the moment because of the pandemic. Listed to play for Manila are Chico Lanete, Mac Tallo, Zach Huang and Cameroonian reinforcement Mike Nzeusseu. Reserves Mark Yee and Dennis Santos will play alongside Ralph Tansingco, and Jayvee Marcelino in Homegrown Grains Bocaue. The one-day tournament is endorsed by FIBA 3x3 and regulated by the Games and Amusements Board. Manila will be grouped with Adam Esli Pasay and Pacquiao Coffee Bacolod in Pool A while Bocaue is with MNL Kingpin Quezon City and ARQ Builders-Cebu in Pool B. Pool C consists of Pasig Kingpins, Zamboanga Valientes MLV and BRT Sumisip-Basilan while Pool D has AMACOR Mandaluyong, Essen Immunoboost Sarangani and RBR Cabiao Nueva Ecija.

Why TNT beat SMB

A SHARPSHOOTER famously known to own assassinlike skills fired blanks. And two mainstays succumbed to injuries with an eternity of basketball left to play. With those issues facing a team in a do-or-die game, what are its chances of survival? Bleak as in an ICU-placed patient, comatose, relying mainly on a life-support system of tubes and oxygen tanks. Without a doubt, it would expire. That was San Miguel Beer (SMB) on Sunday. It went to a Game 7, winner-take-all battle in high spirits, only to suffer a meltdown of unimaginable magnitude. Poised to supposedly reclaim their throne that was theirs five straight years up to 2019, the Beermen were denied—dethroned pretty badly like hapless victims of a violent coup d’ etat. Like blood-thirsty mutineers, the Tropang Giga were armed to the teeth, firing with impeccable accuracy after seeing SMB pile a 23-15 first quarter lead on the strength of five triples by CJ Perez (two threes) and one each from Terrence Romeo, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross. Dropping a blistering 30-13 bomb in the second quarter, TNT courageously captured a 45-36 halftime

that,” Reyes told the online Finals press conference on the eve of Game 1 of the best-of-seven series set at 6 p.m. at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. Reyes said he borrowed the game plan Magnolia used in beating San Miguel Beer earlier in the tournament. “We saw how well you played San Miguel Beer,” Reyes told Victolero. “I told my boys and coaches to study that game—that’s a huge measure of our respect for your coaching.” Magnolia beat San Miguel Beer, 97-79, last September 19 and with TNT forced to a Game 7, Reyes said that Hotshots ploy immensely helped them rout the Beermen, 97-79, last Sunday. Victolero, winner of one of Magnolia’s 15 PBA titles, showed equal respect for his adversary. “Thank you for the kind words and also for coming back [to the league],” he said. “It’s good for the league and for the young coaches who respect and follow your footsteps.” TNT and Magnolia are two teams with fabled past. The Tropang Giga franchise is in its eighth Philippine Cup and 21st overall Finals appearance. The Hotshots, too, have been there and doing this with 17 all-Filipino and an astounding 30th overall Finals appearance—having been in the longer. Bringing his attention to the Tropang Giga, Reyes said his boys will be in the hunt after failing to nail one since their Commissioner’s Cup conquest in 2015. “They are very hungry—six years since the last championship of the TNT franchise—they are very hungry as a tiger,” Reyes said. “But it’s different now and then. Before we had Ranidel [De Ocampo] and Jimmy Alapag as our team co-captain. Now, we have Jayson [Castro] and Kelly [Williams].” The Hotshots, on the other hand, are in their third Philippine Cup Finals in the last four years, losing all of them to the Beermen. “This is our third time to try and hoping we get it this time,” Victolero said. “We always ended up short.”

lead, never looking back from there en route to a seriesclinching, shocking 97-79 victory to advance to a race-tofour Finals against Magnolia in the Philippine Basketball Association PHL Cup. So clinically devastating was TNT’s last three-quarter fusillade that it consistently erected double-digit leads, the biggest at 21 points, 92-71, with 3:27 left. Not even once did SMB threaten to mount an honestto-goodness comeback in that span, its guns silenced as though they were loaded with duds. And take a look at this: The Beermen’s biggest puzzle was Marcio Lassiter, for so long the team’s deadliest shooter. He fired eight times on Sunday. He missed eight times on Sunday. Zero. Do you remember Lassiter not scoring even a single basket in his entire stay at San Miguel for a decade or so? I don’t. And then Mo Tautuaa and Romeo. Both superbly consistent in point-producing to help SMB forge a 3-3 deadlock, they could only combine for 11 points in the series decider, leaving the game for good in the third quarter on leg injuries suffered minus outside interference. Only June Mar Fajardo from the vaunted SMB juggernaut delivered despite still in mourning over the death of his mother, piling up 22 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocked shots. Ross had 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in SMB’s losing cause. RR Pogoy fired 27 points aided by four threes in the TNT victory, with Mikey Williams adding 20 and Kelly Williams making double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. But beware, TNT. SMB is Magnolia’s sister team. For sure, revenge is in the air come the Finals. THAT’S IT Good move, Commissioner Marcial. Stick to the Pampanga bubble instead of transferring the Finals to Pasig’s Ynares Center. Why fix it when it ain’t broke?