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‘PAINT THE DRAGON AND DOT THE EYES’ A US Department of Defense report says China unlikely to loosen grip on its expansive territorial claims in South China Sea

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By Rex Anthony Naval

GGRESSIVE and dangerous maneuvering of Chinese government vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against Philippine boats will likely continue and even increase for the foreseeable future as China believes that any foreign presence in waters it holds as its own is an affront to its sovereignty. military and naval might, China in 2022 also conducted several provocative actions to demonstrate its superiority in the region.

“During 2022, the PRC conducted multiple coercive actions [against] the Philippines in the SCS including cutting the tow line of a Philippine Navy [ship], executing dangerous maneuvers in close proximity to Philippine vessels; reportedly reclaiming several unoccupied land features in the SCS, which the Philippines noted… contravenes the Declaration of Conduct on the South China’s undertaking on self-restraint and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the US DOD report further read.

Taiwanese vulnerability highlighted

IN the same year, China highlighted Taiwan’s vulnerabilities, which it considers a renegade province, by amplifying “diplomatic, political and military pressure” against the islanders.

“The PLA [People’s Liberation Army]’s increased provocative and destabilizing actions in and around the Taiwan Strait included ballistic missile overflights of Taiwan, sharply increased flights into Taiwan’s self-declared ADIZ [air defense identification zone] and a series of major military exercises near Taiwan,” the report read.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the 20th Party Congress in 2022, repeated the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s long-standing position that “China seeks peaceful unification with Taiwan but would never renounce the use of force as an option.”

US responds to Ayungin Shoal collisions

ALEVTYNA POGORIELOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

This was emphasized by the US Department of Defense (DOD) 2023 Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China, which was released on October 19.

“The PRC [People’s Republic of China] believes that international presence within the SCS [South China Sea] is a challenge to its sovereignty,” the executive report read.

And this is probably why China is not budging an inch, despite US condemnation and threats to get involved should the situation escalate to an armed attack against Philippine vessels, aircraft or armed forces, in the aftermath of the October 22 incident where aggressive maneuvering of Chinese vessels hit and damaged two Filipino vessels conducting a routine resupply mission to the detachment aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

In fact, despite constant assurance from the US about its “iron-clad commitment” to its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines, China, per the DOD report, continues to deploy its People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), China Coast Guard (CCG) and civilian ships to maintain its overwhelming presence in the WPS. “Throughout 2022, the PRC deployed PLAN, CCG and civilian ships to maintain a presence in disputed areas, such as near Scarborough Reef (Bajo de Masinloc) and Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), as well as in response to oil and gas exploration operations by rival claimants within the PRC’s claimed ‘nine-dash line’” it added.

Capitalizing on its massive

Highlighting this option, the PLA conducted a series of largescale military exercises aimed at Taiwan in August 2022 and April of this year.

“The PLA practiced elements of each of its military courses of action against Taiwan during its August 2022 large-scale military exercise aimed at pressuring Taiwan, and again in April 2023 in response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen’s transit of the United States,” it added.

In a related development, the US said that it has documented over 180 instances of PLA coercive and risky air intercepts against American military aircraft in the SCS. This took place between the fall of 2021 and the fall of 2022.

“Over the same period, the PLA has conducted around 100 instances of coercive and risky operational behavior against US allies and partners, in an effort to deter both the United States and others from conducting lawful operations in the region,” the US DOD report stressed.

Examples of the PRC’s coercive and risky operational behavior against US and allied aircraft have included lasing; reckless maneuvers; close approaches in the air or at sea; high rates of closure; discharging chaff or flares in front of, or in close proximity to, aircraft; and other actions.

This behavior contravenes flight safety protocols and the international maritime rules of the road, and increases the risk of a major accident, incident, or crisis, including the potential for loss of life.

MEANWHILE, in relation to the October 22 collision instigated by Chinese ships, American President Joe Biden, in a statement, said the US would be forced to intervene should China attack Filipino ships in the SCS. “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, October 25, during Continued on A2

Fortune Life recognizes outstanding educators at the Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon Awards

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N an inspiring celebration of dedication and excellence, Fortune Life Insurance Co., Inc. (Fortune Life), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Marylindbert International (MLB), recognized outstanding educators and administrators at the 11th Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua (ALC) Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon Awards. The event, in celebration of National Teachers’ Month, took place at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central office, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, on October 3.

Leading the guests were Former Education Secretary Leonor “Liling” Magtolis-Briones and Pasig City District Rep. and House Committee on Education Chairman Roman T. Romulo, with his wife Shalani Soledad-Romulo. Also present were

2023 Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Pamumuno Awardees (front, left to right): Jordan D. Solatorio, PhD; Dennis B. Masangcay, PhD; Ruth L. Estacio, PhD, CESO VI; Cynthia B. Tablang, EdD; Guro Awardees: Anna-Liza S. Jimenez; Marybeth O. Arcenas; Florence P. Alicante, EdD (Honorable Mention).

PRC Board Member Dr. Paraluman R. Giron, DepEd Assistant Regional Director for NCR Cristito A. Eco, former DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman and Rotary Club of Manila Vice President Reginald T. Yu. The awardees and guests were welcomed by Fortune Life executives—President and CEO D. Arnold A. Cabangon, Board Treasurer J. Antonio A. Cabangon, Executive Vice President and COO Emma M. Abad, together with ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon.

As part of its commitment to nurturing values-driven education, Fortune Life has been providing, since 2011, workbooks and teaching guides inspired by the life story of its founder, the late Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua. His life journey is a testament to success Continued on A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 56.9550 n JAPAN 0.3788 n UK 69.0921 n HK 7.2829 n CHINA 7.7852 n SINGAPORE 41.5942 n AUSTRALIA 36.0013 n EU 60.1559 n KOREA 0.0421 n SAUDI ARABIA 15.1819 Source: BSP (October 27, 2023)

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Fortune Life recognizes outstanding educators at the Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon Awards Continued from A1

despite adversity by embracing the values of hard work and discipline. Over 12 years, Fortune Life has reached more than 10 million students and 73,393 teachers. It has also provided 382,167 workbooks and 33,772 teaching guides to schools nationwide.

The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon is an integral part of Fortune Life’s annual celebration, meant to honor and reward educators who embody and promote these values. This recognition is divided into two categories: Para sa Guro and Para sa Pamumuno.

This year, there are 5 Pamumuno awardees, 5 Guro honorees and 3 Guro-Honorable Mention.

The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Guro category recognizes teachers, division supervisors, and principals who promote the program’s advocacies.

The awardees for this category include Marybeth O. Arcenas (Sultan Kudarat), Michael B. Armentia (Quezon City), Anna-Liza S. Jimenez (Siquijor), Moises M. Lopez III, PhD (La Union), and Michael B. Malvar (Ilocos Norte).

Honorable Mention Awardees in the Guro category include Florence P. Alicante, EdD (Parañaque City), Cherry Lyn V. Balbacal (Panabo City), and Orencio M. Chavez (Naga City).

The Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon-Pamumuno category

CABANGON family with former Education Secretary, Leonor M. Briones

highlights the exemplary work and leadership skills of higher school officials from various school divisions and district offices. The awardees for this category include Ruth L. Estacio, PhD, CESO VI (Sarangani), Dennis B. Masangcay, PhD (Tanauan City), Joel L. Pelenio, PhD (Cabadbaran City), Cynthia B. Tablang, EdD (Alaminos City), and Jordan D. Solatorio, PhD (Romblon).

Former Secretary Briones praised the Cabangon family’s program through Fortune Life for promoting the vital values of hard work and discipline, especially in a time when the world is obsessed with shortcuts. “I hope that you will continue this tradi-

tion that you will never let our learners forget that there is no better way to have a good life, a fulfilling life, than hard work, than honesty, than patience and fortitude instead of a shortcut, the easy way, the cheating and stealing,” Briones said.

Congressman Romulo commended this year’s awardees for rising above thousands of educators across the country to emerge as the best examples. To the Cabangon family, Romulo remarked, “maraming salamat sa binibigay ninyong parangal sa ating mga guro, mga superintendent.” He encouraged the awardees to continue inspiring their fellow educators.

Fortune Life President and

FORTUNE Life Board of Directors, Officers and Agents with the Cabangon family

CEO D. Arnold A. Cabangon expressed his “sincerest congratulations to this year’s Gintong Parangal awardees, for embodying the values of hard work and discipline as they strived to improve the quality of education in our country.”

He emphasized the importance of the program to their family, as his mother is a former teacher herself.

As we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our awardees, let us not forget even for a flitting moment the man who started this all, Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, who at a young age took on the challenges of life through hard work and discipline,” MLB Execu-

tive Vice President Alberto B. Rosal noted, paying tribute to the Fortune Life founder.

In her written message, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte said, “Fortune Life has long recognized the critical role educators play in building the next generation’s financial literacy and knowledge.” She added that, “It is fitting that we celebrate and promote individuals who have dedicated themselves to fostering our educators and instilling the virtues of hard work, discipline, and financial acumen through the Value of Hard Work and Discipline Program.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. congratulated the awardees in his written message: “Let the honor that you receive today reaffirm your purpose in our society and strengthen your resolve in reaching out to the next generation.” He added that “as this administration remains committed to improving our educational systems and policies, may the celebration of your work likewise spur more Filipinos to impart our most prized values and treasures to our children so that they will be empowered to build a more inclusive and more progressive Philippines for all.”

‘PAINT THE DRAGON AND DOT THE EYES’

A CHINESE militia vessel, top, and Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Cabra approach Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on Sunday October 22, 2023. ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES VIA AP Continued from A1

a joint news conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

He also reiterated that US defense commitment to the Philippines is “ironclad.”

“Any attack on Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces will invoke our MDT with the Philippines,” Biden warned.

WPS collision a Chinese escalation

AS this developed, National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on October 23 said China’s recent action is a serious escalation of the illegal activities conducted by the Chinese government in the WPS and a complete disregard of any norm or convention of international law.

He added the incident took place within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, “which China has no jurisdiction, authority or right to conduct any

operations.”

“The Philippine government views the latest aggression by China as a blatant violation of international law. China has no legal right or authority to conduct lawenforcement operations in our territorial waters. We are taking this incident seriously at the highest level of government,” Teodoro said.

Not looking for a war

IN separate interviews on October 25, the DND chief said the Philippines is not looking for any conflict or war with China but is merely protecting its maritime territories from continued Chinese encroachment.

He added that protecting the country’s territory is accepted under international law.

Teodoro also said that China’s expansive territorial claims that encroach on the WPS and the country’s other territories are contrary to the “norms of international law.”

Also, misinformation being spread by China claiming that the

Philippine presence in the WPS is illegal, is being taken seriously by the government. ‘`You know that is why the government under President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] is taking this seriously because this is an affront to our territorial integrity and it’s a ridiculous assertion of international law or a revision of international law to suit their expansionist ends,” Teodoro stressed.

Also, the DND chief believes that the Philippines will likely get more security partners and allies following the incident.

“I believe it will invite more countries that have an interest in freedom of navigation to participate not only in joint sails but in other security engagements with the Philippines,” he added.

Teodoro said these engagements could include capability upgrades for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, intelligence exchanges, and other defense military-tomilitary and defense-to-defense cooperation agreements.

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

News

Envoy thanks Pinay caregiver for saving life of elderly ward from Hamas in southern Israel

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

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SRAELI Ambassador to Manila Ilan Fluss paid tribute to a Pinay caregiver for her heroism and extraordinary courage to face a Hamas militant at the height of the October 7 attacks in southern Israel.

The Filipina heroine is identified as Camille Jesalva, a caregiver from Kibbutz Nerim.

Fluss said because Jesalva had the presence of mind, she was able to convince the Hamas fighter who broke into her employer’s house to spare her and her Israeli ward, Nitza Hefetz, a 95 year-old wheelchair-bound Israeli woman.

In her Facebook post, Jesalva narrated how she survived the ordeal.

She said when a Hamas “terrorist” entered her patient’s room, “I already accepted my death and I (already) said goodbye to my family via chat.”

The Hamas fighter kept on asking for money and cellphone and searched the room for more valuables.

“Hine hine lakakat akol bevakasha (Here take all sir, please),” she told the Hamas thief in Hebrew, handing over her wallet.

The money in her wallet was worth NIS 1,500 (around P20,000), her savings, which she planned to bring back to the Philippines. She was supposed to fly home last October 9.

“I told him, ‘Lo lakakat darkon sheli ve kartis shelli adoni ani isrika ze bseder?’ [Don’t take my cards and passport sir. I need them, ok?],” she recalled.

After taking her money, the Hamas intruder left the room.

Camille, who was keeping her head down and a step behind him, still managed to say, “Toda raba adoni [Thank you, sir!].”

“And I jump[ed] to Nitza crying and shaking so much and Nitza squeezing my hands back to relax me and hugging each other back,” she wrote.

She said it was “miracle” that she and her ward survived, as she thanked God for saving them. https://m.facebook.com/story. php?story_fbid=pfbid02grtoMmZ 8As8BxefSbXQnXfVG9NWbeBsLN 8W51E8na89xkfTVLFk6sghpFRQ7 h1Dtl&id=100014013194145&mib extid=Nif5oz Ambassador Fluss said Jesalva exemplifies the care and dedication Filipino caregivers to their Israeli employers even in the face of terror and death.

“This is an amazing story of heroism of a Filipina [who] was able to save her employer. I think it’s important for us to recognize and to really appreciate and to say thank you to her,” he said in an online news conference.

CCAP pushes environment-friendly innovations in credit card industry

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) stressed the need for innovations that would make the credit card industry more sustainable amid the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers.

In the 43rd Anniversary of the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP), BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said credit cards create 15,000 metric tons of waste annually. These products eventually find their way to various landfills.

Fonacier said over 3 billion plastic payment cards are shipped globally every year given that the average lifespan of every card is three years.

Each credit card contains 5 grams of plastic leading to thousands in tons of plastic waste.

“This unfortunate situation, however, can be turned into an opportunity. For its part, the BSP continues to implement initiatives aimed at reducing climate and environmental risk through the Sustainable Central Banking [SCB] program,” Fonacier said.

“BSP strives to create a policy f ra mework t h at encou rages t he adoption and expansion of sustainable finance. The SCB highlights the BSP’s responsibilities as an enabler, mobilizer, and viewer in promoting sustainability goals with a common goal towards reducing the carbon footprint in the industry and can introduce reforms to reduce, reuse and recycle credit cards,” she added.

Fonacier said one of the recent innovations to reduce plastic waste from credit cards is MasterCard’s decision to remove PVC plastics from payment cards on its network by 2028.

This was announced by MasterCard in April 2023.

However, the BSP official said more needs to be done in order to ensure a more sustainable future for future generations.

Another element to consider is the rise of eco conscious consumers who prefer sustainable payment option. This growing segment highlights the need towards creating a more sustainable future for the next generation.

Meanwhile, the CC A P for um, which carried the theme “The Future of Payments: Credit Cards and

Beyond,” featured presentations of global payment industry leaders American Express, Mastercard, UnionPay, and Visa.

“The theme encompasses the use of credit cards, as we discover and mold its future in various forms and modes, how it will continue to help digitalize the payment landscape of our country, and how it helps in our journey towards having a financially inclusive Philippines—with credit card as a financial product that is and can be made available to all Filipinos, for cashless and cardless payments,” said CCAP President Rolando Ebreo in his closing remarks.

CCAP Chairperson Ma. Magdalena Surtida said the local credit card industry expects to see the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies that will enable issuers to make data analysis on consumer spending habits and demographics, as well as detect and prevent fraud.

She said the association, comprised of 17 major credit card players in the Philippines, also expects the following trends in the coming years: n Increasing use of mobile applications for doing credit card transactions and credit card account management to promote self-service, “enabling our cardholders to have more control over one’s credit card account.” n More “tokenization,” or the conversion of sensitive data into tokens, to deter fraud as well as to deliver a more seamless credit card payment journey with merchants while enjoying personalized services.

“For 2024 and beyond, we expect to harness the power of AI and other new technologies to help us further in fraud detection,” Surtida said.

To pursue its mission to educate cardholders on responsible credit management, protect them against u n aut hor i z e d t r a n s ac t ion s a nd scams, and increase their awareness on credit card features and benefits, CCAP has been expanding the audience reach of its intensified campaign.

CCAP’s Facebook page now has 43,000 followers, in addition to collaborating with the BSP on PisoLit, its platform for the digital, and social media-based financial education advocacy. Cai U. Ordinario

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$698-M ‘hot money’ exits PHL in September–BSP

By Cai U. Ordinario

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@caiordinario

OT money or foreign investments registered with the central bank in September, through Authorized Agent Banks (AABs), recorded its highest level of outflows in almost three years.

Based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), portfolio investments recorded $698 million in net outflows in September—the highest since the $1-billion net outflows recorded in May 2020.

With this, foreign investments registered with the BSP, through AABs,

also recorded net outflows worth $387 million in January to September.

“The recorded net outflows were a reversal of the net inflows posted in August 2023 amounting to $153 million,” BSP said. “[In January to September, these] were a reversal compared to the $222 million net inflows

noted for the same period last year.”

The data showed gross outf lows in September increased to $1.59 billion, $326 million or 25.9 percent more than the gross outf lows worth $1.3 billion in September 2022.

The registered investments in September 2023 were lower than the $892 million recorded in September 2022 or by $4 million or 0.5 percent.

During the month, 52.1 percent of registered investments were in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities worth $462 million. Most of these were investments made in banks; holding firms; property; food, beverage and tobacco; and utilities companies.

BSP data said the remaining were in Peso government securities worth $425 million and accounted for 47.9 percent of the total investments.

“Investments for the month mostly came from the United Kingdom, Singapore, United States, Luxembourg and Switzerland with combined share to total at 88.5 percent,” BSP said.

The BSP said the registration of inward foreign investments delegated to AABs by the BSP is optional under the rules on foreign exchange (FX) transactions.

It is required only if the investor or its representative will purchase FX from AABs and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment.

Without such registration, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on its investment, but the FX will have to be sourced outside the banking system.

Regular passenger traffic seen at Naia for long ‘Undas’ break

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

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HE Manila International Airpor t Authority (MIAA) is projecting regular passenger flows through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), with the long “Undas” break spreading out departures and arrivals.

In a news briefing Thursday, MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said, “We are expecting an average of 120,000 to 130,000 passengers or a total of 1.2 million passengers for the 10-day period starting Friday, October 27. We do not expect any significant surge in terms of the number of passengers we’re processing daily, maybe just 8-10 percent [higher] at the most, but those are tolerable limits.... It’s like having a weekend compared to a weekday... comparable to the last Holy Week.”

In terms of resolving possible choke points, Co said there are now 44 Immigration counters at Naia Terminal 3, up from 29 at the start of the year, which he said have been adequately complemented by Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel.

Separately, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told the BusinessMirror the agency is well

prepared for the departures and arrivals during the Undas break. “We have assigned new immigration officers at the airport, as well as prepared augmentation action teams and mobile counters, ready for deployment as needed.”

Poor bookings in Boracay

FOR its part, Cebu Pacific said some 432,000 passengers are flying to domestic destinations from October 26 to November 6, while international passengers are around 163,000.

But airline spokesperson Carmina Reyes pointed out that “more capacity is also offered for domestic [routes]. In terms of seat-load factors, they are roughly the same at 73 percent.”

Boracay Island, however, won’t be benefiting as much from the long Undas break. According to Boracay Foundation Inc. president Dindo Salazar, resorts are reporting low occupancies for the upcoming break.

“We’re always ready for an influx of tourists, but they are still minimal, especially foreign tourists. As such, room rates are not yet on the pre-pandemic level as we still cater mostly to locals/domestic travelers.”

He said this was “unusual” for this period, but theorizes, “Domestic travelers haven’t booked in advance because they are now more into international travel. They

already supported domestic travel last year.”

He noted that the high domestic airfare may be one of the hindrances to getting more bookings for the Undas break. As early as two months ago, this reporter found round trip airfare either from Manila or Clark to Caticlan, ranged from P8,000 to P12,000 per person (inclusive of 10-kg luggage).

Where Pinoys are going

VIAJANTES Travel & Tours Services General Manager Marlene Dado Jante, confirmed that Filipinos have found it cheaper to take their Undas break abroad, instead of traveling locally. For instance, her client, a medical company bringing 35 staff on an incentive tour to Bangkok from November 2 to 5, will be paying $699 (P39,843) per person. This includes airfare, hotel stay, transfers, and tours, she stressed. In comparison, she cited a seaside 5-star hotel charging P15,000 per night during the period.

According to CEB, Bangkok is one of their top international destinations this holiday, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, and Seoul.

“I wish our hotels offer value-for-money rates so they can book more,”said Jante, former president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association Inc.

Staycations for many

IN nearby Tagaytay, the picture is not so pretty for Taal Vista Hotel, according to Peggy Angeles, executive vice president of the SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. “We are not running choc-abloc unlike other long weekends. This is because of the on-and-off news regarding Taal Volcano.

Hopefully, there will be a last-minute pickup [in bookings],” she said.

Fortunately, the story is better for its Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu. “Occupancy running pretty good on books from October 28 ‘til November 1. Not fully booked though. There are still a few rooms left from October 28 to 31.

A bit more rooms on November 1,” she added.

She noted that even during other long breaks or holidays, guests usually just book a two- to three-day stay at the hotel.

Meanwhile, AyalaLand Hotels & Resorts Corp. President Javier D. Hernandez said: “Seda Hotels [are] fully equipped to welcome a surge of staycation tourists during the upcoming long weekend. We have proactively prepared our staff, enhanced our amenities, and managed inventory to guarantee a quality experience for our guests who choose to stay at our properties.

Our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every guest has a memorable and enjoyable stay.”

DENR eyeing to build biodiversity research facility on Pag-asa Island

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HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is aiming to establish a “modest” research facility on Pag-asa Island in the remote town of Kalayaan, Palawan next year.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga recently visited Pag-asa Island, some 500 kilometers off Puerto Princesa.

Pag-asa is the biggest of the islands in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), which is within the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The DENR chief said putting up a biodiversity research facility in the area is part of the DENR’s move to start accounting for the country’s natural wealth and measure the country’s treasure to rev up the so-called blue economy.

The team from the UPMSI included Dr. Fernando Siringan, Dr. Jose Fernando Alcantara, and Dr. Rolando Tolentino.

Yu l o - Loy z a g a s a i d t h e p l a n n e d construction of a research facility aims to institutionalize the presence of the DENR in the biodiversity-rich region. The extensive research to be conducted in the region will be done partnership with the UPMSI. “We are planning to build other facilities in the east, north. We were in Pag-asa as you know, we are also exploring our blue economy, because it is not just the green economy now,” said Loyzaga, who also noted that the region is rich in biodiversity and an important fishing ground, as well as spawning ground of commercially-viable fish.

Without elaborating, the DENR chief said several research facilities will be established next year in other remote islands but the facility on Pag-asa Island will be up and running by next year. Jonathan L. Mayuga

‘Eventful trip’

YULO-LOYZ AGA narrated the trip via Philippine Air Force aircraft and later a trip around the islands via sea, together with a team from the University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) was “eventful,” recalling an encounter with several Chinese vessels along the way.

Chinese vessels communicated their usual warning to which members of the Western Command of the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) responded with a canned response, said DENR Undersecretary for Organizational Transformation and Human Resources Augusto Dela Pena, a former AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, who proudly said military personnel deployed in the area are brave soldiers who remain steadfast in protecting the country’s territory.

ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga arrives at the Rancudo Airfield in Pag-Asa Island where she is met by Western Command Commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Philippine Navy troops and Kalayaan Mayor Roberto Del Mundo. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

During her visit, Yulo-Loyzaga was met

by Kalayaan Mayor Roberto del Mundo and briefly discussed various initiatives, such as how to bring water supply to residents, boost community resiliency, and working together to protect the ecosystem in Kalayaan.

Joining Yulo-Loyzaga and Dela Peña in traveling to Pag-asa were Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Undersecretary

for Field Operations-Luzon, Visayas and Environment Juan Miguel Cuna, Environmental Management Bureau Director Gilbert Gonzales, Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Marcial Amaro Jr,. and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Executive Director Teodoro Matta.

Incidentally, the UPMSI marine scientists were also on the island to conduct research in the area.

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US Republican senators ask Biden to hike support to Philippines after WPS incident

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome and Rex Anthony Naval

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HREE United States Republican senators urged President Biden to increase support to the Philippines following two incidents of collision between Philippines and China vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This came a day after Biden warned China against making “dangerous and unlawful” maneuvers in the South China Sea (SCS), stressing that it has an “iron-clad” commitment to help the Philippines when attacked in the disputed territory.

GOP Senators Roger Wicker (Mississippi), Marco Rubio (Florida) and Jim Risch (Idaho) wrote a letter to Biden, saying China is “testing the credibility” of Biden’s commitments.

“Your administration has repeatedly stated that an attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces— including those of its Coast Guard in the South China Sea—would invoke the US mutual defense commitments...China’s actions are testing the credibility and value of these commitments, and we must respond with strength,” the senators wrote.

Defense chiefs reaffirm MDT vow

MEANWHILE, the Philippines and US

defense establishments reiterated their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in wake of the October 22 incidents wherein two Filipino ships on a routine resupply mission were deliberately hit and damaged by aggressively maneuvering Chinese ships.

“The Secretaries reaffirmed that the MDT extends to both countries’ public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—to include the Coast Guard—anywhere in the Pacific to include the South China Sea (SCS),” the joint statement read.

This took place following a telephone conference between Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Friday.

“S ecretar y Austin reinforced US support for the Philippines following the PRC [People’s Republic of China] Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous obstruction of a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal [Ayungin Shoal] on October 22,” the Philippine and US joint statement read.

Th e t wo a l s o d i s c u s s e d C h i n a’s “dangerous and unlawful maneuvers that caused collisions with Philippine resupply and Coast Guard ships” and put the safety of Filipino crew members and their vessels at risk.

‘Scorecard’

THE senators listed a number of harassment the Chinese Coast Guard and its maritime militia have been consistently doing against Philippine naval assets in the WPS since August 2023.

These incidents include deploying water cannons and issuing threats to intercept supply vessels that provide food and other provisions for Filipino soldiers stationed at BRP Sierra Madre atop Ayungin Shoal.

Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef, located 121 nautical miles west of Palawan island and inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone. A contingent of Philippine Marine soldiers are deployed there, guarding the 50-year old BRP Sierra Madre, which was intentionally grounded to prevent China from occupying it.

“China is on the verge of willfully triggering a humanitarian crisis by blocking the resupply of the BRP Sierra Madre. Its actions will eventually starve Filipino sailors on the vessel. China’s main purpose, of course, is to force the Philippines to abandon Second Thomas Shoal and take de facto control of this territorial feature,” the lawmakers said.

They added: “Doing so would expand further its unlawful maritime claims—just as Beijing did with Scarborough Shoal over a decade ago. Each new claim of maritime sovereignty gives China another platform to

PNP goes on ‘full Navy’s most potent assets take part in Zambales coast live-fire exercise alert’ for BSKE

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HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday announced that the entire PNP will be on “full alert” starting today, Saturday, for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Monday.

Around 187,600 policemen will be deployed for the BSKE, which falls on October 30 this year, he added.

But PNP regional commanders can start deployment much earlier depending on prevailing peace and order situation in their region, Acorda said.

“Our message to the public is clear: Election Day will remain under our control, and we will not tolerate any disruptions or threats to the peaceful exercise of your right to vote. We urge the public to cooperate and report any irregularities or security concerns,” the PNP chief said.

Acorda also urged the public to adhere to the law and avoid vote-buying and vote-selling and to immediately report such activities to authorities.

Since the start of the election period last August 28, Acorda said the PNP has conducted intensified checkpoint operations supervised by local Comelec officers where a total of 1,430 firearms were seized from 1,880 arrested gun ban violators as of Friday. Rex Anthony Naval

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HE Philippine Navy’s (PN) two most potent naval assets, the missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and a Spike-ER armed multipurpose attack craft (MPAC) demonstrated their firepower during Thursday’s live-fire exercise.

This took place in the vicinity of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales, Philippine

Fleet spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said in a statement Friday.

The live firing, gunnery exercise of the two frigates and the MPAC’s successful launch of a Spike-ER surface-to-surface missile is part of “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which is scheduled for October 23 to 27.

“Live fire exercises are essential for the sailors to build confidence, improve under-

Go urges citizens to prioritize health, proper hygiene as typhoid cases rise

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ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go urged Filipinos to be more vigilant and prioritize their health by observing proper hygiene in the wake of an alarming increase in typhoid cases across the country.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), at least 17,531 cases of typhoid have been recorded this year.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, expressed his concern for the growing number of typhoid cases and called upon the Filipino people to take immediate action to protect their health and that of their loved ones.

Typhoid fever is a highly contagious

bacterial infection that primarily spreads through contaminated food and water.

Its symptoms, which include high fever, abdominal pain, and severe weakness, can be severe and even life threatening if left untreated. Therefore, the recent increase in cases is a cause for significant concern, stressed Go. According to the most recent disease surveillance report from DOH, there has been a 38 percent increase in reported cases of the disease from January 1 to September 30 compared to the same period last year, with 12,693 cases.

The Cordillera Administrative Region

hold allied territory [and US military assets] at greater risk.”

According to Fox News, the senators urged President Biden to provide a “comprehensive overview of strategies to bolster the Philippine mission concerning the grounded sentinel ship BRP Sierra Madre.”

If the Biden administration fails to take action, “potentially,” China would be emboldened further to make “adverse actions,” they argued.

Last Wednesday, a bipartisan group from the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee also welcomed plans by the Biden administration for the US to increase patrols with the Philippines and other allies in the disputed territory.

AFP modernization

TEODORO and Austin also committed to redouble efforts to strengthen bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Also, the US defense chief reiterated that his commitment to the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific is ironclad.

“The Secretaries commended recent bilateral military cooperation, including the bilateral sail last month off the coast of Palawan, and committed to increase the pace and scope of US-Philippines engagements. The S ecretaries look forward to meeting in person in Jakarta on the margins of the upcoming Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting [ADMM]-Plus,” the joint statement added. standing, and fine tune the proper execution of these lethal capabilities,” Badidles said.

He added the successful conduct of these major training activities fulfilled the overall objectives of “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which is to optimize the utilization of assets and equipment, train personnel, and develop tactics and procedures, ensuring success in the area of operations.

“It further aims to validate the organizational structure, concepts of operations, and published doctrines in addressing the current and future scenarios in the operational areas,” Badidles noted. Rex Anthony Naval (CAR) reported the highest number of cases at 2,861 followed by Northern Mindanao with 1,932 cases, and Mimaropa Region (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) with 1,413 cases.

Cases in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) increased by 119 percent from 512 cases to 1,123.

Central Luzon saw the most significant increase in cases, with a 192 percent increase from 334 cases last year to 975 cases this year.

“Typhoid fever is a preventable disease, and it is disheartening to see the numbers continue to rise,” Go said, adding “We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to our health. It is our responsibility to stay informed and practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of this disease.”

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

PHL drops China railway deals, seeks other funders

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HE Philippines will no longer pursue Chinese loans to fund three railway projects valued at more than $5 billion and has started discussions with other Asian countries for alternative financing deals.

“We saw that China appeared to be no longer interested, so we’ll look for other partners,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in an interview at his office in Manila on Friday.

China had agreed to fund three railway projects located outside the Philippine capital during the administration of President R. Rodrigo Duterte who sought closer ties with Beijing. The government of his successor, President R. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reviewed the deals due to lack of progress from the Chinese side.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno last month notified Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian in a letter that Manila “is no longer inclined to pursue” Chinese financing for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project, a 100-kilometer transport system that would traverse Duterte’s southern home region of Davao and which the government had valued at P81.7 billion ($1.4 billion).

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Bautista said the finance department will also send a formal notification to “terminate” the funding for the P50-billion Subic-Clark freight railway, which links two former US military bases turned commercial zones, and a proposed long-haul commuter railway in

the southern part of the main Luzon Island valued at P175.3 billion, according to an official list of projects as of May 2021.

Turning to other financing options may delay the projects that are critical to the Southeast Asian nation’s infrastructure push to spur its economy. They are among projects initially listed for completion as early as this year.

There are “at least two Asian countries” that are interested in the Subic-Clark and long-haul railway projects, Bautista said, declining to name them because discussions are still preliminary.

The government is also considering funding the three projects or partnering with multilateral lenders and private companies, he added.

The decision to scrap Chinese loans comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between Manila and Beijing in the disputed South China Sea. Matters came to a boil last weekend when boats from the two countries collided on two separate occasions as the Philippines attempted to resupply a World War II-era ship it has used to reinforce its territorial claims.

Bautista would not attribute the stalled Chinese loan agreements to the geopolitical tensions. “Even before these tensions started, the discussions weren’t progressing,” he said, adding he would still welcome Chinese financing for other infrastructure projects.

“There are a lot of projects that they can support if they want to,” Bautista said.

Bloomberg News

PBBM calls for eco-friendly practices amid expected tourist surge in Siargao

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RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for the adoption of ecofriendly policies in Siargao, which is being promoted as a prime surfing destination, as the island braces for an expected tourism influx.

In his speech read by his son, William Vincent Marcos, for the 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup on Wednesday, the Chief Executive stressed the importance for local government unit (LGU) in the island to implement sustainable tourism practices.

“As we embark on this new chapter, I enjoin ever yone to promote sur fing and adopt eco-friendly practices that will help us protect and conser ve our environment,” he said.

Siargao has experienced resurgence as a tourist site after the pandemic and the impact of super typhoon “Odette” (international code name: Rai) in 2021.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported the island welcomed 14,404 visitors for the first semester of the year.

The number of tourists in Siargao is expected to increase before the end of

the year as it hosted the 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup held at Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island this month.

The government wants to further boost tourism in Siargao by improving its infrastructure and “gateway access,” which includes the New Siargao Airport Development Project.

To h e l p a cco m m o d ate S i a rg a o’s increasing tourists, it launched “Training on Homestay Pilipinas Program,” which trained residential owners on the island in hosting tourists.

There are also efforts by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to boost the island’s resilience against climaterelated hazards and natural disasters in Odette-hit towns.

Marcos also assured his administration would continue to help in the development of Siargao.

“Our government remains staunch in its commitment to supporting Siargao Island in your efforts to achieve economic recovery and sustainable development,” he said. Samuel P. Medenilla

www.businessmirror.com.ph

OurTime BusinessMirror

Muntinlupa leads the way for early voting in BSK poll

By Roderick Abad Contributor

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has chosen Muntinlupa as a pilot location to try its early voting project for vulnerable sectors come the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) elections on October 30.

“We welcome this initiative by the Comelec to test new ways in the voting process especially to help persons with disabilities [PWDs], senior citizens, and pregnant women—those who are recognized as especially vulnerable—and make the voting process easier and more accessible for them,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Under the early voting scheme, PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women will be allowed to vote in their registered voting centers from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., per Muntinlupa City Election Officer Atty. Kimberly Joy Alzate-Cu. This is to prioritize the city’s vulnerable sectors in the suffrage process and to help them avoid the queue of voters during the regular voting

hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To avail themselves of early voting, members of the vulnerable sectors must be enrolled in the voting center’s Accessible Polling Precinct (APP), which is situated nearest to the voting center’s entrance. It has its own voting machine and other materials and personnel to assist the voters.

If not enrolled, they may still vote in the center’s Emergency Accessible Polling Precinct. It serves an alternative temporary precinct where vulnerable voters may cast their vote.

Unlike in the APP, the voter’s ballot will be fetched from their regular precinct by support staff.

The privilege is also extended to companions of the PWD, senior citizen, or pregnant voter. They may vote during the early polling hours, as long as they are registered in the same voting center as the individual they are assisting.

Alzate-Cu urged all registered voters, vulnerable or otherwise, to use their right of suffrage by participating in the BSK polls and contribute to the selection of their community’s next set of leaders.

Taytay’s ‘viral’ chieftain vows to continue elderly care and other community projects

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By Alexander Lopez

UTUAN CITY—Members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) admitted to giving donations to the group out of their stipends from the different programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

This was discovered during the validation on the reported surrender of cash aid and other social welfare benefits such as senior citizen’s pension to the SBSI, the group in Surigao del Norte island town of Socorro that has been accused of abuse and cultlike activities.

“At least three senior citizens already confirmed giving donations to the SBSI during the series of validation activities that we made after this issue was raised in the Senate,” Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of the Protective Services Division of the agency in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13), said in a press conference on Thursday.

Aranas said the donations, which the members describe as voluntary, range from P20 to P1,000.

Aranas said the donations are improper since these were appropriated by the government for a specific purpose. The purpose for the stipends given to indigent senior citizens, for instance, is defined in Republic Act

11916 or the Act of Increasing the Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens.

“It is intended to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of indigent senior citizens,” Aranas said.

Almira Rebucar, the Social Welfare Officer IV of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the region, said at least 14 4Ps beneficiaries who were former members of SBSI confirmed giving their government aid to SBSI leaders.

Validation activities are ongoing in the area, she said, to determine the extent of how the DSWD grants were used by beneficiaries.

Welfare of families, child

Meanwhile, Aranas said eight minors from the SBSI were put under the custody of the municipality of Socorro and the DSWD before the investigation by the Senate last month on the alleged child abuse and exploitation.

By Nick Tayag

Frank Luster “Kap Buboy” Santos, chairman of Barangay Muzon 1 in Taytay, Rizal, talks to his senior constituents during his regular meeting with them once a month, where he also listens to their concerns.

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cially our senior citizens,” Kap Buboy said in a recent virtual media interview.

Though a first-termer, he was able to bring Barangay Muzon 1 to the limelight with his unique emergency response even prior to the government’s imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in March 2020. This was when their team was bracing to give raw meat and vegetables to the residents, which earned praises from many observers.

“We didn’t expect that the lockdown would last that long, and we know that the morale of our ka-barangays is slowly deteriorating. To boost their mood, we thought of a new way to provide them relief, and this was through the distribution of fresh meat and vegetables from a local farm here in Luzon. I didn’t expect it to make a buzz, but I’m glad that it inspired other barangays in the country to do the same,” he recalled.

Such simple yet newsworthy and viral act has set a benchmark for local governance not only in neighboring communities in the province but also all over the country.

His other notable programs include digitalization of the barangay records, livelihood, peace and order, safety inspection of infrastructures, strengthening of the healthcare system, among others.

“Apart from medicines, ambulance and rescue vehicles, we also have 10 oxygen tanks to lend,” Kap Buboy said, referring to the life support system for needy patients like senior citizens.

These transformative programs, he promised, will keep on bringing a positive change to Barangay Muzon 1 if he is given a chance to get reelected in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30.

“I hope to continue these programs, along with many more projects we have started together,” he said. Roderick L. Abad

A5

Members admit donating senior citizen’s and 4Ps stipends to SBSI

I can learn from this

HILE government services and privileges for the elderly are rolled out in every city and municipality down to the community level, Barangay Muzon 1 in Taytay, Rizal goes the extra mile in so far as serving the senior citizens are concerned.

This “small but able” village is “agedfriendly”—thanks to the dedicated leadership of its chieftain, Frank Luster Santos. “Kap Buboy” to his constituents, he has a big heart when it comes to geriatric residents.

Proof of which are the manifold services the village government has constantly extended to the elderly since he assumed the chairmanship post in 2018.

These include the annual gift giving for seniors—on top of the cash gift they receive from the municipal government every year.

Every time they ask for support to their events and other gatherings, Kap Buboy never fails to give assistance to them. In fact, the chieftain holds a meeting with them at least once a month so as to accommodate all their requests.

In terms of public works projects, parks and playground projects for senior citizens and children are included in Barangay Muzon 1’s top initiatives. A simple exercise machine made of steel is installed here, mainly for the elderly.

What’s more, they are always a priority on all transactions in the community. This holds true when Covid-19 hit in 2019.

“Since the pandemic served as a wakeup call to many Filipinos, especially to the national government, health has remained a top priority for everyone, and our barangay is one of them. As soon as we were able to establish a safe and secure system among our barangay, we were able to tap volunteers from the health sector to look out for our ka-barangays, espe-

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, October 28, 2023

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

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here’s this one unforgettable day when one officemate had everyone excited as he came to the office and slowly unboxed his expensive new model laptop. Then just as he was about to turn it on, he suddenly paused. Hold on, he said, he had to have his mug of coffee first. We poor eager onlookers were left holding our breath.

Then as he began demonstrating the wonders of his new toy, his wildly gesticulating hands acc ident a lly tipped the mug over and the hot coffee spilled on the sparkling object of our collective desire. The combined sound of “ooops” was so loud it must have been heard all over the city. Show over.

As we all limped back to our individual desks, one guy said: “That’s a good lesson for us.” What lesson?

I asked. He pantomimed reading a book and wryly intoned: “Confucius say, a cup of coffee and a laptop do not go well together.” To which I said: “I can learn from this.”

“I can learn from this” can be a personal mantra to always keep in mind, similar to “memento mori” or “make haste slowly,” which are my other guiding mantras.

We’ve all made mistakes in our life. But the beautiful thing is that we can always change, grow, and get

better from our mistakes and flaws.

As someone said: “A mistake is a valuable thing—you can’t learn anything from being perfect.”

Sadly, some people are not capable of self-reflection and learning from experiences, bad or good, personal or vicarious. In fact, old geezers would say, I’m too old to learn. Everything there is to learn I already know.

At my age, what else is there to learn?

But age has nothing to do with it. In reality, there’s a big boulder hindering some of us from learning, blocking the path to being a better person. Call it pride, or arrogance, or supreme self-esteem.

We’ve encountered these types of individuals and we’ve even invented various acronyms to label them. KIA (Know It All.) IKB (I Know Better.)

NIH (Not Invented Here.)

Are you a KIA or IKB? Then you’ll never grow as a person. You won’t have that inner airbag to help soften the impact of unexpected twists of fate that prevents you from breaking into pieces.

On the other hand, do you have an accepting nature and flexibility of mind? Do you have the humbleness of spirit to own up to your mistakes and acknowledge that other people may be better than you? Do you have the grace to yield to circumstances and

Jessie Catherine Aranas (left), chief of the Protective Services Division of DSWD in the Caraga Region, in a press conference on October 19, 2023, in Butuan City, says validation is still ongoing on the reported giving of social benefits to the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. At least three senior citizens and 14 beneficiaries of 4Ps program confirmed giving donations to the SBSI out of the stipends they received from DSWD. PNA photo by Alexander Lopez

Of the eight, one was returned to his mother based on a court order issued in Surigao del Norte while another one left without permission.

“During the Senate hearing last month, the six remaining minors were put under the custody of the DSWD in the central office. A recent order from the Department of Justice indicated that the three female minors must be put under the custody of the DSWD-13,” Aranas said.

She said the other three male minors are still under the custody of Socorro municipality with the supervision of social workers coming from the DSWD-13.

On Thursday afternoon, Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with the top officials of Surigao del Norte and the town of Socorro, as well as the other government line agencies.

In a statement Friday, the DSWD-

13 said the inter-agency meeting aims to find immediate solutions to safeguard the well-being of families and individuals, especially the children, at the SBSI site in Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering, Socorro town.

“The meeting explored possible options for further interventions and the provision of the DSWD programs and services to the members of the SBSI,” the agency said.

Gatchalian underscored the importance of psychological interventions and the need to meet with experts on child protection as among the immediate moves undertaken for the children and families at the SBSI. Gatchalian also urged the LGUs concerned and the other agencies to help resolve “the issue collaboratively, with efforts made to bring back governance in the area.” PNA

situations beyond your control or as the prayer goes: “The serenity to accept the things I cannot change?”

Your response to these questions matters because life will constantly surprise you with good as well as painful experiences. They are in fact gifts of little epiphanies you must welcome. There is no sense in complaining about how things are, or crying over what might have been. When you lose or fail, take it, bear the painful sting and learn to do it better next time, or pursue another way. You’ll become a more enriched person.

Many times, in my experience, losing or failing turns out to be for the better. So just wait for the next bend further down the road.

Mistakes and failures are not the only sources of learning. Expanding your learning perspective will prove that you can always pick something valuable from your everyday life. Train yourself to be a keen observer of human nature.

Develop that ability to draw useful lessons from what you see, what you watch, what you read, what you hear and what you encounter.

I’ve cultivated friendships with gardeners, electricians, master carpenters, auto mechanics on one hand, and also became friends with successful decision makers. Most of them love to talk and by just earnestly listening to them, I’ve gathered mini life lessons as well as nuggets of new and old truths.

My wife is blessed with the skill to coax life stories straight out of the mouths of strangers. After each visit to her cardiologist’s clinic, she relates the ups and downs in the lives of her fellow patients who happen to sit beside her while waiting. I avidly listen and put them in my memory bank as raw materials for my various writings.

I have my phone’s digital notepad within reach when I watch movies and documentaries. One never knows, for the god of serendipity can appear at any moment.

Occasionally, there is a payoff, such as an obscure information I could use while writing an article, a possible title for an event I’m working on, or a scene that inspires an idea for an ad poster or a film and similar other creative pickings. This is especially useful when I’m being frustrated by writer’s block.

You can also learn from the wrong kind of people. Remember the saying that even a broken clock is right twice a day? From time to time, people who are habitual liars or unreliable 99 percent of the time can say the right thing. Was it the German polymath Gottfried Leibniz who said, “I would walk 20 kilometers to listen to my worst enemy if I could learn something.”

Having a more expansive spirit and an all-embracing understanding of human fallibility, you will be more inclined to be considerate of other people when they make mistakes or when they fail to meet your expectations. You will find yourself more willing to give them another chance, as long as they own up to their errors and are willing to change.

Even if you attain success, it doesn’t mean you should stop learning. One lesson from the past to remember: success never lasts.

The prospect of failure is always a reality. Put to heart the factors that have contributed to your success.

These lessons will prove valuable because the next time you fail, you know how to fail better.

There’s an old Filipino saying: “Walang masamang tinapay...” (No offered bread is bad). When you are hungry for fresh new learnings to make you a better person or to share with others, then you will always take what life offers you, the good as well as the bad, the delightful as well as the painful.

So, if in the future you happen to spill coffee on your laptop while working...just calm down and say under your breath: I can learn from this.

A6 Saturday, October 28, 2023

Education BusinessMirror

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Future Filipino global leaders recognized at 2023 Jakarta Int’l Model United Nations

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HE prestigious Jakarta International Model United Nations (JMUN) recently gathered diplomacy and governance students for an enriching experience.

A simu lation of UN conferences, JMUN—the largest international model of the United Nations in Indonesia—offered the opportunity for global negotiations and diplomacy for the next generation of diplomats.

Delegates took on the roles of country representatives or news agencies to discuss pressing relevant issues. They joined in council sessions and debates, wrote position papers, and proposed resolutions to world problems.

The participants were assigned to various committees such as the UN Security Council; UN Educational, Social, and Cultural Organization (Unesco); UN Environment Programme (UNEP); and UN Correspondents Association (UNCA). Other

embodied entities were the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, Asean, and the Historical Crisis Committee (HCC).

Over 200 learners from Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Cuba, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, and Uzbekistan attended the hybrid forum.

Those from the Consular and Diplomatic Affairs, Diplomacy and International Affairs, plus the Governance and Public Affairs Programs of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, comprised the Filipino team.

Among the outstanding delegates, Tala

FILIPINO students from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance recreate the ‘Asean handshake.’

Barcena—who represented the United Arab Emirates—earned the “Best Position Paper Award” in the UNEP. Jewel Vargas and Hanna Dizon, who

spoke for the Kingdom of Spain and the Indonesian historical figure and activist Soetan Goenoeng, were hailed as honorable mentions in UNEP and HCC, respectively.

Deirdre Abibas and Cole Casem, who stood for the US in the Asean, plus Yehan Nolledo for the Agence France-Presse in the UNCA, as well as Bianca Diaz for the Republic of Indonesia in the Unesco, likewise received “Verbal Commendations.”

Other members of the Philippine delegation included Marie Alcoriza, John Michael Almaden, Julian Binalla, Bryana Calimag, Cyril Carandan, Mae Claveron, Keziah Cuison, Nathaniel De Jesus, Abraham Dizon, and Nico Mata.

The roster was completed by Justine Mendoza, Kyla Mendoza, Elijah Mercado, Reimund Navarro, Joven Reyes, Maria Roxas, Riana Sison, Frances Toyocan, Lanz Vaswani, and Gwyrdeth Villacarlos.

Program chairpersons Catherine Dee Samaniego and Maricel Fernandez-Carag accompanied and provided guidance.

Samaniego shared that the students had intense training such as in-depth research and technical writing, and even underwent public-speaking drills: “It broadened and deepened their appreciation of the challenges that stakeholders must address in order to create a path toward a sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive future.”

Filipino students much sought after US universities, colleges join to fill up Canadian labor-force gap Cebu’s EducationUSA Fair T I

By Roderick L. Abad

NTERNATIONAL learners from the Philippines are highly in-demand to study in Canada to help ease the latter’s growing human-capital requirements.

“There [are lots of jobs available, and there’s a labor shortage in the market, that] is why we’re welcoming Filipino students to come and fill-in those gaps in different industries,” Global University Systems’ (GUS) vice president of International Student Recruitment Bryan Vythilingum told reporters during the GUS Canada Agent Appreciation Night held recently.

As of March 2023, more than 800,000 positions in Canada have been vacant, according to GUS Global Recruitment director Aneta Sobotka. She said that “for Filipino students coming to Canada, the opportunities are immense for them to find employment as soon as they graduate.”

“And one of the main routes to get off to Canada is a study visa,” added GUS director of International Student Recruitment Stephen Carleton.

To help them pursue a Canadian education, the subsidiary of GUS in Canada offers world-class tertiary education through its partner-universities, colleges, public-private partnerships, and a language school across the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

These include University Canada-West, University of Niagara Falls-Canada, Canadian College of Technology and Business, Toronto School of Management, Trebas Institute, Niagara College-Toronto, and Fleming College Toronto.

Currently, more than 32,000 students are taking up diploma, graduate certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs offered by the said academic institutions.

“We believe in a higher quality of education. Obviously, we are constantly expanding our program portfolio,” GUS Canada Colleges Division president Ehsan Safdari shared.

End-to-end support

ACCORDING to Safdari, the Philippines is one of the key markets of immigration and studies in Canada. In fact, more than halfa-million Filipinos are now based there.

“GUS is dedicated to providing higher education to all of the students, including those from the Philippines,” he said. “We support the students at every step along their journey: from the moment they submit an application, all the way to postgraduation.”

GUS Canada’s end-to-end student support services include study permit process-

GUS Canada officials brief members of the Philippine media

ing, pre-departure orientation, housing assistance, financial management, employment preparation and interview-skills development, as well as industry-networking opportunities.

While Canada has one of the lowest tuition fees in the common English-speaking countries, GUS’s unit there still provides a full range of academic merit scholarships for international students with excellent scholastic standing and bursaries for diversity.

“We’re one of the most affordable choices for students when they come to Canada and, especially with the quality of education, we provide their career outcomes; we provide a meaningful life,” Carleton said.

The GUS director pointed out that Filipinos are very fit to study in Canada because of their hard work, intelligence, excellent command of English, and adaptability.

“We love the diversity Filipinos bring,” he pointed out. “We love the way they adapt to the culture, to the environment, and how much more they give back. These are exactly what Canada is looking for [now].”

“In our institutions, for the Philippines and across the world, we have the highest visa-success rate [and] highest retention rate of students who join our institutions.

They never drop,” Safdari said, as he cited that global student-graduates are eligible for one to three years of postgraduate work permit to stay in Canada.

“And we have the highest graduation rate,” the GUS official added. “Our [performances] are better than the public institutions at the moment in Canada.”

As of last September, close to 1,000 students from the Philippines have been enrolled to all GUS Canada partner-schools for Academic Year 2023-2024.

“Over the next 12 months, we’re hoping

to target more than 3,000 new students from the Philippines to come to our institutions,” Safdari bared to the BusinessMirror in a sideline interview.

Course-wise, he shared that MBA is one of the most popular programs for Filipino international students, as well as the business-diploma programs through their public and private college partnerships.

Addressing health-care labor gap

GIVEN the constant strong demand for health-care staff in the North American country, the GUS Canada Colleges Division president added that they have just introduced the “Personal Support Worker” program.

“There’s a huge labor-shortage [for health-care workers] in Canada. We just opened our first cohort last September, and we already have over 50 students from the Philippines studying in that program,” Safdari shared. “We’re expecting…around 400 students…for this program next year to be enrolled and studying in Canada.”

For almost 20 years, GUS has been the Philippines’s trusted partner for global higher education. Its Canadian subsidiary has been operating locally through its nearly 200 educational-partner agents.

“The Philippines is a huge ally of Canada.

It might not be our biggest market, but it’s one of our key markets, because it fits very well with where [our country] needs to go, with the labor-market shortage that we’re seeing, with the discussions that we’re having with the government, and how dedicated and hard working the students from the Philippines are,” the GUS official further remarked. “We are hoping to be working together with the government officials, regulators, educational partners and hopefully, make it one of our biggest markets.”

WENTY-THREE colleges and universities from the United States participated in the fourth EducationUSA University Fair at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on October 12 and offered relevant information for Filipinos interested in pursuing higher education in the US. Organized by the US Embassy in the Philippines and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation, the EducationUSA University Fair provided the venue for students, parents, and school administrators to learn more about the US universityand college-admissions process, as they explored academic programs offered by participating US higher education institutions (HEIs).

Representatives from scholarship organizations also provided information on financial-assistance options, while US Embassy consular officers will offer guidance on the student visa-application process.

The following US colleges and universities took part in the fourth edition of the EducationUSA Fair in Cebu: Arizona State University (Kaplan International Pathways USA), California State University-San Bernardino, Cascadia College, Clark College, College of Southern Nevada, Green River Community, Kent State University, Lewis University, Merrimack College, Moraine Valley Community College, New York Institute of Technology, Riverside City College, Savannah College of Art and Design, SUNY College at Albany, SUNY College at

Plattsburgh, The University of TennesseeChattanooga, Troy University, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, University of San Francisco, University of Utah-Asia Campus, Valencia College, Xavier University, Yale University (School of the Environment), and York College of Pennsylvania.

Before arriving in Cebu, the EducationUSA Fair made its first stop in Manila on October 10.

“A US education opens many doors for students and professionals to enhance their skills, experience a diversity of cultures, and benefit from quality programs offered

by US [HEIs],” Deputy Chief of Mission Y. Robert Ewing of the US Embassy said. “We are excited to [have organized this year’s EducationUSA Fair once again in Manila and Cebu and invited] young Filipinos to expand their horizons and explore the different opportunities that a global education in the United States has to offer.”

On average, 3,000 Filipinos travel to study in the US each year.

EducationUSA is a US Department of State network of over 430 global studentadvising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. It promotes US higher education to students worldwide offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about educational opportunities at accredited postsecondary institutions. For more information, follow EducationUSAPhilippines on Facebook.

Mapúa opens applications for Acad. Year 2024-2025

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HE Philippines’s premier engineering and technological school Mapúa University announced the opening of its college and senior-high school (SHS) applications for Academic Year (AY) 2024-2025 on October 9.

A leading university in Asia and among the elite top-6 percent in the world, Mapúa is known for its excellent programs in engineering, information technology, and architecture which boast cutting-edge curricula recognized locally and globally.

To provide education opportunities for more students, the 98-year-old institution also offers programs in media studies, physical sciences, data science, business, and health sciences, in collaboration with Arizona State University.

Mapúa is also a pioneer in digital education, with its wide offering of fully online undergraduate and graduate programs that enhances accessibility for a

broader range of students.

Applicants for AY 2024-2025 can begin their Mapúa journey by visiting admissions.mapua.edu.ph and taking the Mapúa Program Placement Assessment (MPASS)—the one-of-a-kind standardized assessment tool of the university designed to measure a student’s cognitive and academic development. It is a holistic way for the university to review applicants, and a helpful tool for aspiring Mapúans to comprehensively identify the SHS strand or college program to take.

New enrollees may choose which program to enroll in based on their assessment score that matches the program profile. Through Mapúa’s own learning-management platform and digital resources, MPASS may be taken by applicants anytime, anywhere.

For application inquiries, visit bit. ly/3rqIrQE, e-mail admissions@mapua. edu.ph, or call (02) 8247-5000.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan

Saturday, October 28, 2023 A7

BEYOND LANDSCAPES AND CUISINES

Why Malaysia is now a gateway to world class healthcare and education

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Story by John Eiron R. Francisco Photos by Aldwin M. Tolosa

alaysia, often known for its stunning landscapes, towering skyscrapers, and delectable local cuisine, is now emerging as an ideal place for travelers seeking top-quality services in the fields of education and healthcare.

There’s much more to this Southeast Asian gem than meets the eye.

It has quickly risen as a hub for medical tourism, boasting stateof-the-art medical facilities and highly skilled healthcare professionals, drawing patients from across the globe.

What distinguishes Malaysia is not just the quality of medical care that rivals international standards but also its affordability, rendering elective surgeries and cuttingedge treatments accessible to a diverse array of global travelers.

In 2022, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) witnessed a remarkable resurgence in medical tourism, with 850,000 healthcare travelers.

MHTC supervises 97 Member Facilities accredited by international bodies, focusing on specialties such as cardiology, fertility, cancer care, wellness screenings, and dental treatments.

Beyond healthcare, Malaysia offers a holistic approach, allowing medical tourists to experience the country beyond hospital walls, with dedicated immigration lanes, welcoming airport services, and comprehensive medical travel packages.

Medical Excellence

Two prominent healthcare institutions, Sunway Medical Center

from emergency care to health screenings and rehabilitation.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur is also a preferred hospital by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has expanded its clinical research efforts, hosting 26 active trials in various medical fields.

Exceptional Education

(SMC) and Pantai Hospital, stand as exemplars of world-class care, equipped with advanced technologies and seamless travel arrangements.

Established in November 1999, SMC, Malaysia’s largest quaternary and regional tertiary care private hospital, comprises 29 centers of excellence, 724 beds, over 300 specialists, and 60 medical specialties, providing a comprehensive range of medical and

surgical solutions.

SMC is particularly renowned for its expertise in cancer care, robotic-assisted surgery, organ transplants, and various other specialties.

It annually serves over half a million patients, including more than 60,000 international patients from 170 countries.

Its strategic location in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur offers easy access to amenities and tourist at-

filiations with renowned universities worldwide.

Leading the way are institutions like the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) and Sunway University.

With the latter offering dual degree opportunities in various disciplines through its collaboration with Lancaster University in the UK. These institutions, coupled with Malaysia’s diverse culture and cost-effectiveness, create a unique blend of quality services, cultural immersion, and affordability.

The widespread use of English facilitates interaction among foreign students.

Malaysia’s commitment to delivering quality services in the healthcare and education sectors complements its already outstanding tourism offerings, establishing it as a distinctive destination catering to all facets of life and leisure.

Whether you’re drawn to Malaysia for its breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, towering skyscrapers, delectable cuisine, or top-notch healthcare and educational prospects, this diverse country stands as the ultimate destination, offering an all-encompassing experience.

Malaysia embodies a symbol of opportunity and holistic experiences for all who explore its wonders.

tractions, creating a complete destination for healthcare and leisure.

With a history spanning over 45 years and 11 hospitals spread across Malaysia, Pantai Hospital is a trusted name in healthcare, offering a wide spectrum of healthcare services accredited by prestigious bodies like Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH).

The hospital’s offerings extend

Malaysia is emerging as a preferred destination for international students, including Filipinos, seeking quality education.

With over 160 private higher education institutions and 20 public universities, Malaysia presents a rich tapestry of academic opportunities, ranging from undergraduate programs to postgraduate studies.

In 2022, applications from Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Philippines, witnessed a significant increase, with popular programs encompassing Mobility and Exchange programs, Business and Administration, Health, and Journalism and Information programs.

Malaysia’s proximity to the Philippines makes it convenient for students to travel during semester breaks.

The student visa application process is relatively easy and quick, assuring quality education from Malaysian institutions with many of them having international af-

Crisanta Marlene "Krisma" Rodriguez, Department of Tourism Regional Director of Region VI

fifth from the right is Frolibar Bautista, Mayor of Malay, Krisma Rodriguez, and Cleofe Albiso, Chairman of Boracay MICE Alliance together with the rest of the leaders of Boracay from both the local and private sectors.

BORACAY BOUNCES BACK

Embracing green and smart tourism Story by John Eiron R. Francisco

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ourism Region VI Western Visayas and Malay Local Government Unit views the importance of collaboration on tourism promotions, as Boracay makes a comeback post-pandemic, solidifying its position as a premier tropical getaway and a global toptier beach destination.

“Preserve what we have and restore what we’ve lost,” a statement from Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista emphasizing its commitment to sustainability, environmental preservation, and green investments.

Boracay is not only ideal for leisure travelers but is rapidly gaining recognition as a prime MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.

“We would really want to be able to foster the relationship among stakeholders,” Chairman of Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA) Cleofe Albiso said, emphasizing the need to create a holistic and enriching experience for MICE attendees while preserving the island’s natural beauty.

Malay LGU officials like Cleofe expressed her excitement about the positive start after the pandemic, focusing on initiatives such as green and smart tourism.

The idea of green and smart tourism is supported and strengthened by the Mayor’s executive order, further enhancing the island’s cleanup activities, particularly emphasizing underwater and coastal cleanup.

Harmonizing responsible tourism

During the Malay tourism week celebration, the LGU awarded the High Five (5) Boracay Song Writing Competition winners.

With almost 50 entries from all over the country and a month-long online voting period last August 2023.

Cleofe shared that when conceptualizing the High Five Boracay, “we wanted everyone to be part of a bigger cause and that is to protect the Boracay and continue what the community has started since the closure.”

Adding that “those that have not been here for so long, when they come, they’re really awed by the change.”

In the local initiative of High Five Boracay, the LGU is not just attracting tourists but it’s about creating an environment where tourists become responsible stewards.

This community-based approach extends to residents and visitors alike, encouraging everyone to participate in the daily 5 o’clock cleanup initiative, which is now complemented by a specially composed song.

“We just want to complement it with something that’s worth enjoying when they’ve had the entire day under the sun and enjoying the beach and amenities of Boracay,” said Albiso, highlighting that the LGU wants to cap it off with a daily habit.

According to the LGU, this initiative promotes environmental responsibility and has already extended to local writers and composers who have created songs to inspire residents and tourists alike to keep Boracay clean.

Bautista acknowledged the importance of responsible tourism, stating, “the success of Boracay is not only for one person but for everybody. It’s inclusive.”

He also highlighted that “I’m very strict with implementation. Kasi, kailangan mo ang disiplina. So, we want a disciplined island, Boracay.”

Thriving TREs and Dining Scene

Meanwhile, Vice-Chairperson Compliance Association of Boracay Virgilio Sacdalan highlighted the island’s vibrant nightlife scene, indicating that it has surpassed its pre-pandemic glory.

“We’re back even better than pre-pandemic in terms of our nightlife,” Sacdalan said as it offers a wide array of experiences that cater to tourists’ desires and interests, ranging from relaxation to partying, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

As this tropical paradise continues to draw visitors from around the globe, DOT Region VI Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez shared some remarkable figures about the current state of accredited tourism establishments (TREs).

As of the latest count, Boracay boasts a total of 412 TREs, offering a diverse range of choices for travelers.

The breakdown reveals, 70 resorts, 30 hotels, and the highest number, 307 mabuhay accommodations.

Additionally, five apartment hotels are DOT accredited, ensuring a range of options for tourists seeking a comfortable stay.

In the culinary scene, Boracay has also made significant strides, accrediting 22 restaurants as secondary tourism establishments.

It is the collaborative efforts between the DOT, the LGU and the Malay Tourism Office, all of whom are striving to encourage more restaurants and related establishments to join the accredited ranks.

When it comes to accommodations, Boracay does not disappoint, offering a grand total of 7,402 rooms in resorts, 2,920 in ho-

ated with Sampaguita, such as love, honor, dignity, and healing.

This real estate embraces sampaguita flowers as its emblem to support sustainable tourism, hospitality, and agriculture.

They are confident that visitors can enjoy immersive, sensory-rich encounters anchored with sampaguita flowers.

New horizon of tourism

Winners of the High 5 Boracay Song Writing Competition - Simon Moses Almira, Finalist, Daenniel Fernandez, Grand Winner, Jamie Roy, Finalist

tels, 3,628 in mabuhay accommodations, and 351 in apartment hotels scattered across the island.

The island’s dedication to elevating its tourism scene is further reflected in the overall count of accredited TREs. When combined with the secondary tourism establishments, Boracay now proudly boasts 583 accredited establishments in total.

The DOT Regional in partnership with local authorities aim to continue this positive trend, “We hope to be able to encourage

more businesses to be accredited with DOT,” Rodriguez said.

As part of the commitment to local investment and providing quality experience to the guests and tourists, Megaworld Corporation, one of the real estate development companies, has taken steps to embody the essence of Filipino hospitality by highlighting Sampaguita, the national flower.

Megaworld Hotels and Resorts engage all five senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste, aligning with the values associ-

Bautista expressed that they are actively exploring other opportunities within the local tourism sector, having recently introduced scuba diving activities.

He aims to include Boracay on the map of diving destinations, noting the island’s diverse diving spots.

“Madaming dives [spot] sa Boracay. Pero hindi siya naisama,” Bautista said.

The DOT is backing the Malay LGU in the promotion of Boracay as a sports tourism destination as numerous sports events have taken place on the island.

Adding to the wellness tourism in the island seeing that tourists and guests can do yoga on the beachfront with the background of sunrise and sunsets.

Malay LGU and partnered institutions expand its offerings to tourists in innovative and sustainable ways.

A8

BusinessMirror

Saturday, October 28, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Acer launches lifestyle brand in the Philippines

SUPERAPP chief commercial officer Tan Mai Yin

airasia Superapp wins big in intl travel awards

BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor TRUE to its vision to become the region’s leading onestop platform provider with the best value, airasia Superapp has been feted as “Asia’s Best Travel Booking App” at the World Travel Tech Awards 2023.

This recognition is a proof of the company’s effort to give its app users a seamless travel experience, according to airasia Superapp chief commercial officer Tan Mai Yin. “We are so happy to receive this award, only a few short years since we fully transformed into an OTA and travel platform. As an OTA, we have notable international carriers such as Etihad, ANA, Citilink, Bangkok Airways, Myanmar Airways International, Air Mauritius and more working directly with us, while our direct hotel inventory has also grown by 98 percent in the past year,” she said.

Such accolade comes at the heels of its recent win as “Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency (OTA)” at the World Travel Awards 2023. Both honors resulted from airasia Superapp’s maiden nominations in the respective categories.

To top it all, it also bagged other two awards: World’s Best Low-Cost Airline App and World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Website for the second consecutive year.

The World Travel Tech Awards, the sister event of the World Travel Award, is a yearly event that honors, rewards and celebrates excellence in travel technology. These two events are voted by industry experts and consumers worldwide.

Per World Travel Tech Awards director Mike Sawicki, airasia Superapp’s laurels are “a remarkable achievement, reflecting how the brand is setting the benchmark in online travel. The commitment of the entire team at airasia Superapp serves as an inspiration to us all.”

These citations are timely to the app’s upcoming brand refresh into airasia MOVE, which will take place by December.

“Our focus is on bringing an elevated and enhanced experience for our users with seamless access to travel and financial services from BigPay on one single platform. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us, and we are very excited about the future as we move forward,” Yin said.

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CERPURE, Acer’s lifestyle subsidiary, was launched during the pandemic to help people have well-ventilated homes with cleaner air.

But even before the pandemic, the company had been working with the Taiwan government to provide clean air for students in school.

“The air wasn’t so good and when children were in school, they needed to close the windows. But when they did that, they would feel dizzy after a few minutes. So we developed a ventilation fan that would suck the clean air from outside. But the air outside is also dirty most of the time so we installed an air monitor to detect air quality. If the air quality is bad, then the air purifier will turn on. When the carbon dioxide level is down, the ventilation fan will turn on.

But after a few minutes, the CO2 level will rise again so the air purifier will turn on again,” said Stanley Kao, Acerpure president who visited the Philippines recently to launch the brand.

Then, the pandemic happened.

“We thought about how our air purifiers could benefit consumers and help keep air in their homes healthy and clean. So we came out with our first product, called Acerpure Cool, an air purifier and circulator. At thE time, the CDC encouraged people to stay home and make sure that their homes have proper air ventilation and circulation. So we came out with products where the top is a circulator and the body is a purifier,” said Kao. This design concept of having a circulator on top and the purifier on the body of the products is actually ingenious because it saves space and is aesthetically pleasing when we associate air purifiers and circulators with the words “large” and “spaceconsuming.”

“As a lifestyle home appliance brand, we think that we fit perfectly in the Philippine market where there are a lot of condominium and homeowners who do not have space for too many appliances,” said Kao. “Our appliances are small and can save space. But they are powerful and can be at par with the performance of the bigger and bulkier appliances.”

“Acerpure’s mission is to provide technological innovations that can resolve various consumer concerns. We want to create an Acerpure home ecosystem for consumers to live with ease and comfort,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines general manager. Acerpure introduced four products during its Philippine launch held at the Glorietta Activity Center.

Acerpure Cozy is an air circulator that projects

MICHELLE DEE will compete in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador next month (left). Acerpure president Stanley Kao was present during the launch of the lifestyle brand at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. PHOTOS FROM ACERPURE AND SPARKLE GMA ARTIST CENTER FOR MICHELLE DEE

air up to 15 meters away, completely circulating the air five times per hour to every corner of the home.

It has 3D Airflow Technology for a greater range and more concentrated airflow than a standard fan for improved indoor air circulation. Acerpure Cozy also eliminates uncomfortable temperature differences within the home so you can save on your power bills.

Kao explained that Acerpure Cozy is better than a regular fan because it can bring the air farther than the usual eight or 10 meters of normal fans. Another unique feature is that the circulator turns left and right and also up and down. It works with the air conditioner to bring cold air to every corner of the home.

Acerpure Cool is an air circulator and an air purifier with a 4-in-1 HEPA filter that eliminates bacteria, allergens, and pollutants to make the air healthier and fresher.

Acerpure Clean V1 is quieter and more effortless to use as compared with other vacuum cleaners.

It is light, convenient, and powerful. It has a 1.5kg ultralight and cordless body, visual battery life with a running time of 60 minutes on a full charge, different modes for different cleaning usages, an electric power brush with hair-free technology, and four built-in LED lights. Its lighter version, the Acerpure Clean V1 lite, is super lightweight at 550g with 13000Pa suction pressure power and a maximum of 15 minutes of cleaning time.

For more details about Acerpure products, visit Acerpure’s official Facebook page (@AcerpurePH) or the official website (www.acer.com).

MICHELLE DEE TAKES ON THE UNIVERSE

MISS Universe Philippines Michelle Dee is a legacy, meaning her mother Melanie Marquez was also a beauty queen. If you’re wondering why Michelle walks that way and acts like that on the runway, you

should polish up on your pageant history.

Marquez, the country’s second Miss International, was known for her dramatic glide on the pageant circuit runway and this glide was Dee’s inspiration for her snake walk when she competed in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 tilt.

“The inspiration was really my mother. My trainer Ian Mendajar and I were conceptualizing the walk and really trying to personalize my choreography. We had always aspired to integrate my mom as an inspiration throughout my journey and we felt like this was the right moment,” said the 28-year-old Michelle.

Years ago, Marquez visited the newsroom of my former paper with a very young Michelle in tow.

I remember thinking that she could be a model someday. It turns out that she would indeed take the same path as her mom.

“May we continue to break boundaries and change stereotypes,” said Dee in an Instagram post where she shared a picture of herself with very short hair.

Dee takes to heart a lesson her family taught her: To always walk life full of gratitude, love, and kindness.

“We could think of no better woman to proudly bear the flag at this year’s Miss Universe pageant than Michelle,” said PLDT Inc. Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. “She is smart with her confidence and authentic with her advocacies. We at PLDT fully stand beside her. We have no doubt that she will be one of the strongest queens in the field, and that she will go very far.”

Pangilinan met Dee and the other Miss Universe Philippines queens at a PLDT and Smart exclusive meet-and-greet with executives and employees at Ramon Cojuangco Building in Makati City recently.

Dee will compete in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, to be held at the National Gymnasium in San Salvador, El Salvador, on November 18. ■

PHL needs cloud computing and data centers to beef up tech capabilities

BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES SCOTT SELLERS, president and CEO of Azul

AS the Philippines gears toward becoming a major force in the digital economy, it will need vital platforms and infrastructure such as cloud computing and data centers to boost its capability.

Citing research firm Statista, Azul Systems Inc vice president for Asia Pacific Dean Vaughan told reporters in a recent press briefing that the Philippine cloud market is expected to grow beyond $1 billion this year and reach almost $2.28 billion in 2028. “Being a cloud-first country, the Philippines is big on data centers and the growth of the gig economy in the Philippines is going to boost it further,” Vaughan told reporters in a press briefing held in Pasig City.

“The Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia excluding Thailand are banking on cloud computing because they want to optimize the value of the cloud-based applications,” Vaughan added.

Scott Sellers, president, CEO and co-founder of Azul, said the Sunnyvale, California-based company sees a lot of opportunities in the Philippines through the introduction of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) software stressing it would enable local enterprise organizations to reduce cloud

computing costs through the introduction of the Azul Platform Prime. He added that Azul Platform Prime will allow Azul customers to boost cloud utilization thresholds and in turn reduce the number of cloud compute instances.

On average, Sellers said Azul customers have been able to save 50 percent on their cloud using Azul Platform Prime.

Sellers assured that Azul can provide the best-of-both worlds technologies because it provides agility and cost reduction, and help if not narrow the gap. With its chief rival Oracle Corp. implementing a hefty price increase in cloud computing operations, Sellers emphasized that Azul could grab a bigger share both in the local and foreign markets.

“We are seeing an increasing demand for Azul’s solutions

across the region struggling with out-of-control Java support costs and their cloud continues to rise. We are excited by the market opportunity to present Java as an alternative to the Philippines,” said Vaughan.

Meanwhile, major global leader in power management Eaton expressed bullishness on the local data center market pointing out it is expected to reach $535 million by 2026.

“Digital transformation, the growing dependence on cloud-based services, and the expansion of the digital economy have been driving the market’s growth, and the pandemic has further accelerated the urgency for resilient digital infrastructure,” Howard Kung, country general manager of Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL, Co. Ltd. told reporters in a recent press briefing in Mandaluyong

City.

“We have seen telecommunications companies and real estate players investing in the construction of new data centers, with some exceeding 100 MW in capacity. The presence and interest of hyperscale data center operators such as AWS and Microsoft also indicate the Philippines as an attractive location for large-scale data center investments.”

While the data center market in the Philippines is poised for growth, Kung said the need for a stable power supply remains a critical challenge in the country. He said uninterrupted power is critical to the continuous operation of data centers, as any interruption can have significant consequences, including financial loss and data loss.

To manage these risks, he said data center operators must invest in robust backup power solutions and carefully evaluate the reliability of the local power grid. In addition, as environmental concerns and energy costs continue to rise, Kung added data centers have an incentive to explore sustainable and efficient power solutions to ensure their long-term viability.

“Eaton’s strategy is to ultimately address these pain points for data center customers in the Philippines, and we have the technology and expertise to do so,” he said.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

MUCH-ANTICIPATED LAUNCH OF OPPO FIND N3 FLIP COMING SOON

LEADING global smart device brand OPPO debuted the OPPO Find N2 Flip to much fanfare to the global market late last year, and its successor is coming to elevate the standard in flip phone technology.

OPPO is soon unveiling the OPPO Find N3 Flip in the Philippines as the newest foldable smartphone, which features major upgrades such as more versatile cover screen functionality, a more premium build, industry-first triple camera system with astounding Hasselblad imaging technology, industry-leading fast charging and battery and smooth powerful performance.

The highlight of the newest OPPO foldable phone is the cover screen display, which introduces a host of more functional enhancements. The cover screen will allow users to access and use multiple apps, without having to unfold their smartphone.

The improved cover screen can accommodate more popular apps, including third-party apps like Gmail, Spotify, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Google Maps. So, whether you need to scroll through your social media timelines, check a map, switch tracks, or write a quick email, it’s all just a tap away on the cover screen.

This dynamic screen also presents users with quick toggles and simultaneously accommodates up to six notifications. The OPPO Find N3 Flip takes personalization to the next level with over 20 screen styles you can customize, direct cover widgets to add for applications such as Messages, Camera, Battery, Recorder, Timer, and To-dos.

It also enhances the user experience by introducing a fresh animated weather wallpaper and a corresponding Always-On Display (AOD) that provides real-time information.

It improves accessibility by enabling users to pin three widgets or apps directly onto the cover screen wallpaper, offering swift and convenient access with just a tap.

The OPPO Find N3 Flip exudes premium sophistication with its glass and metal construction, creating a sleek and comfortable design. Its curved form offers a visual appeal and a borderless in-hand experience, making it a pleasure to grip and hold. Two captivating colors will be made available in the Philippines: Cream Gold and Sleek Black.

The OPPO Find N3 Flip is the first flip smartphone in the market to have a triple camera system, integrating a more powerful wide angle camera and telephoto camera. Its Hasselblad-powered camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with IMX890 Sony sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide camera with 115-degree field of view; and a 32MP telephoto portrait camera with RGBW IMX709 sensor.

Taking selfies with the OPPO Find N3 Flip is now made more convenient and versatile. Thanks to the cover screen doubling as a rear camera viewfinder, there’s no need to unlock the device for that perfect shot. When you unfold the OPPO Find N3 Flip and switch to the main display, it’s like hitting the camera magic button. Making a comeback is FlexForm Mode, which enables your camera to spring to life, with the preview taking over the top half of the screen, and your camera controls setup accessible in the lower half. It’s the ultimate setup for capturing steady and stylish results at any angle.

The OPPO Find N3 Flip takes care of your daily needs with a long-lasting 4,300 mAh battery, freeing you from the inconvenience of constantly seeking a charger. The device also features the industry-leading 44W SUPERVOOC fast charging.

More information is available at www.oppo.com.ph or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Saturday, October 28, 2023

JBL Authentics: The Sound of ‘Newstalgia’ Y

OU know you’ve reached a certain age when you start using the phrase “Back in the good old days” a lot more often than you realize.

That yearning for a simpler past when things seemed brighter and more straightforward.

But what if those cherished moments of yesteryear could be seamlessly interwoven with the vibrancy and innovation of today?

Have you ever heard of the term “newstalgia”?

According to the Urban Dictionary, newstalgia is defined as “something new that harks back to something old.” And it’s a term that’s been gaining a lot of popularity because of the “feels” it invokes.

This is not mere nostalgia, where we look back with rose-tinted glasses, idealizing the past. Instead, “newstalgia” propels us forward by drawing upon the past—offering a soothing embrace of familiar memories while injecting them with a fresh, modern spirit. It’s a desire to experience something that strikes a chord of familiarity yet simultaneously feels new and exciting.

With the state of the world and constant streams of unsettling headlines, newstalgia offers a psychosomatic comfort blanket, a temporary escape to when problems seemed distant or nonexistent.

However, instead of a complete retreat, there’s an infusion of the modern. Brands, artists and creators rework history with culturally contextual modifications, striking a harmonious balance between the classic and contemporary. This powerful blend of old and new provides a grounding sense of continuity, reminding us of our roots while equipping us for the future.

And for a brand that’s been part of music history such as JBL, it was just a matter of time before the classics gets reimagined.

In the 1970s, JBL unveiled the L100 Loudspeaker, capturing the imaginations of audiophiles everywhere and quickly ascending to the status of the ultimate fantasy speaker for teenagers. Over time, it solidified its position as one of the bestselling loudspeakers in JBL’s storied history, garnering widespread acclaim for its exceptional sound quality, tailored perfectly for rock music, and its distinctive waffle-shaped grille.

■ RETRO LOOK, MODERN SOUND: This year, JBL breathes new life into its iconic JBL L100 speakers with the latest in sound innovation while keeping the retro designs intact. Inspired by products of decades past, the JBL Authentics Speaker range carries JBL’s heritage and unique 1970s design elements—the Quadrex grille pattern, premium aluminum frame, and custom leather-like enclosure. This distinctive retro finish complements the 20th century aesthetics, a statement of one’s bold taste and style.

Launched via a 1970s-themed disco party held at the Cove Manila in Okada, JBL took guests on

an audio trip back memory lane with video vignettes, dance and performances from one of today’s most popular bands Lola Amour, and legendary OPM band VST and Co. “The heritage of our brands has always been important to us, and the JBL Authentics range delivers on audio quality, unique design and unmatched features,” said Grace Koh, vice president and general manager of Consumer Audio at HARMAN AsiaPacific. “We live in an era where ‘newstalgia’ is in great demand. The JBL Authentics range draws from our iconic past with its retro design while delivering the superior sound and technology that our customers expect. Innovations such as Dolby Atmos and simultaneous voice assistants meet the retro and reimagined Quadrex grille design in a speaker range that defines the future of audio.”

The Authentics range comes in three variations: the JBL Authentics 500, the most feature-packed in the series offering with Dolby Atmos music performance for an immersive room-filling sound; the JBL Authentics 300 is the most portable and comes with a convenient metal handle and built-in eight-hour battery so users can take superior sound in any room they go; and the compact JBL Authentics 200 can fill any space with powerful well-balanced stereo sound thanks to its 1” tweeters, full-range 5” woofers and downfiring 6” passive radiator balanced sound, amazing clarity and deep bass.

The Authentics series lets the whole family enjoy music streaming services via built-in WiFi in stunning high definition, or stream music through AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music (MRM), Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect for smart listening and zero interruptions. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa may also be accessed simultaneously, giving listeners the most freedom and convenience to control more smart home devices and play from more music streaming services hands-free. It boasts seamless Bluetooth pairing and intuitive controls via the JBL One app.

As part of JBL’s environmentally conscious manufacturing commitment, the series were made in part with 100 percent recycled fabric, 85 percent recycled plastics and 50 percent aluminum, and comes in a FSC-certified carton box printed with soy ink.

■ JBL SPINNER BT TURNTABLE: With the growing popularity of vinyl records among the youth, another vintage audio device that is also making a comeback is the turntable.

The JBL Spinner BT turntable features a vibrant design and elegant finish that consists of an aluminum platter and tonearm, black MDF plinth with JBL orange or gold accents, a contemporary front panel, and a hinged dust cover that makes the unit an aesthetically pleasing sight.

It produces a smooth, distortion-free sound driven by a belt drive and motor with an optical sensor underneath. The die

cast aluminum platter ensures records are played perfectly in time at 33⅓ rpm for albums, or 45 rpm for EPs and singles. The black MDF plinth enhances sound tonality for an uncompromised sound of records.

During the event JBL also announced fresh sets of audio innovations such as wireless headphones line, open ear headphones and party box soon to drop in the local market.

The JBL Live 670NC and 770NC headphones deliver powerful JBL Signature Sound in a comfortable on-ear and over-ear headband style, respectively.

Both let users enjoy 65 hours of music streaming, plus a 5-minute speed charge that gets them going for another four hours.

A new flex is the JBL Soundgear Sense, true wireless open-ear headphones with intuitive touch controls and four voice mics, featuring JBL OpenSound Technology with air conduction that make a comfortable wear for hours. It has a detachable neckband that provides an even more secure fit, and an IP54 rating means that sweat or even a light rainfall will be no issue for on-the-go audiophiles.

Lastly, JBL introduced its loudest speaker ever: the PartyBox Ultimate which could take you to another level of partying. It provides superior Original JBL Pro Sound that’s also boosted with an immersive Dolby Atmos experience over Wi-Fi. It flaunts captivating starry lights, cool light trails and strobe effects that all move in sync with the beat. Most importantly, it is also loud enough to cover two basketball courts as a pair of 9-inch subwoofers provide thunderous bass that you can feel from anywhere in the room, perfect for reunions and gatherings.

Give in to the retro-hype and newstalgia with JBL’s Authentics range, and the new Spinner BT timetable, fusing timeless heritage designs with the best of modern audio technologies, bringing a sound that never goes out of style. For more information and to get your hands on the newest JBL Authentics Speaker range and Spinner BT www.jbl.com.ph ■ Turntable visit www.jbl.com.ph.

A9

Sports BusinessMirror

A10 Saturday, October 28, 2023

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HEELCHAIR racer Jerrold Pete Mangliwan came charging down the last 30 meters and slipped past erstwhile leader Ueyonabaru Hirota of Japan to complete a thrilling come-frombehind gold medal victory in the men’s 400-meter T52 finals of the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, on Friday.

After making his move at the halfway mark, Mangliwan, racing in Lane 6, ran second entering the homestretch and was neck-and-neck with Hirota before nosing out the Japanese in a personal best time of one minute and 1.54 seconds.

The Japanese clocked 1:01.79 for the silver.

In a race witnessed by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and commissioner Walter Torres and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo , the Tokyo Paralympian delivered the country’s fourth gold medal and its first in athletics in the games.

The Tabuk (Kalinga) native also became the country’s third double medalist in HAngzhou after swimmer Ernie Gawilan and chess player Menandro Redor.

Mangliwan’s success also enabled the country to remain at No. 12 in the medal standings among 44 countries seeing action on the penultimate day of the competition.

“Coach Joel [Deriada] told me to just come out strong and trust my endurance,” said Mangliwan of the winning

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Tabuk pride Mangliwan wheels, wills way to gold strategy that also gave him a silver medal in the men’s 100-meter T52 race three days ago.

“I thank the Lord for this, I couldn’t ask for more,” said Mangliwan, who’s in his fourth Asian Para Games. “This gold’s not for me alone, but for the entire Team Philippines.”

He said that he was undaunted by the formidable Hirota, a bronze medalist in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, and another Japanese Ito Tatsuya, who won the men’s 100-meter T52 gold last Tuesday. Tatsuya settled for the bronze in 1:04.96.

Gawilan expressed hope Mangliwan’s victory would put para athletes on a par with their ablebodied counterparts.

“This will be the start that para athletes will be just equally recognized as their able-bodied counterparts,” he said.

Arman Dino clocked 55.45 seconds and finished seventh overall in the heats to advance to the final of the men’s 400-meter T47 finals Saturday.

After a fruitful outing in the standard event, Filipino para chess players resumed their medal hunt and were in the thick of the fight

for gold in three categories of the rapid event—both men and women Physically Impaired and B2-B3 men’s divisions.

Veteran Henry Roger Lopez, a silver medalist in men’s individual standard, shared top spot after four rounds with 3.5 points each with Iran’s Aski after both fought to a fighting draw in the fourth round of the men’s PI class.

Jasper Rom was in solo second spot with three points in the category after defeating Mongolia’s Sundui Sonom while Darry Bernardo, who bagged six gold in the Cambodia ASEAN Para Games, was a close second in the men’s B2-B3 class with 3.5 points after beating Gangolli Kishan.

Teammate Menandro Redor, who anchored a team and individual sweep of the standard event, was running a strong third with three points with a key win over Iranian Rashat Abadi Hamzeh Mosleh with two rounds to go.

JERROLD PETE MANGLIWAN is all adrenalin at the finish line. PSC MEDIA POOL

U

A

RELLANO University relied on Jade Talampas’s gamewinning three-pointer to stun San Beda, 74-72, to keep its flickering hope for the Final Four alive in National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 99 seniors basketball action Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The 23-year-old Talampas, a 6-foot-2 combo player, poured in 14 of his team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter, including the gamewinning triple, as the Chiefs snatched their second victory in 10 games.

Arellano University unleashed two big runs—first in the third quarter where it overhauled doubledigit deficits and the other late in the game—to complete the stunning fightback and deal San Beda its third defeat against seven wins.

After Talampas nailed the last of his three thunderous triples with five

U-Baguio bets in kickboxing deliver for Army in ROTC Games

QUEZON City University’s Kristel Grace Llenas connects against a taller teammate Pauline Gallardo.

Chiefs pull rug from under Red Lions seconds to go, the Chiefs held their ground as San Beda’s Filipino-Canadian neophyte Jomel Puno missed a potential overtime-forcing layup before the final buzzer.

When the smoke cleared, the Chiefs celebrated the giant-sized win as if they have won a championship while the Red Lions were stunned for letting what looked like a won game slip from their hands.

The Red Lions sputtered from solo second to a share of third spot with the idle Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates.

The Chiefs hounded San Beda’s leading scorer Jacob Cortez to his season-worse two points.

Ralph Yanes chipped in 11 points while team captain Danielle Mallari and Troy Valencia added 10 points apiece for the Chiefs.

The loss spoiled San Beda

Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (right) presents President Ferdinand R. Marcos a memorabilia from the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou during the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino” at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday. The memorabilia consists of 40 gold coins with the images of the 40 sports disciplines played in the Asian Games.

New name, new leaders, new beginning?

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NVERSITY of Baguio (UB) athletes contributed three and a Quezon City University bet added one to Army’s four gold medal-haul at the close of kickboxing competitions of the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps Games National Finals on Friday at the the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The gold-medal splurge in the combat sport cemented Army’s hold of the inaugural ROTC Games—a brainchild of Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino and supervised by the Philippine Sports Commission—featuring cadet athletes representing the three outfits of the Armed Forces of the Philippines— Army, Navy and Air Force.

Betty Mae Churping outclassed Air Force bet Camille Joy Sanchez in the 52-kg division and Kathleen Igualdo crushed fellow Army Angelie Musa of Sibugay Technical Institute to in the 56-kg class in the women’s division and Christopher Manipon beat Navy’s Jerome Negapatan in the 57-kg class in the men’s category as UB stamped its mark in the final staged at the Dacudao Covered Court.

Quezon City University’s Kristel Grace Llenas defeated a taller teammate Pauline Gallardo in the women’s 60-kg division to complete Army’s domination.

Air Force’s Ghen-Yan Berdon

Memorabilia for PBBM

wingman James Payosing’s career 20-point performance and beanpole Clifford Jopia’s 11-point, 18-rebound and three-block effort.

Ry de la Rosa delivered his best game yet this season as he powered Jose Rizal University (JRU) to an emphatic 79-72 victory over San Sebastian College to claim solo fourth place.

Sidelined most of the first round because of health issues, the sweetshooting team captain sizzled with a season-high 19 points he highlighted with six three-pointers that shoved the Heavy Bombers to their seventh win in 11 games.

The Kalentong-based school moved half a game closer to joint second placers San Beda and Lyceum of the Philippines University with 7-3 cards and just a game and a half behind No. 1 Mapua (8-2).

The Stags sdropped to 3-8.

(60 kgs) and Navy’s Klenov Belo Pacada (63.5 kgs) won the other kickboxing gold medals.

Berdon, a student from Nuevo Zamboanga College, booked a first-round knockout victory over Army’s Mark Christian Ursabia, while Pacada won on points over Air Force’s Lloyd Salva.

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University edged beat STI West Negros University, 2-1, to win for Philippine Navy the Call of Duty: Mobile gold medal of esports in the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps Games National Championships on Friday.

The gamer cadets from Iloilo City earlier beat Davao Del Norte State College and PATTS College of Aeronautics on similar 2-0 scores before defeating the Army representative in the final of the twoday online competition.

PATTS, representing Air Force, settled for the bronze medal after a 2-1 victory over Tanauan Institute Inc. LOOKS like James Harden is all packed up. AP

By Josef Ramos

HE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) General Assembly welcomed on Friday a new national sports association for aquatic sports—the Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI).

New name, new leaders. New beginning? “We’re excited to start reforming the aquatics community,” said PAI president Michael Vargas.

“We took a hard route to recognition so we’re expecting tougher routes ahead, it’s just the start.”

With Vargas at the PIA helm are secretary-general Rep. Eric Buhain and executive director Chito Rivera.

Buhain’s credentials are a nobrainer—many-time Southeast Asian Games champion, two-time Olympian, a former Philippine Sports Commission and Games and Amusements Board chairman.

He, too, knows how tough the task on their hands is.

“The journey for sure will be tough as we start it, but we will use the recognition given by the World Aquatics and the POC to motivate and inspire us to work harder to bring back the Philippines’ glorious days,” Buhain said.

The first district Congressman of Batangas City also thanked the entire swimming community for trusting them.

It’s tough just by looking at how Philippine swimming performed in the last two SEA Games and the recent Asian Games—in Hanoi last year it was 1-3-3 (gold-silver-bronze), Cambodia last May improved to 2-6-8

and but Filipino winners were flat in Hangzhou just last month.

PAI got the recognition at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque City after the POC Executive Board, headed by president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, unanimously voted on PAI’s recognition when just before the General Assembly.

Tolentino said the Executive Board acted positively on the recommendation of the POC Membership Committee, which received the final and most important criterion for regular membership— recognition from swimming’s international federation World Aquatics (formerly FINA).

“There’s a new NSA [national sports association] that is already recognized by the international federation World Aquatics,” said Tolentino referring to the PAI, whose top officials—president Mico Vargas, secretary-general Rep. Eric Buhain and executive director Chito Rivera— attended the assembly.

Forty-six regular NSA members of the POC ratified PAI’s recognition.

The PAI replaced the Philippine Swimming Inc., forerunner of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association, which lost its recognition from the IF. “It’s in the POC constitution that once there is a recognize federation by the IF, we have to recognize that automatically as well,” Tolentino said. “The removal of the PSI is due to the non-recognition of IF. An IF recognition is one crucial requirement for NSAs.”

NBA digs into facts behind Harden’s absence from 76ers’ televised opener

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ILWAUKEE—The Philadelphia 76ers went to Milwaukee without James Harden and the National Basketball Association (NBA) wants to know why.

The league, which strengthened its rules about resting healthy players this summer, is investigating the reasons behind Harden’s absence from the 76ers’ nationally televised season opener against the Bucks on Thursday night.

“We’re looking into the facts around James Harden’s availability tonight to determine whether an approved reason exists for his lack of participation,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement.

Harden wants to be traded and was away from the Sixers recently until returning this week.

Coach Nick Nurse said Wednesday that the point guard wouldn’t travel

with the team so he could work on rebuilding his conditioning with team staff members at the 76ers’ training facility.

TNT reported during the 76ers’ 118-117 loss that Harden had attempted to board the team plane to Milwaukee and was turned away.

Asked after the game whether that report was accurate, Nurse replied that “there was a report that he showed up for practice and we determined that he should stay back for conditioning.”

The player participation policy requires teams to demonstrate an approved reason for a star player to miss national TV games (such as Phoenix listing injuries for Devin Booker and Bradley Beal that had them missing the Suns’ visit to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night).

Teams could be fined $100,000 for their first violation of the policy. AP

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Saturday, October 28, 2023 A11

TWO MAJOR PEARLS FOR THE CITY OF BIÑAN City bags Best Tourism-Oriented LGU, Best Program for Culture and Arts awards

The City of Biñan is a constant annual awardee of the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards since 2018

BCHATO with DOT Regional Director Marites Castro

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

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HE City of Biñan has been popularly recognized as the trading center immediately south of Metro Manila. The city has the largest public market in the province of Laguna and in the CALABARZON Region. Retailers from nearby towns often plow the city proper to purchase goods and merchandise intended to be sold elsewhere.

Biñan City has also been the center of commerce in the region because of the numerous banking institutions across the city, plus the ever-growing number of commercial establishments and emerging shopping centers.

Over the years, Biñan City has evolved into a city that is not only known for culture and the arts but for tourism as well. It has even ad-

opted the tagline “Experience Biñan, the City of Life.” The city’s efforts to develop these fields over the years paid off as it won the Grand Champion Trophy for the much coveted Best Tourism-Oriented LGU Award category at the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards 2023 in Boracay. Additionally, the city was awarded back-to-back Grand Champion in the category Best Program for Culture and Arts Award.

The Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) – Department of Tourism Pearl Awards is an annual recognition program organized by ATOP. The Pearl Awards aim to honor and acknowledge exceptional achievements and innovations in tourism at the local government unit level in the Philippines.

The Pearl Awards recognizes the efforts of LGUs in promoting sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, implementing effective tourism programs and achieving significant milestones in tourism development. It serves as a platform to showcase best practices, innovative projects, and success stories that have made a positive impact on the tourism industry.

The awards also underscore DOT’s commitment to recognize and celebrate the remarkable efforts of LGUs in driving tourism growth, preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable tourism practices in the Philippines.

One of the main reasons why Biñan City has been reaping awards in tourism, arts and culture is the decision of the Biñan City govern-

BCHATO, together wtih the Tourism Officers League of Laguna, proudly receives the Best Tourism-Oriented LGU Award for the City of Biñan on October 5, 2023.

ment, under the leadership of Mayor Walfredo "Arman" R. Dimaguila Jr., and Vice Mayor Angelo "Gel" Alonte, to establish the Biñan City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Office (BCHATO) as the tourism and cultural affairs department of the City Government of Biñan and the designation of a permanent City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer in the person of Dr. Bryan Jayson Borja.

With its own budget, BCHATO is mandated to spearhead the development of tourism and cultural programs and projects for the city and manage the conservation, preservation, promotion and protection of Biñan’s heritage that is a dynamic element of the city’s growing tourism.

With an office like BCHATO in place, the City of Biñan launched in 2021 its 10-year City Tourism De-

cultural treasure of Biñan, aid in the monetary expenses to maintain these structures when funds are available and technical assistance for the protection, preservation and conservation of the structure,” Borja said.

Celebrations that have been observed for many years in the City of Biñan have not only added color to the city but have also won the city a number of awards. These local celebrations are the Araw ng Biñan and the Puto Latik Festival.

Araw ng Biñan is a three-day historical city-wide event held annually to commemorate the Cityhood anniversary of Biñan (February 2), the Liberation of Biñan from the Japanese Imperial Forces (February 3) and the Foundation Day Commemoration (February 4).

The Puto Latik Festival, on the other hand, is a vibrant and significant event that celebrates the cultures of the City of Biñan. It is celebrated for nine days from the feast day of the city’s patron saint San Isidro Labrador, which is on May 15 and ends with two other grand traditions: the Pistang Intsik and the Santacruzan on May 23.

The “puto” aspect of the festival signifies the product of Puto Biñan while the “latik” part of the festival name is indicative of Biñan’s native dance: the Maglalatik. The festival highlights include inter-barangay street dance competition, costume inter-barangay street dance, costume and land float competitions and the Puto Biñan Cook-off Challenge.

“The City of Biñan has become a benchmark for other municipalities and cities. We have been visited by Capanga of Benguet, Tigbuan of Iloilo, Barangay Alabang of Muntinlupa City, City of Muñoz of Nueva Ecija, City of Candon of Ilocos Sur, San Nicolas of Ilocos Norte, Calaca City in Batangas and

BCHATO Head Dr. BJ Borja and Biñan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila each hold the two major awards Biñan City won in this year's ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards - first time as Best Tourism-Oriented LGU and back-to-back as Best Program for Culture and the Arts.

velopment Plan which highlights the potential areas that can be developed over time. It also focused on the Biñanenses’ involvement in various activities.

“For the past two years, the city began to implement some of the development areas such as Lakefront, Pobacion, Sports and Recreation Tourism and Food Tourism. Major projects that are part of the development plan to preserve, conserve, rebuild the old town’s image and rebuild the landscape of the city complex were also implemented,” Borja said.

These include the Historic Alberto Mansion, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Biñan, Plaza Rizal, Los Maduros Bandstand, the century-old Rizal Monument and Diocesan Shrine of San Isidro Labrador de Biñan.

The City of Biñan also launched tri-media platforms to ensure the continuous dissemination of cultural, historical and artistic heritage information. Local publications such as the annual City of Life Magazine and brochures were distributed during education tours and benchmarking from other cities and municipalities.

The coffee table book titled “Pamana ng Buhay, The Living Heritage of Biñan,” which was the 1st runner-up for Best Tourism Publication at the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards 2022, was also published to memorialize the city’s effort to preserve and conserve its rich heritage.

“In addition to the inventory of cultural heritage properties in the city, the local government also spearheaded the stamping of declared local historical and heritage sites. All the declared heritage houses enjoy tax relief and other incentives from the City of Biñan such as exemption from paying annual real estate tax, promotion of the structure as a

San Fernando City in La Union, among many others,” Borja said.

The City of Biñan was recognized in 2018 and 2022 by the Provincial Government of Laguna as Most Tourism-Oriented LGU for the continuous promotion of the bountiful and colorful culture and products of the province.

Biñan’s culture and arts program “SINAG: The Establishment of Biñan City Centre for Performing Arts” was also recognized and awarded by ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards as champion for Best Program for Culture and the Arts in 2022.

In November last year, the City of Biñan’s “Balik-Biñan Project: Tourism Development through Heritage Conservation” was awarded

by Galing Pook as one of the Ten Outsatnding Local Governance Programs in the Philippines.

To strengthen the protection of all that the Biñan City Government has achieved, Laguna Rep. Marlyn "Len" Alonte-Naguiat and Senator Lito Lapid filed a proposed legisation in the House of Representatives and Senate declaring the Biñan Heritage District (Plaza Rizal-Gonzales Street-Ocampo Street) as National Historical-Cultural Heritage Zone.

“What the City of Biñan has achieved in the fields of tourism and culture and the arts has been truly amazing. We have come a long way from being a trading center south of Metro Manila. We will not rest on our laurels and we will continue to do our Biñanenses proud by keeping our arts and culture alive. In fact, we are on the final stages of crafting our 10-year Cultural Heritage Management and Development Plan,” said Mayor Arman.

For more information about Biñan City, visit experiencebinan.com.

A12 6A Saturday, October 28, 2023

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Angel R. Calso

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Saturday, October 28, 2023 A13

US economy grew 4.9% in Q3, fastest since 2021

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HE US economy grew at the fastest pace in nearly two years last quarter on a burst of consumer spending, which will be tested in coming months.

Gross domestic product accelerated to a 4.9 percent annualized rate, more than double the second-quarter pace, according to the government’s preliminary estimate Thursday. The economy’s main growth engine—personal spending—jumped 4 percent, also the most since 2021.

A closely watched measure of underlying inf lation cooled a bit more than ex pected to the slowest pace since 2020.

The S&P 500 opened lower and Treasuries rose.

The world’s largest economy has remained steadfast in the face of high prices and a rapid run-up in borrowing costs, repeatedly outshining forecasters’ expectations and tempering recession fears. The primary driver of that resilience is the enduring strength of the job market, which continues to fuel household demand. Looking ahead, the durability of economic momentum in the fourth quarter will help Federal Reserve officials determine whether to raise interest rates again. Many economists expect growth to slow in the final months of the year as borrowing costs limit purchases of big-ticket

items and student-loan payments resume.

But should demand stay robust, it risks keeping inflation above the central bank’s 2 percent goal and may warrant tighter monetary policy.

“Growth this strong does not force a rate hike next week, but it means the Fed will indicate it is still contemplating higher rates,” Chris Low, chief economist at FHN Financial, said in a note.

“The Fed cannot declare tightening over with growth this strong and inflation still above target.”

At next week ’s meeting, policymakers are widely expected to leave the benchmark interest rate unchanged, with some pointing to the rapid jump in government borrowing costs as a reason for caution. The 10-year Treasury yield surged above 5 percent earlier this week for the first time in 16 years.

“Given the uncertainties and risks, and how far we have come, the committee is proceeding carefully,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said last week, referring to the central bank’s rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee.

So far, the data suggest inflation continues to dissipate. The closely watched core personal consumption expenditures price index, which strips out food and energy costs, stepped down to a 2.4 percent pace in the third quarter. Including those more volatile categories, the overall PCE price index increased 2.9 percent.

At the same time, service-sector inflation excluding housing and energy, a narrower measure watched closely by Fed officials, rose at a 3.6 percent rate, a slight pickup from the prior quarter.

President Joe Biden, who has had trouble convincing Americans hurting from high prices that his policies are working, said in a statement that the report is “a testament to the resilience of American consumers and American workers, supported by Bidenomics.”

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the data show the economy is doing very well and that there is evidence of a soft landing, where inflation has eased without higher rates causing a recession. Speaking at an event in Bloomberg’s Washington office Thursday, she said she is “not expecting growth at that pace to continue, but we do have good, solid growth.”

While a f lurry of consumer spending was the main driver of growth, inventories added 1.3 percentage points to third-quarter GDP. Government spending also contributed to the advance.

Business investment, meanwhile, declined for the first time

China industrial profits rise again as growth stabilizes in September

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HINA’S industrial companies saw profits rise in September for a second straight month, in a further sign that policy support is helping the manufacturing sector recover.

Industrial profits increased 11.9 percent from a year earlier, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics on Friday. That comes after a 17.2 percent surge in August, which was the first expansion in more than a year.

For the first nine months of 2023, profits fell 9 percent from a year ago, narrowing their decline from a 11.7 percent drop in the first eight months of the year.

“Market demand continued to improve, and industrial production expanded stably,” NBS statistician Yu Weining said in a statement accompanying the release. A rebound in industrial product prices has led to an improvement in industrial firms’ revenue, according to Yu. T he cont i nue d i mprove me nt i n i ndu st r i a l prof it s sug gested demand is likely re co v e r i n g a s t he go v e r n ment ramped up measures to aid growth while companies probably approach the end of a destocking cycle. Declines in factor y-gate prices, indicated by the producer price index, narrowed to 2.5 percent in September, whi le manufacturing activities recorded the

first expansion in six months, according to the official purchasing managers’ index. “ T he profit improvement is in line with the recent rise in PPI and PMI, signaling the industr y is bottoming out,” Zhaopeng Xing, senior China strategist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group.

Chinese shares gained on Friday, with the Hong Kong China Enterprises Index rising as much as 1.5 percent. The yield on the country’s 10-year bonds was little changed.

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

“September’s rise in China’s i ndu st r i a l prof it s prov ides more evidence that increased policy support is aiding a recover y in the manufacturing sector. We expect the momentum to extend into the fourth quarter and early next year as stimulus—including an extra 1-trillion-yuan boost to the budget—gains traction.”

-Eric Zhu, economist

China’s economy gained momentum in the third quarter as consumers stepped up spending on everything from restaurants to cars. Better-thanexpected economic data for the three months ended September means the country will likely achieve its full-year growth target of around 5 percent. For

September alone, industrial production maintained a 4.5 percent growth, better than economists’ estimates.

That said, the increase in industrial profits in the last two months was far from enough to recoup the lost earnings the companies suffered in the previous months this year. Industrial profits’ contraction in the first nine months indicates that the firms hardly benefited from the economy’s overall growth of 5.2 percent in the first three quarters.

The rebound has also been uneven across industry segments.

For the first nine months, sectors including chemicals, fuel processing, coal mining and electronics manufacturing all recorded double-digit declines in profits. Meanwhile, electricity production and equipment manufacturing sectors recorded an increase in profits.

Uncer t a i nt y rem a i ns for industrial firms’ profitability going forward, as the housing market is still a serious drag on the economic outlook as home prices and property investment continued to contract.

“Challenges to sustainable recovery also include potential disruptions to industrial production in winter and from external demand headwinds,” said Bruce Pang, chief economist at Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. Bloomberg News

in two years on a drop in outlays for equipment, and net exports subtracted from GDP. Residential investment rose for the first time in more than two years.

Str ipping out inventor ies, government spending and trade, inflation-adjusted final sales to private domestic purchasers—a key gauge of underlying demand— increased 3.3 percent.

The strength of household demand is due to a mixture of factors, including robust hiring, solid wage gains and a record surge in household wealth coming into this year.

Spend ing on ser v ices rose by the most in two years, while outlays for goods also accelerated. This quarter, the economy will simultaneously need to deal with the wind-down of some of those discretionar y tailwinds plus fresh headwinds.

Factors such as the autoworkers strike, a potential government shutdown and the threat of a wider war in the Middle East could dampen momentum.

September figures on inflation, consumer spending and income will be released Friday.

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

“WHILE momentum in consumption has been stronger than we forecast earlier this year, we believe it’s dr iven mostly by temporary factors—which isn’t sustainable with disposable income dropping. We expect to see a negative payback in the fourth quarter.” Bloomberg News

UN chief appoints 39-member panel to advise on intl governance of AI

U

NITED NATIONS—UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres on Thursday announced the appointment of a 39-member global advisory panel to report on international governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its risks, challenges and key opportunities.

The UN chief told a news conference the gender-balanced, geographically diverse group, which spans generations will issue preliminary recommendations by the end of the year and final recommendations by the summer of 2024. The recommendations will feed into the UN Summit of the Future, which world leaders will attend in September 2024.

“In our challenging times, AI could power extraordinary progress for humanity,” Guterres said, adding that its transformative potential for good “is difficult even to grasp.”

But he said: “The potential harms of AI extend to serious concerns over misinformation and disinformation; the entrenching of bias and discrimination; surveillance and invasion of privacy; fraud, and other violations of human rights.”

It is already clear, Guterres said, that malicious use of AI “could undermine trust in institutions, weaken social cohesion, and threaten democracy itself.”

Guterres said right now AI expertise is concentrated “in a handful of companies and countries,” which could lead to deeper global inequalities “and turn digital divides into chasms.” What’s needed, he said, is coordinated global action.

The UN said the formation of the body, with experts from government, the private sector, the research community, civil society and academia marks a significant step in its efforts to address issues of AI international governance and will help bridge existing and emerging initiatives. AP

A14 6A Saturday, October 28, 2023

BusinessMirror

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TheWorld BusinessMirror

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Saturday, October 28, 2023 A15

Race to fix crumbling ship threatens conflict in SCS

By Philip J. Heijmans & Cliff Venzon

E

Bloomberg News

VEN as concerns mount in the US over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the flashpoint most likely to spark a conflict between the world’s largest economies is currently an immobile World War IIera ship sitting in waters further to the south.

Recent months have seen water cannon fire, repeated close encounters and diplomatic protests, as the Philippines, a treaty ally of the US, has pushed back against recurring Chinese incursions in its exclusive economic zone.

Matters came to a boil last weekend when boats from the two countries collided on two separate occasions as the Philippines attempted to resupply the dilapidated ship it has used to reinforce its territorial claims.

China has repeatedly accused Manila of infringing on its territorial sovereignty, while Philippine officials, emboldened by an increasingly assertive President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., are weighing how best to add military heft to future missions.

The US, for its part, has clarified its commitments to the Philippines and President Joe Biden was unequivocal in his comments earlier this week. “I want to be very clear: The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad,” he said Wednesday at the White House.

The Philippines is not the only nation at risk as the US accuses China of repeated incidents between its two militar ies. On

Thursday, US Indo-Pacific Command released video footage that it said showed a Chinese J-11 fighter executing an “unsafe intercept” of a US Air Force B-52 bomber over the South China Sea (SCS).

Wit h neit her side bac k ing down, some former officials see the situation only worsening. The prospect of an incident in the waters that could drag the US into direct conflict with China makes the SCS “far more dangerous” than the Taiwan Strait, according to Zhou Bo, who served as a senior colonel in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from 2003 to 2020.

“The Americans will keep on sending ships and aircraft to come, and for such a practice they have practiced for decades. It’s difficult for American to back down,” he said during a conference in Vietnam on Wednesday. The “Chinese military is growing and we’re big and stronger. Of course we’ve become less tolerant towards what we consider to be a provocation.”

Ties between the two geopolitical rivals remain fragile, despite recent improvements. An alleged Chinese spy balloon that overflew the US earlier this year upended relations that had started to stabilize

after Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Bali in late 2022.

The latest tensions in the SCS have the potential to once again upend warming relations ahead of an expected meeting between Biden with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Washington this week.

“It is unavoidable that it will be raised in every meeting, but with little hope of progress,” said Gregory Poling, who directs the Southeast Asia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “The South China Sea certainly jeopardizes warming ties because China’s unsafe behavior makes it likelier than not that we will eventually see more violence.”

At the heart of the recent tensions between the Philippines and China is a barely habitable ship that has, for over two decades, served as Manila’s lone guardian in the Second Thomas Shoal. The feature, part of the Spratly Islands chain, is claimed by both China and the Philippines.

Taiwan and Vietnam also claim parts of the Spratly’s.

Philippines grounded the BRP Sierra Madre back in 1999—a reaction to China’s occupation of nearby Mischief Reef four years earlier. It remains a commissioned naval vessel and became an active outpost designed to maintain the Philippines’ claims over the shoal.

Manila has stationed a small contingent of marines on board the ship ever since.

But the Philippine claim rests on its ability to keep the vessel intact. Over the years, its officials have become increasingly worried that degradation has left the ship’s hull addled by rust and gaping holes—something that if left unattended could render the ship uninhabitable.

Until recently, China has largely tolerated resupply runs to feed the small number of troops stationed aboard. Attempts at bringing construction materials were forcibly blocked, raising concerns that the

US military says Chinese fighter jet came within 10 feet of B-52 bomber over SCS

B

A NGKOK—A Chinese fighter jet came within 10 feet of an American B-52 bomber flying over the South China Sea (SCS), nearly causing an accident, the US military said, underscoring the potential for a mishap as both countries vie for influence in the region.

In the night intercept, the Shenyang J-11 twin-engine fighter closed on the US Air Force plane at an “uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of a collision,” the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement released late Thursday.

“We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision,” the military said.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a similar incident in May, the Chinese government dismissed American complaints and demanded that Washington end such flights over the SCS. China has been increasingly assertive in advancing its claims on most of the SCS

as its territorial waters, a position rejected by the US and other countries that use the vast expanse of ocean for shipping.

China’s claims have led to longstanding territorial disputes with other countries in the SCS, one of the world’s busiest trade routes. A Chinese coast guard ship and an accompanying vessel last week rammed a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a militaryrun supply boat off a contested shoal in the waterway.

Fol low ing that incident, President Joe Biden renewed a warning that the US would be obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, aircraft or vessels come under armed attack. He spoke in a news conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday at the White House.

China reacted by saying the US has no right to interfere in Beijing’s disputes with Manila.

“The US defense commitment to the Philippines should not undermine China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, nor should it support the illegal claims of the

Philippines,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday in a news conference in Beijing.

The US and its allies regularly conduct maritime maneuvers in the SCS, and also regularly fly aircraft over the area to emphasize that the waters and airspace are international.

The B-52 was “lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace” when it was intercepted by the J-11 on Tuesday, the US military said.

Intercepts are common, with the US, saying that there have been more than 180 such incidents since the fall of 2021.

They are not often as close as Tuesday’s incident, however, and with tensions already h ig h bet ween B eiji ng a nd Washington, a collision would have had the potential to lead to an escalation.

The US military said in its statement that the incident will not change its approach.

“The US will continue to fly, sail and operate—safely and responsibly—wherever international laws allow,” the military said. AP

shoal could fall into Beijing’s hands once the ship falls into disrepair.

“The deterioration is faster than the supply that we do,” Philippine defense senior undersecretary Ireneo Espino reportedly said last month. The extent to which the ship is at risk remains unclear.

Under Marcos, the Philippines has ramped up the frequency of these missions, while publicly posting footage of any encounters with Chinese vessels as the leader adopts a more assertive posture toward Beijing. Last month, he made headlines after ordering a “special operation” in which his coast guard removed a barrier installed by China at the entrance of another shoal.

“The US has put a visible presence near resupply missions. There is growing support in the American policy community for a more active role, but I suspect that will be seen as too provocative and too risky by the Biden administration,” said John Bradford, an international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, who spent more than two decades in the US Navy.

The US Department of Defense this month outlined the extent of China’s expansive ambitions in the SCS, including reclamation of outposts in the Spratly Islands as reported by Bloomberg News in December.

Beijing meanwhile has urged Manila to “stop making provocations at sea,” while the Philippines’ Armed Forces chief of staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., says it is weighing options to reinforce the supply runs by including Philippine naval vessels or by conducting them as joint missions with other countries.

“We will admit we’re worried,” the military chief told reporters on Wednesday. But added that the military given its experience remains “willing to defend our territory.”

US sending Ukraine $150 million more in weapons from stockpiles

T

HE Biden administration is pulling an additional $150 million in military equipment from US stockpiles to aid Ukraine, sending more air defense missiles, rockets, artillery ammunition, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons as Kyiv continues its counteroffensive against Russia.

“Ukraine’s forces are fighting bravely to reclaim territory seized

by Russia’s forces, and this additional support will help them continue making progress,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Thursday.

The package includes National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System munitions, AIM-9M missiles, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), TOW missiles, Javelin anti-tank missile systems, and 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, in addition to more than 2 million rounds of small arms ammunition, obstacle-clearing munitions, cold-weather gear and support equipment.

The funding for the latest tranche of assistance was authorized by Congress in the previous fiscal year, according to the departments of State and Defense.

Bloomberg News

BusinessMirror

A16 A6 Saturday, October 28, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

21TH CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ground Floor, No.28 Lot 12 Blk 94, R. Papa Ave. Cor. P. Garcia St. Phase 6, Afpovai, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig

1.

JIANG, SHIMEI Assistant Financial Officer Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

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

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza, 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City HOANG THI NGOC Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 2.

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

KHIEU, THI MO Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

3.

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

KIM, MYUNGDUK Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

4.

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

LE, DUC AN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

5.

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

LI, SHUANGYIN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

6.

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

NGUYEN XUAN DUNG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

7.

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

NGUYEN, THIEN CUONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

8.

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

STEVEN HENDRY Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

9.

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

TRAN VAN THANG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

10.

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

VASILEV, DENIS Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

11.

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

WANG, YANHONG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

12.

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

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

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

13.

Brief Job Description: Achieves computer system objectives by gathering pertinent date.

16.

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

17.

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

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

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

18.

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

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

19.

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Brief Job Description: Recruiting staffs who can speak Mandarin.

ZHANG, FEN Mandarin Human Resource (HR) Specialist

22.

Brief Job Description: Recruiting staffs who can speak Mandarin.

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

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

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

JIANG, HUASHAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

23.

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

LI, WEI Chinese Customer Service Representative

24.

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

LIN, HAILIANG Chinese Customer Service Representative

25.

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

LUO, HAO Chinese Customer Service Representative

26.

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

WANG, XI Chinese Customer Service Representative

27.

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

XUE, QIAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

28.

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

YANG, YU Chinese Customer Service Representative

29.

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

ZHAN, SUYAN Chinese Customer Service Representative

30.

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

ZHANG, QIJIE Chinese Customer Service Representative

31.

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

ZHAO, JIANGHENG Chinese Customer Service Representative

32.

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

HO THI BICH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

33.

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

NGUYEN THI NGOC HA Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

34.

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

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

YE YINT NAING Burmese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

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

THOR ZIN OO Burmese Customer Service Representative

ALPHA CENTURY CONSULTANCY INC. 15/f Tower 2 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati LU, XING Mandarin Human Resource (HR) Specialist

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

SHAUNG SEE Burmese Customer Service Representative

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

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

Brief Job Description: Manage and develop employee performance expectations.

SAUK AN HONG Burmese Customer Service Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

KHIN HSU THANT Burmese Customer Service Representative

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

NGUYEN THI NGOC THANH Mandarin Operations Specialist

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

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

No.

36.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

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

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

NGUYEN VAN QUYNH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

35.

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

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

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

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38.

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

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

42.

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

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

43.

44.

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

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

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

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

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

VUONG, THI GIANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

45.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE 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 language.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BAUER FOUNDATIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit A To K 12/f Cyberone Bldg., 11 Eastwood Ave., Eastwood City Cyberpark, Bagumbayan, Quezon City SUNNY, MD ROBY US Specialist Electrician 46.

Brief Job Description: Preparing cost and labor estimates, designing electrical systems, managing electricians at project site and resolving electrical problems.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 3 years of international working experience in a related industry.

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

BAYVIEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 43/f Yuchengco Tower, Rcbc Plaza Ayala Ave. Cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati XIONG, XIANG Quality Analyst (Multi-lingual) 47.

Brief Job Description: Continuously reviews and analyzes for further quality improvement of customer support.

Basic Qualification: Must be a Chinese national with at least 1-year workrelated experience.

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

BDO UNIBANK, INC. Unit G-1, G/f Bdo Towers Paseo, 8741 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

NGUYEN, DUSTIN NGOC DUNG Consultant 48.

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

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

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

VU, THANH PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

VU HUU VUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

TRINH CAM PHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

TRAN, THI THANH HUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

TRAN QUANG VY Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

PHAN, THI DUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

PHAM, TU ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

NIM NGOC LIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN, HUU TUAN ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, YICHENG Mandarin Supervisor

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, DONGMING Mandarin Speaking Technical Support Specialist

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Provide oversight in Platform development, services and product functionality. Manage Platform projects and assist in building capabilities.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 15 years of application delivery experience in financial services. Excellent analytical and problemsolving skills with strong strategic and business mindset.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 3701, 3801 The Orient Square, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig GRAHAM, CARL MARK Superintendent 49.

Brief Job Description: Implement safety, health and environmental plan for a project. Carry out on-site preparation for the project; mobilization, installation and demobilization.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 3 years of work experience in an international dredging company.

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

CASPO INCORPORATED 43/f, 45/f, 49/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati LINA Operations Analyst 50.

Brief Job Description: Handles and manages diverse quantitative data.

Submit quantitative data reports to Operations Team Lead.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With extensive experience in data analytics and data management.

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

CELINNE BEAUTY CENTER INC. 9377-c, Calantas St., San Antonio, City Of Makati HOANG, THI THU THAO Vietnamese Marketing Officer 51.

Brief Job Description: Meets marketing and sales financial objectives by forecasting requirements and preparing annual budgets.

Basic Qualification: Expert in foreign language.

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

DAHUA TECHNOLOGY (HK) LIMITED (PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE) Unit 1919 One Park Drive, 11th Ave. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION GAO, MIN Mandarin Operating System Supervisor

52.

53.

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

CHEN, YANG Mandarin Sales Manager Brief Job Description: The mandarin sales 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.

TONG, LERONG Mandarin Sales Manager

Brief Job Description: The mandarin sales 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.

DAXIFA CORPORATION 1466, Gen Luna St. Ermita, Barangay 673, Paco, City Of Manila BAI, YANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 54.

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57.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

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64.

65.

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70.

71.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GUAN, XINYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

HAN, JIANSONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

HU, QINGHAI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

HU, ZHOUYUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

JIANG, ZUOHUA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

KOU, JUNSI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

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

LIANG, ZHI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

LIN, HAI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

72.

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

LIU, JIA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

73.

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

LIU, SHUANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

74.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Operating System Supervisor.

No.

LIU, ZHUO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 75.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Sales Manager.

76.

77.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LYU, WENXIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

79.

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

MA, BING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

80.

81.

82.

83.

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

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

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

LUO, HONGRU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

78.

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

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

LU, YINGDA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

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

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

LU, MINGHUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Sales Manager.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

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94.

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

PAN, SHENGDONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

QIU, QIYU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

SHI, XUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

SONG, NANDE Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SU, ZHONGYOU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

TAN, CHUNSHAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

TAN, MINGGUANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WANG, FUGANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WANG, MI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WEI, BO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WEI, JIANLONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WEN, HAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

WU, PEIZHI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

XIANG, XING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

95.

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

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

96.

XU, JIAHUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

YANG, DONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No.

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111.

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

112.

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

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

YANG, GUILIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

YANG, XIANGBIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

YANG, YANXIN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

YE, ANTING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

YIN, FU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

YUAN, XIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHAN, WUSHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, LONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, QI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, WEIMING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, XIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, XIAOSA Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHANG, YUCHEN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service.

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

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

ZHU, JIAFU Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

113.

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

CHEN, QILIANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

114.

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

CHANG, YAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

115.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Mandarin speaking customer service representative.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIGISPARK TECH CORP. Unit 3 16th Floor Ore Central Building, 31st Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City Fort, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service.

ZHOU, XIAO Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

YANG, GAOJIAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

ZHANG, ZHENG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LI, YUCHEN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 116.

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

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

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

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

117.

RAVONIARISON, ROVA DIANE Bilingual IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing IT assistance to staff and customers.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking bilingual languages.

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

BusinessMirror

A18 A6 Saturday, October 28, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

118.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION RAZANAPARANY, FELANTSOA ELSA Bilingual IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: Providing IT assistance to staff and customers.

CUI, GUANGHUI Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

119.

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

JIA, GENGPING Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative

120.

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

ENDERUN COLLEGES, INC. 1100 Campus Avenue, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig WÛTHRICH, LORENZ LARRY KARASJOK German Language Consultant 121.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Maintain learning management tools used for classes. Create modules and contribute to program development. Attend weekly meetings with management

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking bilingual languages.

135.

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: College graduate. Fluent in German and English languages. With at least 2 years of teaching experience.

136.

137.

138.

KNW TECHNOLOGY INC. 103 Equinox Plaza, Sierra Madre, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

CAO HOANG NHAN Account Coordinator Brief Job Description: Manages client accounts and tracks expenses.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate meetings, calls, and demos for the Account Management team.

DUONG NGUYEN BAO TRAN Account Coordinator Brief Job Description: Manages client accounts and track expenses.

DUONG QUANG VINH Account Coordinator Brief Job Description: Manages client accounts and tracks expenses.

LE, THANH HAU Account Coordinator

139.

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

GAO SHOU TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 52/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, WANG, JUN reading and writing in Chinese Customer Service Representative English language and their respective native language 123.

Brief Job Description: for the position applied for.

Attracts potential customers by answering product and Fluent in Chinese Mandarin service questions; and suggesting information about language is an advantage. other products and services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, TRAN, NGOC ANH THU reading and writing in Vietnamese Customer Service Representative English language and their respective native language 124.

Brief Job Description: for the position applied for.

Attracts potential customers by answering product and Fluent in Chinese Mandarin service questions; and suggesting information about language is an advantage. other products and services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. 53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: ZHU, LONGLONG Proficient in speaking, ICT Human Resource Director reading and writing and 125.

Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Lead employee relationship functions with integrated Salary Range: solutions.

Php 500,000 and above IBM BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. 7th To 9th Floors, 1800 Bldg., Eastwood City Cyberpark, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City Basic Qualification: Must possess at least NKASAI, REINE LAURE bachelor’s degree and Process Delivery Specialist - French Bilingual excellent verbal and written communication 126.

Brief Job Description: skills in English and French Receive inbound calls from customers and answer languages. questions to obtain full understanding of what information is being requested.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Floor Building E, Six West Campus, Le Grand Avenue, Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig Basic Qualification: CHAN CHEE WENG 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 Malaysian Customer Support Representative months’ work experience, and with good verbal and Brief Job Description: 127. written communication Responsible for handling questions, comments skills. and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer Salary Range: experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: HUANG, YONGZHONG Able to speak and write Mandarin Customer Support Representative in Mandarin and at least college level with related 128.

Brief Job Description: BPO experience.

Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: LI, JING Able to speak and write Mandarin Customer Support Representative in Mandarin and at least college level with related 129.

Brief Job Description: BPO experience.

Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: ZHANG, XIANGFEI Able to speak and write Mandarin Customer Support Specialist in Mandarin and at least college level with related 130.

Brief Job Description: BPO experience.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: NAY TUN OO Able to speak and write Myanmari Customer Support Representative in Burmese and at least college level with related 131.

Brief Job Description: BPO experience.

Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: NANG PHYU PHYU LIN Able to speak and write Myanmari Customer Support Specialist in Burmese and at least college level with related 132.

Brief Job Description: BPO experience.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: MAC KHAY LAM 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 Vietnamese Customer Support Representative months’ work experience, and with good verbal and Brief Job Description: 133. written communication Responsible for handling questions, comments skills. and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer Salary Range: experiences by enhancing relationships between them, Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 JOHNSON & JOHNSON INTERNATIONAL (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. Edison Road, Barrio Ibayo, Merville, City Of Parañaque Basic Qualification: ERWIN HARIMAN RAHMAN College graduate. With Sr. Indirect Tax Manager ASPAC at least 5 years of work experience in a related 134.

Brief Job Description: industry.

Responsible for overseeing indirect tax compliance in the AsPac region for the MedTech and Pharmaceutical Salary Range: industries.

Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

DOAN THI THU Account Coordinator

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

FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 21/f Yuchengco Tower 1 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati Basic Qualification: SUN, QI Can speak Mandarin Mandarin Customer Service language.

122.

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

No.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate meetings, calls and demos for the Account Management team.

NGUYEN QUANG TUYEN Account Coordinator

140.

141.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate meetings, calls and demos for the Account Management team.

PHAM THANH MAI Account Coordinator Brief Job Description: Manages client accounts and tracks expenses.

TRINH THI THAO PHUONG Account Coordinator 142.

143.

144.

145.

146.

147.

148.

149.

150.

151.

152.

153.

154.

155.

156.

Brief Job Description: Coordinate meetings, calls and demos for the Account Management team.

DAO HUU THANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

CHAU THI HONG THAM Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

CUNG, THI TRUNG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

DAO NHAT DUY Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

HA HUU HUNG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

HUYNH DAC LUAN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

HUYNH THI BUU TRAN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Addressing queries, complaints and recommendations furnished by customers.

LE, THANH DONG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Addressing queries, complaints and recommendations furnished by customers.

NGUYEN HOANG NHAN Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN HONG HAI Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN THI HONG THAM Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN, LE CHIEN THANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN, THI QUYNH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

PHAM, NGUYEN HOANG ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Addressing queries, complaints and recommendations furnished by customers.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, and at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate, at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

No.

157.

158.

159.

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Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and at least 3 years of working experience in the related field.

164.

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

165.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (Vietnamese-English).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (Vietnamese-English).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

168.

169.

170.

171.

172.

173.

175.

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

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

BUI THI THUY HA Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

NGUYEN, THANH HUNG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Vietnamese and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Vietnamese and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Vietnamese and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

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

LE THANH LE HR Specialist

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or a relevant field.

Brief Job Description: Facilitate employee onboarding and orientation.

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

DU, TIANLONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

LI, XIAOLIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

PHANG THI XUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

THAI PHU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

TRAN THI HONG NGOC Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

ZHEN, ZHIAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NGUYEN THI THANH HANG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

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

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

176.

177.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (Vietnamese-English).

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

VI THI LAN ANH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

TRAN THI THUY DUNG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City Basic Qualification: PANG, ZHILIN Able to speak, read, and Chinese Customer Service Representative write Chinese language.

174.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

TRAN THI NI NA Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

TRAN DINH KHOI Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Brief Job Description: In charge of aircraft maintenance to ensure on-time Salary Range: schedule and flight safety.

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 Basic Qualification: CUI, KAI Can speak Chinese/ Customer Service Representative Mandarin language fluently.

167.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Confirms the customer’s language preferences as you assist them.

PHAN, THI DIEU Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

166.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

PHAM, QUANG HIEU Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking

KOREAN AIRLINES CO. LTD. Lpl Plaza 124, L.p Leviste St. (alfaro), Bel-air, City Of Makati SUNG, JAEKYOUNG Aircraft Maintenance Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

178.

LEI, ZHEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LI, XUEMEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

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

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

179.

180.

181.

182.

183.

184.

185.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LINDA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

MICHAEL JORDAN Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

EI YIN MON TUN Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NYI ZIN MIN Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHIENG CHAN SINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

DINH VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LAU TAC CUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

186.

Brief Job Description: Develop plans to cross sell and introduce new services to current clients.

196.

197.

198.

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

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

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

187.

Brief Job Description: Provide specialized services to assist end-users in technology needs.

188.

189.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

HO ZHINGBEE Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

199.

190.

Brief Job Description: Preparing food in accordance with recipes and quality standard.

Brief Job Description: Develop, lead, and execute purchasing strategies.

Brief Job Description: Optimizing operational processes and procedures for maximum efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

Assisting with the implementation of new processes and procedures.

ITO, TATSUYA Construction Manager

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

200.

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in Microsoft excel & PowerPoint and/or google spreadsheet and slides.

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

201.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Confer with management, production and marketing staff to discuss project specs and procedures.

CHAU CHI CAM Vietnamese Language - Support Manager Brief Job Description: Completing performance evaluations.

STEVEN SUDARWI Indonesian Speaking Account Manager 202.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for driving revenue, and be a point of customer contact in the Asian region, particularly in Indonesia.

LOO CHAI JUNE Malaysian Speaking Account Manager 203.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for driving revenue, and be a point of customer contact in the Asian region, particularly in Malaysia.

RICHARDARDI PUTRA Executive Officer 204.

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

Brief Job Description: Support the CEO primarily and provide additional support to executive team members as directed to ensure that company goals are accomplished.

FIELD, COLLIN WINSTON Senior Director - Laundry And Wardrobe Operations

191.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

192.

Brief Job Description: Plan and lead finance-related projects which include among others, learning and development (L&D) modules for Finance (including G suites); end-to-end Finance process review.

193.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and inspection.

YAO, QIANG Chinese Technical Works Supervisor 194.

Brief Job Description: Provides work direction and participates in the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and inspection.

REN, ZEWEI Civil Work Technologies 195.

Brief Job Description: Manage, design, develop, create and maintain small-scale through large-scale construction projects in a safe, timely, and sustainable manner.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous experience in a related position.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Brief Job Description: In depth understanding of revenue, expenses, capex, budget and the engagement of capital within a multimillion dollar laundry operation.

WANG, ZHENXING Marketing Manager 206.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With comprehensive knowledge of areas related to Financial Planning and Reporting.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

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

214.

Basic Qualification: Preferably 10 years of experience in construction field.

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

215.

Brief Job Description: Developing business management strategies and formulate guidelines.

KIM, DAEHUN Chief Executive Officer 207.

Brief Job Description: Work with the executive board to determine values and mission, and plan for short and long-terms goals.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write Vietnamese language to cater foreign markets.

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

Basic Qualification: Natural fluency in Malay and has a wide knowledge and expertise in marketing and attracting customers in the Asian market, particularly in Indonesia.

208.

209.

210.

Brief Job Description: Contact potential customers, and answer questions.

WANG, SHIYAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Contact potential customers, and answer questions.

WANG, WENGUI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Contact potential customers, and answer questions.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

WU, JIACHENG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Contact potential customers, and answer questions.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

HOANG QUOC DUY Sales Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile. Conduct market research.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

LE THANH HA Sales Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile. Conduct market research.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

LY THANH KIEU Sales Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile. Conduct market research.

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

Basic Qualification: Natural fluency in Malay and has a wide knowledge and expertise in marketing and attracting customers in the Asian market, particularly in Malaysia.

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

Basic Qualification: Previous experience in similar job role or minimum of 15 years of experience in senior position.

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

216.

Basic Qualification: Knowledge in English, Mandarin, Fukien and other Chinese languages to communicate and negotiating both clients and supplier for faster transaction.

XU, SHANSHAN Sales Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile. Conduct market research.

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

Brief Job Description: Gather data to come up with ideas of new products and features including curating ideas and deciding which ones are worth working on.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language and other Chinese dialect.

With vast experience in product analysis and management.

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

VERTEX PROJECTS MANILA INC. Unit A & B 18th Floor Wynsum Corporate Plaza, F. Ortigas Jr. Ave. Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig BURGER, LUKE ROBERT Project Manager 217.

Brief Job Description: Managing the whole operations in Manila performed by detailing team.

Basic Qualification: Effective mentoring, support and management of shop detailing team staff.

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

VSL INTERNATIONAL LTD. (VSL CIVIL WORKS PHILIPPINE BRANCH) # 162, 2/f, Unit 201 D Paragon Plaza, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong PHOOMPRASERT, PRAJAK Erection Supervisor 218.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the set-up, maintenance and safe and efficient operations of the Launching Gantry.

Coordinating all lifting activities in accordance with regulations and is required to be present during all lifting operations.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience on bridge construction projects.

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

WANFANG TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT, INC. 6-9/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City WONGCHAROEN, KHWANKAMON Thai Marketing Specialist 219.

Basic Qualification: Must have a minimum of 20 years in senior management experience.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

GU, DINGMING Product Manager

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

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

NGUYEN BA TUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 220.

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

HUYNH, KIM DAO Vietnamese Marketing Specialist 221.

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

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

NGUYEN THUY HUONG Vietnamese Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; and suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for.

Basic Qualification: Must be 5 years’ college graduate in any related field, and fluent in both Korean and English languages.

222.

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

WIKITECH SERVICES INC. 10/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext. Corner Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

THE SKYLINE ABYSS INTERNATIONAL INC. Unit 116 G/f The Manila Residences Tower 1, Taft Ave., Barangay 725, Malate, City Of Manila

CHEN, YAFENG Chinese Customer Service Representative

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TPLINK PHILIPPINES LTD. CORPORATION Unit 7a 7th Floor W Global Center, 30th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

TEAM SINGLE PLAY INC. Unit No.206 & 207 2nd Flr. Bonifacio Stop Over, 21st. St. Cor. Rizal Drive, Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

213.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

TAT SING INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS CORPORATION 10/f Unit 1019 State Centre Condo, 333 Juan Luna St., Barangay 287, Binondo, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

212.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

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

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

DUAN, JUAN Chinese Technical Works Supervisor

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

205.

PMI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (PHILIPPINES) INC. 15th/f & 16th/f 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Poblacion, City Of Makati JAIN, CHANDNI Finance Support Lead

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Western, Asian and Indonesian cuisine.

PHILIPPINE FULL DEGREE COMMUNICATIONS CORP. 18/f Yuchengco Tower 1, Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati WIRIATI SHIRLY Mandarin Operations Specialist

211.

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

SUNTRUST RESORT HOLDINGS, INC. 26th Floor Alliance Global Tower, 36th Street Corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. With working knowledge in the field of construction.

No.

SUMMIT SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. Unit 16c 16/f Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin language both verbal and written.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SHIMIZU PHILIPPINE CONTRACTORS, INC. King’s Court Bldg. 1, 5/f 2129 P. Tamo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

WEI, PENG Multilingual Procurement And Trade Manager

LI, XINKUI Mandarin-speaking Senior Operations Specialist

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

Brief Job Description: Supervising every phase of the project from start to completion.

A19

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

SF EXPRESS PHILIPPINES INC. 4/f Pcci Corporate Center, 118 L.p Leviste St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

OCTAGON PRIME OUTSOURCING SERVICES INC. 30/f Tower, 6789 Ayala Ave.,, Bel-air, City Of Makati DONG, YAO Mandarin Technical Support

Brief Job Description: Supervising every phase of the project from start to completion.

NING, YOUBOTE Equipment Installation Specialist

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, GAOYANG Equipment Installation Specialist

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

NIELSENIQ PHILIPPINES, INC. 24/f & 25/f Wynsum Corporate Plaza, Don F. Ortigas Jr. Rd., Ortigas Ctr., San Antonio, City Of Pasig MISHRA, PARISHESH Director, Consumer Insights

No.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Mandarin and English languages. Preferably 6 months to 1-year work experience in the same field.

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

YU, JIAQI Mandarin Technical Support 223.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Oct 27, 2023

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on October 26, 2023, the position of SITHAR THAMEEMANSARI, AMEER HAMZA under the company CEBU AIR, INC., should have been read as PILOT and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on October 27, 2023, the salary range of SHANG, PEI under the company AB LEISURE EXPONENT, INC., should have been read as Php 60,000-89,999 and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on October 27, 2023, the salary range of ZHU, XIAOFAN under the company AB LEISURE EXPONENT, INC., should have been read as Php 150,000-499,999 and not as published.

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.