BusinessMirror October 21, 2022

Unified platform developed to ease arrival process in PHL

AUNIFIED platform is being developed to transition the One Health Pass to the electronic Arrival Card (eArrival Card), with a view to streamlining arrival requirements for travelers, the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said.

The DOH said the move is pursu ant to the recommendations of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) and is done in cooperation with the Bu

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reau of Quarantine (BOQ) and with the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of

Tourism (DOT), and Bureau of Im migration (BI).

“The DOH, through the close monitoring and coordination of the BOQ with other agencies, aims to alleviate our kababayans and inbound travelers from the stress and inconvenience of international travel,” Health Regulation Team Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Charade Mercado-Grande said.

Through the eArrival Card, the government wants to make pro cessing easier and faster while maintaining health regulation and monitoring, she said.

For her part, DOH Officer-inCharge Undersecretary Maria Ro sario Vergeire said they expect to reduce delays and eliminate incon venience for travelers through the eArrival Card.

“We likewise aim to support the tourism sec tor in the country while ensuring the health and safety of both foreign and Filipino travelers.” said Vergeire.

Inbound travelers to the Philippines can now fill out the eArrival Card within 72 hours prior to departure to avoid inconvenience upon arrival. Pre-registration to the eArrival plat form will be mandatory starting November 1, 2022.

Following discussions to rationalize the re quired data and information in the forms, only travel details, profile, and health declarations will be requested. After registration, a QR code is then generated as a “scan and go” mechanism to reduce processing time at points of entry.

The eArrival Card is free of charge for all travel ers and may be temporarily accessed through the official web site onehealthpass.com.ph pending the launch of the new platform and website and its shift to the official government domain.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

For instance, the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SUKELCO) was forced to bypass the NPC and buy 120,000 liters of diesel fuel directly from Petron, in order to avoid plung ing the whole area of Kalamansig and Lebak, 11 barangays in Palimbang, and

two barangays in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, and Sitio Guila-guila in Upi, Maguindanao in darkness.

“Delayed payments [to SPUG gencos and QTPs] may result in power outages affecting 834,285 households nation wide. It will also result in the deferment

of the scheduled energization of 44 new unserved ar eas affecting 15 areas in Luzon, 14 in the Visayas, and 15 in the Mindanao area, composed of 30,940 total households in the remote islands,” she said.

Tinonas said that the NPC has lined up several mea sures to address these scenarios, such as getting En ergy Regulatory Commission approval of its pending applications, funding support from the government, borrowings, and possible reimbursement of costs for the preservation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which reached P404.5 million.

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PBBM assurance

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has commit ted to create an investor-friendly climate by harmo nizing government business policies and priorities based on industry demands.

Marcos announced last Thursday he will ask the concerned agencies to review the 10-point recom mendations submitted to him by the PCCI.

“I assure you that the concerned agencies will assess the feasibility and probability of success of these recommendations,” Marcos said during the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Exposi tion of PCCI held in Manila.

The resolution covered a wide range of topics including food security, health, employment, edu cation, and international trade.

Marcos noted some of the said recommendations are in line with the policy thrust of the government.

These aligned policy goals include harmonizing the efforts of the national and local government through the ease of doing business measures and improved digital infrastructure, and the revision of the Renewable Energy Law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations.

“We recognize the fact that our businesses can not thrive alone. Thus, it is my commitment to foster a sound environment where businesses can flourish and continue to be a driver of our economic growth,” Marcos said.

The President continued to push for better co operation with the private sector through public private partnerships (PPP).

As of August, he said there are already 74 PPP projects in the pipeline, which have a combined es timated cost of P2.25 trillion.

With a report from Samuel P. Medenilla

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“Will I close all the red light districts because there’s prostitution and other forms of crime happening there... there’s a higher concentration...far higher than the one to 100,000 that is being spoken about? Then let’s close all the red light districts!” he added.

“With respect to the direct correlation...between kid napping of one to 100,000 vis-a-vis FDI,” said Salceda, “I think that should be reviewed.”

Finance Undersecretary Maria Cielo D. Magno said they had concerns with regard to POGO-related crimes, as these “can have an effect on foreign direct investment.”

Citing a study, the DOF official said that one crime incidence in every 100,000 population could result in a decrease of GDP by 1 percent.

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The Transportation chief said he had asked the PPA, an attached agency of the DOTr, to look at the average fees and charges being passed on to ship pers.

“For example, the collection of garbage and waste. There are contrac tors that do collections and this costs a lot of money also to the shippers,” Bautista said.

The DOTr chief also disclosed that his agency is now working on the “de coupling” of the functions of the PPA. He noted that PPA is one of the gov ernment agencies that act as operator and regulator at the same time.

“One of the first things that I no ticed when I joined the government is that there are many agencies that are both operators and regulators. And one of them is the PPA,” he said.

“I have asked the DOTr undersec retary for maritime to look into it and work on how to decouple it. May be we need a law to separate the op erations and regulations of the port.”

He likened PPA’s dual functions to that of the Civil Aviation Author ity of the Philippines (CAAP). Bau tista said CAAP is “both an operator and regulator so we are proposing an enactment of the Philippine airport authority so that we will separate the functions of CAAP being a regulator and operator.”

The Philippine Chamber of Com merce and Industry (PCCI) has been urging the national government to provide “world-class” integrated transport systems and “decouple” the regulatory and commercial functions of the PPA and other “similarly situ ated” transport agencies to improve the country’s logistics system.

In August, PCCI along with the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) and Supply Chain Management Association of the Phil ippines (SCMAP) expressed their sup port for House Bill (HB) No. 1400, which seeks to “decouple” the con flicting regulatory and commercial functions of the PPA.

The business groups blamed the dual functions of the agency as regu lator and developer for the steady increase in cargo-handling rates that has eroded the country’s competitive ness.

HB 1400, also known as the Philip pine Ports Corp. (Philports) Act, seeks to avoid a conflict of interest from PPA’s implementation of both func tions, according to the bill’s author Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Repre sentative Bernadette Herrera-Dy.

“This Act separates the regulatory and development functions of the Philippine Ports Authority [PPA] by converting it into a corporation solely for commercial and development pur poses and transferring its regulatory functions and powers to the Maritime Industry Authority [Marina],” the bill, which was filed last July 6, read.

Herrera-Dy said in the bill’s in troduction, “Under no circumstance should a regulatory agency benefit from its own regulation and/or use its regulatory powers to protect itself from competition at the expense of public interest.”

Aside from backing the proposed measure, the joint letter, which was earlier signed by PCCI President George T. Barcelon, Philexport Presi dent Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr., and SCMAP president Pierre Carlo Curay, also favors a revisit of how ports are managed and regulated as recom mended in the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

The PDP had proposed the separa tion of the regulatory and operation al functions of port authorities and the establishment of a single entity to regulate the ports in order to in crease the ports’ efficiency and com petitiveness by allowing inter-port competition and encouraging more private sector participation.

The groups said in the joint let ter penned in August that this policy reform will address not only the con flict of interest, but more important ly, the “competitive neutrality” issue hounding the port authority.

Andrea E. San Juan

The Nation

Rodriguez defends law on BSKE reset

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz  @joveemarie

ASENIOR lawmaker on Thursday defended the con stitutionality of Republic Act No. 11935, or the law postpon ing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from December 5 this year to October 30, 2023.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the law is constitu tional and is a valid and legal legis lative act of Congress.

Rodriguez issued the statement ahead of Friday’s oral arguments hearing set by the Supreme Court on the petition of lawyer Romulo Macalintal, questioning the consti tutionality of RA 11935, the BSKE postponement law.

Rodriguez, who voted for the postponement bill, said there is no specific or categorical pro vision in the Constitution that prohibits the deferment of the BSKE.

“The term limit of elected local government officials provided in Section 8, Article 10 of the Con stitution expressly excludes that of the barangay officials, which accordingly shall be determined by law,” he said.

This clearly gives Congress the jurisdiction or authority to pass and enact laws governing the term and elections of barangay and SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) officials, he said.

He added that the enabling law that provided the term and elections of barangay and SK officers is RA No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

“RA No. 7160, being a prod uct of the powers and functions of the legislative branch of the government, can therefore be

amended or revoked by Con gress,” he pointed out.

The Mindanao lawmaker also refuted Macalintal’s assertion that the authority to postpone an elec tion is vested with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

He said it is “not completely correct to say that only the Com elec has the authority or power to cancel or postpone the barangay and SK elections because there is nothing in the Omnibus Election Code that exclusively supports such concept.”

“Although Section 45, Article 6 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that the conduct of baran gay elections can be postponed in certain serious cases upon a veri fied petition, there is nothing in the said law that exclusively gives the power or authority to cancel or postpone the elections to the Comelec,” he said.

Rodriguez said there is also nothing in the Constitution that gives the Comelec the exclusive ju risdiction or authority to cancel or postpone the conduct of any elec tion, including that of the barangay and SK officers.

“The 1987 Constitution, how ever, gives the Comelec the power to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, people’s initiative, referendum, and recall. This means that the poll body cannot act independently on its own, but rather must com ply and execute election–related laws,” he added.

“Be that as it may, the Omnibus Election Code, like the Local Gov ernment Code, being an act of Con gress, can be amended or revoked by Congress, the same body that passed and enacted the same,” he stressed.

Remulla reports death of alleged middleman in Percy murder case

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE probe into the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid, is likely to reach a dead end following confirmation that the alleged mid dleman who hired self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial died last October 18 inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Escorial earlier surrendered to authorities and admitted as the one who shot dead Lapid last Oc tober 3 in Las Piñas City at around 8:30 p.m.

He also disclosed that someone from inside the “Bilibid” gave the order to kill Lapid.

Aside from Escorial, three other persons—brothers Israel and Edmon Dimaculangan and

a certain Orly/Orlando—whom he identified as his cohorts, have been charged for murder before the Department of Justice (DOJ) but are still-at large.

In his extrajudicial confes sion affidavit submitted during inquest proceedings, Escorial also identified a certain Crisanto Palana Villamor, also known as “Idoy,” as the one who promised to pay them P550,000 for the task of killing Mabasa.

He also disclosed that a certain Christopher Bacoto, also known as “Jerry Sandoval,” was the one who convinced the Dimaculangan brothers and Orly to help him ex ecute the plan.

Villamor and Bacoto were not in cluded as respondents in the murder case filed against Escorial and three others as police authorities are still

conducting further investigation to determine their whereabouts and participation.

It was DOJ Secretary Jesus Crisp in Remulla who confirmed to report ers that the alleged middleman died at the NBP hospital.

However, it has yet to be ascer tained whether the alleged middle man Remulla was referring to was Villamor.

The justice chief said he has yet to get the full details and the circumstances of his death but described the person as a 42-yearold inmate.

“I am at a loss here. For now, that’s the report given to me. I want to be very candid about it,” Remulla said.

“Yes, he is a PDL [person deprived of liberty] which means he has been sentenced already. I have no idea about his criminal record. I really

House remains committed to support ties with Washington, Romualdez assures US

THE leadership of the House of Representatives has expressed the government’s deep grati tude to the United States (US) for helping the Philippines fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, in a news statement, said he con veyed the country’s sincere appre ciation and thanks during a meet ing with State Department’s Assis tant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday afternoon (US time).

Romualdez said he met with the US official to broaden and strengthen the engagement be

tween the two countries, and bol ster ongoing and future bilateral initiatives, particularly in the area of economic cooperation.

“We are thankful that our alliance has remained robust, and I believe that an enhanced dialogue between the US and the Philippines would help cement the bond of friendship that we have forged throughout the years,” Romualdez said.

“As we both affirm the strength ening of Philippine-US partnership today, we would like to seize this oc casion also to extend our gratitude for the continued cooperation to our country as well as your valuable as sistance in our fight against the Co

vid-19 pandemic,” Romualdez said.

He assured Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink that the Philippine House of Representatives “remains committed in supporting measures that would help deepen cooperation with the United States particularly in the areas of supply chain, health and security, environment and cli mate change, energy security, and interconnectivity.”

“I am confident that our meeting today would further lead to stronger relations between our countries, and would help attaining peace and prosperity in the entire Asia-Pacific region,” the Speaker said.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bong bong” Marcos Jr. has named his first appointees to the judiciary since assuming his post last June.

Among his new appointees as associate justices to the Court of Appeals (CA) are Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judges Selma Pa lacio Alaras and Wilhelmina B. Jorge-Wagan.

Alaras and Wagan took over the posts vacated by retired CA Associ ate Justices Gabriel T. Ingles and Edgardo A. Camello, respectively.

Likewise, Marcos appointed the head of the Supreme Court’s Fiscal

Management and Budget Office

Corazon G. Ferrer-Flores as associ ate justice of the Court of Tax Ap peals (CTA).

Flores assumed the post vacat ed by Associate Justice Juanito C. Castañeda.

The three new justices of the ap pellate courts took their oaths of office before Chief Justice Alexan der G. Gesmundo last Wednesday, October 19.

Alaras and Wagan  were chosen by the President from the shortlist of nominees submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council last July 8 contain ing 13 names.

On the other hand, Flores bested nine other nominees in the shortlist of JBC for the CTA post.

The JBC is the constitutional of fice that accepts, screens and nomi nates appointments in the judiciary.

Under the Constitution, the Presi dent has 90 days to fill up a vacant post in the judiciary.

The JBC is composed of Chief Jus tice Gesmundo as ex officio chairper son; Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, ex officio member; and Jose Catral Mendoza, Toribio E. Ilao Jr., Noel Gimenez Tijam and Franklin J. Demonteverde as members.   Joel R. San Juan

Ratification of Basel Convention Ban Amendment on foreign waste pressed

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

CIVIL SOCIETY

organizations pushing for a zero waste and a toxicsfree Philippines are appealing to the Marcos administration to adapt key measures to protect the country from the detrimental impacts of the global waste trade.

At the recently concluded General Assembly of the EcoWaste Coalition, a resolution was passed urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ratify the Basel Convention Ban Amendment, an international law prohibiting hazardous waste exports from developed to developing countries.

To date, 101 parties have ratified the said amendment, which entered into force on December 5, 2019.

In a news release, they further asked the President to declare a national ban on all waste import

to plug loopholes in current regulations that permit importing recyclable materials containing hazardous substances.

“These twin policy measures— ratifying the Basel Convention Ban Amendment and declaring a comprehensive ban on waste imports—are essential to provide our country with a strong legal protection against dumping and ensure that the right of every Filipino to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is upheld,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.

“It’s our turn to shut our doors to illegal and ‘legal’ waste imports and send an unequivocal message to waste brokers and traffickers that we are dumping grounds no more.”

“The Marcos administration must make the ratification of the Basel Convention Ban Amendment a priority, as it is a crucial step

in protecting Filipinos’ right to a healthy environment. Beyond safeguarding the Philippines from hazardous waste and all the associated risks created by waste trade, it safeguards our nation from exploitation by wealthier states who must be stopped from externalizing the costs of their waste generation to lower-income countries and be made accountable for their own waste,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner, Greenpeace Philippines.

Aside from ratifying the Basel Convention Ban Amendment and imposing a national ban on waste imports, the EcoWaste Coalition and its member groups are also urging the authorities to stop plastic pollution at source, ban single-use plastics, list nonenvironmentally acceptable products and packaging for phaseout, and declare government’s commitment to a zero waste and non-toxic circular economy.

MMC approves motorcycle, bicycle lanes along Commonwealth Avenue

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

THE Metropolitan Manila De velopment Authority (MMDA) will establish exclusive lanes for bicycles, public utility vehicles, and motorcycles along Common wealth Avenue after the Metro Ma nila Council (MMC) had agreed in principle to establish exclusive lanes for such riders and motorists to avert road mishaps.

MMDA Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III said that the exclusive motorcycle lanes would be implemented pending some adjust ments recommended by the Quezon City local government unit.

As per the Road Crash Statistics from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center, there were a total of 1,010 fatal, non-fatal, and damage to prop erty accidents involving motorcycles along Commonwealth Avenue.

“The exclusive motorcycle lanes located at the third lane from the right along Commonwealth will depend upon the road conditions as the road has some inconsisten cies in terms of lane width due to different construction projects,” Dimayuga said.

In MMDA Resolution No. 22-15, the right outermost lane of Common wealth Avenue shall be designated as an exclusive bicycle lane.

The establishment of the exclu sive lanes is projected start in the last week of November or December.

The second lane and third lane of the same avenue will be designated as to exclusive Public Utility Vehicle (jeepneys, UV Express, buses) and motorcycle lanes, respectively. The remaining lanes of Commonwealth Avenue shall be utilized by all other motor vehicles.

The agency, in coordination and cooperation with the Department of

Public Works and Highways, as well as the Quezon City LGU, shall install appropriate traffic signs and apply the proper lane markings along Com monwealth Avenue from Elliptical Road to Doña Carmen Subdivision and vice versa as a guide to motorists and to delineate the exclusive lanes from one another.

Further, the MMC also approved the implementation of temporary truck ban along Roxas Boulevard while there is an ongoing DPWH construction in the area, specifically in front of the US Embassy grounds.

As stated in MMDA Resolution No. 22-16, trucks and trailers, with gross capacity weight of more than 4,500 kilograms, are temporarily prohibited from plying Roxas Bou levard to avoid road deterioration and shall instead utilize the original truck routes from Slex to Osmeña Highway to President Quirino Av enue or from Port Area to Slex.

From Slex to Port Area

FROM South Luzon Expressway straight to Osmeña Highway to President Quirino Avenue, turn left to Plaza Dilao towards Presi dent Quirino Extension, left at UN Avenue, turn right to Romualdez, turn left to Ayala Avenue/P. Burgos Avenue, then turn right to Bonifacio Drive to destination.

From Port Area to Slex

FROM Bonifacio Drive, turn left to P. Burgos/Ayala Blvd. then turn right to San Marcelino, turn left to President Quirino Avenue then right turn to President Osmeña highway to Slex.

Meanwhile, Dimayuga also said the agency will implement a mora torium on road diggings, except for the government’s flagship projects from November 14 until January 2, as part of the MMDA’s traffic miti gation measures for the holidays.

don’t know,” Remulla said.

Remulla also said he has no in formation yet how the said PDL was identified as the alleged middleman in Mabasa’s killing.

Remulla said he has already tasked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an au topsy and to invite independent medico-legal experts to witness the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the DOJ also an nounced on Thursday that Es corial opted for the conduct of a preliminary investigation despite his extrajudicial confession.

The DOJ said Escorial executed a waiver of his rights under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code as amended.

The DOJ set the case for pre liminary investigation on October 24, 2022.

SC designates 14 testing centers for November Bar examinations

THESupreme Court (SC) has designated 14 testing centers across the country for the 2022 Bar examinations to be held next month.

In Bar Bulletin No. 10 dated October 19, Associate Justice and 2022 Bar Exams Committee Chair Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa said testing centers will be put up in five schools in  the Nation al Capital Region (NCR) such as San Beda University, De La Salle University, Manila Adventist Col lege, Ateneo Junior High School Complex, Ateneo de Manila Uni versity, and the state-run Univer sity of the Philippines-Bonifacio Global City.

In Luzon, the sites for the Bar examinations include University of St. Louis in Baguio City, De La Salle Lipa City, and University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.

For examinees in the Visayas, the testing centers are located in the University of Cebu, University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City, and Dr. Vicente Orestes Romual dez Education Foundation in Ta cloban City.

Meanwhile, the testing centers in Mindanao include Xavier Univer sity in Cagayan de Oro, Ateneo de Davao, and Ateneo de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City.

This year’s Bar exams will be held on November 9 (Wednesday), 13 (Sunday), 16 (Wednesday) and 20 (Sunday).

The High Court also reminded all examinees that October 21 is the deadline for registering and in stalling Examplify on their laptop they will use  for the Bar exams and taking of the Sample Examinations 1 and 2.

“Once again, examinees are strongly encouraged to download and install Examplify, and take both Sample Examinations on the same laptop that they will be using for the 2022 Bar Examinations,” the SC said.

“These measures are necessary to ensure that the laptops examinees will use to take the Bar Examinations meet the minimum system require ments for Examplify to properly op erate,” it added.

The “regionalized and digitalized” set up of the examinations were first conducted  in the 2020 and 2021 Bar exams held in February this year.

The SC decided to use the said arrangement in the 2020 and 2021 Bar exams due to the health and travel restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total 8,241  or 72.78 percent out of 11, 402 who  took the 2020/2021 Bar exams passed. Joel R. San Juan

Economy

BusinessMirror

DA issues rules on fertilizer discounts to rice farmers for dry cropping season

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

THE Department of Agri culture (DA) has issued the guidelines for the provision of P3.453 billion worth of fertilizer vouchers to rice farmers for the dry cropping season.

The DA issued Memorandum Order (MO) 65 series of 2022 that outlined the guidelines for the use of the supplemental fund it received for its fertilizer voucher program.

“A supplemental fund sourced from an unprogrammed regular agency fund, over and above the 2022 General Appropriations Act [GAA] budget has been released to enable rice farmers to meet the rec

ommended urea fertilizer thereby, securing rice production in the coun try,” it said.

The fertilizer discount voucher program has been one of the major programs of the DA to help farmers cope with the rise in costs of plant ing inputs, such as fertilizer. Rice farmers have been reeling from high fertilizer prices, which reached as much as P3,000 per 50-kilogram bag, due to the disruption in global supply caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“With the goal of cushioning the potential impacts of under applica tion of urea fertilizer to palay pro duction and ultimately food secu rity, the DA shall provide fertilizer vouchers to eligible beneficiaries which will be used in acquiring urea

fertilizers,” MO 65 read.

“The use of fertilizer vouchers of fers an alternative to farmers with lower purchasing power to buy a suf ficient volume of urea recommended for their rice area,” it added.

The DA said the supplemental fund of P3.453 billion that was released by the Department of Budget and Management directly to its regional field offices would cover the 2022-2023 dry cropping season (DS).

The fertilizer voucher pro gram for the dry cropping season seeks to maintain or improve farmers’ yield to 4.22 metric tons (MT) per hectare.

“Specifically for the DS 20222023, the project aims to enable rice farmers to supplement the

requirement for urea fertilizer for their rice production [and] stabi lize the rice supply situation in the country despite challenges in the price of commercial fertilizers,” the DA said.

Under the DS 2022-2023 fertil izer voucher program, rice farm ers tilling 0.5 hectare and below would receive a voucher value of P3,300. Meanwhile, rice farmers tilling 0.51 hectare to 2 hectares would receive a discount amount ing to the size of their farm area multiplied to P6,600.

“In the event of excess funds which can still be utilized for this project, farmers tilling more than two [2.0] hectares can avail of this fertilizer support, wherein fertil izer voucher shall be computed at

P6,600.00 per hectare, still following the computation as shown above,” the DA said.

The DA said the generation of fertilizer vouchers funded by the unprogrammed appropriations would be on November 28 followed by the claiming of fertilizers using the voucher on December 11. The payment to merchants by the gov ernment would be on December 29, according to the DA.

Based on the Special Allot ment Release Orders (SAROs) released by the DBM, Region 6 received the biggest allocation at P635.617 million followed by Region 1 with P563.792 million.

Region 3 received P413.82 mil lion of funding for the fertilizer discount program.

Review of 165-hectare Padre Crisostomo estate lease contracts in Nueva Ecija set

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to review all commercial, residential, and agricultural lease contracts within the 165-hectare Padre Crisostomo Estate in Nueva Ecija.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III has designated Jeffrey Galan, Under secretary for Finance Management and Administration, to lead the newly reconstituted Task Force Crisostomo Estate to settle the issues and concerns related to the existing lease contracts involving the said landholding.

Atty. Celestina Tam, Assistant Sec retary for Legal Affairs, was designated to co-chair the said task force. Tam is familiar with the said estate having been the DAR-Central Luzon direc tor when the DAR revived its claim as property custodian in early 2021.

Engr. Joey Sumatra, Assistant Secretary for Field Operations, has been designated as the task force vice chairperson, while the members are: Atty. Eugene Follante, DAR Legal Service Director, James Arsenion Ponce, DAR-Central Luzon Director,

Atty. Odgie Cayabyab, Assistant Di rector, Atty. Cristina Miguel, Legal Chief, Eden Ponio, DAR Nueva Ecija agrarian reform program officer, Atty. Alvin Soriano, Legal Officer, and Juanito Valiente, Land Tenure Service Division chief.

The Crisostomo Estate consists of farmlands owned by the late Fr. Gre gorio Crisostomo, who donated his landholdings to the government for redistribution to the landless farmers. It includes 110 hectares of rice fields located in Sta. Rosa town and seven separate residential and commercial landholdings in Cabanatuan City with a total area of 55 hectares.

In the 2021 inventory, DAR gath ered that there are 2,218 individuals occupying the property, 58 of them are tilling the lot in Santa Rosa town, while the rest are occupants of residential homes and commercial establishments in Cabanatuan City.

Estrella has instructed the task force to formulate and recommend new guidelines on the lease of lots within the Padre Crisostomo Estate, determine the reasonable rates of lease rentals, submit an inventory of actual occupants, and ascertain the area occu pied by lessees/occupants of the estate.

The DAR in the past followed the old and unadjusted rental fee of P25 per square meter for the commercial area and P10 for the residential area.

DAR-assisted ARBO receives P5.5-M funding

By  Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

AFARMERS ’ organization in Camarines Sur received P5.5 million in funding to support a community-based swine farm project aimed at re viving the local hog industry in Libmanan, Camarines Sur im pacted by African swine fever (ASF) disease, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) an nounced on Thursday.

In a news release, Gay L. La bad, Camarines Sur I Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, said the Mambalite Palangon Farmers Irrigators Association (MAPAFIA) was chosen as the project recipient under the Inte grated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Ex pansion (Inspire) of the Depart ment of Agriculture (DA).

The DA-Inspire project is a three-year program that aims to expedite the recovery of the swine industry from ASF and revital ize the country’s swine industry, which is in a state of significant decline.

MAPAFIA will be the first orga nization in the Bicol Region to fully operationalize its swine facility in Barangay Mambalite, Libmanan town.

“As program recipient, they re ceived P5.5 million in aid, which included pigs, feeds, and a modern pig facility with a tunnel ventilation system, a biogas facility, a caretaker shower room, and a perimeter fence,” she said.

“The said project would speed up efforts to repopulate pigs in order to ensure the supply of high-quality hogs, thus en hancing the sale of high-quality pork in the local market,” Labad noted.

In addition to the housing and facilities, 300 piglets will be deliv ered in October, along with feed and biologicals.

MAPAFIA President Florentino Umali thanked DAR for providing them with the opportunity to raise pigs and entrusting them with a costly project. In the future, he hopes to collaborate with various line agencies on larger initiatives and programs.

Edwin Castañeda, the organiza tion’s treasurer, thanked DAR Ca marines Sur 1 for their continued help.

Veteran actor-turned-lawmaker Gomez pushes perks for local artists, producers

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz  @joveemarie

INSTEAD of banning Korean dramas (Kdrama) in the Philippines, a law maker said the government should provide incentives to local artists and producers of local movies and dramas for them to be able to create quality shows.

Veteran actor now Leyte Rep. Rich ard Gomez said banning Kdramas in the Philippines will only curtail the freedom of choice of Filipinos.

In an interview at the sidelines of Ormoc City’s Diamond Jubilee celebra tion, Gomez said he will pursue his bills proposed in the House of Representa tives which provide incentives to local artists as well as producers.

“For me, what we need to do is to limit the number of foreign shows to give more time to local shows. Mahirap kasing mag-ban, mawawala ang freedom of choice ng mga tao,” Gomez said.

But the lawmaker admitted that it is also impossible to control these for eign shows as many Filipinos are using streaming platforms.

“Mahirap talagang control. On the other hand, it is about time for the Fili pino teledramas na taasan ang quality ng kanilang product para they can compete internationally,” Gomez added.

“Hindi naman kulang sa acting style,

magagaling ang mga artistang Filipino. The talent is there, tingin ko wala tayong kulang sa talent, very talented ang mga Pinoy, na giging Congressman pa nga,” he said.

“Ang production value ng important at this time, mahirap mag compete sa magandang production value, maganda yung story pero pag kulang sa quality hindi din competitive,” he added.

Earlier, Gomez filed two measures seeking to boost the entertainment industry.

Gomez said that thousands of Fili pino films have been lost due to lack of systematic identification, preservation, and restoration efforts.

One of these is a bill seeking to pre serve the country’s film heritage and promote cinematographic arts and building in compliance with the con stitutional provision mandating the government to protect and save the nation’s film reservoir, said Gomez.

House Bill 936 notes that other than the establishment of a film archive as mandated under Republic Act No. 9167, or the law which created the Film De velopment Council of the Philippines, “not much has been done along the line of protecting and conserving our film reservoir, understandably due to the usual problems of funding constraints and lack of technical expertise and stor age infrastructural facilities.”

PBBM commends LGU role in mitigating climate-change impacts in Leyte speech

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming at the grassroots level.

for coming out with its Local Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2025.

cial to the environment, our economy, and our people,” the President said.

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand R. Mar cos Jr. on Thursday recognized the big role of local government units (LGU) in the country’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

In his speech during the 75th Or moc City Diamond Charter Day cel ebration in Leyte, Marcos discussed how a localized climate action plan helped the national government in its

He has repeatedly raised his con cern on climate change since the country is among nations, which are vulnerable to the rising sea levels and extreme weather incidents it causes.

Under the Climate Change Act of 2009, LGUs are recognized as “front line agencies in the formulation, plan ning and implementation of climate action plans in their respective areas.”

Marcos lauded the Ormoc LGU

“It is commendable that you have given emphasis to initiatives that ad dress the vulnerability to natural haz ards and climate change,” said Marcos addressing the local officials of Ormoc.

The plan also includes the use of renewable energy in Ormoc, which is expected to reduce global carbon emissions in the city.

“I look forward to these advance ments that will yield to bounties benefi

Aside from its climate changerelated initiatives, Marcos also ac knowledged Ormoc LGU’s Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and their Children and a successful novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination.

The President said he hopes Or moc City will also sustain its pro grams, which seeks to help address food security.

DILG urges local execs to mind 1.4-M VaxCertPH backlog

By Glen Jacob Jose

DEPARTMENT of the Interior

and Local Government (DILG)

Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos Jr. on Thursday pressed local government units (LGUs) to immedi ately address the 1.4 million backlogs in the encoding of VaxCertPH.

VaxCertPH is government’s official digital vaccination certificate program in the Vaccination Information Man agement System (VIMS).

“This has long been an issue in our LGUs as we try to improve the inven tory of Filipino citizens who have registered for VaxcertPH. We implore our LGUs to work double time in ad dressing their backlogs in the VIMS,” Abalos said in a news statement.

As of September 22, the VIMS Vax CertPH’s official central database has a backlog of a total of 1,460,582 vac cination records of Filipino citizens.

Of this number, the DILG chief said, 334,317 were due to missing records; 308,386 were not recorded for lack of manpower; 243,300 due to late submission; 122,897 for incom plete data; 109,806 for missing data

fields; 94,575 for operational and procedural issues; and 75,831 due to issues with Internet connections, among others.

According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), lack of Inter net connection; lack of manpower in encoding; missing data and re cords; incorrect data and records; and lack of response from LGUs are major causes of the said backlog.

“Tuloy tuloy po ang ating kampanya sa pagpapabakuna kaya kailangang maitala na po ang vaccine records ng ating mga mamamayan upang hindi ito tumambak pa,” Abalos said.

The DILG chief said that now that VaxCertPH is among the most widely recognized vaccination certificates globally recognized across 94 coun tries and territories, LGUs must en sure that the digital records of their vaccinated constituents are updated.

VaxCertPH is now accepted among the top trading, investment, tourism, and Filipino migrant destinations and partner countries of the Philippines.

Moreover, VaxCertPH is among the few vaccination certificates compli

ant with both Digital Infrastructure for Verifiable Open Credentialing (DI VOC) and European Union Digital Co vid-19 Certificate (EU DCC) standards.

In an urgent DILG memorandum released recently, Abalos reminded all local chief executives (LCEs) and LGU VaxcertPH focal persons that vaccine records of all vaccinated individuals should be uploaded to the VIMS on the same day or within 24 hours of an individual’s inoculation.

“Kasabay ng pagbabakuna ay dapat ma-encode na ang mga impormasyon sa VIMS para maiwasan ang backlog,” he stressed.

The DILG chief likewise reiterated the responsibilities of LGUs on the implementation of VaxCertPH project mentioned in Joint Administrative Order No. 2022-001 signed by the DILG, DICT, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Foreign Af fairs, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, and Depart ment of Labor and Employment.

He said that based on the said memorandum, LGUs must accurately encode the personal and vaccination details of each vaccinee within their

PDEA chief upholds policy on blurring of images of arrested drugs suspects

PDEA chief upholds policy on blurring of images of arrested drugs suspects.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday reiterated its policy on the blurring of images of arrested drug suspects.

PDEA Director General Wilkins M. Villanueva issued the remark amid questions arising from the published blurred pictures of the eldest son of Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying’’ Remulla.

Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III was arrested by PDEA operatives and members of the Ninoy Aquino Inter national Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group in a controlled delivery operation in Las Piñas City last October 11.

“We adopted a set of protocols in March this year, measures that would better align our anti-drug operations

with the spirit of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012,’’ Villanueva said in a news statement.

Villanueva said these measures include a prohibition on the parad ing of arrested drug suspects during news conferences with the media after a successful anti-drug operation.

He noted that this practice was common to all law enforcement units in the past and was banned by PDEA after determining that the practice violated the constitutional rights of the accused, particularly the presump tion of innocence until guilt is proven.

The PDEA chief pointed out that another discontinued practice is the publication, online or otherwise, of the pictures or images of arrested suspects, particularly mugshots of the individual.

He maintained that the pictures provided to the media, which con

tain images of the suspect must have the individual’s face obscured or blurred, similar to what is prac ticed in pictures revealing the faces of law enforcement agents.

“We understand that the public has a right to have access to information on matters related to public order and safety. Our Public Information Office makes sure that our media partners have access to timely information on everything related to drug law enforce ment. But we also put equal impor tance on human rights, on due process, and we hope the public understands this difficult but necessary balancing act,” the PDEA chief explained.

The younger Remulla is facing crim inal charges after he was arrested for allegedly claiming P1.3 million worth of “kush,” or high-grade marijuana, in a controlled delivery operation in Las Piñas City last week. Glen Jacob Jose

to Oct

jurisdiction; provide support to LGUs that do not have access to the Internet, computer, or smart devices or print ers by providing the means to access the portal and print the VaxCertPH; and, ensure the timely encoding of the Line List backlogs through Vaccine Administration System (VAS) Line List uploader.

LGUs are, likewise, directed to pro vide capacity building and technical support and coordinate other immedi ate concerns on the VaxCertPH project to DOH and DICT counterparts in the regions; and assign human and finan cial resources for encoding of line-list data, the rectification of records, set ting up of VaxCertPH booths in stra tegic places in the LGUs.

Abalos also directed all concerned DILG officials and personnel to close ly coordinate with their respective LGUs to address the concerns and provide the necessary support for the swift and efficient implementation of the program. “Tulungan po natin ang ating mga LGUs na ma -address ang causes ng backlog para sa mabilis at maayos na implementasyon ng pro gramang ito.”

Police nab two sellers of verified e-wallet accounts in Pasig City

OPERATIVES of the Philip pine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) have arrested two persons for illegally selling Globe subscriber identity module (SIM) cards with verified e-wallets or GCash accounts in Pasig City.

In a news statement issued on Thursday, the Eastern District AntiCybercrime Team (EDACT) arrested Jomel Sichon and Mark Ray Veroy during separate operations on Tues day night in Pasig City.

The arrest of the suspects ema nated from calls received by EDACT’s office about the rampant selling of verified GCash accounts with Mas tercard on social media.

With the information on hand, cyber cops conducted cyber pa trolling regarding the report they received.

DAVAO

CITY—The Task Force (TF) Davao said it has inter cepted and seized more than P7 million worth of illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes from January to October this year.

Some tried to sneak in firearms but were thwarted, said TF-Davao Com mander Colonel Darren Comia.

He told the City Information Office on Tuesday that they have apprehended 215 people who at tempted to smuggle illegal drugs, cigarettes and firearms through the city’s borders.

From January 1 to October 14, over 204 grams of shabu with an es timated street value of P3,216,441 and 867 grams of marijuana valued at P108,598 were seized from 155 suspects, he said.

A total of 7,952 reams of smuggled

cigarettes with estimated worth of P3,978,500, including the P1.25 mil lion in illegal cigarettes seized early Tuesday morning, were confiscated from 18 individuals.

The TF-Davao has also arrested 42 individuals for carrying illegal fire arms, he added.

Meanwhile, to secure the obser vance of the Undas, Comia said the TF-Davao need to be augmented by at least one company (about 100 to 250 soldiers) from the Army’s 10th Infan try Division and from the reservist forces.

He said the task force has 500 personnel.

He said an estimated 800 personnel from the Army would help fully cover all areas of convergence in the city.

“We will ask for additional forces from the 10th Infantry Division,

including from our reserve forces in the Philippine Army, so we can fill up the security forces needed to secure the numerous cemeteries, public and private, here in Davao City,” Comia said.

The TF-Davao commander said se curity inspections would be tightened in the five fixed border checkpoints in Sirawan, Eden, Lacson, Malagos and Lasang and at the airport.

He said TF Davao would also conduct 24/7 patrols in the Davao River and would add another riv erine detachment force in the Bu nawan area in order to intercept water vessels carrying illegal cargo coming in from Samal and Davao del Norte.

“Through this, we can check all those entering Davao City,” Comia added. Manuel T. Cayon

They were able to engage one of the suspects and transacted a deal with him for the purchase of 10 verified GCash accounts with Mastercard for P800.00 a piece.

After the entrapment operation inside a fast food chain restaurant along Pasig Blvd, when Sichon was con fronted by the police team, he revealed that he personally knows the supplier of the SIM cards who instructed him to deliver the items.

Immediately, a follow-up opera tion was conducted wherein Veroy was voluntarily identified by Sichon. Both suspects were arrested.

According to EDACT team leader Maj. Ely Compuesto II, scammers of ten use verified GCash accounts from other people that they purchase on line to hide their true identities from cops and from potential victims.

Glen Jacob Jose

TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

59 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

SUN, MENG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

WAN, YONGQIANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

WANG, YANQIANG

60 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

WU, HUAZHEN

61 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

WU, JIZHUANG

62 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

XU, QIMAN

63 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

YAO, MO

64 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

YERKIN, TANGZHARYK

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Southwoods Office Tower 2,

Francisco, Biñan, City of

Laguna

67 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

YING, YUQI

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

YU, RUI

68 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

ZHANG, LIANG

69 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

ZHANG, TING

70 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

ZHANG, WEIZHE

71 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

ZHANG, ZUXING

72 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

ZHENG, JIADE

73 SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese

Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

YESKELDI, SULUBAY

Southwoods Office Tower 2, San Francisco, Biñan, City of Biñan, Laguna

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Field incoming help requests from end users from the Peoples Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards

Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Must be able to fluently speak, write and read Mandarin and other local dialects spoken in other parts of China like Cantonese and Fukien

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Salary Range: Php30,000 - Php59,999

Covid linked to rise in US pregnancy-related deaths

By Amanda Seitz The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Covid-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the US last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims, according to a government report released Wednesday.

The report lays out grim trends across the country for expectant mothers and their newborn babies.

It finds that pregnancy-related deaths have spiked nearly 80 percent since 2018, with Covid-19 being a factor in a quarter of the 1,178 deaths reported last year. The percentage of preterm and low birthweight babies also went up last year, after holding steady for years. And more pregnant or postpartum women are reporting symptoms of depression.

“We were already in the middle of a crisis with maternal mortality in our country,” said Karen Tabb Dina, a maternal health researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “This really shows that Covid-19 has exacerbated that crisis to rates that we, as a country, are not able to handle.”

The nonpartisan US Government Accountability Office, which authored the report, analyzed pregnancy-related deaths after Congress mandated that it review maternal health outcomes in the 2020 coronavirus relief bill.

The maternal death rate in the US is higher than many other developed nations and had been on the rise in the years leading up to the pandemic, but Covid-19 has only worsened conditions here for pregnant women.

Women who contract the virus while pregnant face elevated health risks. Staffing shortages and Covid-19 restrictions created more hurdles for expecting mothers to get inperson health care; and pandemic stress has intensified depression, a common condition during pregnancy.

Mental health issues likely contributed to the increase in pregnancy-related deaths,

Tabb Dina said. Many women who experience depression and anxiety during or after their pregnancy struggle to get the care they need.

“Mental health is the greatest complication in pregnancy that we don’t understand,” she said.

The biggest spike in deaths came during July through December of last year, as the Covid-19 delta variant infected millions, noted Carolyn Yocom, a director at the Government Accountability Office.

“It’s really clear from the data that the time in which the Delta variant spread seemed to correspond to a huge increase in deaths,” Yocom said.

The maternal death rate is particularly stark for Black women, who have long faced worse maternal outcomes than their peers.

Pregnancy-related deaths for every 100,000 births climbed from 44 in 2019 to 68.9 among Black women last year. White women had death rates of 26.1 last year, a jump from 17.9 in 2019.

Death rates among Hispanics had been on the decline, but they swelled again during the pandemic from 12.6 per 100,000 in 2019 to 27.5 last year.

Black and Hispanic people have also died at higher rates from Covid-19, in part because they have less access to medical care and often work essential jobs that exposed them to the virus.

Long before Covid-19 began spreading, the stage was set for Black, low-income and rural women to receive subpar pregnancy care—putting them at further risk for their pregnancies to go wrong, according to a separate GAO report.

Hospitals have been shedding their obstetric services in rural areas, lowincome and majority Black communities, the report said.

More than half of rural counties didn’t have a hospital offering pregnancy care as of 2018, the review found.

“The loss of hospital-based obstetric services in rural areas is associated with increases in out-of-hospital births and pre-term births, which may contribute to poor maternal and infant outcomes,” the report found.

Ukraine says Iran violating UN ban on drone transfers

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—Ukraine accused Iran of violating a UN Security Council ban on the transfer of drones capable of flying 300 kilometers and invited UN experts to inspect what it said were Iranian-origin drones being used by Russia against civilian targets. Russia and Iran denied Wednesday the drones are Iranian.

A letter from Ukraine’s UN Am bassador Sergiy Kyslytsya to Secre tary-General Antonio Guterres and members of the UN Security Council was obtained by The Associated Press ahead of a closed council meeting late Wednesday requested by Britain, France and the United States on Iran’s sale of hundreds of drones to Russia.

The three Western countries strong ly back Ukraine’s contention that the drones were transferred to Russia and violate a 2015 UN Security Council res olution that endorsed the nuclear deal between Iran and six key nations—the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany—aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear activities and preventing the country from developing a nuclear weapon.

Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told reporters after the council meeting the unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs used by the Russian army in Ukraine “are manu factured in Russia, so these are all baseless allegations.”

He accused Western nations of their “usual shameful practice” of trying to pressure Iran by leveling such accu sations about its violation of resolu tion 2231.

Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani “categorically rejected un founded and unsubstantiated claims that Iran has transferred UAVs for the use [in] the conflict in Ukraine,” and accused unnamed countries of trying to launch a disinformation campaign to “wrongly establish a link” with the UN resolution. “Moreover, Iran is of the firm belief that none of its arms exports, including UAVs, to any coun try” violate resolution 2231.

France’s UN Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere reiterated after the coun cil meeting that the drones were de livered from Iran to Russia and are being used in Ukraine in violation of the resolution. He told reporters that during the closed council discussion Russia denied this and cited a state ment from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov who said Tuesday that “Russian equipment with Russian nomenclature is used” in Ukraine.

“And I said, there is no one in the world that believes any more Mr. Pes kov’s statements,” the French ambas sador said.

De Riviere said Peskov “has been lying from the very beginning” when he said on Feb. 23—the day before Rus sia’s invasion—that Russia will never invade Ukraine.

“And now he will tell us that Rus sia never bought Iranian drones. So, I think [his] credibility is zero,” the French envoy said. “So we are very con cerned with that,” stressing that the Iranian drones violate resolution 2231 and their use by Russia to kill civilians and hit civilian infrastructure “is an other violation of international law.”

Russia is believed to have sent waves of Iranian-made Shahed drones into Ukraine to strike at power plants, resi dential buildings and other infrastruc ture in Kyiv and other cities.

Ukraine’s Western-reinforced air defenses have made it difficult for Rus sian warplanes to operate, and killer drones are a cheap weapon to seek out and destroy targets while spreading fear among troops and civilians.

“As we have seen over the course of the past months there is ample evi dence that Russia is using UAVs from

Iran in cruel and deliberate attacks against the people of Ukraine, includ ing against civilians and critical civil ian infrastructure,” US Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters in Washington.

Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agree ment known as the JCPOA in 2018 and negotiations between the Biden administration and Iran for the United States to rejoin the deal have stalled.

Under the resolution, a convention al arms embargo on Iran was in place until October 2020, but restrictions on missiles and related technologies last until October 2023 and Western diplomats say that includes the export and purchase of advanced military sys tems such as drones.

“It is our belief that these UAVs that are transferred from Iran to Russia and used by Russia in Ukraine are among the weapons that would remain embar goed under 2231,” Patel said Monday.

Ukraine’s Kyslytsya said in the letter that according to public infor mation, “Mohajer- and Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles [UAV] were transferred from Iran to Russia” in late August, and “Ukraine assesses that this is likely part of Iran’s plans to export hundreds of UAVs to Russia.”

He said both UAV models meet the requirement to be banned because they are capable of a range equal to or great er than 300 kilometers. In addition, the Mohajer-series is manufactured by Qods Aviation, which is on the UN sanctions blacklist and subject to an asset freeze by all countries, he said.

The Ukrainian ambassador said no country submitted a request to the UN for approval of the shipment of UAVs.

“Therefore, the transfers from Iran to Russia should be considered as violations of [resolution] 2231,” Kyslytsya said.

He invited UN experts monitoring sanctions against Iran to visit Ukraine “at the earliest possible opportunity” to inspect the recovered drones, say ing the government hopes the infor mation will be “helpful” in the UN’s investigations into implementation of the resolution.

Russia’s Polyansky insisted that UN experts have no mandate to investigate and warned that if the UN Secretariat engages in “any illegitimate investiga tion…we will have to reassess our col laboration with them, which is hardly in anyone’s interest.”

France’s De Riviere countered that all Security Council members, includ ing Russia, agreed in 2016 to have the Secretariat report twice a year on resolution 2231 “so I think the UN Secretariat will have to go and will go” to Ukraine.

Britain’s deputy UN ambassador James Kariuki tweeted that Iran’s denial that Iranian drones are being used to target civilians in Ukraine by Russia “doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.”

US Mission spokesman Nate Evans said Wednesday’s meeting provided “ample evidence that Russia is using Ira nian-made UAV’s in cruel and deliberate attacks against the people of Ukraine.”

“We anticipate this will be the first of many conversations at the UN on how to hold Iran and Russia accountable for failing to comply with UN Security Council-imposed obligations,” he said.

Matthew Lee contributed to this re port from Washington.

Malaysia to hold polls in November as PM’s party wants new mandate

By Anisah Shukry & Kok Leong Chan

MALAYSIA will hold its gen eral election on November 19 with Prime Minister Is mail Sabri Yaakob’s party looking to capitalize on a string of victories from local polls and consolidate power in the Southeast Asian country.

The Election Commission fixed nomination day for November 5, with campaigning period to run for 14 days through November 18, Chairman Abdul Ghani Salleh said at a briefing Thursday. A total of 222 parliament seats will be contested, along with the state seats of Perak, Pahang and Perlis, he said.

A national vote isn’t due until Sep tember next year but key members of Ismail’s United Malays National Orga nization wanted to bring forward elec tions to capitalize on a weaker opposi tion and regain the mandate following a shock defeat in 2018.

UMNO clawed back into power after the collapse of Mahathir Mohamad’s government but has led a very fragile coalition since.

The elections will involve multicornered contests, with several co alitions including UMNO-led Bari san Nasional and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan alliance vying for votes. That makes it tricky for any party to win an outright majority needed to ensure political stability.

Adding to the uncertainty is the im pact 5.8 million new young voters would have in shaping the outcome of the elec tion, following the government’s move to lower the minimum voting age to 18 from 21. The Election Commission said 21.17 million voters will be casting their ballots, versus almost 15 million in the 2018 vote.

Besides the influx of millions of new voters, there’s the risk of dis ruption from floods during the rainy season that starts in November.

Floodwaters last year left dozens dead and led to more than 6.5 billion ringgit ($1.4 billion) in losses. The Malaysian Armed Forces are ready to deal with flood disasters even if it happens during the election period,

Bernama reported Senior Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein as saying this week.

Malaysia’s shaky political situation has been a sore spot for investors and credit rating companies due to a series of short-lived coalitions that brought the country three prime ministers since the last general election in 2018.

Pakatan Harapan ousted UMNO in the historic vote that year but col lapsed 22 months later due to defec tions. That returned UMNO to power in alliance with Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional. The grouping didn’t last—Muhyiddin was forced to resign as premier in August 2021 after some UMNO lawmakers with drew support, paving the way for Ismail to take office.

In recent months Ismail faced re peated calls from UMNO leaders to hasten elections. He dissolved parlia ment on October 10, citing the need to restore the people’s mandate to re solve criticisms over his government’s legitimacy. With assistance from Cecilia Yap, Anuradha Raghu and Joy Lee/Bloomberg

THIS undated photograph released by the Ukrainian military’s Strategic Communications Directorate shows the wreckage of what Kyiv has described as an Iranian Shahed drone downed near Kupiansk, Ukraine. Ukraine’s military claimed on September 13, 2022, for the first time that it encountered an Iranian-supplied suicide drone used by Russia on the battlefield. Russia’s unleashing of successive waves of the Iranian-made Shahed drones over Ukraine has multiple aims—take out key targets, crush morale and ultimately drain the enemy’s war chest and weapons trying to defend against them as the conflict evolves into a longer war of attrition. UKRAINIAN MILITARY’S STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE VIA AP

A DOCTOR uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus on December 17, 2021, in Jackson, Miss. Covid-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the US last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims, according to a report released Wednesday, October 19, 2022. AP/ROGELIO V. SOLIS

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

editorialPHL’s prime asset

ReguLaR physical activity promotes both mental and physi cal health in people of all ages. Yet, today, majority of young people in the world are physically inactive, putting them at risk for diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. The first World Health Organization global status report on physical activity, pub lished on October 19, 2022, said more than 80 percent of adolescents and 27 percent of adults do not meet the World Health Organiza tion’s recommended levels of physical activity.

There’s a high cost of physical inactivity. The WHO report said between 2020 and 2030, almost 500 million people will develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes or other noncommunicable diseases attributable to physical inactiv ity. The report urged governments to take urgent action to encourage more physical activity among their populations.

The report said the cost of treating new cases of preventable non-commu nicable diseases will reach nearly $300 billion by 2030, or around $27 billion annually.

Based on data from 194 countries, the study cited the need to accelerate the development and implementation of policies to increase levels of physical activity to prevent disease and reduce the burden on already overwhelmed health-care systems.

In policy areas that could encourage active and sustainable transport, only just over 40 percent of countries have road design standards that make walk ing and cycling safer. “We need more countries to scale up implementation of policies to support people to be more active through walking, cycling, sport, and other physical activity. The benefits are huge, not only for the physical and mental health of individuals, but also for societies, environments, and economies,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We hope countries and partners will use this report to build more active, healthier, and fairer societies for all.”

Considered a “best buy” for motivating populations to combat non-commu nicable diseases, the report showed that only just over 50 percent of countries ran a national communications campaign, or organized mass participation physical activity events in the last two years. The Covid-19 pandemic has not only stalled these initiatives, but it also affected other policy implementation that has widened inequities in access to and opportunities for engaging in physical activity for many communities.

To help countries increase physical activity, WHO’s Global action plan on physical activity 2018-2030 sets out 20 policy recommendations—includ ing policies to create safer roads to encourage more active transport, provide more programs and opportunities for physical activity in key settings, such as childcare, schools, primary health care and the workplace.

“We are missing globally approved indicators to measure access to parks, cycle lanes, foot paths—even though we know that data do exist in some countries. Consequently, we cannot report or track the global provision of infrastructure that will facilitate increases in physical activity,” said Fiona Bull, Head of WHO Physical Activity Unit. “It can be a vicious cycle, no indicator and no data leads to no tracking and no accountability, and then too often, to no policy and no investment. What gets measured gets done, and we have some way to go to comprehensively and robustly track national actions on physical activity.”

The report calls for countries to prioritize physical activity as key to im proving health and tackling non-communicable diseases, integrate physical activity into all relevant policies, and develop tools, guidance and training to improve implementation.

“This report issues a clear call to all countries for stronger and accelerated action by all relevant stakeholders working better together to achieve the global target of a 15 percent reduction in the prevalence of physical inactiv ity by 2030,” said Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of the WHO Department of Health Promotion.

One critical finding in the WHO global status report on physical activity is the existence of significant gaps in global data to track progress on important policy actions—such as provision of public open space, provision of walking and cycling infrastructure, provision of sport and physical education in schools.

The WHO report shows that government policies can significantly affect the health and well being of citizens. It would do well for the Philippine gov ernment to build the needed infrastructure that encourages walking and cy cling. It’s about time we treat the health of Filipinos as the country’s number one asset. After all, our nation’s progress heavily depends on the health and well being of its citizens.

The economics of social protection

Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba

EAGLE WATCH

L protection is defined as the set of policies and programs that help individuals and households, especially the poor and vulnerable, cope with crises and shocks, search for work, im prove productivity, invest in the health and education of their chil dren, and protect the elderly. examples of current social protection programs in the Philippines are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a conditional cash assistance to poor families, and the universal health care insurance for all Filipinos. So, why do we need these programs?

SOcia

Consumption smoothing PeRIODs of reduced or absent work ing capacity (childhood, old age, ill ness) are experienced by everyone.

Furthermore, there are times when capabilities are underutilized (lack of demand, unemployment, and un deremployment); or when the return from labor is too low (e.g., because of low production due to disasters); or when there are emergency needs (e.g., health issues). solutions to these kinds of problems are implemented through social protection programs. They fill up the income and capacity gaps during these periods in one’s life cycle. In short, social protection serves as an instrument for con sumption smoothing in a life of ups and downs.

Risk mitigation DURI nG their entire lives, all men and women are subjected to a wide range of unforeseen events. e xpo sure to risks is, indeed, a normal as pect of living. These hazards come from adverse shocks resulting from natural, health, social, economic, political, and environmental risks. Risks are either idiosyncratic (spe cific to an individual) or covari ant (simultaneously occurring to a group of individuals). some of these risks are from acts of nature, while others are “man-made.” These risks do not occur evenly among all men and women. Certain individuals and groups have a much higher ex posure to risk than others because of socio-demographic characteris

tics, economic status, physical or mental condition, age, lifestyle, etc. Vulnerability is a term used to de scribe this state of high exposure to certain risks, coupled with a limited ability to cope against their nega tive consequences. social protection programs shield these vulnerable individuals from the diverse risks and assist them to become resilient whenever shocks hit them.

Determinant of inclusive growth

sOCIAL protection, according to an OeCD study, promotes inclusive growth through its direct impact on individuals and households by: (i) enabling households to accumulate productive assets; (ii) preventing the loss of productive capital after a shock; (iii) enabling innovation and entrepreneurship; (iv) affecting labor market participation and savings positively; and (v) supporting invest ments in human capital. However, it may have a negative growth effect induced by creating dependency and adverse incentives to work and save.

This is what economists call a moral hazard problem. For example, unem ployment insurance may encourage individuals to stay out of work and simply rely on the insurance payouts. Thus, social protection programs must be designed well to avoid such a problem.

Equity improvements

sOCIAL protection can guarantee a minimum level of economic and

social wellbeing while functioning as safety nets for marginalized and vulnerable households and individu als to mitigate the risk of poverty. It also serves as a catalyst for improved social mobility and help close in equality gaps. By improving access to opportunities, individuals and households may transcend resource constraints, enabling them to fur ther develop their human capital or engage in more productive economic activities.

Increased aggregate demand

T He OeCD study also notes that so cial protection also affects growth at the community (meso) and na tional (macro) levels. At the meso level, social protection programs can produce multiplier effects from increased local consumption and production and facilitate the accu mulation of community assets. At the macro level, social protection can have wide growth-enhancing ef fects on the economy by increasing aggregate household productivity, stimulating aggregate demand and, thus, increasing employment, in particular through counter-cyclical spending during economic down turns, and raising consumption and income tax revenues. In addition, indirect effects such as facilitating economic reforms, building human capital, enhancing social cohesion, and influencing fertility can further help spur growth.

See “Eagle Watch,”

UK PM Truss vows to stay, but is on brink as minister quits

By Jill Lawless | The Associated Press

LONDON—British Prime Minister Liz Truss described herself as “a fighter and not a quitter” Wednesday as she faced a hos tile opposition and fury from her own conservative Party over her botched economic plan. Within hours of the defiant statement, her government was teetering on the verge of collapse.

A senior member of the government left her post with a fusillade of criticism at Truss, and a House of Commons vote descended into acrimony and accusa tions of bullying, Home secretary suella Braverman said she resigned after breaching rules by sending an official document from her personal e-mail account. she used her resignation letter to lambaste Truss, saying she had “concerns about the di rection of this government.”

“The business of government relies upon people accepting responsibility for their mistakes,” she said. “Pretending we haven’t made mistakes, carrying on as if everyone can’t see that we have made them and hoping that things will magi cally come right is not serious politics.”

Braverman is a popular figure on the Conservative Party’s right wing and a champion of more restrictive immigra tion policies who ran unsuccessfully for party leader this summer, a contest won by Truss.

Braverman was replaced as home sec retary, the minister responsible for im

migration and law and order, by former Cabinet minister Grant shapps. He’s a high-profile supporter of Rishi sunak, the former Treasury chief defeated by Truss in the final round of the Conser vative leadership race.

Truss faced more turmoil in Parlia ment Wednesday evening on a vote over fracking for shale gas — a practice that Truss wants to resume despite opposi tion from many Conservatives.

With a large Conservative majority in Parliament, an opposition call for a fracking ban was easily defeated by 326 votes to 230, but some lawmakers were furious that Conservative Party whips said the vote would be treated as confi dence motion, meaning the government would fall if the motion passed.

There were angry scenes in the House of Commons during and after the vote, with party whips accused of using heavyhanded tactics to gain votes. Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant said he “saw members being physically manhandled ... and being bullied.” some lawmakers reported that Con

servative Chief Whip Wendy Morton, who is responsible for party discipline, and her deputy had resigned. But Truss’ office later said both remained in their jobs.

Conservative officials denied there had been manhandling, but in the chaos Truss herself failed to vote, according to the official record. Many Tory lawmak ers were left despondent by the state of their party.

Conservative lawmaker Charles Walker said it was “a shambles and a disgrace.”

“I hope that all those people that put Liz Truss in (office), I hope it was worth it,” he told the BBC. “I hope it was worth it to sit around the Cabinet table, because the damage they have done to our party is extraordinary.”

The dramatic developments came days after Truss fired her Treasury chief, Kwasi Kwarteng, on Friday after the economic package the pair unveiled on sept. 23 spooked financial markets and triggered an economic and politi cal crisis.

The plan’s 45 billion pounds ($50 billion) in unfunded tax cuts sparked turmoil on financial markets, hammer ing the value of the pound and increas ing the cost of UK government borrow ing. The Bank of england was forced to intervene to prevent the crisis from spreading to the wider economy and putting pension funds at risk.

On Monday Kwarteng’s replace

ment, Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt, scrapped almost all of Truss’ tax cuts, along with her flagship energy policy and her promise of no public spending cuts. He said the government will need to save billions of pounds and there are “many difficult decisions” to be made before he sets out a medium-term fiscal plan on Oct. 31.

speaking to lawmakers for the first time since the U-turn, Truss apologized Wednesday and admitted she had made mistakes during her six weeks in office, but insisted that by changing course she had “taken responsibility and made the right decisions in the interest of the country’s economic stability.”

Opposition lawmakers shouted “Resign!” as she spoke in the House of Commons.

Asked by opposition Labour Party leader Keir starmer, “Why is she still here?” Truss retorted: “I am a fighter and not a quitter. I have acted in the national interest to make sure that we have economic stability.”

Official figures released Wednes day showed UK inflation rose to 10.1 percent in september, returning to a 40-year high first hit in July, as the soaring cost of food squeezed house hold budgets. While inflation is high around the world — driven up by Rus sia’s invasion of Ukraine and its effect on energy supplies — polls show most Britons blame the government for the country’s economic pain.

Antonio L. Cabangon Chua

Busy Busan: BTS, films and intellectual property rights

Dennis Gorecho

LeGaL ByTes

Opinion

At the airport

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTions

BuSa

N, South Korea—South Korea’s second largest city, Busan, has recently been busy for simultaneous big events on music, film and intellectual property rights.

Busan was flooded with the  BTS Army for the free  “Yet To Come” concert on October 15 to support the city’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. The streets, bridges and beachfronts of Busan turned purple, the boy band’s signature color. Italy, Ukraine and Saudi Ara bia are also competing for hosting privileges, and the decision is ex pected in 2023.

There was also the Busan Inter national Film Festival (BIFF) from October 5 to 14, which aimed to in troduce new films and first-time di rectors, especially those from Asian countries through its efforts to de velop and promote young talents.

The festival contributed to making the city of Busan a mecca for movie buffs and the hub of the visual cul ture industry.

Some 30 Filipino intellectual property lawyers attended the 73rd Council Meeting of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA) from October 15 to 18, 2022 along with almost 1,200 other delegates from different countries.

The APAA’s return to a large inperson gathering for the first time following more than two years of pandemic took place at the BEXCO.

The APAA is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing intellectual property (IP) protection in the Asian region (including Australia and New Zea land).

Established in December 1969, membership of APAA is open to individuals practicing the profes sion of patent attorney in the Asian region as well as organizations that comprise such individuals and are constituted in the Asian region.

The association now has more than 2,500 members from 21 rec ognized groups in Australia, Ban gladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thai land and Vietnam, as well as from Bhutan, Brunei, Laos and Mongolia.

The members include some of Asia’s leading practitioners of intellectual property law.

As industries and technology evolve, intellectual property con tinues to play a prominent role.

The term “intellectual property rights” consists of (a) copyright and related rights; (b) trademarks and service marks; (c) geographic indications; (d) industrial designs; (e) patents; (f) layout-designs (to pographies) of integrate circuits; and (g) protection of undisclosed information.

Some of APAA’s activities include exchanging information and views concerning intellectual property protection. It is also active in estab lishing and maintaining close con tacts with various governmental,

Watch

Social protection as economic stabilizer

SOCIAL protection and social pol icy—in particular, unemployment insurance, cash transfers, and mini mum income support—have signifi cantly contributed to the reduction in the intensity and the length of recessionary episodes and in stabi lizing labor markets. Not only does social protection provide a safety net for vulnerable groups which have been hurt by the crisis, it also

inter-governmental, and NGOs re lating to intellectual property.

APAA also investigates, studies and submits plans and proposals with a view to assisting in improv ing international and domestic laws and regulations concerning intel lectual property protection in the Asian region.

IP laws lay down the remedies available to the IP owner in case of a violation of his rights through administrative, civil and criminal sanctions against violators. The IP laws aim to protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inven tors, artists and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when benefi cial to the people, for such periods as provided in the law. Nobody else can copy or reuse that creation without the owner’s permission.

In the Philippines, Republic Act 8293 or the IP Code was signed into law 25 years ago, in June 6, 1997, and took effect on January 1, 1998. The IP Code has adopted certain changes aimed at streamlining administra tive procedures of registration and enhancing the enforcement of intel lectual property rights in the coun try. One of its salient features is the shift from the “first-to-invent/use” to “first-to-file” system.

The IP Month is celebrated every April pursuant to Proclamation No. 190 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017. The celebration aims to raise appreciation for the benefits that IP brings to Filipinos’ daily lives and to celebrate the con tribution of creativity and innova tion to the development of societies across the world.

The Intellectual Property As sociation of the Philippines was founded on March 31, 1977 with the aim of professionalizing the steadily growing practice of intellectual prop erty law in the Philippines. IPAP is the sole Philippine national group recognized by the APAA, the Asean Intellectual Property Association, and the Association Internationale pour la Protection dela Propriete Industrielle.

IPAP’s founding member Atty. Alonzo Ancheta is the 2006-2009 president of APAA, the first Filipino to hold this position.

Our firm, the Sapalo Velez Bun dang and Bulilan law offices was part of the Philippine contingent for this year’s APAA meeting in Busan.

The Philippines hosted the APAA council meetings in 1990 (Manila Hotel), 2000 (Cebu), and 2011 (Shan gri-La Makati).

Manila will again be the venue of the APAA council meeting in 2024 (SMX Convention Center).

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

has a stabilizing effect on the over all demand for goods and services produced in the economy, as the lat ter experiences its boom-and-bust cycles. And if the social protection programs are well institutionalized, they become automatic stabilizers in the macroeconomy.

In sum, social protection is an economic tool that enhances inclu sive growth and stabilizes household consumption and the aggregate de mand in the macroeconomy.

IF,as Pythagoras puts it, a thought is an idea in progress, then to be in transit during a trip must be your soul and body are in prog ress. Does the syllogism work? If it does not, no worries, for I am like Niels Bohr who said: if you are not logical, then do not fret, so long as you are thinking. Wait, the man who developed the model of the atom, which became the Bohr model of the atom, did not exactly say those words. What he said was, “No, you are not thinking; you are just being logical. Having stated that, or having quoted the quote, does it matter if there is no logic in my thought? See how “thinking” and “logic” can haunt us?

The fact is whenever we are at the airport, thinking – that most solipsistic act of a human being after loving and hating – takes over our being. We think at each point of the terminal. We think as we get off the Grab car that brings us to the place. Is this man really kind or has the system of transporting passengers rubbed on him and transformed him into a figure of kindness? Given how lousy our transportation system is, any kindness to strangers makes us all giddy.

The fact is I was thinking deep when I reached the airport and, in stead of flowing right into the gate where we place our bags on convey ors for the first x-ray inspection, I was accosted by guards. They are not regular guards; they are the type that looks at your ticket, not in equal measure. There were two guards. One was very fastidious in inspecting the tickets and it hap pened that those lining up before

him had hard copies of the airline vouchers. Papers as long as any form of tedious waiting. The guard made me think, if I were the guard, would I act the same way, as in checking the papers as if I were the travel agent or ground steward. It was at this point when, caught thinking (see you can be apprehended by your own think ing process), the other guard, a fe male, called us to go to her. Savior! She looked quickly at mobile phones (this line had the updated consum ers) and waved them off.

The first stop in any terminal, once you are in, is either the toilet or the cafe. I opted for the cafe. French in inspiration and with a limited num ber of tables. I was fortunate because a couple hastily stood up, leaving me with a table that was wet with coffee and sugar spilled. Clean as you go. The instruction was like a benediction. It was not a message for consumers; it was a whisper from the Divine. I was overthinking.

I looked at the cafe and caught the gaze of the girl at the counter. Tissue please. I was starting to wipe the ta ble clean when the Tissue Girl came to me and pleaded I allow her to do the work. She did not really plead. I just thought the kindness made her words come across as a plea. Who knows, she must have hated my pre tend selflessness. Or, she must have gotten used to these cosmopolitan travelers who become so fastidious with sanitation once they are in a place where being there meant you had money to take plane rides, not the Ro-Ro, or the big ships.

Airports even if the air condition ers are not work ing optimally still stink of surplus and workers not under the mini mum wage law. In this country, airports must be the only public place where the world can have the impression we also know something about hygiene.

With coffee served and the Shep herd’s pie in front of me, I did not im mediately go into my breakfast. I sur veyed the surroundings and gloated because I had a table and the rest were struggling with their sandwiches and coffee while seated on tough steel so fas. If my aunt were around, she would have stage-whispered to me, “Thank the Lord. You are loved.”

Theology always has a place in terminals. Also judgment.

I was deep into thoughts (see again how we are really always captured in thinking) when I noticed the table beside me had been vacated by the woman with Dior sprinkled all over

her pajama-looking OOTD (Outfit of the Day, for the heck of it). Jimjams they are called. The table did not stay long empty, as an old man came and held on to the chair around it as if removing his hand from the grip will also allow the love to fly away.

Complex thought. Still thinking.

The old man kept looking at the di rection of the cafe. I followed his gaze where, at its end, was a woman ef fervescently beautiful, with a blouse that displayed her fair-skinned arms. She is much too young for this man. The woman finished her or der and called the man. They came back together to the table, and sat closer to me. I con centrated on my breakfast, sipping my unfairly priced coffee. But I had wanted to look up. Finally, I managed to raise my cup so high that I could hide my eyes behind its mouth without anyone noticing I was intently looking at someone. This woman.

She was old, but she was wearing good makeup.

I went back to my pie, soggy and abandoned, and thought how the world could be mean and unfair to men. We could not wear makeup.

The couple stayed long. I had time to observe more. The woman must have had a nose lift years ago. Age had ruined the constructed nose bridge. She wanted to look beautiful for her husband. Then, I looked quickly at the old man hunched over his cof fee. He must really love her Even now

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Ready for a quantum leap: Philippines is open for business

Dr. Carl e. Balita

entrepreneurs’ Footprints

THe Philippines was on its way to economic progress until the pandemic disrupted its path to its envisioned progress. The consolation of this global experience is that it affected even the most developed countries and that the adversity may have trig gered the further strengthening of the strong and resilient economic fundamentals. The role of the private sector cannot be understated, both in good times and in bad.

With the easing of the economic restrictions, there is optimism that the economy will be able to rebound immediately. Massive investments in infrastructure are observable. The adoption of sound fiscal and monetary policies and several business-friendly reforms have attained for the country consecutive positive investment grade credit ratings. There is a perceivable improvement in the country’s profile in the local and international business communities. This laid the ground work to attract more foreign direct investments and the expansion of the domestic enterprises.

The Philippine Chamber of Com merce and Industry (PCCI), being the voice of business in the Philip pines, declared that the Philippines is ready and open for business. This optimism filled the air of the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC & E) held on October 19 and 20 at the Manila Hotel. The busi ness people from all over the country, as well as guests from all over the world, flocked to engage in discus sions curated to benefit business in particular and the country in general. The Exposition chaired by Mila Lac son was a big hit communicating the readiness of Philippine businesses, especially the MSMEs.

The new administration, through the president and vice president them selves, as well as key Cabinet members, took turns in presenting to the private and business sectors the governance agenda across various areas of the Filipino lives.

The PCCI, through its President George Barcelon, handed to Presi dent Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a 10-point resolution, which, according to Mr.

Edgardo Lacson, Chair of the Commit tee tasked to craft it, is probably the most comprehensive, focusing on the major areas of economic development. Consultations were made, nationwide, through the Area Vice Presidents of the PCCI and other business associa tions. Chairman Lacson assured the President that “If you can implement all of these, it will lead to a quantum leap that solves all the major problems of the country.”

The first resolution is on Food Secu rity. It urges the national government to achieve food security by: 1) amending the Agrarian Reform Law to increase land retention limit from 5 to 24 hectares.

2) implementing a debt condona tion program for unpaid amortizations of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, and 3) converting Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into simple titles.

The second resolution is on Health. This resolution urges the national government to reform the PhilHealth into a science-based and transparent healthcare system and to encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law.

Employment takes the third area of concern of the business sector. The resolution urges the national govern ment to work together with the private sector to reenergize the economy by supporting new investments to 1) generate employment, 2) provide assistance to pandemic surviving MSMEs, 3) amend all restrictive and puni tive labor laws and 4) enact laws that will increase productivity.

Gladly, the PCCI is taking active advocacy for Education. A resolu tion was passed urging the national government to amend the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Law to create a Philippine Qualifications Authority (PQA) which will establish and maintain Qualification standards for all levels of education and training. During the pandemic, the PCCI con vened the Education Task Force under Dr. Alberto Fenix to finalize recom mendations on the improvement of the competencies of the human resource for the world of work.

National Security is seen by the business sector as a major concern. Resolution was passed urging the national government to deepen co operation with neighboring states, expand participation in regional and multilateral defense agreements while accelerating the Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Being active in the promotion of innovation and technology, Digi talization also took center stage in the resolutions passed by the PCCI. A resolution was passed urging the national government to develop and implement a nationwide Internet con nectivity program that is reliable and competitive by passing into law the Open Access in Data Transmission Act. Having Mr. Ferdinand Ferrer, an ICT advocate as PBC Chairman, it is expected that technology will take centerstage in the conference. The pivotal role of digital infrastructure and breakthrough technology in a fast changing world has to be revisited on its readiness to enable competi tive business.

Environment and Climate Change had long been a major concern of the PCCI and the business sector in gen eral. The PCCI is urging the national government to address climate change and environmental protection by de veloping public-private partnerships (PPPs) to establish world-class water and waste management infrastruc ture. The central elements of the in clusive economy was tackled in the conference around the areas of manu facturing, BPOs, and creative industry along with natural capital in agricul ture, fisheries, tourism, hospitality, mineral resources and forestry.

Power is a major challenge among the utilities in the country that affects business. And the PCCI urges the na tional government to accelerate the

integration of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids to enable the free flow of electricity nationwide and for the DOE to amend the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Renewable En ergy Act to allow 100 percent foreign investment in solar and wind projects.

The business sector is fully aware that Transportation causes problems in the country’s economic develop ment. The PCCI urges the national government to provide world-class integrated transport systems and decouple the regulatory and com mercial functions of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and other similarly situated transport agen cies. Ensuring transport connectiv ity and reducing logistical costs are of primordial importance in moving the agenda of enabling growth out side Metro Manila.

Lastly and in the context of global ization and International Trade the PCCI urges the national government to hasten the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and to join bilateral free trade agreements and trans-pacific part nerships to minimize barriers to the free flow of goods and services. In a market dynamics and technological innovations that challenges business, effective alliances and economic part nership is essential towards achieving a competitive edge and greater chance of success. In a plenary, China Ambas sador H.E. Huang Xilian and US Em bassy Official Heather Variava shared the stage to ensure the healthy rela tionship of the Philippines with their respective countries.

“We shall monitor how the gov ernment will implement these resolu tions,” assures Mr. Edgardo G. Lacson who acknowledges the team behind its finalization, namely Atty. Anthony D. Bengzon, Dr. Albert P. Fenix Jr., Calixto V. Chikiamco, Atty. Dick DuBaladad, Jose P. Leviste, Prof. Dindo Manhit, and Mr. Ferdie Diaz.

Optimism is a key character of the resilient entrepreneurs. Their courage is not about the absence of fear but their mastery of fear. With the busi ness leaders and the entrepreneurs that survived and thrived during the pandemic, and a government that gives premium to their situation and points of view, the Philippines can indeed take a quantum leap.

For feedback, please send e-mail to drcarlbalita@ yahoo.com.

Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba is Professor of Econom ics and former Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Ateneo de Manila University.

At 5th hearing on laptops of teachers, Blue Ribbon chief detects conspiracy

By Claudeth S. Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

SENATE Blue Ribbon committee chairman Sen. Francis N. Tolentino on Thursday said that he sees a “conspiracy” in the P2.4-billion procurement of laptops flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) as “overpriced” and “outdated.”

“It was definitely planned. Con spiracy angle is still there. Di ko masabi ano-ano ang role ng [Al though I cannot yet pinpoint the role of the] conspirators...,” Tolen tino said after the hearing. He also did not say who among the parties involved in it could be involved in the alleged conspiracy.

During the hearing, Tolentino presented several established facts that surfaced in the previous hear ings, such as the existence of a mem orandum of agreement (MOA) that he dubbed as the “mother MOA” executed between the Department

of Education (DepEd) and the Pro curement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) in 2007 covering P13 billion worth of projects; the creation of a task force to monitor the cash transfer to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Manage ment (PS-DBM); the negotiations for the drafting of a MOA to cover the procurement of P2.4 billion worth of laptops for public school teachers, and the purchase of alleg edly overpriced laptops and their distribution even to non-teaching personnel.

Tolentino also described the is suance of a MOA as “complicated,” having been issued in February, but it turned out that it was not yet finished until May.

“Hopefully, we will have the implementation and hopefully we will finish today. To all my friends who will be affected by the outcome of this investigation, what the evi dence says will be enforced by this committee,” Tolentino said.

During the hearing – likely the last—Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III bore down on the testimonies of resource persons who denied personal knowledge on important details of a MOA despite being shown their online messages to one another.

Attending the committee’s fifth hearing, Pimentel asked DepEd Un dersecretary Annalyn Sevilla if she was aware that the February 2021 MOA which was made to amend the original 2017 MOA) was dated differ ently from its actual execution date.

“You still insist that the MOA we are scrutinizing, dated Febru ary 16, 2021, was executed on or before February 16, 2021? Is that your testimony under oath before this committee, given all of these revelations?” Pimentel asked.

Sevilla distanced herself from confirming Pimentel’s assertions and denied personal knowledge on the matter. She explained that the

DepEd’s finance department was unaware of the “updates” on the 2021 MOA, adding they were “not part of the documentary require ments” of the project. Pimentel urged Sevilla and other resource persons to include their justifica tions in writing the report that they will submit to the committee.

The investigation was prompt ed by Senate Resolution No. 120 (Alleged overpriced and outdated laptops procured by the DepEd through the PS-DBM) and Senate Resolution No. 134 (Procurement by the DepEd through the PS-DBM of laptops for the teachers’ distance learning program).

Meanwhile, a test was also conducted during the hearing to determine the speed of the lap tops. The booting of the DepEd (Dell) laptops took 48.65 seconds longer as compared to similarly priced HP i5 laptop which only took 18.97 seconds.

The also showed that HP loaded the Zoom in 2.96 seconds compared to the 22.18 seconds of Dell laptops.

Tolentino said that they will be coming out with a committee report on November 19 or November 20.

“We hope to have something that would amend existing laws. We hope to have something that would pin liability or accountabil ity to persons that led to this situ ation,” he concluded.

PBBM AFFIRMS DUTERTE ADMIN DECISION TO DROP RUSSIAN CHOPPERS DEAL

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the gov ernment is now eyeing to recover some of the downpay ment it made to Russia for its cancelled P12.8 billion helicop ter procurement deal.

In an ambush interview last Thursday, Marcos told report ers efforts are now underway to secure some of the P1.9-billion initial payment made by the pre vious administration last Janu ary to buy 16 Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters.

“We are hoping to negotiate to get at least a percentage of that back,” Marcos said.

Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov said some of the down payment was already used for the production of the Mi-17 he licopter.

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte decided to scrap the chopper deal due to the eco nomic sanctions issued by the United States against Russia for its unprovoked attack against Ukraine.

Last August, the Depart ment of National Defense an nounced it is already “formal

MARCOS

izing” the said cancellation of the said deal.

Marcos said he decided to af firm the decision of Duterte on the matter and scrap the pro curement agreement altogether.

“It was already determined by the previous administration that that deal will not carry through,” Marcos said.

He also noted that the coun try will instead buy helicopters from the United States.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier said the government may consider buying Chinook heli copters from the US.

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE salary of more than half of licensed teachers in private educational institutions is lower than the current minimum wage, according to data shared by a former government statistician.

In a public Statistically Speak ing post on social media, former Secretary General of the National Statistical Coordination Board, one of the agencies that now make up the Philippine Statistics Author ity, Romulo A. Virola said teachers in the country also handled larger classes compared to their ASEAN counterparts.

Citing data from the 2019 Public School Teachers Salary in the Phil ippines in www.teacherph, Virola said 60 percent of licensed teachers in private schools earn P12,500 a month. The minimum wage in Metro Manila is P570 or P14,820 a month.

“Poor teachers! What has hap pened to our educational system?” Virola lamented. “My take is that we have neglected our teachers for far too long.”

Among public school teachers, Virola said, the increases in their salaries every year may not even be enough to cover for inflation.

The salaries of Teacher I, II, and III reached P20,754, P22,938, and P25,232, respectively in 2019. The increase in their salaries reached 1.41 percent for Teacher I between 2012 and 2018 and 2.85 percent between 2018 and 2019.

Teachers classified as Teach II or Salary Grade 12s saw their salaries rise by 1.77 percent between 2012 and 2018 while the increase was at 3.56 percent between 2018 and 2019.

Those classified under Teacher III or Salary Grade 13 saw a 2.06-per cent increase in their salaries in the 2012 to 2018 period and 4.16 percent growth in 2018 to 2019.

“With CPI [consumer price index] annual inflation rates of 2.39 per cent in 2020, 3.93 percent in 2021, and 5.1 percent up to September 2022, it is doubtful that the total sal aries of teachers, particularly Teach ers I, II, and III, and Head Teachers I, II, and III, could cope with the rate at which prices of commodities have been increasing because of the pan

demic,” Virola said.

Head Teacher I earned P25,232 in 2019; Head Teacher II received P27,775 a month; and Head Teachers III, P30,551 monthly. Howeverm the increase in their salaries was lower than three per cent between 2012 and 2018.

In the 2018 to 2019 period, those classified as Head Teacher III were the only ones who saw an increase of over 5 percent in their salaries dur ing the period. Head Teachers I and II only received an increase of 4.16 percent and 4.76 percent in their salaries in 2019.

Virola said the current plight of teachers in the country right now may also be the reason for the poor performance of students, particu larly in math and science.

He added that in a paper they presented during the 15th National Convention on Statistics, they found that the country had the second larg est pupil-to-qualified teacher ratio between 2016 and 2020.

This covered teachers and pupils in primary school as well as in sec ondary school. The ranking, Virola said, was among nine ASEAN Mem ber States.

SRA board amends rules for sugar imports

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

THE Sugar Regulatory Admin istration (SRA) has extended the arrival date of the remain ing volume of sugar for importation under the previous crop year’s pro gram until the end of the month.

The SRA board, chaired by Presi dent Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the concurrent agriculture secretary, issued Sugar Order (SO) 3 Series of 2022-2023, that amended the guide lines of the sugar importation pro gram for crop year (CY) 2021-2022.

Under SO 3, the SRA board ex plained that there have been requests from importers “to change the ar rival date” of imported sugar due to “vessel delays” and lack of available container vans due to the persisting global logistical and shipping woes.

The SRA board added that indus trial users and international traders under the SO 3 of CY 21-22 also re quested for the transfer of their allo

cated refined sugar to other eligible players under the import program.

“The reason for the above re quests for the transfer of allocation to other allocates is that the im ported sugar of some participating industrial users (proposed trans feror) had already arrived though the supply will be needed at the later months, while there are industrial users (proposed transferee) who have already used up their allocation and are still in urgent need to aug ment their sugar supply,” the latest sugar order read.

SO 3 showed that as of August 31 there were still 9,194.10 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar import allocations with no SRA clearance applications and 12,913 MT of im ported sugar that have not been re classified from “C” Reserve sugar to “B” domestic sugar.

Aside from extending the deadline for the arrival of imported sugar, the SRA board also allowed industrial users to transfer their import alloca

tions in whole or in part to other users or assignees. “The SRA administra tor is hereby authorized to approve the applications submitted pursuant to Section 2, provided all require ments under this Sugar Order are complied with,” SO 3 read.

“Furthermore, the SRA Adminis trator is likewise directed to approve the reclassification of the remaining ‘C’ Reserved Sugar into ‘B’ domestic sugar imported under Sugar Order No. 3 series of 2021-2022 or the Sugar Import Program for Crop year 2021-2022,” it added.

SO 3 was signed by Marcos, SRA

Acting Administrator David John Thaddeus P. Alba, Millers’ Repre sentative Ma. Mitzi V. Mangwag and Planters’ Representative Pablo Luis S. Azcona. Agriculture Under secretary Domingo F. Panganiban also signed the sugar order.

The SO 3 was released on October 19 and was filed on the same day with the Office of the National Administra tive Register at the UP Law Center.

‘Pay of licensed private school teachers below current minimum wage’

Companies

PHL mobile-user experience worse in SEA–Opensignal

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

load speed experience” and “upload speed experience” in the region.

The Philippines ranked second in the “download speed experience” cat egory with 16.7 Megabits per second (Mbps), still 9.5-Mbps slower than Vietnam’s 26.2 Mbps. The Philip pines also has the slowest upload speed at 3.6 Mbps, a far cry from Vietnam’s 8.8 Mbps.

Maria Yolanda C. Crisanto said the industry continues to evolve and grow thanks to new laws, specifi cally the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) and the Bayanihan 2 Act.

Apec group gives seal of ‘green port’ to MICT

In Opensignal’s latest report, which evaluated mobile experiences in Asean markets with a population of 30 million above, the Philippines ranked last in the “core consistent quality” category. The said measure uses thresholds for lower-perfor mance applications, including stan dard definition video, voice calls and web browsing.

The Philippines also ranked sec ond to last, just a few points ahead of Malaysia, in the “excellent consistent quality” category, which is the per centage of users’ tests that met the minimum recommended thresholds for users to watch high-definition video, complete group video confer ence calls and play games.

In terms of availability, the Philip pines ranked last in terms of “avail

ability” with a score of 94 percent, trailing Indonesia by 1.3 percent age points and being 5.2 percent age points behind the frontrunner, Thailand.

Furthermore, the Philippines also ranked last in terms of “video expe rience” and “games experience,” gar nering a “poor” rating of 38.8 points and 47.7 points respectively.

A poor rating means that Filipino mobile users did not have a good ex perience even for lower resolution videos across all providers. Very slow loading times and frequent stalling were common.

Vietnam frontrunner VIETNAM was the frontrunner in al most all of the categories, and is con sidered to have the highest “down

Nonetheless, Opensignal said that the overall mobile experiences may still improve, depending on how aggressive telcos will be in their 5G initiatives.

“How the overall mobile experi ence of our users in these countries will evolve will greatly depend on the rate of 5G adoption in each market. Markets where operators drive a greater proportion of time that users spend with an active 5G connection (5G Availability) will boost the overall experience because 5G [5th generation mo bile network] can generate large uplifts in the mobile experience,” Opensignal said.

New laws WHEN sought for comment, Globe Telecom Inc. Senior Vice President

“The telco sector has come a long way in improving the internet speed and experience in the coun try in just a couple of years ever since the enabling laws Bayanihan 2 and ARTA were implemented. This only shows that hastening the in frastructure builds have great im pact on consumer experience. We have no doubt that we will soon be able to catch up with our Asean neighbors,” she said.

She noted that as more and more groups pitch in to further expand the capacity and capability of local carri ers, Globe believes that Filipino us ers will soon experience better telco services in the country.

“With tower companies on board, there will be more companies who can fill the gap in our ICT infra builds which will definitely result in higher capacity and better expe rience,” she said.

Other carriers were sought for comments, but they have yet to reply to the BusinessMirror’s queries.

SM Markets to open 7 more stores

SM Markets, the umbrella brand of SM Investments Corp. for grocery stores, is adding seven more stores before the year ends, its top executive said. The new branches will be at: Makati City; Marilao; Tanza; San Jose Del Monte; Sorsogon; Tugueg arao; and, Taytay. As of end Octo ber, SM Markets has a total store count of 330.

“We are targeting to fill the need for better food shopping in develop ing communities. The rising income outside the National Capital Region

NGCP adds supply for Calamba demand

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has ad dressed the increasing load growth in South Luzon with the ener gization of the Calamba 230-kiloVolt (kV) substation and associated trans mission lines.

The P1.069-billion substation is strategically located near industrial parks to accommodate demand in Laguna, Batangas and nearby prov inces. The NGCP said this project will benefit mostly industrial customers, particularly factories, manufacturing plants and other big businesses in the eco-zones and industrial parks.

According to the latest count of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), there are 10 manufacturing eco-zones in Batangas and 14 in La guna. These areas are seen to greatly benefit from improved transmission services and improved efficiency in production of these industries and businesses.

“With many industrial and resi dential developments south of Metro Manila, NGCP’s new Calamba 230-kV Substation is a critical facility for South Luzon. The substation and its associ ated transmission lines will also serve as another highway to prevent overloading and other reliability issues,” the NGCP said last Thursday. Lenie Lectura

is definitely a welcome factor in terms of growth in the provinces,” SM Supermarket Inc. President Jose Ronaldo T. Tagbo said.

“We continue to expand and maintain our optimism on growth. Regardless of economic circum stances, our approach has always been to have a breadth of offerings that fits all wallet sizes,” Tagbo said.

Consumer spending is also expected to get a boost from the holidays and ongoing face-to-face classes. SM Markets said it has seen an improvement in sales for fresh

products, snacks, beverages and other school-related commodities.

“We are optimistic about the consistency of consumer spending. The return of face-to-face classes and the holiday season will push the business in the coming months,” Tagbo said.

The company said it is enhanc ing its assortment to better serve customers’ evolving preferences to complement physical store ex pansion.

It continues to support MSMEs to boost the local economy by add

ing their products on the aisles on grocery shelves and through its popular weekend markets to show case their unique products.

SM Markets expanded its im ported offerings to include brands such as “Coles” from Australia, “El Corte Ingles” from Spain, adding to already existing brands “Iceland” and “Kirkland.”

The firm said it introduced more options to the community to ac cess essential products as well as launched its online shopping plat form. VG Cabuag

Medilines fast tracking its foray into dialysis consumables market

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said on Thursady it received a “green port” seal from the Asia-Pa cific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port Services Network (APSN).

The Green Port Award System evaluates ports in the region, recognizing “high caliber and excellent environmental actions and leadership demonstrated by ports.”

“Our work as a port operator demands that we maintain ef ficient operations all the time while contributing to continued sustainability of resources and decreasing adverse impact on the environment. We thank the APSN, with the support of our regulator, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), for recognizing our efforts in championing en vironmentally sustainable port activities at the Manila Inter

national Container Terminal,” ICTSI Executive Vice-President and Chief Sustainability Officer Christian R. Gonzalez said.

The award is valid for three years.

MICT is gunning to become the “most sustainable terminal in the Philippines,” outlining a green strategy of integrating cli mate change management into its daily operations.

It has also implemented sev eral environmental programs and activities, including improving waste and water management, circular economy initiatives, ecological protection and biodi versity programs, and decarbon ation efforts.

Ten other Apec ports received the Green Port Award this year. Since its launch in 2016, 45 ports in nine economies have received the citation. Lorenz S. Marasigan

Carousell to hold property show

SEVERAL prizes and big dis counts await homebuyers and investors looking to acquire a property as the local business of classified-ads plat form provider Carousell Pte. Ltd. will bring back its property expo from November 7 to 18, with a hybrid set-up to accommodate more participants for on-ground and virtual activities lined up.

“Taking off from the big suc cess of last year’s online property expo, we’re very excited to hold

this year’s event which is bigger and better as we will feature more experts who will share valuable industry insights, more property developers, and a wider showcase of developments to fit the needs of buyers from all walks of life,” Carousell Philippines General Manager Djon Nacario said.

Kicking it off is a webinar on November 7, which will continue daily until November 16.

MEDILINES Distributors Inc. said it is fast-track ing its expansion into the dialysis consumables market, a move that will not only accelerate its revenues but also generate higher margins.

A study by Ken Research in 2021 showed that the size of the domestic dialysis market is expected to grow to P13.5 billion by 2023, with bulk of this market accounted for by the dialysis consumables segment. Di alysis consumables include dialyzers, concentrate solution and bloodlines.

According to the same study, Medilines captured 50-percent mar ket share in terms of revenues of all dialysis products sold by distributors

in the Philippines as of 2021.

The company’s dialysis consum ables product line alone recorded rev enues of P197 million last year, and is expected to grow by 43 percent this year. “There is a significant oppor tunity to service the dialysis market in the Philippines, and Medilines is moving quickly to be a leader not just on the equipment side, but also in the much larger consumables side of the market,” company chairman Virgilio B. Villar said. “This will be a signifi cant driver of our company’s growth moving forward. More importantly, this is well in line with our mission to make quality healthcare more ac cessible to Filipinos.”

On the back of management’s

view of Medilines’ strong funda mentals and growth prospects, the company announced a share buyback program of up to P100 million.

“Amidst market volatility, we remain confident in the long-term value of our company and the many opportunities available to us in the healthcare industry. We are very fo cused on business strategies that will deliver profitable and sustainable growth over time,” Medilines Presi dent and CEO Patricia V. Yambing said. “In addition, we are working to enhance shareholder value through regular dividends declaration, the recently announced share buyback program, and other investor rela tions initiatives.” VG Cabuag

FILIPINO mobile users had the worst mobile experience in Southeast Asia, according to Opensignal.

Ma.

V. Villar, MediC Chairman Virgilio B. Villar, Pse President and CeO Ramon s. Monzon and Pse issuer Regulation d ivision Marigel B. Garcia;

national Bank President Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso, MediC General Manager daniel C. Zulueta, MediC Treasurer and CFO Margarita d. Villarico

Renee Rubio.

BPI income hits ₧30.5B on ‘strong revenues’

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

AYALA- LED B AN k of the Philippine Islands (BPI) an nounced last Thursday its net income reached P30.5 billion in the January-to-September period on the back of strong revenues.

In a disclosure to the local bourse, BPI said its net income would have been lower if not for a one-time gain in the second quarter and tax adjustments.

These adjustments were made through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enter prises (Create) law (Republic Act 11534). Signed into law last year, RA 11534 lowered the corporate tax rate with the aim of expand ing the tax base.

“Excluding the impact of the oneoff gain from sale of property in the second quarter and adjustments due to the Create Law, net income would have been P26.8 billion,” BPI said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The Ayala-led bank also said its return on equity stood at 13.73 per cent while its return on assets stood at 1.66 percent.

In the third quarter, BPI booked a net income of P10.1 billion on the back of stronger revenues in the third quarter of the year.

BPI reported that its revenues grew 26.8 percent to P29.8 billion driven by a double-digit growth in interest and non-interest income during the period. The bank also reported a customer base of over 9 million.

Loans, deposits

THE country’s third-largest bank by asset said that as of September 30, its total loans stood at P1.6 trillion, up 15.4 percent year-on-year, led by growth in the credit card, corporate/ SME and auto portfolios of 29.1 per cent, 16.4 percent, and 12.1 percent, respectively.

Total deposits expanded to P2 trillion, up 13.2 percent year-onyear, while CASA increased 7.5 percent. CASA Ratio stood at 76.1 percent and Loan-to-Deposit Ratio at 78.7 percent as of end Septem ber 2022.

Total assets reached P2.5 trillion, reflecting an 11.8 percent growth year-on-year. Total equity stood at P313.4 billion, with an indicative Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio of 15.9 percent and a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.8 percent, both above regula tory requirements.

Last month, BPI announced merg er plans with Robinsons Bank Corp. with BPI emerging as the surviving entity, subject to shareholders and regulatory approvals.

The merger, which the par ties hope to complete before the end of 2023, will unlock various synergies across several products and service platforms and ex pand the customer and deposit base of both banks through the merged entity.

Banking&Finance Tax collections exceed Tieza’s target

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) has exceeded its target collection of travel taxes for the year, giving it enough leeway to implement projects that had to be put on hold be cause of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Tourism Enterprise Zone Author ity (Tieza) COO Mark T. Lapid told the BusinessMirror that it collected some P1.39 billion in travel taxes from January to September 2022, exceeding its target of P1.2 billion for the entire year. The amount, how ever, is still a far cry from the P7.2 billion collected by the government firm in pre-pandemic 2019. As such, Tieza, the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), was

allocated a P186.3-million subsidy from the national government this year. Tieza can only use this fund, however, for its maintenance and other operating expenses.

Of the total travel taxes collected for the nine-month period, Tieza gets to retain 50 percent or P695 million, while the rest goes to the Commission on Higher Education (40 percent) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (10 percent).

Bridge lighting projectOK’d in 2018

AS this developed, the P80-million San Juanico Bridge Aesthetic Light ing Project was finally launched on Wednesday, with President Ferdi nand R. Marcos Jr. witnessing the light show.

“I look forward to the economic opportunities that will be stimulat ed by this [project], as well as other ‘Spark Samar’ initiatives, in the near future,” said Marcos Jr. during the project launch. “I eagerly anticipate the assistance it will bring for the complete recovery of the tourism industry in the Eastern Visayas and nearby areas.”

The country-wide lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic had delayed the project, which was ap proved by the Tieza board on Feb ruary 21, 2018. Lapid said June 27, 2019 was the start of the imple mentation.

“They had to check the structural integrity of the bridge and DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] made some maintenance

More Pinoys growing savings, spend less amid inflation–TransUnion poll

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

THE third-quarter 2022 TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) Consumer Pulse Study that Filipinos continue to grow their savings in anticipation of a re cession and possibly in response to the rising prices of goods and services.

More than half (54 percent) of Filipinos said they have also cut back on discretionary spending (such as dining out, travel and entertainment) over the last three months, a statement by Tran sUnion read last Thursday.

“Most Filipinos [76 percent] agreed the economy is either al ready in a recession or will enter one by the end of 2023, while al most half [44 percent] cited infla tion for everyday goods as their biggest concern affecting their household finances for the next six months.”

Data by the Philippine Statis tics Authority (PSA) revealed that inflation increased to 6.9 percent in September, up from 6.3 percent in August, as food and energy costs continue to increase. The hike may push the central bank to further increase rates and borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, many analysts said.

Financial concern

THE August 19 to September 1 survey of 1,013 Filipino adults found that inflation was the lead ing household financial concern over the next six months followed by a possible global recession. Ad ditionally, in anticipation of a pos sible recession, 66 percent said they are building up savings.

“These financial concerns could be exacerbated by fewer Filipinos

[78 percent compared to 81 per cent in Q2 2022] expecting their incomes to go up in the next 12 months,” TransUnion said. “Baby Boomers [72 percent] and Gen X [58 percent] reduced their dis cretionary spending the most among age groups in the past three months.”

It added that those belonging to the “Gen Z” (69 percent) and Millennials (62 percent) said they saved more in emergency funds in the last three months compared to other generations.

When it comes to future spend ing, Filipinos said that their great est spending increases in the next three months are likely to be on bills and loans, medical care/ser vices, and retirement funds and investing. They said they are least likely to spend more on large pur chases like cars or appliances.

Additionally, 47 percent of re spondents who said they won’t be able to pay at least one of their cur rent bills and loans in full said that they will pay a partial amount for these. Gen Z (58 percent) and Mil lennials (55 percent) who said they expect to be unable to pay at least one of their current bills and loans in full also said that their leading choice of funding to pay these is by using their savings.

Coping with inflation

THE study revealed that nearly every respondent said they believe having access to credit and lending products is important in achieving financial goals, and 56 percent said that they were planning to apply for new credit or refinance existing credit within the next year.

More than half (54 percent) of Filipinos who said they plan to ap ply for new credit within the next year said that they would apply

On Business Pivots and Associations

YOU must have heard of the oft-cited business term “piv ot,” which means a company altering an aspect(s) of its core prod ucts or services to better meet de mand, changing their target market, boosting sales or any combination of these. It could also mean adopting a significant change to its operations or business model. The end goal of a pivot is to help the company survive and thrive.

“Many people think of disruption as a bolt from the blue that comes out of nowhere and shakes up an entire industry. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Sometimes you can make a small change in a slightly dif

ferent direction. Done right, a small change creates massive opportuni ties,” writes Gihan Perera in a recent “Thinking Ahead” e-newsletter. In his article, “The Power of the Pivot,” the futurist listed five pivots from which I have picked four to share with associations:

1. Market Pivot. When Mark Zuckerberg built Facebook to con nect university students, he planned to expand it to high-schoolers but chose a wider market instead: every one. Many associations have success fully expanded their membership categories to include, not only those working in their professions or in dustries, but also students, retirees,

suppliers, among others.

2. Side Pivot. In 1891, William Wrigley sold soap and baking pow der and included two free packets of chewing gum with every order. To his surprise, he discovered that customers wanted the chewing gum more than the baking powder. An example of this in the association context is the popularity of men

work between 2019 and 2020. Then the pandemic happened.”

The lighting of the bridge, which spans the PAN-Philippine Highway between Samar and Leyte, was a project proposed by Samar Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan under her “Spark Samar Development Program,” or SSDP. According to a project brief provided by Tieza, the objective of the project is “[to] enhance the iconic San Juanico Bridge through aesthetic glare-free lighting, and provide safety and security to mo torists which include men, women, children, persons with disability and the elderly.”

P3.6M in annual power costs

THE SSDP is “a tourism initiative aimed to externally build a positive image of Samar province and create awareness on Samar as a tourism destination, and internally, to build a sense of pride of place among the Samarnons,” as per the project brief.

It was Marcos Jr.’s father, the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., who had the bridge constructed

as a gift to his wife, then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, using funds from the Japanese government. After four years, the project was inaugurated in July 1973 in time for the First Lady’s birthday.

For his part, Tan’s chief of staff, Miguel Cristobal said, “The LGU will be in charge of operations and main tenance of the SJB Lighting Project. For the electricity, the estimate is P3 million to P3.6 million annually.”

Contractor of the project is Amigo Entertainment Technologies Inc., which “will train our personnel” for the O&M, he added.

The project consists of a 45-min utes light show, 15 minutes for en tertainment dynamic light show nightly, and includes light and laser effects, which can be customized depending on the occasion.

“The aesthetic lighting covers the whole stretch of the San Juani co Bridge, [and the] light show was complemented to the sound rein forcement from the control room and viewing deck,” noted the proj ect brief.

World’s biggest banks hold $30 billion in unwanted debt

for a new personal loan, while 41 percent said that they’ll apply for a new credit card.

Across generations, 63 percent of Millennials said they plan to ap ply for new credit or refinance ex isting credit within the next year, with 60 percent of Gen Z saying the same. Additionally, as Filipi nos cite stagnant income growth, more consumers said they used a payday loan in the past 12 months (18 percent in Q3 compared to 14 percent in Q2 2022).

More respondents (83 percent) believed that monitoring their credit is extremely or very impor tant, up from 80 percent in the previous quarter.

A significant percentage, par ticularly among Millennials (33 percent), said they conduct more than half of their transactions online.

Separately, a vast majority (89 percent) remained concerned about sharing their personal infor mation. This may be connected to more consumers saying they were targeted by digital fraud in the last three months but did not become a victim of it.

“As more Filipinos’ financial literacy improves, TransUnion is optimistic that more people will have the knowledge and tools they need to make responsible fi nancial decisions, particularly at a time when economic indicators reveal a stressed environment,” Transunion Information Solutions Inc. President and CEO Pia Arel lano was quoted in the statement as saying. “Filipinos are highly adaptable, but it takes a commu nity, including the corporate and banking sectors, to come together to achieve greater financial inclu sion and economic recovery and growth.”

THE world’s biggest banks have al ready had to use about $30 billion of their own cash this year to fund loans for acquisitions and buyouts that they weren’t able to offload to investors.

The lenders have been forced to fund at least 15 deals in the US and Europe as inflation and risk of a recession evaporates investor appetite for risky corporate debt.

The total tally, based on calculations using data sourced by Bloomberg, could nearly double over the coming months as more deals are scheduled to close.

While it’s not uncommon for banks to self-fund deals when market senti ment sours, the sheer amount of hung debt—including $3.9 billion for Apollo Global Management Inc.’s purchase of Brightspeed and more than $8 billion for a buyout of Nielsen Holdings Plc.—is de terring banks from making new financing commitments.

“Risk departments are going to be loathe to allow banks to make additional commitments and balance-sheet risks go ing forward,” said Steven Oh, global head of leveraged finance at Pinebridge Invest ments LLC. “There still are going to be some LBO transactions, but it’s going to be hard because it’s going to be more costly— and the banks themselves are less likely to provide guaranteed underwriting.”

That’s a problem as private-equity sponsors sit on a mountain of deployable

torship and coaching programs as an added value to their training and credentialing programs.

3. Focus Pivot. Instagram started as a “meet-up” service called Burbn, but it was too complicated. The founders stripped it down to its most popular feature: photo sharing. Often, associations are tempted to venture into products and services that are not really relevant to mem bers. But there are at least four focus areas that associations should con sider: learning, knowledge, commu nity and advocacy.

4. Digital Pivot. Air New Zea land posted the largest corporate loss in New Zealand’s history but turned

it around with a digital first focus. Associations which have embraced, embedded and employed digitaliza tion initiatives in their organizations are found to be more successful and sustainable.

A pivot, however, is not a magic formula that can solve all our prob lems and should only be considered when absolutely needed. It should be treated as a last resort when all other options have been thoroughly explored and exhausted.

So, when is it the right time to pivot? Vikas Agrawal, co-founder at Infobrandz, in his article published by Forbes, cites these “ifs”: (a) you can’t see much progress even after

capital and fear of a recession ripens pub lic markets for takeovers. Private-equity funds had about $1.2 trillion on hand as of mid-2022, according to data from Pitchbook.

Moreover, banks have about $43 bil lion of US high-yield bonds and leveraged loans in the pipeline, with about $30 bil lion expected to launch by the end of the year, according to an Oct. 17 report by Deutsche Bank AG.

That includes the $12.5 billion original financing package for Elon Musk’s buyout of Twitter Inc., which banks led by Morgan Stanley are on the hook to fund, as well as $5 billion of debt for Apollo’s buyout of Tenneco Inc.

In Europe, underwriters are sitting on €1.5 billion ($1.5 billion) of term loans to fund the buyout of Unilever’s tea business Ekaterra, which has yet to launch. Earlier this month, banks led by ING Bank NV pulled a €274.3 million loan supporting Dutch-based artificial grass maker Ten Cate Grass Holding BV’s takeover of Hel las Construction Inc.

Even as Asia’s fledgling leveraged loan business booms, a takeover of Toshiba Corp.—which could be the region’s biggest buyout this year—is at risk of slipping be hind schedule. Bidding groups are strug gling to secure financing commitments from banks, Bloomberg reported earlier this week. Bloomberg News

putting in a tremendous amount of money and resources; (b) there is just too much competition; (c) the com pany’s progress has plateaued; (d) only one of your company’s features or services gets traction; (e) custom ers aren’t responding to your prod ucts like you thought they would; and, (f) your perspective about the industry has changed.

Octavio B. Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The PCAAE is hold ing its Associations Summit 10 (AS10) on November 23 and 24, 2022. E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

Octavio Peralta

Association World

This september 1, 2020 photo shows a drone shot of the skyline of Frankfurt, Germany. The exodus of risk had led the world’s biggest lenders to be saddled with $30 billion in unwanted obligations. BloomBerg News

Relationships

Bringing the

to

MARGA NoGrAles is buzzing with excitement.

As the new Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) chief operating officer, she is currently preoccupied in putting the country’s best foot forward at the ongoing Philippine Travel exchange, and reintroducing the Philippines at the World Travel Market in london this November. she also wants to launch an updated Travel Philippines app, which will enable foreign tourists to book their travel and tours in the country, along with hotels and transports in any destination, with just a few clicks. Developed in october 2020, TPB’s app was meant to ensure a seamless, contactless and efficient end-to-end travel experience for tourists at the time Covid was raging.

The app, which she hopes they can launch by midNovember, “will show tourists where to stay, where to eat...all these most-loved experiences around the Philippines. so it will really guide you through how best to experience the country.” The app could be the answer to oC-travelers like Nograles who need to print out an itinerary after thoroughly researching the destination they are headed. The printout is her must-essential for every travel, she confesses.

“I need to see my plan, my itinerary,” explains Nograles. “I need to have a restaurant list. I look through different blogs...and then I have a list of where to go, where to eat, where to shop, what’s near the hotel. Naka Google Maps pa ’yan!” With the TPB app, she says, “it’s all you’ll need” when traveling to and through the Philippines.

The job at TPB, of course, is all about promoting the country, especially to international travelers. Prior to the pandemic, there were 8.26 million foreigners who visited the Philippines. Compared to our Asean neighbors, however, it’s a proverbial drop in the bucket. Consider that the island of Bali alone attracted 6.3 million foreign tourists, the city-state of singapore 19.1 million, and Vietnam 18 million, also in 2019.

Part of the job is battling common misconceptions about the Philippines, one of which is that “it’s not safe to travel to Mindanao,” says Nograles, who was born in Davao City to Binggoy and Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor, the latter a veteran of the local tourism industry. “You have to come and visit to see that it is safe, and there’s so much to experience in Mindanao now,” and proceeds to describe a trip last March from Davao to Bukidnon.

“There are now beautiful tourist destinations along the BuDa route. There’s one called Pilgrim Cafe, where the owners created a beautiful restaurant, and then from there we went strawberry picking in a strawberry farm [Taglucop strawberry Hills], where you can go glamping!”

TPB, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DoT), continues to run ads and media placements abroad convincing international travelers, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

Nograles assures the beloved slogan will not be changed, but only tweaked to showcase the Filipino brand.

“As a marketing practitioner, I believe everything

begins with a brand,” she underscores, having founded Kaayo Modern Mindanao, a clothing line using indigenous tribal weaves and fabrics. The D is currently studying how to create a new campaign to promote the Filipino brand abroad, without having to change the “fun” slogan. “They [D won’t create a brand from scratch... equity stories. We’ll just enhance it for us not to lose the past years,” she adds.

Filipino brand].... so we have to remind everyone... like when you travel, ‘What is uniquely Filipino?’ You know what is close to your heart in the Philippines. It’s bringing that, but it starts with loving local, then from there, it proceeds to other things,” she further explains.

loving local, and Kaayo’s mandate of creating livelihood opportunities for Mindanao’s indigenous peoples through clothes, is precisely why Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco thought Nograles was a great choice as TPB Coo. “secretary Christina has been one of Kaayo’s major supporters. she was such a fan of what I was doing. For our kindness campaign, she got her friends to support it and bought our T-shirts. so I’ve loved her ever since,” says Nograles.

“so my mandate at TPB is to bring more tourists into our country. And, really, for livelihood purposes again; it’s actually the same story [as Kaayo], just on a bigger platform,” she adds. “[Frasco] told me, ‘I want you to take that to another level,’ not just Mindanao, but bringing this Filipino brand to the world. ‘I want the Philippines to be everywhere. I want everyone to be talking about it everywhere.... And we have to start

I’m used to doing all these things [that we do] here [at TPB].”

Meanwhile, her advice to foreign travelers? “When you come to visit the Philippines, you get a little taste of Manila, but go explore our islands. We have so much to offer in luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.” she tells us about great destinations her family has visited, like laoag in Ilocos Norte, and Vigan in Ilocos sur. The latter is a Unesco World Heritage site, where its main attraction is Calle Crisologo, a cobble-stoned street with spanish-era structures that house hotels, restaurants and shops, among others.

Another memorable destination, she adds, is Carbin reef, a marine sanctuary about two to three hours away from Bacolod. “It was far—in the middleof-nowhere feels—but the snorkeling was beautiful. It was experiential for [the kids], it was such an adventure for them, and they loved it!”

Through the TPB’s strong promotions here and abroad, Nograles hopes Filipinos and foreigners alike will be convinced to have fun in the Philippines and, like her family, learn to love more of it. With 7,641 islands, there are a lot of exciting experiences they can choose from. n

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Blanca Suarez, 34; Glen Powell, 34; Matt Dallas, 40; Judge Judy Sheindlin, 80.

HAppY BIRTHDAY: Take responsibility for your life and happiness. Address issues that bother you, stop talking and start doing things that will put a smile on your face. Own your destiny by taking command and thinking while on the move; you’ll have no regrets. When in doubt, search for alternatives and be willing to compromise to avoid a stalemate. Your numbers are 8, 15, 22, 27, 33, 35, 49.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put some muscle behind the projects you want to complete. Hard work and dedication will pay off and give you a reason to celebrate your accomplishments. Discussions with someone you love will lead to plans that make your life less stressful. HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Tidy up unfinished business and arrange to do something with someone you love. Joining forces with someone who shares your likes and dislikes will help you summarize what you need to do to bring about positive change. HHHHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Bypass anyone standing in your way. Stay focused on what’s important to you and enjoy the moment. Leave nothing to chance regarding your reputation, success or responsibilities. HH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t share too much information, or someone will find a way to use it against you. Putting pressure on someone you love or work alongside will backfire. Kindness and consideration will get you further ahead. Don’t expect things to remain the same. HHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Turn around any situation you face with stamina, resourcefulness and a plan. Be open to new concepts and willing to learn something that encourages progress and the chance to do something that excites you. Speak up and follow through. HHH

fVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Be relentless in learning, preparing and making things happen the way you want. Consider how you earn your living and what type of growth you can experience heading down your chosen path. HHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a breather and relax. Once you distance yourself from situations, you will gain perspective and find solutions. Keep personal differences to yourself, and you’ll protect yourself against being left out of something you want to pursue. Make love, not war. HHH

h SCORpIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take part in whatever is happening around you. If you don’t speak up, you won’t have a say or make a difference. Handle people as individuals, and you will get help instead of interference. HHHH

iSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take control, finish what you start and reap the rewards. Outside interference will be your biggest obstacle, making it necessary to handle matters safely. Personal growth is apparent. HH

jCApRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Analyze how to make your money grow and stop others from taking advantage of you and what you have to offer. A positive change will take place at home if you invest in something that lowers your overhead and promotes a healthier environment. HHHHH

kAQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): An unexpected change will leave you wondering what to do next. Don’t labor over something you cannot change. Surround yourself with people who share your concerns. Self-improvement is favored. HHH

lpISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Rethink your strategy if you know it will upset someone you love. A compassionate approach to life, love and your intentions will help convince loved ones to honor the decisions you make and to help you reach your goal. HHH

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are enthusiastic, curious and innovative. You are systematic and persistent.

H: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. HH: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. HHH: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. HHHH: Aim high; start new projects. HHHHH: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

BY pAUL COULTER

Dateline Davao: Teaching film

RALph MACChIO wRITES OF EMBRACINg hIS ‘KARATE KID’ pERSONA

THERE was a time in Ralph Macchio’s life where he couldn’t imagine playing Karate Kid protagonist Daniel LaRusso ever again. After three films, Macchio didn’t think there was more to add to the story, and he wanted to flex his acting chops with other roles.

“People think I live in Newark, New Jersey, and my mom drives a green station wagon, and I have this Japanese American guy who fixes the faucet when I need him,” said the actor, who has a new book out, called Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me about his experience making Karate Kid and how time helped him embrace the character.

Macchio’s feelings were only reinforced in 2005 when Pat Morita, who played his mentor and father figure, Mr. Miyagi, passed away.

“It just seemed, why dance a solo without my partner? It’s like, you know, Abbott without Costello...He and I had something special from the moment he started reading Mr. Miyagi and I would answer back as Daniel. That chemistry was unique and effortless.”

Over time, it was William Zabka, who played Macchio’s Karate Kid nemesis Johnny Lawrence, who felt there was more story to tell. “He was always like, ‘I wonder if there’s a way to bring these two together,” said Macchio.

Macchio was surprisingly intrigued when Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg pitched the idea of Cobra Kai, a continuation series of these characters some 30 years later. After two seasons on YouTube, it was picked up by Netflix where it was nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding comedy series. Season five is now streaming.

“They just saw how you could open up this world and take the black and white of Karate Kid and add all these gray shades of these characters where not everyone is good or bad all the time, and your allegiance may change as you learn [character’s] back stories, and that’s really a lesson on how to do it and how to do it right. And then we have this great young cast as well. They’re just incredible. They’re becoming big stars.”

With his book, Macchio is forthcoming about some things he would go back and do differently if he could. When Elisabeth Shue was written out of the sequel after the first Karate Kid, he says he should’ve contacted her.

“I was doing a movie called Teachers at the time, and then I had Crossroads and Karate Kid II lined up, and I didn’t stop to think of what that might have felt like for her. So then years later, I look back and I think I would have probably picked up the phone at that point.” Macchio says he’s always had an appreciation for the impact of Karate Kid but writing Waxing On amplified that. “It was even deeper and more poignant as I was writing.” AP

GMA Entertainment Group’s newest prime-time masterpiece Maria Clara at Ibarra headlines since its world premiere on October 3.

The historical portal fantasy series not only has topped the rating charts but is also included in Twitter’s list of top trending topics in its first two weeks.

Based on Nielsen Philippines TAM ratings data from October 3 to 7, the show posted a combined average people rating of 15.1 percent on GMA and GTV.

The program maintained its strong TV ratings from October 10 to 14 with a combined (GMA and GTV) average people rating of 14.8 percent based on Nielsen’s TAM preliminary/overnight data.

Maria Clara at Ibarra defeated its rival show which only managed to get a combined average people rating of 7.2 percent from October 3 to 7 (TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Cinemo). Furthermore, Darna only posted a 6.9 percent combined average people rating from October 10 to 14.

In its first two weeks, the show has received thousands of tweets with multiple trending hashtags. Netizens could not help but admire the educational yet entertaining story of Maria Clara at Ibarra is bannered by 2016 Fantasporto International Best Actress Barbie Forteza as Klay, Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, and the multi-awarded Dennis Trillo as Ibarra. It tackles not only the rich history of the Philippines, but also some of the most crucial issues in the society.

“They discussed education, labor, misogyny and ethnocentrism in a span of three episodes. GMA is

AS I write this, I am in Tagum, Davao del Norte. On October 17, I, with three other mentors, began a weeklong film literacy workshop. Bryan Jimenez of the Arts and Cinema Section of Tagum City, is responsible for gathering us—two directors, Arbi Barbarona and Bagane Fiola, and Buggy Ampalayo for production design.

“I want them, sir, to know how to tell a story,” Bryan was telling me. The program, called Altercine Filmmaking Workshop, aims to focus on story development even as it also aims to tackle the more regular elements in any film workshop—directing, production design and cinematography.

Tagum is some two kilometers from Davao; it boasts of what it calls the Historical and Cultural Center, a massive structure for us in the workshop business. It is also a sign of a burgeoning art scene.

Last month, I was also in the area, in Nabunturan, noted for their film festivals that draw in participants from all over the country, with foreigners serving in the board of jurors. Nabunturan is a municipality, first class, landlocked only in geography but with communities open to creative endeavors. For all its relative isolation and being non-urban, Nabunturan has developed quite a grand reputation, having sponsored a national event, the Cinema Rehiyon. This festival gathers all winning short films and documentaries from all the places in the country.

Karen Malaki, a lawyer and film enthusiast, is one of the original moving forces behind the Nabunturan film festival. She works directly with Leah Calamba of the town’s tourism bureau. Part of the success of Nabunturan is the persisting support from previous local government administrations to the present.

When all that is said and done, how do you teach students how to “appreciate” films when it is assumed they always appreciate them? How do you communicate to them about film education when, basically, they think of films as entertainment, and to take these forms seriously could threaten their having fun with the medium.

In my sessions, which are structured to be between the modules on story development, film directing and production design, I begin the engagement by introducing (for these young students) the concept and act of reading a film, not viewing them.

Like all instructions, knowing the recipients of the lessons means very much to the teachers. In the case of Tagum, the presence of junior high school students meant overhauling the materials prepared way ahead. This means that Alan Resnais’s Hiroshima mon amour, which was quite a hit, to my surprise, among the participants of a film criticism workshop I did with the Negros Museum, could not be used this time. Considered a historical marker for the birth of the New Wave, Hiroshima mon amour could have been a nice exercise on art films using a violent aspect of

war history to detail out the contradictions of love and guilt. The singular Pauline Kael has this to say of the film: “However, the setting itself explains another aspect of the film’s strong appeal, particularly to liberal intellectuals. There is a crucial bit of dialogue: ‘They make movies to sell soap; why not make a movie to sell peace?’ I don’t know how many movies you have gone to lately that were made to sell soap, but American movies are like advertisements, and we can certainly assume that indirectly they sell a way of life that includes soap as well as an infinity of other products. But what makes the dialogue crucial is that the audience for Hiroshima mon amour feels virtuous because they want to buy peace. And the question I want to ask is: who’s selling it?”

Well, enough of Pauline Kael. I cannot anyway use her contrapuntal remarks against popular taste. What I do for my session is to give as many visual examples, and these I derive from my arsenal of compellingly singular short films.

Sensing that the generally young audience are into anime, I opted then to open my session, after just a brief remark from me, with an episode from Kurosawa Akira’s Dreams, certainly not an anime but imbued with a similar celebration of the ephemeral. If you remember, the film is a series of dreams that Kurosawa in his waking hours as an artist brought onto the screen. The “dream” we chose was the “Wedding of the Foxes.”

“The story begins on a most unusual day—the sun is out but it is raining. The boy’s mother warns the little one not to venture into the woods because it is during these days that foxes get married. And they do not want any mortals to see their ritual. The boy of course becomes curious and goes into the forest, and he does catch a sight of the enchanting wedding, the kitsune, dressed by the legendary Emi Wada, through the mist. The next scene shows the boy at the gate of their home, his mother telling him the foxes have come, very angry. They have left a tantō, the short knife for seppuku, for the boy so that he could kill himself to atone for his sins. The mother tells the boy he cannot go back home until he is forgiven by the foxes, with the mother warning that the foxes rarely forgive. We last see the boy at the foot of the rainbow, for that was where the foxes live.”

Would the foxes forgive the boy? If you were the mother, what would you have done?

There is no formula to effectively teach young individuals about cinema and the power to tell the story. If it is any consolation, some say they dread cliches.

There will be more videos to watch. They need to watch all kinds of films.

If Kurosawa got his stories from the kind of dreams he dreamt, where do these young people get their stories? Whose stories will they tell? And of what? n

“This is the series that I’ve been waiting for. It talks about real human struggles. Barbie’s story is very realistic and her lines were so on point. Grabe ’yung batuhan nila ng lines ng prof niya and ’yung between sa kanila ng nanay niya. She deserves an award for this,” another netizen remarked.

Fans and netizens also stay tuned on social media for snippets and replays of the series. In fact, it has already accumulated 130 million views and counting on TikTok, while thousands of people watch its livestream on GMA Network’s YouTube page every night. The first six episodes of Maria Clara at Ibarra also received over 1 million views each on GMA’s Facebook page, another milestone for the prime-time series.

One netizen also praised how the production team paid attention to the smallest details of Dr. Jose Rizal’s novels: “Fonda Francesca de Lala Ary is a famous hotel during the Spanish period in the Philippines. Dr. Jose Rizal may have stayed in this hotel during his stay in Manila as a student and he mentioned this place

Noli Me Tangere.” The hotel can be seen in the show where Ibarra stayed after his sojourn in Europe.

Playing equally important roles in the series are Tirso Cruz III as Padre Damaso, David Licauco as Fidel, Manilyn Reynes as Narsing, Rocco Nacino as Elias, Juan Rodrigo as Kapitan Tiago, Ces Quesada as Tiya Isabel, Dennis Padilla as Mang Adong, Lou Veloso as Jose Torres, Gilleth Sandico as Donya Victorina, and Karenina Haniel as Victoria. Completing the powerhouse cast is the special participation of Andrea Torres as Sisa.

Maria Clara at Ibarra airs weeknights at 8 pm on GMA, and at 9:40 pm, Mondays to Fridays, on GTV.

as seen in the character of Klay, who came from a broken family and had to grow up with an abusive stepfather. Barbie is undeniably earning rave reviews for her outstanding portrayal as the Gen Z Maria

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ marks milestone achievements in first two weeks

DENNIS TRILLO as Crisostomo Ibarra

BARBIE FORTEZA as Klay

Asia Brewery awards solar rooftop project to TotalEnergies ENEOS

ASIA Brewery Inc. (ABI), a leading beverage and industrial packaging company has awarded TotalEnergies ENEOS a 13.8 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system on one of its manufacturing facilities in the Philippines.

This system will power about 24 percent of the facility with renewable energy. It is one of the largest single site rooftop solar projects in the Philippines built under the no-capex business model.

With over 24,000 of solar panels installed, the PV system will generate approximately 20,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually, realizing significant cost savings for ABI and reducing the company’s carbon footprint by about 9,600 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to planting more than 129,000 trees over the contract period.

Under the project, TotalEnergies ENEOS will install and operate the PV solar system while ABI will pay for the electricity generated for nine years, without taking any upfront investments.

Michael G. Tan, President and COO of Asia Brewery said “We are pleased to have partnered with TotalEnergies ENEOS for this milestone project. Aside

from translating to cost savings and energy efficiency for us, this is one of our contributions in the fight against global warming.”

Gavin Adda, Director of TotalEnergies

ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia said, “As the leading solar power provider in the region, we are honoured to offer solar solutions that minimise

costs and lower the carbon footprint of Asia Brewery. TotalEnergies ENEOS provides its customers peace of mind from a technical, financial and commercial perspective. We are dedicated to being a long-term energy partner for Asia Brewery and welcome the opportunity to collaborate further in the future.”

La Salle‘s ANIMO Labs website project highlights need to improve Philippines‘ ESG reporting

Twin Lakes Hotel’s First-Ever Halloween is a 3-Day Getaway for kids, adults, pets

STEP into the magical and vibrant realm of Twin Lakes Hotel Tagaytay as it launches its first-ever Halloween event, “Whimsical Tales,” a three-day Halloween getaway for all—kids, grownups and pets!

Marking a milestone, the hotel is ready to celebrate this year’s Halloween with an eventful long weekend starting October 29 to 31.

October 29, Day 1 – It's Kids’ Day Out!

GEAR up the kids in their Halloween best or dress up in their favorite Madrigalinspired outfits and win an overnight stay in Twin Lakes Hotel with la familia!

The Halloween Party on October 29 is a fun-filled afternoon with games, heavy snack buffet, kiddie booths, entertainment, loot bags, raffle, and access to the Netflix Party.

The Kids Day Pass is priced at P1,100nett per pass for one kid or one adult. Whimsical Getaway Room Packages are also available for a complete weekend staycation. It comes with event passes, accommodations, and buffet breakfast with rates starting at P8,999 for an overnight stay, and P14,999 for a two-night stay.

October 30, Day 2 - Halloween Paw-iesta

IT’S Paw-iesta on October 30! Pets* are in for a Halloween celebration, too, with a talk and prizes from Petdentity, Basic Obedience Training session with dog trainer Coach Billy Espiritu, pet blessing, loot bags, and raffle.

Dress up your furbabies in their cutest costumes and get a chance to win an overnight Fur-cation in Twin Lakes Hotel.

The Pets Day Pass for October 30 is available at P1,550nett per pass for one guest, and one pet. Planning to stay the night? Book the pet-friendly Premier Room for either an overnight or two-night stay, with buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids or for three adults, waived pet fee, and two tickets to one Halloween event.

October 31, Day 3 – The Halloween Day Getaway

CURATED for the grown-ups, October 31, is a Latin-themed celebration filled with music, art, and cocktails.

A “Sip, Paint & Salsa Halloween Soiree” is happening from 3 – 6pm. Sway to salsa

music while having a sip and paint session with watercolor artist Yen Victore over Twin Lakes Café’s signature cocktails and snacks. Soiree guests also get access to A Studios’ Self Shoot Pop-Up Booth, and to The After Party with DJ Jade Dee at 6 – 11 pm.

Save yourself from the long weekend rush now that October 31 is officially a non-working holiday! The Halloween Soiree, and The After Party are packaged with accommodations available at P18,999nett for a two-night stay in a Premier Room with buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids or three adults, two tickets to Halloween event on October 31, and with waived pet fee.

Twin Lakes Hotel is looking forward to holding more of these bespoke events. “It’s a much-awaited celebration of a milestone. We are glad to be able to finally welcome guests for a fun Halloween. It’s always a delight whenever families, couples, with their pets get together at Twin Lakes Hotel. We hope this three-day event we prepared is the start of a new tradition among guests, and the team,” Twin Lakes Hotel’s General Manager Oliver Esguerra said.

Create magical moments with the whole family at Twin Lakes Hotel Tagaytay this Halloween. Score the limited Whimsical Getaway Room Packages, and event passes.

Book your stay: https://www. twinlakeshotel.com.ph/. Shop for event passes: https:// onlineshopping.twinlakeshotel.com.ph/

For inquiries and other concerns, you may call Twin Lakes Hotel’s Reservations Team thru +63 917 853 7468, +63 917 846 1389 or email reservations@twinlakeshotel. com.ph.

AltoSuite fastracks market domination with logistics solutions growing businesses

THE Animo Business Technology Business Incubation (TBI) launched the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Ascent Website and held roundtable discussions on the theme “Greening our future: Measuring and reporting ESG for development” last September 28.

The event was held in partnership with the ASEAN Corporate Reporting Research Network (ACoRRN) of the De La Salle

University Center for Business Research and Development (DLSU-CBRD) and the Department of Accountancy.

ESG Ascent Website Depository, a key component of the ESG Ascent Project, is funded by an Accenture grant. The ESG Ascent Project initiatives collectively aim to promote sustainability policies and improve ESG reporting in the Philippines. It intends to determine the extent of sustainability reporting in the

country as well as to provide inputs on how regulatory policies and reporting guidelines could be modified to encourage more reporting and submission.

More than 26k hurdle August 7 civil service exams

ATOTAL of 26,307 examinees passed the Career Service ExaminationPen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) held nationwide last August 7, 2022, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

The number represents 18.97% of the 138,703 actual number of examinees who took the test on that day. The Professional Level logged 22,241 passers out of 117,938 examinees or a passing rate of 18.86%. Meanwhile, 4,066 out of 20,765 examinees or 19.58% passed the Subprofessional Level.

The Professional Level passers shall be conferred the Career Service Professional Eligibility, which is appropriate for appointment to first and second level positions in the government service. On the other hand, Subprofessional Level passers shall obtain the Career Service Subprofessional Eligibility, appropriate for appointment to first level positions only. These do not include positions that require passing professional licensure

exams (bar/board) or those requiring eligibilities covered by special laws and issuances.

The first level includes clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial service positions requiring less than four years of college studies; while the second level covers professional, technical, scientific, and managerial positions requiring at least four years of college studies.

The CSC, however, reminds the latest CSE passers that eligibility is not the sole requirement for entering government service. Applicants to vacant positions must meet the Qualification Standards of the position—consisting of education, training, experience, and eligibility—in order to qualify.

The list of passers can be viewed from the CSC website at www.csc.gov.ph. Click on the “Examination Results” button on the right hand side of the page, or go directly to the CSC Examination Portal at www.csc.gov.ph/exam-portal.

Examinees, both passed and failed, can generate their individual test results using the Online Civil Service Examination Results Generation System or OCSERGS by 21 October 2022.

Meanwhile, the Certification of Eligibility for passers shall be issued through the CSC Regional/Field Offices (CSC RO/FO) starting 9 November 2022. Claimants are advised to verify or check first the availability of the certification before going to the CSC RO/FO. In claiming the document, passers must present any government ID.

Passers may also request for a regular Certification of Eligibility (printed on special paper, with fee) from the concerned CSC Regional Office, or the CSC Central Office-Integrated Records Management Office, starting 9 November 2022. They are advised to check the exact procedure, including securing a schedule/ appointment if necessary, before going to any CSC office.

AT the recently held CMAP (Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines) Conference 2022, AltoSuite held a press briefing to formally announce its strong presence in the Philippines, as the first solution provider to deliver an intelligent, flexible and user-friendly application for growing businesses working in the New Normal.

“The past two years have changed our lives and we observed a massive growth in e-commerce especially in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines,” said CEO and Founder Vince Poon. “Working with one of the largest e-commerce platforms, Lazada, made us see the hunger of new entrepreneurs and traditional Philippine businesses in digitizing their transactions to grow, upgrade and expand rapidly and quickly.”

AltoSuite caters to supply chains (transportation companies, warehouses, and distribution of physical goods) and E-Commerce platforms such as Lazada and Shopee. It offers two products: order inventory system and warehouse management system, for a more efficient and effective e-Commerce implementation for online selling and warehouse management.

“This app offers a solution, help for good

customer experience, from status updating, tracking information, shipment status, and even in generating invoice. Thus, AltoSuite gives a lean and effective way of helping the customer in managing better his business operations,” said solutions consultant Ailene Lopez.

AltoSuite is gearing up to be the number one software solutions provider in the Philippines. Customization sets it apart from others, with a limitless software, and a very affordable price estimated at P539 per month per customer.

“Our system thrives because we are highly focused on operational levels for our customers, and we want to emphasize that customers and businesses in the Philippines are very important to us,” reiterates Vince Poon.

He shared his excitement as he talks to business owners every day. And how his team drove for three hours from the office to the site to observe “how the company we visited and each stakeholder uses the different layers of our system, and how we can make their business run efficiently and effectively, and to further expand domestically and globally. “

Director of Operations Thomas Choy understands that “in our daily operations, not all are good in IT, so we take that into consideration, and we have a simple interface, very easy.”

Leading the event were Animo Labs Executive Director Frederico Gonzalez, ACoRRN head Dr. Arnel Onesimo Uy, and ESG Ascent Website Depository Editor-InChief Dr. Alma Maria Jennifer Gutierrez, with editorial board members Real So, Jerwin Tubay, and Ian Benedict Mia.

THE signing ceremony between Asia Brewery and TotalEnergies ENEOS

VELEZ-GABUAT SHOWDOWN IN BAYBAY

JOHNDAVID VELEZ  and Thomas Gabuat gear up for a fierce showdown in the boys’ centerpiece division even as Kimi Brodeth seeks to extend her romp in girls’ play of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Baybay City National Juniors Tennis Championships which got underway Thursday at Baybay courts in Leyte.

Velez has dominated the 18-under side in the Puerto Princesa and Ormoc legs of the Group 2 tournament but the Ormoc City find braces for a tough outing this week, given a crack roster of rivals out to halt his romp in the country’s longest talent-search, led by Zambo Sibugay’s Gabuat, Gerald Gemida and Randy Pausanos.

The eight age-group category event drew six 32-player draws, underscoring the continuing solid support from both the players and the various local government units that has kept the Palawan Pawnshop tennis program buzzing and the youngsters busy in pursuit of honors and ranking points year-round.

Gabuat and Gemida, meanwhile, are tipped to dispute the 16-under trophy in the event sponsored by Baybay Mayor Jose Carlos Cari but a slew of others are out to spoil their projected clash, including Pausanos, Kenzo Brodeth, Ariel Semblantes, Christian Laguna, Jay Laguna and Ruzzel Manlimos.

David Sepulveda top-bills the 14-under cast that also incudes Kenzo Brodeth, Urcisino Villa, Claudwin Tonacao, Edrielle dela Cruz, Michael Cari and the Laguna siblings.

Sepulveda and Villa also banners the big 12-under roster along with Cari and Prinz Canezo.

Kimi Brodeth, on the other hand, looks all set for another twin kill after sweeping the 16- and 18-under diadems at home in Ormoc last week.

But the likes of Kate Imalay and Sanschena Francisco are both raring to stop her run in the circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro.

Imalay also leads the girls’ 14-under category that also drew Samantha Ortega, Ma. Caroliean Fiel, Molly Tan, Chrystell Laguna, Dorothy Araneta, Julienne Celeste and Maria Ataiza, while Fiel, Celeste, Tan and Laguna head the 12-under roster of the event aimed at discovering talents in the countryside and developing them into becoming future members of the national pool or team.

Action shifts to San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, with a bigger, stronger field is expected to vie for top honors in various categories. Registration is ongoing. For details, contact Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

IRANIAN CLIMBER STARING AT FLUTE

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates— Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi returned to Tehran early Wednesday after competing in South Korea without wearing a headscarf, an act widely seen as support for antigovernment demonstrators amid weeks of protests over the Islamic Republic’s mandatory hijab.

After landing, Rekabi gave a careful, emotionless interview to Iran’s hard-line state television, saying that going without a hijab had been an “unintentional” act on her part. However, hundreds gathered outside Imam Khomeini International Airport—including women not wearing the hijab—and cheered for “Elnaz the Champion,” casting Rekabi as an inspiration for their continued protests.

The future Rekabi faces after returning home remains unclear. Supporters and Farsi-language media outside of Iran have worried about Rekabi’s safety after her return, especially as activists say the demonstrations have seen security forces arrest thousands so far.

The differing reception for Rekabi shows the growing fissures in Iranian

society as nationwide protests sparked by the September 16 death of a 22-year-old woman are in their fifth week. Mahsa Amini was detained by the country’s morality police over her clothing—and her death has prompted women to remove their hijabs in public.

The demonstrations, drawing school-age children, oil workers and others to the streets in over 100 cities, represent the most-serious challenge to Iran’s theocracy since the mass protests surrounding its disputed 2009 presidential election.

That Rekabi, 33, competed without her hijab in Seoul during the finals of the International Federation of Sport Climbing’s (IFSC) Asia Championship prompted her immediate embrace by those supporting the demonstrations that increasingly include calls for the overthrow of the country’s theocracy.

But sports in Iran, from soccer leagues to Rekabi’s competitive climbing, broadly operate under a series of semi-governmental organizations. Women athletes competing at home or abroad, whether playing volleyball or running track, are expected to keep their hair covered as a sign of piety. Iran, as well as Taliban-controlled

Afghanistan, make such head coverings mandatory for women. That made Rekabi’s public appearance on Sunday without one a lightning-rod moment. On landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport early Wednesday, she wore a black baseball cap and a black hoodie covering her hair. A man handed her flowers.

At first, Rekabi repeated an explanation posted earlier to an Instagram account in her name, saying her not wearing the hijab was “unintentional.”

The Iranian government routinely pressures activists at home and abroad, often airing what rights group describe as coerced confessions on state television—the same cameras she addressed on her arrival back home.

Rekabi said she was in a womenonly waiting area prior to her climb.

“Because I was busy putting on my shoes and my gear, it caused me to forget to put on my hijab and then I went to compete,” she said. She added: “I came back to Iran with peace of mind although I had a lot of tension and stress. But so far, thank God, nothing has happened.”

The somber scene then gave way to one of a jubilant crowd outside the terminal. Videos online, corresponding to known features of the airport, show those gathered chanting Rekabi’s name and calling her a hero.

Footage showed her waving from inside a van. The semiofficial ISNA news agency later reported that she met with Sports Minister Hamid Sajjadi, saying he encouraged her to continue competing. AP

Fil-Am men’s golf up in Baguio City

and Camp John Hay Golf Club (CJHGC) courses with eased protocols, organizers said Wednesday.

The seniors’ competition is set from November 26 to December 1 while the regular event is from

Fil-Am co-chairman Anthony de Leon said that unlike last year, participants will no longer have to go through antigen tests except when they exhibit symptoms of Covid-19.

“Players who will experience symptoms will have to be tested and the results must be disclosed,” said de Leon, general manager of BCC.

“It they fail to declare those truthfully, it would mean automatic disqualification from the competition.”

“Furthermore, we will only accept those fully vaccinated with booster shots,” added de Leon, noting that last year’s quarantined tournament

“Our health and safety committee is instrumental in crafting a system that we will be following for the three-week event,” CJHGC general manager and Fil-Am co-chairman Jude Eustaquio said.

A total of 240 teams—1,200 players—have registered for the event. The figures are close to the pre-pandemic attendance of 256 teams played— with 107 teams on the wait list.

“We didn’t expect the number on the wait list to swell that much,” Eustaquio said. “It seems they’re just excited and happy to have the Fil-Am back to normal order.”

Ironman hopefuls using Alveo 5150 as warmup event

ASLEW of campaigners in the Alveo 5150 Subic Bay which gets going Sunday are using the upcoming endurance race held under the Olympic-style setup as part of their buildup for the tougher Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa next month.

Bea Quiambao, a top bet both in the overall individual championship and in the 20-24 age category, is one of the bidders priming up for the premier triathlon race, set over a punishing 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21.1km run, on Nov. 13 which will feature a number of foreign and local aces.

Quiambao is actually seeking a second victory in the 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run event after topping the 5150 Bohol last July but while the Next Step Tri stalwart is upbeat, she remains wary of her chances with a host of talented triathletes also coming into the

event brimming with confidence and in top form.

They include Jacquelyn Cruz of Chery Auto PH and Charlotte Jackson of Fit PH, who are also both vying in the 25-29 division, Trifam’s Ma. Klarissa Daly, who is also competing in the 30-34 class with Kath Lagunsad of Sante Barley Tri Team and 45-49 age group campaigner Annalie Marfil of Jumpstart Tri Club, headed by coach Patrick Joson.

Meanwhile, the 5150 Subic serves not only as a venue for athletes wanting to do short-distance but challenging races in a world-class set-up but it also highlights Alveo Land’s continuing effort to help promote a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos. “Alveo is truly proud to continue being part of these Ironman events. For over 20 years, we continuously strive to build a strong sense of community in our multiple developments all over the country. It has

been our main thrust to create spaces and communities that build multiple opportunities for a better lifestyle and promote overall health and well-being,” said Alveo Land president Meann Dy.

“It is an honor to share our vision with this community of athletes. Each and every one has been able to successfully go beyond their limits of strength through determination, passion and dedication to the sport,” she added. Other titles to be disputed in the event—sponsored by Alveo, SBMA, Finis, Rudy Project, Sante Barley, Lalamove and Active—are the relay all-male and all-female, the relay mixed and the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint.

Deadline for registration is Saturday. For details, log on to www.ironman.com. For the Sunrise Sprint, log on to www.goforgold.sunrisesprint.com

Filbasket to stage pocket tournament on Malaysia court

THE Filipino basketball league Filbasket will go international with the Filbasket International Championship-Malaysia 2022 presented by Sportsclick set from October 23 to October 30.  Filbasket founder and CEO Jai Reyes said Malaysian clubs KL Aseel, Harimau Malaysia and MBC Basketball Club will host the event at the Stadium Bola Keranjang—also known as the MABA stadium—in Kuala Lumpur.

Filipino teams BGC Builders, Pilipinas Aguilas and Makabayan Warriors are vying in the competition, along with Singapore’s Adroit Sports Association, Indonesia’s Bumi Borneo and Elang Pacific Caesar and Brunei’s Pegasus Brunei.

The tournament starts with a group stage where the teams will play round-robin in two randomlyassigned groups of five.

There will be four games a day from October 23 to 27 to determine two semifinalists from each group. One-game semifinals will be played October 29 followed by a third place game and championship game on October 30.

Teams which will miss the semifinals will play friendlies from October 28 to 30.

The league will allow each team to field one naturalized Asean player, as many Asean imports as they like and one import from anywhere in the world on their 15-man rosters.

Robles hopes to keep streak in PHL Archery Cup

BY JOSEF RAMOS

“We want Filbasket to have a truly international flavor,” said Reyes, who played professionally in Thailand and Vietnam. “Over the summer we saw how KL Aseel really made a great impact on our league. Now with the addition of the other countries we expect a really fun and competitive week for basketball fans from all over Southeast Asia.”

This is Filbasket’s third competition after the bubble tournament in Subic won by AICC Manila in 2021 and the Summer Championship topped by the Nueva Ecija Capitals last summer.

NATIONAL

athlete Andrea Robles tries to sustain her winning streak in the fourth and final leg of the Philippine Archery Cup from October 27 to 30 at the STI Archery Center in Marikina City.

The 24-year-old Southeast Asian Games veteran is hoping to top the fourth leg after bagging two gold medals for the ranking No. 1 in the round and Olympic rounds of Leg 3 in Mandaue City last July.

“I have been working to improve my mental and physical sides. I want to be in the best of shape as possible,” Robles told BUSINESSMIRROR Thursday.

Robles, of Cubao in Quezon City, is targeting another shot at the Cambodia 32nd  Southeast Asian Games in May and possibly the Hangzhou 19th Games in September She’ll also go for the qualifiers to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

But the Management graduate at Ateneo who now works as employee engagement at Globe’s Human Resource department, shared her only focus for now is the final leg in Marikina. “I have to focus only in this tournament and try to get the gold medals again,” she said.

The games will all be streamed live on Filbasket’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Game Tickets are available online on TNTCO’s web site https://tntco.co/products/filbasket. Tickets can also be purchased at the MABA Stadium during Game Days.

Malaysian sports gear retailer Sportsclick is the title sponsor of the pocket tournament, while other sponsors are Li-Ning, Lavana Hotel, TNTCO, Hoopstervibe, SaltCola by KroBe, COOLY, Happilee and Yes, Coffee.

who Robles is the first Filipino to win a women’s Archery World Series in Macau, China, in

Some 300 archers—including Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Jennifer Chan, Rachelle Anne dela Cruz and Joann Tabanag—are vying in the event.

Robles is the first Filipino to win a women’s compound individual gold medal in the Indoor Archery World Series in Macau, China, in 2019. She also bagged two bronzes at the Singapore Archery Open last month.

Crossovers rally past Chargers, wrest Reinforced tilt solo lead

CHERY TIGGO bucked the absence of Dindin Manabat and a couple of set deficits as it subdued Akari, 23-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 15-6, Thursday to regain the solo lead in the Premier Volleyball Reinforced Conference eliminations at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Crossovers relied on their chemistry and bench depth to rally from 1-2 set down then parlayed the Chargers’ wobbly stints in the last two frames into a resounding triumph, their third straight as they broke off a tie with the idle Creamline Cool Smashers to wrest solo control in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

The inaugural pro league champions last year took all but one of the first six points in the decider and never looked back, scoring heavily on drop balls and blocking as the Chargers struggled on their floor defense and coverage while getting foiled on their attacks a number of times.

Chery Tiggo also drew some luck in the fifth, scoring two aces on serves

that both seemed flawed but hit the net, the ball dropping on unguarded spots which the Chargers had failed to keep in play.

“We really had a slow start, so we had to boost their morale by telling them to stay positive and do what they are supposed to do,” Chery Tiggo coach Clarence Esteban said.

Import Jelena Cvijovic was far from being impressive in the first four sets but scored four of Chery Tiggo’s first six points in the fifth before the locals, led by skipper Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, EJ Laure, Alina Bicar and Shay Adorador took over and finished off the Chargers in two hours and 11 minutes.

“She [Cvijovic] really exerted a lot of effort, she wanted

CHERY TIGGO import Jelena Cvijovic delivers in the crucial sets.

ELNAZ REKABI competes during the women’s Boulder & Lead final in the IFSC Climbing Asian Championships in Seoul, Sunday. AP

to bounce back,” added Esteban of his reinforcement, who struggled with six points against F2 Logistics before doubling her output against Cignal.

ANDREA ROBLES wants to stay on target.

didn’t yield a single infection.

19th Asian

Motoring

NissaNbriNgsiNtheall-NewliviNa

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

NISSAN

Philippines is back in the MPV segment with the recent launch of the All-New Livina.

The second generation of the MPV name plate is a byproduct of the Renault–Nis san–Mitsubishi strategic alliance. Hence, it is heavily based on the Mitsubishi Xpander platform. Nissan claims that with a modern design equipped with safety features, the All-New Livina is the newest reliable ve hicle for starting families and first-time car buyers looking for everyday excitement and convenience.

“The All-New Livina is a modern and prac tical MPV that first-time families and firsttime car buyers will appreciate and trust. As part of Nissan’s transformation plan, we hope to reach more customers through this exciting offering to this competitive and fast-growing segment,” said Nissan Philippines president Juan Manuel Hoyos.

xpander-ish yet with strong Nissan branding

W HILE the Xpander’s design elements are

evident inside and out, the All-New Livina still exudes several of Nissan’s prominent design cues. Of course, the pronounced VMotion grille is upfront with restyled front under spoiler, along with the brand’s signa ture LED tail lamps, daytime running lights, and redesigned tailgate. The top-of-the-line VL AT comes with tasteful silver accents, while the other variants come with black.

Interior-wise, it has a well-crafted dash board layout, panels, and versatile seat con figuration. The VL and VE variants come with six-way manually adjustable driver seats. Moreover, a voluminous cargo bay for gears is available by collapsing the second and third rows. Impressively, leg room in the first and second rows is also generous enough for tall passengers. The third row also offers enough space for adults, thanks to the adjustable second-row benches.

The Keyless Entry System, push-button engine start/stop system, and dial-type air

conditioning system are exclusive to the top-of-the-line VL variant. Further, there is a seven-inch touchscreen display with audio and hands-free phone control and multiple charging and connectivity ports at the cen ter console. It also has black leather material seats, a detailed leather steering wheel with a tilt and telescopic feature, 12 cup holders, and multiple storage compartments across the interior.

MiveC-powered with Nissan intelligent Mobility MOTIVATION comes from a 1.5-liter pet rol engine with a MIVEC system generating 105 hp and 141 N-m of maximum torque in four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission options. Regarding safety, the All-New Livina is equipped with Nissan Intel ligent Mobility and various safety features.

The Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Con trol, Traction Control System, and parking sensors exist. Other features are a reverse camera, airbags, and an anti-lock braking system.

pricing and colors

T HE All-New Nissan Livina is available in Royal Ruby Red, Moonstone Grey, Diamond Pearl White, Onyx Black, and Platinum Sil ver body colors. The top-spec VL (A/T) re

tails at P1.209 million, while the VE (A/T) variant is at P1.149 million. Meanwhile, the EL (A/T) variant retails at P1.109 mil lion, while the base variant E (M/T) is at P1.029 million.

In terms of vehicle warranty, Nissan offers five years or 150,000 km (whichever comes first) for the top-of-the-line variant. Accord ing to Nissan, this vehicle warranty is the first in its segment, providing customers with a

New Hilux variaNts out; MG super deals

MY son-in-law drove a Conquest re cently from Manila to Lucena and back on a full tank.

“The needle was way too far from the mid dle,” he said, attesting he had hardly consumed a fourth of his gas upon arrival in Manila.

Fuel efficiency has always been a Toyota trademark.

Last week, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has introduced its latest product im provements to the Conquest and other vari ants of the Hilux, admittedly the country’s best-selling pickup.

Here’s TMP’s Sunshine Cabrera, Sherwin ChuaLim’s mainstay on product dissemina tion, on the three new Hilux variants: “With its added exterior, safety, and con venience features, the new Hilux is not only here to conquer tougher roads but to be the efficient livelihood partner for business own ers.

“The 2022 Hilux G now comes with Tail gate Assist and Bedliner that are previously available only to the GR Sport (GR-S) and Conquest variants.

“Both Hilux GR-S and Conquest are now also equipped with Cruise Control Steering Switch and Lane Departure Alert Steering Switch to help you take on tougher roads with much ease. Additionally, the GR-S has a Rear A/C Vent to make your drive more comfort able than ever.

“Tougher roads require more safety fea tures. The Conquest and GR-S now come with Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert to give you more ease and peace of mind as you take on demanding routes. All these plus the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are there to temper your everyday hustle.

“This year alone, the Hilux leads the market anew with a 43-percent share. Price starts at P1,285,000 for the 2022 Hilux G, P1,468,000 for the 2022 Conquest and P2,039,000 for the 2022 GR-S.

“Visit toyota.com.ph and follow TMP on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter and ToyotaPH on Viber. Download the myTOYOTA app for Android and iOS for your everyday Toyota needs.”

worry-free ownership experience. Moreover, Nissan claims that the All-New Livina is also very economical as it costs 30 percent less to maintain compared with other MPVs avail able in the market.

Customers may check with their nearest Nissan dealerships or download the Nissan Assist App to book a test drive. For more information, visit https://www.nissan.ph/ vehicles/new/livina.html.

MG super deals

THE October super deals are on for two MG models. The MG HS 1.5L Alpha/SUV comes at a P45-k down payment. It can now be pur chased at P1,178,888 from its original price of P1,258,888. The MG 5 1.5L CVT/Sedan is pegged at a P48-k down payment. It comes at a giveaway price of P778,888 from P848,888. What a steal!

PEE STOP A 2,000-sq. m resort with two villas, a mini mansion, and a swimming pool, was where IT savvy Ricky Sadiwa celebrated his birthday bash last weekend. The Casa Alpedro in Pulilan, Bulacan, is only a 40-minute drive on the NLEX from the Mindanao Avenue QC toll booth. With Malaya, Ricky’s love of his life, orchestrat ing the hugely successful two-day esca pade in cahoots with MayaSoh & Ikap, the guests arrived in Aldo San Pedro’s hidden paradise on board two Innovas, one Previa, one Avanza, one Civic and one Montero. They included Dante & Ching; Itan, Weng, Tanya & Joshua; Yugen, Donna, Pio & Paco; Lian & Bing; Dayong, Shang, Mayo, Dada, Migel & Niko; balikbayan Udong from LA, Hanna & Timmy; and, writer Sol & her beloved. Because the place, as spacious as a football field, is pet-friendly, seven dogs also had the time of their lives. As food was aplenty, so was “crazy” water that included Macallan, Pepe Cuervo and the ever-present San Miguel Beer. Cheers to Ricky—and the good life!

ThE All-New Nissan Livina in Royal Ruby Red

ThE interior’s well-crafted dashboard layout

1.5-liter gasoline engine with MIVEC