BusinessMirror October 27, 2021 by BusinessMirror

‘FTA with SoKor benefits PHL farm goods’ By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

& Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

N less than a decade, Philippine bananas and canned pineapples may enter South Korea at zero duty, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI announced on Tuesday that Manila and Seoul have concluded talks on the Philippine-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which they expect to sign before February 2022. Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters that Philippine bananas will start enjoying zero tariffs when entering Korea in five years, while canned pineapples will see zero duty in seven years. “The final negotiations focused on market access for Philippine ba-

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nana exports and for Korean automotive units and parts. The Philippines was also able to secure tariff elimination for bananas, which was previously excluded under the Asean-Korea FTA,” DTI said in a statement. “Likewise, the discussions allowed for an improved tariff treatment for processed pineapples, as compared to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership [RCEP] concessions,” it added. With the conclusion of the trade negotiations for the PhilippinesKorea FTA, Lopez said both governments will conduct “legal scrubbing” of the agreements. After the signing of the trade pact, Manila and Seoul have agreed to continue negotiations for the “Chapters on Trade in Services and Investment no later than one year

after entry into force of the KoreaPhilippines Free Trade Agreement.” T he K orea-Ph i l ippi nes Free Trade Agreement negotiations covered Trade in Goods, Trade Remedies, Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Economic and Technical Cooperation, Competition, and Legal and Institutional Issues. “We would also like to thank Korea for accepting all our proposals under the Economic and Technical Cooperation Chapter, particularly on the inclusion of industrial development and agreeing to cooperate on addressing pandemics and other public health emergencies, among others. Both sides have also agreed to revisit discussions on Trade in Services and Investment Chapters a year after the entry into force of the FTA,” Lopez said at the virtual

Joint Ministerial Statement on the Conclusion of the PhilippinesKorea Free Trade Agreement Negotiations. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the FTA augurs well for Filipino farmers as it will also allow other local farm products to enter South Korea at zero duty. “We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the South Korean government for granting duty-free market access to several Philippine farm products. These include banana, canned pineapples, okra, papaya, glass eels, refined coconut oil, cashew nuts, fruit juices,” he said in a statement. “The recently concluded FTA with South Korea augurs goes well for Filipino farmers, particularly those See “FTA,” A2

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Vol. 17 No. 19

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 20 pages | 7 days a week

PHL BOP BACK IN DEFICIT, POSTS $412-M SEPT GAP n

SOLONS PUSH REPEAL OF EXCISE TAX ON OIL By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AYING continued oil price hikes may cause price shocks in December, lawmakers on Tuesday asked Congress to immediately repeal the excise tax on oil products. House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate and Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Representative France Castro, in separate statements, questioned the Duterte administration’s inaction on the steady climb of fuel prices, now entering their ninth week. With this inaction, Zarate called on House leaders to fasttrack House Bill 243, filed as early as 2019, that mandates the repeal of excise tax on oil products, following the ninth straight week of straight oil price spikes.

A vendor of bobbleheads depicting Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte conducts business at the CCP Complex in Pasay City in this recent photo, while her supporters hold a rally urging her to run for President in next year’s elections. She has topped most surveys for President in 2022, but has said she is seeking reelection as mayor. She met two presidential aspirants at the weekend, but gave no details of their discussions. ROY DOMINGO By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

HE country’s dollar transactions yielded a deficit in September this year after two consecutive months of recovering in surplus territory, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Tuesday. See “BOP,” A2

“We call on the House Energy Committee to immediately consider HB 243 that would alleviate our peoples’ burden,” said Zarate, adding that economic managers should stop blocking this move. The DOF has said the national government stands to lose P131.4 billion next year if fuel excise taxes are suspended in response to rising oil prices, and asserted that “substantial revenue loss” could affect the government’s Covid-19 recovery measures for next year. It said the only way to suspend the fuel excise taxes under the TRAIN law is through legislation. Z a r at e c it e d t he s t u d y of think-tank IBON Foundation which said the removal of excise ta x, based on the eighth oil price hike, will lower the price per liter See “Oil,” A2

Tour operators wince at carriers’, hotels’ rates By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

VEN as government tries to encourage balikbayans (homecoming Filipinos) to v isit family and fr iends this Christmas season, tour operators are already complaining that their clients have to pay higher airfares and hotel rates during the period. One veteran tour operator who

requested anonymity told the BusinessMirror, “I have balikbayans coming in this November and some in December. But the quarantine hotels increased their rates starting December. It’s a P1,000-difference [from their regular rates].” T he tou r op er ator adde d , “There is no difference between coming in on December. T he guest will still be on lockdown inside the four corners of his room.

I’ll understand if they [hotels] will open additional facilities like the swimming pool or the gym and they will spend more on electricity. Are they expecting many arrivals? I don’t know. So I’m gong to talk to the manager tomorrow and ask why the surcharge? Can’t we get the same rate, until all of us recover from this pandemic? I hope government can regulate this!” This was confirmed by another

tour operator, who added, “Airfares are up. Hotels and resorts are annoying [because they’ve raised their rates]. They really can’t better their nature to make money.” Due to appeals made by tourism stakeholders, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier eased the travel entr y requirements for balikbayans See “Tour,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 50.7670 n japan 0.4465 n UK 69.9112 n HK 6.5303 n CHINA 7.9502 n singapore 37.6918 n australia 38.0245 n EU 58.9557 n SAUDI arabia 13.5353 Source: BSP (26 October 2021)

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Tour. . .

Continued from A1

vaccinated abroad. For those coming from the United States or Canada, they only need to present their state or federal vaccination certificates upon arrival in the Philippines. (See, “State vaccination certificates now recognized for entry into the Philippines,” in the BusinessMirror, October 15, 2021.)

‘No X’mas surcharge’

Asked for comment, Philippine Hotel Operators Association (PHOA) Executive Director Benito C. Bengzon said, “Hotels do not impose a Christmas surcharge. The higher rate during Christmas is directed by supply and demand. With a stronger demand, rates are expected to be higher. The tour operators know this.” He added, “We assure you that hotels have been cooperating with the government and other partners in the private sector in the safe recovery of tourism in the country.” PHOA had no projections for the average increase in occupancy with the return of balikbayans this Christmas season. “Each hotel has its own room occupancy projections depending on the clients targeted, balikbayans included,” said Bengzon. Data from STR showed average hotel occupancy in the Philippines was at 48 percent, year-to-date to July 2021. Per market basis, hotels in Manila registered the highest occupancy at 70 percent, followed by Quezon City at 65 percent, Muntinlupa and Pasay at 61 percent, Makati at 52 percent, and Mandaluyong/Pasig at 47 percent. Most hotels in Metro Manila are functioning as quarantine hotels, except for a handful which are also certified as multiple-use or staycation hotels. Meanwhile, Virg Vergara, an LA-based FilipinoAmerican, said he is forgoing going home to Cebu because the airfares are just too expensive. “I just checked PAL, LAX-Cebu—the lowest fare is $1,604 per person from Dec. 17-29,” he said, adding, “My personal threshold is $1,200. So I don’t usually travel peak season. But pre-pandemic, LAX-Cebu in May was $800 per pax.” He noted that his friend who was supposed to go home to Manila said, “the LAX-Manila fare is $1,900. She was balking at the fare because she was planning to travel with her husband and two kids.” PAL officials have yet to respond to this paper’s query as of press time.

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DOF orders BIR to create unit to monitor digital transactions Oil. . . By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to set up a unit to track the selling of goods online as well as to coordinate with other countries to determine how to properly tax these digital transactions. Following his discussion with the BIR’s National Investigation Division, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said this will be done initially through a task force that will monitor the online selling of goods and services, which has surged amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Dominguez suggested that the BIR consult with their counterparts in Russia or Korea on ways to effectively tax digital transactions. “We have to catch up with these guys,” Dominguez said during a recent Department of Finance (DOF) executive committee meeting, referring to the online sellers.

BOP. . .

Continued from A1

The country’s overall balance of payments (BOP) position—or the data summary of all the country’s transactions with the rest of the world—hit a $412-million deficit in September 2021. This is a reversal of the surplus in the previous two months, which reached a total $1.69 billion in July and August. It is also a turnaround from the $2.1-billion surplus seen in the same month last year. The BOP is usually considered as an important economic indicator in an economy as it shows the level of earnings or expenses of the Philippines with its transactions with the world.

Last year, the BIR clarified that those earning an annual net income of less than 250,000 will not be subject to tax and that those who are required to register with BIR are people who are “habitually” engaged in the online selling business. Apart from online sellers, BIR is also keeping tabs on the tax compliance of social-media “influencers” in the country. As of September 15, BIR counted 2,282 online retailers and service providers, as well as 105 individuals and content creators that have registered with them. The government’s main collection agency earlier said it will investigate an initial list of 250 “influencers” to check if they have been paying their taxes. The BIR said Letters of Authority for the conduct of investigation were already issued to certain social-media influencers found to be “top earners” in their field. According to the BIR, social-media influencers who earn money from their

posts on digital media are classified as self-employed individuals or persons engaged in trade or business as sole proprietors. Their earnings are generally considered as business income, as defined under BIR’s Revenue Memorandum Circular 97-2021 issued last August 16. The BIR said social-media inf luencers should pay income tax and percentage tax or, if applicable, the value-added tax (VAT), as mandated under the National Internal Revenue Code and other existing laws. Based on the Circular, social-media influencers are defined as those who derive their income from the following sources: a) YouTube Partner Program; b) sponsored social and blog posts; c) display advertising; d) becoming a brand representative/ambassador; e) affiliate marketing; f) co-creating product lines; g) promoting own products; h) photo and video sales; i) digital courses, subscriptions, e-books; and j) podcasts and webinars.

A deficit means that the country had more dollar expenditures than its dollar earnings during the period. The BSP attributed the BOP deficit in September to outf lows arising mainly from the debt service payment of the National Government’s (NG) foreign currency debt obligations. The September deficit pushed the BOP position of the country to a deficit of $665 billion in the first nine months of the year. This is a reversal from the $6.88-billion surplus recorded in the same January to September period a year ago. “Based on preliminar y data, this cumulative BOP deficit was partly attributed to a w ider merchandise trade deficit and lower net foreign borrow ings by the NG compared to the same period last year,” the BSP

said in a statement. Ju st l a st mont h, t he B SP a nnounced that it has lowered their projection for the country’s BOP for this year and for 2022, taking into consideration current deficits in the country’s external position as well as recent economic developments in the local and international front. T he 2021 BOP project ion wa s from a sur plus of $7.1 billion dow n to $4.1 billion for this year on a “more guarded v iew” of economic recover y. The 2022 BOP projection has also been lowered from $2.7 billion dow n to a $1.7 billion sur plus. This means that the country should incur an average of about $1.6-billion surplus on average in the last three months of the year to hit the BSP’s new projection.

Continued from A1

of diesel by P6.72 and of gasoline by P6.33. He said it will also remove P3 from the price per kilo of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), lowering the price of an 11-kilo tank by P33 not including VAT. The price per liter of diesel can go down from some P46.33 to P39.61, gasoline from some P55.51 to P49.18, and LPG from some P968.90 to P935.90. “Duterte and his econonic managers cannot escape the blame now because their TRAIN law is punishing even more the people during this pandemic-aggravated crisis. We must junk the TRAIN law’s anti-people provisions now before more people suffer,” added Zarate. For her part, Castro said the Duterte administration is only deliberately adding more burden to the already ailing Filipino people by not doing anything to ease prices of fuels. “Nine consecutive weeks of oil price hikes near to P20/liter for gasoline, P18/liter for diesel and P15.49/liter for kerosene. In these price increases, one-fourth of the fuel prices go to excise tax and VAT,” she added. “There are House Bills filed in Congress that could ease the burden of many Filipinos in the never-ending fuel price hikes. The Makabayan bloc filed House Bill 243 mandating the repeal of excise tax on oil products,” said Castro.

Offset

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares pointed out that “the supposed oil revenue losses can be offset by also suspending corporate income tax [CIT] cuts under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act or CREATE as already pointed by IBON Foundation.” “IBON also noted that the government projects revenue losses of P115.8 billion in 2021 and P101.8 billion in 2022 from CREATE’s CIT cuts. Reducing indirect consumption taxes such as on oil and increasing direct taxes on income makes the tax system more progressive.This would offset their supposed losses and would give a much needed breather for consumers,” said the Bayan Muna chairman.

FTA. . .

Continued from A1

planting banana, because this will give them duty-free market access over a five-year period from the current 30-percent tariff that will be gradually reduced by 6 percentage points every year, starting in 2022, down to zero on the fifth year or 2026.” Negotiations for the trade deal commenced in June 2019 in Seoul, South Korea at the initiative of President Duterte. The Philippines and South Korea had set their sights on achieving a “comprehensive and future-oriented FTA.” In November 2019, the Philippines and Korea signed the Early Achievement Package that confirmed the agreement of both sides to lock in the list of already offered at the time. Taking off from the achievement package, the two countries finally resolved outstanding issues that led to the conclusion of the negotiations. With the RCEP agreement complementing the bilateral FTA with Korea, Lopez said the trade value of Philippine exports to Korea will be substantially covered. Hence, it will make the Philippine exports competitive in the Korean market. Once enforced, the FTA with South Korea will serve as an important vehicle for enhancing trade f lows, and generating more investment and employment opportunities in the process.

Level playing field

The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) welcomed the conclusion of the FTA, saying the eventual elimination of tariffs slapped by Seoul on Philippine bananas would level the playing field for the Philippines, which is now in competition with Vietnam and Cambodia. PBGEA Executive Director Stephen A. Antig said his group is awaiting the full details of the tariff elimination on Philippine bananas, particularly the schedule of commitments, to take the necessary steps that will allow them to take advantage of the FTA’s benefits. “What our members want to know is when the tariff reduction would start and how big it is going to be every year. Nonetheless, we thank the DTI, especially Sec. Lopez, Undersecretary [Ceferino] Rodolfo, Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty, for not giving in their pursuit of tariff elimination,” Antig told the BusinessMirror on Tuesday. “Hopefully, we can achieve the same feat [in our talks] with Japan,” he added. Antig also gave credit to PBGEA for being steadfast in its efforts to lobby for the reduction or elimination of South Korean tariffs on Philippine bananas, which started during the Arroyo administration. “The [elimination of tariffs] would definitely improve our market position in South Korea. We just hope that the farmers in South Korea would not lodge a protest against this measure,” Antig said. “It will give us some breathing room against our competitors in South Korea. However, [the elimination of tariffs] will not totally solve our problems. Generally, the reduction of tariffs will benefit South Korean consumers and indirectly benefit our industry since we will be able to sell more bananas. We must take note that the South Korean market can only absorb so much.” Antig said price remains as the single biggest factor that would influence South Korea’s buying decisions. He also noted that Vietnam and Cambodia have been continuously increasing their share in the South Korean banana market. The country’s banana exports to South Korea in January to August declined by 41.81 percent to 1.586 million metric tons (MMT) from last year’s 2.726 MMT. Value of shipments plunged by 37.7 percent year-on-year to $725.337 million, based on latest government data.

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Voter registration nears 65-million mark–Comelec By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE number of registered voters for the May 2022 elections has once again exceeded the expectation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) official count nears the 65-million mark. In an online town hall forum last Tuesday, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez disclosed they already registered 63 million voters locally and another 1.6 million overseas voters. “So all in all...you are looking at a voter population of almost 65 million voters. That is a huge percentage of our national population,” Jimenez said. The number of registered voters is expected to increase further before the deadline of the

local voter registration on October 30, 2021. “There’s still more coming actually and we expect the crowd to be getting larger as we get closer to the deadline,” Jimenez said in a television interview. Comelec earlier said it only expected to register another 300,000 to 350,000 additional voters after it extended the local voter registration beyond September 30, 2021, due to public clamor. “But we [now] have around 400,000 new registrants. So the hits just keep coming as they say,” Jimenez said. Since Comelec started voter registration for the 2022 polls, it has now registered roughly 4.5 million newly registered voters. “This is incredible considering that this is on a pandemic,” Jimenez said.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, October 27, 2021 A3

Metro Manila pilot run: DOTr pushes 100 percent PUV passenger capacity By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday that its proposal to drastically increase passenger capacity in public transportation is backed by pieces of medical evidence. Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Steve Pastor said the road sector has already submitted its formal position to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and is “ready to defend its recommendation.” “The road sector has submitted

a formal position paper to increase the seating capacity from 50 percent to 100 percent, based on medical literature that is available. At the same time, we are ready to defend our position to IATF this Thursday,” he said. The transport agency is pushing to increase seating capacity in public-utility vehicles (PUV) to help the industry recover from the ill effects of the pandemic exacerbated by the continued oil price hike. It proposes to implement this first in Metro Manila, wherein, Pastor said, 81.4 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Aside from this, he said “studies [from Vietnam] have shown that reli-

ance on complete face mask use and partial hand sanitizer use were proven [to be] enough to contain three very modest Covid-19 waves while preserving normal bus services.” He also cited a study in Eastern China that found that passengers in the high-risk zones—or seats in the same row with an infected passenger and within three rows—had moderate but not significantly higher risk; and another from Oxford that said that “rigid” safe distancing rules are an oversimplification based on outdated science and experiences of past viruses. Pastor said the DOTr has also conducted a rapid analysis of available data on Covid-19 cases and public transport capacitycovering10countries,namely:

Philippine,Indonesia,Thailand,Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Australia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The study, he said, revealed that “transport capacity has no significant correlation with the number of Covid-19 cases.” This means that increasing the seating capacity of public transport is safe and that this could help transport operators and drivers recoup from the pandemic as well as the increasing fuel prices, Pastor said. He noted, however, that the agency would still leave it up to the IATF. “This is not just a matter of public transportation but also a matter of public health,” Pastor said.

Napolcom reso approves promotion of 27,460 policemen from ranks of corporal to lieutenant colonel

HE National Police Commission (Napolcom) recently approved the filling up of 27,460 promotional vacancies for the ranks of Police Corporal (PCpl) to Police Lieutenant Colonel (PLT-

COL) under the Philippine National Police (PNP) CY (calendar year) 2021 2nd Level Uniformed Personnel Regular Promotion Program and Police Lieutenant Colonel Continuous Promotion Program.

Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer (VCEO) Vitaliano N. Aguirre II said that the commission en banc approved Resolution 2021-1218, d ated September 24, 2021, granting the

police Chief General Guillermo Eleazar the authority to fill up promotional vacancies in the second level ranks to facilitate the ascending career movement of personnel and prevent further

congestion in the patrolman and patrolwoman ranks. “The PNP promotion program is intended to influence personnel growth and motivation, improve job satisfaction and performance,

and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the police organization by promoting the most qualified police officers to the next higher rank through merit and fitness,” Aguirre II said.

A4 Wednesday, October 27, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

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Govt lifts curbs on MAV+ pork imports sale outside NCR+ By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

HE government has lifted the restriction on the sale of pork imports under its minimum access volume plus (MAV+) program, allowing importers and traders to sell their stocks to areas outside the NCR plus, which have “relatively high prices” of pork meat. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 23, which amended the guidelines of its pork MAV+, in order to “facilitate the full utilization” of the

expanded import program following delays in arrival of the country’s much-needed pork supply. Under the MC, the DA has expanded the market coverage for imports under the pork MAV+ beyond the NCR plus areas (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite). The initial guidelines of the pork MAV+ only limited the sale of pork imports to wet markets, supermarkets and Kadiwa stores in the NCR plus area. Furthermore, the MC allowed the selling of pork MAV+ to meat processors and institutional buyers. Certain

quarters of the industry have been clamoring to allow the sale and use of pork imports under the MAV+ program by meat processors. The agriculture chief explained that he amended the guidelines to facilitate the “full utilization” of the pork MAV+ following the “very low” utilization of the pork MAV+ “due to the very strict market restrictions and distribution,” which defeated the objectives of the import program. The agriculture chief also noted that the global logistics and shipping problems have “affected” the arrival of the 70 percent or 140,000 MT of

pork imports under the MAV+ for the July to October schedule. Dar disclosed that shipment transit time is now averaging 120 days from the usual 30 to 40 days. “Hence, the arrival of the remaining 30 percent or 60,000 MT in January 2022 or the end of MAV year 2021 has to be fast-tracked,” Dar said. The MC noted that the goals of the government’s pork MAV+ program, laid down by President Duterte’s Executive Order 134, is to boost domestic pork supply and provide consumers with adequate and affordable meat.

“Only four regions registered a single-digit inflation instead of a less than double-digit inflation rate on meat while the rest displayed higher than the national rate of 4.2 from January to August 2021,” the document read. “There is a considerable deficit in pork supply being experienced all over the country,” it added. The Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) welcomed the lifting of the sale restriction, noting that it would create a “positive ripple effect” in the domestic market as supply of cheaper imported pork

would reach areas beyond NCR+. Furthermore, CCAP President Anthony S. Dizon told the BusinessMirror the government’s latest action would decongest the volume of frozen imported pork in cold storages. The CCAP earlier urged the government to lift the restriction on sale of pork imports under the MAV+ program to decongest cold storages and allow other regions to enjoy cheaper pork products. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/10/18/imports-beef-uppork-inventory-in-oct-nmis/)

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021 A5

MMDA chief urges public to schedule cemetery visit By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HAIRMAN Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has encouraged the public to schedule their visits to their departed loved ones before the closure of cemeteries to avoid crowding that may cause the pos-

sible spread of Covid-19. “And ensure the health and safety of everyone,” Abalos said as he conducted an inspection of cemeteries in Metro Manila two days before its closure for this year’s observance of “Undas.” The MMDA, through MMDA Resolution 21-22, Series of 2021, have asked the local government units to enact ordinances or adopt

resolutions closing cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from the public starting October 29 up to November 2. Abalos visited Manila North Cemetery in Manila and Garden of Life Park in Mandaluyong to check their compliance with the InterAgency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines on the clo-

Liquor ban, curfew in Davao City lifted

AVAO CITY—The eveningto-dusk curfew here has been lifted, along with the ban on sale of liquor, when the city was placed on the less restrictive Alert Level 3 classification of local government units on Covid-19 infection. The downgrading of restrictions was contained in the Executive Order 59 that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio signed on Monday. The curfew was lifted beginning on Tuesday and to cover this period until January 15 when a new round of quarantine protocols would be announced anew. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the city was imposing an 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew on minors. During the lockdown since last year, curfew hours would hover between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., and until dawn, depending on the ebb or rise of infection rate of the virus. The EO has also relaxed on the sale of liquor, from a total ban since

last year, to the current liquor ban hours from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. This was also the previous liquor ban period in the city before the pandemic. Despite easing of the liquor ban, the EO still restricts the consumption of any intoxicating drinks in public places that include bars, restaurants, sari-sari, or retail, stores, markets and other business establishments. Liquors should only be consumed inside homes and private places. Drinking outside the gates of residences, along streets, pathways and alleys, is prohibited under the EO. Duterte-Carpio has also directed the task force on Covid-19 and other implementers to follow the national guideline on the Alert Level 3 classification “and not to deviate or modify it to avoid confusion.” The downgrading to the less restrictive level came as she admitted that the city was unlikely to achieve herd immunity by November 15,

saying that there was a noticeable decrease in the number of residents going to the vaccination sites. She ascribed this to the difficulty by some residents to balance between their work and the scheduled vaccination and to the refusal of others to get vaccinated. She also confirmed reports of some village leaders or heads of small religious sects forcing their members to refrain from availing of the vaccination. At least two cases were reported in the northern rural district of Marilog and Paquibato where their pastors went to the vaccination center to forbid their members from getting the Covid shots even as they were already queuing up for the inoculation. One case in Talomo was about a drunk husband choking his wife after being told by a neighbor that the latter availed of the vaccine. The wife got herself vaccinated to avail of the assistance from the barangay.

sure of cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria to minimize risk of Covid-19 transmission. “All of the cemeteries in the National Capital Region are well-prepared and the influx of people has spread out as they visit their departed loved ones this early,” Abalos said. The authorities have installed Police Assistance Desks and deployed roving teams around ceme-

teries to ensure that the 30 percent limited capacity is being observed. Abalos also said that the MMDA has deployed additional manpower, in joint coordination with the local government units and the police, to assist in the cemeteries and to man the traffic within its vicinity. He also expressed his gratitude to the Metro Manila mayors for

their initiatives to help keep the cemeteries within their jurisdiction compliant to the guidelines of the IATF. “While it is important to abide by the guidelines set by the IATF and to observe minimum health protocols, it is likewise significant to practice self-discipline to ensure that we will have an Undas that is safe from the Covid-19 virus,” he added.

DENR moves to lessen crowds at Manila Bay’s dolomite beach By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

WEEK after the soft-opening of the controversial Manila Baywalk dolomite beach along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced measures to effectively reduce the number of visitors in the area. In an online news conference on Tuesday, DENR Undersecretary for Environment and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones admitted that the agency was over whelmed by the enthusiasm and interest of the public to visit the recently opened beach as shown by the big number of people in the beach area since it opened on October 16. Director Jacob Meimban Jr. of the DENR’s Manila Bay Coordi-

nating Office (MBCO) there were admitted that more than 120,000 people trooped to the area on October 25 alone. Netizens were quick to criticize the DENR for what some described as a “publicity stunt” to promote the controversial project amid the threats of Covid-19. No less than President Duterte called the attention of the DENR. Leones said in support of the efforts of the national government and the directives of the Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), children 11 years and below will not be allowed entry in the beach area starting October 26, 2021. The beach will also be closed every Friday. Moreover, the Manila Baywalk dolomite beach shall be closed from October 29, 2021 until November 3,

2021 in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. To further reduce the number of visitors and avoid overcrowding at any given time, a “cinema approach” will also be implemented by the DENR—which means that visitors will be given very limited time inside the beach area. Leones said there will times that the dolomite beach will be closed to give way to ongoing development in the area, noting that the area covered with the crushed dolomite is just part and parcel of the bigger P389-million Beach Nourishment Project being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways and the DENR. Leones said the new measures that will take effect immediately would limit the number of people and prevent the much-feared transmission of the dreaded coronavirus.

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Sudan coup casualties mount as nationwide protests persist

he number of Sudanese protesters shot dead in clashes with the military following Monday’s coup rose to seven, doctors said, as nationwide strikes and civil disobedience took hold and the whereabouts of the prime minister remained unknown. More than 140 were wounded, according to two doctors working for the Central Comm it te e of Sud a n D o c tor s, a group that backs the pro-democracy movement. The clashes erupted after Sudan’s militar y a r rested t he pr i me m i n ister and members of his cabinet on

Monday, threatening to derail the country’s path to democracy after decades of dictatorship. Sudan has worked to end its inter nat iona l isol at ion since long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was overthrown amid mass demonstrations in 2019, moving to normalize ties with Israel and

repairing relations with the US, which rescinded its three-decade listing of the country as a sponsor of terrorism. Sudan also managed to secure International Monetary Fund support and a pledge by the Paris Club of creditors to restructure $23.5 billion of its debt. Monday’s events put international aid at risk. Hours after the coup, the US put a $700 million emergency assistance package on hold. The army figure who headed Sudan’s sovereign council, a transitional military-civilian powersharing administration, said that body would be dissolved. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan declared a nationwide state of emergency while vowing to hold free elections as planned in 2023. Putsch leaders scaled back Internet ser vice dramatically,

so it was impossible to gauge the scope of the protests, but demonstrators repor ted t hat widespread clashes continued deep into the night and early Tuesday. Residents barricaded roads and retreated to their neighborhoods after members of the military opened fire Monday on demonstrators who’d gathered outside army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum. “They want to scare us and in the night electricity has been cut and gunfire heard for a long time,” said Iman Ahmed, a protester in Burri in northern Khartoum. She had been at the military headquarters during the day and said she saw dozens of wounded people after the military opened fire on protesters during the afternoon. Bloomberg News

Ex-South Korean leader Roh Tae-woo dies at 88

In this December 22, 1997 file photo, former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, with his wife Kim Ok-sook standing beside him, waves to his supporters and neighbors upon arrival at his home after he was released from the Seoul prison in a special amnesty. Yonhap via AP

EOU L , Sout h K orea— A Seoul hospital says former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo has died. He was 88. The Seoul National University Hospital said Roh died on Tuesday while being treated for an illness. It gave no further details. Roh led an army division into Seoul in support of the 1979

mi litar y coup that made his ar my fr iend Chun Doo-hwan president. The coup and a subseque nt m i l it a r y c r ac k dow n on pro - democrac y protesters in 1980 a re t wo of t he d a rkest c hapters in Sout h Korea’s moder n h istor y. Massive pro-democracy uprisings in 1987 forced Roh and

Chun to accept a direct presidentia l vote. Roh eventua l ly won the presidential election later in 1987. After leaving office, Roh admitted amassing a fortune in kickbacks and went to prison. He was pardoned in a bid for national reconciliation and spent his later years out of the public eye. AP

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

US details new international Covid-19 travel requirements

A SHINGTON— C hi ld ren u nder 18 a nd people from dozens of countries with a shortage of vaccines will be exempt from new rules that will require most travelers to the United States be vaccinated against Covid-19, the Biden administration announced. The government said Monday it will require airlines to collect contact information on passengers regardless of whether they have been vaccinated to help w ith contact tracing, if that becomes necessar y. Beginning November 8, foreign, non-immigrant adults traveling to the United States will need to be fully vaccinated, with only limited exceptions, and all travelers will need to be tested for the virus before boarding a plane to the US. There will be tightened restrictions for American and foreign citizens who are not fully vaccinated. The new policy comes as the Biden ad m i n ist rat ion moves away from restrictions that ban non-essential travel from several dozen countries—most of Europe, China, Brazil, South Africa, India and Iran—and instead focuses on classifying individuals by the risk they pose to others. It a lso ref lects t he W hite House’s embrace of vaccination requirements as a tool to push more Americans to get the shots by making it inconvenient to remain unvaccinated. Under the policy, those who are vaccinated will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within three days of travel, while the unvaccinated must present a test taken within one day of travel. Children under 18 will not be

required to be fully vaccinated because of delays in making them eligible for vaccines in many places. They will still need to take a Covid-19 test unless they are 2 or younger. Others who will be exempt from the vaccination requirement include people who participated in Covid-19 clinical trials, who had severe allergic reactions to the vaccines, or are from a country where shots are not widely available. That latter category will cover people from countries with vaccination rates below 10% of adults. They may be admitted to the US with a government letter authorizing travel for a compelling reason and not just for tourism, a senior administration official said. The official estimated that there are about 50 such countries. The US will accept any vaccine approved for regular or emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. That includes Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and China’s Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines. Mixing-and-matching of approved shots will be permitted. The Biden administration has been working with airlines, who will be required to enforce the new procedures. Airlines will be required to verify vaccine records and match them against identity information. Quarantine officers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will spot-check passengers who arrive in the US for compliance, according to an administration official. Airlines that don’t enforce the requirements could be subject to penalties of up to nearly $35,000 per violation. AP

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 9/f Capella Bldg., L-3&4 B2, Filinvest, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa WU, SHUICHI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 1.

Brief Job Description: Responding promptly to the inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction

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

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1, Pitx Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque ZHANG, LINJIE Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 2.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Performs Accounts Payable Transaction with medium to high complexity

12.

13. Basic Qualification: Accounting Finance or any business- related course graduates are preferred Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

14.

ACE VELOCITY CONSULTANCY INC. 37/f Lkg Tower, 6801 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati ZHANG, XIN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 4.

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

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

15.

16.

AMAZON OPERATION SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. B21 Three E-com Moa Complex, Harbour Drive Cor. Bay Shore, Brgy. 076, Pasay City SRINOOT, NATTHAKRITA Investigation Specialist I 5.

Brief Job Description: Communication with buyers, merchants and internal customers and take appropriate action to identify and help minimize the risk posed by fraud patterns and trends

Basic Qualification: Fluency in both English and Thai

17.

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

AMIGO’S EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS AND TRADING INC. Tanchua Bldg., 432 San Fernando St., 026, Barangay 282, San Nicolas, City Of Manila

18.

SHAO, LEI Technical Advisor

Brief Job Description: • Train new workers in performing equipment inspection, and preventive maintenance of the Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery Equipment. • Knowledge in safety usage of hand and power operated tools in repairing and maintaining Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery. • Can follow and explain instructions to other workers clearly. Ability to train lower-level workers in Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery equipment mechanical repair techniques. • Responsible for repair and maintenance of the Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery

Basic Qualification: College graduate , Mandarin speaking

20.

21. Basic Qualification: College graduate , Mandarin speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate , Mandarin speaking

25.

Basic Qualification: College graduate , Mandarin speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

10.

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

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

No.

FEI, HAIQIONG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WEI, ZENGCHUAN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, SHENGMIN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HU SIN SHWE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, LIE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MYAT NOE THU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SU, MENGQING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, LIULIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, XIANGYU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, BIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, YINGCHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, YAN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MA, LONG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAN, WENJIAN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

BERKMAN, SEBASTIAN Superintendent 26.

Brief Job Description: Technical and logistic planning for new job sites in coordination with the project/site manager; responsible for site establishment and other site preparation requirements.

TRELOAR, NICHOLAS HUGH Construction Project Manager

27.

Brief Job Description: Supervise the overall operations of the Corporation related to leasing, rental and fleet transactions, including system projects.

BVI (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION 6/f Lta Bldg., 118 Perea Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

28.

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

CLOVERSENSE TECHNOLOGY INC. 29/f Robinsons Summit Center, 6783 Ayala Center, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

29.

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

30.

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

31.

32.

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

33.

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

Basic Qualification: Collage graduate preferably in a business related discipline; Graduate studies an advantage. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

BRUINSMA, JOHANNES Marketing Manager Brief Job Description: Managing the marketing department staff.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customer of fiber home in the Philippines HOU, PENG Project Manager

34.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in both English and Mandarin/Chinese language, oral and written Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate; Fluent in English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing technical issues on materials, equipment Beijing used on projects

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English languages, both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English languages, both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 9th Flr. Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, 5th Avenue 30th Street Cor. 4th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig WANG, HUICHUAN IT Officer 35.

Brief Job Description: Monitor and maintain the computer systems and networks, installing and configuring computer systems, diagnosing hardware and software faults LIN, YU-JUNG QAQC Manager

36.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for maintaining quality practices and oversee the work of the onsite inspectors, manage qaqc supervisors, oversee performance of routine qa/ qc inspections.

Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/ 5-10 yrs supervisory / managerial experience in logistics or operations / multilingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree / 5-10 years supervisory / managerial experience in logistics or operations / multilingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

HC CONSUMER FINANCE PHILIPPINES, INC. 15th Floor, Ore Central, 9th Ave. Cor 31st. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

GOEL, SHOMIT Head Of Commercial Finance 37.

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

Basic Qualification: Preferably with TESDA/ ACEL certificate, heavy equipment operators, backhoe operator, riggers, heavy equipment mechanic & electrician.

Brief Job Description: Manage and oversee the operations of the company

LIU, XINGYU Marketing Manager

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

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

FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. U-19d 19/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Good in static and probability. Excellent in writing, reading, and speaking Bahasa and English

EVERLAND TRAVEL AND TOUR AGENCY CORP. Unit No. U-26 Ext. Flr. No. 3f Bac Bagong Milenyo Bldg., Cor. Russel F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 076, Pasay City

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

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

WANG, HU Deputy General Manager

WANG, SHAOWEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

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

Brief Job Description: Coordinate, respond and address inquiries of Mandarin speaking customer

Basic Qualification: Bachelor of civil engineering (unsw), complete 1999

CONCEPCION MIDEA INC. Km 20, East Service Road, Buli, City Of Muntinlupa

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing all aspects of water/ wastewater projects, including risks, cost, schedule, safety, quality in the projects under his charge.

LI, PING Data Analyst-mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: To oversee the company’s financial reporting & planning requirements to keep aspect on the financial health of the company

Basic Qualification: Must have degree commonly held by analysis include accounting, business administration, statistics & finance, good communication skills Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

HECTECHURE CORP. Units A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

YAN, BINJIE Mandarin Digital Marketing Officer 38.

BPI CENTURY TOKYO LEASE & FINANCE CORPORATION 15f Bpi Buendia Center, 372 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Belair, City Of Makati

SATO, SEIJI Operations Division Head

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

BAUER FOUNDATIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit A To K 12/f Cyberone Bldg., 11 Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan 3, Quezon City

AMUSETECH BUSINESS OUTSOURCING 2/f Rivergreen Residences, 2217 Pedro Gil St., 096, Bgy 880, Santa Ana, City Of Manila

LAI, YUN-CHUN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

24.

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

ZHONG, CHONGZHI Technical Advisor Brief Job Description: • Train new workers in performing equipment inspection, and preventive maintenance of the Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery Equipment. • Knowledge in safety usage of hand and power operated tools in repairing and maintaining Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery. • Can follow and explain instructions to other workers clearly. Ability to train lower-level workers in Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery equipment mechanical repair techniques. • Responsible for repair and maintenance of the Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery

22.

23.

YANG, XINHUA Technical Advisor Brief Job Description: • Train new workers in performing equipment inspection, and preventive maintenance of the Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery Equipment. • Knowledge in safety usage of hand and power operated tools in repairing and maintaining Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery. • Can follow and explain instructions to other workers clearly. Ability to train lower-level workers in Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery equipment mechanical repair techniques. • Responsible for repair and maintenance of the Specialized SANY Heavy Machinery

19.

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

WANG, JUN Technical Advisor

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong FUKAYA, MITSUTOKU Transaction Processing Analyst

11.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHU, CUN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Digital Marketing Officer, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIU, RUN Mandarin Operating System Supervisor 39.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Operating System Supervisor, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A8 Wednesday, October 27, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

HINDUJA GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED 7th Floor Aeon Prime Centre, North Bridgeway Avenue Corner Alabang- Zapote Road, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa AHMAD RIDZWAN BIN NASIRUDIN Bahasa Malaysia Speaking Associate 40.

Brief Job Description: Attends to customers inquiries and complaints regarding the healthcare products via phone calls and email.

Basic Qualification: Strictly follow procedures and requirements outlined in addressing customers issues/requests.

DENG, JIAXING Chinese Speaking Program Designer 41.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers. Give customer information about product and services

JIMMY GUNAWAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 42.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers. Give customer information about product and services

KE, JIEHUI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 43.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers. Give customer information about product and services

44.

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

XU, YANYAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 45.

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

YANG, XIAOXIAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 46.

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

HE, SHENG Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 47.

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

JIA, WEI Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 48.

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

LIANG, ANWEI Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 49.

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

LONG, JIANLI Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 50.

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

XIE, YANGHU Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 51.

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

XIONG, JUAN Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 52.

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

57.

ZALICKY, HAGAY Hebrew Sales Recruiter Specialist 58.

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

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

59.

53.

Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing strategies to Korean customer service representative KIM, ILHEOUN Korean Customer Service Representative

54.

55.

Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing strategies to Korean customer service representative KIM, KUK JONG Korean Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer inquiries LEE, SEUNG MIN Korean Customer Service Representative

56.

Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing strategies to Korean customer service representative

Brief Job Description: Coordinating the sales team and assisting with recruiting and training new hires / providing product demonstrations to staff and clients and taking lead in resolving complaints / analyzing sales team performance and scheduling training / refresher sessions accordingly

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

60.

YEOH YING CHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

61.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or human resources management or a similar qualifications / experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and candidate management systems (CMS)/ knowledge of human resources databases hiring strategies and applicable labor law / familiarity with prescribed key performance indicators (KPI’S ) for sales people Hebrew and English fluency

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

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

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

62.

LIEN, HSIN Mandarin Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Conducting research and marketing strategies to develop areas of the business opportunities CUI, LAN Mandarin Operations Specialist 63.

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

Brief Job Description: Committed to improving customer experience and operational efficiency

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

CHEN, LONG Mandarin Technical Support 64.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: At least college graduate speak and write fluently (Korean & English)

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

70.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate speak and write fluently (Korean & English)

71.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate speaks and write fluently Korean and English

72.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate speak and write fluently (Korean & English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

KERNEL PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 2602, 26/f Discovery Centre No. 25 Adb Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

77.

78.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION XU, WEIWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YE, WEIQIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, JIAHE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GUAN, HONGTAI Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

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

CHEN, GUANGWEN Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 79.

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

CHEN, MINGYUE Chinese Speaking Business Analyst 80.

73.

74.

CAI, YUNQING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, LINLIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HLA MYINT Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HONG, JIACAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JIA, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

KYAW YE NAING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LAI GEOK TEE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LAN, TIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, ZHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, MIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

YAO, YUCHEN Mandarin Electrical Commissioning Analyst 81.

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

CAO, YE Chinese Customer Service 82.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

CHEN, WEI Chinese Customer Service 83.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

FAN, WENHAO Chinese Customer Service 84.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language 85.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

HE, MENGLAN Chinese Customer Service 86.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

GUO, HAIJING Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

HU, CHENGCHANG Chinese Customer Service 87.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

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

HUANG, ZHENWEN Chinese Customer Service 88.

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

89.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

LIN, TIANBI Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f, Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque Sky Garage Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

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

NEPC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP. 15/f Cyber One Bldg., Eastwood Cyberpark City, Bagumbayan 3, Quezon City

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

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

76.

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

MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

75.

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

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

No.

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg., Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Brgy. 076, Pasay City

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, Bf Homes, City Of Parañaque CHOI, SUKWOO Korean Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Must have IPA (it promotion agency) licenses, project management skill, training skill, business skill, evaluation skill, communication skill -fluent in both Japanese and English language (written and oral)

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

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

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

M AND J SOLUTIONS PROVIDER INC. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Reports to the president and exec. Vice president. His main task is to direct and manage the software development department. He will also develop software systems.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience. Good in oral communication and written.

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

SUMI, TSUTOMU Director For Software Development

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

INFOVINE INC. 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquires, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customers account and file documents

LYU, BOXU Chinese Customer Service 90.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently ( native language and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LYU, XIANG Chinese Customer Service

91.

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

NIE, JING Chinese Customer Service 92.

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

PAN, JINPING Chinese Customer Service 93.

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

TAN, WEN Chinese Customer Service 94.

95.

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

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

XIA, YANWEN Chinese Customer Service 96.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, Handling complaints, Provide solutions Process Customer Accounts and File Documents

YANG, SHA Chinese Customer Service 97.

98.

99.

100.

Brief Job Description: Manages incoming calls and inquiries , Handling Complaints , Provide Solutions Process Accounts And file Documents

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

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

GERALD LOOI CHING WERN Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

VONG NHI MUI Vietnamese Customer Service 101.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

No.

ZHAO, LI Mandarin Customer Service Representative 107.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

JAISWAL, MAYANK Analytics & Insights Director 108.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate , Preferably 1 Year experience in the similar Field , Speak and Write Fluently (Native Language & English )

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

109.

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

Brief Job Description: Preferably with 6 mons. - 1 year experience; fluent in Mandarin & English speaking

GUO, JIAN IT Specialist - Mandarin Speaking 110.

Brief Job Description: It specialist will be responsible for installing or upgrading components , setting up software , assisting with network administration , and resolving all it support issues.

MICHIMOTO, HIDETO Assistant General Manager 102.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for generating sales revenue from new to existing clients. Oversee the whole export and import operations.

MORINAGA, TATSUYA General Manager

NGUYEN THI MY LINH Project Consultant 111.

Brief Job Description: Consult project management activities. Resources equipment and information provide. Provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

GAO, FEI Project Manager 112.

103.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall performance of the department. Communicates and attend clients meeting and inquiries, visit client regularly and attend clients to their complaints.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate project management activities. Resources equipment and information. Provide analytical support to manager in executing assigned projects

YANG, WENJIN General Manager 113.

104.

Brief Job Description: 1. oversee receiving and shipping operations on the daily basis. 2. supervise freight flow processes and maintain stock areas.

Brief Job Description: General management of operations; create sales and marketing strategies and increase brand awareness

ZAMA, EBENEZER HOPE MUSORO French Customer Service Representative 114.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing frontline customer support, technical support and e-commerce after-sales service via phone, chat and/or email.

FAN, QIN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 115.

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

JIANG, HE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 116.

117.

105.

Brief Job Description: Manage and supervise the day to day operations of the company

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

LIN, ZIQUAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Basic Qualification: 1. Have wide experience in Freight Forwarding company. 2. fluent in Japanese and English language.

Basic Qualification: Master’s Degree in Engineering with experience as ship surveyor for Japanese firm.

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

LI, YONGQIU Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

LIU, CHAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 119.

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI Unit 902, Pearl Of The Orient Tower 1240, Roxas Blvd., Ermita, City Of Manila

MIYAHARA, KENICHIRO General Manager

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

WANG, DADE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 120.

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

106.

Brief Job Description: Meet personal/team sales targets and call handling quotas

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

123.

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

FENG, ZHANGYONG Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 124.

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

WANG, XUAN Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 125.

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

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Brgy. 076, Pasay City CHEN, XIAOJUAN Chinese Customer Service Representative 126.

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

Brief Job Description: Maintains financial account: recommend potential products and services attract potential to a customers

Basic Qualification: At least 19 years old ability to speak write and communication in Chinese Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZONAC AND SHIBATA SERVICES INC. 4/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Expert knowledge of content management systems. Creative mind with superb written and verbal communication skills

DAVID Bahasa/Indonesian Customer Service Representative 127.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English language both in written and verbal. Must familiar in expert planning and administrative writing and reporting skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Graduate of Business Course

DAVID LIM Bahasa/Indonesian Customer Service Representative 128.

129.

130.

131.

132.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers JESLINE FLORENSA ANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

133.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers SAPTA PRATAMA Chinese Customer Service Representative

134.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers TASLIM Chinese Customer Service Representative

135.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers YANTO WIJAYA Chinese Customer Service Representative

136.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers HENDRIYANTO Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers HENDRA Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers HANSON Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers DARWANTO Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: 2 Years+ customer service experience; excellent communication skills (both written and verbal); fluent in French.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction.

Brief Job Description: Manage large amounts of incoming calls, handle customers

HENDRIK Mandarin Customer Service Representative 137.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customers needs to achieve satisfaction.

Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 1 year related experience, proficient in computer Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZX-PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 16/f Robinsons, Cybergate 3 Pioneer, Brgy. Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong

YANG, YI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 138.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help Customers, Give Information about products and services

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 Months Customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Oct 26, 2021

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

ONE BORDERLINE CREATIVES INC. Unit 11-ij3, 11/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

LEE YEAT HONG Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Specialists are employees who are responsible for specific tasks or activities in the department they are assigned to

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

DUAN, DONGDONG Mandarin Customer Support Specialist

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Schedule meetings of telephone conferences bet. Clients and management

TRANSCOSMOS INFORMATION SYSTEMS INC. 11th Floor Commerce And Industry Plaza Bldg., Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

118. SHOJI, KOHEI Supervisor

122.

Basic Qualification: More than 8 years of experience in brand/sales strategy planning and management. Preferably from FMCG Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YU, YONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

TOSOT PHILIPPINES CORPORATION F.b, Harrison St., Barangay 25, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of International Studies & Commercial Science. Have wide experience in Freight Forwarding Company.

No.

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

STONE ASIA AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC. 350, J.p. Rizal, Brgy. Namayan, City Of Mandaluyong

NIPPON EXPRESS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Lot 85 A & B, Avocado Road Fti Complex, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig Basic Qualification: Have wide experience in Freight Forwarding Company. Fluent in Japanese and English language.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin

SKYWEB BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC. Blk. 13 L131, Hernandez St., Catmon, City Of Malabon

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

Brief Job Description: Embed data analytics into P&G’s monthly business process base id on external & internal data

HUANG, YU-HSIN a.k.a. DORTHY HUANG Mandarin Speaking Client Coordinator

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, Preferably 1 Year experience in the Similiar Field, Speak and Write Fluently (Native And english)

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

QNECT INC. Unit 2105 The Finance Centre, 26th St. Corner 9th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Brief Job Description: Meet personal/team sales targets and call handling quotas

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

PROCTER & GAMBLE PHILIPPINES, INC. 10f Seven/neo, 5th Ave., Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1yr experience in the similar field, speak and write fluently (native language and English)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

XIONG, WEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 121.

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

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

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

A10 Wednesday, October 27, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Fertilizer crisis

he spike in fertilizer prices is becoming a major headache for local rice farmers, who will start planting their dry season crop in November. As fertilizer accounts for more than half of their production cost, the recent price hikes would require farmers to cough up more money for the essential input. This would then make rice and corn—two of the country’s major staples—more expensive (See, “Rice set to climb as fertilizer rally drives up farm costs,” in the BusinessMirror, October 23, 2021). Data from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority showed that the prices of inorganic fertilizers commonly used in the Philippines went up across the board compared to their year-ago levels. As of October 15, FPA data indicated that urea (prilled) was sold for P1,630.95 per 50-kilogram bag, or 56 percent higher from a year ago while granular urea was priced at P1,580.22, which is nearly 60 percent higher than last year’s prices. The yield-enhancing urea was most expensive in Pangasinan where it was sold for P1,900 per 50-kg bag. Figures from the attached agency of the Department of Agriculture also showed that ammonium sulfate went up by 41 percent year-on-year; complete, 30 percent; ammonium phosphate, 30 percent; MOP, 20 percent; and DAP, 23 percent. Prices are expected to remain elevated due to recent international developments, such as the energy crises in Europe and China. The Philippines, a net importer of rice, is not only the country that is grappling with the tightness in fertilizer supply. Vietnam and Thailand, two of the Philippines’s top sources of rice, are also heavily dependent on other countries for inorganic fertilizers. Thailand is a major customer of China, which has recently decided to curb fertilizer exports, causing global fertilizer prices to soar to new records. China accounts for about 30 percent of global fertilizer trade and its biggest buyers include India, Pakistan and countries in Southeast Asia. Farmers in Thailand who will plant rice soon would also have to buy more expensive fertilizer. Because of the price surge, Vietnam’s plant production department has also encouraged farmers to cut fertilizer use by half, which could affect their output. Compounding the woes of rice-producing countries like the Philippines is the increase in international oil prices and the container crisis, which have contributed to the cost of importing fertilizer. The government is now considering several measures to provide relief to farmers, including the provision of additional subsidies, subject to the availability of funds (See, “DA readies short-, longterm ways to cut fertilizer prices,” in the BusinessMirror, October 25, 2021). Among all the measures that the government is “exploring” to help farmers cope with the increase in fertilizer prices, the provision of additional subsidies can be done immediately. Policymakers have recently given jeepney drivers a fuel subsidy amounting to P1 billion (See, “Government bares P1-billion fuel subsidy for drivers,” in the BusinessMirror, October 25, 2021). We urge the government to also give our farmers meaningful assistance that will help them survive the fertilizer crisis. We don’t want soaring fertilizer prices to kill our ailing agriculture sector. Our farmers play a strategic role in improving the availability of affordable food for all Filipinos, and we depend on them for our food security. Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor Senior Editors

Online Editor Creative Director Chief Photographer Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

Aurora C. Ignacio

All About Social Security

F you have a social-media account like Facebook, you probably noticed that it has somewhat become an online obituary. With the pandemic that we are facing today, it is sad to know that many people have succumbed to the virus or other health-related circumstances. Talks of death were once topics that no one would openly discuss as it brings forth an uncomfortable and foreboding feeling. But times have changed, and now, more people are freely talking about it, including what happens after the funeral of a loved one.

Not only it is practical, but it is also healthy to talk about these things so as not to leave the grieving family that has been left by the deceased to be dealing with these challenges by themselves. I even know some people invest early in life for memorial plans in preparation for unexpected contingencies. It has been said that the benefits that SSS provide its members and pensioners are from womb to tomb. Maternity benefits are for welcoming the new life that our female members bring into this world, while funeral benefits are for those who have paid for the funeral expenses of those who passed away. The funeral benefit is a cash benefit given to someone who actually defrayed the cost of funeral expenses upon the death of a member, perma-

Lourdes M. Fernandez Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso Ruben M. Cruz Jr. Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news@businessmirror.com.ph.

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nent total disability pensioner or retirement pensioner. This is regardless of their relationship or affinity with the deceased SSS member. To qualify, the deceased member should have met the following eligibility requirements: An employee-member reported for coverage by his/her employer; n An employee-member was subject to compulsory coverage but was not reported for coverage by his/ her employer; n A self-employed member/ OFW/non-working spouse who had at least one contribution payment; and; n A voluntary member who was previously covered either as an employed, self-employed/OFW. The funeral benefit is a variable amount ranging from a minimum of

P20,000 to a maximum of P40,000 depending on the member’s number of paid contributions, average monthly salary credit (AMSC). As an example, a person who has paid for the funeral expenses of a deceased member with 240 paid contributions and AMSC at 16,000 may reimburse an amount up to P39,200. As for a deceased member with 100 paid contributions and AMSC at 10,000, a person may claim up to P25,000. To make the filing of funeral benefit safer, faster and more convenient, we have made the transaction available online. As with the other benefits and privileges that can be filed online, this is an economical and practical means for our members to file their application without having to go to any SSS branch. For claimants of Funeral Benefit, they must be issued an SSS number and registered on the SSS web site to be able to apply for funeral benefit through the My.SSS portal and must have a disbursement account enrolled with SSS through the Disbursement Account Enrollment Module (DAEM) in the My.SSS Portal of the SSS web site. Having an issued SSS Unified Multi-purpose or SSS Digitized ID, or application for UMID card is no longer a pre-requisite for online filing. In this facility, claimants can do the following: 1. conveniently apply online for funeral benefit claim through the E-

Services Menu of the My.SSS Portal of the SSS web site; 2. access or view the list of documentary requirements, update contact information and update disbursement account; 3. upload and submit documentary requirements upon system’s confirmation of the deceased member’s eligibility to the benefit and claimants’ certification. In case claimant is the dependent legal spouse of the deceased member, online certification with undertaking on his/her defrayal of funeral expense shall be required in lieu of uploading and submission of documents as proof; 4. enroll bank account or e-wallet details with SSS through the DAEM under the E-Services menu of the My.SSS portal; 5. receive the following e-mail notifications regarding the funeral benefit claim submitted online: n upon successful submission and assignment of claim to the concerned branch office for processing; and status of claim (approval/rejection); and; 6. view the status of submitted funeral claim (real-time processing). Funeral benefit shall be credited to the claimant’s UMID card enrolled as ATM. If without UMID card enrolled as ATM, it shall be credited to the preferred disbursement account registered by the claimant through the DAEM under the E-services menu of the My.SSS portal. To apply for the Funeral Benefit See “Ignacio,” A11

Apple once threatened Facebook ban over Mideast maid abuse

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror

MEMBER OF

What you need to know about online filing of funeral benefit

By Jon Gambrell And Jim Gomez | Associated Press

UBAI, United Arab Emirates—Two years ago, Apple threatened to pull Facebook and Instagram from its app store over concerns about the platform being used as a tool to trade and sell maids in the Mideast. After publicly promising to crack down, Facebook acknowledged in internal documents obtained by The Associated Press that it was “under-enforcing on confirmed abusive activity” that saw Filipina maids complaining on the social-media site of being abused. Apple relented and Facebook and Instagram remained in the app store. But Facebook’s crackdown seems to have had a limited effect. Even today, a quick search for “khadima,” or “maids” in Arabic, will bring up accounts featuring posed photographs of Africans and South Asians with ages and prices listed next to their images. That’s even as the Philippines government has a team of workers that do nothing but scour Facebook posts each day to try and protect desperate job seekers from criminal gangs and unscrupulous

recruiters using the site. While the Mideast remains a crucial source of work for women in Asia and Africa hoping to provide for their families back home, Facebook acknowledged some countries across the region have “especially egregious” human rights issues when it comes to laborers’ protection. “In our investigation, domestic workers frequently complained to their recruitment agencies of being locked in their homes, starved, forced to extend their contracts indefinitely, unpaid, and repeatedly sold to other employers without their consent,” one Facebook document read. “In response, agencies commonly told them to be more agreeable.” The report added: “We also found recruitment agencies dismissing more serious crimes, such as physical or sexual assault, rather than helping

domestic workers.” In a statement to the AP, Facebook said it took the problem seriously, despite the continued spread of ads exploiting foreign workers in the Mideast. “We prohibit human exploitation in no uncertain terms,” Facebook said. “We’ve been combating human trafficking on our platform for many years and our goal remains to prevent anyone who seeks to exploit others from having a home on our platform.” This story, along with others published Monday, is based on disclosures made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by former Facebook employee-turnedwhistleblower Frances Haugen’s legal counsel. The redacted versions were obtained by a consortium of news organizations, including the AP. The Wall Street Journal previously wrote about Apple’s threat to remove Facebook and Instagram. Taken as a whole, the trove of documents show that Facebook’s daunting size and user base around the world — a key factor in its rapid ascent and near trillion-dollar valu-

ation—also proves to be its greatest weakness in trying to police illicit activity, such as the sale of drugs, and suspected human rights and labor abuses on its site. Activists say Facebook, based in Menlo Park, California, has both an obligation and likely the means to fully crack down on the abuses their services facilitate as it earns tens of billions of dollars each year in revenue. “While Facebook is a private company, when you have billions of users, you are effectively like a state and therefore you have social responsibilities de facto, whether you like it or not,” said Mustafa Qadri, the executive director of Equidem Research, which studies migrant labor. “These workers are being recruited and going to places to work like the Gulf, the Middle East, where there is practically no proper regulation of how they’re recruited and how they’re treated when they end up in the places where they work. So when you put those two things together, really, it’s a recipe for disaster.” Mary Ann Abunda, who works See “Apple,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 A11

How months of tensions Migrant fishermen and debt bondage led to Sudan’s coup

By Samy Magdy & Lee Keath | Associated Press

AIRO—Monday’s military coup in Sudan threatens to wreck the country’s fragile transition to democracy, more than two years after a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. The move comes after months of mounting tensions between the military and civilian authorities. Protesters are in the streets denouncing the takeover, and troops have opened fire, killing some of the marchers, opening the door for greater turmoil in the country of 40 million. Here is how Sudan reached this point:

What happened on Monday?

The military dissolved the transitional government of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok as well as the Sovereign Council, a power-sharing body of military officers and civilians that had been ruling Sudan since late 2019. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan announced that the military would hold power until elections can be held in July 2023. Declaring a state of emergency, the top military official said a government of technocrats would be formed to administer until elections are held. His announcement came hours after the military arrested Hamdok along with several other senior officials and political leaders.

What happens now?

The United States, European Union and United Nations have denounced the coup, but much depends on how much leverage they put on Sudan’s military. The country is in need of international aid to get through its economic crisis. On the other side, Sudan’s generals have strong ties with Egypt and Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which so far have stopped short of criticizing the takeover, instead calling for calm. Burhan said he is serious about holding elections on schedule. But a year and half is a long time, and it is not clear whether the powerful military is willing to release the grip it has had on power for decades. Protesters fear the military will steer the process to ensure its control and are vowing to keep up their pressure in the streets, raising the likelihood of new confrontations.

Wasn’t there a democratic ‘revolution’ already in Sudan?

The pro-democracy movement, which was a mix of groups including professional unions, political parties and youth groups, won the removal of al-Bashir in April 2019. But it was only a partial victory, with protesters unable to push the military out of politics completely. Al-Bashir, who came to power in a 1989 coup, had ruled for 30 years with an iron grip, backed by the military and Islamists. Months of massive protests finally forced the military to remove and imprison him. Right after his ouster, the military seized power for itself. But protesters stayed in the streets, demanding the generals hand over power to civilians. Crackdowns turned bloody, and in June 2019, armed forces stormed the main protest camp outside the military headquarters, killing more than 100 people and raping dozens of women. Eventually, the military agreed to a compromise. It formed the Sovereign Council, a body made up of both military officers and civilians that was to rule the country until elections could be held. The council appointed Hamdok as prime minister of a transitional government. Under the compromise, the council was to be headed first by military figures before civilians were to lead it. Since then, Burhan has led the council, and the deputy chief has been Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the chief of the paramilitary Rapid

Many of the protesters on both sides are motivated by economic hardship. Already a problem under al-Bashir, it was one of the reasons people rose up against him. But since then, the country has faced even greater shocks in trying to rejoin the global economy. Economic reforms implemented by the interim government have meant rising inflation and shortages of basic goods for the average citizen. Support Forces, a group notorious for atrocities during the Darfur war in the 1990s and blamed for the 2019 Khartoum massacre. A civilian was supposed to step in as council leader in November to run it until the 2023 elections. The compromise won an end to Sudan’s pariah status in the world. The US took Sudan off its list of countries supporting terrorism, after the military-led council reached a normalization deal with Israel. The transitional government also reached a peace deal with many of the rebel groups around Sudan that have been waging insurgencies against the Khartoum government for years. That deal allowed the armed rebels to return to Khartoum, waiting to be absorbed into the military. Meanwhile, Hamdok’s government rolled back many of the strict Islamist rules from the al-Bashir era, winning praise from Western governments and rights groups. However, it has struggled to deal with a crippled economy.

What sparked the coup?

Tensions have been growing for months between supporters of the military and of civilian rule. The Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, or FDFC, the main protest umbrella group, has been stepping up calls for the military to hand leadership over to civilians in the government. The FDFC is made up of various anti-al-Bashir political parties, professional movements and rebel groups. It has also called for restructuring the military and security agencies to dismiss al-Bashir loyalists, absorb various armed factions into their ranks and be put under civilian supervision. Supporters of the military also have stepped up action. Since September, tribal protesters have blocked the main road to Sudan’s Red Sea port as well as fuel pipelines, demanding Hamdok’s government be dissolved. Also, a pro-military splinter faction of the FDFC began an anti-government protest sit-in this month outside the Sovereign Council headquarters, accusing officials of mismanagement and monopolizing power. The faction includes rebel groups that struck peace deals with the military and some political parties. Many of the protesters on both sides are motivated by economic hardship. Already a problem under al-Bashir, it was one of the reasons people rose up against him. But since then, the country has faced even greater shocks in trying to rejoin the global economy. Economic reforms implemented by the interim government have meant rising inflation and shortages of basic goods for the average citizen. Emboldened by the protests, Burhan repeatedly called for dissolving Hamdok’s transitional government. He went further by saying recently that the military would only hand over power to an elected government.

The piece narrated stories of Southeast Asian migrant fishermen, including Filipinos, recruited to work on board foreign fishing vessels with promises of decent, well-paid jobs. But once they begin working, the promised conditions of work do not materialize, and they find themselves trapped in abusive conditions. Work may be performed under conditions that are degrading (humiliating or dirty) or hazardous (difficult or dangerous without adequate protective gear), and in severe instances, breach of labor laws. Many are obliged to work excessive hours or days beyond the limits prescribed by national law or contracts. Breaks and days off are denied by being on call 24/7. They are usually physically assaulted if they refuse to obey orders: they were hit, kicked, slapped across the face, and beaten with objects like ropes and metal rods. They were fed rotten food and given dirty drinking water. Over

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

Facebook acknowledges being aware of both the exploitative conditions of foreign workers and the use of Instagram to buy and trade maids online even before a 2019 report by the BBC’s Arabic service on the practice in the Mideast. That BBC report sparked the threat by Cupertino, California-based Apple to remove the apps, citing examples of pictures of maids and their biographic details showing up online, according to the documents. Facebook engineers found nearly three-fourths of all problematic posts, including showing maids in videos and screenshots of their conversations, occurred on Instagram. Links to maid-selling sites predominantly affected Facebook. Over 60 percent of the material came from Saudi Arabia, with about a quarter coming from Egypt, according to the 2019 Facebook analysis. In a statement to the AP, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said the kingdom “stands firmly against all types of illegal practices in the labor market” and that all labor contracts must be approved by authorities. While keeping in contact with the Philippines and other nations on labor issues, the ministry said Facebook had never been in touch with it about the problem. “Obviously illegal ads posted on social media platforms make it harder to track and investigate,” the ministry said. Saudi Arabia plans “a major public awareness campaign” soon as well on illegal recruitment practices, the ministry added. Egypt did not respond to requests for comment. While Facebook disabled over 1,000 accounts on its web sites, its analysis papers acknowledged that as early as 2018 the company knew

it had a problem with what it referred to as “domestic servitude.” It defined the problem as a “form of trafficking of people for the purpose of working inside private homes through the use of force, fraud, coercion or deception.” The issue appeared a wide-enough problem that Facebook even used an acronym to describe it—HEx, or “human exploitation.” Users at the time reported only 2 percent of problematic content, likely due to the desire to travel abroad for work. Facebook acknowledged it only scratched the surface of the problem and that “domestic servitude content remained on the platform.” After a week, Facebook shared what it had done and Apple apparently dropped the threat. Apple did not respond to requests for comment, but Facebook acknowledged how seriously it took the threat at the time. “Removing our applications from Apple platforms would have had potentially severe consequences to the business, including depriving millions of users of access,” the analysis said. The problem, however, continues across both Facebook and Instagram. Facebook appears to acknowledge that in more recent documents seen by the AP. It described engineers accessing problematic messages in maid-recruiting agencies’ inboxes, including one in which a Filipina specifically is mentioned as being “sold” by her Kuwaiti employers. “Sometimes my head and ears hurt from being hit,” another batch of messages from a Filipina in Kuwait read. “When I escape from here, how will I get my passport? And how can we get out of here? The door is always locked.” Another Filipina housemaid in Kuwait, who described being “sold” to another family through an Insta-

gram post in December 2012, told the AP that she knew of other cases of Filipinas being “traded online like merchandise.” “I was like an animal that was being traded by one owner to another,” said the woman, who spoke from Kuwait on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals. “If Facebook and Instagram won’t take stronger steps against this anomaly, there will be more victims like me. I was lucky because I did not end up dead or a sexual slave.” Authorities in Kuwait, where the Philippines temporarily banned domestic workers from going after an abused Filipina was found dead in a refrigerator in 2018 over a year after disappearing, did not respond to requests for comment. In the Philippines, the billions of dollars annually sent home from overseas workers represent nearly 10% of the country’s gross domestic product. Those wanting to go abroad trust Facebook more than the private recruiting agencies monitored by the government in part over past scandals, said Bernard Olalia, who heads the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which has the team monitoring Facebook postings. Job seekers mistakenly believe the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration endorses some of the Facebook and Instagram accounts, in part as they misused the office’s logos, he said. With the coronavirus pandemic locking down the Philippines for months, those wanting to work abroad are even more desperate than before for any opportunity. Some see “application fees” stolen by criminal gangs, he said. Others have been trafficked or sexually exploited. “Words are not enough to describe their predicament but the situation is devastating for them,” Olalia said.

Note: SSS shall validate if all information is correct and confirm if deceased member is qualified for funeral benefit. 4. provide information as follows: a. Civil status of the deceased; b. Your relationship with the deceased member; and c. Choose your preferred disbursement account in the DAEM under the E-Services menu. Note: The system shall automatically credit the benefit proceeds to the claimant’s UMID card enrolled as ATM, if applicable. If without UMIDATM card, claimant must have a

disbursement account enrolled in DAEM for the crediting of benefit proceeds. 5. upload supporting documents as follows: a. Proof to establish SSS membership of deceased member; b. Death certificate of deceased member; and c. Proof of defrayal of funeral expenses (if applicable). Please be reminded that allowed files are images and pdf only, with maximum file size of 2MB per document. 6. read the Certification carefully and click the “Submit” box to agree

and proceed. 7. check your e-mail for the funeral benefit claim application notice from the SSS It is not a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” we will leave this world. We should always be prepared, whatever contingencies arise. While doing so, let us not take away the joy of everyday living. Have a nice week ahead.

Dennis Gorecho

Pinoy Marino Rights

elicious seafood in a menu might have a dark side: labor issues involving migrant fishermen that have long troubled the global fishing industry.

In the piece “Worked to Death”, journalists from Environmental Reporting Collective worked together to expose illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing – known in the industry as “IUU fishing”. IUU fishing is a broad term that captures a wide variety of fishing activity that has caused alarming destruction to marine environments, as well as horrific human rights abuses by the companies involved. It includes all fishing that breaks fisheries laws and regulations or occurs outside their reach. Illegal fishing usually refers to fishing without a license, fishing in a closed area, fishing with prohibited gear, fishing over a quota, or the fishing of prohibited species. There are also entities that are not reporting or underreporting their catch—even if the vessel is licensed to catch that species. Out on the high seas, the journalists documented a dark undercurrent of illegal and destructive activity that has been running for decades.

Apple. . .

continued from A10

with a nongovernmental Filipino workers’ welfare group called Sandigan in Kuwait, similarly warned of the danger the site can pose. “Facebook really has two faces,” Abunda said. “Yes, as it advertises, it’s connecting people, but it has also become a haven of sinister people and syndicates who wait for your weak moment to pounce on you.” Facebook, like human rights activists and others worried about labor across the Mideast, pointed to the so-called “kafala” system prevalent across much of the region’s countries. Under this system, which allowed nations to import cheap foreign labor from Africa and South Asia as oil money swelled their economies beginning in the 1950s, workers find their residency bound directly to their employer, their sponsor or “kafeel.” While workers can find employment in these arrangements that allow them to send money back home, unscrupulous sponsors can exploit their laborers who often have no other legal recourse. Stories of workers having their passports seized, working nonstop without breaks, and not being properly paid long have shadowed major construction projects, whether Dubai’s Expo 2020 or Qatar’s upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup. While Gulf Arab states like the UAE and Qatar insist they’ve improved working conditions, others like Saudi Arabia still require employers to approve their workers leaving the country. Meanwhile, maids and domestic workers can find themselves even more at risk by living alone with families in private homes. In the documents seen by the AP,

Ignacio. . .

continued from A10

online, just follow these simple procedures: 1. log-in to your My.SSS account. 2. click Submit Funeral Claim Application under the E-services tab. 3. provide all the following information of the deceased SSS member and click “Proceed”: a. SS Number/C.R.N.; b. Surname and Given Name; c. Date of Birth; d. Date of Death; and e. Amount of Funeral Expense/s.

and deny him the opportunity to change employer. In October 2019, I was in Taiwan where I was able to meet some of the Filipino survivors of the collapse of a bridge in Nanfang’ao Port that crushed their boats. Three Filipino fishermen were killed from the incident, which also left 18 migrant fishermen, including 14 Filipinos, homeless. My personal interaction with Filipino fishermen in Taiwan is an affirmation of the 2018 US State Department’s Country Report on Human Rights Practices that flagged countries like Taiwan for the practices of recruitment and brokerage agencies, which facilitate the hiring of fishermen and other migrant workers, as leaving workers “vulnerable to debt bondage.” This occurs when a recruitment agency hires a foreign fishing worker and withholds his passport or deducts heavy service fees from his pay. The Report also noted mistreatment and poor working conditions for foreign fishermen remained common. Foreign fishermen recruited offshore were not entitled to the same labor rights, wages, insurance, and pensions as those recruited locally. Do you wonder if some of the sea products you purchased are the result of an injustice called debt bondage?

time, some of them developed unknown illnesses. Despite the inhumane conditions, the report noted that many migrant fishers were unable or afraid to leave their ships due to threat of debt, among other reasons. The contract usually indicate that if they failed to complete their twoyear work terms, they would forfeit much of their salary while still owing their recruiters fees they had agreed to pay out of future earnings. Greenpeace said in the paper “Seabound: The Journey To Modern Slavery On The High Seas” that such a scenario, where fishing vessel captains rule with impunity, makes modern slavery at sea possible. Under the so-called debt bondage, the migrant fishers are often working in an attempt to pay off an incurred or sometimes even inherited debt. The debt can arise from wage advances or loans to cover recruitment or transport costs or from daily living or emergency expenses, such as medical costs. Brokers charge exorbitant fees, with interest, often taking payment directly from the migrant fisher’s wages and creating the conditions for debt bondage. Greenpeace also criticized the retention by the employer of identity documents or other valuable personal possessions, and the inability of the migrant fishermen to access these items on demand. Wages are also systematically and deliberately withheld as a means to compel the migrant fisher to remain,

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

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

ERC penalizes more firms over unscheduled outages

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

wo more power generation firms were penalized by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for breaching the maximum allowable unplanned outage days for the year.

Team Sual Corp. (TSC) was found administratively liable for having incurred a total excess of 10.68 unplanned outage days for its TSC Unit 1 and 96.2 days for Unit 2. TSC went beyond the limit for the 16.8 days that coal power plants should undergo shutdown. As such, it was ordered to pay P4.8 million. TSC said Unit 1 was on annual maintenance outage from December 28, 2020 to January 26, 2021 and was on unplanned outage only from January 27 to 28 this year. Unit 2’s unplanned outage occurred from January 3 to April 25 this year. The company told the commission that the outages covered by the show cause order were approved by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and the delay of repairs was due to travel restrictions imposed by the government. The repair required technical support from General Electric Co. (GE). However, GE personnel cannot immediately arrive in the Philippines, TSC said. The ERC said, however, that TSC’s claim was mere allegation since this

was “unsubstantiated by evidence and does not deserve consideration.” According to the ERC, TSC did not provide any evidence that it coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) for the facilitation of the processing of the travel papers of GE’s personnel. TSC also did not provide the details as to the period when the request was made vis-à-vis the actual arrival of the GE personnel, and their corresponding quarantine period. The ERC said Uni1 has been operated above its design temperature limit for a substantial period. “Thus, the cause of the outage of TSC’s Unit 1 may be due to negligence, lack of foresight and poor industry practice,” it said in its 18-page decision. “The Commission finds TSC’s explanation unmeritorious.” “TSC is hereby directed to pay an administrative penalty in the amount of P787,200.00 for TSC Unit 1 and P4,008,000.00 for TSC Unit 2 within 10 days from receipt hereof.” Meanwhile, Southwest Luzon

Power Generation Corp. (SLPGC) recorded 17.4 cumulative unplanned outage days for its coal plant unit 2, which was beyond the maximum allowable unplanned outage days per year for coal plants. It incurred a total excess of 0.54 unplanned outage days from January 3 to April 21 this year. SLPGC alleged that the emergency shutdowns on December 30, 2020 and April 21, 2021 were due to boiler leaks on account of the thinning of the boiler tube, caused by abrasion of the ash content in coal, which are inherent in coal-fired power plants and are unavoidable. While the ERC recognized that boiler tube leaks may happen from time to time in coal plants, there are pre-emptive procedures that can be done to prevent or minimize the occurrence of boiler tube leaks, wherein two incidents have been reported over a period of four months. But ERC said SLPGC failed to adopt these procedures early on. “Evidently, SLPGC’s preventive actions, made only after the outage incidents, demonstrated its failure to exercise good planning and foresight, good industry practice, and due diligence prior to the outage incident,” said the ERC in its 14-page decision. As such, the ERC declared SLPGC administratively liable for having 0.54 days of unplanned outages in excess of the 16.9 days allowable unplanned outage in violation of Article V, ERC Resolution No. 10, Series of 2020,” the commission ruled. Meanwhile, the ERC said Masinloc Power Partners Co. Ltd. (MPPCL) is not liable for incurring 47.5 cumu-

lative days of unplanned shutdown for its Unit 3. MPPCL recorded a total excess of 30.7 unplanned outage days from January 3 to April 25 this year. MPPCL said the number of outage days were due to the lag time resulting from pandemic travel restrictions which prevented the entry of technical experts and the necessary parts from overseas. The absence of these experts and the replacement parts prevented the timely repair of Unit 3. The ERC noted that when Unit 3 went on outage beginning November 24, 2020, the ERC rules were not yet in effect at the time. The technical experts arrived on February 1. The repair was completed on February 10 and the unit was back on line on February 20. “Thus, had it not been for the travel restrictions which prevented the technical experts’ entry into the country from December 22, 2020 up to January 31, 2021, MPPCL could have repaired unit 3 even before the effectivity of ERC Resolution. In view of this, the Commission finds MPPCL not liable.” Last week, the ERC penalized Power Asset and Liabilities Management Corp., Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. and SPC Island Power Corp. for the same violations.

Ayala Land lists ₧3-B bonds on PDEx By VG Cabuag @villygc

yala Land Inc. (ALI) on Tuesday said investors are now keen on much longer-termed instruments despite the pandemic. The company listed its new P3-billion 4.0776 percent per annum fixed rate bonds on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx). The paper due 2031 is part of ALI’s newly approved third shelf registration program amounting to P50 billion. The issuance features an innovative re-priceable feature that is similar to the structure of the company’s issuance in 2018.

“The successful offering of this 10-year bond has shown that there are fixed income investors that are keen for longer-termed instruments. This longer tenor is well aligned with the gestation or development period of our projects since we are not just involved in developing single condominiums or villages, rather in building large-scale, integrated, mixed-use estates that that generate longterm value over time,” Jose Emilio B. Jamir, Ayala Land deputy treasurer, said. “This bond is part of our overall and largest ever P50-billion debt refinancing program, as we continue to bring down our cost of debt and lengthen our maturities. To the benefit of institutional and retail investors alike, this has been the longest

corporate bond offered in the market since the pandemic began.” With the listing, the total outstanding listed corporate bonds on PDEx is now at P1.35 trillion, providing investment outlets for the investing public especially amidst the global pandemic. The company said its corporate bonds provide investors with several advantages, chief among them is a source of stable and predictable interest income. It also helps corporations to diversify their funding sources. With the issuance of the 10-year bond, Ayala Land is nearing the completion of its P50-billion debt refinancing program by maintaining access to both the debt capital and bank markets.

CONSTRUCTION OF ETERNAL CHAPELS BATANGAS CITY NOW UNDERWAY Company executives, led by president and chief operating officer Numeriano B. Rodrin (rightmost), together with the agency managers of Eternal Gardens Batangas, visited the construction site of the next Eternal Chapels Mortuary and Chapel Services. Designed by RDBTecson & Associates, the fourth branch of Eternal Chapels is located inside Eternal Gardens in Balagtas, Batangas City. It aims to bring the company’s excellent chapel and mortuary services to the residents of Batangas City and its nearby towns, especially to the clients of Eternal Gardens. The memorial park developer also has branches in Concepcion, Batangas City; and in Lipa City. “The opening of Eternal Chapels inside Eternal Gardens Balagtas will complete the memorial services that we offer in Batangas City, since we also have Eternal Crematory here,” Rodrin said in a statement. “The Batangueños have always been very supportive of Eternal Memorial Services, so we want to give them the best and complete memorial care that they deserve,” he added. Shown in the photo are (from left) Eternal Chapels vice president for Marketing Jose Antonio V. Rivera, vice president for Finance Marvin C. Timbol, Eternal Gardens Balagtas branch manager Jocelyn Ann A. Buendia, Batangas agency managers Saturnina G. Alcantara, Concepcion P. Bagos, Aquilina A. Lazarte, Graciano E. Ebora, Florita B. Arellano, and Lourdes G. Tidon, Eternal Gardens Concepcion branch manager Arlin G. Delos Reyes, and Rodrin. Eternal Gardens, Eternal Chapels, and Eternal Crematory are members of the ALC Group of Companies founded by Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon.

Converge expands network in Bicol By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

on v erge ICT Solutions Inc. expects its subscriber base in the Bicol region to grow by “nearly 80 percent” as it expands its network to cover nearly half of the entire population in the region before the end of 2021. Converge CEO Dennis Anthony Uy said the group is “aggressively expanding” in the region, which is part of the domestic fiber backbone that will interconnect the Philippine islands. “The solid increase in our customer base in Region V is hinged on our entry into Masbate, and our deeper presence in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon,” he said in a statement. Converge has landed its pure fiber domestic subsea backbone

in three points: Pasacao in Camarines Sur, Masbate City, and Milagros in Masbate. These complete the company’s redundancy loop that starts in San Juan, Batangas and passes through RoxasMindoro, Boracay, Roxas-Iloilo and ends in Milagros, Masbate. Uy said these loops provide an alternate route for internet traffic to go through in the case of an outage or failure, caused by a natural disaster, on the primary route of the subsea cables. This network safeguard enhances the overall network redundancy of Converge. With the expansion of its network in the region, coupled with consumer initiatives, Uy said the group sees its subscriber base to grow by nearly 80 percent, while its fiber penetration rate is “expected to reach up to 45 percent by the end of the year.”

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

October 26, 2021

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK PHILTRUST RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE VANTAGE

43.7 129.9 84.65 24.25 9.46 49.15 9.08 17.72 20.6 57.4 99.2 19.5 123 91.8 4.1 3.34 1.11 940 0.67 230 2,620 0.85

45.9 130 85 24.4 9.47 49.5 9.3 18.58 20.65 57.5 100 20 124 92 4.11 3.53 1.19 950 0.68 231.8 2,890 0.86

43.65 129.2 84.5 24.4 9.6 49 9.31 18 20.65 57.45 100 20 124.4 91.75 4.12 3.31 1.11 940 0.7 224 2,600 0.86

43.75 130.7 85.3 24.4 9.6 49.5 9.31 18 20.85 57.5 100 20.1 124.9 92 4.2 3.54 1.11 940 0.7 230 2,620 0.86

43.55 129.1 84.5 24.2 9.47 48.95 9.08 17.7 20.55 57.4 100 19.5 123 90 4.11 3.31 1.11 940 0.67 224 2,600 0.86

43.75 130 85 24.4 9.47 49.5 9.3 17.7 20.65 57.5 100 19.5 124 91.8 4.11 3.34 1.11 940 0.67 230 2,620 0.86

22,900 2,786,300 1,171,410 20,400 403,200 1,333,700 22,100 2,800 294,100 1,220 20 109,300 113,300 56,400 99,000 17,000 1,000 90 50,000 17,800 55 26,000

998,955 362,136,395 99,447,819.50 495,550 3,839,267 65,668,290 201,424 49,750 6,070,375 70,107 2,000 2,132,906 14,018,843 5,136,051 408,920 57,620 1,110 84,600 33,650 4,068,970 143,100 22,360

10,930,115 10,875,246 947 21,947,970 1,227,030 20,700 -20,100 -1,792,275 -1,327,888.50 84,600 3,935,950 117,000 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 11.96 11.98 11.46 11.98 11.4 11.98 34,697,600 410,102,794 ALSONS CONS 1.12 1.15 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 32,000 35,840 ABOITIZ POWER 31.9 32 31.6 32.1 31.6 32 2,939,000 93,863,235 BASIC ENERGY 0.71 0.72 0.7 0.72 0.69 0.71 27,632,000 19,504,560 FIRST GEN 30.15 30.2 30.4 30.45 30 30.15 1,265,000 38,160,390 FIRST PHIL HLDG 74.95 75 75.4 75.6 75 75 98,340 7,384,022.50 MERALCO 294 295 294.4 295 293.8 295 58,160 17,120,762 MANILA WATER 25.7 25.95 25.7 27 25.3 25.7 1,956,900 51,076,150 PETRON 3.95 3.96 3.89 3.99 3.89 3.95 1,961,000 7,735,270 PETROENERGY 4.4 4.45 4.38 4.42 4.28 4.42 166,000 727,970 PHX PETROLEUM 11.16 11.24 11.18 11.24 11.16 11.24 16,600 186,294 PILIPINAS SHELL 22.3 22.35 22.2 22.6 21.5 22.3 593,200 12,949,100 SPC POWER 13.74 13.8 13.84 13.86 13.5 13.74 97,800 1,335,912 AGRINURTURE 5 5.1 5.11 5.11 5 5.1 51,300 260,916 AXELUM 2.87 2.91 2.95 2.96 2.87 2.91 327,000 953,820 CNTRL AZUCARERA 14 14.3 13.9 14 13.86 14 4,100 57,230 CENTURY FOOD 26.3 26.5 27.3 27.8 26.25 26.3 758,200 20,392,575 DEL MONTE 14.7 14.88 14.92 14.92 14.7 14.8 26,600 392,810 DNL INDUS 8.23 8.26 8.31 8.36 8.2 8.26 1,425,200 11,768,596 EMPERADOR 18.16 18.18 18.3 18.44 18.06 18.16 3,391,100 61,350,492 SMC FOODANDBEV 76.35 76.8 77 77 76.15 76.35 270,000 20,613,809 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.6 0.62 0.61 0.62 0.6 0.62 635,000 383,450 FRUITAS HLDG 1.33 1.34 1.33 1.35 1.33 1.34 6,116,000 8,205,590 GINEBRA 111 111.2 110.8 112.8 110 111.2 15,840 1,752,688 JOLLIBEE 235.2 235.4 228 235.2 227 235.2 1,199,780 278,797,796 LIBERTY FLOUR 28.05 29.35 29.4 29.4 29.4 29.4 200 5,880 MACAY HLDG 6.7 6.99 6.7 6.7 6.7 6.7 2,000 13,400 MAXS GROUP 7.36 7.45 7.4 7.45 7.21 7.45 254,600 1,882,050 MG HLDG 0.184 0.192 0.181 0.186 0.181 0.186 290,000 52,940 MONDE NISSIN 16.3 16.34 16.38 16.48 16.22 16.34 10,540,200 171,956,158 SHAKEYS PIZZA 8.08 8.14 8.2 8.2 8.1 8.14 116,600 945,508 ROXAS AND CO 0.73 0.74 0.77 0.77 0.74 0.74 2,822,000 2,101,860 RFM CORP 4.58 4.65 4.5 4.7 4.5 4.65 8,000 37,000 SWIFT FOODS 0.118 0.122 0.121 0.122 0.12 0.122 1,990,000 239,090 UNIV ROBINA 135 135.3 136 137 134.5 135.3 2,348,180 317,612,332 VITARICH 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.75 236,000 177,170 VICTORIAS 2.25 2.48 2.36 2.36 2.36 2.36 11,000 25,960 CONCRETE A 46.15 47.5 47 47 47 47 1,700 79,900 CEMEX HLDG 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.27 1.28 557,000 712,230 EAGLE CEMENT 14.48 14.6 14.6 14.6 14.48 14.48 18,600 269,584 EEI CORP 6.75 6.83 6.75 6.84 6.73 6.83 440,200 2,992,471 HOLCIM 5.97 5.98 6 6 5.95 5.98 287,500 1,721,355 MEGAWIDE 6.1 6.11 6.17 6.18 6.1 6.1 1,812,100 11,086,219 PHINMA 14.74 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 10,100 149,480 TKC METALS 0.89 0.9 0.89 0.9 0.89 0.9 71,000 63,880 VULCAN INDL 1.18 1.19 1.21 1.22 1.17 1.19 4,022,000 4,781,630 CROWN ASIA 1.67 1.7 1.66 1.79 1.66 1.66 7,620,000 12,688,310 EUROMED 1.59 1.65 1.62 1.67 1.58 1.58 143,000 227,760 PRYCE CORP 5.4 5.46 5.41 5.41 5.4 5.4 19,000 102,637 CONCEPCION 21.75 22 22 22 21.75 21.75 1,400 30,650 GREENERGY 2.44 2.45 2.35 2.48 2.35 2.45 9,704,000 23,632,120 INTEGRATED MICR 8.93 8.96 8.82 9.02 8.82 8.93 635,000 5,677,104 IONICS 0.86 0.89 0.9 0.9 0.86 0.89 107,000 93,150 PANASONIC 6.02 6.04 6.1 6.1 6.01 6.04 17,600 106,248 SFA SEMICON 1.12 1.15 1.12 1.15 1.12 1.12 250,000 280,900 CIRTEK HLDG 4.31 4.33 4.39 4.39 4.3 4.31 1,026,000 4,435,100

8,331,462 42,481,965 -627,000.00 2,448,275 99,816.50 1,378,996.00 -20,512,355 701,130 30,660 -1,587,615 40,860 4,185 -2,960 -1,777,180 173,369 335,776 -5,314,546 -290,780 -264,560 131,092,004 -4,690 1,452 -75,040,232 -329,087 -50,085,376 82,750 -55,054 -701,554 61,240 39,080 7,631,520 -234,363 -

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.15 1.12 1.15 10,085,000 11,432,840 ASIABEST GROUP 5.26 5.49 5.26 5.26 5.26 5.26 100 526 AYALA CORP 867 870 847 870 847 870 441,960 382,157,860 ABOITIZ EQUITY 49.25 49.3 50.6 50.6 49.3 49.3 1,060,240 52,624,763 ALLIANCE GLOBAL 10.5 10.52 10.94 10.98 10.52 10.52 5,755,100 61,160,960 AYALA LAND LOG 5.29 5.32 5.22 5.34 5.14 5.29 2,184,100 11,392,224 ANSCOR 7 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3 200 1,460 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.93 0.94 0.92 0.93 0.92 0.93 663,000 611,960 ATN HLDG A 0.485 0.5 0.46 0.51 0.46 0.5 112,000 55,700 COSCO CAPITAL 5.09 5.1 5.1 5.11 5.09 5.1 630,400 3,211,834 DMCI HLDG 8.76 8.88 8.83 8.92 8.7 8.88 9,662,700 84,715,677 FILINVEST DEV 7.75 8.1 8.12 8.12 8.12 8.12 100 812 FJ PRINCE A 2.54 2.79 2.54 2.54 2.54 2.54 1,000 2,540 FORUM PACIFIC 0.295 0.305 0.295 0.295 0.295 0.295 760,000 224,200 GT CAPITAL 560 561 557.5 561 555 560 160,670 89,789,905 JG SUMMIT 63.95 64.85 65 65.65 63.35 64.85 1,438,230 92,531,886.50 KEPPEL HLDG A 5.99 6.2 6.05 6.05 6.05 6.05 100 605 LODESTAR 0.63 0.64 0.67 0.67 0.63 0.63 1,682,000 1,065,980 LOPEZ HLDG 3.2 3.25 3.2 3.25 3.18 3.25 200,000 641,610 LT GROUP 10.14 10.2 10.38 10.4 10.06 10.2 3,734,500 38,067,870 MABUHAY HLDG 0.425 0.445 0.425 0.425 0.425 0.425 40,000 17,000 METRO PAC INV 3.9 3.92 4.05 4.06 3.9 3.9 30,708,000 120,995,640 PRIME MEDIA 1.54 1.55 1.58 1.58 1.55 1.55 53,000 82,990 SOLID GROUP 1.16 1.19 1.21 1.21 1.18 1.18 63,000 74,490 SM INVESTMENTS 1,006 1,028 1,021 1,028 1,000 1,028 124,875 127,087,835 SAN MIGUEL CORP 115.8 117 117.3 117.3 115.6 117 171,510 19,961,169 SOC RESOURCES 0.66 0.71 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.66 100,000 66,000 SEAFRONT RES 2.01 2.49 2.01 2.01 2.01 2.01 3,000 6,030 TOP FRONTIER 128 132 129 130 129 130 500 64,990 WELLEX INDUS 0.25 0.275 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 200,000 50,000 ZEUS HLDG 0.174 0.187 0.175 0.175 0.174 0.174 240,000 41,780

772,200.00 146,760,265 -30,587.50 -32,507,218 396,645 1,033,464 20,264,489 19,800,490 19,782,598 418,024 -35,947,280 -42,660 43,528,950 -2,691,487 -

PROPERTY

ARTHALAND CORP 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.63 0.63 12,000 7,580 AYALA LAND 35.8 35.95 36.05 36.35 35.65 35.95 14,978,500 538,516,780 AREIT RT 40.85 41 40.8 41 40.8 41 3,985,300 163,385,235 BELLE CORP 1.35 1.39 1.4 1.4 1.33 1.4 416,000 561,820 A BROWN 0.87 0.88 0.9 0.9 0.86 0.88 637,000 552,350 CITYLAND DEVT 0.74 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.74 0.75 412,000 307,400 CROWN EQUITIES 0.115 0.117 0.116 0.117 0.115 0.117 1,080,000 125,630 CEBU HLDG 6.24 6.85 6.12 6.24 6.12 6.24 9,300 56,940 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.93 2.95 2.93 2.97 2.93 2.93 1,005,000 2,959,910 CENTURY PROP 0.455 0.46 0.46 0.465 0.455 0.46 5,940,000 2,718,150 DOUBLEDRAGON 10.28 10.3 10.52 10.52 10.26 10.28 403,900 4,180,160 DDMP RT 1.79 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.78 1.79 6,733,000 12,051,580 DM WENCESLAO 6.8 6.82 6.8 6.82 6.8 6.82 23,900 162,620 EMPIRE EAST 0.275 0.285 0.28 0.285 0.275 0.275 390,000 109,100 EVER GOTESCO 0.395 0.4 0.38 0.41 0.37 0.4 98,420,000 39,307,600 FILINVEST RT 7.29 7.3 7.32 7.35 7.3 7.3 1,510,800 11,036,529 FILINVEST LAND 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.16 1.14 1.14 6,619,000 7,635,360 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.9 0.93 0.94 0.94 0.9 0.93 85,000 78,160 8990 HLDG 9.77 9.78 9.21 9.78 9.21 9.78 793,100 7,495,622 PHIL INFRADEV 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.2 317,000 383,310 CITY AND LAND 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.09 1 1.04 80,000 82,610 MEGAWORLD 3.04 3.05 3.08 3.11 3.03 3.04 18,055,000 55,113,020 MRC ALLIED 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.295 0.3 9,930,000 2,970,750 MREIT RT 17.86 17.88 17.88 17.88 17.82 17.88 7,001,600 125,113,578 PHIL ESTATES 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.53 0.51 0.51 1,175,000 599,500 PRIMEX CORP 2.07 2.11 2.2 2.24 2.07 2.11 323,000 695,590 RL COMM RT 6.81 6.82 6.84 6.89 6.8 6.81 4,967,200 33,967,681 ROBINSONS LAND 17 17.04 17.5 17.68 17 17 5,308,800 91,424,802 PHIL REALTY 0.24 0.243 0.24 0.24 0.238 0.24 600,000 143,920 ROCKWELL 1.51 1.56 1.5 1.57 1.5 1.51 22,000 34,180 SHANG PROP 2.61 2.64 2.64 2.64 2.64 2.64 6,000 15,840 STA LUCIA LAND 2.92 2.96 2.91 2.97 2.9 2.96 971,000 2,842,840 SM PRIME HLDG 35 35.4 35.85 35.85 35 35 9,677,700 340,295,170 VISTAMALLS 3.81 3.89 3.8 3.89 3.8 3.89 11,000 42,030 SUNTRUST HOME 1.5 1.53 1.5 1.53 1.5 1.53 340,000 518,230 PTFC REDEV CORP 43.1 50.95 43.1 43.1 43.1 43.1 1,500 64,650 VISTA LAND 3.78 3.8 3.81 3.81 3.78 3.8 990,000 3,760,430 SERVICES ABS CBN 14.7 14.72 14.88 14.88 14.68 14.72 500,900 7,385,334 GMA NETWORK 15 15.06 15.1 15.26 14.94 15 1,104,400 16,645,192 MANILA BULLETIN 0.41 0.43 0.41 0.43 0.405 0.43 650,000 268,000 GLOBE TELECOM 3,080 3,148 3,030 3,160 3,024 3,148 52,690 163,471,700 PLDT 1,634 1,650 1,610 1,650 1,609 1,650 261,315 426,053,710 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.094 0.095 0.095 0.096 0.093 0.095 130,480,000 12,325,510 CONVERGE 31.85 31.95 32.1 32.6 31.1 31.95 6,802,300 215,983,710 DFNN INC 3.24 3.27 3.36 3.36 3.17 3.27 595,000 1,904,990 DITO CME HLDG 7.15 7.16 7.34 7.39 7.15 7.15 4,764,900 34,444,256 IMPERIAL 1.42 1.5 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42 6,000 8,520 JACKSTONES 1.95 2.09 1.96 2 1.95 2 45,000 88,000 NOW CORP 1.81 1.83 1.83 1.83 1.81 1.81 1,082,000 1,966,610 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.325 0.33 0.315 0.34 0.305 0.33 10,390,000 3,388,750 PHILWEB 2.24 2.27 2.26 2.28 2.2 2.27 282,000 631,360 2GO GROUP 7.9 8.1 8.1 8.1 7.9 8.1 3,800 30,400 ASIAN TERMINALS 14.18 14.6 14.04 14.8 14.04 14.8 25,700 366,148 CHELSEA 1.99 2 2 2.01 1.98 2 693,000 1,383,790 CEBU AIR 44.3 44.35 44.5 44.9 44.3 44.3 412,100 18,315,105 INTL CONTAINER 188 189 184 189 183 189 1,128,930 210,296,908 LBC EXPRESS 20 20.6 21.95 21.95 20 20.6 3,900 81,265 MACROASIA 5.4 5.42 5.38 5.46 5.3 5.42 556,600 2,993,110 METROALLIANCE A 1.61 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 17,000 27,540 HARBOR STAR 1.03 1.04 1.04 1.04 1.03 1.03 170,000 175,790 ACESITE HOTEL 1.48 1.55 1.5 1.51 1.49 1.49 36,000 53,820 DISCOVERY WORLD 2.22 2.23 2.23 2.27 2.23 2.23 74,000 165,220 GRAND PLAZA 12.32 14.98 12.04 15.44 12.04 15.44 500 6,536 WATERFRONT 0.5 0.53 0.52 0.53 0.5 0.5 5,600,000 2,855,460 IPEOPLE 6.92 7.1 6.87 7.1 6.87 7.1 1,700 11,794 STI HLDG 0.36 0.365 0.37 0.37 0.36 0.365 2,460,000 894,200 BERJAYA 5.39 5.47 5.47 5.47 5.47 5.47 900 4,923 BLOOMBERRY 6.52 6.65 6.42 6.65 6.42 6.65 2,414,500 15,793,589 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.98 2.12 2.13 2.13 2 2.12 4,000 8,380 LEISURE AND RES 1.53 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.53 1.53 1,101,000 1,702,220 MANILA JOCKEY 1.75 1.99 1.75 1.75 1.75 1.75 4,000 7,000 PH RESORTS GRP 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.94 0.95 1,642,000 1,561,880 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.43 0.435 0.43 0.435 0.43 0.43 5,750,000 2,472,650 ALLHOME 10 10.02 10.14 10.14 10 10 414,900 4,153,770 METRO RETAIL 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.34 1.35 322,000 434,210 PUREGOLD 40 40.2 40.65 40.75 40 40 2,627,200 105,670,415 ROBINSONS RTL 60 60.15 60.05 60.25 59.25 60 485,790 29,036,436 PHIL SEVEN CORP 90.15 90.3 97 97 90.1 90.3 13,910 1,262,674.50 SSI GROUP 1.23 1.25 1.22 1.25 1.22 1.23 739,000 913,440 WILCON DEPOT 29.8 29.9 28.6 30.3 28.3 29.8 4,331,100 127,488,190 APC GROUP 0.244 0.245 0.25 0.25 0.241 0.245 2,630,000 642,090 EASYCALL 4.55 5.34 4.55 4.55 4.55 4.55 4,000 18,200 GOLDEN MV 525 540 539 540 539 540 490 264,580 IPM HLDG 7.04 7.06 7.06 7.06 7 7.06 6,500 45,768 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.85 0.86 0.86 0.88 0.85 0.86 5,472,000 4,710,710 SBS PHIL CORP 4.12 4.19 4.19 4.19 4.19 4.19 2,000 8,380 MINING & OIL ATOK 6.62 6.74 6.8 6.8 6.61 6.74 105,400 710,144 APEX MINING 1.48 1.49 1.48 1.5 1.48 1.48 232,000 344,780 ATLAS MINING 6.48 6.51 6.46 6.52 6.45 6.51 377,000 2,443,070 BENGUET A 6.31 6.35 6.5 6.58 6.3 6.35 327,400 2,116,971 BENGUET B 6.11 6.29 6.2 6.4 6.2 6.3 87,100 548,487 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.28 0.295 0.285 0.285 0.28 0.28 2,240,000 627,400 CENTURY PEAK 2.7 2.77 2.78 2.78 2.78 2.78 9,000 25,020 FERRONICKEL 2.14 2.15 2.15 2.16 2.13 2.14 3,271,000 7,011,610 GEOGRACE 0.213 0.219 0.214 0.214 0.213 0.213 40,000 8,530 LEPANTO A 0.133 0.134 0.135 0.135 0.132 0.134 7,050,000 934,270 LEPANTO B 0.134 0.136 0.139 0.139 0.133 0.134 2,730,000 368,320 MANILA MINING A 0.0093 0.0094 0.0094 0.0094 0.0093 0.0093 36,000,000 335,400 MANILA MINING B 0.0094 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.01 32,800,000 359,600 MARCVENTURES 0.94 0.96 0.93 0.96 0.93 0.96 23,000 22,030 NIHAO 1.01 1.03 1.03 1.04 1.03 1.04 62,000 64,090 NICKEL ASIA 5.69 5.7 5.7 5.75 5.59 5.69 2,969,700 16,901,678 OMICO CORP 0.34 0.35 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 250,000 85,000 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.83 0.84 0.85 0.85 0.84 0.84 6,000 5,080 PX MINING 5.38 5.4 5.45 5.45 5.31 5.38 543,600 2,913,887 SEMIRARA MINING 28 28.05 27.5 28.3 27.5 28.05 1,809,200 50,622,250 UNITED PARAGON 0.0066 0.0069 0.0067 0.0067 0.0066 0.0066 11,000,000 72,700 ACE ENEXOR 18.22 18.68 18.32 18.9 18.2 18.22 129,800 2,416,936 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 108,000,000 1,220,000 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 200,000 2,200 PHILODRILL 0.0096 0.0098 0.0096 0.0096 0.0096 0.0096 6,000,000 57,600 PXP ENERGY 6.5 6.51 6.57 6.68 6.51 6.51 392,400 2,567,949 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 99.1 101.5 101.8 101.8 101.8 101.8 200 20,360 HOUSE PREF A 101.1 101.8 101.1 101.1 101.1 101.1 10 1,011 AC PREF B1 520.5 525 525 525 520.5 520.5 210 109,350 ALCO PREF B 101.3 102.6 102.6 102.6 102.6 102.6 400 41,040 AC PREF B2R 520 525 523 523 520 520 19,400 10,088,180 CEB PREF 44.1 44.15 44 44.3 44 44.1 66,900 2,951,700 DD PREF 100.5 100.6 102.3 102.3 100.6 100.6 79,170 7,968,283 FGEN PREF G 102.4 105 105.2 105.4 102.4 102.4 3,690 387,436 GTCAP PREF A 990 1,010 990 1,010 990 1,010 20 20,000 JFC PREF A 1,050 1,070 1,060 1,060 1,040 1,050 5,500 5,774,000 JFC PREF B 1,033 1,038 1,033 1,033 1,033 1,033 1,600 1,652,800 MWIDE PREF 100.2 101.4 100.2 101.4 100.1 100.2 2,120 212,344 MWIDE PREF 2B 100.3 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 5,910 598,092 PNX PREF 3B 105.5 107.2 106.5 107.4 106 107 1,480 157,538 PNX PREF 4 1,005 1,006 1,006 1,006 1,006 1,006 140 140,840 PCOR PREF 3B 1,150 1,165 1,145 1,165 1,145 1,165 215 250,375 SMC PREF 2F 79.05 79.1 79.2 79.2 79.05 79.05 25,260 1,998,791 SMC PREF 2H 76 76.4 76.5 76.5 76.05 76.05 22,610 1,720,103 SMC PREF 2I 79.1 79.5 79.25 79.25 79.1 79.1 18,000 1,423,830 SMC PREF 2J 76.25 77 76.5 77 76.25 76.25 26,000 1,982,877.50 SMC PREF 2K 76.2 76.5 76.15 76.5 76.05 76.45 795,140 60,785,595.50 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 14.12 14.2 14.2 14.2 14.12 14.12 245,100 3,461,628 GMA HLDG PDR 14.16 14.6 14.3 14.3 14.14 14.22 77,000 1,094,986 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 1.28 1.3 1.3 1.32 1.28 1.29 2,996,000 3,930,380

-50,752,865.00 4,257,245.00 0 8,700 79,180 -55,692 -112,200 252,274 240,560 -402,050 290,241 -26,950 18,460 3,912,100 205,200 -88,108,914 -17,380 -6,096,399 -7,635,758 3,020 -71,108,140 49,500 801,020 6,514,770 124,115,160 1,751,680 -108,601,325 -1,188,680 4,911,428 -9,600 1,620 -262,548 411,430 -2,630,540 46,265,695 20,600 -73,510 14,600 1,887,186 7,000 9,500 2,168,920 -41,633,465 -9,461,303 105,772 41,943,605 -970,300 8,380 -79,380 -135,710 1,000 1,623,765 -586,843 9,318,860 228,200.00 1,236,455 108,298.50 7,910.00 - 14,200 -700,072

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MERRYMART

17.12 1.88 3.85 3.26

FIRST METRO ETF

109.6

17.64 1.89 3.95 3.27

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

110

17.66 1.85 3.95 3.32

17.66 1.9 3.95 3.34

17 1.84 3.95 3.26

17.12 1.89 3.95 3.26

5,200 71,000 60,000 2,725,000

90,220 134,020 237,000 8,951,090

-38,000 -73,330

110 110 109.3 109.6 21,410 2,346,878 69,048

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Synergy Grid aims to raise ₧13.8B from follow-on offer

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ynergy Grid and Development Phils Inc., which controls the sole operator of the country’s power transmission lines, on Tuesday said the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given its go-ahead for the company’s follow-on offering (FOO).

The company also slashed its offering to P12 per share, from its indicative price of P15 to P25 apiece. This translates to about P13.84 billion in proceeds based on the number of offer shares. The company is selling 1.05 billion in primary common shares, and 101 million in overallotment option, which is also its secondary offering, from the ownership of Henry T. Sy Jr. and Roberto G. Coyiuto Jr. “The SGP FOO was priced at a very attractive level. The FOO provides everyone with an avenue to invest in NGCP, the sole concession holder of the country’s power transmission backbone. By participating in the FOO, we become long-term partners in supporting the country’s growth and development,” Sy, the company’s

chairman, said in a statement. “SGP’s follow-on offering is a unique opportunity to invest in NGCP and become a stakeholder in an asset of national importance. The Philippine power transmission grid will be crucial as the country’s economic recovery and growth will be underpinned by power,” Coyiuto, the company’s vice chairman, said. The public offer period started on Tuesday and will run through November 2. The listing date of the shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange will be on November 10. The maximum subscription amount for local small investors who will participate in follow-on public offering is set at P1 million. The company will use the proceeds of the follow-on offer to direct-

free float level fell to 0.25 percent following the consolidation of the shareholdings of Sy and Coyiuto. Synergy Grid shares were last traded at P395.80 apiece on May 28. The follow-on offer will increase its free float level at 20 percent, or the same level as the minimum public float requirement of the PSE. On August 10, the SEC has approved the company’s application to increase its capital stock to 5.3 billion common shares from 5.05 billion common shares, or an increase of 250 million common shares. The firm shares will be issued out of Synergy Grid’s unissued common shares, of which 900.13 million are part of its unissued authorized capital stock while the remaining 153.35 offer shares will be issued from the capital increase. The rest will come from the holdings of the two majority owners. Assuming the over-allotment option has been exercised, Sy’s holdings at Synergy Grid will be reduced to 39.95 percent from 49.93 percent, while Coyiuto’s ownership will decline to 39.85 percent from 49.81 percent. Synergy Grid posted an attributable income of P5.01 billion in the first half, down by half from last year’s P9.93 billion. Revenues for the period, meanwhile, fell to P24.18 million from last year’s P48.6 million.

ly subscribe to non-voting preferred shares that will be issued by National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the sole and exclusive operator of the Philippines’s transmission network, linking power generators and distribution utilities to deliver electricity to end-users nationwide. NGCP shall utilize the proceeds from the issuance of the non-voting preferred shares to finance its capital expenditure requirements and related cost and expenses. In the next 13 years, NGCP is committed to invest approximately P440 billion across 211 projects which will support the growing electricity demand in the country and to make the country’s power backbone continuously reliable. BofA Securities and UBS are joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners. BDO Capital is sole domestic coordinator, and is also joint domestic underwriter and bookrunner together with BPI Capital Corp. and PNB Capital Corp. The company, jointly owned by Sy and Coyiuto, through their respective companies OneTaipan Holdings Inc. and Pacifica21 Holdings Inc., exercises control over 60 percent of the outstanding capital stock of NGCP. Since May, the company’s shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange was suspended for trading after its

ICTSI, PLDT to build ‘intelligent’ port I

nternational Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has partnered with the PLDT Group to build and operate the country’s first 5G-enabled “intelligent” port. Brian Mark Hibbert, the VP and CIO of ICTSI, said deploying 5G technology in its flagship port Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is crucial to raise efficiency and optimize port operations. “It’s very important to us is that we constantly drive efficiency and optimization in the cargo flows. And to do that, we also need to push that optimization, beyond the boundaries of the fence of the container terminal. To really drive this journey forward, we wanted to deploy a unified backbone of communication across the port. Hence our partnership with PLDT around 5G technology,” he said. Hibbert added that ICTSI will also leverage 5G to improve customer engagement.

“We see many opportunities with 5G to provide rich communication, not just to the multitude of technologies that we’re deploying inside the port, but to reach out to our customers and partners across the supply chain,” he said. 5G is seen to power up various digital technologies due to its high capacity, speed, and low latency features. These include Internet of Things solutions such as “intelligent” ports. For its part, PLDT said the partnership is “under the broad program of PLDT and Smart to develop world-class 5G technology use cases for industry and enterprise.” In March, ICTSI announced that it has allotted $250 million for capital expenditures this year, a third larger than its actual spend in 2020, as it completes the expansion and the construction of its various ports globally. Lorenz S. Marasigan

DFNN gaming platform attracting more bettors

FNN Inc., a maker of solutions for gambling firms, on Tuesday said its online gaming platform InPlay.ph has captured a “respectable” share of the market since its launch in November last year. DFNN said the platform for the three quarters of the year ending September had gross bets reaching P6 billion. In the third quarter alone, gross bets increased by 64.56 percent to P1.43 billion from the P869 million recorded in the second quarter. The platform’s third quarter gross gaming revenue (GGR) rose by 60 percent to P64.3 million compared to the previous quarter’s GGR of P40 million. The consolidated GGR for the three quarters now amount to P269.3 million. The company did not provide figures as to the percentage of the said

online platform as against DFNN’s total revenues. “As social distancing restrictions continue, consumers keep flocking to the internet for various activities. Online gaming is one pursuit that undoubtedly flourished as a form of entertainment,” the company said. “InPlay.ph’s revenue has consistently shown an upward trajectory since its launch. It is projected that InPlay.ph’s performance will surpass that of the traditional gaming outlets which has suffered due to the lockdowns imposed because of the pandemic,” the company said. DFNN said as lockdown measures ease and more gaming outlets re-open, it is projected that revenue from these outlets will start to improve and thus consolidated revenue figures at year-end is seen to be on the positive for the first time since March 2020. VG Cabuag

mutual funds

October 26, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D

Return

Stock Funds

ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

229.07

9.04%

-1.3%

-2.78%

0.82%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.6251

43.83%

5.99%

2.9%

23.77%

11.41%

-4.79%

-5.55%

1.72%

-4.16% n.a.

-7.86%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1868

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7489 2.72% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7831 11.31% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

5.1487

14.03%

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

0.773

0% n.a. 1.57%

-0.67%

8.78%

-0.63%

5.6% 4.2% -4.37% -0.44%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

101.93

15.71%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.356

11.02%

0.91%

-1.32%

1.1%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

492.23

8.94%

0.76%

-1.91%

0.67% 4.31%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

-2.08% n.a.

0.06%

1.1446

17.52% n.a. n.a.

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2756

19.17%

2.33%

0.03%

9.19%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

35.941

13.84%

1.23%

-0.34%

3.37%

11% n.a. n.a.

1.88%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9302

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8778

11.95%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

814.33

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.74

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7074

1.73%

-0.59%

11.74%

1.73%

-0.65%

1.59%

12.8%

-2.85%

-3.81%

2.94%

1.81%

11.81%

-1.02%

-2.11%

2.3%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9292 11.28%

1.37%

-0.84%

1.25%

United Fund, Inc. -a

1.17%

0.13%

2.87%

3.4138

12.57%

ALFM

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

109.5013

11.9%

1.91%

-0.15% 1.81%

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

$1.1838

9.02%

9.19%

5.52%

-1.59%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8431

19.18%

15.66%

12.08%

10.18%

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

1.6887

6.99%

1.92%

-1.01%

1.2%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.237

5.31%

1.63%

-0.89%

-2.12%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6838

8.02%

3.39%

0.83%

2.17%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1976 NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9992

4.94% n.a. n.a. -0.25%

5.68%

3.94%

1.18%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7333

3.68%

3.66%

-0.1%

-1.5%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.7163

3.78%

3.34%

-0.13%

1.63% -1.32%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.1001

5.52%

1.75%

0.03%

0.43%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.6112 6.68%

0.99%

-0.67%

1.06%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9848

1.25% n.a. n.a.

-3.7%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9333

5.83% n.a. n.a.

-1.68%

7.14% n.a. n.a.

-1.04%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9234 Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.9273

11.59%

1.47%

-0.73%

4.46%

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

$0.03752

-3.92%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0888

2.8%

0.95%

-4.04% -3.65%

1.86%

5.59%

3.15%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7925 13.61%

11.22%

8.4%

6.2%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.2164 5.63%

6.23%

4.28%

1.18%

2.46%

0.36%

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

372.45

0.98%

1.9243

-1.49%

1.13%

0.12%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2421

1.16%

3.25%

4.09%

0.83%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.242

-2.13%

1.92%

1.34%

-2.45%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4209 Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4041

2.94%

1.26%

-1%

3.05%

1.65%

-1.32%

-4.82%

5.06%

1.24%

-4.88% -0.31%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3172

0.37%

3.94%

2.61%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9535

-0.01%

4.63%

2.5%

-1.19%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0229

-1.35%

5.34%

1.61%

-1.97%

0.13%

4.98%

3.01%

-0.75%

-0.73%

4.17%

2.35%

-1.45%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1819 Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7296

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

$488.1

1.68%

3.06%

2.16%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є219.88

0.99%

1.02%

0.74%

0.3%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1941

-4.17%

2.11%

1.24%

-6.7%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0259 -1.89% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0187

-6.42%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.4799

-0.99%

0.84%

1.46%

0.71%

-2.63%

-0.19%

-1.48%

-6.54%

5.2%

1.89%

-2.37%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.062508 1.14%

3.19%

1.97%

0.33%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1415

-1.13%

2.96%

0.78%

-2.55%

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

2.54%

0.8%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0564 0.99% n.a. n.a.

0.79%

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

130.86 1.3121

1.18% 1.54%

2.92% 2.7%

2.54%

1.17%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0598

0.89%

1.54% n.a.

0.59%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3595

32.02% n.a. n.a. 20.35%

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

$0.98

3.16% n.a. n.a.

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

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Entrepreneur

Maxicare opens health plan for start-ups, SMEs By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

@brownindio

Contributor

ajor health-care provider Maxicare recently launched its Maxicare SME (small and medium scale enterprises)Healthcare Plans to enable startups, micro and small businesses to provide health-care plans for their employees. Maxicare believes entrepreneurs should provide quality health care for their employees’ well-being, especially nowadays when staying healthy is of utmost importance. After all, healthy employees make for a strong, profitable business. In an online news briefing, Milky Gallegos, assistant vice president (AVP) for Consumer Marketing of Maxicare, explained that SMEs generally view health-care plans as expensive or an extra expense, which is not the case in this instance. “Recently, we conducted a study among hundreds of employees across the country, and it turns out that SMEs, I mean those who don’t invest in HMO [health maintenance organization], spend an average of about P21,600 per employee per year on health-care expenses. So this is on top of payroll, and expenses such as cash advance, or pautang, you know whenever an employee or an employee’s family member gets sick. It’s a significant amount,” Gallegos pointed out. With Maxicare’s array of health-care plans, Gallegos assured SMEs would get quality health care with an affordable premium. Maxicare SME health-care plans, offers cost-effective plans that are a lot less than P21,000. In fact, depending on the size of your business, Gallegos said they have plans that start as low as P4,600 to P6,000 per employee per year. “So this big difference in the amount of spending is something that a lot of SMEs are not aware of. And the key point that I want to make and to highlight today is that investing in Maxicare SME health-care plans not only gives your employees access to quality health care, but also protects your business from unplanned expenses. It really is an investment for the employees and the business itself,” Gallegos explained. Gallegos said Maxicare SME Healthcare Plans are designed with entrepreneurs and their employees’ best health in mind. At the #GrowthStartsWithCare, #MarvinAgustinChoosesMaxicare Facebook Live event held for members of media last September 24, Maxicare also unveiled their newest celebrity brand ambassador, entrepreneur Marvin Agustin. The former teen idol selected Maxicare SME Healthcare Plans for all his employees, even when his businesses were not as profitable as compared to pre-pandemic times. “We had to follow the safety protocols and at the same time, the threat of Covid is serious. We won’t be able to operate if people, your employees and your staff would get sick, and also not safe for the customers,” he said. Agustin admitted he was at first reluctant on getting health-care plans for his employees. “I’ll be honest, before this partnership with Maxicare, even for myself I was not keen because I viewed it as an extra expense. But you know, hearing and learning about Maxicare’s SME plans, they just made it convenient and affordable that I did not have second thoughts of getting a plan for company, the employees and myself. They [also designed the plan] for the SMEs. You don’t need to worry about out the cost because it gives you and the staff health coverage,” Agustin said. Just like other SMEs, Agustin thought there wasn’t a health-care plan suited for his business. Before, he thought an HMO was only for the big companies. Agustin explained further that providing quality health care not only keeps his employees healthy. It’s also for the sake of his many businesses. “Given that there’s Covid, there’s this threat of us getting sick anytime. I’m happy that Maxicare reached out to me, [and I] have learned more. Now, I am more ready to do my business, to succeed with my team, and my team and my staff would also have peace of mind that if ever something happens to them, there’s Maxicare that would help them,” the actor cum entrepreneur said. When his employees are in tiptop shape, it helps make his businesses more profitable, showing that #GrowthStartsWithCare!

Leading provider

With 33 years in the business, 1.6 million members, and accepted by over 1,000 hospitals and clinics around the country, it’s no wonder that Maxicare is a leading provider of the finest health care in the Philippines. Jennifer Haw, one of Agustin’s employees and operations manager of Yummyverse Group, was relieved and happy, knowing that she has a Maxicare SME Healthcare Plan that will take care of her. “I am happy Maxicare is giving you peace of mind because you know that it would take care of your employees. Even if you have a small workforce, I suggest you get a plan for peace of mind of family members especially at this time. Don’t scrimp on health-care because this will help you sustain your business,” Haw said. Jen Limbaring, AVP for Consumer Sales of Maxicare, mentioned that these health care plans also cover pandemicrelated diseases as she laid out the different health-care plans: n Maxicare Plus is a comprehensive HMO program for small businesses with 10-99 employees n Maxicare Starter Plan is a comprehensive HMO program for micro businesses with 3-9 employees n Maxicare BusinessEssential is Maxicare SME’s most affordable offer with options to have an Outpatient Care Program or an Outpatient Care + Confinement Care HMO program for companies with 3-99 employees.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, October 27, 2021 B3

DA’s agribusiness grant inspires enterprising farmer to dream big

AOAG CITY—A 29-year-old farmer in Barangay Sulbec, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte is eyeing to develop his own brand of nutrifeeds, an organic and chemical-free produced pellet feeds, using locally available plant materials to promote health and wellness for his farm animals.

With an initial start-up capital of P50,000 to buy a pelletizer machine, Crisner Lagazo, an organic farming advocate and accredited farmer-trainor at the Crisner Integrated Organic Farm and School for Practical Agriculture, thought of creating his own formula of nutritious feeds for his farm animals such as goats, cows, native hogs, and free-range chicken. The amount came from winning the provincial search for Kabataang Agribiz competitive grant assistance program courtesy of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Lagazo said the high cost of commercial feeds in the market and the lack of

organic-based feeds for livestock and poultry production prompted him to innovate his own feedstuff. According to Lagazo, it has been his long-time dream to acquire more farm machinery to make his work at the farm easier and fun. His wish was granted when DA awarded him the amount, which he immediately used to buy a pelletizer machine. In preparation for the arrival of the machine, Lagazo said he is now preparing a portion of his farm to be planted with green leafy vegetables as well as herbs for his feed formula. This is to ensure that his farm animals

Crisner Lagazo and his proposed agri-business model. The young farmer from Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte is a provincial winner in the Kabataang Agribiz competitive grant assistance program with P50,000 cash reward from the Department of Agriculture. Photo courtesy of Crisner Lagazo

eat nutritious feed and would be safe for human consumption. As a farmer-entrepreneur, Lagazo said, “it is important that you know how to produce your own feeds” and not just rely on commercial ones, which are getting expensive each day. “You are what you eat. So, when you know the source of what you are consum-

ing, it makes you healthier and happier,” he said. To further motivate, inspire, and capacitate young Filipinos to venture into agriculture and fisheries, the DA recently launched the Young Farmers Challenge Fund, a financial grant assistance program for the youth who will engage in agri-fishery based enterprises. This is also one of the efforts of the agriculture department to ensure food security amid the challenges of climate change and an aging population of farmers and fisherfolk. Lagazo, who is a teacher by profession, saw this as an opportunity and a calling when he decided to leave the school classroom and established his own school for practical agriculture, accredited by the Agriculture Training Institute and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. After winning at the provincial level, he is set to represent the province in the regional competition. There will be 1,300 provincial winners nationwide, three winners per region for the regional level, and six winners for the national level with a total budget of P74 million. PNA

Pandemic spurs youth in SEA to pursue start-up dreams

new generation of young professionals, defined by the realities of a global pandemic, are eschewing work at established corporations and jumping into start-ups. It’s a trend that’s lead to more tech activity in Southeast Asia (SEA), says a Thai venture capitalist running a $30 million fund hunting for investments. When the venture-capital arm of Thai Oil Pcl began looking for tech start-ups to help its businesses become more efficient and diversified in 2020, it struggled to find companies with promising innovations rooted in hard sciences and applied engineering, Luck Saraya, Managing Director of TOP Ventures, said in an interview from Bangkok. Just 12 months on, there are many more offerings, with a new crop of entrepreneurs who’ve thrown conservative attitudes about working in start-ups out the window, he said. “This younger generation are more willing to take the risk to work for a start-up—that’s a mindset that didn’t exist before,” Saraya said. “Just a few years ago, young people wanted to work in a big company with high job security. Now we’re seeing more lean toward tech.” Although Covid-19 has decimated tourism and retail in SEA, the region is home to some of the fastest-growing Internet markets. Venture backers made a record 393 deals in the first half of 2021, raising $4.4 billion by investing in start-ups across SEA, according to Cento Ventures. TOP Ventures has been in on the frenzy. Since 2020, the company has backed three venture capital funds and invested directly in four start-ups, deploying about $18 million. It plans to invest the rest of the fund’s money by next year and is looking for start-ups with innovations in manufacturing, food and biotech as well as electric vehicle and battery innovations. It also invested $5 million last month in the AEF Greater Bay Area Fund, with Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund as an anchor investor. The company aims to invest in promising Chinese start-ups working in the EV or autonomous driving space, said Saraya.

‘Old money’

ON the other hand, some of SEA’s old-money tycoons are boosting investment in technology start-ups, looking to ride a wave of surging valuations as they seek to counter the fallout of the pandemic on businesses ranging from retail to hospitality and manufacturing. Holding companies, family investing arms and other vehicles of moguls from Thailand’s Dhanin Chearavanont to the Philippines’ Lance Gokongwei are either plowing millions of dollars directly into promising companies or setting up venture capital funds. Partnering with Silicon Valley venture capital firms is also gaining popularity.

With the flurry of investments, these traditional brickand-mortar business empires are also transitioning to a new world of e-commerce and digitization, paving the way for fresh revenue streams after being crippled by months of lockdowns and travel restrictions. The pivot has gained even more urgency under a new crop of leaders—in some cases younger, third-generation heirs. “The universe of family money in SEA has become very alive to what technology and tech investments are bringing because of recent start-up successes,” said Vishal Harnal, managing partner of 500 Startups Southeast Asia, which was an early investor in ride-hailing giant Grab and online marketplace Carousell. “There’s a lot more family money coming in to chase that, and the pandemic’s accelerated that race.” The conglomerates, which have helped power SEA’s economies for decades, are now facing some tough challenges as governments still battle to contain Covid-19 infections. The Asian Development Bank last month slashed the 2021 growth outlook for the region to 3.1 percent, saying “developing Asia remains vulnerable” to the pandemic. Although Covid-19 has decimated tourism and retail in SEA, the region is home to some of the fastest-growing Internet markets. Venture backers made a record 393 deals in the first half of 2021, raising $4.4 billion by investing in start-ups across SEA, according to a separate research by Cento Ventures. Among the leaders in the race is Charoen Pokphand Group Co., a 100-year-old Thai conglomerate spanning agri-food to retail and telecommunications. The group’s senior chairman is Dhanin, the head of Thailand’s wealthiest business dynasty.

Bangkok-based CP Group led a series C investment round in start-up Ascend Money in September— backed by Jack Ma’s Ant Group Co.—that spawned Thailand’s first fintech unicorn with a valuation of $1.5 billion. CP Group also partnered with Siam Commercial Bank the same month to set up a $800 million emerging-technologies venture fund, seeding it with $100 million each. “CP Group is actively embracing innovation and exploring advanced technologies such as robotics, logistics, cloud and other digital technologies,” said Yue Jun Jiang, CP Group’s chief technology officer. “Southeast Asia is going into a golden era of transformation where corporations are upgrading with advanced technologies and new business models, and the pandemic has further accelerated digitization.” In Indonesia, Intudo Ventures raised $115 million to close its third fund in September to focus on the region’s biggest digital economy. Investors in the fund include more than 30 Indonesian families and their conglomerates, according to the company.

Plug and play

Plug and Play Tech Center, a Sunnyvale, California-based early-stage investor that’s backed more than 20 unicorns including PayPal Holdings Inc., has signed on more than a dozen partners in SEA, most of them family-controlled groups. They include Philippine construction-to-power conglomerate Aboitiz Power Corp. in the Philippines, Thailand’s CP Group and Indonesia’s Astra International. While the surging valuations may be alluring, the groups face some risks as they embrace the tech strategy. Early stage companies typically burn a lot of cash before showing any signs of gaining traction in their businesses. They also require a lot more support and guidance than established corporations may be willing to offer. Plus, the conglomerates also have to jostle with investors with deeper pockets and longer experience such as sovereign-wealth and venture capital funds. But many family-owned businesses are undaunted by the challenges. Some have started pilot projects with tech start-ups with the aim of investing in those with promising technologies. They are seeking deals and partnerships that run the gamut from manufacturing automation to sustainable innovations, as well as fintech, health tech and electrical vehicles. “They’re looking at what will impact their business, like the pandemic, and they need to develop new ideas,” said Shawn Dehpanah, Plug and Play’s executive vice president and Asia-Pacific head of corporate innovation and investment. “These big corporations are the pillar for speeding up innovation among start-ups now.” Bloomberg News

80 more Pampanga micro-entreps receive govt subsidies By Zorayda Tecson | Philippine News Agency

ITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—At least 80 more nano and micro-entrepreneurs here received subsidies from the city government through the “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay” program on Friday. The “Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay” is a livelihood seeding program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) first adopted by the city in December 2020.

DTI-Pampanga provincial director Elenita R. Ordonio said on Saturday each program beneficiary has been awarded P8,000 worth of subsidy that will be used to buy materials, machines, or other resources needed for their businesses. Alongside the program, Ordonio said, trade fairs, Christmas bazaars and caravans, livelihood skills training, entrepreneurial and managerial training, packaging and labeling training, and market matching are being conducted to help local entrepreneurs introduce their products and services to consumers.

“The DTI is the LGU’s [local government unit] partner agency in providing seminars and training to the beneficiaries,” she said in an official social media account post said. To date, the program has 311 beneficiaries including food manufacturers, garment-makers, meatprocessors, ice cream vendors, and other micro and nano entrepreneurs from the city’s different barangays. Meanwhile, Remedios Agoncillo, city economic and investment promotion officer, said beneficiaries underwent thorough validation and evaluation.

“Ang opisina namin, strict talaga sa pag e-evaluate ng mga applicants. This is to ensure na totoong may negosyo sila, at gagamitin nila sa negosyo yung mga tulong at serbisyo na ibinibigay natin sa kanila [Our office is strict in evaluating our applicants. This is to ensure that they have businesses and they will use the assistance and services we have been given to them],” Agoncillo said. She encouraged small enterprises to register with the DTI and to secure the mayor’s business permit, and other regulatory requirements.

Banking&Finance

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 • Editor: Dennis D. Estopace

BusinessMirror

Combined insurance premium surges 37.5% amid pandemic T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

OMBINED total premium income of life, non-life insurance industries and mutual benefit associations (MBAs) surged by 37.5 percent to P187.13 billion in the first half of this year amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on data submitted to the Insurance Commission, the three industries’ premium income— money spent by individuals and/ or businesses for an insurance policy—from January to June this year was higher than the P136.1 billion posted in the same period a year ago. Likewise, the three industries’ aggregate net income for the first

semester also rose by 29.39 percent year-on-year to P24.63 billion from P19.03 billion. Benefits paid by the industry also jumped by 46.73 percent to P64.94 billion from P44.26 billion in the first half of 2020. “The growth of the life and nonlife insurers’ and MBA’s aggregate premiums and contributions earned and their aggregate net income in

Q2 [second quarter of] 2021 are indicative of economic recovery amid the pandemic,” Insurance Commissioner Dennis B. Funa was quoted in a statement as saying. “Moreover, the year-on-year increase in benefits paid during the same quarter highlighted the responsiveness of our insurers and MBAs to the needs of the insuring public despite the challenges” posed by the economic and health crises. The figures Funa cited were obtained from the submitted unaudited “Quarterly Reports on Selected Financial Statistics” submitted by 128 out of the 135 licensed insurers and MBAs. Broken down per sector, the life insurance industry generated a P155.17 billion total premium as of end-June, which is 43.7-percent higher than the P107.98 billion in the comparable period last year. Its total net income also rose by 33.11 percent to P19.03 billion from P14.3 billion, owing to the 35.85-per-

cent growth in total underwriting income. Meanwhile, the non-life insurance sector’s net premiums written went up by 12.55 percent to P25.51 billion in the first six months of this year from P22.66 billion a year ago. However, the net income of the sector contracted slightly by 0.57 percent to P3.35 billion from P3.33 billion. Funa said the dip in the income may be attributed to decreases in premiums earned, other underwriting income and the P503.9-million increase in general and administrative expenses. Meanwhile, the total premium or contribution income of MBAs reached P6.46 billion in the first semester this year, higher than P5.45 billion in 2020. The sector’s net surplus also spiked by 63.65 percent year-on-year to P2.26 billion from P1.38 billion on the back of increases in premium income and gross investment income.

‘Tax incentives work against Asean economies’ By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE policy advisor to members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus China, Japan and Korea (Asean+3) warned that generous tax incentives would prevent countries from boosting economic growth in the post-pandemic period. In a Policy Perspectives Paper, the fiscal specialists and economists at the Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) said that while incentives may help attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), this is not the only reason investors invest in countries. Amro’s Andriansyah Andriansyah, Seung Hyung Hong and Byunghoon Nam said countries would do well to review their tax incentive systems to favor better targeting, sunset clauses and monitoring, es-

pecially in light of the discussions on global tax reforms. “Many countries are facing two potentially conflicting policy priorities—supporting economic recovery and rebuilding policy space—in the post-pandemic period,” the Amro said. “Strong investment is essential to boosting the recovery momentum, but generous fiscal incentives to attract FDI could hamper the government’s efforts to rebuild fiscal policy space,” it added. The Amro recommended that tax incentives should have clear targets to maximize the benefits these can bring to the economy. When selecting sectors and activities, governments can base the decision on a country’s priorities. These priorities could be research and development, human resource development, or efforts to develop

certain industries through the creation of Special Economic Zones. The Amro added that targeted incentives can also be provided to manufacturing and agriculturebased industries. In terms of manufacturing, incentives can be provided to “pioneer industries” that can help produce goods needed domestically. “[Based on] existing studies and international best practices, tax incentives are more effective for efficiency-seeking FDI and Greenfield FDI. Therefore, when a country aims to attract multiple types of FDI, tax incentives should focus more on efficiency-seeking FDI than market-and resource-seeking FDIs,” the Amro said. Apart from this, the economists also recommended that tax incentives be monitored and that a transparent assessment be done to ensure

that these are in check. Further, the Amro said strong regional cooperation is needed to ensure that tax incentives benefit countries and reduce tax competition and evasion. Based on the paper, the Amro data showed that among the 10 Asean countries, only the Philippines and Vietnam offer all types of tax incentives such as: income tax exemption; tax rate reduction; tax allowance; tax credit; and, trade tax exemption. The countries with the least number of tax incentives in the region were Brunei, Cambodia and Thailand which only offer three kinds of incentives—income tax exemption, tax allowance and tax trade exemption. Other Asean countries like Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore offer all tax exemption except for tax credits.

Co-ops request retention of tax perks, more funds

AWMAKERS running in the 2022 national elections are being requested to include in their legislative agenda the retention of tax exemption and hiking funds for the sector to boost the growth and development of co-operatives nationwide. In a draft joint statement, various groups and organizations of co-operatives outlined a 16-point legislative agenda that they want lawmakers to consider, especially candidates they are rooting to secure seats after the 2022 national elections. The document was issued by the Philippine Co-operative Center (PCC), the Co-operative Natcco Party List in the House of Representatives (CNPL), the National Co-operative Development Council (NCDC), the League of Co-operative Development Officers of the Philippines (LCDOP) together with various federations and unions nationwide. The groups will hold a signing ceremony today (October 27) together with prospective lawmakers that are running in the elections next year that they deem would help in advancing the interests of the co-operatives sector. The “solidarity covenant” stipulates the need to “unify” the voices and actions of the co-operatives sector “for the empowerment and ‘upliftment’ of the lives of co-operative members and their communities.” “As part of our continuing action, we are developing our

strengths and abilities in order for us to be recognized not only as partners of the government in nation-building but also as active participants in crafting policies and laws that will benefit the cooperative movement,” it read. “The parliamentary and governance arenas are areas of engagement where co-operatives, together with party list groups and legislators supportive of the sector, can advance the co-operatives’ legislative and executive agenda, benefiting the movement in particular and society in general,” it added. Among the legislative agendas outlined by the co-operatives are the retention of the tax exemption of co-operatives and requiring local government units (LGUs) to allocate at least 2 percent of their respective 20 percent development fund for co-operatives. “The co-operatives will then use this funding to implement their plans, programs, activities, and services for the benefit of the LGU and its constituents,” it said. Furthermore, the co-operatives propose that the Co-operative Development Authority (CDA) should “appropriate” development program funds to capacitate LGU’s co-operative development offices (CDO), unions and federations. “The LGU in turn will provide funds for local co-operative development plans, programs, and activities consistent with the Mandanas ruling,” it said.

The co-operatives also proposed legislating a co-operative banking act that would give emphasis to the co-operative banking sector in its bid to have its own “rule book” that is “distinct and different” from rural and commercial banks. Furthermore, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) charter must be amended to require a payment between 80 percent to 100 percent of the actual value of the farmers’ projected harvest, according to the document. “It is only by properly compensating farmers that we can protect their interests and those of their families. This is very much needed at present and in the years to come considering the devastation being brought about by climate change, resulting in stronger typhoons and more unpredictable weather patterns. Agricultural Co-operatives and Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Co-operatives will benefit from this Bill,” it added. The other legislative measures that the document outlined are: amending Republic Act 3844 to include more representation of co-operatives in the Land Bank of the Philippines’ board of directors as well as strengthening the PCIC. The co-operatives also proposed the institutionalization of the PUV modernization program with a just transition as well as establishment of the transport loan co-operative fund. “On Stabilization Fund, a law that supports the establishment

of a Co-operative Stabilization Fund System (SFS), a “solidarity fund” patterned after the models in Germany, Netherlands, Canada and South Korea, where credit co-operatives’ participation is mandatory. The SFS features three elements that ensure sound business operations and maintain depositors’ trust and confidence: supervision and monitoring; off-site monitoring and follow-through; and, financial assistance only as last resort,” it added. In the same statement, the co-operatives expressed their support for the candidacy of Coop-Natcco Party-List and the Agap party-list in the House of the Representatives and for the reelection of Senators Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros in the upper chamber of the Congress. The co-operatives said they supported the four political entities and personalities due to their “established track records in championing the interest and advocacies of the co-operative movement in the 18th Congress.” The groups said that co-operatives are convinced that the renewed victory of Coop-Natcco and Agap, Zubiri and Hontiveros in the 2022 Party list and Senate elections, respectively, as well as the participation of Koop Kampi in the 2022 Party-list elections, “will help ensure that the co-operatives’ legislative and executive agenda will be truly pursued and realized.” Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Treasury partially awards ₧19.3B of reissued bonds HE Bureau of the Treasury only partially awarded P19.3 billion out of the P35 billionoffering of reissued 7-year Treasury Bonds (T-bonds). With a remaining term of six years and nine months, the reissued T-bonds were awarded at an average rate of 4.468 percent, lower than the secondary market rate for the security, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service (BVAL) reference rate at 4.5454 percent. Had the Treasury fully awarded the tenor, the average rate would have reached P4.584 percent, which is already beyond the secondary benchmark rate for the security. It also considered accepting P25.8 billion in bids, but the average rate would have ended up higher at 4.524 percent. Nonetheless, total submitted bids for the security reached P57.2 billion, making the auction oversubscribed. National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon said the average rate of the bids they accepted is still “aligned” with the secondary market rate. Sought how the government would balance its domestic borrowings next month along with the recent developments of rising bid rates, De Leon said she “will cross the bridge when I am there.”

“We have built sufficient buffers taking advantage when rates were low. Improving collections and additional ODA [Official Development Assistance] inflows will reinforce our cash position,” the Treasurer added. The Treasury aims to raise this month some P200 billion from the local debt market. This year, the national government programmed to borrow a total of P3.1-trillion, most of which is expected to be raised through domestic sources. The government borrows to meet its spending requirements as well as to finance its budget deficit. On Monday, the Treasury revealed that the national government’s budget deficit from January to September widened to P1.14 trillion, surpassing the P879.2-billion shortfall in the same period last year. Last year, the government’s budget deficit more than doubled to a record-high 7.6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) or P1.37 trillion, from only P660.2 billion or 3.4 percent of GDP in 2019. As of end-August this year, the national government’s outstanding debt has hit a new record-high of P11.64 trillion, up by more than a fifth from P9.62 trillion a year ago. Bernadette D. Nicolas

Convergence of AI and blockchain in the metaverse

digital reality that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented reality, cryptocurrencies and virtual reality is how Investopedia defines “metaverse.” Forbes magazine calls it the mirror world of alternate digital realities where people work, play and socialize. Welcome to the metaverse–a collective virtual shared space created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space. The term is used to describe Web 3.0, a new Internet era that will fundamentally change the way we interact in the digital world. In the Philippines, a group of forward-thinking Millennials recently formed the MetaDhana Consortium led by CEO Mikhail Jon A. Peñalosa. MetaDhana is at the forefront of the metaverse ecosystem focusing on the democratization of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology and game development for Filipino creators. Peñalosa said the key to creating a true metaverse is an independent and sustainable environment that can open new paradigms in finance, productivity and storytelling through the combination of AI and blockchain. MetaDhana CTO Michael John Peña, who also heads Sydney-based tech firm Datachain Consulting Pty. Ltd., believes that the training set of AI has become more reliable and accurate because data on the blockchain is immutable and highly valuable. To further push this concept, MetaDhana entered into a joint venture with Ranida Games, the gaming division of Ranida Studios Inc., which is an established game development studio in the Philippines. Ranida has millions of active players globally and is slated to publish MetaDhana’s play-to-earn games. The consortium has also partnered with top comic book publishers, creators and artists from the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Most notable among them is Noir Caesar Entertainment LLC owned by American basketball player Johnny O’Bryant III of the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. With an existing team of more than 20 artists, MetaDhana will create a series of non-fungible token art

Finex free enterprise Joseph Araneta Gamboa drops in partnership with multiple local writers. The production-level, quality art NFTs will have utilities such as games, comics and access to anime produced via NFT sales. The first AI-powered NFT metaverse is “The Metazoan Chronicles: Order of the Felix” with a human-created world, culture, lore and art that the consortium is launching this month. Other MetaDhana projects using Microsoft Azure and OpenAI platforms that are set to be launched in the first half of 2022 include a playto-earn fighting game utilizing the consortium’s proprietary engine and the MetaDhana Token–a metaverse ecosystem combining blockchain and AI technologies. Additionally, the consortium has working relationships with Philippine talent agencies that have a combined pool of over 200 influencers. Dexter Paglinawan, a top affiliate marketer and NFT gaming influencer with 60,000 subscribers on YouTube, heads MetaDhana’s marketing team. Through its own digital marketing agency, MetaDhana Studio has access to owned and rented social media assets like Facebook pages and groups as well as Tiktok accounts that aggregate to more than 50 million followers. Togther with members of his all-Filipino crew with proven track records and expertise in various industries, Peñalosa envisions the consortium to be a launchpad for creators to engage audiences and monetize their work. He disclosed that their ultimate objective is to create a space where game developers, e-book readers and even gamers will earn–all empowered by this firm called MetaDhana. Joseph Gamboa is the co-chairman of the Finex Annual Conferences for 2020-2021, the chairman of the Finex Business Columns Subcommittee and the director of Noble Asia Industrial Corp. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of these institutions and the BusinessMirror.

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, October 27, 2021

The future of work is hybrid— here’s an expert’s recommendations for success COVID-19 has changed the way we work. Even before the pandemic, the US work force increasingly relied on remote collaboration technologies like videoconferencing and Slack. The global crisis accelerated the adoption of these work tools and practices in an unprecedented way. By April 2020, about half of companies reported that more than 80 percent of their employees worked from home because of Covid-19. That shift was made possible by decades of research into, and then development of, technologies that support remote work, but not everyone uses these technologies with the same ease. As early as 1987, groundbreaking research identified some of the challenges facing women working from home using technology. That included the difficulties of child care, work-home separation and employee growth opportunities. Since that time, we have learned much more about virtual collaboration. As an associate professor of information systems, I’m interested in what we can expect as we eagerly anticipate a post-pandemic future. One thing stands out: hybrid work arrangements—that is, employees who do some tasks in the office and others virtually—is clearly going to be a big part of the picture. One survey from April 2021 shows 99 percent of human resources leaders expect employees to work in some kind of hybrid arrangement moving forward. Many have already begun. As just one example, Dropbox, the file hosting service, made a permanent shift during the pandemic, allowing employees to work from home and hold team meetings in the office. The definition of “hybrid” varies in other organizations. Some workers might be in the office a couple days a week or every other day. Other businesses may require only occasional face-to-face time, perhaps meeting in a centralized location once each quarter. Either way, research does show many companies fail in their implementation of a virtual work force. REMOTE WORK VERSUS IN THE OFFICE In-office work promotes structure and transparency, which may increase trust between management and workers. Developing an organizational culture happens naturally. Casual office conversations—a worker walking down the hall for a quick and unscheduled chat with a colleague, for instance—can lead to knowledge-sharing and collaborative problem-solving. That’s difficult to replicate in a virtual environment, which often relies on advance scheduling for online meetings—although that’s still feasible with enough planning and communication. But if you look at different metrics, in-office work loses out to working from home. My recent research discovered remote workers report more productivity and enjoy working from home because of the flexibility, the ability to wear casual clothes, and the shortened or nonexistent commute time. Remote work also saves money. There is a significant cost savings for office space, one of the largest budget line items for organizations. Hybrid arrangements attempt to combine the best of both worlds. IT’S NOT PERFECT It’s true that hybrid work faces many of the same obstacles of face-to-face work. Poor planning and communication, ineffective or unnecessary meetings, and confusion about task responsibilities happen remotely as well as in-person. Perhaps the largest issue when working at home: technology and security concerns. Home networks, an easier target for cyberthreats, are typically more vulnerable than office networks. Remote workers are also more likely to share computers with someone else outside of their organization. Hybrid organizations must invest upfront to work through these complicated and often expensive issues. With hybrid work, managers cannot see the work taking place. That means they must measure employee performance based on outcomes with clear performance metrics rather than the traditional focus on employee behavior. Another potential pitfall: Fault lines can develop within hybrid teams—that is, misunderstandings or miscommunication between those in the office and those at home. These two groups may start to divide, potentially leading to tension and conflicts between them—an usversus-them scenario. ESTABLISHING A HYBRID ENVIRONMENT Numerous recommendations exist on the best way to develop a hybrid model. Here are a few of the best ideas. Meeting too often or with little purpose—that is, meeting for the sake of meeting—leads to fatigue and burnout. Not everyone needs to be at every meeting, yet finesse from management is required to make sure no one feels left out. And meeting-free days can help with productivity and allow employees a block of uninterrupted time to focus on complex projects. Listening to employees is critical to making sure the hybrid environment is working. Continually seeking feedback, through one-on-one conversations, focus groups or human resources surveys, is important too. So is recognizing and rewarding employees with in-person or virtual kudos for their achievements. Performance incentives, such as financial rewards or tokens of appreciation including food delivery, help develop a supportive culture that increases employee commitment. Finally: Both managers and employees must be transparent in their communication and understanding of hybrid plans. Policies must be in place to define what tasks happen in the office and remotely. Access to reliable communications is essential, particularly for remote work. All employees must receive the same information at the same time, and in a timely manner. After all, whether in the office or online, workers don’t want to feel they’re the last to know. THE CONVERSATION

PHOTO BY AUSTIN DISTEL ON UNSPLASH

How powerful are you? E

VER notice that there is always this one person in your barkada who is not necessarily the leader, but who everybody follows? In the workplace, it is the same. There are people who are not in executive roles but when people want an opinion, they would go to this person. You see, not everyone in position is the most influential leader in an organization. It takes more than position to influence others. Why is this so? Social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven studied why some leaders have influence even if they do not possess official titles, and why people readily accede to others’ influence. They discovered that people, whether in position or not, draw on different sources of power to affect others. These can be categorized in two major sources—positional and personal. Positional sources of power are coercive, reward, legitimate, and information powers, while personal sources include expert, referent, and connection powers. I came across these sources of power when I attended a webinar last week by the American Management Association on “Harnessing Power Towards Stronger Collaboration.” I realized there are different sources of power and as people managers, you can draw on so many sources to expand your influence. Let us first look at the positional sources of power. Coercive power is the leader’s ability to mete out punishments or sanctions. People follow these leaders for the sake of avoiding punishment. These kinds of leaders use penalties as a means to control their team and force them to follow whatever the leader wants.

Punishments can come in the form of disapproving leaves, being assigned to difficult projects, or the leader being hostile. On the other hand, reward power is a leader’s ability to give rewards in the form of recognitions or material benefits, or to provide opportunities for promotion in order to make people comply. Positive reinforcement goes a long way as a means of sustaining best practices. But this is also tricky because when overused, your team might also develop an entitlement mindset where they will start thinking only of what is in it for them, more than what is good for the entire team. Both coercive and reward power need to be used carefully for it to retain its effect. Legitimate power comes from a person’s job title or position. A position naturally carries authority with it. A president of a country, the chief operating officer of an organization, or a people manager all carry authority within their own jurisdictions and even beyond if they can tap into other sources of power. When I became a manager, I had to start thinking in terms of what the team can accomplish more than my own professional goals. I realized that my power comes from my responsibility of ensuring my team delivers. Legitimate power entails you being responsible for the welfare of the people under you. Others derive their authority from information power which comes from a person’s access to or control of certain information. Different departments in your organization are subject matter experts or are given the tasks of safeguarding proprietary information. As gatekeepers of information, they have the power to dictate which ones can benefit from what they have. People who have this power can even bring down an entire organization with the information they have so they are accorded special benefits and privileges. Aside from these positional sources of power, leaders can also tap into their personal sources of power. Expert power is derived from a person’s skill, expertise, or experience in a particular field. These leaders draw on their acquired knowledge and proficiency as a means of influencing others

decisions, and are naturally asked on matters concerning their expertise. Their achievements speak for themselves and show their dedication to their craft. However, their influence is limited to their subject area. They can expand their influence by drawing from other power sources. Have you ever encountered people who are naturally charismatic and can command an entire room with little to no effort? This is called referent power which comes from a person’s perceived trustworthiness and integrity. Of course, this is all about perception but how you speak and relate to other people comes from who you are as a person. The words you use, your manner of talking to others, and even your body language reflect who you are and tell people if they can trust you or not. Aside from the six sources of power identified by French and Raven, another source of power is your connections and how you can use your network to help others connect with each other. This is especially helpful in a big organization where you constantly work with other offices and departments, and you need to maintain good professional relationships with everyone. People who have this power are asked to point people in the direction of the person who can help them. In the webinar, the facilitator asked the participants if they can identify other sources of power and there were some insightful answers like family name, generational wealth, and even fake news. People use a combination of all these sources of power to influence others to get the work done. Your role as a people manager is to choose which ones are the most appropriate to tap into. But when it comes down to the most important source of power, the leader’s integrity is the most valuable. So even if you have all these sources of power, it all boils down to who you are even if no one is looking. And people are naturally drawn to the leaders they can trust and who have a proven track record of achievements and helping others. Your integrity will be proven by your accomplishments which will show whether you have used your influence to enrich other people’s lives, or if you only used it for personal gain. n

Small talk with Small Laude Although her name is Small, Filipina socialite, entrepreneur and celebrity vlogger Small Laude knows what it is to live large. Funny, exuberant and down to earth, her effortless humor has gained her 350K subscribers and followers who love her videos on fashion, lifestyle and her own shopping adventures in her YouTube channel. She also stars in her own four-part TV special, It’s a Small World, on Metro Channel. Her latest shopping adventure takes her to SM as the host of “Shop All You Can with Small Laude,” where she highlights its Call to Deliver service from now to November 15 at The SM Store’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thesmstore). As someone who has traveled and lived abroad extensively, Small admits, “I didn’t shop a lot in Manila before.” She was delighted when she started shopping at SM and discovered the store’s extensive offerings. “SM has everything,” she enthuses. “Even some of the items I have from abroad, SM has them. So many nice things. I enjoy shopping at SM now, the experience is exciting.” She has been especially delighted with the retail giant’s Call to Deliver service, which she calls “a great and modern experience.” Small describes the service as “quite easy and convenient. The personal shoppers are competent and very accommodating. They will find and source all your needs.” She was impressed with the service “because of the vast merchandise that’s available to choose from.

Small excitedly talks to SM Call to Deliver personal shopper assigned to her. “The whole process was fun and exhilarating,” says Small Laude.

Being able to get everything in one place and the convenience of having the personal shopper complete all you need and deliver it right to your doorstep was fun and exhilarating!” Her personal picks from her Call to Deliver shopping adventure? “Of course my Kitchen Aid,” she replies. “I never knew The SM Store has it. I love the

clothes and shoes, and perfumes that I selected. The scent collection of SM can compare to that of other stores abroad.” Consumers who watch Small Laude’s “Shop All You Can” video can use her promo code to avail of FREE Delivery, with a minimum P1,000 The SM Store Call To Deliver purchase.

B6 Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Canon’s hybrid work solutions receive award, webinars available for interested users

NDC 2021 pushes for innovative and green housing initiatives

IMING to gather the public and private sectors across the Philippines to discuss innovative solutions for the housing development industry, The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) Inc., in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), will conduct its annual National Developers Convention online with Plenary Sessions on October 28 to 29, and November 4 to 5, 2021. With the theme “Beyond The Pandemic: The Future of Housing,” National Developers Convention 2021 will focus on providing an avenue for housing and property developers, key practitioners in the housing industry from the national and local government, and key stakeholders in the housing sector to tackle how they can collaborate in redesigning the housing industry through innovation and green initiatives with the ultimate goal to create smart subdivisions. The virtual convention will be delivered via a customized microsite containing offerings and elements that will be educational for all delegates and participants. SHDA invites all the people involved in the housing development sector to join them in the event. Anyone interested to participate can register for free through this registration link: https://shda.events/ events/shdanatcon2021 The opening of the event will be graced by DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario, who is in charge of presenting the current situation in the housing industry in the light of today’s challenges. He will be joined by Fermin Sta Teresa Jr, Senior Vice-President, Pag-ibig fund, Atty. Angel Aguila, OIC Director, Housing Real Estate and Regulation Bureau (HRDRB), Ma. Corazon Dichosa, Executive Director, Industry Development Services, Board of Investments and Undersecretary Eduardo Bringas of Anti-Red Tape Authority. SHDA is also hosting the first-

ever Pag-Ibig Virtual Housing Fair on the microsite on October 30 and 31, 2021 and invites home buyers to the convention as well. The event will also spotlight the most talked-about trends in the housing development sector, including the ROI on going green for housing projects, disruptive and innovative technologies in housing development, and the creation of smart subdivisions, which is a vital component in making smart cities possible. Speakers include Emma Imperial of green mass housing producer Imperial Homes, Rommel Benig of eco-bricks manufacturer Green Antz, Jo Ann Eala of BPI’s Sustainability Group, Jean de Castro of engineering firm ESCA International, Sylvester Wong of green infrastructure designer AECOM, and Gerry Choa of ProFriends. Senator Francis Tolentino, Chairman of Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement will discuss the benefits of using green initiatives and technological innovations to lower costs in building mass housing projects. According to Rosie Tsai-Wang, SHDA Chairman, “Our key partner agencies: DHSUD, Pag-Ibig BOI and ARTA are committed to resilient building for better homes and process innovations to streamline regulatory choke points. Our speakers will highlight these themes and provide our audience with other important developments in the housing industry.” “We want to showcase innovative tech solutions to pain points experienced by

housing developers. Thinking Machines’ AI and data driven tech can help identify development locations, Umpisa’s HomeJoy automates the home buying, selling and financing process, PDP Architects’ BIMdriven design lowers construction costs,” Maya K. Colayco, SHDA Governor said. Meanwhile, Atty Joy Z. Manaog, First Vice President and Chair of the National Convention Committee said, “We want to show our member developers and colleagues in the housing industry that it is not just desirable, but also financially feasible to build a green mass-housing subdivision. Pag-Ibig, NHMFC and BOI will talk about financial incentives for this. IFC’s EDGE and BPI’s Sustainability Group will discuss some financing options available to developers.” The event is an annual gathering of experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of the housing development conducted by SHDA. With over 300 members from chapters in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, SHDA is the major and leading organization of housing developers in the Philippines. SHDA is at the forefront in promoting and safeguarding the interests of its members through continued coordination and linkages with government agencies and allied professionals. SHDA envisions to be the leading voice in articulating the advocacy of the housing industry in the Philippines, thus becoming a responsive, esteemed, trustworthy, and relevant developers’ organization in the country.

ANON has received recognition for the Buyers Lab Awards (BLI) 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award for Hybrid Workplace Scan Technology and for A4 Line of the Year Award by Keypoint Intelligence. With its 60-year track record, Keypoint Intelligence has become the leading and most trusted evaluator for document imaging software, hardware, and services. “It is a great pleasure and honor to be recognized by our peers from Keypoint Intelligence. Receiving these prestigious awards highlight our key strength in digital imaging solutions and our commitment to meet the needs of our customers. In the years to come, we will continue to innovate products and services that will support businesses in their new ways of working,” said Yasuhiko Shiraki, Business Imaging Solutions Director of Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc.

Outstanding Award for Hybrid Workplace Scan Technology

CANON won the BLI 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award for Hybrid Workplace Scan Technology for its comprehensive and complete portfolio of scanning technology. Its wide range of hardware options work seamlessly with uniFLOW and Therefore print and document management solutions. Therefore™ acts as a digital repository that can store data, manage information as an asset, gather analytics, and automate processes. uniFLOW, on the other hand, unifies print, scan, and device management of Canon multifunctional devices. Whether work is done in the office or remotely, Canon software enables efficient digitization of documents and integration of printing services - seamlessly powering a hybrid working environment. “With Canon’s complete range of document scanners, multi-function printers, multi-function devices and cloudbased solutions, businesses can lift their information-management and workflowautomation technology to the cloud and make them accessible to all workers, no matter the location,” said Lee Davis, Associate director of Scanners/Software, Keypoint Intelligence For those interested to learn more, Canon holds webinars to demonstrate how these technologies can transform any company

Our people share with me the eagerness and excitement of finally having an integrated smart city command and control center,” Mayor Magalong shared. This infrastructure was a result of a growing partnership between Cisco and the city of Baguio, as part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration Program entitled “UGNAYAN 2030”. UGNAYAN 2030 champions digital resilience, in collaboration with the government, the private sector, and the academe to create a Philippines that is truly digital-first. “This project uses state-of-theart Cisco technology that will revolutionize how to manage the city’s critical assets,” Mayor Magalong emphasized. According to Cisco’s Officer-In-Charge Managing Director Robin Llamas, “The Integrated Command and Control Center allows Baguio to govern efficiently, and enhance the way they accomplish daily activities, because it has the ability to gather data.” Mayor Magalong affirmed that the smart city system’s feature on big-data analytics will help Baguio identify,

analyze, and solve various city problems. “The tougher challenge will now be upon us to act as a collective community to uprate, maintain, and sustain this facility, with top-notch efficiency and dispatch,” Mayor Magalong highlighted. Cisco’s Integrated Command and Control Center serves as Baguio City’s all-in-one office for monitoring and coordination. Among others, the system allows video monitoring, disaster management, and crime analytics. It will be operated by a combined force from the CDRRMO, Police, Fire Services, Health and EMS Departments. Cisco Philippines and the city government of Baguio continues to collaborate by putting forth digitization as a way to address crucial issues of the pandemic. “We’re pursuing digital transformation in the city of Baguio because we’re looking way way ahead, we’re thinking of a legacy that we can pass onto the next generation,” Mayor Magalong concluded.

into an efficient hybrid workplace. Sign up by scanning the QR code below:

BLI 2021 A4 Line of the Year Award

CANON also stands out in the BLI 2021 A4 Line of the Year award with its outstanding portfolio of A4 printers and devices. The high quality output, impressive level of control over print costs, data security, and userfriendliness have been highlighted in the imageCLASS LBP228x, imageCLASS LBP325x and imageRUNNER 1643 series. “Canon has stood out above the rest this year, offering a portfolio of outstanding A4 devices that is unmatched in breadth. From home offices to large workgroups, whether color or monochrome, single-function or multi-function, Canon has the device to meet the needs of almost any kind of office environment. Canon’s wide-spanning portfolio surpassed the competition in many ways, offering top-notch performances, and user-friendliness,” added Kaitlin Shaw, Associate Director of A4 Hardware at Keypoint Intelligence. To know more about Canon software, Therefore™, uniFLOW, and IRIS, email Canon at business_solutions@canon.com.ph or visit https://ph.canon.

Mariwasa launches two new products that promote style and comfort in homes and establishments floor tiles without going through the hassle of installment and maintenance, or going over their budget. Since the tiles are made from polyvinyl chloride, they are easy to maintain, easy to install, waterproof, and cost-saving.

Baguio inaugurates Smart City Command Center FTER almost a year of preparations, the Baguio city government has launched the country’s first ever smart city command center through an inauguration at the Baguio Convention Center. According to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, “This project indeed jumpstarted our digital transformation, and we are very proud of what we have accomplished so far even amidst this pandemic.” The inauguration was graced with the presence of President Rodrigo Duterte. Mayor Magalong also acknowledged the attendance and hard work of representatives from Cisco, Cisco’s implementing partner NOAH, and the local government of Baguio. Members of the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Telecommunications Committee, Office of Senator Bato Dela Rosa, and many others were present in the event as well. “We are pushing forward with our goal to build the first smart city in the country.

MR. YASUHIKO Shiraki, Business Imaging Solutions Director of Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc

Tile Grout: a Professional Finish

NOWING the importance of sturdy and stylish flooring, Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. recently released two new products -- vinyl resilient flooring and tile grout -- that promote style, comfort, and quality materials to homeowners.

Polyvinyl Chloride

AVAILABLE in 30x30 cm size, Mariwasa’s new vinyl flooring line boasts quality with style. The tiles are made from polyvinyl chloride, known throughout the world for their sturdiness. Homeowners can continue their daily activities and even engage in rigorous ones without worrying about breaking their tiles or leaving unwanted marks on them. Mariwasa’s vinyl floor tiles also come in a variety of designs to meet their customers’ preferences. For a more rustic feeling, the vinyl comes in shades of brown and wood patterns that are easy on the eyes and invoke a welcome feeling in the space. Mariwasa also developed a design that maintains the cozy vibe while giving off a sense of luxury through the “Meteor” vinyl floor tile. It features earthy yet regal tones, such as bronze, in an intricate pattern. But for homeowners looking for a more modern approach, the vinyl tiles also come in bright and minimalistic shades that are chic and easy on the eyes. Having them in a room can liven up the space while presenting a relaxing aura. The recommended area of application for Mariwasa’s vinyl tiles is in living rooms and bedrooms, where homeowners usually feel relaxed and seek comfort. With Mariwasa’s new vinyl tile collection, homeowners can enjoy sturdy and stylish

WHEN applying tiles, one way to make sure that they’re installed correctly and durably is by using tile grout. Tile grouts are any suitable products used to fill the joints between all types of tiles. It secures the tile to its base and acts as a sealant to prevent moisture from penetrating joints. Since Mariwasa is presenting itself as a one-stop-shop where homeowners can get housing fixtures and installation materials, it also released a new tile grout product to help homeowners build or maintain their homes. The company’s new tile grout is easy to apply, has superior compressive strength, is non-fading, and is uniform in color to meet the brand’s goal of providing consumers with quality yet stylish products. It is made from a mixture of hydraulic binding agents, aggregates, as well as inorganic and organic additives. For best results, homeowners must adhere to the instruction manual that comes with their new tile grout. Some common mistakes that occur when applying tile grout include mixing an excessive amount of water or polymer additive, and improper cleaning of the grout and grout haze on the tile. This can result in ineffective tile grout, a noticeable uneven color between the tiles, or efflorescence which is the whitish mineral residue on the grout. Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on materials such as brick, concrete, stone, or other building surfaces. Some ways to avoid common mistakes are by using clean water and referring to the product’s manual. Avoiding overwashing also helps as it increases the amount of water in grout and can also increase the risk of standing water being left in the grout line. For more information, visit www. mariwasa.com.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 B7

Caring and listening keys to success of property giants

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

NE of the success factors of property titans Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Megaworld Development Corp. is their knowledge of and ability to listen well to the market. In a webinar held last Saturday, Wong + Bernstein Advisory Group Director Professor Enrique Soriano III cited the success of ALI’s Ayala Greenfield Estate and Megaworld’s BGC Uptown Mall as proof that they have done their homework well in the planning and the development of these two projects. Moreover, this is also a way for ALI and Megaworld to show they care and value their clients. “They also always listen to change,” Soriano said in the webinar called “The Critical Role Business and Project Development Play in Your Real Estate Project.” Soriano, also the Asean Turnaround Business Advisor, revealed that the big players are always open to change and new ideas. “You will be surprised that these big players are humble and always welcome to work with people with innovative ideas,” he said. Furthermore, Soriano said ALI and Megaworld have developed competent market intelligence teams to keep them abreast of the latest developments in the realestate sector.

Alagang AyalaLand ALI’s innovative practices include extending assistance to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which have been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through its Alagang AyalaLand program, ALI aims to provide livelihood opportunities to social enterprises, among other initiatives, giving these enterprises their own spaces in ALI developments nationwide wherein they can grow their businesses.

ALI Vice President and Head of Alagang AyalaLand Council Manny A. Blas said ALI is apportioning rent-free spaces in its malls and estates to jump-start the growth of these small businesses, in turn fueling local consumption and helping to accelerate the country’s recovery. “We hope to help the community by starting a sustainable program focused on livelihood creation. Through our developments, primarily our malls, we want to provide social enterprises with direct access to potential customers, and inspire them to promote their unique, locally authentic products,” Blas said. There is no doubt that social enterprises took a big hit from the pandemic. As of June 2020, data from the Department of Trade and Industry showed that 46 percent of the MSMEs are partially operating and 10 percent remain closed. “Our various business units— from the estates, residential and commercial groups, will collectively support our goal of nurturing at least 300 social enterprises in our malls and properties by December of this year,” added Blas. There are now a total of 289 social enterprises primarily set up in Ayala Malls nationwide. Zamboanga-based organic and soap-making social enterprise Bukid ni Bogs is one of the beneficiaries of Alagang AyalaLand. Bukid ni Bogs also promotes women empowerment while teaching people about the importance of an organic way of life. “With the help of Alagang AyalaLand, we’ll be able to share our

Bukid ni Bogs in Glorietta promotes the work of women farmers from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur

For young Filipinos looking for a stylish, modern condo right in the heart of the Metro, Amaia Skies Shaw, a two-tower residential condominium, easily comes to mind.

stories and advocacies to a wider audience. We owe all of this success to our loyal patrons who continue to fuel our passion of preserving our communities and the environment,” said founder Bogs Castro. Marianne Dagohoy’s The Pure Bites enterprise, a provider of healthier food choices such as salad meals, nutrient-filled s moothies and tofu dishes, has also capitalized on Ayala Land’s program to increase awareness about the importance of a balanced and healthy diet for Filipinos. “The Alagang AyalaLand program has paved the way for my small business to prosper. This is our family’s bread and butter. Our workers are able to have a job again after losing their jobs because of the pandemic. Our whole team is beyond thankful for this opportunity,” said Dagohoy. Alagang AyalaLand is ALI’s community engagement program centered on generating livelihood

Damosa Diamond Tower becomes the first EDGE-certified office building in Mindanao

HE Damosa Diamond Tower is now fully recognized as an EDGE-Certified premium office building. The tower, a project of Damosa Land Inc. (DLI), is the first in Mindanao to achieve the certification for its green features. According to Sintali, the global certifier of EDGE, Damosa Diamond Tower exemplifies the achievements of 22 percent on energy savings, 27 percent on water savings, and 24 percent less embodied energy in materials. Da mos a D i a mond Tower ’s unique architectural design and engineering works were curated by PDP Architects and Carwill Construction to incorporate sustainability strategies throughout its structure, prioritizing its ability to conserve and manage energy resources. Among many of the features that make this next generation workplace sustainable are LED lighting, solar panels, eco-friendly insulation, and a green roof deck. Prior to the completion of

and jobs through social enterprises, providing disaster relief to its surrounding communities, and promoting a sustainable environment.

A track record in caring In the same webinar, consultant Theo Pido pointed out that putting small scale business establishments in development projects is correct and timely to help the MSMEs survive especially in the pandemic. “Pocket developments inside complement major developments,” Pido said. “As long as you can plan it efficiently and come up with strong financial support, it will enhance development in the area,” Pido added. Just like its parent company, Amaia Land also carries ALI’s DNA as far as responding to the market needs is concerned. It recently held a groundbreaking at the Junction Place Estate. Aside

The Pure Bites in Ayala Center Cebu is a social enterprise established by entrepreneurs who are passionate about providing healthier food choices.

from providing the regular amenities typically found in Amaia projects, Junction Place Estate has allocated commercial spaces for MSME entrepreneurs. “We are now seeing multi-developments in these projects,” Pido pointed out. Furthermore, Amaia is also quite good at listening to the market needs of the affordable market segment. “Amaia Skies Shaw is the latest project of the company seeking to provide professionals and business owners who prefer to stick right in the heart of the Metro to support their mobile lifestyle,” Amaia sales development and marketing head Loreene Fabi said in a press statement. R ising on Shaw Bou levard corner Samat Street, Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, Amaia Skies Shaw offers onebedroom and two-bedroom units ranging in size from 26 to 50 sq m and 36 to 93 sq m, respectively.

As a low-density development that ensures privacy and fostering harmony in the community, Fabi said the project is well-suited to telecommuting professionals, online learners, and entertainmentsavvy residents as Amaia Skies Shaw units are Internet connection-ready. Fabi said Amaia Skies Shaw’s proximity to commercial centers, business centers, food outlets, drugstores, banks, hospitals, educational institutions and service centers in the vicinity will be very advantageous to the residents. “Meanwhile, daily commuters will save time and energy with Amaia Skies Shaw’s proximity to transport hubs such as the MRT, the SM Megamall bus terminal, and the Starmall transport terminal,” she said. Finally, Soriano said: “Bringing conveniences enhances the value of the property and brings goodwill to the community.”

Home

Upgrade your hygiene experience with INAX Water Indulgence Promo

the Damosa Diamond Tower, DLI has already been drawing notable commendations in the industry for the office tower’s design. Damosa Diamond Tower bagged Best Office Architectural Design Award, Highly Commended Award for Best BPO Office

Development, and the Highly Commended Best Office Development Award from the 2019 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. It also bagged the Best Office Development Award from last year’s PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

T’S that time of the year when INAX, the renowned Japanese brand for its pioneering spirit embodied in masterfully designed bathroom fixtures, presents its Water Indulgence Promo for 2021 where thoughtfully designed bathroom pieces, toilets and accessories are available at huge discounts. With discounts of up to 30 percent, the INAX Water Indulgence Promo offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your bathrooms with masterpieces from the brand that introduced Japan’s first advanced toilet and self-powered automatic faucet. For those who have been eyeing INAX’s intuitively designed washbasins, faucets and toilets, this promo should not be missed! Customers can look forward to as much as 30-percent off on one-piece toilets, up to 30-percent off on close coupled toilets and as much as 25-percent discount on showers. Bathroom accessories, spalets and bidets are also available at big price-offs. Truly, it’s the most opportune time to transform your bathroom into a haven for relaxation. Available until November 30, INA X Water Indulgence Promo

INAX Water Indulgence promo offersup to 30-percent discount on bathroom pieces, toilets and accessories.

2021 is available in select AllHome branches including Sta. Rosa, Antipolo, Molino/Daang Hari, Taguig, Bataan, Imus, Kawit, Las Piñas, Sipag, Naga, Bulacan, Cebu, Iloilo, Vibal, Silang, Cabanatuan, Butuan, San Ildefonso, Koronadal, Santiago, Gapan, Cagayan de Oro, Libis, Pampanga, General Trias, Tanza, Evia, Malolos, Dasmariñas, and North Molino. You can also avail of the promo

without leaving your home—simply chat with AllHome’s Personal Shopper on Viber to help you shop safely and conveniently. You may get the number of the Personal Shopper at the AllHome branch nearest you through this link: https://allhome. com.ph. For a complete listing of INAX products included in the promo, visit INAX Philippines on Facebook (www.facebook.com/InaxPhilippines).

Sports

CARLOS YULO’S world championships gold and silver medals are duly recognized by the government.

PSC supports move to add more Olympic events in SEAG

BusinessMirror

| Wednesday, October 27, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

PSC REWARDS WORLD CHAMPION YULO W

ORLD champion gymnast Carlos Yulo will receive P.75 million in cash incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for his remarkable performance in Japan over the weekend. Yulo bagged the men’s vault at the 50th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships and will be rewarded P.5 million for the achievement. He clinched silver in the parallel bars for another P250,000 incentive. PSC Chairman William Ramirez announced Yulo’s bonuses on Tuesday. “He has bounced back and showed us all that he is still our world champion in gymnastics,” Ramirez said. “Yulo wasn’t able to defend his title in the men’s floor

exercise finals but went on to claim two medals in other events.” Yulo became the first Filipino multi-medal winner in the gymnastics world. He was the floor exercise world champion two years ago in Stuttgart, Germany, but missed retaining his title in Japan. The cash incentives, Ramirez said, are being given to Yulo although the gymnastics world are not in accordance with the provisions and technical conditions of Republic Act no. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. The act does not recognize world championships that are held annually but Ramirez said the PSC board agreed to reward Yulo “ becaude of the special significance of his win.” In 2019, the PSC also granted

Yulo P.5 million incentives for winning medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games and another P.5 million for qualifying to the Tokyo Olympics. “Every incentive that he receives is well-deserved. By sheer will and determination, Caloy has created his own niche in the halls of Philippine Sports history.,” Ramirez said. “Caloy is truly an inspiration to our youth and Filipino athletes.” PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), meanwhile, lauded Yulo for his achievement. “Caloy has made us proud beyond words. From 2017, when we took him under our wings, we have witnessed his growth in strength and maturity through his discipline, grit and determination,” said Alfredo

Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. In his next major competitions, Carrion said Yulo will go for the all-around gold medal, meaning he will have to compete in the pommel horse, horizontal bar and rings, which are not his favorite events. “That’s why he has to train really, really hard,” Carrion told the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Carrion said if things fall into place, she would see Yulo, who trains under Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, winning multiple golds, including the all-around, in the next SEA Games, Asian Games and even in the Paris Olympics. “We’re concentrating on these three [rings, pommel and horizontal bar]. We’re going for the overall [gold] in 2024 in Paris,” said Carrion of Yulo, who is still in Japan finishing his studies but will be going home for the holidays. Yulo begged off from the forum because he had to be at school.

HOTSHOTS GO FOR EQUALIZER

Tsukii, Lim lead national squad in karate worlds UNNA TSUKII banners a compact four-athlete Philippine karate team bound for the world championships in Dubai next month. Tsukii, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, will be joined by fellow 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Jamie Lim and kata stalwarts Sarah Pangilinan and Joco Vasquez in the November 16 to 21 worlds at the Hamdam Sports Complex in the United Arab Emirates capital. The 30-year-old Tsukii will see action in her pet women’s kumite 50-kg class where she won gold in the SEA Games two years ago and a bronze in the 2018 Asian Games. Lim goes down into the -61 division also of kumite after previously campaigning in the +61 category, while Pangilinan and Vazquez compete in the women’s and men’s individual kata. All four are coming off the Tokyo Olympics qualifier in Paris, France, in June. Due to the pandemic and the subsequent lack of funds, Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation president Richard Lim said the national team is sending only four athletes who, he said, have a strong chance of winning. “We really try to send who we feel has the greater chance of winning for now, but eventually we have to expose everybody else,” Lim told the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday. “This is the highest form of championship,

Panlilio, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO. “We are with him all the way as he realizes his dream of making it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.” “Caloy reflects what Filipino athletes are about—lumalaban nang buong puso para sa Pilipinas. We hope that his win inspires the Filipino youth, especially those who dream of becoming a world-class athlete,” added Panlilio, also the president of the MVP Sports Foundation and first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion, on the other hand, said sky is the limit for Yulo following his masterful performance in Kitakyushu over the weekend. Carrion said the 21-year-old Yulo will go for more successes at the Hanoi 31st Southeast Asian Games in May and Hangzhou 19th Asian Games in September—all of which are focused on his bid for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. “No one can do it like him,” Carrion told the online Philippine

so we’re really sending the best.” Lim and Vasquez are currently training with 13 other national athletes in a bubble set-up in Baguio City under Turkish Coach Okay Arpa, while Tsukii and Pangilinan are training in Serbia and Japan, respectively. Training in a high altitude camp initially gave Lim, daughter of Philippine Basketball Association great Samboy Lim, a hard time adjusting—but eventually got used to it.

MAGNOLIA’S Ian Sangalang is playing through pain.

By Josef Ramos

NT Tropang Giga tries to create more separation anew in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Finals, but the Magnolia Hotshots aren’t expected to give away the momentum from their Game 3 victory last Sunday. The Hotshots vowed to go for the equalizer in Game 4 that starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. Even though they have to play through pain. “I need to sacrifice my body,” said Ian Sangalang, one of the most consistent Hotshots in the season whose back isn’t making him 100 percent in the series. “I just have to take my medicines to lessen the pain on my back and play the remaining games in the finals.” Sangalang’s back has been bothering him since their exhausting six-

game semifinals series against Meralco. “I played 40 minutes every other day in the series, but I am thankful to Doc [Jose Raul] Canlas for providing treatment,” he said. Canlas is a renowed sports medicine doctor and is the medical commission head of the Philippine Olympic Committee. Sangalang, who scored only five points in their Game 1 70-88 loss and rebounded in Game 2 with 25 points which his team also lost, 93-105. Magnolia finally solved TNT’s puzzle in Game 3 with a 106-98 victory behind Paul Lee’s 21 points and Sangalang’s 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists performances. “We are just going to come out ready and prepared,” Sangalang added. Expect to deliver in Game 4 aside from Lee and Sangalang are primary Best Player of the Conference candidate Calvin Abueva, Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon, among others. For Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, they are ready for

HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) supported the Asean Sports Ministers’ initiative to add more Olympic and Asian Games sports in future editions of the Southeast Asian Games. “It’s a clear pathway. I see this as an efficient way to take as we prepare our national athletes for the Olympics while we are preparing them for the SEAG and the Asian Games,” PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said. Ramirez, along with PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr., will represent the country in the Sixth Asean Ministerial Meeting on Sports (AMMS-6) on Thursday. The meeting will be online. “From the time of AMMS-5 until now, the strong bond has become more evident in achieving One Asean through Sports,” Ramirez said. “This event posits another opportunity for the Philippines to adopt innovative ideas from our neighboring countries.” The PSC chief, who chaired the AMMS-5 in 2019, will be joining sports ministers, senior officials and other delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore, host nation of the AMMS-6. Amont the top priorities in the meeting are initiatives on sports law, women in sports, capacity-building and anti-doping. “There are five priority areas identified and a number of noteworthy recommendations for supporting activities,” Ramirez said. “I am positive that sports is moving forward as it gets better recognized as an important pillar in nation building and growing a better and stronger Asean.”

what TNT will bring in Game 4. “We are trying to sustain our defense and execution. We are preparing also for TNT’s adjustments, we are here to anticipate their plans,” Magnolia Coach Victolero said. “We’re not using anything as an excuse, we are ready to play through pain.” Power forward Troy Rosario, on the other hand, is a game-time decision for TNT because of a dislocated left pinky and spinal shock that bothered his left leg in Game 3. Rosario, who averaged 7.33 points in the first three games of the finals, is hoping to get back just on time for Tropang Giga. “I hope I can still play and help my team in the series,” Rosario, 29, said. “We are already here [finals] so why not get it? We sacrificed a lot since the start, but we still need to win two games to capture the title. These two games are the most difficult.” TNT Coach Chot Reyes said his main concern is to get a game and move closer to the crown. “I am expecting us to play better next game—that’s all I’m thinking of right now,” Reyes said.

No room for complacency for aces Rondina, Arbasto

W CHAMPIONS Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina of Creamline 1 are flanked by runners-up Babylove Barbon and Gen Eslapor (left) of Good Health-CDO and third-placers Dij Rodriguez and Dzi Gervacio of Creamline 2.

Fix it quick, please

WHAT is this alleged brouhaha on officiating that tended to mar Sunday’s Game Three of the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup? It must be resolved quickly before matters worsen beyond repair. Supposedly, referee’s calls—or miscalls— favored Magnolia, paving the way for the Pambansang Manok Hotshots’ 106-90 victory that cut TNT Tropang

CREAMLINE 2’S Jude Garcia and Krung Arbasto pose with second-placers Efraem Dimaculangan and Rancel Varga of PLDT and third-placers Ranran Abdilla and Jaron Requinton of Creamline 1.

Giga’s lead to 2-1? It’s a serious allegation that could dent the integrity of the best-of-seven championship series at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. If heads will have to roll, let’s do it quick. We can’t afford to continue a championship showdown without having plugged the loopholes to the satisfaction of the protagonists. Throw the book on the guilty before the first whistle is blown. Impose next the necessary fines, suspensions. That way, hanky-panky is done away with professionally—and with honesty and bravery. It is not hard to pin down the suspect. Technology is a true friend. TV cameras don’t lie. Replay the questionable call a thousand times and the result will be the same a thousand times: the culprit is as identifiable as Judas Iscariot the traitor. Obviously, a major focus on the controversy would the perceived miscall on Quinton Brian Heruela, the 32-yearold Fil-Am guard with a one-year contract with TNT from a trade with San Miguel Beer. Heruela was tagged for a foul against an enemy fire when it was clear as day that he was miles away while he was trying to deflect the shot.

That was a referee’s stinker that shouldn’t go unpunished. While it’s true that we have three guys officiating every PBA game, a miscall (no-call?), such as in that Heruela case, can be easily resolved by pinning the blame on the referee nearest to where the action happened. Let’s do it right, fellas, or we could go bust in our second bubble that’s been rolling on smoothly—until that Heruela boo-boo. Wednesday’s Game Four should be a test if a wrong had been righted or not. THAT’S IT It was more than redemption for Carlos Yulo as he bagged the vault gold and the silver in the parallel bars in the recent World Championships. Blanked in the Tokyo Olympics last July, Caloy’s gold-silver finish was likewise in keeping with his promise to his sister, Elaiza, that he’d win a gold medal as his birthday gift to her… Here’s praying for the speedy recovery of Robert “The Living Legend” Jaworski, who is battling a rare blood disorder…. My family’s condolences to the loved ones of Marc Castro, who succumbed to Covid-19 last weekend. Faith, his wife, requests prayers for Marc, who was our daughter Malaya’s classmate at JASMS elementary school in Quezon City.

INNING has become habit for Sisi Rondina, but the Creamline 1’s ace isn’t taking things lightly in the Beach Volleyball Republic on Tour in Santa Ana, Cagayan. “I still feel the jitters, even when I’m already on the sand, even when I know my opponents,” Rondina told a television interview on Monday night. “I fear that my game can go wrong anytime.” “But I calm myself down by sticking to my goal and I just allow myself to enjoy the game,” the four-time BVR champion said. Living up to the billing as heavy favorites, Rondina and Bernadeth Pons played their usual game to rule the first leg on Monday unbeaten in six matches and without dropping a set in the bubble. Without a doubt, Rondina’s chemistry with Pons work wonders. Started as the tandem known as “SiPons” in 2017, the ertswhile collegiate rivals are always on the same page to be successful in every tournament. “We always have a common goal. We are both hard workers and we commit ourselves to the game,” Rondina said. Rondina was all praises for Good Health-CDO, which is composed of rising stars Babylove Barbon and Gen Eslapor, for giving her and Pons a good fight in the final. Creamline 2’s Krung Arbasto, meanwhile, is grateful in the men’s championship with former college rival Jude Garcia. “I’m very thankful that our partnership clicked,” Arbasto, a six-time BVR winner, said. “We sacrificed a lot on this one. What we’re doing is for the country.” Like Rondina and Pons, Arbasto and Garcia are marked men in the second leg that begins on Thursday. “The pressure’s on. We are aware that everybody wants to beat us,” Arbasto said. “But we’ll continue to work hard to keep the title.”