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Friday, October 27, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 16

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DOJ plans to file environment case vs China early next year

BUS TERMINAL INSPECTION. David Angelo Vargas, Assistant General Manager for Operations at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) (right), alongside MMDA Director for Traffic Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez, conducted an inspection at the Baliwag Bus Terminal in Quezon City on Thursday, October 26, 2023. This initiative is part of the safety measures in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2. NONOY LACZA

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

he Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday it is planning to file early next year an environmental case that would make China accountable for the destruction of marine resources in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This after legal experts on WPS issues met at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to discuss how the government can further strengthen the case that it is preparing to file.

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday hiked its key policy interest rates by 25 basis points to 6.5 percent to arrest the increase in the prices of goods and services. The Monetary Board (MB), the BSP’s highest policy-making body, decided to raise the target reverse repurchase (RRR) rate by 25 basis points effective on October 27. With the decision, the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities will be set at 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent, respectively, according to the BSP. “The Monetary Board recognized the need for this urgent monetary action to prevent supply-side price pressures from inducing additional second-round effects and further dislodging inflation expectations,” BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said in a press briefing.

“The latest baseline projections point to an elevated inflation path over the policy horizon as upside risks continue to manifest,” Remolona added. Remolona cited the broadening of second-round effects of higher transportation fare and minimum wages for the need of monetary policy tightening. “Inflation expectations have risen sharply, highlighting the risk of further second-round effects,” he said. The country’s inflation in September accelerated to 6.1 percent from 5.3 percent in August.

See “DOJ,” A2

SM’S 85TH MALL OPENS IN BATANGAS ON OCTOBER 27. SM Prime Holdings recently

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

“We were encouraged to pursue what we think is a good case to pursue on behalf of not only of the Filipino people but also the rest of humanity,” Remulla said at a press briefing. Remulla assured the public that concerned government agencies have already gathered enough evidence, including satellite images of the destruction of the marine environment in the WPS, to support the filing of a case.

PCCI TO GOVT: ENSURE FOOD SECURITY, CUT POWER COST By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

he Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has called on the national government to put in place the necessary measures that would ensure the country’s food security and make power affordable. PCCI forwarded a set of resolutions to the national government which also pushed for the grant of financial access to small merchants and to enhance the production capacity of Filipinos to reduce the country's reliance on imports. During the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E), the annual business conference organized by the top business group in the country, PCCI presented on October 26

opened SM City Sto. Tomas, its 85th supermall and the 4th in the province of Batangas which nestled against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Makiling. Shown in photo are: Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, (3rd from left) with Sto. Tomas City Mayor Atty. Jhun Marasigan and wife Elizabeth (center), Sto. Tomas City Vice Mayor Catherine Perez (3rd from right) and Vicar General Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan (4th from left). They were joined by SM officials (from left to right) SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation President Hans Sy Jr., SM Supermalls’ President Steven T. Tan, SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Jeffrey C. Lim, and SM Retail Executive Director Herson Sy. SM SUPERMALLS

the 49-page copy which contains resolutions in the areas of Agriculture; Energy and Power, Environment and Climate Change; Education and Human Resources Development; Industry and Trade; Ease of Doing Business and Stability of Rules and Regulations; Infrastructure, Transport, and Logistics; Innovation and Digitalization; Taxation, and Tourism. Under the agriculture pillar, the business group is urging the National Government to “develop a long-term plan to attain food security through infrastructure support, technology transfer, product diversification, export enhancement, economies of scale, and adhering to the improvement of value chains and supply chains.” See “DOJ,” A2

See “BSP,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 56.8270 n japan 0.3785 n UK 68.8289 n HK 7.2656 n CHINA 7.7669 n singapore 41.4402 n australia 35.8408 n EU 60.0605 n KOREA 0.0421 n SAUDI arabia 15.1490 Source: BSP (October 26, 2023)

News

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A2 Friday, October 27, 2023

Asia-Pacific firms exploring potential of nuclear energy By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

he APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Philippines and ABAC Canada have “received backing” for the integration of nuclear energy into the energy mix to address the growing energy demands within the Asia Pacific Region. During the ABAC Nuclear Energy Transition Roundtable, Sabin Aboitiz, Vice Chair of the ABAC Sustainable Growth Working Group and President and CEO of Aboitiz Group, underscored the significance of a nuclear energy roadmap that could lead to innovative projects in the near future. Aboitiz also emphasized the importance of fostering dialogues among industry leaders to provide guidance on critical policy matters that have a substantial impact on the economic progress of the region.

PCCI… Continued from A1

In providing infrastructure support for the agriculture sector, PCCI said the government should improve the agriculture supply chain system through efficient logistics and transportation. Among the actions needed to be done, it noted, is to “ensure and prioritize provision

“We aim to craft tangible outcomes that are both actionable and visionary. The output of today’s discourse will be inputs to a proposed nuclear energy cooperation framework. This will not only reflect the shared intellect and aspirations of this working group but will serve as a precursor to a more ambitious undertaking—envisioning a nuclear energy roadmap that could culminate into a groundbreaking project in the near future,” he said. For her part, Jan De Silva, President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade and a member of ABAC Canada, emphasized the growing collective interest in introducing or expanding the use of nuclear energy in each country’s energy mix. She highlighted the role ABAC plays in leveraging the expertise of leaders from various economies to bring invaluable insights to the table. “The transition to a low-carbon fu-

ture is expected to be the largest economic transition in history, with 50 percent of this to be driven by energy. In the move to decarbonize and boost energy security and independence, attention has returned to nuclear as a scalable solution. One that is able to produce carbon-free power for a range of industrial and other energy-intensive activities that are difficult to fully electrify,” De Silva said. De Silva cited the example of Ontario, where 92 percent of electricity is generated from zero-carbon sources, with nuclear energy accounting for nearly 60 percent of this clean energy production. She noted that Ontario’s government has recently announced its largest-ever nuclear energy expansion, recognizing nuclear energy as the most scalable clean energy solution to meet the increasing need for electrification. Meanwhile, Department of Energy

(DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla said it is important to adopt technological advancements in clean and alternative energy sources to enhance energy security, stability, reliability, and affordability in the Philippines. “We in the Philippines foresee offshore winds, nuclear energy, and other emerging technologies, accounting for the increase in power capacities at around 19,000 megawatts. The entry of these emerging technologies in the energy mix will complement the country’s energy transition. New nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors can bolster the role of nuclear power in our energy mix,” he said. The ABAC Nuclear Energy Transition Roundtable makes the initial stage of the nuclear integration initiative, serving as a “preparatory platform to strengthen the presentation by the ABAC Sustainable Growth Working Group on the potential of nuclear energy.”

for post-harvest facilities across all sectors to increase supply chain efficiencies.” The PCCI also urged the government to implement Section 13 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) which mandated the set up of a national information network to establish a market information system for the Department of Agriculture. In providing access to finance, the business group pointed out the need to “formulate and

implement a strategy to compel the banks to adhere to their mandate under Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009” to lend to smallholders and fisherfolks. “This includes the development strategies and programs for the farmers whose loans were condoned,” the business group said. To intensify the country’s exports, PCCI urged the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to negotiate free trade agree-

ments with the aim of zero tariff for all the country’s agricultural exports.

Stable power supply

In terms of ensuring “adequate and affordable” power supply throughout the country, the business group is urging the government to harness renewable energy resources that meet criteria of reliability and affordability. “For the [Department of Energy] DOE to ensure the Transmission Plans declared over the years to connect all three Philippine Islands to one National Grid be finally delivered and fully electrified and that new plans for capacity expansion and Renewable Energy (RE) technologies be accommodated to address power needs and audited to confirm adequate planning, resources, and performance has been done to ensure timely delivery, without delays,” the PCCI said. PCCI is also urging the government to provide industries and enterprises with the “necessary” tools, resources, and support programs to enhance their competitiveness, both in the domestic and international markets, contribute to economic growth, and promote innovation in the Philippines’s industrial and trade sectors. In supporting local businesses, PCCI said the government should zero in on allocating additional financial resources. Meanwhile, the group said the government should also support local small merchants by streamlining bureaucratic processes and reducing regulatory burdens. For regulated goods, PCCI called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to reduce delays, streamline processes, and address the backlog in issuing Importer Clearance Certificates (ICCs). Under the education pillar, PCCI urged the national government to propel the Philippine education system to “world-class” status by harnessing new technologies, fostering innovation, and implementing comprehensive reforms that will prepare students for success in the digital age and the globalized world of work.

Ease of doing business

PCCI asked the government to provide a “stable and predictable” business environment. In particular, the business group urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to review its policies on the “frequency of audits and documentary requirements of audits (LOAs) for business closures and to provide amnesty for long-time open cases. “Resolve to further urge the BIR to have a regular dialogue between the local/regional BIR offices and the PCCI Local Chambers,” the resolution read.

Logistics master plan

PCCI said the national government should implement a “comprehensive” national infrastructure, transportation and logistics master plan that outlines a long-term vision for connectivity and countrywide development. The group said there is a need to rationalize port fees. The group prodded Congress to enact the International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act “to strengthen government oversight over local charges imposed by international shipping lines.” The top business group in the country asked the government to focus on “underserved” regional and provincial container terminal hubs closest to growing domestic trade markets to address logistics bottlenecks and ensure “further containerization and the attraction of direct international business.”

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BSP…

Continued from A1

Inflation path Remolona also said the BSP is “prepared” for a “follow-through” monetary policy action if necessary “to bring inflation back to a targetconsistent path” in keeping with the BSP’s price stability mandate. “The balance of risks to the inflation outlook still leans significantly toward the upside, due mainly to the potential impact of higher transport charges, electricity rates, international oil prices, and minimum wage adjustments in areas outside the National Capital Region,” he said. Nonetheless, Remolona noted that the impact of weaker-thanexpected global economic recovery and the state’s measures to mitigate the negative impacts of El Niño would help temper “inflationary impulses.” He also disclosed that recent domestic indicators point to “dissipating” pent-up demand in the near-term. Remolona revealed that the BSP does not see the country’s inflation print returning to its target band of 2 percent to 4 percent this fourth quarter. “That is no longer the case. We do not think that will happen. In fact, I think from March to July next year, the headline inflation will be very likely above 4 percent. That’s what our model says,” he said. The earliest possible time that the country’s inflation would fall within the target range is in August 2024, Remolona said. He also said the MB supports the proposal of Marcos Jr.’s economic managers to extend lower tariff rates on rice, pork and corn to ease inflation pressures. “Looking ahead, the Monetary

DOJ… Continued from A1

“We have documented this. We have evidence. It’s just a matter of organizing the evidence and showing it to the proper tribunal. That’s the most important, that we file a case before an international tribunal about the environmental damage caused by China,” he said. Present during the meeting were renowned environmental lawyer Tony Oposa, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Julius Yano, and Deputy Chief of Staff Commodore Jay Tariela of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Earlier, Remulla said the country is keen on bringing the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration which could look into China’s alleged illegal harvesting of corals and destruction of reefs in WPS. In 2016, the Hague-based international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case against China over the South China Sea (SCS). The PCA declared as invalid China’s nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters. However, China did not participate in the arbitration proceedings before the PCA and has refused to recognize its ruling on the SCS “We will work on this. Hopefully, by January or February next year, or at the latest, March, we will be able to launch the case,” Remulla said. He said the DOJ is also coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard, cinematographers and scientists to show the diversity and the damage brought by the Chinese in the WPS over the years. “To further strengthen the case, plans are in motion to dispatch PCG vessels to the WPS. The objective is to meticulously document the environmental damage attributable to the activities of the PRC (People’s Republic of China),” the DOJ said. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has also said his office is reviewing all incidents in the WPS since the 2016 arbitral award to collect evidence to support a possible case against China. “The OSG will gather information on all incidents at the WPS since the first arbitral award in 2016, including the most recent ones involving reef destruction

Board deems it necessary to keep monetary policy settings tighter for longer until inflationary expectations are better anchored and a sustained downward trend in inflation becomes evident,” he said. However, the BSP governor admitted that they “fell a little bit behind” in further increasing the policy interest rates, hence the offcycle action on Thursday. “That’s the reason for this effort to catch up. We did not look closely enough at expectations. We have measures of expectations and one of them was very striking this time,” Remolona said. Citing the BSP’s surveys, Remolona said about 92 percent of consumers expect that inflation would remain above 4 percent in the next 12 months, which is the same sentiment shared by firms. “That is very worrisome for us,” he said. “Monetary policy cannot control supply side price shocks but it can serve to break the link between those supply shocks and the expectations and also the link between those supply shocks and second round effects.”

Economic growth Furthermore, Remolona said the MB is “closely monitoring” the impact of the interest rate hikes on the country’s economic growth, saying they expect the mediumterm growth prospects to remain “largely intact.” “The Monetary Board also continues to support fiscal efforts to sustain growth through more rapid programmed spending, as well as non-monetary interventions to address persistent supply-side pressures on prices,” he said. The BSP governor disclosed that the third quarter GDP estimate is going to be “higher” than 4.5 percent recorded in the second quarter. “We’re watching that very closely. We don’t want tight monetary policy to negatively affect our growth prospects,” Remolona said.

and floating barriers. We need solid evidence that will stand up in any tribunal,” Guevarra said. Aside from the damage to the marine ecosystem, Remulla said the construction of “artificial islands” by China in the WPS will also be raised in the case. “We will include in our case the construction of artificial islands in the area. It is one of the case that we will be filing,” he said. When asked about the possibility that China will just ignore any ruling on the case like in 2016, Remulla said, “World opinion is very important. It’s something we’re addressing to the rest of the world, that these people cannot respect the environment, these people cannot respect rules, why should we respect them?” “It’s like a shame campaign for the world to see. If they are doing this to us, then we will show to the world what they are doing in the area,” he added.

‘Sea of Asia’

In the same briefing, Remulla proposed the renaming of the WPS or SCS as “Sea of Asia” to gather support from the international community in the country’s bid to protect the marine environment. He said the proposal is a “strategic” move that aims to broaden the appeal and relevance of the case to the international community, “emphasizing that this sea, irrespective of territorial disputes, stands as a shared treasure for all of Asia and the world beyond.” “It’s a matter of nomenclature because when you say WPS or SCS we’re referring to the same body of water. So we might as well call it the Sea of Asia. That is the biggest body of water here. It has the biggest biodiversity in the whole world. So, maybe the better universal term is Sea of Asia. But it’s a suggestion that we are putting forward,” the DOJ secretary said. The DOJ further said the suggested term will put the spotlight on China by focusing on the more pressing issue of environmental degradation and destruction by China of the said waterway. “The terminology serves as a focal point to draw attention to the PRC’s environmental transgressions in the waters around Asia, urging the rest of the region, as well as the global community to unite against these harmful actions and recognize our shared responsibility to protect and sustain it,” he added.

Friday, October 27, 2023

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

Biden warns China not to attack Philippine ships after incidents By Philip J. Heijmans Bloomberg News

RESIDENT Joe Biden warned China that the US would be forced to intervene if Beijing attacks Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, after two separate collisions in the disputed waterway over the weekend. “Just this past week, the PRC vessels acted dangerously and unlawfully as our Philippine friends conducted a

routine resupply mission within their own exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea,” Biden said at the White House on Wednesday during a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “I want to be very clear: The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad,” he said. “Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.” A China Coast Guard vessel collided

with a Philippines-contracted resupply boat early Sunday as it made its way to a rusting World War II-era ship grounded in Second Thomas Shoal more than two decades ago. Two hours later, a Chinese maritime militia boat ran into a Philippine coast guard ship during the same operation to deliver supplies. The remarks from the US President come as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Washington this week for high-level meetings, including one with Biden on Friday. Meetings

PHL eyeing ‘joint seaports’ for WPS

HE Philippines is looking to develop “ joint seaports,” which could be used by Filipino fishermen plying the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said on Wednesday. I n a n i nte r v ie w w it h P T V- 4 “ Bagong P i l ipi n a s Ngayon,” t he

defense chief said these proposed joint seaports could also be used by Philippine Coast Guard vessels and will also feature piers, processing plants for the drying and canning of fish caught by Filipino fishers. This is part of the “strategic basing” that will be pursued by the Philippines in future, he added.

Teodoro made this response when asked what the government is doing to secure Filipino fishermen venturing to the WPS to fish. Also, when asked if he is willing to use naval vessels to help in the resupply of Philippine detachments in the WPS, Teodoro said that this is an “operational consideration” he cannot

are also scheduled with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan as the US and China continue a series of diplomatic engagements intended to manage tensions. Wang’s trip is seen as part of an effort that could lay the groundwork for a Biden-Xi meeting next month in California. China has repeatedly urged the Philippines to remove the ship known as the BRP Sierra Madre that it said was “illegally” and “deliberately” ran aground at the shoal—a move Manila took in response to China’s occupation of nearby Mischief Reef. Beijing also considers Second Thomas Shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Jiao, as part of its territory.

discuss for now. “Well that is an operational consideration which I cannot talk about although all the options are being studied right now for some concrete action on the matter,” he added. Aggressive Chinese actions in the October 22 resupply of the Philippine detachment aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal led to two Filipino vessels being hit and damaged. Rex Anthony Naval

Malacañang says no plan to declare Oct 31. as holiday

ALACAÑANG on Thursday denied a social media post that it has allegedly declared November 3, 2023 as a holiday. “Fake news,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin told the media in a message when queried about socmed post. He made the clarification after the spurious post spread online claiming next Friday will be a non-working holiday so the public can enjoy a long weekend. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) earlier said the Palace has no plan to declare October 31, 2023 as a holiday. The date falls between a special nonworking holiday on October 30 for the

Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections and November 1, which was also declared as a special non-working holiday for the commemoration of All Saints’ Day. November 2 is also a special nonworking holiday for the commemoration of All Souls’ Day.

STOP and SPOT

DURING a Media and Information Literacy campaign at the New World Hotel in Makati City, PCO Undersecretary Emerald Ridao discussed the government’s STOP and SPOT campaign, where they highlighted the role of netizens in containing online misinformation and disinformation.

“When you do realize that you have come across false information, report it, don’t share it,” Ridao said. “The spread of misinformation and disinformation ends with you. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the truth in an age where falsehoods threaten to obscure it,” she added. The PCO official discussed how netizens could spot false information by assessing its source, why it is appearing in their feed, as well as the time of its release. PCO is currently using its Media and Information Literacy (MIL) campaign with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to

mainstream its STOP and SPOT campaign. Ridao said the campaign is primarily focused on the youth since they are among those groups vulnerable to false information. “ S e e i n g t h e yo u t h’s h u n g e r f o r knowledge, boundless curiosity, and willingness to become responsible citizens, the PCO has turned its attention to the untapped potential of the young people,” she added. MIL also provides teachers in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and public schools the tools for them to teach students how to combat misinformation and disinformation. Samuel P. Medenilla

Bishop joins call for ICC probe into Duterte admin’s drug war By Patrick V. Miguel

N investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the past administration’s infamous war on drugs that allegedly resulted in thousands of killings and human rights abuses “should be welcome,” the former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said. According to Bishop Socrates Villegas,

allowing the investigators to probe the drug war is “an act of sovereignty,” which could vindicate victims denied by the “processes of law.” “If we have faith in ourselves and in our institutions, then we should not hesitate about allowing officials of the International Criminal Tribunal to see for themselves that we are able to bring the culpable before the Bar of Justice,” he said in a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.

In June 2022, ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan confirmed he would investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged “crimes against humanity” in the drug war. The Philippines government has filed an appeal to block the investigation, but was rejected by ICC in July this year. “Our sense of nationhood cannot be so fragile that it cannot allow the entry of persons clothed with international authority to make a determination for themselves

that our agencies of law enforcement and prosecution are willing and able to prosecute and to try persons responsible for what can only be characterized as truly heinous assaults on human life,” said Villegas. Villegas reasoned that his support to the investigation is because the Church always “strives after and cherishes the truth.” “Truth has never destroyed a nation. It is falsehood that has been the undoing of many peoples,” he said.

Health dept’s Herbosa backs legalizing medical marijuana

N a notable departure from the position taken by his predecessors, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa told the 19th Congress he supports the bill legalizing the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD), a senior lawmaker said. Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, in a statement, said this declaration was a notable shift, as Department of Health (DOH) representatives had previously opposed the legalization of medical cannabis in past congressional discussions. Villafuerte reiterated that CBD is derived from the marijuana plant and is non-addictive, lacking the psychoactive properties that produce a “high” experienced by recreational users. Two committees of the House of Representatives kicked off their joint discussions before the congressional break on nine pending bills seeking to legitimize the medical use of marijuana. These bills include Villafuerte’s proposal—House Bill (HB) 4208—to create a state agency to oversee the production and marketing for export of the non-addictive CBD that has no psychoactive property that produces a “high” like that experienced by marijuana users. When Villafuerte, who is the majority leader of the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA), asked Herbosa during the recent CA hearing on his ad interim appointment as head of the DOH whether he supports the legal use of cannabis oil for medical purposes, the DOH Secretary said “yes.” “We are in favor of the legalization of the medical use of marijuana and its products, your honor,” Herbosa said. This prompted Villafuerte to say at the CA hearing, “Thank you for saying that. I’m very happy because I strongly advocate this. Over 60 countries all over the world have already legalized medical cannabis. And I don’t know why the Philippines is delaying this. What do the 60 countries know that we don’t? The only news that I have read from these 60 countries is that medical cannabis is very beneficial, and, secondly, their revenues have increased from its medical use.” Currently, Herbosa said “a compassionate use permit is indeed granted by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], but the process is quite cumbersome, as it requires a doctor

to request the necessary paperwork from the FDA before medical cannabis can be imported.” Moreover, Villafuerte noted the importance of accessible and affordable medical cannabis for conditions such as epilepsy syndromes, cancer treatment, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. E s t a b l i s h i n g t h e Ph i l i p p i n e Cannabis Development Authority (PhilCADA) to regulate the domestic production of CBD is expected to enhance accessibility and affordability for Filipinos suffering from various diseases, he said. Villafuerte pointed out that the United States FDA has already approved medications containing cannabis, indicating its potential benefits. The lawmaker, meanwhile, encouraged the DOH to explore the subject further and make it a policy, not just a personal opinion. Villafuerte emphasized that HB 4208 does not advocate or authorize recreational cannabis use but focuses on the legitimate medical application of CBD. He underscored the necessity of creating PhilCADA to ensure effective research, cultivation, and Villafuerte also highlighted the global trend toward medical cannabis legalization, pointing out that countries like China, Thailand, and Singapore are either producing or considering the legalization of medical marijuana. Thailand, for example, approved medical marijuana use despite having strict drug laws. Villafuerte clarified the difference between CBD, a non-addictive and non-intoxicating strain of cannabis, and THC, the psychoactive component that leads to addiction. CBD is legal in 31 US states and 59 other countries, while THC remains largely illegal worldwide. He said the measure is expected to benefit not only ailing Filipinos in need of the revolutionary treatment offered by the weed but also the national government in terms of export revenues that can be tapped from its potential $75 billion market, as medical cannabis is now legal and used for health, scientific, and research reasons in 60 countries across the globe. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Comelec, law enforcement agencies set BSKE curfew in Negros Oriental By Patrick V. Miguel

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental will impose a curfew for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). According to Joint Security Control Center VII, a curfew beginning at 10 p.m. and ending at 4 a.m. will be imposed for public safety on October 28 and 29. The move is intended to prevent incidents of vote buying, threats, intimidation, and election-related violence, said Regional Comelec Director Leonel Marco Castellano. Violators will be detained during curfew hours, and will be released at 5 a.m. Meanwhile, workers in the health care,

transportation of goods, and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors are exempted. “Provided that proof of employment or other similar supporting documents are presented to the authorized law enforcement,” a resolution stated. Negros Oriental was placed under Comelec control following reported politicsrelated violence in the province. Another election will take place in Negros Oriental this year: the December 9 special elections, which will fill the vacant seat of expelled Rep. Arnolfo Teves. Teves is facing murder charges related to the to the killing of Gov. Roel Degamo and several others.

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8C Friday, October 27, 2023 A3

TOP LEADERS FORUM BRIDGES GAP BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS IN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

‘R

ESILIENCE is not just a word, it is a way of life. It is a commitment to ensure that we have the responsibilities to others and that no one is left behind,” said SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of ARISE Philippines and the National Resilience Council (NRC), Hans Sy. In celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) last October 13, 2023, Mr. Sy underscored the collective action and commitment of the private and public sectors toward achieving a sustainable and resilient nation during the 10th Top Leaders Forum held at the SMX

Convention Center in Manila. Organized by ARISE Philippines, SMPHI, NRC, and its partner agencies, the Top Leaders Forum centered around the theme of “Transforming Victims to Victors: A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Inclusive Resilience” emphasizing collaborative efforts for disaster resilience.

(L-R): Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) Assistant Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Marilou Erni, United Nations (UN) Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori, SMPHI Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, UN Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Chief Marco ToscanoRivalta, and Department of the Interior and Local Government – Bureau of Fire Protection Fire Chief Superintendent Manuel Golino SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of ARISE Philippines, Hans Sy

Policies into action

One of the event's highlights was the panel sessions, which brought together experts and leaders to discuss critical topics related to resilience. These topics included Environmental, Social, and Governance; FoodWater-Energy Nexus and DRR; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Resilience Framework; Synergy for Inclusive Resilience; and Innovative Technologies and Resilience.

Disaster risk reduction innovations

Shaila Shahid from Bangladesh is an environmental lawyer working globally to reduce the disaster risks for the urban poor.

Abia Akram from Pakistan is a disability rights activist, known for founding the National Forum of Women with Disabilities in Pakistan.

The Marketplace showcased DRR solutions from various sectors, such as government, embassies, and local establishments. Each participant had a booth to showcase their diverse DRR tools. The Ignite Stage allowed selected participants to present their DRR initiatives. Sessions covered five themes: The Power of Resilience; Global Resilience Initiatives:

(L-R): Climate Change Commission Commissioner Atty. Rachel Anne Herrera, Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro IV, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Liza Silerio, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Marilou Erni, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) Assistant Vice President Jessica Sy-Bell, United Nations (UN) Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Chief Marco Toscano-Rivalta, SMPHI Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori, National University-Asia Pacific College President Dr. Ma. Teresita Medado, Aboitiz Foundation President Maribeth Marasigan, UN ARISE Global Board Member Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, Galing Pook Foundation Chairperson Mel Senen Sarmiento, and Department of the Interior and Local Government – Bureau of Fire Protection Fire Chief Superintendent Manuel Golino.

Discussing Efforts and Strategies for Building Resilience on a Global Scale; Private Move, Private Action: Private Sector Initiatives to Resilience; Local Moves, Local Action: Local Government Units Resilience; and Resilience 301: National Government Action to Resilience.

Recognizing women’s resilience

The 2023 Women’s International Network (WIN) for DRR Leadership Awards acknowledged the remarkable women in the Asia-Pacific region

for their achievements in DRR. This initiative is an integral part of the pioneering WIN DRR program, supported by the Australian government. It encompasses two categories: the prestigious Excellence Award, sponsored by SMPHI, and the promising Rising Star Award. SMPHI endorsed the 2023 WIN DRR Excellence Award, offering a substantial USD 10,000 prize to recognize an exceptional woman excelling in the realm of DRR. This year, Shaila Shahid from

Bangladesh received the esteemed 2023 WIN DRR Excellence Award. Her exceptional contributions to DRR have made a resounding impact across the Asia-Pacific region. Abia Akram from Pakistan, a dedicated advocate for women with disabilities for over 25 years, was honored with the prestigious 2023 WIN DRR Rising Star Award. To know more about SM Supermalls’ disaster risk reduction programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Building resilience together: PH to host Asia-Pacific Leaders for APMCDRR 2024

United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga

HE Philippines is gearing up to host the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), scheduled to take place in Manila from October 14 to 17, 2024. This significant event was officially launched to coincide with the celebration of the International Day for DRR last October 13, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. The launch ceremony brought together key figures from the United Nations (UN), including the UN Secretary-General for DRR Special Representative Mami Mizutori, as well as high-ranking Philippine government officials, such as

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. The formal launch event was attended by delegates from various

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) is set to be held in Manila from October 14 to 17, 2024.

(L-R): Climate Change Commission Vice Chair Robert Borje, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Constance See Sin Yuan, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, United Nations (UN) Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Chief Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Peter Kell, and Norwegian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Geir Michalsen

sectors, including national and local government, the private sector represented by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, academia, scientific institutions, civil society, international development partners, and other stakeholder groups. Organized by the UNDRR, the APMCDRR serves as the principal regional forum where world leaders gather to oversee, assess, and strengthen collaboration in the regional implementation of the Sen-

dai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. As the Philippines hosts the largest regional DRR conference, the UNDRR highlights the nation's role as a leader in fostering public-private partnerships for climate and disaster resilience. This also extends to the application of advanced science and technology, nature-based solutions, and the promotion of resilient investments and infrastructure. “While both a privilege and re-

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro

sponsibility, this is also a testament to our country having emerged as a model for science-informed, publicprivate partnership, and whole-ofsociety approach to the complex risks we face. The challenges we face are complex and they do not affect everyone equally. They require a convergence of efforts, synergies from across sectors so that we are able to respond to each of the different exposures and vulnerabilities,” said DENR Secretary Loyzaga.

The APMCDRR 2024 is expected to bring together more than 3,000 high-level international delegates and will revolve around key themes including disaster risk reduction financing, gender-responsive and inclusive disaster risk governance, and localization, urban, and rural resilience. This conference marks a pivotal moment for the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region in advancing efforts to build resilient and disaster-prepared communities.

(L-R): United Nations (UN) Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Chief Marco Toscano-Rivalta, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, and DMCI Holdings, Inc. Chairman Isidro Consunji

BusinessMirror

Friday, October 27, 2023 Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. IV-A 4th Flr. Andenson Bldg. II, Brgy. Parian, Calamba City Telefax No.: (049) 545-7362

LEADWAY TRAVEL CONSULTANCY CORPORATION Ground Floor, Paseo De Bacoor, Molino Boulevard, Molino III City of Bacoor, Cavite

October 27, 2023

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:

NO.

ESTABLISHMENT

CSCO (PHILS) CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 8801 EPZA, Diversion Road, Tabon I, Kawit, Cavite

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DENG, LIHUA

Basic Qualification:

Assistant Finance Manager

Must have experience in reviewing & assessing financial reports and must be fluent both in oral & written both in English & Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for monthly consolidation & review of project accounting files, translate accounting & finance data from English to Chinese & vice versa

Unit-Lower Basement, Andenson Building 3, National Road, Parian, City of Calamba, Laguna

CSCO (PHILS) CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Salary Range:

8801 EPZA, Diversion Road, Tabon I, Kawit, Cavite

CSCO (PHILS) CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 8801 EPZA, Diversion Road, Tabon I, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Design Manager

Must have technical skills including ability to use design software and must be fluent both in oral & written English and Mandarin language

Brief Job Description: Develop design strategies & manage design team, evaluate design / secure plans approval, perspective, materials & special items necessary to moving the project towards construction phase

Marketing Manager/Interpreter

Must have the ability to understand & analyze trends & deep understanding of wide variety of marketing channels and must be fluent both in oral & written English & mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: In-charge of preparation & implementation of company’s marketing schemes & strategic plans. Assist in preparation of technical & financial documents

Travel Consultant

Must be good in oral and written communication skills

Brief Job Description: Handle travel issues, conflicts, complains, cancellation and refunds

Salary Range:

CHANG, WEN-CHANG

Basic Qualification:

Sales Supervisor

Graduate of any 4-year business course, fluent in speaking Mandarin language

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Sales Supervisor

Graduate of any 4-year business course, fluent in speaking Mandarin language

Brief Job Description:

LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC. Unit-Lower Basement, Andenson Building 3, National Road, Parian, City of Calamba, Laguna

Basic Qualification:

Sales Supervisor

Graduate of any 4-year business course, fluent in speaking Mandarin language

Brief Job Description: Assist the Area Manager in monitoring of sales per branch

8801 EPZA, Diversion Road, Tabon I, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Project Coordinator

Must have strong working knowledge to project management software & other administrative procedure, and must be fluent in oral & written both English & Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Maintain & monitor project plans, project schedule, work hours, budgets & expenditures, ensure project adhere to frameworks & all documentation is maintained appropriate for each project

LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC. Unit-Lower Basement, Andenson Building 3, National Road, Parian, City of Calamba, Laguna

XING, WEIJIE

Basic Qualification:

Sales Supervisor

Graduate of any 4-year business course, fluent in speaking Mandarin language

Brief Job Description: Assist the Area Manager in monitoring sales per branch

CSCO (PHILS) CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 8801 EPZA, Diversion Road, Tabon I, Kawit, Cavite

Project Coordinator

Must have experience in reviewing & drafting service agreement, strong logical thinking and must be fluent English & Mandarin language

Brief Job Description: Create, analyze, negotiate & execute various contract such as main contract, subcontract, joint venture

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

CEZ Drive, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

INOUE, GEORGE

Basic Qualification:

Japanese Account Adviser

Must have Bachelor’s degree in business related course and have experience in product quality, sales, planning and purchasing process

Brief Job Description: Support and assist HEPC in dealing and communicating with customers, suppliers, and its affiliates with regards to factory operations and technical requirement

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

EAINT THINZAR PHYO

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

HTUN LATT

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

JU-YOUNG ELECTRONICS (PHILS.), INC. Lot 6, Block 21, Phase III, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Salary Range:

KYAW KYAW

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description: Salary Range:

SON, JEONGKYUN

Basic Qualification:

Chief Finance Officer

Must have relative work experience as Chief Finance Officer

Brief Job Description: Assist in formulating the company’s future direction and supporting tactical initiatives

Php30,000 Php59,999

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

OKE KAR PHYO

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999 HAYAKAWA ELECTRONICS (PHILS.) CORP

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

AYE AYE PHANE

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

ZHANG, YUXIANG

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

Php30,000 Php59,999 5

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

YUAN, QIU

Salary Range:

SUN, JINBO

Php30,000 Php59,999

CSCO (PHILS) CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

LI, JINXIANG

Assist the Area Manager in monitoring of sales branch

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC. Unit-Lower Basement, Andenson Building 3, National Road, Parian, City of Calamba, Laguna

Salary Range:

YU, DAMING

Basic Qualification:

Php30,000 Php59,999 10

GE, ZHEN

ISAAC, IZUCHUKWU FORTUNE

Assist the Area Manager in monitoring sales per branch

Php30,000 Php59,999 2

LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description: Salary Range: Php90,000 Php149,999

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

SAI HTUN TIN AUNG

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Brief Job Description:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

SAI TIP KYAUK

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

GAN, JIABIN

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 21

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Salary Range:

NGUYEN, TRONG TUYEN

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Salary Range:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

NONG VAN NGHIEP

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999

ZHANG, PENGDA

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

PORTAL STEELS INC.

QIN, JUNWU

Basic Qualification:

9039 GP, Maguyam Road, Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

Furnace Maintenance

Must have 5 years work experience in the same field

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description: Monitor daily operation of machinery, adjusting setting as necessary

Salary Range:

PORTAL STEELS INC.

SU, DASHENG

Basic Qualification:

9039 GP, Maguyam Road, Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

Mandarin Linguistic Specialist

Must have 5 years work experience in the same field

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

ZHANG, ZHICHENG

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Responsible for supervising the negotiations between corporations and clients

Salary Range:

AKIYAMA, TAKUYA

Basic Qualification:

General Manager

Must have Bachelor’s degree and have work experience in the same field

Php30,000 Php59,999

SANTOSO

Basic Qualification:

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

CHEAH NUN MIN

Basic Qualification:

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Malaysian language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

BUI THI HUYEN

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Php30,000 Php59,999

SUMITRONICS PHILS., INC. 20 Ring Road, Light Industry and Science Park II, La Mesa, City of Calamba, Laguna

Brief Job Description: Responsible in coordination of customer requirement with the subsidiary/manufacturing business partner and/or with the business counterpart in the Philippines

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range: Php150,000 Php499,999

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 Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Brief Job Description:

Island Cove II, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification:

TO, QUANG DUC

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

NGUYEN VAN TAO

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

NGUYEN VAN BANG

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range:

JIANG, YAOJIA

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP.

Php30,000 Php59,999

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries 22

Php30,000 Php59,999

HUANG, YU

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description:

NGUYEN THI HUE

Brief Job Description:

Friday, October 27, 2023

To avail of free job referral, placement, and employment guidance services, visit the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) or log on at http://www.philjobnet.gov.ph

A6 A8

BusinessMirror

Friday, October 27, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

1 DRAGON VISA CONSULTANCY INC. U-606 6/f Itc Bldg., 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

THONG MUN KEAT Mandarin General Manager Brief Job Description: Creating and managing budgets.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Malaysian language.

WANG, YANGYANG Key Accounts Specialist Consultant 13.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

ZHU, XIAOFAN Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

CHEN, JING Mandarin Recruitment Manager Brief Job Description: Supervising the team.

QIAN, YUANPENG Mandarin Senior Product Specialist Brief Job Description: Creating or improving products.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

JEON, HWISU Warehouse Logistics Manager 14.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and interpret financial plans and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable financial rules and regulations, including internal financial controls, to mitigate risk for the company. KATAYAMA, YUKI Tech Writing & Translation Analyst

Brief Job Description: Document translation tasks (requirements, designs, e-mails, tickets, error information, etc.) from Japanese to English language and vice versa.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Mandarin language both verbal and written.

BOSAMBA, GRADY LUEMBA Invest SPC - RCO [CHI] 15.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for obtaining market research and business reports that identify current trends.

16.

17.

Brief Job Description: Place software into production by loading software into the computer, and entering necessary commands.

ZHOU, YONGQIANG Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Supervisor

18.

10.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, schedule, and supervise the day-to-day technical support operation which encompasses all troubleshooting, customer service issues, approvals and installations.

19.

20.

21.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

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

ZHONG, XINHUA Chinese Marketing Specialist 12.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Marketing Specialists develop and execute effective marketing strategies to promote products or services.

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage. Must be an aggressive salesperson. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

HO NGOC LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

AM-PRO IMPORTS MARKETING CORP. 16e Residenza Suites, 429 Shaw Blvd., Addition Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

11.

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

DUONG QUANG HAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

22.

CAI, XINQIANG Chinese Marketing Specialist

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

BAN THI LUC Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LI, JIAN-YOU Taiwanese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language, and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

CINDY VANESSA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Preferably with 2-3 years of work experience with the same position.

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language, and at least 6 months of related experience in this field.

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

HUANG, TINGCAI Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. Can develop strong positive relationships with executives and management contacts. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

LUC, VAN CHIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 23.

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

25.

Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of warehouse operations and procedures. Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Mandarin (reading, listening and writing in simplified and/ or traditional Chinese languages) and English with an ability to compose grammatically correct, concise and accurate written responses. Intermediate skill with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel.

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese and Indonesian languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese and Taiwanese languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese and Vietnamese languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese and Vietnamese languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NGUYEN DIEU HOA Marketing Specialist 26.

Brief Job Description: Implement the educational curriculum.

Brief Job Description: Conducting market research to establish customer trends and habits.

KUMTONGLANG, SANPOL Heavy Equipment Mechanic Brief Job Description: Responsible for the procurement and negotiation of machinery of square parts and maintenance/repair services particularly in Thailand.

SUN, QIXIAN Marketing Specialist 28.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of work experience in a related field. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Conducting market research to establish customer trends and habits.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin language, both verbal and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BOUNTY FRESH FOOD INC. 179 M. Ponce Street,, District 1, Barangay 134, City Of Caloocan

XIAO, CHUNMING Technical Consultant 29.

Brief Job Description: Provide technical expertise for the implementation of a work plan to take care hazards and repairs of plant machinery. Train maintenance team on basic maintenance techniques to save time and improve performance.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. With professional experience in installation, operation and maintenance of plant machinery. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BRIGHTLEISURE MANAGEMENT INC. 10/f Newport Entertainment & C Newport City, Manlunas, Barangay 183, Pasay City

DANG, NGOC BAO HAN Host Operations Associate 30.

Brief Job Description: Serves as a Frontline of Host Operations, VIP first point of contact. Ensure, develops and maintain a high level of knowledge.

Basic Qualification: Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Required language is Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Section E Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

HUA, ZHIWEN Mandarin Field Service Coordinator 31.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin field service coordinator will be a strategist and a leader able to steer the company in the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission, and long-term goals.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin field service coordinator, familiarity, knowledge, and awareness of machinery and heavy equipment used by the company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plans. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHEN, SHAOKANG Mandarin Quality Inspector

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

Basic Qualification: Outstanding Japanese language verbal and written communication skills.

BAYER BUSINESS SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. 6th Floor Science Hub Tower 1, Campus Avenue Corner Turin Street, Mckinleyhill Cyberpark, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

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

BLUE-CHIP CENTRAL INC. 8/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese and Vietnamese languages.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin language.

BETONBAU PHIL., INC. U-410 4/f Dhi Bldg. 2, Lapu Lapu Ave., Magallanes, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree, preferable a Master’s degree; a CPA will also be helpful; several years of leadership experience in driving the daily activities of one or more finance SSC processes with a regional or global scope; and high level grasp of financial reporting and general accounting concepts. Highly familiar with IFRS, country GAAP and corporate governance, external reporting and audit.

BETCONSULT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INC. 50/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

AVALONE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION, INC. 5/f 2296, F.b. Harrison St., Barangay 27, Pasay City

24.

Brief Job Description: Delivery framework. Provides strategic decisions on organizational design, activity splits, data and knowledge management, recording and reporting tools, profit center structures, etc. and oversee operations on legal entity’s compliance to various functions (in particular accounting, taxes, controlling, treasury), external regulations, Bayer policies, internal controls as well as with all country specific tax requirements (internal and external audit, IAS, country GAAP, internal controls, etc.).

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

32.

MIHARA, YUKI Japanese Language Teacher

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PFAEFFLE, PATRICK Operations Manager

27.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or other relevant fields.

No.

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque AUNG MIN HTET Burmese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: A graduate of BS Accountancy or any related courses.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

ACSTREAM MANAGEMENT INC. 9/f Sterling Centre, 131 Dela Rosa Cor. Ormaza Sts., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

ZHANG, YAO Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist

Brief Job Description: Reviews legitimacy and accuracy of submitted documents by sellers and respond back on the case if needed.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

ACESPOTTER SERVICES INC. 7/f Ascott Makati Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati WONG LING PANG Marketing Senior Manager

Brief Job Description: Are responsible for ensuring that the supply chain is efficient and effective throughout their organization.

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

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f, Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St, City Of Mandaluyong ABE, MISAKO Client Financial Management Analyst

Brief Job Description: Ensure that distribution, volume, merchandising and accounts receivable targets are met on a regular basis.

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

AB LEISURE EXPONENT, INC. 5/f Sm Megamall Bldg. D, J Vargas, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong SHANG, PEI Mandarin Operations Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

SUN, SHIMIN Mandarin Quality Inspector 33.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin quality inspector, familiarity, knowledge, and awareness of machinery and heavy equipment used by the company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plans. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin quality inspector, familiarity, knowledge, and awareness of machinery and heavy equipment used by the company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plans. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, GUOWEI Mandarin Quality Inspector 34.

FENG, SHUICI Mandarin Site Officer 35.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin quality inspector, familiarity, knowledge, and awareness of machinery and heavy equipment used by the company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plans.

No.

KONG, XIANGFEI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 49.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin site officer, familiarity, knowledge, and awareness of machinery and heavy equipment used by the company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plans. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

36.

Brief Job Description: Strategic Leader to lead and direct Global Workforce Management function. Lead team of 150 plus resources spread globally managed centrally in the Philippines.

Basic Qualification: Minimum 15 years of domain experience in Workforce Management.

50.

37.

Brief Job Description: Direct the QUENSH department in the implementation and amp, maintenance of the IMS to comply with the requirements of the company’s current ISO accreditations and different health and safety requirements, instructions and rules specified for Sygna’s projects across APAC.

LI, NING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 51.

38.

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

HE, SINI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 39.

Brief Job Description: Provides administrative support to ensure efficient operation of sales training department.

YAN, SHOU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 40.

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

ZUO, CHAO Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 41.

Brief Job Description: Provides administrative support to ensure efficient operation of sales training department.

CHEN, XIAOQIANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 42.

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

FU, YINGYING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 43.

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

GU, LINLI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 44.

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

HE, JINMEI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 45.

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

HUANG, ZHENHUA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 46.

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

JIANG, SONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 47.

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

KONG, FANHUA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 48.

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

LI, YAMEI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 52.

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

LIANG, QIUYAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 53.

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

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

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

59.

60.

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

WANG, YAOLONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 61.

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

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

WANG, YAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

SIM YIAW HOW Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

NIE, MENGFAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

LUO, XUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

LIU, ZHAOQI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

LIU, XIQIU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

LIM YEAN LOONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

CRONYX INC. 6-12, 15-19/f Royal Peak Tower A, 485 Quirino Avenue, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

CONG, JILONG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

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

COMMTECH (ASIA - PHILIPPINES) BRANCH, INC. 20th Floor Picadilly Star Bldg., 4th Ave. Cor. 27th St. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig FAGG, STEVEN Regional Quality Environmental Safety & Health (Quensh) Manager

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

LI, JIAJIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

WEN, HAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 62.

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

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

WU, WENCONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 63.

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

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

XING, XIANGDONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 64.

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

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

XUE, YI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 65.

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

Friday, October 27, 2023

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

No.

YANG, XIANGYU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 66.

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

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

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

75.

76.

77.

78.

79.

80.

81.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

ZHANG, JIE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

TRUONG VAN TRUNG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

RAHMAN, NAIMUR Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible in clerical task

NGUYEN THI HONG CAM Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

LE, THI THANH THUY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

NGO THI HUYEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

LOO BEN HOE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

LAM WEE NEE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

GAO, YANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

ZHOU, CHANGQI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

ZHAO, HUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

ZHANG, NAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

ZHANG, HONGYUN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

ZALATT PHYU HTWE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

CAO XUAN CUONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer Brief Job Description: Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

CHU, VAN DIEP Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 82.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal communication and written. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Friday, October 27, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DUONG CONG HUE Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

83.

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

HO THI MAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 84.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

HOANG VAN CUONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 85.

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

LAU LENH DANH Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 86.

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

LUONG VAN TAM Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 87.

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

MA, THI LOI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 88.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

NGUYEN THANH TUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 89.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

TRAN, NHU VAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 90.

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

VU QUANG HUY Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 91.

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

CHEN, SIEN Chinese Speaking HR Associate 92.

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

DAI, MINGJIE Chinese Speaking HR Associate 93.

94.

95.

Brief Job Description: Contacting candidate references and verifying education listings.

DENG, ZIYANG Chinese Speaking HR Associate Brief Job Description: Responding to HR related queries within the company.

HE, JIANFEI Chinese Speaking HR Associate Brief Job Description: Communicating with potential job candidates.

HUANG, ZHONGYUAN Chinese Speaking HR Associate 96.

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

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

No.

DU, YUHUI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 100.

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

101.

102.

103.

104.

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

105.

106.

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

107.

108.

109.

110.

111.

97.

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

ZHANG, CHAO Chinese Speaking HR Associate 98.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

112.

ZHU, JINLI Chinese Speaking HR Associate 99.

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

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

Brief Job Description: First point of contact for all users calling customers service.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading large-scale change within organization.

WEN, CHIA-MIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats, and emails.

CAO, KHAC SANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming and outgoing calls, chats and emails.

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

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

HUANG, MINHUI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 114.

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

BOTE MOHONGA, CLEMENTE Spanish Agent (CSR)

EI MYAT MYAT MON Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

Brief Job Description: To provide CA service on PT customers in writing and verbal.

ZHANG, XIAO Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

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

No.

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

117.

118.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

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

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

125.

126.

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

LE THI THANH THAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 115.

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

116.

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

127.

128.

Brief Job Description: Providing IT assistance to staff and customers.

GOH TECK KEONG Bilingual It Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing IT assistance to staff and customers.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. GONG, LEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

129.

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

GOH CHONG SENG Bilingual IT Support Specialist

JIA, AITONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. YING, ZHIJIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

130.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. ZHANG, SIXIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

131.

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

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs.

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

ZHANG, YU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 132.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs.

BUI THI PHUONG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 133.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

Brief Job Description: Contacting candidate references and verifying education listings.

HUANG, DINGLI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Familiarity with programming languages, data analytic, and people management.

Brief Job Description: Contacting candidate references and verifying education listings.

WU, BOJIA Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Must know how to speak, write, and read Spanish language.

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

GUAN, WEI Chinese Speaking HR Associate

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

Basic Qualification: Must know how to communicate in PT language.

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

YANG, JIE Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

XIE, YANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

JIN, TAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

DENG, HONGSHENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

ZHANG, LINFENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, WANGFA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 8th/f & 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

113. TIAN, XIAOQIN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DIGICHROM INC. 25/f Yuchengco Tower, Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave. Cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati Unit 2001-a, 2602 & 2603 20/f & 26/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

CALUETO, EDVANIO RAMIRO Portuguese Agent (CSR)

BIBHUTI, ABHISHEK Transformation And Solution Lead Manager

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

DATAMATICS GLOBAL SERVICES CORP. Units 304, 305, & 306 3/f, Rockwell Business Tower, Tower 1, Meralco Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig

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

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. XU, YANFEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

VU THI TRANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials. LAU CHUN HOONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

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

JARATJARUNGKIAT, WACHIRAWIT Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

CAO, THI THUY TRANG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative 134.

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHI HOA HUNG Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

135.

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

136.

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

137.

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

138.

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

139.

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

140.

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

141.

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

142.

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

143.

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

144.

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

145.

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

146.

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

147.

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

148.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting information and analyzing customer needs. NGUYEN THI UYEN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

149.

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

150.

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

151.

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

152.

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

153.

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

154.

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

155.

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

156.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese language.

No.

157.

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

WU, QIANG Quality Control Manager 158.

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

CHARLIE Indonesian Retention Specialist 159.

160.

161.

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

162.

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

CHIAT CHIN JIUN Chinese Speaking Admin Financial Officer 163.

Brief Job Description: Maintain reports on financial metrics. Including investments, return on assets, and growth rates.

SHERRY KHUNIA SARY Chinese Speaking Admin Financial Officer 164.

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

Brief Job Description: Maintain reports on financial metrics. Including investments, return on assets, and growth rates.

ZHANG, YA Chinese Speaking Admin Financial Officer 165.

Brief Job Description: Maintain reports on financial metrics. Including investments, return on assets, and growth rates.

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

CHI NGOC LINH Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer 166.

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

167.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese language. 168.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 169.

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure financial records are kept-up-to-date with the latest transactions and changes.

ROSDINA Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer 170.

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure financial records are kept-up-to-date with the latest transactions and changes.

PENNY SIA NYUK HUI Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure financial records are kept-up-to-date with the latest transactions and changes.

NGUYEN THI HONG TUOI Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese language.

Brief Job Description: Ensure financial records are kept-up-to-date with the latest transactions and changes.

LUO, JIAN Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer

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

173.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin and English languages. Excellent communications, interpersonal and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QIU, SHUAIHAO Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 174.

175.

Brief Job Description: Ensure financial records are kept-up-to-date with the latest transactions and changes.

XIAO, YANG Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer 171.

Brief Job Description: Ensure financial records are kept-up-to-date with the latest transactions and changes.

Basic Qualification: Proven work experience as a Finance Administrator, Finance assistant, or similar role. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven work experience as a Finance Administrator, Finance assistant, or similar role. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven work experience as a Finance Administrator, Finance assistant, or similar role. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

176.

177.

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

178.

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

179.

Brief Job Description: Work closely with business partners of the Water and Environment Business Unit; and attend seminars and conference concerning water business lines.

180.

HYUNDAI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. Unit 803 8th Floor, The Bonifacio Prime, Lot 14 Block 2 Mckinley Business Park,, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Translate emails, other communications and technical documents from/to Chinese to English language.

Brief Job Description: Develop productive, profitable and achievement oriented working environment for employee. XIE, YONGQIANG Assistant Operations Manager

181.

Brief Job Description: Develop productive, profitable and achievement oriented working environment for employee. CHENG, LEI Recreation Supervisor (Wellness Program)

182.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate health and wellness related programs and activities year-around. WEN, LIJUN Recreation Supervisor (Wellness Program)

183.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate health and wellness related programs and activities year-around. CAO THI LE HANG Service Manager

184.

Brief Job Description: Handling customer complaints or concerns quickly and maintain good customer relationships. HUANG, FUKUN Service Manager

185.

Brief Job Description: Handling customer complaints or concerns quickly and maintain good customer relationships. FU, LIRONG Service Specialist Team Lead

186.

Brief Job Description: Responding to customers’ queries, and updating customers of promotional offers and new services of the spa. ZENG, QI Service Specialist Team Lead

Basic Qualification: Compliance and Management experience. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Planning and monitoring project.

MAI, YUANYUAN Assistant Operations Manager

187.

172.

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

Basic Qualification: Has an excellent managerial experience. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: With fluency in reading, speaking, and writing in Chinese Mandarin and English languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LUO CITY SPA CLUB INC. Sm Moa Complex, By The Bay Bldg., Barangay 76, Pasay City

HITACHI ASIA LTD. Unit 8 11/f Zuellig Bldg., Makati Ave Cor, Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta, City Of Makati

HAN, YOUNGHUN Water Business Unit Manager

PACK, HYEONWOO Project Manager

TAN, FAJIAN Mandarin Speaking Consultant / Interpreter

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

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

LIPANA BEDURAL ZORETA LAW OFFICES 11/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, Makati City, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

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

ISTEEL INC. Mezzanine Flr. The Capitol Center, Shaw Blvd., Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig

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

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

ZHAO, SHUNDONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

CAI, SHENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

YAN, TIEXIONG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree graduate. With a minimum of ten (10) years of work experience in railway construction. With good leadership and management skills, strong work ethic, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations.

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex, Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal, Barangay 76, Pasay City 8th, 9th, 10th/f Aspire Corporate Plaza Bldg., Macapagal Blvd. St., Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Brief Job Description: Review work progress on a daily basis of all Construction Project planning process works. Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status. Manage team, subordinates, labors and disseminate works in order to complete as per Site plan.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

PARK, YOUNGCHUN Construction Manager

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

GRAND EVEREST HOLDING INC. 17/f M1 Tower, 141 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system. LEE, YONG HEE Korean IT Support Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross functional teams to translate digital strategies. CHOI, CHANG RAK Korean IT Support Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with cross functional teams to translate digital strategies. EVALINA Indonesian Retention Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Devising, improving, and reviewing new specifications and procedures for products or processes and training staff.

No.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Vietnamese language.

GIGA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT INC. 2/f Lipam’s Building, 40 Presidents Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FIRST DOUBLE NEEDLE APPAREL INC. #74, San Agustin Street, Capitol 8, Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig

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

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

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION VU THI YEN Vietnamese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Friday, October 27, 2023

188.

Brief Job Description: Responding to customers’ queries, and updating customers of promotional offers and new services of the spa. GUO, ZHIPING Wellness Program Manager Brief Job Description: Providing wellness consultations.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

LUO DA TRADING CORPORATION Unit No. 403-p 4/f Five E-com Center Bldg., Harbour Drive St. Moa Complex Subd., Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

BusinessMirror

A12 A6 Friday, October 27, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SUN, YUAN Key Account Manager

189.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Deliver the sales revenue target for the assigned area of responsibility.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin/ Chinese and English languages.

No.

QIU, HUISHENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 205.

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

LYCOPODIUM (PHILIPPINES) PTY LTD. 25th Floor High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 1, 26th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

ROBIN, GERMAIN ANDRE RENE Technical Consultant 190.

Brief Job Description: Provide professional support to the team in preparing project deliverables. Ensures project schedules and manhour budgets are met for areas of assigned work.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With solid experience in Water Treatment plant fabrication/ installation of work pack including vessel data sheets, GA isometrics, and P&IDS. With at least 15 years of work experience in leading a team in a similar industry.

206.

191.

Brief Job Description: Knowledge of the workplace is essential for developing and maintaining the plans that will ensure the good flow of the business.

CHEN, LEI Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant

207.

192.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with end-users and providing innovative solutions.

LIU, CHONG Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 193.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with end-users and providing innovative solutions.

WU, LIQUN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 194.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with end-users and providing innovative solutions.

YE, KAIYAN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 195.

Brief Job Description: Implementing the latest technological advancements and solutions.

ZHOU, PENG Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 196.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with end-users and providing innovative solutions.

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

197.

198.

199.

200.

201.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. NGUYEN TUAN ANH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. THONG QUOC KHANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. VAY THI KIM HUYEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. ZHANG, FULI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

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

202.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries. Identifying and assessing customers’ needs to achieve satisfaction.

210.

211.

212.

213.

214.

215.

216.

217.

203.

Brief Job Description: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information.

XU, LIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 218.

NGUYEN VAN CANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 204.

Brief Job Description: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Brief Job Description: Managing calls and customer services inquiries. Identifying and assessing customers’ needs.

LUO, SHENGQUAN Customer Service Representative 219.

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

220.

221.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 17/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., Cor Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

222.

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

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

223.

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

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

224.

225.

Basic Qualification: 3 plus years of relevant work experience. Customerservice focused and able to handle challenging customer conversations. Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to problem solving. Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Meeting planned sales goals. Setting individual sales targets with the sales team. Tracking sales goals and reporting results as necessary.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

226.

FANNY AGUSTINA Indonesian Language - Support Officer Brief Job Description: Assist in planning of the organization’s daily operation. ROSMEI DEWIKA INDAH Indonesian Language - Support Officer

227.

Brief Job Description: Assist in planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. WINSON Indonesian Language-support Officer

228.

Brief Job Description: Assist in planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation. SUMANTO HARIYAWAN Indonesian Language-support Supervisor

229.

230.

Brief Job Description: Identifies issues and gaps in correct processes or documents. TRUONG TIEU MAN Vietnamese Language-marketing Officer Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SAN MIGUEL AEROCITY INC. (MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) 40 San Miguel Corporation, Head Office Complex San Miguel, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

WENY HAMILTON SIHOMBING Consultant 231.

Brief Job Description: Support in the dev. of the Biodiversity offset design and implementation, with reference to NBS. Act as Technical resource person for coastal and ocean climate change adaption issues and innovative NBS strategies.

Basic Qualification: At least ten (10) years of experience in Nature-base solutions (NBS) design, construction, or project management. Advance understanding of coastal, marine, environmental, and water resources or related engineering principles and practices. Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Brief Job Description: Introduce the company to ship owners/charterers/brokers and handle their inquiries.

YI, WENCHONG Sales Manager

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

PHILIPPINES E-RISE TRADERS CORPORATION 2/f Global Link Center, 710 Shaw Blvd., Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

Brief Job Description: Manages operational activities at site/s in line with applicable SHES policies. Manages demand fulfillment for store/site to blast hole. Manages Site DIFOT & Tonnes performance Reporting (daily).

XU, XUELIN Chinese Marketing Staff

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

OROMARINE SHIPPING CORPORATION 1181 6/f, A Leveriza St. Cor. Pres. Quirino Ave., Barangay 705, Malate, City Of Manila

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

Brief Job Description: Maintains customer records by updating account info.

MERCY ELIZABETH Territory Manager

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

WANG, LE Mandarin Customer Service

ORICA PHILIPPINES INC. 11/f Tower 2 Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Ave., Ugong, City Of Pasig

TEO KOK THYE Consultant (International Airport Development) 232.

Brief Job Description: To provide engineering inputs (based on international standards/practices/trends) for consideration of the local engineering team.

Basic Qualification: At least 15 yrs. of professional experience in airport work design, construction and project management Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

SHAN ZHEN HAI WEI FOOD CORP. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati HUANG, YUYING Chinese Administrative Executive

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Chinese and English languages.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speaking in Mandarin and English languages.

233.

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

SHELL ENERGY PHILIPPINES, INC. 41st/f The Finance Centre, 26th St. Cor. 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

OCEAN MIGHT SUPPORT MANAGEMENT INC. 32/f Tower 6789, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NOCMAKATI, INC. 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 & 19 Floors, Century Diamond Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque BUI VAN HUYEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and material

DUONG DUC ANH Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

YUAN, HUA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

VU THI NHUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Basic Qualification: Secondary education or College undergraduate. Preferably with 6-months to 1-year customer or sales experience. Fluent in Vietnamese language.

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

TRAN THU THUY Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin language fluently.

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

PHOO MYAT THAW Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin language fluently.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers.

LYU, FUCAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/Mandarin language fluently.

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

LAO, YUETING Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

HAO, YUNLAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

LI, LIXUE Mandarin Customer Service Representative

209.

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

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

FENG, CENGCENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

208.

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

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

DOAN QUOC AN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

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

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

YANG, ZONGMIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

MACRO EXCEL CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 606 6/f Vicente Madrigal Bdg., 6793 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of experience and good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Entering and updating information into relevant databases.

TRAN CAM THANH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

CHEN, KUI Chinese Speaking Business Consultant

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Produce professional quality reports, presentations and briefs.

VAIDYA, SHRIRANG DHANANJAY Technical Advisor Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months’ work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

234.

Brief Job Description: Work with business development leads in key countries to ensure projects deliver maximum value. Manages key interfaces with global engineering and global EPC teams to confirm that minimum standards are met.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With more than 5 years of hands-on experience in renewal power sector. With experience in techno-economic optimization. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

LE, HOANG ANH NHAT Vietnamese Language - Support Officer 235.

Brief Job Description: Assist in planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation.

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

STECONFER PHIL CORP. Unit 203 A 2nd Flr., One Felicity Center Commonwealth Ave., Holy Spirit, Quezon City

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CULAI, GHENADIE Machine Operator & Track Official 236.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for all machine-specific functions such as configuring the equipment, loading and operating machines and optimizing the machine capability.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Portuguese speaker, at least 10 years of working experience in railways, strong knowledge of heavy-duty and high-speed machinery, excellent knowledge of safety methods and hazard regulations. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

No.

252.

MC COY, JUSTIN TODD APAC Senior Route Analyst 237.

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

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

ZHANG, HAIQIANG Construction Admin Manager 238.

Brief Job Description: Monitor progress of construction. Review shop drawing. Coordinate and supervise administrative activities in a project.

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

253.

239.

Brief Job Description: Assist to determine and implements the company’s business plans and strategies and ensures the attainment of revenue targets through effective marketing and sales efforts in the assigned department.

MIKETABU, GRACIAS MUAMBA Central Services Bilingual French Speaker 254.

240.

Brief Job Description: Developing marketing plans to promote products in foreign markets.

255.

KYA BO Service And Parts Director 241.

Brief Job Description: Provide cost estimates for body damage and internal repairs. Create and maintain a process to effectively manage warranty, customer pay, and internal repair orders.

YANG, BAIGANG Service And Parts Director 242.

Brief Job Description: Provide cost estimates for body damage and internal repairs. Create and maintain a process to effectively manage warranty, customer pay, and internal repair orders.

243.

244.

245.

246.

247.

248.

249.

250.

251.

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. CAO VAN HOAN IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. LE MINH NHUT IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. NGAN, BA HOI IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. NGUYEN TRONG TOAN IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. NIM A PHI IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. SON, PHACH IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device. TRAN KE THANH IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device.

TRAN THI HONG NHUNG IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. CHOU, CHUN-WEI Chinese Language Support Service

257.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. CHUNG, YU-CHEN Chinese Language Support Service

258. Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study. Excellent communication skills. He shall have been proven to possess integrity and probity.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study. Excellent communication skills. He shall have been proven to possess integrity and probity.

259.

260.

261.

262.

263.

264.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 265.

266.

267.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. ZENG, XIANGHUI Chinese Language Support Service

268.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. XU, YUHAO Chinese Language Support Service

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. TAN, XIN Chinese Language Support Service

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. SU, YU-TING Chinese Language Support Service

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

Basic Qualification: With related work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. SONG, XUDONG Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Basic Qualification: With related work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. QI, JINLONG Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. LUO, BIAO Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. LI, QINGFENG Chinese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. KUNG, HONG-FU Chinese Language Support Service

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects. GAN, LIN Chinese Language Support Service

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

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 1439 Adriatico Cor. Sta. Monica St., 072, Barangay 669, Ermita, City Of Manila BUI VAN QUANG IT Specialist

Brief Job Description: Participate in the day to day functional operation of the business. Analyze billing data, adjust WIPs as required, review and validate invoices and create client exhibits.

CHEN, XUXU Chinese Language Support Service 256.

VEHICLE MASTER SERVICE CORP. #27, T. Santiago St., Canumay West, City Of Valenzuela

270.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in French language. With at least 3 years of work experience in shared services industry. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Chinese language.

272.

273.

274.

275.

276.

277.

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

279.

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

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

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

VONG MY PHUNG Vietnamese Language Research Analyst Brief Job Description: Conduct research on products and services as specified.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

HE, WEI Mandarin Field Service Supervisor 281.

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Chinese language.

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

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

XINCHUAN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PHILIPPINE PROJECT LTD CORP. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

VUONG VAN CUONG Vietnamese Language Support Service 280.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Vietnamese language.

LUU MY CHI Vietnamese Language Research Analyst

TRAN HIEU KIM MAI Vietnamese Language Support Service

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

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

NGUYEN THI SU Vietnamese Language Support Service 278.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Chinese language.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Vietnamese language.

HO LE NGUYEN Vietnamese Language Research Analyst

HO NHUC MUI Vietnamese Language Support Service

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

HO NGOC NGUYEN VAN Vietnamese Language Support Service

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

CHI MY LINH Vietnamese Language Support Service

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

DICKY CHANDRA Indonesian Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 3 years of work experience in a related field. Fluent in English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHENG, YI-FAN Chinese Language Support Service

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

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

Basic Qualification: Skilled language required are English and Korean/Chinese/ Japanese for international transaction.

Basic Qualification: With related work experience.

No.

WILLIS TOWERS WATSON GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. 16/f Bonifacio One Technology Tower, Rizal Drive, West Corner 31st St. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

THE QUALITY PRIME OCEAN PRODUCTS INC. 9507 Miguela Street, Airport Village, Vitalez, City Of Parañaque GAO, FEI International Trade Manager

Brief Job Description: Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects. Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within the scope and within budget.

CAO, HENGYI Chinese Language Support Service Basic Qualification: Japanese and English language proficient.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

271.

SUMITOMO CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES 35/f Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas St., Bel-air, City Of Makati FUJIWARA, MAKOTO Assistant Manager

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device.

YANG, HAONAN Project Manager

SUMISETSU PHILIPPINES, INC. 8/f Gc Corporate Plaza, 150 Legaspi St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of work experience in the construction industry. Fluent in Japanese and English languages.

VONG NGOC YEN IT Specialist

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar position. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for hiring staff, managing payroll, scheduling employees, creating job schedules, coordinating with third party/contractors, and developing budgets for projects.

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

XSPACE SERVICE OFFICE INC. U-a&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

LI, LEI Operations Manager 282.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Chinese language.

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Operations Manager, 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

LI, QUANLIN Operations Manager 283.

*Date Generated: Oct 26, 2023 Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ZHANG, ZUO Chinese Language Support Service 269.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

WEICHAI SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. (WEICHAI PHILIPPINES REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE) Unit 6-b Azure Business Center, 1197 E. Delos Santos Ave., Area 2, Katipunan, Quezon City

STORMGEO PH INC. (STORMGEO PH) 6/f Cyberone Building 11, Eastwood Ave, Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City Basic Qualification: Proven experience as APAC senior route analyst, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, October 27, 2023

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

A14 Friday, October 27, 2023

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

Israeli troops launch brief Gaza ground raid ahead of expected wider incursion By Najib Jobain, Samy Magdy & Amy Teibel

The Associated Press

AFAH, Gaza Strip—Israeli troops and tanks launched a brief ground raid into northern Gaza overnight into Thursday, the military said, striking several militant targets in order to “prepare the battlefield” ahead of a widely expected ground invasion after more than two weeks of devastating air raids. The raid came after the U.N. warned it is on the verge of running out of fuel in the Gaza Strip, forcing it to sharply curtail relief efforts in the territory, which has also been under a complete siege since Hamas’ bloody rampage across southern Israel ignited the war earlier this month. The rising death tolls in Gaza are unprecedented in the decadeslong Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Even greater loss of life could come if Israel launches an expected ground offensive aimed at crushing Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 and survived four previous wars with Israel. The Health Ministry in Hamasruled Gaza said Wednesday that more than 750 people were killed over the past 24 hours, higher than the 704 killed the previous

day. The Associated Press could not independently verif y the death toll, and the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. By comparison, 2,251 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed in the entire sixweek-long war in 2014, according to U.N. figures. The Israeli military says it only strikes militant targets and accuses Hamas of operating among civilians in densely populated Gaza. Palestinian militants have fired rocket barrages into Israel since the war began. During the overnight raid, the military said soldiers struck fighters, militant infrastructure and anti-tank missile launching positions. There were no immediate reports of casualties on either side. Meanwhile, an airstrike hit a

MEDICS treat babies wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in a hospital in Deir Al-Balah on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. AP/ADEL HANA

residential building in the southern town of Khan Younis early Thursday. Ambulances streamed into the nearby Nasser Hospital, but there was no official word on casualties. Family members said the building had housed 75 people, including 25 displaced relatives. The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 6,500 Palestinians have been killed in the war. That figure includes the disputed toll from an explosion at a hospital last week. The fighting has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel, mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government. Hamas also holds some 222 hostages in Gaza. The warning by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, over depleting fuel supplies raised alarm that the humanitarian crisis could quickly worsen.

Gaza’s population has also been running out of food, water and medicine. About 1.4 million of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have fled their homes, with nearly half of them crowded into UN shelters. Hundreds of thousands remain in northern Gaza, despite Israel ordering them to evacuate to the south, saying those who remain might be considered “accomplices” of Hamas. In recent days, Israel let more than 60 trucks with aid enter from Egypt, which aid workers say is insufficient and only a tiny fraction of what was being brought in before the war. Israel is still barring deliveries of fuel—needed to power generators—saying it believes Hamas will take it. An official with the International Committee of the Red Cross said it hopes to bring in nearly a

At least 16 dead in Maine mass killing; police hunt for the shooter as residents take shelter By David Sharp

The Associated Press

EWISTON, Maine—A man shot and killed at least 16 people at a restaurant and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday and then fled into the night, sparking a massive search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes. A police bulletin identified Robert Card, 40, as a person of interest in the attack that sent panicked bowlers scrambling behind pins when shots rang out around 7 p.m. Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine. The document, circulated to law enforcement officials, said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not provide details about his treatment or condition but said Card had reported “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base. A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service. Lewiston Police said in an earlier Facebook post that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away. One bowler, who identified himself only as Brandon, said he heard about 10 shots, thinking the first was a balloon popping. “I had my back turned to the door. And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon—he was

holding a weapon—I just booked it,” he told The Associated Press. Brandon said he scrambled down the length of the alley, sliding into the pin area and climbing up to hide in the machinery. He was among a busload of survivors who were driven to a middle school in the neighboring city of Auburn to be reunited with family and friends. “I was putting on my bowling shoes when when it started. I’ve been barefoot for five hours,” he said. Melinda Small, the owner of Legends Sports Bar and Grill, said her staff immediately locked their doors and moved all 25 customers and employees away from the doors after a customer reported hearing about the shooting at the bowling alley less than a quartermile away. Soon, the police flooded the roadway and a police officer eventually escorted everyone out of the building. “I am honestly in a state of shock. I am blessed that my team responded quickly and everyone is safe,” Small said. “But at the same time, my heart is broken for this area and for what everyone is dealing with. I just feel numb.” After the shooting, police, many armed with rifles, took up positions while the city descended into eerie quiet—punctuated by occasional sirens—as people hunkered down at home. The Androscoggin County Sheriff ’s Office released two photos of the suspect on its Facebook page that showed the shooter walking into an establishment with a weapon raised to his shoulder. Two law enforcement officials told The AP that at least 16 people

were killed and the toll was expected to rise. However, Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, declined to provide a specific estimate at a news conference, calling it a “fluid situation.” The two law enforcement officials said dozens of people also had been wounded. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. On its website, Central Maine Medical Center said staff were “reacting to a mass casualty, mass shooter event” and were coordinating with area hospitals to take in patients. The hospital was locked down and police, some armed with rifles, stood by the entrances. Meanwhile, hospitals as far away as Portland, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) to the south, were on alert to potentially receive victims. An order for residents and business owners to stay inside and off the streets of the city of 37,000 was extended Wednesday night from Lewiston to Lisbon, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) away, after a “vehicle of interest” was found there, authorities said. Gov. Janet Mills released a statement echoing instructions for people to shelter. She said she had been briefed on the situation and will remain in close contact with public safety officials. President Joe Biden spoke by phone to Mills and the state’s Senate and House members, offering “full federal support in the wake of this horrific attack,” a White House statement said.

Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent, said he was “deeply sad for the city of Lewiston and all those worried about their family, friends and neighbors” and was monitoring the situation. King’s office said the senator would be headed directly home to Maine on the first flight possible. Local schools will be closed Thursday and people should shelter in place or seek safety, Superintendent Jake Langlais said, adding: “Stay close to your loved ones. Embrace them.” Wednesday’s death toll was staggering for a state that in 2022 had 29 homicides the entire year. Maine doesn’t require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting. Some recent attempts by gun control advocates to tighten the state’s gun laws have failed. Proposals to require background checks for private gun sales and create a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases failed earlier this year. Proposals that focused on school security and banning bump stocks failed in 2019. State residents have also voted down some attempts to tighten gun laws in Maine. A proposal to require background checks for gun sales failed in a 2016 public vote. The Associated Press journalists Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine, Michael Balsamo in New York, Darlene Superville in Washington, Michael Casey in Boston and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.

half dozen trucks filled with vital medical supplies. “This is a small amount of what is required, a drop in the ocean if you will, given the severity of the consequences of the violence in the last two and a half weeks,” said William Schomburg, head of the sub-delegation in Gaza. “Today, we are looking at eight to 10 trucks coming in. We have more that are lined up,” he said. “We are trying to establish a pipeline.” UNRWA has been sharing its own fuel supplies so that trucks can distribute aid, bakeries can feed people in shelters, water can be desalinated, and hospitals can keep incubators, life support machines and other vital equipment working. If it continues doing all of that, fuel will run out by Thursday, so the agency is deciding how to ration its supply, UNRWA spokeswoman Tamara Alrifai told The Associated Press. “Do we give for the incubators or the bakeries?” she said. “It is an excruciating decision.” More than half of Gaza’s primary health care facilities and roughly a third of its hospitals have stopped functioning, the World Health Organization said. At Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, the lack of medicine and clean water have led to “alarming” infection rates, the group Doctors Without Borders said. Amputations are often required to prevent infection from spreading in the wounded, it said.

One surgeon with the group described amputating half the foot of a 9-year-old boy with only “slight sedation” on a hallway floor as his mother and sister watched. The conflict has also threatened to spread across the region. The Israeli military said Wednesday it struck military sites in Syria in response to rocket launches from the country. Syrian state media said eight soldiers were killed and seven wounded. Strikes in Syria also hit the airports of Aleppo and Damascus, in an apparent attempt to prevent arms shipments from Iran to militant groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Israel has been exchanging near daily fire with Iranian-backed Hezbollah across the Lebanese border. Hamas’ surprise rampage on October 7 in southern Israel stunned the countr y with its brutality, its unprecedented toll and the failure of intelligence agencies to know it was coming. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech Wednesday night that he will be held accountable, but only after Hamas was defeated. “We will get to the bottom of what happened,” he said. “This debacle will be investigated. Everyone will have to give answers, including me.”

Magdy reported from Cairo and Teibel from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report.

South Korea, US and Japan condemn North Korea’s alleged supply of munitions to Russia By Hyung-Jin Kim The Associated Press

EOUL, South Korea—South Korea, the US and Japan strongly condemned what they call North Korea’s supply of munitions and military equipment to Russia, saying Thursday that such weapons shipments sharply increase the human toll of Russia’s war in Ukraine. A joint statement by the top diplomats of South Korea, the US and Japan came days after Russia’s foreign minister scoffed at a recent US claim that his country received munitions from North Korea, saying that Washington has failed to prove the allegation. “We will continue to work together with the international community to expose Russia’s attempts to acquire military equipment from (North Korea),” said the joint statement by South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa. “Such weapons deliveries, several of which we now confirm have been completed, will significantly increase the human toll of Russia’s war of aggression,” it said. The joint statement was meant to show the three countries’ resolve to actively respond to a weapons transfer deal that Russia and North Korea have been pursuing in defiance of repeated warnings by the international community, South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soosuk told reporters. North Korea and Russia—both locked in separate confrontations with the US and its allies—have recently taken steps to strengthen their military ties. Speculation about North Korea’s provision of conventional arms to refill Russia’s exhausted weapons stores flared last month, when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Russia’s Far East to meet President Vladimir Putin and visit key military facilities. The US, South Korea and others believe North Korea seeks to receive sophisticated weapons technologies from Russia to enhance its nuclear program in exchange for its

munitions supply. During his visit to Pyongyang last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a reception speech that Russia valued North Korea’s “unwavering” support for its war on Ukraine. After returning to Moscow, Lavrov dismissed the US accusation of the North Korean arms transfers, saying that “the Americans keep accusing everyone.” “I don’t comment on rumors,” he said, according to Russian state media. Earlier this month, the White House said that North Korea had delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia. The White House released images that it said showed the containers were loaded onto a Russianflagged ship before being moved via train to southwestern Russia. Thursday’s Seoul-Washington-Tokyo statement said the three countries are closely monitoring for any materials that Russia provides to North Korea in support of the North’s military objectives. “We are deeply concerned about the potential for any transfer of nuclear- or ballistic missile-related technology to (North Korea),” the statement said. It noted arms transfers to and from North Korea would violate UN Security Council resolutions, which Russia, a permanent Security Council member, previously voted for. Since last year, North Korea has performed more than 100 missile tests, many of them designed to simulate nuclear attacks on South Korea and the US. Experts say Russia’s provision of high-tech weapons technologies would help Kim build much more reliable nuclear weapons systems. Among the military assets North Korea reportedly wants to manufacture with Russian assistance are spy satellites. Two recent North Korean attempts to place a spy satellite into orbit failed for technical reasons, and North Korea vowed a third launch in October. But South Korea’s Unification Ministry said Thursday there have been no signs of an impending launch at the North’s main launch facility.

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Friday, October 27, 2023 A15

Mendoza seeks full takeover of LTO IT system from German contractor By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is actively pursuing a full government takeover of the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) from the German contractor Dermalog.

According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, his office has initiated this move in line with the government’s push to digitalize all government transactions and enhance service

delivery. The LTMS, which was contracted to Dermalog in 2019, is responsible for handling various transactions within the LTO. Mendoza said by bringing the

Group backs move to block e-commerce platforms selling illegal tobacco products By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

NON-GOVERNMENT organization Social Watch Philippines (SWP) threw its support behind the proposal of a senior lawmaker to block outright ecommerce platforms for selling illicit tobacco products. SWP argued that the proposal of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda is a good measure to plug the “digital” loopholes in illicit trade that allowed unscrupulous sellers to reach a “younger populace in a broader yet unregulated market.” Last week, Salceda disclosed that he is drafting a legislation that would block e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee for allowing the sale of illegal cigarettes even to minors. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/10/18/ solon-threatens-ban-on-shopeelazada-on-cigarette-sale-to-kids/) “Regulating in-person sales is already challenging as it is. Handling e-commerce takes more work and technical expertise due to privacy and data manipulation concerns. The tobacco companies have exploited these digital loopholes to reach the younger populace in a broader yet unregulated market,” said SWP Coconvenor Ma. Victoria Raquiza in a news release on Thursday. “According to the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance [SEATCA], the tobacco industry is also the supplier of some counterfeit products traded across online stores. We urge the online shopping platforms to be vigilant and conscientious in their business operations by removing illegal products,” Raquiza added. Citing the 2019 Global Youth To-

bacco Survey (GYTS), the SWP said about 14.1 percent, or one in seven students aged 13 to 15 are currently using e-cigarettes. The SWP noted that the survey revealed how easy it is for the youth to buy tobacco products in the country, with about two in five students who currently smoke (37 percent), saying that it is easy to purchase tobacco products regardless of age. “Our laws should always be grounded in reality. What are the purchasing habits of consumers? How easy is it to access and falsify information online? How hard is it to monitor these digital shops?” Raquiza said. “Will our policies evolve quickly enough to address the fast-changing nature of the e-market? We have come a long way in protecting public health against these toxic products. We must create and adopt practical strategies across all online stores to eliminate illegal trade and lower tobacco consumption,” Raquiza added. Citing Department of Health (DOH) data, Raquiza emphasized that the country already “suffered a loss of P365.79 billion in 2021 due to tobacco-related diseases.” “The direct medical cost from tobacco use reached P247 billion, the indirect cost due to premature death was P73 billion, and the indirect cost for morbidity was P30.7 billion,” she said. “While we push for the implementation of existing laws with provisions against illicit trade like the Tobacco Tax Law [RA 11346] and promote proposals such as Salceda’s, we also urge the administration to help provide alternative livelihoods for MSMEs [micro, small, medium and enterprises] selling tobacco products,” said Raquiza.

DPWH sets opening of Ala-Uli flyover in Bataan in December MOTORISTS and commuters in Pilar, Bataan have something to look forward this last quarter of 2023, as the much-anticipated AlaUli Steel Flyover project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to open this coming December, promising to ease traffic congestion and further improve connectivity in Central Luzon Region. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, in his report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, said the completion and opening

of Ala-Uli Steel Flyover in Barangay Ala Uli, Pilar, Bataan will significantly contribute in resolving the usual traffic buildup at the intersection of Roman Expressway and Gov. J.J. Linao National Road. Considered a traffic chokepoint for vehicles going to and from the towns of Mariveles and Pilar, the construction of the flyover at the busy intersection is expected to significantly improve mobility essential to economic and social development, added Sadain.

system under complete government control, the LTO could expedite the resolution of technical issues previously raised by the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). “Our IT experts are capable of operating and maintaining the system. In fact, they are the ones who have been working and continue to work on improving the system to make it user-friendly and to fully utilize our online platform,” he said. He noted that sig nif icant progress has already been made in the digitization of LTO services. For instance, driver’s license issuance has already reached 100 percent under the LTMS, while motor vehicle registration renewal has increased from 70 percent to 95

percent in July 2023. T he LTO’s c u r rent foc u s, Mendoza noted, is on enhancing the registration of newly registered units (NRUs), which currently stands at 60 percent under the LTMS. He said the agency is determined to achieve full digital transactions by the end of November this year, a move that is expected to streamline system maintenance and result in cost savings. Mendoz a h igh l ighted t he substantial government investment of over P3 billion in the LTMS and emphasized the need to address the 14 deficiencies and 166 needed enhancements identified by the DICT assessment and evaluation of the system. To facilitate the government

takeover, Mendoza has created a Technical Working Group, and it is in the final phase of reviewing and assessing the system for full implementation in November. “We can definitely take over. In fact, this is the reason why I created a Technical Working Group, and right now, we are in the final phase of review and assessment for full implementation by next month,” said Mendoza. Addressing recent statements attributed to a representative of Dermalog, Mendoza refuted claims that LTO personnel have been resistant to using the LTMS. “This is not true. I have personally witnessed the dedication of our frontline employees, so it is unfair to issue inaccurate statements like that,” he said.

Philippine Fleet holds specialized training off the coast of Zambales NAVAL and air assets of the Philippine Fleet (PF) on Wednesday started specialized training drills aimed at improving the interoperability and efficiency of newly acquired platforms of the service. In a statement, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said these exercises are all part of the ongoing “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which started October 23 and will end on the 27th. Badidles said the “seagoing phase” of the exercise took place on October 25 and 26 at the vicinity of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales. Participating naval and air units include the recently acquired guided missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151); landing dock BRP Tarlac

(LD-601); fast attack interdiction crafts (FAIC) BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902) and BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903); patrol vessels BRP Valentin Diaz (PS177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178); three missile-capable multi-purpose attack craft (MPACs), and the Naval Air Wing’s Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (MUARS) Flight Bravo. “These assets and personnel carried out exercises and maneuvers in strategic locations to enhance capabilities on electronic warfare operations, anti-submarine warfare, unmanned aerial system surveillance and reconnaissance, air defense exercise, surface warfare exercise, ‘high value unit’ protection, swarm tactics and littoral

operations,” Badidles added. Also tested was the communications compatibility of the fleet assets to the PF headquarters via marine radio, ship-to-air, and shipto-ground communications toward a seamless interoperability. “These exercises will enable the Fleet to raise its level of readiness and optimize the proper utilization of its modernizing platforms and systems to address traditional and non-traditional challenges,” Badidles noted. He added these naval drills also encouraged naval personnel to build and improve capacity in handling sophisticated equipment, allowing them to perform their duties better. Rex Anthony Naval

Memo vs AI photo generators meant to boost ‘operational security’–DND By Rex Anthony Naval

DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said his memorandum prohibiting defense and military personnel from using artificial intelligence (AI) photo generator applications is part of efforts to improve the establishment’s “operational security.” In a broadcast interview Wednesday, the defense chief said that this security effort is aimed at preventing hackers that may attempt to infiltrate and paralyze the DND. Recently, several government institutions were targeted and paralyzed by hackers who demanded money in exchange for return of access to the hacked systems, which are mostly data and financial in nature. And when asked if China has something to do with the issuance of this memorandum,

Teodoro said they are monitoring other threats that include “non-state actors.” “China is the only one we are guarding, we are also monitoring non-state actors who might be planning to use so-called “‘ransomware’ vs our systems. These are hackers who paralyzed governmental systems in exchange for money,” the DND chief said in Filipino. He added that his memorandum is part of efforts to improve the “internet hygiene” of DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel. And in a high security environment like the DND and AFP, Teodoro said the “utmost operational security” must be exercised at all times. Earlier, Teodoro warned defense and military personnel from using digital applications that use AI requiring submission of 10 pictures to generate an enhanced portrait as this posed

a “significant privacy and security risks.” In a memorandum dated October 14, the defense chief said this application compiles its “users’ data and creates a digital person that mimics how a real individual speaks and moves.” Teodoro said that this seemingly harmless and amusing AI-powered application can be “maliciously used to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social engineering, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities” and noted that there was already a report of a such case. “All DND and AFP personnel are directed to refrain from using AI photo generator applications and practice vigilance in sharing information online. Ensure that your actions are aligned to the Department’s values and are in adherence to existing policies,” the DND chief added.

The two-lane flyover is substantially completed and will be made passable to vehicular traffic by yearend in time for the December holiday rush. Sadain himself checked on Wednesday, October 25, the progress of the flyover project with Project Manager Samuel Bayot of Amarro Construction, and engineers from Regional Office 3 and Unified Project Management Office-Bridges Management Cluster. The main flyover deck structure, including

the abutments and approaches, are complete with remaining job on the rehabilitation/ reblocking of concrete pavement under the flyover and asphalt overlay. The construction of the 600 lineal meter flyover is part of Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project that involves the nationwide construction of bridges and flyovers to provide better road network along secondary national highways. Implementation of the project is under

the supervision of Regional Office 3 and Unified Project Management Office - Bridges Management Cluster. Just like in other flyover nationwide, the DPWH together with the local government unit, will come up with guidelines that will be imposed on allowable vehicles in accordance with the approved design and safety standards of the flyover to protect the structure from overloading and premature deterioration.

Bangsamoro chief minister files P98.46-billion budget proposal By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

DAVAO CITY—The office of the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro government submitted close to P100 billion budget for next year, with education getting a third of the allocation. Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim personally handed the proposed 2024 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) to Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong on October 24. The proposed budget totals P98.46 billion, with education, infrastructure, and health as the top three priorities. “After centuries of struggle for selfdetermination, the Bangsamoro is now recognized as an autonomous entity cultivating the seeds of Jihad that were once planted into our hearts,” Ebrahim said in the ceremonial submission of the budget to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Minister Ubaida Pacasem of Finance, Budget, and Management said the budget proposal includes the following components: P70.5 billion from the annual block grant as provided for in the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP); P5.08 billion from shares in national taxes collected within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as provided in the NEP; P5 billion for the Special Development Fund; P471 million from the projected regional taxes; and P17.3 billion from the declared savings from prior years. Education got the biggest slice of the budget with an allocation of P30.2 billion and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said this would highlight education as the “foundation of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and innovation.” The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) has proposed continuing its programs, such as the Access to Higher and Modern Education Scholarship Program, TVET Scholarship Program, Bangsamoro Education Program, Madaris Standards and Provision Program, Responsive Education System Promoting Effectiveness Competency Teaching Program, Madaris Asatidz Program, Bangsamoro School Sports Program, and Inclusive Education Program. The ministry also proposed P754 million for the construction of schools, classrooms, and libraries, as well as the provision of furniture and fixtures for teachers. The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) was second although it got only slightly more than half of that of education, with a budget of P17.6 billion. Public Works Minister Arch. Eduard Guerra said that they intend to expedite the construction and maintenance of essential infrastructure facilities, such as flood management, bridges, and water systems. Health was third, with a proposed budget of P6.6 billion for the Ministry of Health (MOH) to support public health services, revitalize health facilities, and enhance the overall health system, addressing the lack of supplies and equipment. The MOH also intends to strengthen rural health units and barangay health units. The top 10 budgeted ministries and offices in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were the following: 1. MBHTE: P30,231,210,027 2. MPW: P17,614,054,140 3. MOH: P6,657,091,430 4. Ministry of Social Services and Development: P3,702,389,285 5. Office of the Chief Minister: P3,483,118,344 6. Bangsamoro Transition Authority: P3,112,866,028 7. Ministry of Interior and Local Government: P2,279,893,235 8. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform: P1,882,041,274 9. Ministry of Human Settlements and Development: P1,132,845,944 10. Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy: P834,206,301

A16 Friday, October 27, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

AI could destabilize the global job market

hatGPT, which stands for Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a chatbot developed by OpenAI and launched in November 2022. Apart from its voice and image capabilities, it is being used for automation, education, coding, data-analysis, writing, etc. Experts said that beyond ChatGPT’s entertainment value, it has the power to revolutionize learning, improve skills, and boost work efficiency.

For all of the good things you can do with the chatbot, however, you also need to be aware of the ways it could be used by people with evil intentions. Because ChatGPT has been trained on large amounts of data, it knows a lot of information that could be weaponized if put into the wrong hands. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told the US Congress in May that government intervention will be critical to mitigating the risks of increasingly powerful AI systems. “As this technology advances, we understand that people are anxious about how it could change the way we live. We are too,” he said. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on privacy, technology and the law, opened the hearing with a recorded speech that sounded like the senator, but was actually a voice clone trained on Blumenthal’s floor speeches and reciting ChatGPT-written opening remarks. Blumenthal was impressed, but also worried: “What if I had asked it, and what if it had provided, an endorsement of Ukraine surrendering or Russian President Vladimir Putin’s leadership?” The senator said AI companies ought to be required to test their systems and disclose known risks before releasing them. He expressed particular concern about how future AI systems could destabilize the job market. When American senators pressed Altman on his own worst fear about AI, he said that the industry could potentially cause “significant harm to the world” and “if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong.” He proposed that a US or global regulatory agency should impose safeguards that would block AI models that could “self-replicate and self-exfiltrate into the wild”—hinting at futuristic concerns about advanced AI systems that could manipulate humans into ceding control. From Bloomberg: “The UK has about three years to come up with rules to reassure people about artificial intelligence [AI] before wrenching changes in the way work is done unleashes the potential for social unrest, an industry expert said. Martin Weis, managing partner for AI at Infosys Consulting, said that about 30 percent of the hours people put in on the job in places like the US and Britain could be done by technology by 2030. Back-office tasks and administration are most likely to be affected, threatening to upend millions of jobs.” Weis warned that governments must quickly grasp the shake-up—or risk angering thousands of employees who are affected. That could involve investing in education and re-skilling, legislating to minimize the impact of AI, or even providing a basic income to help those who lose their jobs. “I would say we have two to three years, because now people are trying it out,” Weis said in a Bloomberg interview, referring to generative AI such as ChatGPT. Unless governments plan ahead, he added, the profits from productivity gains brought about by AI will fall into the hands of a few private sector firms —while the average worker could be left jobless and local economies poorer. Echoing Weis, the London-based think-tank Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said that “deep global cooperation” is needed and that governments “need to set out their own bold strategy for AI,” ensuring that the technology is used for public good as well as profit. “Self-regulation didn’t work for social media companies,” said Carsten Jung, senior economist at the IPPR. “It didn’t work for the finance sector, and it won’t work for AI. We shouldn’t just passively anticipate technological developments and hope for the best.” Experts have aired their concerns about the ability of the latest crop of “generative AI” tools to mislead people, spread falsehoods, violate copyright protections and upend some jobs. Indeed, global cooperation is needed to crack down on harmful AI products. It would do well for Philippine authorities to note the societal concerns tech experts have raised, particularly on the potential harm that AI systems could do, like destabilizing the Philippine job market. This early, the country should now invest in the education and re-skilling of our workers. Preparation is the best way to avert problems that have not yet occurred.

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ver the past 23 years, the Public Employment Service Office has been instrumental in helping Filipinos find and secure jobs in the Philippines and overseas. Enacted on February 14, 2000, Republic Act 8759 paved the way for the establishment of PESOs in the capital towns of provinces, key cities and strategic areas around the country. The PESOs are community-based and maintained largely by local government units (LGUs) and a number of nongovernmental organizations or community-based organizations and state universities and colleges. They are linked to the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment for coordination and technical supervision, and to the DOLE central office, to constitute the national employment service network. These PESOs have served as venues where people could look for employment opportunities and as referral and information centers for the various services and programs of DOLE and other government agencies present in the areas where they are situated. PESOs also provide clients with adequate information on employment and labor market situations in their areas and network with other PESOs within the region on employment for job exchange purposes. Recognizing the important role played by the PESOs, Congress amended RA 8759 in 2015 through RA 10691 to further strengthen the system and expand its reach to the grassroots level in all LGUs across the country. As the acting chairman

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of the Senate Committee on Labor Employment and Human Resources at the time, I sponsored the measure that was principally authored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Seeing how the PESOs were able to help in minimizing unemployment and underemployment, we wanted to make sure that its success is replicated in more areas of the country. With the enactment of RA 10691 on October 26, 2015, PESOs were established in all provinces, cities and municipalities, to widen its reach and serve more Filipino jobseekers, regardless of where they are situated. The law also paved the way for the transformation of the PESO into a modern public employment service intermediary that provides multi-di-

The prospects of Mindanao remain strong, but how much it will be growing will depend on the development strategies of the national government. There are regions that need to catchup. There should be a targeted intervention to help them hone their niche. Growth should be spread-out outside the Davao and Northern regions.

My lecture narrows down to the six regions in Mindanao, namely, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BARMM), Zamboanga Peninsula (9), Northern Mindanao (10), Davao (11), SOCCSKSARGEN (12), and CARAGA (13). Among these regions, Northern Mindanao and Davao are the biggest contributors, individually compris-

2021 at around 8 percent. All regions in Mindanao, however, surpass the national average growth rate both in 2021 and within the five-year period. In terms of rising prices, the national inflation rate is 5.8 percent in 2022, and 8.6 percent in February of 2023. Only two regions in Mindanao surpass the national average, namely, Zamboanga Peninsula and Davao, in both periods. Meaning, inflation is relatively modest in most regions in the island except ZamPen and Davao.

Jhon Louie B. Sabal

EAGLE WATCH y first post-pandemic face-to-face speaking engagement was with a corporation engaged in diversified business activities in Mindanao. One of their goals is to strategically expand their operations, but being strategic requires making an informed decision. They have asked me to give a lecture on the economic landscape of Cagayan de Oro City, and Mindanao in general.

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mensional employment facilitation services. Aside from job facilitation, PESOs provide labor market trends and information, livelihood, skills and entrepreneurship training, and other capability-building initiatives. According to the DOLE, at least two million jobseekers are being connected to job vacancies around the country every year through the PESOs. DOLE says this has significantly improved the quality of employment at the grassroots level. DOLE emphasized the key role of the PESO as its primary implementing arm for all of its employment bridging activities in every LGU across 16 regions of the country. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who serves as the overall administrator and coordinator of the PESOs, reported that a total of 1,190 job fairs have been organized by the agency across the country since July of 2022. A total of 325,418 jobseekers registered for these job fairs and 50,849 of them were hired-on-the spot. Sec. Laguesma also took note of the contribution of RA 11261 or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, which he said further expanded access to government service. We authored this law back in the 17th Congress with the intent of easing the burden of first time jobseekers by exempting them from the payment of government documents that are required of them for employment. Many of these jobseekers are fresh graduates and have no money to spare for securing these government documents. As a policy, government should make it easier for its people to make a living even if it means sacri-

Understanding the Mindanao economy

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

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Celebrating 23 years of the Public Employment Service Office

ing 4.5 percent of the Philippine economy. BARMM, however, is the fastest growing economy at a speed of 4.8 percent between 2018 and 2021. Within these years, Northern Mindanao ranks second at 3.4 percent growth rate, which is followed by Davao (3.1 percent), and Zamboanga Peninsula (2.9 percent). BARMM is also the fastest growing region in

ficing a little in terms of lost revenue. In the labor force survey for August 2023, the unemployment rate in the country went down to 4.4 percent from 4.8 percent in July. This was significantly lower than the 5.3 percent recorded over the same period last year. Underemployment, on the other hand, declined to 11.7 percent in August, from 15.9 percent in July. The annual National PESO Congress, which brings together PESO managers, local chief executives, and job placement officers, is intended to map out strategies for employment and to align these with the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2023 to 2028. The DOLE, together with the Public Employment Service Office Managers Association of the Philippines, chose the theme “Unified PESO: Foundation for Gainful Employment, Digitalization, and Economic Progress” for this year’s PESO Congress. This is very timely and appropriate considering the huge advances in technology and the way digitalization has become a part of all transactions, processes and our daily lives as a whole. Adapting to the latest trends and the new normal is key to make the PESO stronger, more effective and continuously relevant in addressing joblessness among Filipinos. Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 19 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 10 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate. E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

Region 10 is the biggest contributor of agricultural products in the island, but only ranks second to BARMM in terms of agricultural growth. More than 10 percent of the national agricultural produce comes from Northern Mindanao, in which the province of Bukidnon is located. Bukidnon is the heart of Mindanao and the island’s food basket. It is a major producer of rice, maze, sugarcane, banana, pineapple and some high-value vegetables like carrots, among others. The biggest contributor of construction in the island is Davao Region, which ranges between 6 percent and 7 percent of the total construction output in the country. One plausible explanation (to this) is political, considering that it is the home of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Construction activities have been evident in Davao but there seems to be an intensified influx during the Duterte administration. Far second See “Eagle Watch,” A17

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Iran-Sudan rapprochement The problem with death threatens to deepen deadly civil war Tito Genova Valiente By Simon Marks & Mohammed Alamin

ran is quietly rebuilding ties with Sudan, stoking concern the Islamic Republic will widen its military influence on the fringes of the Middle East and deepen a disastrous civil war.

With cease-fire talks for Sudan’s six-month-old conflict set to resume Thursday in Saudi Arabia, Tehran’s recent rapprochement with the North African nation’s army throws a potential wildcard into a crisis already vulnerable to outside interference. Western powers are concerned a return of Sudan-Iran cooperation after a roughly seven-year pause may see the Sudanese military receive Iranian weapons and expertise in its struggle against the rival Rapid Support Forces, according to foreign officials following the conflict. The battle for control of Sudan, a resource-rich nation situated on the Red Sea near a choke-point for global shipping, has already killed more than 9,000 people and forced 5.6 million from their homes. Iran backs militant groups ranging from Hamas in Gaza to Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen. Deeper Iranian ties may also definitively end the US-backed prospect of Sudan fully normalizing relations with Israel, an initiative already derailed by the civil war, the people said. They requested anonymity as they aren’t allowed to comment publicly on the issue. The reforging of relations, which includes a move to reopen embassies shuttered in 2016, come as Western powers try to stop the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over into other Middle Eastern countries, from Lebanon to Iraq, where Iran-aligned forces hold sway. The US says it has held backchannel talks to warn Iran against escalating the conflict that erupted when Hamas attacked Israeli towns on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people. Authorities in Hamas-run Gaza say Israel’s bombardments have killed thousands. Hamas is designated a terrorist group by the US and European Union.

‘Proxy engagement’

European Union officials didn’t respond to a request for comment, nor did Iran’s foreign ministry. A US State Department spokesperson

Eagle Watch . . . continued from A16

is Region 10, in which its share to construction output in the country is around 5 percent between 2017 and 2021. Northern Mindanao is also gearing towards metropolization, which could explain its stronger construction activities. This region is also the entry point to Mindanao as it is strategically located as the gateway of the rest of the Philippines to the island. In terms of construction growth, Davao Region and Northern Mindanao are also ahead of their neighboring regions, with a growth rate of 6.9 percent and 3.2 percent between 2017 and 2021, respectively. In terms of real estate, both Davao and Northern Mindanao compete as the top contributors with a share of around 3 percent to 4 percent. It is interesting to note, however, that real estate growth in Mindanao is negative in most years between 2017 and 2021. But Davao (2.3 percent), Northern Mindanao and SOCCSKSARGEN (1.5 percent) are the top three regions with the highest real estate growth rate during the five-year period. The real estate performance in Mindanao could also indicate the lesser preference of the country’s top real estate developer to the island. But real estate is not stagnant and it seems to be gaining momentum in the edges of the island—that is, at its northern and southern areas. Finally, Davao and Northern Mindanao, again, contribute the

said it had “raised our concerns on this with contacts in Sudan’s military government.” The US and partners are united in urging parties to immediately end fighting in Sudan and for the army and RSF to respect international law and human rights and allow unhindered access to aid, the spokesperson said. Among the worries, the people said, are that Iran may widen its drone program, which according to the US has already supplied Hezbollah, Hamas, Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq, the Houthis and Ethiopia’s army. Sudanese military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s acting foreign minister in July met his Iranian counterpart at a Non-Aligned Movement meeting in Azerbaijan, where they agreed to rebuild relations and strengthen political and economic ties. Iran and Sudan in 2007 signed a mutual defense agreement after which there were increased sales of Iranian missiles and drones to Khartoum, the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey said in a 2014 report. It cited evidence Iran had a significant role in Sudan’s weapons industry, using a major manufacturing facility in the African nation’s capital to produce armaments and as an onward supply hub. The rapprochement with Iran leaves Sudan’s conflict “exposed to further proxy engagement that will likely only prolong the fighting and give both sides more oxygen to keep fighting,” said Hafsa Halawa, a Dubai-based non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute. Iran and Sudan were close for much of the past three decades, allied by a shared admiration for revolutionary Islam after President Omar al-Bashir seized power in 1989 and made the African country a pariah in the West. That changed around 2015, when Sudan tilted toward regional giant Saudi Arabia and sent troops to help fight against Yemen’s Houthis, putting it at odds with Iran. After Bashir was ousted in a 2019 popular uprising, Sudan’s militaryled transitional government rushed to rebuild ties with the West and salvage the economy. Bloomberg biggest share of wholesale and retail in Mindanao. Their share to the country’s wholesale and retail ranges between 5.5 percent and 6.5 percent. Retail growth, however, is fastest in SOCCSKSARGEN within the fiveyear period. This performance is not surprising in both Regions 10 and 11 but the inclusion of Region 12 is an interesting angle to study. From the aforementioned information, we can see that growth seems to be skewed towards two regions, Davao and Northern Mindanao, while the rest are lagging behind. Davao Region is home of Davao City, which is the busiest metropolitan area in the Southern Philippines. Northern Mindanao is home of the island’s food basket and a rapidly emerging metropolitan area. This region is also the next target for metropolization, where the planned Metro Cagayan de Misamis is already in the pipeline. The prospects of Mindanao remain strong, but how much it will be growing will depend on the development strategies of the national government. There are regions that need to catch-up. There should be a targeted intervention to help them hone their niche. Growth should be spread-out outside the Davao and Northern regions. Hopefully, Mindanao will continue to improve. Mr. Jhon Louie B. Sabal is a graduate student at the Ateneo de Manila University and the former Chairperson of the Department of Economics of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

annotations

he problem with death is that when it brings about the result to a living person, which is death, that person is not there anymore to feel the death sentence. He who most suffers the brunt of dying—and eventually the end, which is death—has no chance to pass comment nor the power to render judgment on what has befallen him. At the most, when death comes, it is like a thief in the night. Meaning, “unannounced.” Epicurus, very modern in his teachings of self-sufficiency as a way to life without pain, says: “Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.” Thus, the greatest question is not whether Death (personified) can be counted to inform beforehand or is he the intrepid angel of something whose only remaining charm is to remain naive, misinformed, a messenger apolitical as he is asocial. Those who have accessed the ancient symbols and pursued the most basic mysteries, like life, and like death, can vouchsafe for the fact that Death for all its unwantedness has figured in plays and short stories, in philosophical treatises, on large canvases of loss and love. There in the so-called big books of life’s lessons, one encounters a line from the Corinthians, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” But if that makes everyone possible last enemies, how can this statement operate? The irony is from the Corinthians, one encounters a long peroration, which begins with: “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” The Corinthians also tells us what can happen to death “when the perishable puts on the imperishable,”

when immortality becomes a habiliment, that ““Death is swallowed up in victory.” Thus the famous call: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” In these quotes, the dark pall of negative thoughts hangs over death and, by default, bright rays of sunshine fall like graces on life. Remember the Buddhistconstructed conversation between Life and Death, where the former wonders a bit naively why people love her and detest Death. Of course, we would say, who would love death with all its appurtenant effects— ultimate loss, the pains of separation, the eternal goodbye? But in the Buddhist canon of literature, a conversation has ensued to clarify the quandary of Life in relation to Death. Ever philosophical, Death with much aplomb speaks to Life, saying: People love you, Life, “because you are a damn beautiful lie and I, a painful truth.” Painful or beautiful, Death never seems to win over Life. In Thomas Gray’s “Elegy Written in A Country Churchyard,” death is condemned as the end, the be-all and the end-all: The boast of

Friday, October 27, 2023 A17

heraldry, the pomp of pow’r,/ And all that beauty, all that wealth e’er gave,/ Awaits alike th’ inevitable hour./ The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Everything may all end there. However, John Donne speaks: Death be not proud though some have called thee/Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so. But what happens if this acclamation happens by way of Wallace Stevens’ “Sunday Morning”: Death is the mother of beauty. That which dies is perfection. Is this the equivalent of the Japanese mono no aware? That perishable things are things of beauty. Because everything seems fleeting, then one should find there the real beauty? The fact is the mystery of death

depends on the enlightenment of life. When the last day of October comes and moves into the first day of November, the celebration will be

no more about death than it is about life. There will be no question about the primacy of one over the other— is this about the value of life and the lessons of death? Or is this an acceptance that the declared Day of the Dead is really the Day of the Living, anxious, sad, naive, ignorant about what to do with the loved ones who are not here anymore with us? On those days, I will be facing my own turmoil—whether to go silly and be extravagant about flowers and food on the days that I shall remember those who had gone on away or to stay at home and play the favorite songs of despair and kisses of fire for a mother and a father who loved to dance the tango. I hate to imagine they—the many Beloved —are down there, with the worms and the dark soil. I look up therefore, with the stars of my childhood, those wonderful beings who have become constellations of songs. Or quietly weep over the candles lighted not for the dearest kindred souls who have all become angels or lights up there in heaven but to my own darkness as I now wait for that day/hour/minute/ second no mortal has been given the charm to exactly know how or when. Or we could debate on the practices of the extreme: do we allow our children to be the devils or witches on those days of remembrance or reengineer the day so that our little boys and girls are saints for hours. Either way, the Heavens will not be amused as a little boy writhes with all the glorious pain his young body can endure as St. Sebastian or relish the image of the soft girl as Agatha, she with her martyred breasts laid on a plate for everyone to pray. E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Middle-aged men on apps lead $67 trillion Japan FX trading boom By Mia Glass

alarymen scrolling through their phones on the subway are a common sight in Tokyo, but they aren’t all playing Pokémon Go—many are on trading apps, aggressively buying and selling the yen to profit from short-term swings. Retail currency traders are having a field day as speculation mounts that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is getting closer to raising its rock-bottom interest rates, with some betting on a move as soon as next week. The cohort of mainly middle-aged men is amplifying volatility in the fastpaced currency markets by seizing on intraday moves in a departure from their previous focus on interest rate differentials. “I’m really convinced that in the current market, short-term trades have become super-profitable,” said Satoshi Hirai, 43, who trades alongside running a video studio in Gifu Prefecture in central Japan. Hirai’s been buying and selling the yen about 100 times a day recently, and used the money he’s made to buy a Leica camera and guitars to play in his punk rock band. The increased involvement of mom-and-pop traders reflects the new monetary policy paradigm that Japan is facing. The country is the last hold-out for negative rates globally, despite inflation that’s remained elevated, spurring investors to pile on bets that the BOJ may adjust policy sooner rather than later and whipping up intraday moves in the currency market. Ads for foreign-exchange trading apps have popped up around Tokyo subway stations, cartoon characters including sheep and pigs are all over social media to promote currency trading, and a bar dedicated to retail trading in the upscale shopping area of Ginza is drawing patrons who swap

tips over drinks. These investors have become an important driver of volume at times of volatility, according to a BOJ analysis of developments in 2022. Automatic trading tools, social networking sites and influencers have super-charged the craze, the report last month indicated. “We have been paying attention to the trend of individual FX investors for some time, but also thought it was important now because the transaction volume increased significantly,” said Hidemi Bessho, deputy head of the Foreign Exchange Division in the BOJ’s Financial Markets Department, and one of the authors of the report. Volume by retail investors in Japan hit a record high of ¥10 quadrillion ($67 trillion) in 2022, 28 percent of such trading globally, according to the BOJ report. Retail trading is already at nearly ¥9 quadrillion for the nine months to September, data from the Financial Futures Association of Japan show. One retail investor, Kazuya Inui, started doing mostly short-term trades about a year or two ago after the yen weakened. “The time from entry to profit can be as short as one second or as long as one day,” said Inui, 47, who’s based in Shikoku, the smallest and least populated of Japan’s four main islands. “There are some good openings when volatility is high, so I make sure I am ready to trade at any given moment,” said Inui. The yen has slumped more than 12 percent this year as Japan’s widening yield differential with the US favors the dollar, and earlier weakened past 150 against the greenback to a fresh low for the year. The fluctuations fueled by speculation that Governor Kazuo Ueda is inching toward a policy change are carving out great opportunities for retail traders.

The increased involvement of mom-and-pop traders reflects the new monetary policy paradigm that Japan is facing. The country is the last hold-out for negative rates globally, despite inflation that’s remained elevated, spurring investors to pile on bets that the BOJ may adjust policy sooner rather than later and whipping up intraday moves in the currency market. “They can go in after the spot moves if volatility increases on news like the BOJ,” said Ryo Suzuki, executive managing director at SBI Liquidity Market Co., whose subsidiary runs a trading app. “It seems to me that it’s going well for traders who are repeatedly selling and buying.” Takuya Kanda, general manager at currency brokerage Gaitame.com Research Institute Ltd., said the short-term traders are overwhelmingly middle-aged salarymen using apps. They are “quite aggressive with their trades” and a different breed to those over the age of 60, who mostly work on personal computers, according to Kanda. At the other end of spectrum, younger Japanese also seem to be cautious about short-term trading, opting instead for FX saving products that require regular contributions over time, he said. Thirty-six-year-old Katsuyoshi Suzuki, CEO of small marketing and social media management firm Cyber Impact, has four apps on his phone for part-time trading and does as many as 10 transactions a day. “I trade when I’m traveling, when I’m commuting home from work, and even when I’m hanging out with friends,” Tokyo-based Suzuki said. Of course buying and selling FX

comes with risks, and most Japanese households remain shy about investing in general. Households had 54 percent in currency and deposits as of the end of March, compared with about 13 percent in the US, and 36 percent in the euro region, according to an August report from the BOJ. “There’s a lot of nervousness,” said Suzuki. “If I’m buying the dollaryen for example, I’m always looking at what other people are doing and what information is out there to figure out if my thoughts are correct, which helps to calm my nerves a bit.” The Japanese have been known to be relatively risk-averse in other areas, too. When the GameStop memestock crazy plagued the US in 2021, Japanese retail investors stayed back, reluctant to go for something that’s not their routine, safe option. Still, SBI said that with the yen trading around the key 150 level versus the dollar, there’s a good chance of gains for short-term traders, especially if Japan intervenes to support its weakening currency as it did last year. Hirai, the trader in central Japan, said that while his biggest daily loss was about ¥1.3 million, he’s also earned as much as ¥9 million in 24 hours. He pins his success to quick trades and increasing his market understanding though online courses and books. Hirai has put ¥25 million into a local school to improve financial literacy and is committed to teaching his six-year-old daughter about FX trading. Suzuki of Cyber Impact is similarly upbeat. He’s a regular at the Stock Pickers bar in central Tokyo, where drinkers can select from a menu that features a “Lehman Shock” cocktail. “Right now, my goal is to make a billion yen just from trading,” Suzuki said. “I don’t want to stop until I die.” With assistance from Daisuke Sakai and Shoko Oda / Bloomberg

A18 Friday, October 27, 2023

Real estate properties in PHL more expensive in Q2–BSP

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) residential real estate price index in the second quarter rose by double digits to a seven and a half year high as prices of all types of housing units went up. The BSP’s index, which tracks the prices of residential housing units, reached 162.2 in the second quarter, 14.1 percent higher compared to its level a year ago. The growth was also faster than the 2.6 percent recorded in the second quarter of 2022. The latest housing price index is the highest in at least seven and a half years or since 2016, BSP data showed. On a month-on-month basis, residential real estate prices nationwide grew by 5.3, according to the BSP. The BSP attributed the overall increase to across-the-board hike in the prices of single-detached houses, townhouses, duplex and condominium units. “On a year-on-year basis, residential property prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Areas Outside the NCR

(AONCR) increased by 15.4 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively, as prices of single-detached/attached houses, townhouses, and condominium units posted annual positive increases,” the BSP said in a report on Thursday. The BSP said the prices of duplex housing units rose by 24.6 percent yearon-year while single-detached/attached houses posted an 18.3 percent increase in prices. Meanwhile, the prices of tow nhouses and condominium units grew by 14.7 percent and 5 percent, respectively on an annual basis, according to the BSP. “Moreover, the 5.3 percent [quarteron-quarter] growth in the RREPI was attributed to the higher prices of all housing units, i.e., single-detached/attached houses (by 6.7 percent), duplex housing

THINK TANK: IMPROVED GOVT SPENDING TO BOOST Q4 GDP

units (by 4.8 percent), condominium units (by 3.8 percent), and townhouses (by 3.7 percent),” the BSP said. The BSP report also showed that the number of residential real estate loans (RRELs) during the reference quarter declined by 1 percent year-on-year due to a double-digit contraction in the loans acquired in the NCR. RRELs in the NCR declined by 11.8 percent, “outweighing” the 5.3 percent increase in RRELs in AONCR, according to the BSP. “Likewise, on a [quarter-on-quarter] basis, the nationwide growth in housing loan availments fell by 4.2 percent, following the 6.3 percent drop in RRELs in the AONCR,” the BSP said. The BSP said about 80 percent of RRELs recorded in the second period were used to buy new housing units, especially single-detached/attached houses followed by condominium units. “Most of the RRELs granted in the NCR were for the purchase of condominium units, while RRELs granted in the AONCR were for the purchase of single-detached/attached houses,” it added. The BSP said the average appraised value of new housing units nationwide in the second quarter reached P78,444 per square meter. In NCR, the average appraised value was pegged at P127,884 per square meter while those in AOCR was at P54,496 per square meter, according to the BSP.

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

MPROVED government spending w ill drive economic ex pansion in the fourth quarter and boost 2023 GDP growth, according to a local think tank. In its latest Market Call report, the First Metro Investment Corporation-University of Asia and the Pacific (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Market Research said, “NG will continue to ramp up spending for the rest of the year. Together with slowing inflation to below 5 percent by November, these should boost GDP expansion specially in (the fourth quarter).” The local think tank said the recovery in August of some 80 percent of jobs lost in “rain-drenched” July following four consecutive months of job gains in manufacturing has made it “more optimistic” that a net gain in employment will occur between September and November. It also said sliding international rice prices and lower crude oil futures versus spot prices support its view on inflation. With this, it said, “We still expect the economy to expand by 5.8 percent in 2023.” Last month, the local think tank said GDP growth in the third quarter may reach 5 percent to 5.2 percent.

It earlier noted that elevated national government spending in the third quarter should provide the stimulus for the third quarter, as the think tank expects a “strong rebound in employment and consumer spending starting September.” It added that the industry sector expansion will be “broad-based,” although manufacturing will take the lead. “The Services sector should see domestic and foreign tourism drive Trade, Transportation and Storage, and Accommodations and Food Services starting September,” the think tank said last month. The local think tank had noted that spending by the national government would pave the way for a “rebound” in the second half of the year. Taming inflation, FMIC-UA&P said last month, is key to encouraging more household consumption. The country’s GDP growth in the second quarter reached 4.3 percent, the slowest in two years. Part of the reason for the slower economic performance was the government itself, according to National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. He said in a budget hearing that if only the spending targets of the government were met, GDP in the second quarter could have reached 5.6 percent.

FROM left to right, Rotary Club of Manila President Rafael Alunan III, Eduardo “JuJut” V. Enriquez, and past president Felix S. “Chito” Zaldariaga attend the 17th Weekly Membership Meeting and General Assembly of the Rotary Club of Manila. The event took place at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. NONOY LACZA

‘Shopping malls will adjust operations during holidays’ By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

HOPPING mall operators have agreed to adjust their business hours sta r t ing November 13 to address the expected traffic problems in the metropolis during the holiday season, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). MMDA said shopping malls will open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. The agreement was reached after the MMDA met with mall operators and other stakeholders to discuss traffic management plans in preparation for the approaching holiday season. The meeting was

led by MMDA Deputy Chairman Usec. Frisco San Juan Jr. and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez. “Due to the expected heavier traffic, we have decided to implement contingency measures,” San Juan said. He added that mall-wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries will only be permitted from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., “with the exception of perishable goods restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.” Shopping mall operators were also asked to submit their respective traffic management plans for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the sched-

uled date of such events. Those with government satellite offices will be allowed to open as early as 9 a.m. As part of the agency’s traffic management plan this Christmas season, traffic enforcers will be on duty until 12 midnight to “maximize” their visibility on major roads. “We will deploy traffic enforcers until midnight every day to assist and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila,” said San Juan. Also, the MMDA will be working with the Department of Transportation to discuss possible extension of the public transport system’s operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, October 27, 2023

Bloomberry CSR arm to donate ₧1B from casino funds for Clark hospital

By Andrea San Juan

@andreasanjuan

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) official announced that the corporate social responsibility arm of Bloomberry Resorts Corp. will donate P1 billion for the construction of the first medical building in the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ). According to CDC President and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera, they expect the funds from the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. would meet the target schedule of the start of construction, which is the first quarter of 2024. Devanadera explained that the donation is part of the CSR of the Solaire Resort and Casino operator as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) requires all casinos to allot funds for CSR. “All casinos have CSR funds required by Pagcor,” Devanadera told reporters on the sidelines of the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) in Manila last Thursday. She added that Bloomberry would release

P500 million this year and the other P500 million next year. That is “out of the funds of the casino; so that’s their CSR,” Devanadera said. She said the funds will not go through CDC nor Pagcor, as the money will be “directly spent” by Bloomberry. The medical building would be loc ated w it h i n t he C l a rk Multi-Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC) in the CFZ in Pampanga, the CDC executive added. De v a n adera sa id t h at t he CMSMC is a “masterplan” for the housing of a heart center, kidney center, children’s center, cancer institute and trauma center. She said the entire multi-health proj-

ect costs P10 billion, excluding the cost for equipment. “What we have right now is the masterplan and so we’re soliciting for some [donors]. And any donor or funder will have to look at the master plan,” Devanadera explained. “Usually, they [donors] don’t want to share the cost of one building with others. If they have one building, they want that entire building to be funded by them. That’s good for us.” She pointed out that Bloomberry was also the one that crafted and spent for the entire master plan. Devanadera said the CDC’s participation is on the land and usufruct. She also revealed that the CDC will be funding two more facilities. One is a medical arts building for the doctors, which is intended for private doctors so they can have their clinics, she said. Meanwhile, the CDC chief said the constr uction of the first building is set to start in the first quarter of 2024 as the state-owned firm is currently

finishing the documentation. The construction, she added, will take about 18 months to 24 months. Deva n adera sa id t he f i rst building is expected to be a “general hospital,” which will house common facilities such as pharmacy, administration and finance offices and an emergency area. She said that the masterplan will “most likely” not be open to private investors because the government “would Iike to have it.” During his inspection of the CMSMC last July, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “vowed” to pursue accessible quality healthcare services to every Filipino. Marcos said that the CMSMC is “not only part of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) priorities, but is also part of an important component” of the administration’s health facility enhancement program (HFEP). Malacañang noted that the HFEP aims to widen access to quality healthcare services, especially for those in the underserved communities.

APC renews supply deal for NoBia By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

boitiz Power Corp. (APC) announced last Thursday of having renewed its retail electricity supply partnership with NoBia Inc., the commissary of the Max’s Group Inc. Under the supply partnership, APC agreed to supply 1,200 megawatts (MW) to NoBia’s food manufacturing and distribution center in Carmona, Cavite for the next four years. Each month, the facility produces over 2,000 metric tons of food, supporting over 300 retail partner stores, as well as a local

Robinsons Retail profit falls 41%

obinsons Retail Holdings Inc., the retail arm of the Gokongwei group, said its attributable income fell 41 percent to P2.58 billion during the nine months of the year from the previous year ’s P4.4 billion. The company said its income fall was due to the equitized losses from minority start up investments which continue to ramp up, the derecognition of Robinsons Bank’s net income under equitized earnings following the ongoing merger with the Bank of the Philippine Islands, interest expense from the acquisition financing of the BPI shares that were purchased earlier this year, and the absence of cash dividends from BPI in the third quarter of 2023. Core earnings, which exclude those BPI dividends and foreign exchange losses, came in at P3.78 billion, a slim 4 percent increase from the previous year’s P3.63 billion. VG Cabuag

network of more than 600 stores in the country. “NoBia Inc.’s dedication to evolving their menu offerings and enhancing their capabilities illustrates their unwavering commitment to leading the way in service excellence in food manufacturing and distribution. It is APC’s privilege to support that with the clean and reliable energy it can and will deliver,” APC Retail Head James Byron P. Yu said.

Yu explained that in support of “Open Access,” APC’s retail electricity services gives its partners and customers affordable access to dependable power via tailor-fit energy solutions, power quality and efficiency audits, and other value-added services. “Our partnership with APC mirrors our brand values [of being] genuine, thoughtful, and delightful. Leveraging on APC’s renewable energy not only allows us to serve count-

less Filipino individuals with our culinary offerings but also adds significant value to the Max’s Group’s mission,” said NoBia Inc. President Cristina T. Garcia. NoBia serves as the commissary for Max’s Group, which includes restaurants such as Krispy K reme, Yel low C ab, Pa nc a ke House and Max’s Restaurant. APC is shifting its generation mix to reach at least 4,600 MW, or 50 percent of its generation portfolio by the next decade. Currently, close to 1,000 MW of APC RE projects—including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities—are in the pipeline.

Figaro focuses on Angel’s Pizza

HE Figaro Coffee Group Inc., an operator of coffee shops and restaurants, announced it will focus on the expansion of its Angel’s Pizza as the brand has a lot to grow. Justin T. Liu, the company’s chairman, said last Thursday that most of the franchise owners also want the brand after it introduced the spinach in its pizza. “Competition is also a challenge (in the company’s expansion) because you know, as you know, right now, in the Philippines and other countries, we go on fads. There was the milk tea, now only a few remained. During the pandemic, pizza was so strong that everyone just copied the spinach dip, everyone wanted to put up their own small pizza place,” Liu said. “The business cycle is always up and down and the key is to make sure that you execute continuously and in a stable manner,” Liu said. A ngels Pizza now has 116 branches as against 60 Figaro Cof-

fee stores. Its other brands include Tien Mas that has 10 branches, Café Portofino with six establishments, a total of 192 stores. Figaro said it will open branches in Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, Cebu, Pangasinan, Bohol, Ormoc and Davao for the remainder of the year. Figaro said its net income grew 133 percent for its fiscal year ending June to P462.6 million from the previous year’s P198.2 million. The company said the growth was was attributed to increasing volume and efficient management of overhead costs. “We are very humbled by the patronage of old and new customers to our brands and we are ex-

cited to continue our prudent expansion and product innovation. While there are many challenges, we will press on to give the best product and value-for-money for our customers”, Divine Cabuloy, the company’s CEO, said. Revenues for the year rose 75 percent to P4.28 billion from the previous year’s P2.44 billion, as same store sales grew 6 percent. This growth was attributed to the company’s store expansion and openings, which saw the addition of 44 new stores during the year, bringing the total store count to 167 as of June 30. Currently, the company already has a total of 186 stores across all brands, with more under construction. The company also recently launched new products to complement its menu line-up. After Angel’s Pizza’s creamy spinach dip, a new creamy spinach sushi bake pizza was added to the line-up, as well as new healthier all-natural drinks in Figaro Coffee. VG Cabuag

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Friday, October 27, 2023

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AirAsia: Passenger volume up 35% in July-Sept

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

UDGET carrier Philippines AirAsia Inc. (AirAsia PHL) recorded a 35-percent increase in passenger volume in the third quarter of 2023, as it strengthened its international operations with the reopening of many economies.

In a disclosure attached to a statement, Capital A Berhad, the

parent company of AirAsia PHL, reported that the Filipino bud-

get airline carried 1.64 million passengers in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 1.22 million the year prior. A irA sia PHL a lso g rew its

capacity by 29 percent to 1.78 million seats from 1.38 million, while netting a 4-point increase in passenger load factor to 92 percent from 89 percent. The Philippine-based carrier also “took the lead with a remarkable 368 percent year-onyear increase in international passengers carried, f lying over 354,000 passengers.” As of end September, AirAsia PHL has a f leet of 25 jets, 15 of which are operational. The positive results for AirAsia PHL are part of a broader trend within the AirAsia Group, the document showed.

A i r A s i a T h a i l a nd , for i n stance, reported a 164 percent year-on-year increase, car r ying 1.8 million international passengers. Similarly, AirAsia M a l ay si a a nd A i r A si a I ndo nesia both achieved approximately 100 percent year-on-year growth, f lying 3.1 million and 1.1 million international passengers, respectively. As a group, including AirAsia PHL, AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, and AirAsia Indonesia, the airline conglomerate maintained a strong load factor of 89 percent, carrying a total of 14.7 million passengers during

the third quarter. This can be attributed to a consistent high travel demand post-pandemic, resulting in solid year-on-year growth. The group’s load factor has seen a three-percentage point improvement, achieving close to 50-percent growth in passengers carried while seat capacity grew nearly 45 percent. Furthermore, year-to-date, the consolidated airlines have now recovered 76 percent of passenger volume from 2019, s u r p a s s i n g o v e r a l l c a p a c it y recovery of 73 percent for the same period.

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BIR loses tax case in CTA vs Arroyos By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has junked the bid of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to recover P305.7 million alleged deficiency income taxes for the period 2004 to 2009 of former Pampanga Second District Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” T. Arroyo, and wife Angela M. Arroyo. In a 10-page decision penned by Associate Justice Ma. Belen Ringpis-Liban, the CTA en banc held that it has lost jurisdiction over the tax evasion. The latter was after the assailed March 18, 2022 decision and June 9, 2022, resolution of its Second Division (Court in Division) has become final and executory due to the failure of the BIR to file a motion for reconsideration within the prescribed period. The CTA en banc noted that under Sections 1 and 3, Rule 8 of the Revised Rules of the CTA, the petition for review of decision or resolution of the Court in Division must be preceded by the filing of a timely motion for reconsideration or new trial with the Division. The said provision further states that a party adversely affected by a decision or a resolution of a Division of the Court may appeal before the en banc within 15 days from receipt of a copy. In the case of the Arroyo couple, the CTA en banc noted that the BIR received a copy of the decision on March 21, 202. Thus, the BIR should have filed a motion for reconsideration until April 5, 2022. Juan Miguel is the son of former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo, now Pampanga SecondDistrict Representative. The BIR filed its motion for reconsideration only on April 6, 2022 or a day after the 15-day period lapsed. “A party who failed to question an adverse decision by not filing a motion for reconsideration within the period prescribed by the rules loses its right to do so, since the decision as to him, becomes final and binding,” the CTA declared. It also pointed out in the case BIR vs. TICO Insurance Co. Inc., Glowide Enterprises Inc. and Pacific Mills Inc., the Supreme Court held that the motion for reconsideration being filed one day late “is immaterial.” The CTA added that the Court has also refused to admit motions for reconsideration, which were filed late without sufficient justification. “Since the assailed decision of the Court in Division become final and executory, the Court en banc cannot exercise appellate jurisdiction to review the decision. Accordingly, the Court en banc must deny the instant petition,” the CTA declared. The BIR recommend the filing of tax evasion charges against the couple after it found discrepancies between his net worth and his declared income. On April 15, 2016, the spouses received a final decision on disputed assessment (FDDA) dated April 4, 2016, signed by the BIR commissioner, denying their protest against the alleged deficiency tax assessments for taxable years 2004 to 2009 in the aggregate amount of P305, 735, 910. On March 18, 2022, the Court in Division granted the petition for review filed by the couple and ordered the cancellation of the FDDA. The BIR’s motion for reconsideration was dismissed by the Court in Division on June 9, 2022 for lack of jurisdiction.

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, October 27, 2023

BIR: Holiday spending to bring revenues

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is banking on increased consumer spending during the holiday season and higher government spending in the remaining months to meet its P2.6-trillion revenue-collection target this year. BIR Assistant Commissioner Jethro M. Sabariaga said the bureau remains optimistic that it will hit collection targets this year on the back of better economic activities. The BIR is trailing behind its rev-

enue collection target in the nine months ending in September, according to latest Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) data. Treasury data showed that the bureau was only able to collect P1.858

trillion out of its P1.933 trillion programmed target for the January to September period. This brings the BIR some P742 billion away from its P2.6 trillion full-year target collection. “First, increased consumption; second will be the government expenditures, which has been identified as one of the reasons why even the projected GDP [gross domestic product] was not met,” Sabariaga told reporters in an interview regarding the factors that would drive the BIR to hit its full-year collection target. “The government as an agency has a target for expenditure of its budget. We hope that the coming end of the year will push agencies to spend the money more towards its designated purposes. We foresee better perfor-

mance,” Sabariaga added. In the fourth quarter of last year, the BIR was able to collect P603.188 billion (net of tax refund).

Not magicians

SABARIAGA pointed that one of the main reasons why the bureau was unable to hit its 9-month target. He explained that the BIR has been aggressive and efficient in its tax collections, hitting a tax effort ratio of 14.5 percent, above its mandated performance of 10.6 percent. However, a sluggish economic growth crimps their efforts, Sabariaga said. “The economy has been projected to grow at 6 percent to 7 percent this year; but for the first half of the year the growth rate has only been 5.3 percent. The people of

the revenue services are not magicians—efficiency can only take you so much,” he said. “If it is analyzed, the collection performance and the tax effort ratio assigned to the BIR is about 10.6 percent. The bureau is performing at 14.5 percent. I think that just goes to highlight the correlation of the economy to the collection performance of the bureau,” Sabariaga added. Despite not being able to meet its 9-month collection target, the BIR’s total tax revenues rose by 7.25 percent year-on-year to P1.858 trillion from P1.732 trillion in the same period of last year. However, the BIR’s revenue collection in September alone fell by 12.36 percent on an annual basis to P152.2 billion from P173.6 billion, Treasury data showed.

BDO Unibank elects former Sen. Drilon as independent director By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ORMER Senator Franklin M. Drilon has been elected as independent director of lender BDO Unibank Inc. Drilon is currently a director of Phinma Education Holdings Inc. and a senior counsel of ACCRA Law. The

former senator also served as chairman of Philippine National Bank and as a director of Land Bank of the Philippines. “He thus brings added perspectives on Philippine finance and banking policy, regulations and operations,” read a statement by the bank. Drilon served in two different

branches of government in various capacities. In the Senate, he served as Senate president, majority leader, minority leader and chairperson of the committee on finance, as well as the committee on banks, financial institutions and currencies. In the executive department, he served as executive secretary, sec-

HONOR ROLL Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. (right photo) and officials of Citi Philippines and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines Inc. (MCPI) led the ceremony for the Second “Digital Financial Inclusion Awards” (DFIA) at the BSP Head Office in Manila on October 24, 2023. The DFIA awarded (left photo) 20 microentrepreneurs and five microfinance institutions (MFIs) for adopting digital solutions to perform a wide variety of financial transactions, including payments, savings, and disbursements. The awards program is in line with the thrust of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2022-2028 to support digitalization of microentrepreneurs and the MFIs that serve them. CREDIT: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Being well is doing well

CHIEVING success in the realm of associations goes beyond strategic planning and efficient operations. It extends to the well-being of the individuals in the association. The proposition “being well is doing well” recognizes the profound connection between individual well-being and organizational achievement. It suggests that the health and happiness of members, the Board, staff and volunteers directly influence the association’s overall performance and impact. Here’s how this concept may play out within associations: 1. Member recruitment and retention. Associations that genuinely care about the well-being of their members are often more successful in recruiting and retaining members. People are drawn to organizations that offer value, not only in terms of professional development, but also in terms of personal growth and support. 2. Member engagement and satisfaction. Associations thrive when their members are engaged and satisfied. When members feel a sense of well-being, both personally and professionally, they are more likely to actively participate in association activities, contribute ideas and remain committed to the organization’s mission. 3. Productivity and innovation. Personal well-being has a significant impact on productivity and innovation. Members and staff who are physically and mentally healthy tend to be more creative, motivated and productive. They bring fresh ideas and energy to the association’s initiatives and

Association World Octavio Peralta undertakings. 4. Resilience in the face of challenges. Associations often encounter challenges, whether in the form of industry disruptions or internal issues. Individuals who are emotionally and mentally well are better equipped to handle these challenges with resilience and adaptability. 5. Leadership and decisionmaking. Leaders who prioritize their own well-being are more effective in guiding their associations. They are better equipped to make informed and balanced decisions that benefit the organization as a whole. 6. Positive organizational culture. A culture that prioritizes well-being is more likely to foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging among members and staff. This positive culture, in turn, enhances collaboration, trust and communication within the association. To embrace the principle that “being well is doing well,” associations can take the following proactive steps: 1. Offer well-being programs. Develop and provide programs that support the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of members and staff which may include wellness initiatives, mental health resources, or stress

management workshops. 2. Foster a supportive culture. Create an organizational culture that values work-life balance, empathy and open communication as well as encourage members and staff to prioritize self-care. 3. Provide professional development. Invest in training and development opportunities that enhance both professional and personal skills. This can contribute to members’ holistic growth. 4. Lead by example. Association leaders should model well-being by taking care of their physical and mental health, demonstrating the importance of self-care. “Being well is doing well” is a powerful reminder that the success of the organization is intricately linked to the well-being of its members, Board, staff and volunteers. Associations that prioritize the holistic well-being of their constituents are more likely to thrive, excel in their missions and make a lasting positive impact in their respective fields. By nurturing the well-being of their individuals, associations can unlock their full potential and create a healthier, more productive and more successful collective future. Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the “association of associations.” The PCAAE will hold its 11th Associations Summit at the PICC on December 20, 2023. E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

retary of the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor and Employment. Drilon is one of the country’s highly decorated senator having served four non-consecutive terms as senator of the Philippines. He authored and sponsored numerous landmark laws includ-

ing the GOCC Governance Act of 2011, Foreign Investments Act, Tax Incentives and Transparency Act and the Revised Corporation Code, to name a few. He also served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies.

Relationships

Friday, October 27, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

The new (hair) normal SARAH HARRIS, deputy editor of British Vogue, saw her first silvery strands at 16 years old. She has said she likes the ‘rebelliousness’ of silver hair, and knew she wouldn’t be able to commit to regular salon trips for hair coloring and root touch-ups. A non-conformist to the core, she wears her silver locks long. PHOTO FROM SARAH HARRIS INSTAGRAM

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kelly Osbourne, 39; Patrick Fugit, 41; Peter Firth, 70; John Cleese, 84. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Completion is the challenge, and stamina and ingenuity are the answers. Use your imagination, and you’ll find inroads to achieving what you want this year. Don’t cloud your vision with outside influences. Stick to the game plan, and don’t look up until you are confident you have everything in place. Change will lead to satisfaction and the place you want to call home. Create your dream and turn it into a reality. Your numbers are 8, 19, 26, 31, 37, 45, 48.

ACK in the early 1990s, when I worked for a government agency, I would always notice a very chic-looking elder female employee walking along the hall of the first floor to her office. On casual Fridays, she would usually be dressed in a simple red T-shirt, tucked into her midlength denim skirt, while her feet walked in 1.5-inch wedge sandals. Her face was simply made-up with drawn eyebrows and a red lipstick. But what struck me most was not the clothes she wore, but her hair. It was white all over, but cut in an almost tapered pixie style. Remember this was the ‘90s, and maturing men and women colored their hair usually a Bigen black or a Bellady chestnut brown. But her short, white hair was simply captivating. I felt then, she was my fashion icon for growing old. Fast forward to the two-year Covid pandemic, when many of us turned to new lifestyle choices, like favoring work-from-home (WFH) jobs, and similarly WFH fashion trends. Who hasn’t worn their loungeat-home shorts to the supermarket? But what has ceased to be a pandemic trend and now appears to be a staple is letting our hair go to its natural grey or silver hair color. During that period when we all couldn’t go to the salon to get our hair cut and colored, many of us had let our hair grow out and, well, in the case of many in my generation, just go white. Style director Benjamin Hilado of Toni & Guy Philippines tells me “about 15 percent” of his clients have chosen the “white hair, don’t care” philosophy: “It’s about not being so vain, of being more accepting of themselves, which I support. I really like it!” He explains that these are clients who have matured with him—starting out coloring their hair regularly, going blonde, but when the pandemic came, they let their white hair grow out. Most of them are in their 1950s, he says, or those in Generation X (1965-1980). He says that prior to the pandemic, a few of his clients had already been “open to the idea of camouflaging their white hair, then coloring their black hair grey. They colored their hair blond, and toned it with grey. They didn’t want to keep coloring their hair dark; healthwise, it affects the scalp.” But it was the pandemic that made white hair more mainstream. “It became normal to have white hair. People embraced their natural look as they realized that it’s okay pala,” he says. Some his clients have told him that going grey was also less expensive: “They won’t have to keep spending to keep coloring their hair. There’s also that factor. The pandemic changed a lot of people’s perspectives in life; they just wanted to simplify their lifestyles.” Of course, it helped that many celebrities also started going grey and making it more fashionable. For years, actress Jamie Lee Curtis has worn her silver-grey hair short. Actor George Clooney has been rocking his salt and pep per since 2009. But TV personality Kelly Osbourne is not a natural grey; she colors her hair then if uses it with purple tones. Locally, actress Dawn Zulueta grew out her natural grey hair hair while in pandemic lockdown. Benj says that, in fact, a number of his clients want to copy the Hihintayin Kita sa Langit star’s current grey ‘do for their own hair style. Now, he says, people have options. “It’s okay if you want to keep coloring your hair. It’s also okay if you

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stay within bounds, or someone will take an offensive position. It’s best to go under the radar, put everything in place and then use a discreet way to enforce your offer. Timing, commitment and appeal will necessitate triumph. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s up to you to exhibit positive change; if you let someone else act on your behalf, you won’t get what you want. Communication is vital, and mapping out what you want to accomplish will speed up the process. ★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Watch your back. Someone you least expect will disrupt your life by putting you in an awkward position. Play fair and point out anyone who isn’t abiding by the rules. Distance yourself from anyone trying to take over. ★★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Choose your cohorts carefully. Someone will trick you into something using emotional blackmail if you aren’t careful. Stay one step ahead and devise a costefficient and unique plan to keep disruptive people out of your orbit. ★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Someone will try to derail your progress. Learn as you go and use experience to protect your rights, skills and plans. Revisit your options and choose what offers the greatest freedom to do as you please. Walk away from confrontations that serve no purpose. ★★★★★

don’t keep coloring your hair.” No judgements. Benj shares that, surprisingly, even the men from the millennial generation—those born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 27 to 42) up to those in their early 1950s—“can’t wait to get their salt and pepper hair. These young men don’t like covering up their white hair. They let it grow. They get their hair colored to make it funky, edgy, or stylish, sure, but not to cover up their white hair. They think it makes them look more dignified, than someone who covers up their white hair. To them, it’s taboo to look ‘unnatural.’” The George Clooney effect! He theorizes that going grey could also be part of the general trend toward a healthier lifestyle like buying organic food ingredients, exercising or doing yoga, protecting the environment, and the like. “So now, even the hair color that we use is ammonia-free... they start with that, then they go to the herbal hair color products [sold] at the health food store, until they let their hair go white completely.” Meanwhile, Cherry T. Reyes, managing director of Toni & Guy Philippines, advises that if you want to grow your hair naturally and let it go grey, you have to be mentally prepared for it, “You should be ready. If you have a previous hair color, either let it grow out, or color the strands with a shade that matches your grey roots.” She adds, “Grey hair works if you have an edgy cut. So visit your stylist, preferably one who has known you for a long time, so he/she can advise you on the right kind of length and style that will fit your personality. It’s about how to make your salt-andpepper hair look trendy, fun and crave-worthy, instead of looking lola.” She also advises to use a “violet [purple] shampoo.

CONTINUED ON B5

‘Revolutionizing travel to create magical experiences’ TRAVELING is back and people are doing just that—revenge traveling. At the opening of the 2023 Philippine Travel Exchange in Cebu on September 21, the country’s tourism department revealed there had been 3,877,183 arrivals between January 1 and September 19, 2023. This means the Philippines is already sitting at 80.8 percent of the agency’s full-year target and on track to comfortably exceed 5 million arrivals. Thanks to various travel promotions for this feat and one of them is the Travel Madness Expo (TME), which boasts to be the source for the best travel deals in the last 10 years. TME’s successful display of destinations and cultures from around the world in the past years brought about strong support from the travel industry making it a must-visit trade show for travel enthusiasts. The 11th Travel Madness Expo is happening on July 12 to July 14, 2024, at Halls 1 to 4 of SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. Categories for participation include: Travel Agencies and Tour Operators, Airlines and Cruise Lines, Hotel and Accommodation Providers, Trade Associations, Travel Technology Solutions, Destination Marketing Organizations, Travel Accessories and Gear, Financial and Insurance Services, Trade Services and Exporters, Automobile Dealers, and many more. TME 2024 is calling all exhibitors to be part of this magical experience. More information is available at www.travelmadness.org and www.facebook.com/ TravelMadnessPH.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Go it alone. Don’t rely on others or allow anyone to interrupt your plans. Implement the changes that lead to opportunity and take care of matters personally. Honesty is vital if you want to build respect and a following. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pull from all your resources, process what you have to work with and concentrate on reaching your destination. Don’t take time out to examine what others are up to. The race is with yourself, not others. Be and do your best. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Apply energy where it counts. Go above and beyond the call of duty, and you’ll gain acceptance into the inner circle. A show of diversity will buy you time and approval from someone who impacts you. A partnership will enhance opportunities. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sit tight, and don’t let anyone talk you into something unnecessary. Pay attention to domestic issues and your emotional well-being. Dedicate time to research regarding ailments or weak links in your life that need updating. ★★★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Refuse to let anyone use emotional manipulation to slow you down. Move forward and adjust what isn’t working for you anymore. A change at home will give you the boost you need to initiate opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to money coming in and going out. Keep your finances separate and decline joint ventures that can leave you paying for things you don’t want. Extravagance and overindulgence will leave a dent in your wallet and your ego. ★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Focus; don’t fuss or invite interference. Take advantage of a chance to get ahead or to invest in whatever brings you joy. A partnership will take a positive turn; be ready to take advantage of the situation. ★★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are dedicated, possessive and innovative. You are persistent and reliable.

‘a little off’ BY DYLAN SCHIFF

The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Jared Goudsmit ACROSS 1 In dribs and ___ 6 Slugger’s stat 9 Read digitally 13 Stand on three legs? 14 Connery portrayed in Celebrity Jeopardy! on SNL 15 ___ de gallo 16 Chip that may top chili 17 Rosemary, for one 18 From the top 19 Saying under a senior’s headshot 22 “Shoot!” 23 Enjoy a bit of a sea breeze? 24 No amateur 27 Differ 30 DVR button 33 Singer Nick of 98 Degrees 35 Second person? 36 End a relationship 38 Majestic 40 Rowdy crowd 41 Like faces around a campfire 42 Hotel amenity for a wedding party

45 Bard’s “before” 46 Capital of Eritrea 47 Org. concerned with baggage 48 Manual reader 49 Jeans brand 50 Friendly introduction? 52 Flash in the ___ 54 Amiss, or a hint to the ends of the starred clues’ answers 61 Voice above tenor 63 State where the Jazz play 64 TWA competitor 65 Save, as items that spark joy 66 Envelope-pushing 67 Ball girl? 68 Tacks on 69 Hundred Acre Wood marsupial 70 Leaps on the ice DOWN 1 Go against, as expectations 2 Steak specification 3 Home of Petra and Angkor Wat 4 Stab in the back 5 Untidy people

6 Stink to high heaven 7 Big name in root beer 8 There from the start 9 Small quarrel 10 Film buffs 11 Card worth one point in gin rummy 12 As we speak 14 Dexter channel, for short 20 Cajun vegetable 21 Opposite of transparent 25 Stop working 26 Shellfish in a po’boy, perhaps 27 Related to words 28 Strongly opposed (to) 29 Highly systematic 31 Street-lining trees 32 Social influence 34 Ice cream holder 36 Red Bordeaux wine 37 Wetlands wader 39 Name hidden in “salsa dancer” 43 Wood finish 44 Scotch product 48 Like clothing that’s for everyone

51 Perform better than 53 Dutch Caribbean island 55 “My bad!” 56 “Aladdin” or “Othello” character 57 “Your” of yore 58 8 on the Beaufort scale 59 Sledding spot 60 ___ leches cake 61 Letters between two names 62 Chaired Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Friday, October 27, 2023

Ozu: Honoring ‘nothingness’, simplicity and beauty STALLED NEGOTIATIONS

THE TV host used to be on top of the world until he made the wrong choice. Now, he is struggling to get back on TV and to be fair, there are still takers. The problem is that he has so many demands. He wants his proposed show to have a political segment and the network that’s negotiating with him is finding it difficult to say yes. That segment could work for them in the future but it could also work against them. The TV host is also asking for a huge financial package for himself and his staff so naturally, the network is hesitant because the ROI isn’t guaranteed. The TV host has been away from the limelight for too long and the entertainment landscape has changed so much.

N Japan, where cemeteries are favored areas for visitation and meditation, it is common for admirers and critics alike to visit the gravesites of famous artists. But what will we find if we visit the burial site of Ozu Yasujiro, one of the best filmmakers Japanese cinema has ever produced? Ozu, who remained single throughout his lifetime, was interred in the same grave as his mother. Nothing is written on the grave except for the character mu, which is roughly translated into “nothingness.” The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is going to celebrate the “nothingness” of Yasujiro Ozu who, according to Donald Richie in Ozu: His Life and His Films, “only had one subject matter, the Japanese family” and one theme, its “dissolution.” Two special clips will be presented to pay tribute to the legendary Japanese director, in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the filmmaker’s birth. Together with these two short films, there will be various programs around his name, foremost among these are the screening of most of his films dutifully restored for this festival and a symposium that will have world-renowned filmmakers discussing his legacy. For the student of cinema, however, the film clips made for the said occasion are a veritable trove of new insights. The first is narrated by Wim Wenders, who is acknowledged as one of the pioneers of modern German cinema in the 1970s and also heads this year’s jury for TIFF. Wenders, while talking about Ozu, crystallizes certain concepts in cinemas— the category of world cinema and the notion of universality. The film opens with the German director proclaiming Ozu’s works as “truly world cinema.” He cites Ozu’s film as “being so specific and by being not part of the empire of American senses (almost punning the iconic titles of another major filmmaker, Nagisa Oshima, with his In the Realm of the Senses and Empire of Passion) but being its own empire.” If the term “empire” makes it sound like a colonialist’s agenda, it is not. The German auteur is coming from decades of countering massive Hollywood cinema in the nexus of a film that is inter-national. Continuing with his paean to Ozu, Wenders says how happy he is that at the TIFF he is going “to see and re-see” these films as if they were new, “as when they were shown the first day.” This view of Wenders becomes crucial when he further redefines the legacy of Ozu in the light of the newly restored cinemas that “are utterly contemporary cinema because it shows us still how we could live today,” noting their “attention to details and with such care and respect for Japan.” Wim Wenders, noted for such films as Paris, Texas (1984) and Wings of Desire (1987), ends his acclaim by emphasizing how the works of Ozu are “exemplary world cinema by being so Japanese.” He drives home the point of how, when a nation’s cinema problematizes the cultures from which it draws its narratives, it participates in redefining universality and singularity. The 8-minute video bears the title Wenders Discusses Ozu and shows how Ozu and his works were attractive to other filmmakers. Often called the most Japanese of Japanese film masters, Wenders revisits the “allure of Ozu’s works” and examines why the director’s narratives, which are seen to be typical Japanese, have not only been embraced but also understood all over the world. The interview was conducted in Berlin. Directing the video is Takasaki Takuma, who did the screenplay and worked also on the production of Wenders’ Perfect Days. The two films carry the general title Shoulders of Giants, telling the lesson that we all stand on the traditions and histories of other film geniuses. While Wim Wenders’ interview delivers an intellectual if not forthright approach to the arts of Ozu, the second short documentary becomes a poetry, a cluster of haiku in essence. Recited by Yakusho Koji, who, incidentally, won this year, 2023, the Best Actor Award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival for Perfect Days, a film directed by Wim Wenders, the film opens with a very Japanese effacement “painfully boring,” to describe the scenes and the framing all attributable to Ozu. The living room, empty—minimalist for the Orientalists—and nothing more. In black and white, in color, the space seems to be the same all throughout. Koji continues: “nothing more than mindless

HE’S GOT ATTITUDE

THE young actor started in show business when he was very young and he has had a lot of opportunities, thanks to his home network. However, all of his projects were just so-so in terms of bring commercial and critical successes. Some have even been flops. He has worked with some of the country’s best, yet he still isn’t the big star everyone predicted he would be. Showbiz insiders say it’s probably because of his attitude. The actor has been described by many people who have worked with him as hostile and difficult.

RELATIONSHIP OVER

THE actress has been with her road manager for years. They used to treat each other like family. But something happened recently that ended this working and personal relationship. A mishap on the part of the road manager resulted in money lost for the actress. The road manager, for a long time, has taken the actress for granted because he knows that whatever he does, she will forgive him. But this last mistake, for her, was unforgivable. It’s just sad because the road manager has been with the actress since she was young and he has witnessed the ups and downs of her career.

ON THE VERGE OF SEPARATION repetition.” Then comes his realization, his satori, his enlightenment perhaps: “the universe unfurled before me.” There was repetition but this was not a mindless act of a lazy mind: “the repetition was creating tiny ripples in space and time.” Koji now says: “These ripples moved my heart.” The words go on: “Ripples that were born when a tiny stone was dropped into a beautiful misty lake at dawn as the whole world slept.” The lyricism is constant: “And those ripples reach outward into eternity.” Clips from the cinema of Ozu come out on screen. The first recognizable comes from Banshun (Late Spring) and they are one of the most recognizable faces in world cinema—Setsuko Hara looking at us. In that moment, she is an image of happiness but later she will be the symbol of sacrifice and obedience as she follows the advice of her father to marry. That face will be repeated over and over, a lighter smile now, tears later, grief and acceptance further towards the end. The narration continues: “The genius of Yasujiro Ozu was that he created such a ripple with more than just one film.” Ozu, according to the documentary, created “similar films over and over” and spent his

life “creating and perfecting them.” This docu was directed by Tsujikawa Koichiro , with the music composed by Ovall. The videos will be presented before Ozu’s films are screened at TIFF. Short versions of the videos are available on the official YouTube channel of the festival. The festival opened on October 23 and will run until November 1, 2023. n

THE older actress is said to be considering a separation from her husband because of financial reasons. When she married the non-showbiz guy, the actress thought he was rich. It is true that he is financially comfortable, but he is far from rich. In fact, his finances have sustained a lot of losses recently and the actress has had to work to support her own lifestyle. The actress’ relationship with her now husband is quite controversial because he was the boyfriend of her friend. One day, the friend was shocked to learn that he was already with the actress. They didn’t even tell her. She had to learn about it from other people.

The new (hair) normal Continued from B4 It will keep the white hair cleaner and really vibrant. Adding low lights will also look good.” Cherry also recommends using LabelM Cool Blonde Toning Shampoo and LabelM Toning Conditioner to moisturize your grey hair and eliminate the brassy, yellow tones. For finishing, use LabelM Fashion Edition Shine Mist to keep the hair glossy and radiant.

I regret that I never introduced myself to that elderly lady who used to rock our office hallway in her short, white hair, I think she’d probably scoff that it took 30 years (and a pandemic!) for everyone else to catch up to her fashion. Better late than never, I guess. For more tips on hair styles, cuts and colors, and how to transition to fabulous grey locks, visit Toni & Guy (www.toniandguy.ph), with branches in Metro Manila and Iloilo.

GMA Network, IPOPHL join forces to combat digital piracy Leading broadcast company GMA Network and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) have joined hands in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) signed on October 5 to combat digital piracy in the Philippines. This collaboration marks a crucial step toward protecting intellectual property rights in the broadcast and content creation industry. The MOU was signed by GMA Network executive vice president and chief financial officer Felipe S. Yalong and IPOPHL director general Atty. Rowel Barba. Also in attendance, representing the GMA Anti-Piracy Committee, were GMA first vice president and head of international operations Joseph T. Francia and GMA Network first vice president for legal affairs Atty. Lynn P. Delfin. From IPOPHL were deputy director general Atty. Ann Claire C. Cabochan, and supervising director of IPR enforcement office Atty. Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan. The primary objectives of the MOU are to establish a framework for cooperation and collaboration between GMA and IPOPHL in the enforcement and protection of intellectual property (IP) rights; to formalize and intensify joint anti-piracy initiatives and campaigns; and to facilitate capacity building, awareness creation, communication and information exchange to combat digital piracy effectively. “This is very important not only for the network but also for the creators of content. This will protect their rights, their ownership

over video and audio, especially now that we’re in the digital age. We are all in support of this endeavor. Should they (IPOPHL) need a platform to educate, especially the Filipinos heavily engaged in digital assets or on the digital side, we can help them in ensuring that viewers are also informed about the rights of content creators,” said Yalong. DG Barba adds, “GMA Network has been one of the pioneers in the world of entertainment, producing content that resonates with the audience across the globe. Your commitment to creativity, storytelling and innovation is mirrored in your desire to protect your intellectual property from unauthorized distribution and piracy. Together, we will embark on a journey to raise awareness about perils of piracy and to develop effective strategies for combating this persistent challenge. This endeavor is not just a legal or commercial undertaking, it is a moral imperative, it is a stand for the rights of creators, the protection of innovation, and the preservation of the vibrant tapestry of ideas that shape our cultural landscape.” In his opening remarks during the ceremony, Francia expressed, “Today’s signing of our Memorandum of Understanding formalizes our partnership and builds on what we started in our shared advocacy on anti-piracy. With the blessing of GMA Network, our MOU seeks to set the framework for cooperation and collaboration between the parties in order to strengthen the fight against digital piracy in the

FROM left: Joseph Francia, GMA first VP and head of international operations, Felipe S. Yalong, GMA executive vice president and chief financial officer, Atty. Rowel Barba, IPOPHL director general and Atty. Ann Claire Cabochan, IPOPHL deputy director general PHOTO FROM IPOPHL

Philippines. We are confident that together, we can accomplish so much more in protecting the intellectual property rights of our creative industry, protect the livelihoods of so many people in the creative sector, and help grow the contribution of the creative industry in our economy.” Delfin, during her speech, highlighted, “This would facilitate better collaboration between GMA and IPOPHL, and this partnership will provide stronger safeguards against those who violate the intellectual property rights not just of GMA but the whole creative industry. Protecting the intellectual property rights of producers, directors, writers, researchers and entrepreneurs is going to require a creative and holistic approach by both the private sector and the public sector. And this collaboration between GMA and IPOPHL

with this MOU signing, is a step towards that direction.” Additionally, GMA Network and IPOPHL also successfully conducted an Intellectual Property Learning Session for GMA employees as part of IPOPHL’s capacity building initiatives. The session was participated by over 240 employees from GMA and IPOPHL. It aimed to educate GMA employees on the value of protecting intellectual property, ultimately fortifying the foundation of creative and journalistic excellence in the digital age. The collaboration between GMA Network and IPOPHL sends a clear message in the fight against digital piracy in the Philippines, with both organizations committed to creating an environment where creators and innovators can feel secure in their endeavors. More information is available at www.gmanetwork.com.

Friday, October 27, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MERALCO SHINES ON GLOBAL STAGE WITH MULTIPLE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS

HE Mani la Electr ic Company (Meralco), the country’s largest distribution utility, has emerged as a beacon of excellence on the global stage as it bagged multiple accolades at the recently concluded 2023 International Business Awards. At the prestigious awards ceremony held in Rome, Italy, on October 13, 2023 Meralco was feted with a total of eight Stev ies—four Gold and four Bronze awards, for its transformative programs centered on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Recognizing the company’s dedication to embedding sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations, Meralco was the sole recipient of the Gold Stevie under the “Sustainability Leadership

Award in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand” category. Also taking home Gold Stevies were Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo and Meralco Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao who were named as “Sustainability Hero of the Year in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand ” and “ Thought Leader of the Year,” respectively. Ravelo was cited for his leadership of Meralco’s sustainability agenda, while Tarayao, who is also President of One Meralco Foundation (OMF), was recognized for his ability to combine thought leadership with practical solutions. Another Gold Stevie was awarded to “Meralco’s Spectrum on Solar Rooftop

Installations: The Gift that Keeps on Giving,” a three-minute compelling video on sustainability and environment that underscored the myriad benefits of investing in solar power. OMF’s community development endeavors also came into the international spotlight, earning the company three Bronze Stevies for its corporate social responsibility initiatives. These were the community energization project “Electrification for Development: Improving the Lives of LastMile Filipinos” that highlighted the transformative power of electricity in unserved and underserved communities across the archipelago; the “One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forest, a practical approach to addressing climate change;” and the “PoweringUp Communities During the Pandemic” proactive communications campaign that braving the challenges of community electrification during the global crisis. Completing Meralco’s haul this year was the Bronze Stevie for #Mbrace, the company’s diversity and inclusion program that advances gender balance and inclusivity within the workplace. Also known as “the International Stevies,” the prestigious International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards that honor achievements and positive contributions of companies and working professionals worldwide. Since its launch in 2002, the Stevie has become one of the most coveted prizes globally.

Suzuki Auto 3S Shop relocates to a better location in Isabela

PRESENT during the opening of the new Suzuki office were, on the first row, from left, Carmencita San Juan, SVP Treasurer/Chief Finance Officer, ESJAY Auto Group; Amando San Juan, Chairman/CEO, ESJAY Auto Group; Cordon, Isabela Mayor Lynn Zuniega; Alejandrino San Juan, President; Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for Automobile Division, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated; Yasuki Nakagawa, Assistant to the General Manager for Automobile Division, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated; Rommel Cabanela, Department Head, Auto Service Department, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated. On the second row are, from left, Isabela Provincial Board Member Victor Dy; Cordon, Isabela Vice Mayor Abegail Sable; Amanda Danielle San Juan, Manager; Atty. Anna Lyne San Juan-Ponferrada, Director; Armando Emmanuel San Juan, Marketing Officer; and Ronald Macadangdang, VP Sales and Marketing/Asst. General Manager.

UZUKI Philippines Incorporated, the pioneering distributor of compact cars in the country, has taken a significant step to better cater to a broader customer base in one of the nation’s largest provinces. The company recently moved its Suzuki Auto 3S Shop in Isabela to a more convenient and accessible location within the province. The previous site, situated at Km 335 Maharlika Highway, Barangay Batal in Santiago City, has been replaced by the new Suzuki Auto Isabela 3S Shop, now located in a spacious 2,000 square meter area in Purok 3, Barangay Malapat in Cordon. This relocation is the result of a collaboration between Suzuki Philippines and ESJAY

Auto Group’s Elite North Autocars, Inc. Norihide Takei, the General Manager for Automobile Division at Suzuki Philippines, emphasized the driving force behind this change. “We have decided to move to a new location. A bigger, more accessible, and customer-centric Suzuki Auto Isabela 3S Shop at the heart of the province means our fellow citizens will receive the service they rightfully deserve. Whether it’s the purchase of their first car, the search for necessary spare parts, or availing aftersales services, they can now access it all at our new location,” he expressed during the grand unveiling of the new facility. Takei added that they expect the move to benefit a more extensive customer base

in Isabela and its neighboring provinces. He maintained that the relocation was a practical decision and carried a sense of optimism. “They say that every move, whether starting a new business or relocating it, brings a fresh start and numerous opportunities to look forward to. With our latest collaboration with Elite North Autocars, Inc., we share this positive outlook, an uplifting energy, and an inspiring vibe that allows us to fulfill our promise of bringing Suzuki cars to more Filipino families,” Takei added. The new Suzuki Auto Isabela facility boasts a four-unit display area, perfect for showcasing iconic Suzuki models like the New Ertiga Hybrid, S-Presso AGS, XL7, Jimny, and other high-value Suzuki vehicles. For vehicle maintenance, check-ups, and other service related concerns, the new location offers six service bays staffed by capable and highly motivated personnel and mechanics, ready to assist every customer. The Suzuki Auto Isabela showroom and service shop are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. This strategic relocation underscores Suzuki’s commitment to providing enhanced services and convenience to its customers in the region. For more information, you may email Suzuki Auto Isabela at suzukiautoisabela5@gmail.com. For other inquiries, please go to any authorized Suzuki Auto dealerships nationwide or visit http:// suzuki.com.ph/auto/. For daily updates on Suzuki, please like Suzuki Auto PH’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ SuzukiAutoPH, follow them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH and Instagram at @suzukiautoph.

PHILIPPINE BAMBOO MONTH. Senator Cynthia Villar (3rd from right) is assisted by Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano (2nd from right) and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona (4th from right) and Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) Executive Director Rene Madarang (extreme right) , Lucky Lopez (extreme left), Trade and Industry Regional Director Leah PulidoOcampo (2nd from left) and Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. President - Philexport(4th from left). Senator Cynthia Villar and other officials visited the bamboo nursery after the launching and ceremonial bamboo planting and signing of the memorandum of agreement in celebration of the World Bamboo Day and Philippine Bamboo Month held at Center for Innovation Technology Entrepreneurship (CITE) in Marikina City last September 18, 2023. September of every year will be celebrated as “Philippine Bamboo Month” based on Proclamation No. 1401 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. The proclamation directs the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) to lead and promote the observance of Philippine Bamboo Month and identify the programs, projects, and activities for its yearly celebration. PHOTO BY BERNARD TESTA/BM

PHL’s First Premium Bed Cinema to open in Uptown Bonifacio

HE Philippines’ first and most luxurious bed cinema is set to be unveiled at Uptown Bonifacio, Megaworld ’s f lagship township in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, this November. The Uptown Tempur Cinema is a new and innovative moviehouse made possible by a collaboration between Megaworld Cinemas, the country’s pioneer of class-leading Ultra Cinemas and Tempur, a leading global manufacturer of specialized beds, pillows and mattresses. T he brand new theater is designed to elevate the mov ie v iew ing ex perience like never before w ith topnotch seats and seating configuration comparable to a firstclass air plane cabin allow ing mov iegoers to sit at ease or lie dow n comfortably on premium Tempur beds and mattresses while watching their favorite blockbusters on the big screen. Uptown Tempur Cinema is also equipped with Dolby Atmos for superior audio technology and immersive sound quality and experience. T h is new mov ie t heater is t he l atest

innovation to be introduced by Megaworld C i nem a s, wh ic h a l so pioneered t he f i rst U lt ra C i nem a s i n t he Ph i l ippi nes. Megaworld C i nem a s is set to a n nou nce more innovations that are sure to delight mov ie lovers i n t he com i ng week s.

SJES CELEBRATES GRAND ALUMNI HOMECOMING. San Joaquin Elementary School, San Joaquin,

Pasig City celebrates its grand alumni homecoming with fitting events on November 12 and 18, 2023. Led by host Class 1980 under the helm of Jose Santos Jr. with guidance from Dr. Ruben H. Opena, principal and Lulu R. Malanay retired school principal, activities include mass, motorcade, awarding ceremony, and socialization-dinner. Expected to grace the awarding ceremony are Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III. An estimated 700 participants from Class 1961 to the last graduates are expected to come. Photo shows Irene Florentino Batch ‘79, Monette Geronimo Batch ‘80, Lulu Remorin Malanay, Jose Santos Batch ‘80, Nancy G. Tubog Batch ‘80, Herita Abarquez Batch ‘73 and Miriam Bagnas

Get a chance to ride home a brand new car with MR.DIY Holi-DIY Spend & Win raffle promo

EAR up for an exhilarating holiday season with MR.DIY Holi-DIY Spend & Win Raffle Promo. This year, MR.DIY is pulling out all the stops to make your dreams come true, offering you a chance to speed away in the sleek and stunning Jetour X70 Travel—the epitome of modern automotive excellence. Starting October 15, 2023, and going all the way until January 15, 2024, every shopping spree at MR.DIY takes you one step closer to realizing your dream holiday. For a minimum single receipt purchase of P1,000 or more, you’ll receive a golden

ticket that could catapult you into a world of sensational prizes. HERE’S HOW TO JOIN IN ON THE FESTIVE FUN: Shop: Fill your cart with holiday essentials, making sure your receipt totals P1,000 or more. Scan: Spot our QR code and let it lead you to the form. Upload your receipt and fill in your details. Submit: Hit send and you’re officially in the race for a treasure trove of incredible prizes!

PRIZES THAT WILL MAKE YOU SLEIGH THE HOLIDAYS: Grand Prize: Brace yourself for a jawdropping moment as one lucky winner cruises home in a BRAND NEW Jetour X70 Travel. This mid-size SUV, which also doubles as a family hauler, boasts the capacity to accommodate up to seven passengers, thanks to its standard third-row seats. This is a gift that promises to keep on giving! 2nd Prize: Get your hands on the muchcoveted iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB. Stay connected and capture those cherished holiday moments.

3rd Prize: Picture yourself with the Apple Watch Series 8 128GB, a fusion of style and cutting-edge technology. WEEKLY CASH PRIZES TO KEEP THE FESTIVITIES ALIVE: THROUGHOUT the promo period, there will be five weekly winners of P500 Cash per major island group (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao). That’s a total of 14 raffle draws and 210 lucky winners to illuminate your holidays! DOUBLE THE MERRIMENT: WINNING a weekly prize doesn’t dim your

chances at the grand, first, or second prize! In fact, it only adds to the joy. Remember, the more, the merrier! Get set to embark on a journey of a lifetime! Don’t miss out on your chance to make this holiday season truly unforgettable. Join MR.DIY Holi-DIY Spend & Win Raffle Promo today! Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-177604 Series of 2023 Terms and conditions apply. See website for full details. For more information about the promo, visit MR.DIY’s official website or follow /mrdiyPH on Facebook, and @mrdiy. philippines on Instagram and Tiktok.

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mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Friday, October 27, 2023 B7

Jiu-jitsu ace Napolis shines in World Combat Games SCOOTER CHALLENGE FOR WORLD CHAMPS

NAPOLIS

World champion brothers Marc and Alex Marquez balance more than 200 bamboo baskets stacked as high as 7 meters as they weave through the quiet and grassy dirt tracks of Buriram in a scooter competition ahead of the Thailand MotoGP.

By Josef Ramos

HAT she failed to accomplish in Hangzhou just two weeks ago Kaila Napolis pulled off on a bigger stage by winning a jiu-jitsu gold medal in the World Combat Games on Thursday at the King Said University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Two weeks ago, I was so disappointed to come home with a bronze medal knowing my capabilities to get gold,” Napolis told BusinessMirror by phone hours after her victory. “This time I made sure I would bounce back.” Napolis beat France’s Anael Pannetier, 2-0, to rule the women’s -52 kgs Ne-Waza event for the Philippines’ first gold medal in the World Combat Games—a 16-sport— martial arts and combat including fencing and armwrestling—event that started in Beijing in 2010 and was held only once after that in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2013. The Philippines sent athletes to Beijing but skipped St. Petersburg. The 2019 Chinese-Taipei and 2021 Kazakhstan editions were cancelled. “She really deserved the gold because she prepared very hard for it,” said many-time Southeast Asian Games judo champion John Baylon, Napolis’s coach. “Her determination and hunger to come back was the key factor after losing her way in the gold medal round last Asian Games.” The 26-year-old Napolis, fighting out of Muntinlupa City, couldn’t get pass the semifinals at the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games where her teammates Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez won gold medals. Team Philippines, sent to the games by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, also has two silver and four bronze medals so far in the 11-day games featuring more than 1,500 athletes from 120 countries. Agatha Wong clinched silver in wushu’s Taolu (women’s Taijiquan and Taijijian) as well as Clemente Tabugara Jr. in Sanda (men’s 65 kgs). Jones Inso (men’s Taijiquan and Taijijian) and Thornton Sayan (men’s Nandao and Nangun) in wushu’s Taolu, Maria Aisa Ratcliff (women’s grappling Gi 53 kgs) and Fierre Afan (men’s grappling Gi 71 kgs) bagged the bronze medals. Napolis opened her campaign with a 6-0 win over Adriana Cruz of Colombia followed by a triangle choke to armbar maneuver to submission against Mongolia’s Ganbataar in the semifinal. “She’s in total control all matches, she performed so well,” said wrestling head Alvin Aguilar, chef de mission to the games. “I’m very, very happy that we finally got gold here.” Also competing are kickboxer Gretel De Paz and Renalyn Dacquel, taekwondo’s Darius Venerable, Justin Kobe Macario and Faye Crisostomo and Muay Thai bets Philip Delarmino, Rudzma Abubakar, Islay Bomogao, Arnel Lampacan, Alyssa Mallari, Edzel Ngina and Rhichien Yosorez.

Army poised to emerge ROTC Games champion

3 gold medals in chess spike PHL Para Games campaign

ENANDRO REDOR led a three gold medal-haul in chess as Team Philippines made its presence felt on Thursday in the Hangzhou 4th Asian Para Games in China. Redor swept his way to victory in the men’s B2-B3 standard event to emerge as the country’s first double gold medalist in the games following his conquest with Armand Subaste and Darry Bernardo in the men’s team event. Atty. Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza added the third gold medal in chess despite losing to Mongolia’s Khisigbayar Migjee in the final round of the women’s individual standard PI event. The Philippines now has four gold medals after swimmer Ernie Gawilan started the gold medal haul with his victory in men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 on Wednesday. With three silver and five bronze medals, the Philippines ranked 12th in the medals race China is dominating the way the host did in the recent Asian Games. China has a 146-121-101 gold-silver-bronze tally with Iran

REDOR

BERNARDO

a distance second with 32-3627, followed by Japan 26-27-38, Uzbekistan 20-19-24 and Thailand 20-16-34 in the top five. In his second Asian Para Games, Redor drew with top seed Atabayev Aygdogdy of Turkmenistan in the seventh and final round to pave the way to his gold medal haul. Redor, who has less than 10 percent vision in both eyes, tied for first place on 5.5 points with Iran’s Amir Rabbi Khorasgani but took the gold after the tiebreak for having played stronger players. Subaste had 4.0 points after also drawing Tajikistan’s Suhrob Hamdamov and adding Bernardo’s score, the Philippines bagged the team gold with 9.5 points. Mendoza won her gold medal with 5.5 points, the same output as

her a second straight best player of the game honors. She, however, quickly shared the citation with her teammates. “Teamwork, it’s the most important thing,” Gumabao said. “The connection is there, we just need to follow the system and execute.” Truly, Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses hardly made any effort to motivate his wards, who have been together for a long time and let them to do their thing. Meneses also tried new combinations and they all responded the way they do year-in and year-out that led to six championships. “The opportunity to play is very important. But my bench players can also play as starters. So, it’s a good problem,” said Meneses, whose Cool Smashers gained the solo lead with a 3-0 card. “Just need consistency to be able to play every game.”

MENDOZA

Indonesia’s Yuni, who beat compatriot Lilis Herna Yulia in the other finalround match. Mendoza, however, won via the winner-over-the-other rule—she beat the Indonesian in a previous round. “I was ahead but made a blunder in the 28th move that led to the loss. So this gold is bittersweet because I felt I let my team down,” Mendoza said. “Had I won, we could have had the team silver at the very least.” “But we have to manage our emotions because we still have the rapid event,” she added. “We were actually eyeing six golds entering the final round but the strategy and the breaks didn’t go our way yesterday,” said national para chess coach James Infiesto. “Luckily, we won half our goals today.” Those three gold medals absorbed

MEDALISTS in arnis gather for a photo opportunity at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PSC Media Pool

Tour de France won’t wrap up in Paris in 2024

Cool Smashers breeze past Defenders, bag solo lead in All-Filipino Conference REAMLINE continued to live up to the hype by blasting Gerflor, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Thursday. Unrelenting in offense and unforgiving in defense, the defending champion Cool Smashers battered the Defenders with 44 attack points and stymied their assaults with 11 kill blocks for the most lopsided win so far after two weeks of eliminations in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Michele Gumabao, who fired backto-back 20 points in steering the crowd favorites past the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21, last October 15 and the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-20, 25-20, 25-16, in Batangas last weekend, slowed down with 12 points in their 74-minute victory. But that proved enough to earn

SUBASTE

the impact of the men’s PI team failing to defend its crown in the PI event where FIDE Master Sander Severino lost to veteran topseed Tirto of Indonesia in the final round. Severino, who led a sweep of both events in the 2018 Jakarta edition, was relegated to the individual bronze medal while Henry Roger Lopez copped silver behind Tirto following his final-round win over Mongolia’s Sundui Sonom. Gawilan, meanwhile, targeted his second and the country’s fifth gold medal as he defended the men’s 100-meter backstroke S7 title late Thursday. The Pilipinas Warriors, on the oter hand, finally scored their first win, 54-51, over Kuwait to wind up ninth among 10 countries in wheelchair basketball, while para cyclists Nikko Peralta and Arthus Bucay bowed out in the C4-C5 time trial after checking in fifth (26:25.31) and 10th (28:24.04), respectively.

HILIPPINE Army looked poised to winning the overall championship in the branch of service competition as Rizal Technological University (RTU) led the Higher Educational Institute (HEI) medals race in the penultimate day of the inaugural Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Finals at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Army is atop the leaderboard after the completion of athletics and arnis events on Wednesday with 24 medals (10 golds, 7 silvers and 7 bronze), followed by the Navy with 20 medals (5 golds, 5 silvers and 10 bronzes). Air Force collected 10 medals (1 gold, 4 silvers and five bronze) with eight gold medals in boxing and kickboxing, in the esports and one each in 3x3 basketball and volleyball left to be disputed. Army scooped five gold medals in boxing with Florence Sumpay, a student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, taking center stage with a second-round referee-stopped-contest (RSC) victory over Rodrigo Lumogda in the men’s featherweight final. Sumpay is coached by Rennel Flechero and Joan Tipon, gold medalist in the Doha 2006 Asian Games. “I’m happy to see my athlete win the gold medal,” said Tipon, who retired in 2012. “I feel satisfied transferring the knowledge and skills I learned as a national athlete.” Tina Pais, a 20-year-old University of Baguio student won the women’s bantamweight at the expense of Edezza Lyne Laja and Kristine Grace Marquez bagged the women’s featherweight title with a RSC triumph over Riona Segundo right in the first round. Alfred Deslate ruled the men’s bantamweight also via RSC in the third round over Mark Paul Fernandez, and Joel Efondo toppeds the men’s flyweight over Vince Lomboy on points. RTU, competing under Army, is led the HEI race with six gold and two silver medals, followed by Adamson University (Navy, 4-2-3), University of Cagayan Volley (Navy, 1-2-3), University of Baguio (Army, 1-1) and University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos (Air Force, 1-0-1).

MICHELE GUMABAO is again at the forefront of Creamline’s attack.

ARIS—The final stage of next year’s Tour de France will be held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics, moving instead to the French Riviera. Because of security and logistical reasons, the French capital won’t have its traditional Tour finish on the Champs-Elysees. The race will instead conclude in Nice on July 21. Just five days later, Paris will open the Olympics. The race will start in Italy for the first time with a stage that includes more than 3,600 meters of climbing. High mountains will be on the 2024 schedule as soon as the fourth day in a race that features two individual time trials and four summit finishes. There are a total of seven mountain stages on the program, across

four mountain ranges, according to the route released Wednesday. The race will kick off in the Italian city of Florence on June 29 and will take riders to Rimini through a series of hills and climbs in the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. That tricky start could set the scene for the first skirmishes between the main contenders. Riders will first cross the Alps during Stage 4, when they will tackle the 2,642-meter Col du Galibier. “The Tour peloton has never climbed so high, so early,” Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said. And it will just be just a taste of what’s to come since the total vertical gain of the 111th edition of the Tour

reaches 52,230 meters. The next big moment for twotime defending champion Jonas Vingegaard and his rivals will be Stage 7 for the first time trial in the Bourgogne vineyards. The first rest day will then come after a stage in Champagne presenting several sectors on white gravel roads for a total of 32 kilometers that usually provide for spectacular racing in the dust. Tour riders will then head south to the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, then return to the Alps for a pair of massive stages with hilltop finishes, at the Isola 2000 ski resort then the Col de la Couillole, a 15.7-kilometer (9.7-mile) ascent at an average gradient of 7.1 percent. AP

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Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

B8 Friday, October 27, 2023

Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph

11TH EVAP GOES FULL SWING

IN PUSHING FOR EV ADOPTION

THE BYD Atto 3 all-electric crossover Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

HIS year’s recently concluded Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) summit was about adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. Themed “Plug-in and Accelerate,” the organization is leading the local electric vehicle sector in further pushing for implementation of the provisions of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Republic Act No. 11697) over a year after the enactment of the legislation. Under the EVIDA Law, corporate firms and government agencies must have EVs that comprise at least 5 percent of their fleet. EV users are also entitled to dedicated parking slots in public and private buildings and establishments, where EV charging stations should also be installed for more convenient charging of vehicles. Other

THE Chery EQ1 small EV

incentives are also set, including exempting EVs from traffic coding schemes, priority registration of EVs, and speedier processing of franchise-to-operate applications for public transportation fleets. “Our partner, the Department of Energy, is actively pushing for a faster rollout of EV use nationwide under its Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry or CREVI, which is serving as our ‘north star’ for wider and more concise implementation of the EVIDA Law,” said EVAP President Edmund Araga. Based on EVAP data as of October 2022, about 15,300 EV units are being used in the country-354 are electric motorcycles, and 88 are electric buses. As of November 2022, 900 EV charging units are in various stations nationwide. The group is projecting EV stock to reach more than 6.6 million units by 2030. The Department of Trade and Industry

(DTI) is working on a national Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) that will further encourage local businesses to switch to EVs. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) focuses on modernizing public utility vehicles, with EVs as the preferred transport units. Other government agencies are also working on their part in EV adoption. “Another highlight of this year’s EV summit is the launch of the UNIDO Project, aimed at accelerating the adoption and scale-up of electric mobility for low-carbon city development during PEVS 2023,” Araga announced. Araga assured that PEVS 2023 will be the biggest and most productive and engaging in the summit’s history so far. “Expect a number of new vehicle launches from our partners. We have engaging panel discussions, plus the numerous exhibits and displays of the latest EVs and related technologies.” Meanwhile, the 11th edition of EVAP

THE GWM Ora 3 all-electric hatchback

was, undoubtedly the biggest in the number of EV displays and presentations. Since the organization’s primary focus is promoting wider EV adoption in the country, more Chinese EV makers have joined their European and Japanese counterparts in showcasing their respective all-electric vehicle models. This year, six EV models were previewed or launched, to the spectators’ delight.

AC Motors and BYD

THE company’s first foray into electrified vehicles was the launch of the Kia EV6. After officially taking over the BYD distributorship this year, the company’s first project was the preview of the Atto 3 all-electric crossover. No less than BYD Philippines president and CEO Toti Zara presented the newest addition to the growing local EV lineup. Set to launch in November, the BYD Atto 3 will be the first model in the country utilizing the brand’s latest e-Platform 3.0, along with the brand’s proprietary blade battery technology. While the product specifications and pricing are still under wraps, online sources indicate two available variants—standard and extended ranges. Power-wise, the electric motor generates 201 hp and over 300 N-m of torque. Interestingly, the interior has that unique fitness gym theme, resembling equipment design on the interior elements. Perhaps the most enticing announcement by Zara was the price reduction of the BYD Dolphin to P1.398 million (a P270,000 decrease).

of torque. The total drive range is up to 453 kilometers. The Dongfeng Rich 6 450 retails at P2.860 million.

Chery’s EV duo

CHERY Philippines also gave the public a sneak peek of their upcoming models. Among the three new models, two were EVs. First was the EQ1 EV, capable of generating 75 hp and 120 N-m of torque. This small all-electric car has a driving range of up to 281 kilometers. Nest was the EQ7 all-electric compact crossover. Its rear-mounted electric motor generates 208 hp and 285 N-m of torque with a total drive range of up to 512 kilometers.

GWM’s curvy and funky EV

A F T E R introducing two HEV models last summer, GWM (Great Wall Motors) Philippines is joining the EV race in the country with the preview of its upcoming

EV model, the Ora 03 hatchback. Before the EVAP summit, select motoring media could see it up close and drive it for a short distance. The design is unique, given its curvy and somewhat retro look. GWM Philippines is looking at offering two variants–370 km and 500 drive ranges. Power-wise, the electric motor generates 145 hp and 210 N-m of torque. This retro-styled hatchback EV is set to debut next year, according to GWM Philippines.

The electric Hyper SUV

LAST, the all-electric Lotus Eletre with an introductory price of P9.999 million. This electric hyper SUV is all about power with zero emission. The vehicle’s twin electric motor generates a total of 905 hp. The total drive range is up to 600 kilometers with a top speed of 260 km/h. It only takes 2.95 seconds for this electric hyper SUV to sprint to 100 km/h.

Dongfeng electric workhorse

AFTER its successful brand launch, the Chinese EV brand officially launched the Rich 6 450 all-electric pickup. Motivation comes from an electric motor generating 174 hp and 453 N-m

An eternity of romance

OKYO, Japan—Sidelined by the pandemic, Asia’s iconic car show has bounced back to showcase its latest inventions and innovations to bolster vehicle technology in the coming years. That’s basically what the ongoing 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) ending November 5 is all about. I have not stopped covering the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS), the JMS’s predecessor, since I first stepped on the car show in 1993 upon the invite of the late, lamented Mel Dizon. Dizon then was a top executive of Mitsubishi, who helped hone the motoring careers of the likes of Froy Dytianquin. Froy is now one of the top guns of Chery, the famous best-selling Chinese brand brought to Manila by the visionary Rommel Sytin of Foton. Through the years since 1993, Tokyo’s once-every-two-years car show has become a fixture of my motoring life. For 30 years, I have not missed a single staging of Asia’s No. 1 motor show. In my second visit in 1995, I joined the Honda delegation on the urging of my jolly kababayan Arnel Doria. Nissan got me aboard

(FROM left) Autohub Group president Willy Tee Ten, Lotus Cars Manila General Manage Jeff Lizardo, and Head of Southeast Asia Pacific for Group Lotus Katya Zavialova with the electric hyper SUV Lotus Elere

in 1997 through the kindly Teresa Guanzon. And then came the turning point of my love affair with the TMS. After joining Toyota in the 1999 TMS through Vince Socco, the indefatigable Toyota top gun, my Tokyo Motor Show partnership with the world’s No. 1 carmaker went on and on and on until it seemed like an eternity of romance. Thus, God willing, I will again be at the fabled Tokyo Big Sight, the perennial TMS venue, as a Toyota guest for the 12th consecutive time. It would have been my 13th straight with Toyota had the 2021 edition not been sideswiped by COVID-19. And why is this? Because from the very start, Visor chief Vernon B. Sarne and I have made a pact that we will give our “yes” only to the first car company that invites us to the motor show—the reason Vernon is now with Honda. But we will reconnect one night at The Abbey Road, the Beatles bar at the wellknown Roppongi district, in the company, hopefully, of Tokyo-based Sunny Medalla of MINI and Sir Vince, of course. Any way, Toyota and Lexus have partnered to treat a select group of Filipino motoring journalists, with Jade SisonMendoza in the lead, to a feast of futuristic cars in the comebacking car show that first unfurled in 1954. TMP vice president Elvin Luciano reports that Toyota’s booth at the Big Sight has been busy welcoming visitors, enjoying stage performances throughout the entire area, which include music and dance. Visitors get the chance to customize mobility vehicles and racing games with fully hand-operated controls. With “Mobility for All” as Toyota’s theme, the booth houses the new model of the Century and the Crown series alongside the

“cars of tomorrow.” A photo spot with Toyota’s lunar buggy and various other surprises will provide take-home mementos of the future in car technology. The rear of a vehicle will be custom outfitted as a Capsule Bar, where visitors can answer simple questions to receive a toy gift: a capsule containing one of nine different miniature cars and fun secret items. Toyota is showcasing new technologies on wave-of-the-future electrified vehicles that enable drivers to control cars without gas or brake pedals, including in a standing position or from a wheelchair. Since Toyota’s founding in 1937, a safer, greener and more inclusive society has been the goal of Toyota, stressing at the JMS its timeless commitment to build a better world where everyone is free to move. Such is the impact Toyota brings biennially to the car show. No wonder it’s been the world’s No. 1 carmaker for the longest time.

PEE STOP Abel Manliclic is a hero in

his own right. The Toyota buff has just built a monument of Luis M. Taruc and the Hukbalahap (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon). The soft-spoken Abel spent his own money to commission youthful Totek Layug (Willy’s son) to create the shrine aimed at paying tribute to Taruc’s heroism in resisting Japan’s invasion of the Philippines during World War II. It was unveiled recently in San Luis, Pampanga, hometown of both Abel and Taruc, with Sen. Risa Hontiveros as the guest of honor in the well-attended event ably marshalled by Malu, Abel’s comely wife. Among the notable attendees were Princess Nemenzo, Sol Juvida, Erin Tanada, Tony Moncupa and Senen Glorioso. Mabuhay ka, Abel!