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Soaked, drenched in the Big Apple

TROI SANTOS

Hurricane Ida’s record rainfall spawns Ondoy-like flashfloods in NYC, affecting some Filipino-American residents

By Troi Santos

EW YORK—When the heavy unexpected rainfall poured that Wednesday night, renowned Filipino guitarist, composer and conductor Michael Dadap was at his house in Fresh Meadows in Queens where he and his violinist wife, YeouCheng Ma, had been staying for the past four decades. CONSUL General Elmer G. Cato (right) talks to flooding victims in New York City. TROI SANTOS

MICHAEL DADAP shows the damage to his basement recording studio and library. TROI SANTOS

Just a few hours later, copious rains brought about by remnants of Hurricane Ida started sending floodwaters down the basement that served as his recording studio and library. It was not long before the onrushing water rose neck-deep, submerging the two grand pianos,

guitars, violins, and other musical instruments and equipment that Dadap had collected over the years. Dadap’s bungalow had served as the offices of the Children’s Orchestra Society, a foundation established by his wife’s father in Continued on A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.0500

REMINISCENT of Ondoy, no one expected Hurricane Ida would be bringing record rainfall, flooding subway lines and streets in New York City. ANDRE OLFINDO

n JAPAN 0.4562 n UK 69.2742 n HK 6.4354 n CHINA 7.7525 n SINGAPORE 37.2756 n AUSTRALIA 36.8768 n EU 59.1891 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.3456

Source: BSP (September 10, 2021)

NewsSaturday A2 Saturday, September 11, 2021

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Israel’s Covid surge shows the world what’s coming next

By Daniel Avis | Bloomberg News

The real challenge

SRAEL, once a front-runner in the global race to move on from Covid-19, is now one of the world’s biggest pandemic hot spots.

The country that was once predicted to be the first to vaccinate its entire population had the highest per-capita caseload of anywhere in the week through September 4, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Its world-beating inoculation rate, meanwhile, has tumbled down the league table. The nation of 9 million became the test case for reopening society and the economy in April when much of Europe and the US were still in some form of lockdown. Yet Israel now shows how the calculus is changing in places where progress was fastest. It’s no longer just about whether people get coronavirus, but also how badly they get it and ensuring that vaccines are still working as the highly infectious Delta variant threatens to undermine immunity. More recently, it has led the way when it comes to vaccinating children and rolling out a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine after research suggested reduced efficacy over time. Around 100,000 Israelis are getting inoculated every day, the vast majority of them with a third shot. “If you are able to maintain

life without lockdown, and to avoid very high numbers of hospitalizations and death, then this is what life with Covid looks like,” said Eyal Leshem, a professor specializing in infectious diseases at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Ha-Shomer. Since April, Israel has fallen from first to 33rd in Bloomberg’s vaccine tracker of populations considered fully vaccinated. The program plateaud amid hesitancy from some in the Orthodox Jewish and Arab communities. About 61 percent of Israelis have been given two doses, lower than in European laggards earlier in the year such as France and Spain.

All-time high

FOLLOWING the spread of the Delta variant over the summer, Israel has seen cases climb, reaching an all-time high of 11,316 daily cases on September 2. The number of people falling seriously sick and being hospitalized, though, has risen less than it did during the last coronavirus wave, peaking at 751 in late August, compared with 1,183 in mid-January. The trend is now downward. Infections jumped because of the prevalence of cases among

ELDERLY residents wait to receive their third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at Ichilov medical center in Tel Aviv. KOBI WOLF/BLOOMBERG

the unvaccinated, especially children. There were also so-called breakthrough infections in those who have been vaccinated, and the drop in efficacy of vaccines. That said, unvaccinated people account for more than 10 times as many serious cases as those who have received two doses, showing that even with immunity waning, shots are providing protection. For public health officials and politicians, the latest chapter of the pandemic is to concentrate on ensuring older peo-

‘W

aning immunity is a real challenge that every country needs to prepare a contingency plan to tackle.”—Ran Balicer, chair of the expert advisory panel to the Israeli government

ple more at risk continue to be protected while cases are rising among children. The importance of that drive is heightened by the return of millions of children to schools last week, and the Jewish New Year this week. Epidemiologists say cases among the over 30s are already de-

clining thanks to the boosters and restrictions on bars and restaurants to the fully vaccinated. The highest rate of new cases in recent weeks is among children under the age of 12, according to Ran Balicer, chair of the expert advisory panel to the government. There’s also a record level of testing.

“WANING immunity is a real challenge that every country needs to prepare a contingency plan to tackle,” said Balicer, who is also chief innovation officer for Israeli health maintenance organization Clalit. The data coming from Israel in the coming weeks will allow the world to assess the efficacy of the booster shot program, he said. As of September 6, at least 2.6 million people in Israel— around 28 percent of the population—have now had the booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to the Israeli Health Ministry. That rises to at least 64 percent for people in age brackets over 60. Significantly, the booster shot is also available for anyone over 12 who was vaccinated at least five months ago. The wildcard is the return of schools. That could change the transmission dynamics and expose all age groups to infection because of kids coming home with Covid-19, Balicer said. The World Health Organization’s heat map puts Israel in the top five in the wider European region. The rolling data show areas with the highest seven-day infection rates are in Scotland, where 68 percent of the population are fully vaccinated. Cases surged after restrictions were lifted and then schools returned from their summer break in mid-August. “If we look back a year ago, we virtually had no protection other than a complete lockdown,” said Leshem. “Now, we have an open education system, fully open commerce, and despite over 50,000 cases a week, we are not seeing increases in the number of severe cases and hospitalization.”

Soaked, drenched in the Big Apple Continued from A1

1969. From an initial 13 students, Dadap and his wife—the sister of celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma—have been able to teach music to hundreds of students since they took over the foundation in 1984. “Except for a few instruments that somehow survived the floods, we lost everything in the basement,” Dadap said as he surveyed the damage. One of two grand pianos in the basement was thrown on its side by the water that forced open the steel door of its street entrance. Outside the residence, musical sheets, books, vinyl records and compact discs were left to dry.

Same experience for other Pinoys

DADAP was not the only one affected by the flooding. Several other Filipinos in New York and New Jersey went through the same experience that late Wednesday evening. The affected Filipinos were those residing in first floor or basement apartments in low-lying areas. In Woodside, also in Queens, floodwaters also entered the basement of Aida Bartolome’s multistory apartment. The basement serves as the office of the Foundation for Filipino Artists that she heads. She had wanted to go down to save some of her things, but the elderly Filipina artist was persuaded not to proceed by her housemates. A few doors from her abode, a Filipino family of four laid out all their belongings in their backyard to dry. The father rushed home as soon as he was told of the floods. The water was already four feet deep when he arrived but could not enter the apartment anymore. He had to use the landlord’s fire exit in the back of the apartment to pull his two children out to safety. When he found them, the two were drenched and shivering on top of the table as the water continued to come in. He said the refrigerator and other appliances were floating.

Lost baby stuff

AN expectant mother, Berniece Bernabe, and her husband, a FilipinoAmerican police officer, were among those also affected by the floods. Water also entered their basement apartment along Grand Avenue in Queens. Berniece, who is expected to give birth anytime, lost all the baby stuff she had been putting together during the past several weeks. Consul General in NYC Elmer G. Cato visited some of the victims, and posted on social media that he was then in an area in Woodside that ended up under several feet of water just two hours after he passed by. Meanwhile, several staff members of the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations reported water damage to their furniture and appliances and even their vehicles.

No Pinoy casualty

LUCKILY, no Filipino was among the casualties in the floods that left more than 45 people dead, 13 of them in New York City alone. Among the dead were a family of three, including a two-year-old boy not far from Aida Bartolome’s place. The three who drowned inside their basement apartment were initially reported to be Filipinos but turned out to be from Nepal. Like New York authorities, Cato admitted that the consulate underestimated the extent of the floods, even if it has issued an advisory to members of the Filipino community shortly after the flashflood warnings were issued. No one just expected that Hurricane Ida, which had significantly weakened by the time it swept through the United States’ northeast, would be bringing with it record rainfall. Shades of Ondoy, as Filipinos recalling the flashfloods that paralyzed Metro Manila for two weeks in September 2009 would recall. In Central Park alone, more than three inches of rain was recorded in just one hour.

Some Filipinos, most of whom have gone through similar floods in Manila, apparently also took the warnings for granted until the photos and videos of the floods started to appear in social media showing streets being transformed into rivers and subway stations becoming drainage systems.

Call for bayanihan

ALTHOUGH many Filipinos were affected by the floods, only few have actually reached out to the consulate for assistance. “It’s possible that many have already been able to avail themselves of relief and other assistance from local authorities, especially those with regular immigration status,” Cato said. “What we are worried about are our undocumented kababayans who were the ones most likely affected by the floods but who would not want to call out for help because they would not want to compromise their immigration status,” he added. The consulate had sounded a call for bayanihan after it saw the extent of the damage caused by the floods. Several organizations quickly responded. Some provided baby clothes and other supplies. Others donated cash while a few offered to pay for replacement passports of those whose passports were damaged by the floods. The consulate itself had offered to waive the notarization fee for the affidavit of damage or mutilation that applicants for replacement passports need to submit. A few days after the floods, Berniece was able to get the baby supplies that were donated to her. Michael and his wife were still trying to dry out the musical sheets and other pieces. He estimated the cost of the damage to be around $500,000. Unfortunately, Dadap had no flood insurance. “We can eventually replace the instruments but it would be difficult to recover the musical compositions that we lost,” Dadap said. “I guess I would have to start writing what I remember.”

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BSP: 1st-semester FDI inflows in PHL grow 40.7% to $4.3B By Bianca Cuaresma

ONG-TERM investments made by foreign investors to the Philippines grew strongly in the first six months of the year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Friday. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno told reporters that net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) to the country hit $4.3 billion in the first semester of the year, representing a 40.7-percent increase from the $3.1-billion net inflows in the same period in 2020. FDI are investments made by foreign players to the Philippines in the hope of long-term return. Since these are in the

country for a longer term compared to their short-term counterpart, the foreign portfolio investments (FPI), FDI usually creates jobs for Filipinos and has a multiplier effect on the economy. The BSP said the higher cumulative FDI net inflows was due mainly to the 86.5-percent growth in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments to $2.8 billion from $1.5 billion in 2020. Likewise, reinvestment of earnings rose by 7.7 percent to $522 million from $484 million. However, net investments in equity capital declined by 8.9 percent to $971 million from $1.1 billion a year ago. T he strong first-ha lf pr int of the

Blue Ribbon follows ‘money trail’ as it grills Yang, Pharmally execs

By Butch Fernandez

enators on Friday grilled former Presidential Adviser Michael Yang and two key executives of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp. on the over P8 billion in contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) the company bagged in 2020 from Department of Health’s (DOH) pandemic funds that were moved to a controversial unit of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Most of the questions focused on how the then newly incorporated firm, with only a P625,000 paid-up capital, paid for the products it got from Chinese suppliers in order to secure delivery. This, as Senate probers sought to find the “money trail” in an inquiry that President Duterte had said was politically driven and unduly disrupts the work of officials involved in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. At the fifth Blue Ribbon committee hearing chaired by panel Chairman Sen. Richard J. Gordon, two Pharmally officials—Huang Zhu Yen and Lincoln Ong— said Chinese businessman Michael Yang, a friend of Duterte, had simply helped link them up with the Chinese suppliers so they can deliver the huge orders for face masks and face shields. However, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who grilled Yang and Pharmally’s Ong at length, asked Gordon to enforce a pending arrest warrant for the two men for being “evasive.” There are actually six standing arrest warrants against Yang and five Pharmally officials issued earlier this week for their failure to heed the Blue Ribbon summons. The warrants were held in abeyance after they notified the Blue Ribbon they would attend the Friday hearing virtually. Pressed alternately by Gordon, Lacson and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Ong sounded confused in replying to their main question: where was Pharmally getting its funds before November 2020, when, per Pharmally CEO Huang Zhe Yen, they first obtained a letter of credit for P500 million from UnionBank. Pharmally’s first transaction was worth

P54 million, Drilon noted, “but they only had P625,000, so where did their money come from? He [Ong] said, bank accounts. The question is, whose bank accounts?” Drilon said Ong was “clearly lying,” because, “Clearly, the corporation had no capacity to pay the initial order of P54 million.” Ong later claimed, belatedly, that they were able to deliver initially because the supplier “loaned their stocks” to Pharmally. Drilon wanted Blue Ribbon sheriffs to arrest Ong “right now.” Throughout his testimony, Ong did not take off his mask because he said he was Covid-positive and needed to protect his family. Gordon had asked the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to check the bank transactions of Pharmally for a possible case of money laundering. Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros also asked Gordon to direct the Bureau of Immigration to check the entry and exit data of Huang and his father, because the former testified he was in the Philippines in 2017, but Hontiveros cited information that his last entry date in Manila was in 2005. Sen. Joel Villanueva first made the focus on how Pharmally financed its multibillion supply contracts to the DOH, through the Procurement Service (PS), an office under the DBM, early in the hearing. He found it incredulous that Pharmally could deliver on its first supply contract, for P54 million, given its puny financial assets, as declared. Pharmally’s first order from PS-DBM was for 2.4 million face masks, worth P54 million for an April 14, 2020 delivery. “How did you finance this delivery? Villanueva asked Mr. Huang. Huang replied that being “a start-up,” they did not need much capitalization. Villanueva pressed on: “How did you finance it?” and he then reminded Huang that he and PS-DBM head Christopher Lao had told senators “they only paid you after the delivery—so I wonder, where did you get the money to finance the first batch?” Huang replied that, they had “access to inventories of our suppliers.”

PAL clears 1st hurdle in rehab plan as US court OKs all ‘1st-day motions’

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

EGACY carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) may now draw an initial $20 million from $505-million debtor-inpossession financing, according to the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Gilbert F. Santa Maria, the president and COO of PAL, said the court has approved “all first day motions,” which allows the company to efficiently pay its suppliers, trade creditors, and employees “in the ordinary course of business.” “This is a significant step in our recovery plan and supports our ongoing operations to continue serving our valued customers and connecting the Philippines with the world. The combination of our substantial creditor support and the Court’s approvals enables us to progress toward an expedited emergence and full recovery,” he said. The airline will use the initial funding to “honor and maintain all customer programs, including valid tickets and travel vouchers, Mabuhay Miles and benefits, and refund obligations, subject to PAL’s usual terms and conditions of use.” It will also be used to finance a portion of of PAL’s operations requirements such as catering, fuel, and employee salaries. Santa Maria also gave assurances that PAL will continue to operate flights “in the normal course of business in accordance with safety regulations, and the company expects to continue to meet all its current financial obligations throughout

the Chapter 11 process to employees, customers, the government, and its lessors, lenders, suppliers, and other creditors.” Filed last week, PAL sought for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection in New York under a pre-arranged route, wherein it gathered the approval of all its creditors, lenders, and lessors to restructure its debt. The restructuring plan will enable PAL to reduce its debt of over $2 billion from lessors, lenders, and creditors through the infusion of $505 million of new debt and equity from existing shareholders and domestic banks as well as $150 million of additional debt from global private investors for “post-restructuring activities.” The New York court has yet to approve the whole Chapter 11 plea. During its rehabilitation, PAL will continue to operate its passenger and cargo businesses. It is also increasing frequencies of regional and long-haul routes, as well as domestic routes from its hubs in Manila and Cebu. Cargo flights will also remain unhampered, especially those that require the transportation of vaccines, medical supplies, and those that are critical to sustain the supply chain. PAL is also in the process of reducing its fleet to 70 planes. The company expects to complete the whole restructuring process within the year. “As travel demand increases and restrictions ease, we continue to increase domestic and international flights, while maintaining the safety and health of our passengers and employees,” Santa Maria said.

country’s FDI was supported by the strong June FDI net inf low, which hit $833 million during the month. This is 60.4 percent higher than the $519-million net inf low in the same month last year. Broken down, FDI net inf lows in June 2021 increased mainly on account of infusion by foreig n direct investors to their subsid i a r ies/a f f i l i ates i n t he

Philippines in the form of net investments in debt instruments, which rose by 151.8 percent to $630 million. Reinvestment of earnings also grew by 23.4 percent to $110 million from $89 million. However, foreign net investments in equity capital declined by 48.4 percent to $93 million in June 2021 from $180 million in

the same month last year. This was due to the downturn in equity capital placements by 38.2 percent to $119 million from $192 million, along with the increase in equity capital withdrawals by 112 percent to $26 million from $12 million. The BSP blamed the decline in equity capital investment during the month to concerns over

the spread of more transmissible Delta variant, which “may have prompted investors to remain on the sidelines.” Equity capital placements during the month originated mostly from Japan, the United States, and Singapore. These were invested largely in the manufacturing; real estate; and financial and insurance industries.

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IMI exec: Chip crunch may last a year more amid perfect storm By Cecilia Yap & Ian Sayson

Bloomberg News

hips are set to remain in short supply for at least a year as demand from carmakers and other manufacturers remains robust, and ramping up

production capacity takes time, said the head of Southeast Asia’s Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI). The maker of electronic components, a unit of Philippine conglomerate Ayala Corp., has already topped 2020 in order bookings this

year as economies reopen, said Arthur Tan, IMI’s chief executive officer. With more than 20 facilities in 10 countries, the company is the sixth-largest provider of electronics manufacturing services to carmakers, he said. The vehicle products it assembles include power

modules, cameras and inverters. Automakers from Toyota Motor Corp. to General Motors Co. have been ensnared by the chip shortage, forcing many to cut vehicle output, while manufacturers of consumer electronics have also been hit. Tan discussed the

situation in an interview Thursday, and his comments have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity:

What is the chip shortage’s impact on IMI’s business?

Everyone was hit by the chip shortage and it’s now affecting the entire supply chain, including non-automotive. Demand went down significantly because of the lockdowns globally, which happened in different cycles. Suppliers didn’t turn on all the capacity because there was no demand. During the lockdown, demand through e-commerce came in. We lost the services industry, nobody was flying nor going to hotels. But people have money, so where do you spend it? It’s either food or goods. As people work from home, you need a new computer, a new PC display, cameras, routers, etc.

What did that shift in consumer spending do to chip demand?

The capacity of chip suppliers was channeled to that new demand because no one was buying cars nor riding planes. Then it started to normalize, the demand cycle came back as some economies reopen. You can now go out, but no one wants to ride the train nor the bus because of fear of getting the v irus. Now, you want to buy a car. Suppliers are now saying, “what I ordered before, I want to order again.” But chip manufacturers are saying, “wait, I’ve transferred the capacity to computers, routers, goods and sanitation like UV light.”

When do you see the shortage easing?

When the load returned for auto and industrials, the other side didn’t diminish and therefore we now have what we call the perfect storm—that in spite of demand coming from auto, they can’t switch the capacity back until you add more capacity. But adding capacity on the chip side is not instantaneous. The equipment manufacturer setting it up—the technology and everything—it takes about a year. Or probably more, depending on the type of chip you’re looking for.

And that will also depend on lockdowns?

Exactly. For example, Malaysia was hit. It has several fabs running, once they stop, that’s capacity taken out on a global basis. In countries where we’re at, lockdown is not an issue. We have factories in Germany and in the UK, even through the lockdown, their focus was making sure manufacturing continues. The only ones that shut were in the Philippines and Mexico.

What is your outlook for the industry?

The bright light at the end of the tunnel here is that none of these projects are being canceled. So even if I tell my customers, I can’t deliver or I can deliver next year, no one cancels. They say, “go through with it, look for parts.” And they keep coming. This year, in terms of new program wins, it’s not yet the end of the year but we already surpassed last year’s total. In spite of these logistics and supply chain issues, the programs continue.

Groups press Comelec to extend voter registration deadline to October 31 By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ever al business and professional organizations, schools and academic associations, on Friday has urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the September 30, 2021, voter registration deadline by another month. The extension by one month to October 31, 2021, is needed “when public quarantine conditions shall have been relaxed and people can move about in somewhat greater safety,” they said in a statement. “The Covid-19 pandemic and the corresponding community quarantines of the past 18 months—particularly their concomitant adverse effects on health and livelihood— have posed innumerable, exigent, basicneeds challenges to our people as never before. Pressed by anxiety over immediate existential concerns, many Filipinos have not been afforded the time and mental leeway to register to vote,” the statement added. They stressed that even those not immediately threatened existentially are dissuaded from responding to Comelec’s registration drives “owing to the risks of catching the disease, the uncertainty of getting effective treatment, and the need to adjust to changing public quarantine guidelines in what is [unfolding to be] a rapidly developing situation.” “The progress in the rate of vaccination, while encouraging, is fairly recent and fails to address the risks for the majority. In particular, it fails to assuage the health concerns

of the many millions of younger would-be voters who are not among the priority sectors for vaccination,” they added. Against this reality, they urged the Commission to “use the utmost flexibility and human understanding in its decisions to afford all eligible Filipino citizens the chance to exercise their most fundamental and sacred right in a democracy—the right to choose their representatives in government.” “We commend the Comelec for using satellite sites such as school campuses, shopping malls, and other public and private institutions to facilitate voter registration,” they said, but stressed that with so many eligible Filipinos still unregistered, it is reasonable to increase not only the number of satellite sites but also the number of voter registration days. They cited that the cut-off date for voter registration in 2010, 2013, and 2016 was October 31. “If an exigency justifies an extension, then certainly this once-in-a-lifetime crisis is one that calls for it,” they added. They reiterated that the Comelec should reconsider its decision on behalf especially of the Filipino youth who are just coming of age and will be first-time voters in the 2022 elections. “Please provide them the opportunity to exercise their civic duty and show their love of country. Citizens should not be asked to choose between risking their health and fulfilling their constitutional duty,” they stressed.

NLEX completes rehab of two Bulacan bridges

ll lanes are now open at the Meycauayan and Bigaa bridges in Bulacan as the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. recently completed the rehabilitation of both bridges ahead of its original completion schedule. “Despite some restrictions caused by the ongoing pandemic and the challenges brought about by inclement weather conditions and doing works in live traffic, we’re happy to announce that works in Meycauayan and Bigaa bridges are now completed ahead of schedule to provide motorists with safer and smoother travel,” J. Luigi L. Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corp., said in a news statement. NLEX has replaced the girders and slabs of the two bridges to strengthen the structures and improve their serviceability as these were built in the 1960s. The 45-meter Meycauayan bridge and 64-meter Bigaa bridge are just some of the essential links within the expressway that facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods between the North and Metro Manila. As NLEX Corp. places high value on the feedback of its daily commuters, the tollway company and its contractor proactively accelerated and managed the construction so that the project will be finished ahead of its original completion date. Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando expressed delight that the project was promptly

finished. “This is a welcome news for all of us as we look forward to a better travel experience. This vital infrastructure is seen to enhance the safety and mobility of our motorists,” he said. “We are pleased that the rehabilitation of Meycauayan bridge is now completed. We thank our private sector partner, NLEX, for doubling its efforts to ensure this early completion for our road users,” said Meycauayan City Mayor Linabelle Villarica. For his part, Bocaue Mayor Jose Santiago Jr. noted that the completion would further help in the unhampered delivery of goods and transport of authorized persons outside of residence during the community quarantine. “It is impressive that this project was finished ahead of schedule so the public, especially the health workers and economic frontliners, will have ease of travel,” he said. During the rehabilitation works, NLEX has implemented traffic management measures to alleviate the effect of lane closures on the flow of vehicles. Aside from opening zipper lanes and deploying patrol crews and marshals, it has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 for the temporary opening of the two-lane service road in Meycauayan which was used as a detour. NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

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Bill mandates fixed 3-year term for AFP chief, key military officials and end to ‘revolving door policy’

By Rene Acosta

he Senate is proposing to set the term of the chief of staff and other senior military commanders holding key positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to three years in a bid to end the habit of appointing “quickie generals,” and stop the Commander-in-Chief ’s practice of the “revolving door” policy. The chamber was also moving to raise or adjust the mandatory retirement age of soldiers to 59 from the currently observed 56, a proposal that was earlier been endorsed and supported by the Department of National Defense. “Short-term leadership of ‘quickie generals,’ so to speak, often undermines the integrity and competence of the position of chief of staff. It erodes short- and long-term strategic planning and development, leaving behind reforms to take root and effect meaningful change in the military,” said Senator Panfilo Lacson.

US President orders shots for 100M in new ‘action plan’ against Covid-19

ASHINGTON—In his most forceful pandemic actions and words, President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered sweeping new federal vaccine requirements for as many as 100 million Americans in an all-out effort to increase Covid-19 vaccinations and curb the surging delta variant. Speaking at the W hite House, Biden sharply criticized the tens of millions of Americans who are not yet vaccinated, despite months of availability and incentives. “We’ve been patient. But our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us,” he said, all but biting off his words. The unvaccinated minority “can cause a lot of damage, and they are.” Republican leaders—and some union chiefs, too—said Biden was going too far in trying to muscle private companies and workers, a certain sign of legal challenges to come. Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina said in a statement that “Biden and the radical Democrats [have] thumbed their noses at the Constitution,” while American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley insisted that “changes like this should be negotiated with our bargaining units where appropriate.” On the other hand, there were strong words of praise for Biden’s ef for ts to get t he nation vaccinated from the A merican Medical A ssociation, t he Nationa l A sso ciation of Manufacturers and the Business Roundtable—though no direct mention of his mandate for private companies. T he ex pansive r u les mandate that all employers w ith more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly, affecting about 80 million A mericans. A nd the roughly 17 million workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid also will have to be fully vaccinated. Biden is also requiring vaccination for employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government—with no option to test out. That covers several million more workers. Biden announced the new requirements in a Thursday afternoon address from the White House as part of a new “action plan” to address the latest rise in coronavirus cases and the stagnating pace of Covid-19 shots. AP

Lacson sponsored committee report 297 on Senate Bill 2376, an “Act Strengthening Professionalism and Continuity of the Policies and Modernization Initiatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes,” which substituted Senate Bill Numbers 1785, 1045 and 1370 filed by Senators Richard Gordon, Aquilino Pimentel III and Emmanuel Pacquiao, respectively.

Fixed terms

Among others, the bill wants to give a fixed term of three years to the chief of staff, vice chief of staff, the deputy chief of staff, the major service commanders, commanders of the area commands and the military’s inspector general. It also proposes to accord the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy a longer tour of duty of four years provided that he is not eligible for any other position in the military and be retired from the military upon

the completion of his tour of duty. “These key positions rightfully deserve a sense of stability and continuity of their service which the AFP’s revolving door policy is devoid of,” Lacson said in his sponsorship speech. “It goes without saying that this bill provides the much-needed ‘moral incentive’ to our military leaders. With their appointment at the helm of the AFP, they get the chance not only to learn the ropes but to actually steer the Armed Forces in the right direction,” he added. Lacson, chairman of the Senate National Defense Committee, however, emphasized that the fixed term of the military’s top brass do not affect the Commander-in-Chief’s power to terminate or relieve them from their posts.

Too many of them

In sponsoring the committee report, Lacson noted that 37 senior officers have been appointed as chief of staff during the term of six

past and incumbent Presidents, 10 of them under President Duterte. “Time and again, we see leaders of our armed forces come and go through the ‘revolving door policy,’ staying in the office just to warm up their seats and not long enough to implement their legacy programs. This state of things has always been a disservice to the mandates of the military leadership entrusted with the security and defense of the country,” he said. Senate Bill 2376 also calls for a “more ideal General/Flag Officer-tototal force ratio” of one general for every 1,000 soldiers, as it addresses observations that the military had been overly populated w ith star rank officers. Likewise, it pushes for the implementation of a merit-based promotion and attrition systems that will “assure the Armed Forces of a continuous pool of qualified and effective leaders” and amend the age of commission of officers from the current 21 to 26 years of age to 21 up to 28 years old.

DOH open to Metro mayors’ call to ease restrictions for fully vaccinated persons By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

he Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said that it might consider the recommendation of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to ease Covid-19 guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals in the National Capital Region (NCR). However, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the main consideration for the decision is the fact that majority of the population is still not vaccinated “and hence it may lead to discrimination especially to those who don’t have access to vaccines yet.” “We are carefully reviewing and studying these kinds of recommendations. Furthermore, DOH maintains that we still cannot differentiate between those vaccinated and unvaccinated as Covid-19 vaccines are not transmission-blocking,” Vergeire said. Fully vaccinated individuals, she pointed out, can still get infected and even transmit the virus. On Thursday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos

Jr., also the concurrent chairman of MMC, said that easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals in the metropolis would help the government’s campaign to vaccinate the rest of the population, and that the move would gradually bolster economic activities, particularly industries and services greatly hit by the pandemic. “With the NCR being considered right now to be the epicenter of this pandemic and the region with the most number of vaccinated individuals, we are confident that we can find the right balance between safeguarding the public’s health and reviving the economy,” Abalos said. Abalos cited that the NCR registered around 56 percent of the eligible population or 5,492,344 individuals who have completed their doses as of September 8, while 84.21 percent of the eligible population or 8,262,558 individuals already received their first vaccine shot. “Administering first dose of the vacc ine is cr uc i a l, but approx imately a month from now, since most of the Cov id-19 shots have a three to four-week inter val from the first shot, those who got their first jabs w ill eventually complete their vaccination,” he said.

Abalos added that by October 8, Metro Manila is expected to reach 7 7. 57- p e rc e nt v a c c i n at ion r at e or 7,601,685 of the total eligible population. “The more people who complete their inoculation, the sooner we can achieve population protection,” he said. “And since the AstraZeneca vaccine has an interval of 12 weeks at most between the first dose and the second dose, we expect 87 percent of the eligible population in NCR to be vaccinated in three months time or not later than December 8,” Abalos added. Metro Manila local chief executives urged the IATF to “consider the easing of the Covid-19 guidelines for fully-vaccinated individuals in NCR subject to the conduct of an inter-agency and inter-disciplinary study to determine the appropriate policy therefore based on scientific and empirical evidence,” the resolution, which was unanimously approved, stated. Metro Manila remains under modified enhanced community quarantine until September 15. The MMC, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.

Strong typhoon skirting PHL, heads toward Taiwan

ANGKOK—A strong typhoon skirted past most of the Philippines on Friday but appeared to be gaining strength and heading directly for Taiwan this weekend, forecasters said. Typhoon Chanthu still had the potential on its current course to hit the extreme northeastern portion of Cagayan province in the Philippines with sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 240 kph before moving onward toward Taiwan, the country’s meteorological agency said. As Chanthu moves west-northwest past the Philippines, current forecasts are that it will most likely hit the east coast of Taiwan on Sunday morning, with the potential of hitting the island head-on if it tacks more to the west, or missing it entirely if it veers to the east. Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau has issued a typhoon warning as it

tracks the storm. The bureau said high waves were expected along Taiwan’s southern coast and in the Bashi Channel between its southern tip and the northernmost island in the Philippines. T he Ph i l ippi ne At mos pher ic, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Chanthu is forec a st to i ntensi f y up to 205 k ph over t he ne x t 12 hou rs, be fore sl ight ly wea ken i ng a head of reac h i ng Ta iwa n. “Further weakening will begin on Sunday as the typhoon begins to interact with the rugged terrain of Taiwan but will remain within typhoon category throughout the forecast period,” the agency said. “Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.”

On its current course, the typhoon is not expected to hit mainland China but has the potential to by Monday if it moves more westward than expected at the moment. Typhoons are called hurricanes in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific and eastern North Pacific, but are the same weather phenomenon. A s m a l le r t y pho on s l a m me d into t he easter n Phi lippines on Tuesday, causing power outages in several prov inces before weakening into a severe tropical storm as it moved west-northwest over the Sibuyan Sea. About 20 typhoons and storms batter the Philippines each year, aside from seasonal monsoon rains. The country also lies in the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. AP

Biden calls Xi as US-China relations grow more fraught

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden spoke with China’s Xi Jinping on Thursday amid growing frustration on the American side that high-level engagement between the two leaders’ top advisers has been largely unfruitful in the early going of the Biden presidency. Biden initiated the call with Xi, the second between the two leaders since Biden took office. It comes at a moment

when there is no shortage of thorny issues between the two nations, including cyber-security breaches originating from China, Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and what the White House has labeled as “coercive and unfair” trade practices by the Chinese. But Biden’s aim with the 90-minute call was less focused on any of those hot-button issues and instead

centered on discussing the way ahead for the US-China relationship after it got off to a decidedly rocky start in his tenure. The White House said in a statement the “two leaders had a broad, strategic discussion in which they discussed areas where our interests converge, and areas where our interests, values, and perspectives diverge.” The White House is hopeful the two

sides can work together on issues of mutual concern—including climate change and preventing a nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula—despite growing differences. Beijing, however, has pushed back against US pressure and increasingly has suggested it could remain broadly uncooperative until Biden dials down criticism on what it deems Chinese internal matters. AP

Saturday, September 11, 2021

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BARMM moves to revive banana export industry in Maguindanao

OTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Board of Investments -Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BBOIBARMM) is facilitating the revival of banana farms in Maguindanao with the expected infusion of P200 million worth of new investments from two local firms. BBOI-BARMM Chairman Ishak Mastura, a lawyer, said Friday that his office has eased a business understanding between the Eka Salam Agriventures Corp. (ESAC) and the Iranun Premier Development Corp.

(IPDC) for the recovery of the seemingly troubled banana industry in the province amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Mastura said the venture aims to address the needs of displaced ethnic

Group vows to enhance ‘growing potential’ of Philippine exports

he vast opportunities as well as the challenges that face the country’s exports spurred the formation of a new organization, which intends to not just uplift the sector, but also allow more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to capitalize on the global market. The group, called the Philippine Export Service Providers and Consolidators Association Inc. (PESPCA), Tomas Medina and Jiten Lawani likewise intends to elevate the Among the agencies it intends to stature of Philippine-made products partner with are the Food and Drug as a preferred brand, not just among Administration, the Department of Filipinos abroad, but also in the wider Trade and Industry, and Department international marketplace. of Agriculture. PESPCA was formally organized PESPCA said close coordination recently following the election of its with the said agencies is crucial in officers and the holding of its first addressing export market regulation meeting in Parañaque City. compliance such as foreign language Elected were Tomas Medina as label attachment, printing of correct president, Jiten Lalwani as vicedate formats and order codes, and president, Michael Manalang as bundling of promos. secretariat, Brian Tan as treasurer, The group is also looking to proand Angelo Reyes as public relations pose a financing program to allow officer. more MSME producers to cross over PESPCA’s newly installed officers to overseas markets. To make these said they will prioritize pressing ispossible local businesses need to sussues that face the Philippine export tain a 60 to 90 day cash flow. industry in an era of continuing The group believes that the Philpandemic, particularly its effects ippines is capable of becoming a on shipping and logistics, container major food and non-food exporting availability, freight rates, port concountry. The continued patronage gestion, and verified gross mass. of Filipinos from all over the world The group will also initiate diaserves as a key entry point for more logues with the government on how people abroad to try out and eventuto make Philippine exports more ally become loyal customers of Philcompetitive and attuned with global ippine brands. standards.

Iranun banana farmers in Buldon, Maguindanao, who were formerly contract growers under the unsuccessful Al-Sahar Agriventures Inc., as well as their intention to rehabilitate and restore the banana farming infrastructure. “The target banana farmers in Buldon, Maguindanao are the growers that were displaced after the closure of Al-Sahar Agriventures Inc. in 2019,” Mastura said, adding that the firm was unable to continue its operation for lack of capital, marketing, and technical expertise worse by the pandemic. He said the BBOI’s facilitation led to having a business understanding between the ESAC, which previously registered its own Cavendish banana plantation investments with the BBOI, and the IPDC that stands as the banana farmers’ newly organized

intermediary firm. In addition, Mastura said the ESAC, which also serves as the Iranun farmers’ marketing arm, would provide technical and farm management expertise with the help of multinational Unifrutti Philippines Inc. based in Davao City. “At least 200 hectares of land in Buldon, Maguindanao is expected to be replanted with Cavendish bananas for export,” Mastura said. He said at a cost of P1,000,000 per hectare, it is estimated to generate a total of P200-million investment, and the employment of some 400 people in the area. Mastura said the BBOI has further arranged for the two groups to have access to financing from the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) loan program for

BARMM and conflict-affected areas under its HARVEST lending facility. HARVEST stands for Harnessing Agribusiness opportunities through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship Supportive of peaceful Transformation, a five-year P2.12-billion development assistance from Jica that seeks to provide concessional loans to small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, and large agribusiness enterprises, among others, in the BARMM. “The BBOI also seeks to facilitate technical assistance to the farmers by Jica consultants under HARVEST,” Mastura added. He said the BBOI is set to register the investments of the related parties before the end of this year to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for the investment project to succeed. PNA

DA boosts mushroom, cacao farming in N. Mindanao

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10) has initiated an estimated P3.4 million worth of projects for the production of mushrooms and cacao in Northern Mindanao. In a report by DA-10, the mushroom production project costs P3.2 million, while the cacao farming project is worth P175,000. Cacao farming is intended for the indigenous peoples (IP) community in Iligan City as part of the barangay development program under Executive Order (EO) 70. Kersten Pagalan, focal person of the High-Value Crops Development Program, said the mushroom cultivation project involves 32 units (grow-

ing houses) amounting to P100,000 each, which were provided to eight recipient local government units. She said the 2,000 pieces of mushroom fruiting bags were provided to each beneficiary as part of their start-up kit, aside from polypropylene bags, vacuum sealer and bag filling machine. Pagalan said cultivating mushrooms can provide sustainable income, and may offer opportunities for income and livelihood. “Mushroom culture also gain popularity in the Philippines, part of Urban Agriculture Program where we can produce in a limited space, can be grown whole year round with minimum maintenance and supervision,” she said. Meantime, the department

turned over 5,000 pieces of cacao seedlings to six IP farmer associations in Barangay Rogongon in Iligan City, in support of EO 70 or institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict. The project will benefit the 710 members of the Barangay Rogongon’s IP communities who are beneficiaries of DA’s Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubong (4Ks) program. The Rogongon IPs have around 6,700 hectares of farmland suitable for cacao production aside from growing abaca as their primary source of income and living. Early in May this year, the community also received banana cardava planting materials. PNA

DTI invites Japanese firms to invest in PHL industries

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has urged Japanese firms to invest in the Philippines as opportunities for manufacturing, construction, and energy remain high despite the pandemic. In a virtual Philippine economic briefing for Japanese companies last Tuesday, Lopez said Japanese investors may look into opportunities in the production of semiconductor and electronic goods, as well as manufacturing of medical devices. “[M]edical devices manufacturing is also a growing industry backed by the presence of supply chain for manufacturing such as tool and die, chemicals,

semiconductors, plastics, and metal parts necessary in the production of medical devices and its parts,” he said. Lopez said as the government aims to build its health-care facilities, demand for medical devices is expected to increase. “The local medical device market is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 8.8 percent and would rise to $884.3 million by [the] end of 2024,” he said. The DTI chief said Japanese firms likewise have a big market to tap in the domestic construction sector driven by the government’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, housing backlog, office space requirement, transport

sector demand, supply chain industry, power demand, and demand for more health-care facilities. Under the “Build, Build, Build” program, the government has a total of 119 infrastructure flagship projects. Japanese firms were also encouraged to look into opportunities in the residential sector as the housing backlog is expected to reach 12.4 million units by 2030, while the office market needs nearly 370,000 square meters of office spaces between 2021 and 2025. Lopez further said there is also growing demand in the transport sector, with transport infrastructure requiring investments amounting to $100 billion for the next decade. PNA

Protests threaten Libya oil exports as tanker loading halted in port

fresh wave of protests at key Libyan oilfields and ports threatens to derail months of stability in the Opec member’s production and exports. Demonstrators have interrupted the loading of an oil tanker and taken over the control room at the country’s biggest crude port, Es Sider, according to three people with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified because they aren’t authorized to speak to media. Protesters calling for the dismissal of Mustafa Sanalla, state-run National Oil Corp.’s (NOC) chief, have prevented the Suezmax tanker Yannis P. from loading at the eastern port that processes 300,000 barrels of crude a day, the people said. Officials at the NOC were not immediately available to comment. For much of the past decade, there have been frequent protests at Libya’s main oil fields, with groups using blockades of facilities to press for political or economic demands. The recent protests—along with a power struggle between Sanalla and oil minister Mohamed Oun—have further jeopardized the country’s output. Although Libya has Africa’s largest crude reserves, production has been erratic since the overthrow of former leader Moammar Qaddafi in 2011. A truce last year in the country’s long-running civil war, combined with the formation of a unity government, has helped to stabilize production in recent months at almost 1.2 million barrels a day.

New wave of protests

Protesters said over the weekend that they will halt exports at the eastern oil ports of Zueitina, Brega, Ras Lanuf, and Es Sider. Another group of demonstrators has threatened to stop production at oilfields in the southeast, including at Nafoora. Separate demonstrations by students and fresh graduates demanding jobs have also erupted at the key Hariga port, which exports about 250,000 barrels a day of Sarir and Mesla crude. The Suezmax tanker Mikela P. is due to reach Hariga is due to arrive at the port on September 9, vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show. Tensions between Oun and Sanalla erupted recently after the oil minister asked the government to dismiss the NOC chief and reshuffle the company’s board. The jostling follows a decade of conflict and tension between rival governments that eased after the formation of a unity authority. Bloomberg News

BusinessMirror

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

Why ‘cedula’ remains useful in Philippines after 125 years By Severino Samonte

ANILA—While most of the present generation of Filipinos may be aware that the “cedula” or residence certificate was among the causes of the 1896 revolution against Spanish rule in the Philippines, some people could be wondering why such a certificate remains in use in the country today. There is actually a very big difference between that 1896 “cedula” and the community tax certificate (CTC) being collected by local government units (LGUs) at present, or after 125 years. According to the book Philippine History and Government by Dr. Gregorio F. Zaide and his daughter, Dr. Sonia M. Zaide, when Katipunan leader Andres Bonifacio tore up his Spanish-issued “cedula” (residence tax or tribute certificate) one day in August 1896, he shouted: “This is my answer to Spanish tyranny; let us fight for freedom.” The Zaides’ book also said one of the earliest revolts against the tribute in the country started in Cagayan and the Ilocos in 1589. In that year, the people there revolted due to the abuses of tax collectors. They killed many Spaniards, but then Spanish Governor Santiago de Vera pacified the rebel patriots by pardoning some of them. The present community tax is being imposed by the Philippine government through the LGUs by virtue of Article 6 of the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC) or Republic Act 7160. The 866-page LGC was authored by the late Senate President Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr. and signed into law on December 11, 1992 by then President Fidel V. Ramos. According to Sections 156 and 157 of the LGC, cities or municipalities may levy a community tax as “residents have a financial obligation to specifically contribute to the development of their communities.” Pimentel noted that during the deliberations on the provisions of the LGC, there was serious discussion on the belief that “taxing the people for the right to live in their own country is an aberration of their constitutional right to live anywhere in the Republic. We proposed the abolition of the so-called cedula or residence tax.” “A llusion to the K atipuneros’ cr y of Pugad Lawin where they tore up their cedulas strengthens the call for the abolition of the cedula. Realizing, however, that it is also a sizable source of income for the government, upon sug gestion of Senator Er nesto

Maceda, we decided to change ‘cedula’ to community development ta x,” Pimentel said. Section 157 of the LGC states: “Every inhabitant of the Philippines 18 years of age or over who has been regularly employed on a wage or salary basis for at least 30 consecutive working days during any calendar year, or who is engaged in business or occupation, or who owns real property with an aggregate assessed value of P1,000 or more, or who is required by law to file an income tax return shall pay an annual community tax of P5 and an annual additional tax of P1 for every P1,000 of income regardless of whether from business, exercise of profession or from property which in no case shall exceed P5,000.” In the case of husband and wife, the additional tax imposed shall be based upon the total value of the property they owned and the total gross receipts or earnings derived by them. Section 158 has this provision for juridical persons liable to community tax: “Every corporation, no matter how created or organized, whether domestic or resident foreign, engaged in or doing business in the Philippines, shall pay an annual community tax of P500 and an annual additional tax which, in no case, shall exceed P10,000 in accordance with the following schedule: (1) For every P5,000 worth of real property in the Philippines owned by it during the preceding year based on the valuation used for the payment of real property tax under existing laws, found in the assessment rolls of the city or municipality where the real property is located—P2; and, (2) For every P5,000 of gross receipts or earnings derived by it from business in the Philippines during the preceding year—P2. The Community Tax Certificate shall be paid in the place of residence of the individual, or in the place where the principal office of the juridical entity is located. The proceeds of the CTC collection shall accrue to the general funds of the cities, municipalities and barangays except a portion thereof which shall go to the general fund of the national government to cover the actual cost of printing by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and distribution of the forms and other related expenses. The city or municipal treasurer shall deputize the barangay treasurer to collect the community tax in their respective jurisdictions. The barangay treasurer shall be bonded in accordance with existing laws. PNA

Entitled seniors with attitude By Nick Tayag

my sixty-zen’S WORTH

am a card-carrying senior citizen. So what I will now be getting into is something that makes me uncomfortable. When I became a senior citizen and got my card, I was happy to be officially entitled to enjoy certain privileges. Nevertheless, entitled as I was, I vowed to always remember to use those privileges judiciously. It is the least I can do to express my gratitude to society for the tender mercies shown toward seniors like me. I specially enjoyed this special treatment when my wife and I traveled to California two years ago when her siblings sponsored our first trip together outside the country. In airports from Manila to Los Angeles and back, we were whisked ahead of the long line of passengers. No waiting in line, no long questioning at immigration and customs. Es-

tablishments in California are quite senior-friendly, as the elderly are always given special consideration wherever we went. Thus, I am dismayed and embarrassed whenever I discover seniors taking advantage of discount privileges to the hilt and even flaunting it. Even those who are wealthy use their discount cards for every transaction, no matter how small the amount of purchase. I remember what my late daughter-in-law told me when she was a store manager of a fast-food franchise in Greenhills: Well-off residents were quick to flash their discount cards even for just a cup of coffee. They were the most vocal and adamant about their discount, even nitpicking about the amount to the last centavo. Walang patawad. It is therefore painful for me to say that some senior citizens don’t deserve the privileges accorded to them. Bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Lola Francisca: PHL’s oldest living person celebrates her 124th birthday Story & photo by Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ational Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Chairman Franklin Quijano is set to visit Francisca Susano, the oldest living person in the country and probably in the world, who will celebrate her 124th birthday today (September 11) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Lola Francisca, born on September 11,1897, is a resident of Barangay Oringao, a mountainous area of Kabankalan, which is in the southern part of Negros. She never left her birthplace where she enjoys a lifetime of peace and tranquility, away from all kinds of pollution. Lola Francisca has 14 children. Her eldest daughter is also a centenarian who is now 101 years old. Ms. Jake Carlyne Gonzales, public information officer of Kabankalan City, told the BusinessMirror that Mayor Pedro Zayco and other local government officials will join NCSC’s Quijano to celebrate Lola Francisca’s 124th birthday. Gonzales said that a day before Lola Francisca’s birthday, the office of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, through the Provincial Health Office, has sent their gift in advance—a new wheelchair. “We are also here with Lola Francisca now to check on her before her celebration tomorrow,” Gonzales said over the phone. She said they will ensure that minimum public health standards will be “strictly observed” during the celebration.

Cake and spaghetti Rosalie, Lola Francisca’s granddaughter, said they will just buy a cake and cook spaghetti to celebrate her grandmother’s birthday. But Lola Francisca will be served with the usual food she likes to eat: oatmeal or vegetable soup like squash.

huwag magalit. It reminds me of a recent news reports about a new policeman who suddenly barged into the ER room of a hospital and demanded to be treated first. When it was explained to him that he had to be tested for Covid as part of general protocol, he refused and threatened the attending health workers with words to this effect: “Sinabi ko nang pulis ako. Kung dala ko lang ang baril ko pinagbabaril ko na kayo.” Give someone the right to carry a gun and he will use it at the first opportunity to use it just because he can. In the same way, given the privilege to enjoy discounts, should a senior citizen f launt it at every opportunity? I know some who let their young relatives use the privilege for the discounts even if that is not allowed by law. No one seems to want to call them out. When I tell my fellow seniors about it, they just shrug and say I am too scrupulous. Abusive seniors forget that entrepreneurs have to make a little profit too. When I tell my wife to buy rice porridge (lugaw or goto) to take home for our afternoon snack, she no longer cares to brandish our discount cards. It’s our way of helping the poor retail owner, who has to pay for the rent and the salary of his employee. Konti na lang ang kita,

The family is happy that Lola Francisca reached this age without some of the serious diseases that become more common as people age.

Lola Francisca with three of her 14 children during her birthday celebration in 2019. Her eldest daughter who is fixing her hair is now 101 years old.

Playing harmonica Before the pandemic, this reporter visited Lola Francisca when she celebrated her 122nd birthday in 2019. She enter tained her g uests, mostly her “Kabankalanon fans” by playing the harmonica.

Lola Francisca also loves to sing Well-wishers like Grace Conlu and Marites Siason were amused to see the birthday celebrant playing harmonica. The visitors are from Kabankalan City. They traveled more than 30 minutes just to greet Lola Francisca on her birthday. Both of them said it was a great experience to celebrate the birthday of Lola Francisca as this prov ided them an opportunit y to honor elderly citizens and let them know they are appreciated and valued. T his is something they will never forget because the city considers Lola Francisca as a “natural treasure.” Lola Francisca’s other granddaughter, Marlyn, said that her grandmother loves to play harmonica while inside the house or when she is relaxing outside to get some fresh air.

Lola Francisca “Iska” Susano on the eve of her 124th birthday Photos courtesy of the Kabankalan City PIO

Lola Iska with her granddaughter Rosalie

Vying for the Guinness Record

Lola Francisca’s secret to longevity,

according to her family, could be attributed to her physical activity tending their farm and to her diet of fresh vegetables and fruits. She loves to eat sweet potato and “bisol” (gabi or taro). She eats meat, but not pork. According to Marlyn, Lola Francisca, during her younger days, doesn’t spend her time gossiping but focused on her work as a farmer for she and her husband have children to feed. “Lola is very optimistic in life. She chose not to dwell on problems and life’s challenges back then,” Marlyn said in Ilonggo.

The Guinness Organization has already received all the needed documents for Lola Francisca to be officially declared as “the oldest living person.” Lola Francisca was also one of the recipients of the Negros First Centenarian Act of 2015. The Gerontology Research Group is currently verifying documents it received last year to determine if Lola Francisca can be declared by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest living person. “If Guinness will officially declare her as the world’s oldest living person, Mayor Zayco will also give her cash incentive,” Gonzales said.

mababawasan pa, as my wife would say. Besides, processing senior discounts takes a while and can inconvenience others, which is often true. But there are more dismaying things about entitled seniors, other than the discount card. I will never forget that one trip on the LRT in pre-pandemic days when I was so mortified with the way a senior lady comported herself. As you know, the front coach is reserved for senior citizens and persons with disability, separated by a chain from the rest of the train. It so happened that the train on that day was jam-packed. Seeing there was space at the special area for seniors, two young college students inadvertently stepped over to the special section. I did not mind and gave them a knowing wink because I pitied the poor passengers. But then the senior lady (apparently a teacher or school principal) saw it as her duty to give the youngsters a blistering lesson on good manners and right conduct. She loudly castigated and berated the poor fellows for God knows how long that everybody wanted to tell her to stop already. She even demanded to get their names and addresses so she could report them to their school management. Mercifully, another senior lady who couldn’t take anymore asked the

cantankerous old lady to let it go, seeing how the poor young men were publicly shamed enough. This was a clear case of going overboard, tantamount to verbal abuse by an entitled senior who should have known better. Is there a psychological explanation for these explosions of verbal aggression by seniors, which are happening more frequently as they get older? Is it because we do not express our needs or ourselves as clearly as we once did? Maybe so. But our frustration, in this case with ourselves, does not grant us any right to treat others disrespectfully. It seems that the onset of more aches, more chronic illness, more limitations of aging have embittered many of us. They resort to gruffness and abuse, as if taking revenge through hostility for being robbed of their youth. They are actually enjoying the pain of their age, telling the young: since you now consider me as useless and a nuisance, suffer me gladly you fools, and treat me as someone special. Perhaps there is a feeling among some of today’s seniors that since they’ve done so much in their youth, society should do whatever they ask, determined to get all they can from privileges bestowed on them. They are claiming as right what it is, in essence, a gift.

The last thing I want is to be looked at as an obnoxious, rude and demanding old fart by young people because of my attitude and behavior. But with the rude and cantankerous behavior displayed by members of my own generation, we can end up displacing the millennials as “the entitlement generation.” Groucho Marx was heard to have said: “I don’t want to be a member of a club who would accept me as a member.” I sometimes feel the same way with my demographic group. My membership in the senior citizen category makes me uncomfortable at times. To my fel low card car r y ing seniors, transform that attitude into gratitude. Let’s tr y not to be a conspicuous nuisance. Let us be mindful and considerate to those who are waiting behind us. If we have to cut into any line, at least tr y to look apologetic and grateful to the people who have been there earlier and made to endure waiting in line. Let us serve as models of how to use our privileges, in a mature, responsible way. Be an inspiration in the sunset of your life. Like the concluding scene of old movies in which the gunfighter hero or the tramp heads toward the sunset, bring your life to a satisfying ending that elicits applause, not boos.

Longevity

Education BusinessMirror

A8 Saturday, September 11, 2021

Editor: Mike Policarpio

DepEd: 18.9M learners enrolled for new academic year

HE Education Department on Tuesday reported that 18,901,373 students enrolled in public and private schools nationwide for Academic Year 2021-2022.

Based on the latest data from its Learner Information System Quick Count, the department said 14,334,046 enrolled as of August 31, and 4,557,327 during the early registration on June 2. Region 4A (Calabarzon) logged the highest number of enrollees with 2,736,301— including 2,225,592 enrolled by end of last month, and 480,709 under early registration. The National Capital Region recorded the second-highest number of enrollees with 1,869,853, consisting of 1,577,728 students and 292,125 registrants. Under the alternative learning system (ALS), 154,670 enlisted. Last year a total of 26,826,387 students enrolled in Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 6, junior high school, senior high school,

and the ALS. Registration will run until September 13—the first day of the school year that will implement blended learning, as faceto-face classes remain suspended due to the pandemic. On Monday the department set up the “Oplan Balik Eskwela” 2021-Public Assistance Command Center (OBE-PACC) nationwide to cater to stakeholders’ queries and concerns before the school year starts. The OBE-PACC at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office’s Bulwagan ng Karunungan will accommodate queries of parents, learners and other stakeholders received through hotlines, e-mails, SMS, and social-media messages until September 17.

EDUCATORS SPEAK Oxford editor looks into ‘Philippine English’

HE Filipinos’ proficiency in speaking English gives them a competitive advantage across the globe. Their excellent communication skills are valued wherever they are, as English has become their second language, and is the primary medium of instruction in most Philippine schools and universities. Dr. Danica Salazar, a World English editor for Oxford Languages where she oversees policy, procedures and strategy for world varieties of English, as well as researches and writes World English entries for the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), made these statements during a webinar in Washington, D.C. In her talk at the Philippine Embassy in the United States capitol entitled “From the Thomasites to the OED: The Development of English from American Transplant to Philippine Language,” Dr. Salazar touched on elements that set the OED apart from other English dictionaries; words in the OED that are unique to Philippine English; precolonial, Spanish, American, and postwar influences to these words; and the ways Filipinos have produced English literature on their own. Dr. Salazar also discussed how Filipinos “create words” by borrowing from other languages that reflect the diversity of the many languages spoken in the Philippines. She likewise highlighted the Pinoys’ style of “codeswitching,” wherein depending on the topic or the person one is talking to, he or she switches between these languages, which gives rise to “Tag-lish,” or Tagalog-English. This way of com-

DR. Danica Salazar

munication can be seen in urban centers in the Philippines. “Different combinations of our language with English is how we communicate now, and that’s fine,” the editor revealed. “It is really weird that we put so much premium on the purity of languages when, in fact, multilingualism is the norm not only in the Philippines, but also in the world.” She said “English is now a Filipino language, too,” emphasizing that “for over 100 years, we have been using English in our own country without the involvement of Americans… By using the language, by speaking it, by writing it, we have contextualized it, and made it our own, and made it work for us.” She also underscored the importance of access to good, quality instruction in English, especially for many Filipino children, in order to avoid exclusion. The August 26 webinar was part of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.’s celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, or National Language Month. It may be viewed on the embassy’s official Facebook page. Recto L. Mercene

T.I.P. places fifth in PHL’s engineering research–IRIS

HE Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) was hailed as the fifth-top school for engineering research in the 2021 IRIS (Institutes for Research, Innovation and Scholarship) Philippine University Research Rankings. In a webinar, IRIS revealed its beta list of 106 public and private higher education institutions ranked in the engineering, sciences, and health sciences fields based on cumulative publications and citations from Thomson Reuters and Elsevier. It provides a stepping stone for local HEIs aspiring to earn international standing. IRIS also cited T.I.P. as one of the fastest-growing universities in the sciences category, jumping from 37th to 28th in the last five years. Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz, T.I.P. president, welcomed the results as “good news,” saying: “Affirmations such as this

one inspire us to further contribute to that critical mass in research and innovation.” Dr. Carlos Primo David, who presented the list, pointed out the importance of tracking university research performance, “as these institutions are the primary seedbeds for knowledge creation.” He also noted: “There’s a good correlation between a vibrant research culture, and high-quality instructions at the tertiary level.” IRIS is a private educational organization that seeks to create pathways for collaboration among Filipino researchers, educators, and innovators in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agro-fisheries. For more information on T.I.P., visit tip. edu.ph or its official social-media accounts through @TIP1962official for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

the schools per region. He said the regular enrollment period is up to the first day of classes, as the late enrollment schedule has yet to be announced. “Our appeal to learners and parents is not to wait for the last day of regular enrollment to enroll. It will help in the organization of classes by the schools or teachers,” the undersecretary added. To date about 20,098,808 learners have enrolled in public and private schools nationwide for the upcoming school year.

Ready for school opening UNDERSECRETARY Nepomuceno Malaluan PNA

Enrollment trend: ‘Sustained increase’

MEANWHILE, Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said on Wednesday the enrollment trend for the new academic year showed a “sustained increase” a few days before the opening of classes on September 13. Malaluan said the rise in the number of learners enrolled was seen daily, despite the considered lag in reporting of

FOR its part, DepEd-Central Luzon (CL) said it is ready with the September 13 opening of classes in public schools. DepEd Regional Director May Eclar on Wednesday said that amid challenges brought by the pandemic, all the 3,656 public elementary and high schools in the region are ready to start the school year. In an official social-media post, Eclar said in Filipino that, although it was not easy for them in the past school year, especially for teachers and school supervisors, it was when they realized their strength

and resiliency. She said lessons of the past school year are the ones that DepEd in the region used to improve the delivery of education to students this year. Based on a school readiness report, DepEd-CL had an average of 81.19 percent of readiness shown by its planning and governance, teacher support, school head support, aid to parents and guardians, as well as health and safety protocols. The same report, however, indicated that factors such as enrollment, learning resources, learner support, and well-being still require attention. Currently DepEd-CL registered a total of 1,854,717 enrollees in all levels, or 66 percent of last year’s enrollment, which is 69 percent of the projected 2,699,515 number of learners. Enrollment in all public schools will be until Monday. DepEd-CL also launched its regional OBE-PACC to address various issues and concerns regarding school opening, where Eclar said learners, parents, and other stakeholders may request for assistance. Ma. Teresa Montemayor and Zorayda Tecson/PNA

Globe, Caritas lend learning, livelihood support to marginalized communities

ELPING address gaps in education and livelihood across the country, Globe extended seed funding with digital tools and skills training for 500 disadvantaged youth across the country through its partnership with Caritas Philippines. The support is aimed at improving student performance and instilling microentrepreneurship skills among junior and senior high-school students in 10 communities considered priority areas of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, and Caritas Philippines dioceses with available community partners in Mountain Province, Quezon, and Camarines Sur in Luzon; Capiz and Negros Oriental in Visayas; as well as Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and two communities in Cotabato in Mindanao. Globe’s support is coursed through Caritas Philippines’s “Alay Kapwa” Educational Assistance and Self-Help Groups (SHeG) programs. The Alay Kapwa… program intends to increase the percentage of graduates from poor communities by helping academically challenged youth finish their junior and senior high-school years through accompaniment and tutorial services. Selected students will also receive devices, plus initial data packages for use in distance learning. They will also be given access to the telco’s Digital Thumbprint Program workshops to increase awareness and deepen their understanding of digital citizenship and cyber safety. Likewise, Globe provides the beneficiaries with necessary funding and skills training support via SHeG. The community association channels small regular savings contributions to create a microlending business among members. The program includes capacity-building in terms of leadership abilities, skills training in microentrepreneurship using digital tools, and one-time capital of P10,000 to start their own business. “Globe continues to provide holistic interventions through multisectoral part-

VOLUNTEERS of Caritas Philippines conduct various upskilling workshops to provide livelihood and employment opportunities.

nerships,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability officer and SVP for Corporate Communications. “We would like to contribute to an inclusive recovery from the pandemic by providing access to relevant tools, skills training, and…enable the disadvantaged sector, so they can benefit from gains of a digital economy.” As the country experiences high rates of unemployment, students and parents alike are more anxious about life after graduation. Addressing both education and livelihood needs enable members of these communities to have a long-term and sustainable approach in fighting poverty by supporting their education and preparing them to be part of the country’s economy through livelihood capacity-building. “Our commitment has always been to support the marginalized communities’ social transformation. The pandemic has posed greater challenges to our brothers and sisters, which [has] left them struggling to acquire quality education and decent livelihood,” said Fr. Tony Labiao Jr.,

Caritas Philippines executive secretary. “[Through these programs], we are intensifying our efforts to help the most vulnerable communities by providing holistic interventions that can help them thrive despite these challenging times.” With a new school season about to start, students still engage in class instructions at home through distance learning due to the health crisis. However, even before the pandemic, three different multi-country assessments spearheaded by the World Bank presented poor learning results among students in the Philippines, with more than 80 percent of them falling below minimum levels of proficiency expected for the respective grades. Along with education, employment and livelihood are among the sectors most affected by the current situation. The latest Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Office pegged the country’s unemployment rate in June 2021 at 7.7 percent, with the first half of the year averaging at 8.1 percent.

1,000 Metro Cebu students get digital remedial classes

THOUSAND primary students in Metro Cebu will receive free digital remedial classes in math and reading to compensate for learning gaps worsened by the pandemic. The children are beneficiaries of the Kiddie Learning Train—a project led by advocacy group Philippine Business for Education, in partnership with Accenture Philippines. The young learners were recommended by the Department of Education and youth groups in Metro Cebu to join the program. Coming from the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, Mandaue, and Talisay, the young learners are composed of Kinder to Grade 3

students from School Year 2020-2021 who need remediation in the said subject areas. Each beneficiary received provisions including a school kit, P1,200 prepaid load allowance for mobile Internet, Globe SIM card, and one tablet installed with the Kitkit School learning app. Developed by Enuma Inc. in 2019, Kitkit School won the prestigious Global Learning XPRIZE competition funded by Elon Musk that sought for software solutions to tackle the global literacy crisis. To make learning from the app more engaging, math and reading lessons are embedded in interactive games designed for early grade-school students. Benefi-

ciaries are required to use it for at least one hour a day for two months to ensure learning sustainability. The students will be required to undergo the app’s pre-assessment and a post-assessment to evaluate their progress. About 200 volunteers were mobilized to guide and monitor the beneficiaries on a weekly basis. They underwent training sessions led by Tiny Labs, which builds and designs educational experiences for students aged zero to 12 for proper facilitation of the children. The volunteers were also provided with Globe SIM cards and P1,200 Internet load allowance to allow virtual meetings with their students.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, September 11, 2021 A9

To be charmed by oriental splendor

Story & photos by Bernard L. Supetran

he resumption of flights and gradual reopening of select destinations in recent weeks have enticed wanderers to seek the so-called revenge travel after the quarantine variants has locked down people in their abode. Negros Oriental is one enticing location which beckons with its streamlined requirements, so visitors can have more quality time touring the province.

Tierra Alta Residential Resort is nestled in the mountain area of Valencia.

A diver helps in the underwater cleanup of Apo Island Silver Reef Dive Resort

Silver Reef Dive Resort offers fun dives and dive courses.

With a remarkable road system, motoring around the province is as pleasant as the attractions themselves. Below are some of the must-see towns which offer a consummate experience. Valencia. Nestled in the bosom of Mount Talinis at 275 meters above sea level, it is the province’s weekend hideaway because of its proximity to the provincial capital of Dumaguete City and its yearlong cool climate. Outdoors lovers can bask in the icy pools created by the falls of Casaroro and Pu langbato, trek the mountain trails and World War II garrisons, enjoy the lush vegetation, and feast on tasty a Pork Humba and local specialties. Hit the sack at The Forest Camp, a river resort which is embedded in between the boulders and rivers, and has cascading river-sourced water for a rejuvenating hydromassage. Red Rock Hot Spring is another nature-themed lodging near Pulangbato Falls, which has therapeutic pools emanating from the mountain spring.

Siaton. If you love the mountains and the seas, this place has wonderfully combined the upland and coastal ecosystems. The 25-hectare Lake Balanan is a bone-shaped body of water formed by a confluence of rivers due a strong earthquake almost a century ago. The biodiversity-rich lake is best viewed through a stone boardwalk where you can also spot endemic species of birds, reptiles, and snakes. The mountain park, managed by the provincial government, also has swimming pools, a canteen for homestyle dishes, and cabin rooms for overnight stays. Down below is Tambobo Bay, home to about 50 sailboats from all over the world, which has made this picturesque cove an inexpensive yacht club of sort. At sundown, the boats are a sight to behold you sip coffee at a nearby viewdeck restaurant. Dauin. Located 30 minutes away from Dumaguete, this coastal municipality is sought-after for

Lake Balanan is a freshwater lake located in Siaton.

its world-class scuba diving spots and rich marine biodiversity, particularly the famed Apo Island. While it is not quite known for white beaches, it is a dining colony with the wide array of native, international, and fusion dishes offered at the dive resorts or quaint roadside restaurants. A boutique hotel which has captured both the dive and dine crowd is Silver Reef Dive Resort, a brainchild of seasoned divers and hospitality entrepreneurs Analynne Sison and Reggie Reyes. With an abundance of open spaces and manicured lawns, this cozy dining place and watering hole is punctuated with artworks, indigenous crafts, upcycled non-biodegradable materials, and an assortment

Aerial tours are available via Royhle Air Way Charter flights.

of bric-a-brac which make interesting conversation pieces. And despite being a new player in the town’s competitive market, the resort has established its own following known for its all-time favorites given a gourmet twist, freshly-baked breads, donuts, pastries, iced coffee, and wines, among others. It is also ideal for family recreation with its homey rooms, scuba diving introductory lessons, archery range and native hut lounge areas by the shore. On top of its main diving and dining offering, the resort is also engaged in social entrepreneurship and environmentallysustainable projects with the community, as well as conserva-

tion of the town’s marine and coastal resources. Another noteworthy property in Dauin is Munting Paraiso, an intimate resort designed for families who want quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle of dive center operations. It boasts of tender steaks and the signature wood-fired brick oven Bravo Pizza, which has attained a celebrity status in the province. Complementing Dauin’s resorts is Baslay Coffee Project in an upland barangay, which is an inspiring success of a grassroots cooperative which has bonded together to protect and nurture the forest ecosystem, and offer a unique tourist experience in the process.

Situated at the mountain’s foothills, guests can sip a highland coffee brew farmed by the locals themselves, which have found their way in cafes across Negros Oriental. It also has a 100-foot 3-story bamboo tower, which can double up as a yoga venue or sleeping quarters for overnight stays. Hie off to Tierra Alta Residential Resort, a Greek-themed highland posh village which has a postcardperfect lighthouse, and amenities such as a casual dining restaurant, clubhouse, and several pools overlooking the sprawling land and sea below. The wind-swept property also has an intimate boutique hotel where one can spend the night and gaze at the stars.

Crimson and Quest hotels beckon vaccinated travelers F

ully-vaccinated persons can look forward to exciting leisure stays at Chroma Hospitality’s managed hotel brands with the easing of the travel protocols. The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has recently announced the exemption from testing requirements in certain destinations. Based on IATF guidelines, fully-vaccinated persons are those who received their second dose in the past two weeks or at least two weeks past for those who received a single-dose vaccine. Guests can enjoy worry-free staycations at Crimson Hotels and Resorts in Mactan, Boracay or Manila, Quest Hotels in Tagaytay, Clark or Cebu, and Timberland Highlands Resort in Rizal. Leisure visitors can have peace of mind with the hotel group’s Culture of Clean, a program on enhanced safety standards as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The starrated properties were also granted the Safety Seal Certificate by the

QUEST Tagaytay

CRIMSON Filinvest City Manila

Department of Tourism, and the Safe Travels Stamp by The World Travel and Tourism Council. And like before, guests can expect a seamless journey from their points of origin up to the duration of their actual stay. Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay offers an exclusive and postcard-

pretty beachfront where guests can enjoy a luxurious stay as soon as they arrive onboard a private speed boat. Travelers can find their home in the world-famous beach island in elegantly-designed rooms and villas for an elegant getaway. For an exciting escape in Cebu, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

boasts of wonderful seaviews, island excursions, and watersports. For a refuge at a Zen sanctuary, the award-winning Aum Spa offers holistic treatments and massages to calm body and mind. In the Queen City’s commercial district is the three-star, 427-room Quest Hotel and Conference Center

which is tops for business and leisure. Rooms for persons with disabilities are available on request. In the upland resort city of Tagaytay, Quest Hotel beckons urban weekend vacationers to enjoy cool air, the picturesque Taal Lake and Volcano, and the mouth-watering signature dishes in the ridge.

Up north is Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark which known as business and pleasure hotel, with its leisure facilities and the two worldclass Mimosa Plus Golf Courses. Sports lovers will be delighted by Timberland Highlands Resort, the newest property managed by Chroma Hospitality, perched in the mountains of San Mateo town. The sprawling resort is poised to be the newest haven for cycling enthusiasts with its challenging bike trails and a farm- and nature-themed family hideaway just at the doorstep of the big city. Back in Metro Manila, Crimson Filinvest City is a southern urban escape where leisure travelers can enjoy a staycation with views of the metropolitan skyline, the placid Laguna Lake, and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges and Mount Makiling in the horizon. The luxe hotel boasts of a swimming pool and lounge, a 24-hour fitness center, and an array of dining options in Café Eight, Firehouse Pizza, Baker J, and Lobby Lounge.

A10 Saturday, September 11, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ETAILY SECURES $1.6 MILLION INITIAL CAPITAL TO BOLSTER LOCAL, REGIONAL E-COMMERCE BY RODERICK L. ABAD Contributor

What is Apple doing with its App Store? BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE & MATT O’BRIEN The Associated Press

VER the past week or so, Apple has eased some longstanding restrictions that helped make its App Store into a big moneymaker for the company. The company has long required app developers to pay high commissions to Apple on the sales of paid apps as well as purchases of subscriptions or digital items inside their apps. Apple is facing some significant pressure to open up the App Store further. A federal judge is soon expected to return a verdict in an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, that seeks to strike down much of Apple’s commission system. And earlier this week, the South Korean legislature passed a law that would allow developers to sidestep payment systems run by both Apple and Google— and the commissions of 15 percent to 30 percent they charge. But Apple hasn’t always explained its moves very clearly, leaving some iPhone users with unanswered questions as to what exactly Apple is doing and whether and how they’ll be affected.

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS APPLE DOING?

LATE Wednesday, Apple agreed to App Store changes starting next year to resolve an investigation by Japanese regulators. For the first time, Apple will allow Spotify, Netflix and other apps that sell digital subscriptions to music, video, magazines, newspapers, books and audio to include an in-app link to their own sites, where users can sign up outside Apple’s payment system.

Apple took a more limited step in the same direction last week when it agreed to let app developers email their users about ways to sidestep Apple when signing up for subscriptions. Such efforts could previously have gotten apps kicked out of Apple’s store. That change resulted from a preliminary settlement in a class-action lawsuit that still requires court approval. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek applauded the Wednesday move as a “step in in the right direction” in a Thursday tweet. But he lamented that Apple isn’t granting the same freedom to all apps, including those that make video games. “Our goal is to restore competition once and for all, not one arbitrary, self-serving step at a time,” Ek tweeted.

WILL THIS MAKE APPS CHEAPER FOR USERS?

PROBABLY not. In theory, subscription apps could lower their prices, although there’s little reason to think they will. Netflix, for instance, has been steadily raising prices for reasons that have nothing to do with Apple’s commissions. The video streaming service says the price increases help it pay for a steady stream of new original programming. But the changes could make life easier for some users of services like Spotify and Netflix, which had simply blocked sign-ups in their iPhone apps because they didn’t want to share that revenue with Apple. Instead, users have had to visit the companies’ websites to start a subscription they could then use with their iPhone app.

WHY DOES APPLE RUN ITS APP STORE WITH AN IRON HAND?

THE company maintains the fees it charges help it recoup the more than $100 billion it has spent on its iPhone ecosystem. And it notes that most of the 1.8 billion apps on its store pay nothing because they rely on ads instead of subscriptions and other user purchases. Apple also insists that control over its app ecosystem helps protect the privacy and security of its customers. Critics, however, say that’s just a pretext for preserving a commission system that unexpectedly turned into a gold mine, even though company co-founder Steve Jobs didn’t envision making money from the store when it opened. Apple doesn’t disclose the app store’s financial performance in its financial results but it is major component of the company’s services division, which generated $54 billion in revenue the last fiscal year.

WILL APPLE’S ACTIONS AFFECT THE RULING IN THE EPIC LAWSUIT?

IT’S unlikely, although Apple’s changes appear to address one of the key concerns that US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers raised during the Apple-Epic trial in May. During the trial, she had seemed troubled by a provision that forbids in-app notifications pointing out that purchases can also be made through web sites and other means, not just within the app. Such notices, she mused, wouldn’t be much different than a merchant’s display of the different credit cards—Visa, Mastercard, America Express or Discover—that has long been a staple at cash registers. ■

Dasuri Choi dances her way to TikTok followers’ hearts DASURI CHOI has over 9.6 million followers on TikTok and 1.59 million on YouTube.

DANCER and TV personality Dasuri Choi has lived in the Philippines for 11 years but she is still shocked at how many people follow her on TikTok (@dasurichoiofficial). With over 9.6 million followers on the video sharing platform, her account is one of the most followed in the Philippines. And TikTok is something Choi takes very seriously. “I do TikTok dances with tutorial emojis so people can follow and learn the steps,” said Choi during the online event of her announcement as the official endorser of Hyundai Home Appliances in the Philippines.

During the event, dubbed “Better Day with Dasuri,” the Korean dancer answered questions from members of the press and talked about her favorite things at home, and creating content for TikTok and cooking are two of them. Hyundai Home Appliances was born as part of the efforts of GTC-Aldis Philippines Inc., the exclusive distributor of Hyundai Appliances in the Philippines, to diversify its operations and to forge a stronger relationship with its customers. A world-class appliance brand from South Korea and present in over 100 countries around the world, Hyundai Home Appliances is a major part of Hyundai Corp.’s 40 years of global expertise. “I will always flex this to my family and friends, and I will tell them over and over again that I am the endorser of Hyundai Home Appliances. Hyundai is very big in Korea, so my family could not believe it at first,” said Choi, who said her two favorite appliances are the Hyundai Aircon Inverter Series (as she said this reduced her power bill by about 35 percent) and the Ultra High Definition LED Smart TV. During the event, Choi was also asked whether she would be open to trying her luck in Korea as an artist. “I really prefer it here. I have been here for so long,

and I have a career in the Philippines. Filipinos are so welcoming and friendly. I really like their mindset and that is why I chose to stay here.” One other question asked was how Choi relaxed at home, and she told this story of her cat and dog being so scared of thunder and lightning that she had to look for ways to calm them. She found some relaxation music for them but what happened was that she liked the music so much she still listens to it every day. Choi’s day starts with stretching and exercise and coffee, a beverage she did not enjoy when she still lived in Korea. In Manila, she lives alone in a condo because her father is based in Pampanga so the television is always on. “I don’t like being alone and the TV helps me feel like there is someone else in the condo with me.” Choi also vlogs on YouTube (follower count: over 1.59 million) where her content ranges from doing dance challenges to letting Koreans guess Filipino songs. For now, Choi’s plate is full, so to speak, and she’s grateful to be active and working even in the middle of a pandemic, doing things she loves. “I just want to be happy and productive every day.”

DIGITAL trading platform provider Etaily has raised $1.6 million in seed funding, which is expected to spur the growth and development of Philippine e-commerce, while preventing the breakout of the socalled retail apocalypse. “We will not allow the retail apocalypse that happened in the US and Europe because we are giving traditional retailers the digital fighting chance to compete for the local as well as regional market. We are connecting online brands and retailers to Asean consumers by integrating their business offline and online. The most important thing is there is one winner, the final consumer. And we are happy to give them a fighting chance and to support end-toend throughout their journey,” Etaily chief executive officer Alexander Friedhoff said in their recent webinar, dubbed “Breaking The e-Retail Ceiling In Asean.” Launched in March 2020, Etaily provides brands with end-to-end omni-channel solutions while integrating their offline and online retail processes and services. This approach will provide traditional retail companies a lifeline into the digital world and continue to connect Filipino brands to their consumers. The e-retail enabler has generated more than 1 million transactions, made more than 50,000 unique products available to the entire country and beyond, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It has managed over 20 brands across all online channels, activated more than 10 offline retailers for online capability, and has a projected $10 million gross merchandise value revenue for 2021. “We are seeing actual e-commerce web sites that Etaily helps—they started from zero and are now moving P20 million of goods per month. There is really a large quick growth in the Philippine market. If Singaporean investors are noticing that, we will then be on the same path as Indonesia 10 years ago—we will catch up at a fast pace. We are basically as connected as Indonesia and waiting for outside investors to realize the outside potential of this market,” noted Franco Varona, managing partner of Foxmont Capital Partners. Digital Pilipinas Convenor Amor Maclang pointed out the advantages that an established e-commerce ecosystem can give homegrown companies: “More than just e-retail and e-commerce, the Philippines is leading on many frontiers when it comes to technology. We are one of the pioneers in fintech and payment in the world, and all eyes are on us. We want to continue to champion those even in the nascent asset classes like crypto and tokenization. Our journey in e-retail, eMSMEs and e-commerce is not going to be far behind. We really thank platforms like Etaily who have taken the heavy lifting out of the way, and are creating ecosystems that will allow the retailers in the Philippines a true fighting chance.” Etaily’s initial capital includes investments from Ayala Ventures, Foxmont Capital Partners, Magsaysay Shipping & Logistics, Boston Consulting Group, and other angel investors.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, September 11, 2021 A11

LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier (second generation)

MAKE WORK LIFE A LITTLE MORE LIGHTWEIGHT HAVING a computer you can carry anywhere and not lose an ounce of productivity is one of technology’s modern miracles. So much so that young professionals and students have found notebooks pretty much mandatory equipment for work and/or studies. This necessity propelled the market to new heights, with tech brand Huawei leading the charge with their innovative take on these productivity machines. The Huawei MateBook D 15 i3 and i5 exemplify the high-performing, all-rounder laptop, featuring a combination of sleek design, powerful internals, and smart connectivity options. Huawei devices are known for being unusually fashionable pieces of tech that combine sleek lines, premium materials and ergonomic construction like no other. That brand-defining design DNA is present in the MateBook D 15 2021, which offers remarkable portability complemented by its metallic body’s streamlined aesthetic. It only weighs 1.56kg with a total thickness of 16.9mm when closed. There are also a lot of ports for the user’s convenience, two USB 2.0, USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI and even an audio jack. These are all strategically placed on both sides of the unit. Opening up the MateBook D 15 is like discovering a window to a new world that is vibrant and breathtaking. The 15.6” FullView Display with ultra-slim bezels at only 5.3mm, has a 16:9 aspect ratio with Full 1080p HD resolution that packs extraordinary amounts of detail and clarity. What’s more, the screen-to-body ratio is at 87 percent, offering immersion unlike any other. So whether you’re working on presentations, homework, or just chilling with your favorite flick, the FullView experience is unparalleled. Find yourself on extended eye-time in front of the laptop? No worries there, as the MateBook D 15 display is TUV Rheinland-certified for Flicker Free and Reduced Blue Light, minimizing eye fatigue even during prolonged viewing. The Huawei MateBook D 15 2021 features a 10th Generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage (two more powerful i5 processor variants are available, with 512GB SSD storage). This processor is paired with the integrated graphics card Intel UHD Graphics 620. With these two combined, the PC delivers great power that enables users to increase productivity and efficiency. The 8GB RAM works well also with the overall performance of the MateBook D 15, most especially for tasks like writing papers, creating presentations, and basic editing of projects or content on social media. This laptop is powered by a 42Wh battery and charges through a 65W USB-C charger. It is designed in a light and compact way which users can easily slip in their pocket, or pack it with other work or school stuff without occupying too much space. Another plus is that this USB-C power charger can also work as a charger for Huawei smartphones, making it versatile most especially for all-Huawei users. Passwords can be a pain to keep track of, especially when you’re juggling multiple security codes for e-mail, social media, banking apps, etc. The MateBook D 15 provides a welcome relief from remembering yet another password by combining the power-on and login functions in one button. Yes, there is a smartphone-esque convenience now available on a notebook, and the satisfaction of just pressing one button to wake up and log in is an awesome first for a Windows laptop. One of the more standout features of Huawei devices is the ability to continuously work on tasks from one screen to another. The MateBook D 15 enables seamless data transfer from Huawei smartphones via Huawei Share, a wireless NFC application that opens up possibilities for cross-device functionality. You can even use multiple mobile apps on the MateBook D 15 side-by-side without hitch, drag/drop/edit files back and forth, and even take calls with the laptop. You’ll pretty much forget you have multiple devices running. The Huawei MateBook D 15 2021 has all the hallmarks of a game-changing productivity machine, offering a whole lot of cutting-edge tech in a sleek and elegant package. If there’s anything you want or need from a powerful laptop, the MateBook D 15 2021 has it and more. More information is available at consumer. huawei.com/ph/laptops.

Anti-Covid tech: A wearable purifier and nanoe X particles

AST week, I attended two (virtual) tech events that showcased new devices that promise to help us breathe better, cleaner air and hopefully survive this still ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. First is the LG Puricare Wearable Air Purifier version 2—possibly the coolest-looking and most high-tech face mask in the market today. Now, there have been several trends in face masks since the pandemic began. Remember the controversial copper masks? Face mask accessories also became a thing like those mask chains, neck straps and even those negative ion necklaces. LG, however, takes it to an entirely different level that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before—its a mask + wearable purifier + microphone and speaker—all in one device.

WEAR YOUR CONFIDENCE WHILE BREATHING CLEAN AIR

THE mask itself looks like something straight out of the future, a very chic one at that, with a molded plastic exterior that completely covers the lower half of a person’s face. The upgraded LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier with VoiceOn is the second iteration of the popular device. LG’s re-engineered PuriCare Wearable is slimmer and smarter, offering an enhanced all-around performance along with a convenient voice amplification feature and a more comfortable, lightweight design. At the virtual event, Dr. Ma. Adelina Sadili, a consultant pulmonologist at Makati Medical Center, led a short discussion about the importance of mask use and shared important pulmonary facts to take in during the pandemic. One of her suggestions to strengthen and keep one’s lungs healthy is to improve air quality at home, something that LG has been working on. But to improve air quality on the go— that’s where the new and improved LG Wearable Air Purifier comes in. The LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier with VoiceON is equipped with a fully automatic fan airflow control system that increases breathing comfort. It also incorporates two H13 HEPA filters, the same ones found in premium air purifiers for the

home, to ensure the air the user breathes is as clean and healthy as possible. Driven by an ultra-small and lightweight motor, the device’s DUAL fans combine with LG’s airflow control technology—which detects the user’s breathing pattern and adjusts airflow accordingly—to help the wearer breathe easier and more naturally. This advanced system also prevents one of the most annoying things for people like me who wear glasses and mask at the same time—keeping the lenses from fogging up when exhaling. Not to mention some face masks can iritate the skin, make your jaw sweat, and restrict airflow when breathing hard, such as during exercise. Its seamless, ergonomic design minimizes air leakage around the nose and chin, sealing gently but firmly to the wearer’s face. Weighing in at only 94 grams, the latest model is comfortable to wear for longer periods of time as one charge is said to last for eight hours. The biggest upgrade has to be the VoiceON technology. Employing a microphone and a speaker built into the device itself, VoiceON solves the problem of muffled voices, helping to project the user’s voice so they can be heard and understood without having to speak loudly or, worse, remove the mask. The upgraded LG PuriCare Wearable will be available in two colors this time: Creamy White and Ocean Black. Additionally, the device will also be offered in medium and large sizes to guarantee a better fit for more consumers. The purifier fits snugly on the user’s face to minimize air leakage around the nose and chin, and is lightweight even with a battery life of up to eight hours of operation on the mask’s low mode and two hours on its high mode. While LG does not claim the product could prevent someone from contracting Covid-19, the company emphasized how the personal air purifier allows users to take in clean, filtered air. LG’s new Wearable Air Purifier is available in LG’s authorized retailers both in-store and online on Lazada, Shopee, Abenson and Electroworld, and is priced at around P8,818. I’ll do a more extensive review once we get our own unit in the next few weeks.

PANASONIC’S COVID-FIGHTING AIRCON WITH NANOE X

ALSO promoting clean air is Panasonic, which claims it has technology that can inhibit the novel coronavirus. The company says that while we are still mostly confined at home, it is important to make every effort to keep the indoor air of homes and personal spaces as safe as possible. Panasonic continues to optimize its decades-long innovation called nanoe X Technology. Last July, the company released news verifying the effectiveness of its nanoe X Technology in inhibiting the novel

coronavirus. Through collaborations with Osaka Prefecture University, the company carried out a test, the results of which showed that 99 percent of SARS-CoV-2 was successfully inhibited in three hours through hydroxyl radicals contained in water (nanosized electrostatic atomized water particles). Panasonic’s research into nanoe X Technology began more than 20 years ago in 1997. Working on a project of the former Ministry of International Trade and Industry on purification of air in living environments, Panasonic researchers became interested in a technology for generating hydroxyl radicals contained in water. They wondered if tiny water particles could provide a new way to clean air. This was entirely new technology, and it presented significant challenges. The team needed to develop verification methods and evaluation techniques from the ground up, and the electrical discharge phenomenon at the core of the process was difficult to control. In 2003, the team succeeded in creating nano-sized water particles that purify the air. The technology of hydroxyl radicals contained in water was born. Nanoe X collects invisible moisture in the air and applies a high voltage to it to produce hydroxyl radicals contained in water. Hydroxyl radicals inhibit the growth of pollutants such as bacteria and viruses. They are characterized by being strongly oxidative and highly reactive but normally have a short life span. Contained in tiny water particles, nanoe X has a long lifespan and can spread over long distances. It has an inhibitory effect on both airborne and adhered substances. This unique technology to Panasonic has been found to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) and allergens, breaking down PM 2.5 components that have adverse effects on the human body. The inhibitory effect of nanoe X on the novel coronavirus is the latest evidence of the power of this breakthrough technology. Panasonic now applies this technology to its airconditioners as it introduces the Panasonic Premium WAC Inverter XU Series Window Type with nanoe X. The air-conditioners and its other appliances equipped with nanoe X contain about 4.8 trillion per second hydroxyl radicals. Because of such a huge quantity of hydroxyl radicals contained in water, nanoe X can inhibit surface-level pollutants by penetrating deep into fabric materials and inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms, allergens, pollen and hazardous substances. Aside from residential indoor spaces, Panasonic’s air-conditioners and other appliances with such technology are also capable of providing 24-hour air protection in business establishments including restaurants, hospitals, offices, gyms and schools, to name a few. ■

Sports BusinessMirror

Covid-19, cleared 5.93 meters to claim silver and Russian Timur Margunov did 5.93 meters to bag bronze. The 25-year-old Obiena, a 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, thanked his fans who watched him compete via his Instagram account. “Thank you for the love and support and for definitely staying up until 2:30 a.m.,” he posted. Obiena, who finished 11th in the Tokyo Olympics, established a new national record of 5.91 meters in the Diamond League Paris leg last August 29. Josef Ramos

Dwight welcome to rejoin Gilas, but...–Coach Tab

HE men’s national basketball team will leave its door open for Dwight Ramos, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) program director Tab Baldwin. But there’s a condition. “That’s very great to hear,” said Baldwin, referring to Ramos’s declaration that his priority will always be Gilas Pilipinas. “But for now, it just comes down to the fit, how well we fit given the time that he has to be with us. I don’t have the answer to that until I see the time.” The 6-foot-3 Ramos, who played a decisive role in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers, signed with the Toyama Grouses in the Japanese B.League. He is the eighth Filipino to bring his act to Japan, where basketball is alive and kicking amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the pay is much better. The 23-year-old Ramos’s decision to turn pro in Japan also automatically forfeits his eligibility to play for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, which has yet to return after two years of inactivity.

RAMOS

“Certainly a loss for Ateneo, it’s difficult, but he’s not the first. It’s the next man up for us, but the reality is Dwight never played for Ateneo,” Baldwin said. “You can’t really miss what you don’t really have right? For Ateneo, that’s how we look at it.” “I think Dwight decided to play in Japan because of the Covid-19 situation in the country,” Baldwin said, stressing Filipino collegiate basketball players have become “sitting idols” for the last two years because the government still prohibits holding amateur leagues. Before Ramos, seven other Filipinos decided to play in Japan. They were Thirdy Ravena (San-En NeoPhoenix), his older brother Kiefer Ravena (Shiga Lakestars), Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins), Kobe Paras (Niigata Albirex BB) and brothers Javi (Ibaraki Robots) in Division 1 and Juan Gomez de Liaño (Earth Tokyo Z) and Kenmark Cariño (Aomori Wat) in the Division 2 of the same league. Baldwin said that if ever Ramos rejoins Gilas, it won’t be difficult for him to adjust to the system. “He’s no longer a ‘first timer’ because he already knows the system and the culture,” Baldwin said. “He is not lost to Gilas. We can invite him again because of the Fiba clause on his contract, but it depends on the amount of time he’ll be with us.” “I hope the time given to them would be enough so we can welcome them with open arms,” Baldwin added. Ramos attracted Japanese scouts with his averages of 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in helping lead the Philippines to a 6-0 sweep of Group A in the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. Josef Ramos

ELASTO PAINTERS SNAP SKID

By Josef Ramos

AIN or Shine and TNT Tropang Giga recovered from previous defeats by beating separate opponents in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. The Elasto Painters displayed nerves of steel at crunch time to edge Magnolia, 75-72, and halt a two-game skid while rookie Mikey Williams tallied a career-high 36 points on 13-of-20 shooting as the Tropang Giga routed NLEX, 100-85. Rookie Leonard Santillan scored seven of his 14 points in that fourth period and also hauled down five rebounds for Rain or Shine which booked its fifth win against four losses. Santillan also rose to the occasion by completing a threepoint play off Calvin Abueva’s foul that put Rain or Shine ahead, 7068, with 2:20 left. Beau Belga and Norbert Torres nailed a basket each after that play, but Ian Sangalang buried two free throws and Mark Andy Barroca scored on a running jumper as Magnolia kept the game close at 72-

74 with 54 seconds to go. JV Mocon, who led Rain or Shine with 19 points and eight rebounds, gave Rain or Shine a 75-72 breather with 13 seconds left and Jerick Ahanmisi’s game-tying triple was off, allowing the Elasto Painters to escape with the win. “We really needed this [win] so badly to enter the playoffs. Coach Chris [Gavina] has been teaching us confidence, staying together as a team, and we got the result we wanted,” Mocon said. Two-time Most Valuable Player and former Magnolia player James Yap added 14 points for Rain or Shine. Sangalang scattered 21 points and hauled down 10 rebounds for the Hotshots, who despite falling to 6-3 won-lost assured themselves of a quarterfinals berth after outlasting NLEX in double overtime, 112-105, on Wednesday.

| Saturday, September 11, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

LET’S GO, LEYLAH! LET’S GO!

Obiena places 4th in Zurich RNEST JOHN “EJ” OBIENA finished outside the podium with a 5.83-meter effort in the Wanda Diamond League Final in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday morning (Manila time). Obiena, the first Filipino pole vaulter to reach the series’ final, finished fourth in the event Tokyo Olympics champion Armand Duplantis of Switzerland expectedly ruled with an effortless 6.06-meter performance at the Letzigrund Stadium. American Sam Kendricks, who missed the Olympics because of

A12

LEYLAH FERNANDEZ’S poise is as limitless as her potential. TROI SANTOS

EMMA RADUCANU has won all 18 sets she has played during three matches in qualifying rounds and six in the main draw. AP

EW YORK—Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez are so similar in so many ways: They possess enviable quickness and anticipation. They take balls low to the ground and redirect them with ease. They love the big moment. They don’t care how much better-known or more successful opponents are. There’s more. They’re both teenagers. They’re both unseeded at the US Open. They’re both getting loud backing from the crowds. And now, remarkably, they’re both Grand Slam finalists. Raducanu, an 18-year-old from Britain who is ranked 150th, and Fernandez, a 19-year-old from Canada who is ranked 73rd, took wildly different paths to the championship match at Flushing Meadows on Thursday night. They’ll be back in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday for the first major final between two teens since the 1999 US Open, when Serena Williams, 17, defeated Martina Hingis, 18. Raducanu became the first qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final in the professional era by overwhelming 17th-seeded Maria Sakkari, 6-1, 6-4. Appearing in just her second major tournament, Raducanu won all 18 sets she has played during three matches in qualifying rounds and six in the main draw. Filipino-Canadian Fernandez isn’t much older—her birthday was Monday—and she made it through a semifinal filled with momentum

swings to edge No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4. At the outset, Sabalenka looked in control, claiming 12 of the first 14 points for a 3-0 lead. Just eight minutes had elapsed and most spectators were yet to reach their seats. Not until later did the 20,000-plus in the stands rally the fist-aloft Fernandez with chants of “Let’s go, Leylah! Let’s go!” accompanied by rhythmic clapping. “I’m glad that whatever I’m doing on court, the fans are loving it—and I’m loving it, too,” Fernandez said. “We’ll say it’s magical.” At the end of the first set and again the third, it was Sabalenka, a Wimbledon semifinalist in July, who let things get away from her. In the last game, she double-faulted twice in a row to set up match point, then sailed a forehand long. “This,” Sabalenka said, “is what we call pressure.” No matter what, seemingly, Fernandez did not feel it. Didn’t waver. And why would she at this point? Her poise, much like Raducanu’s, is as

limitless as their potential. This was the left-handed Fernandez’s fourth consecutive three-set victory over a seeded opponent. First came No. 3 Naomi Osaka, the 2018 and 2020 US Open champion. Then came No. 16 Angelique Kerber, the 2016 champ. That was followed by No. 5 Elina Svitolina and Sabalenka. “There’s no limit to what I can do. I’m just glad that right now everything’s going well,” said Fernandez, who could give Canada its second US Open women’s title in quick succession, following Bianca Andreescu’s triumph in 2019. Raducanu and Fernandez are both very much citizens of the world. Raducanu was born in Toronto to a Chinese mother and Romanian father; the family moved to England when Emma was 2. Fernandez was born in Montreal to a Filipino Canadian mother and Ecuadorian father; the family moved to Florida after Leylah had success as a junior at age 12. Dad is also her coach, although he is not with her in New York, instead offering coaching tips in daily phone conversations. Perhaps he told his daughter to let Sabalenka make all the mistakes in a tiebreaker, because that’s what happened at the conclusion of the first set. Sabalenka went up 2-0 and then completely lost her way. “I wouldn’t say that she did something,” Sabalenka said. “I

would say that I destroy myself.” Every point won by Fernandez came courtesy of a miss by Sabalenka, including a flubbed overhead that landed several feet long and a double-fault to hand over a set point. A backhand return into the net—Sabalenka’s fourth miss when replying to a second serve in the tiebreaker—ended the set to roars from the crowd. It was the sort of lapse that contributed to Sabalenka never getting past the fourth round in her first 15 Grand Slam appearances. In the second set, Sabalenka regained her form and Fernandez took a step back. Fernandez was two games from victory, serving at 4-all in the second, when she sailed a backhand beyond the baseline to get broken. Sabalenka held at love, and on to a third set they went. And that, of course, was Fernandez’s time to shine. This is only her seventh Grand Slam appearance—impossible as that is to tell. “Now she’s like [a] top-10 player,” Sabalenka said. “We’ll see how good she will be in the future.” On Saturday, Raducanu and Fernandez will meet for the first time in a tour-level match. Their most recent encounter came in the Wimbledon junior tournament’s second round in 2018. Raducanu won that one. A little more than three years later, they’ll play again, on a grander stage and with much, much more at stake.

Eala focuses on US Open doubles title

LEXANDRA “ALEX” EALA bowed out of the junior girls singles competition but remained in contention in doubles at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York. The 16-year-old Eala and Belgian partner Hanne Vandewinkel take on against Americans Madison Sieg and Elizabeth Coleman on Saturday morning (Manila time) instead of Friday morning—because of inclement weather—US Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King Center in New York. Eala suffered a heartbreaking loss to Switzerland’s Sebastiana Scilipoti, 5-7, 3-6, in the singles in quarterfinals

which was delayed a few hours because of rains. The 18-year-old Scilipoti advanced to the semifinals against sixth seed Kristina Dmitruk of Belarus, a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 quarterfinal winner over Croatian Petra Marcinko. Eala, a scholar of Rafael Nadal Academy, drew a bye in the tournament, beat American Charlotte Owensby, 6-3, 6-3, in the round-of-32 and Greek Michaela Laki, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, in the round-of-16. Eala won the French Open junior girls doubles crown with Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva last June and the Australian Open doubles title with Indonesian Priska Nugroho in January 2020. Josef Ramos

PSC supports Gymnastics Academy of Cebu

and spring boards once quarantine restriction are eased. “Once Metro Manila goes to GCQ [general community quarantine], we will be sending these equipment right away, as tasked by Chairman [William] Ramirez,” Fernandez said. The GAC is in close coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) on top of officials of the Labangon Elementary School and Guadalupe Elementary School. “With about 12,000 students attending these schools, we hope that this new indoor arena will be a rich source of grassroots talent in the region, and develop the next Carlos Yulo who will represent the country,” Fernandez said. The PSC refurbished the Burauen Sports Complex in Leyte in 2020 and the Mindanao State University track oval in Marawi City in 2018.

ALEXANDRA “ALEX” EALA yields to a Swiss foe in the junior girls singles quarterfinals. TROI SANTOS

HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) donated gymnastics equipment to the Gymnastics Academy of Cebu (GAC). “We initially donated 23 rubber landing mats on Monday, and we will send more equipment to get them started on their grassroots development,” PSC oversight commissioner for Visayas Ramon Fernandez said.

HOUSE ACCOLADE

This soon-to-rise gym located at Labangon Elementary School will undergo renovation and will be retrofitted with showers, locker rooms and other facilities. Fernandez said that the PSC will send balance beams and high, horizontal and parallel bars, as well as pommel horses, flex floor systems, spotting blocks, trampolines, vaults

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco presents a copy of the House Resolution 198 congratulating and thanking the members of Team Philippines, led by Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, for their successful campaign in the Tokyo Olympics during Tuesday’s plenary session at House of Representatives in Quezon City. The House also rewards gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz P3 million, silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam P2 million each and Eumir Felix Marcial P1 million.

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4 Near Kay Buboy Bridge San Dionisio Parañaque City

SHAN, SHENG Quality Construction Specialist 1.

Brief Job Description: Reviews, inspects, and documents all construction projects during the construction period of the current Bond Program.

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

AQUAXI INC. L7 B28 Job St. Bf Homes Martinville Subd. Manuyo Dos Las Piñas City

14.

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

LI, MIN Mandarin Customer Service Representative 3.

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status LIU, RONGKE Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status ZHANG, WENJIE Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Interact with customer to provide information, support and problem resolution to inquiries and order status SUN, HUANJUN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

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

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

Brief Job Description: Good in solving problem and resolving complaints with full understanding of our administrative procedures. He is in charge in developing business growth and dealing with the difficult customer issues

Brief Job Description: Provides on-site technical assistance, works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Flight Operations, Training and Spares and ensures communication between the airline.

Brief Job Description: To oversees a company’s organizational processes and adds improvements to it.

CHANG, EUNSUK Marketing Senior Executive 16.

Brief Job Description: Manage and organize data from market research and insights and render business support to ensure efficient operational processes

HERIYANTO RUDI Operations Executive 17.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Engineering degree or equivalent qualification in aircraft maintenance, knowledge in Airline Operations; Interface and manage customer expectations; familiar with A330 Neo fleet

Brief Job Description: Serves as liaison between customer and various departments & ensures that basic CS functions are performed

NGUYEN VAN VI Operations Executive 18.

Brief Job Description: Serves as liaison between customer and various departments & ensures that basic CS functions are performed

HA MINH HUE Payment Executive 19.

Brief Job Description: Assess financial risk while maintaining appropriate level of cash flow required to support business operation

CHWA SEE CHEW Payment Supervisor 20.

Brief Job Description: Assist in organizing workflow, schedules and provide training to executives

Brief Job Description: Manage Alaska milk corporation’s growth strategy and profitability in line with the business group strategy and to manage the organization to maximize results and strengthen position of the company in the Philippines

21.

10.

11.

12.

CHEN, FUMING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KONG, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

22.

NI, GAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

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

26.

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

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

Basic Qualification: Diploma/Certificate, College degree in any field, Marketing is a plus; Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/ Chinese / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language; With at least 2 years’ experience in similar field

Basic Qualification: Must be Native Thai/ Chinese / Indonesian / Vietnamese /Korean/ Japanese/ Taiwanese fluent in English and respective native language; With at least a year experience in similar field

Basic Qualification: Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/ Chinese / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language; Proficient in Microsoft applications

Basic Qualification: Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/ Chinese / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language; With at least 3 years’ experience in similar field

Brief Job Description: Initiates and process customer verification

Basic Qualification: Must be Native Cambodian/ Thai/ Chinese / Indonesian / Vietnamese / fluent in English and respective native language; With at least a year experience in similar field

Brief Job Description: Support in conducting Risk Management Awareness and Training initiatives across the company

Basic Qualification: College degree in any field; Must be Native Cambodian/ Chinese / Singaporean, fluent in English and respective native language; With at least 2 years experience in similar field

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. Eastfield Center Cbp1, Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

LUO, JICHENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 23.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

LIN, ZHENG Field Sales Consultant 27.

XIANG, XIA Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 24.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

C’EST LA VIE EVENT MANAGEMENT INC. 230 Narra Street Marikina Heights Marikina City

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

WU, HONGFEI Field Sales Consultant 28.

Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and generate or follow through sales leads; can valuate customer’s skills, needs and build productive long lasting relationships; can meet personal and team sales targets

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square Mckinley Hill Pinagsama Taguig City

29.

STRØM, ANDREAS Multilingual Service Desk Member

Basic Qualification: Language proficient

Brief Job Description: To support multilingual service desk

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

CHINA CONSTRUCTION FRONT GENERAL DEVT. CORPORATION Unit 3001, Atlanta Center 31 Annapolis St. Brgy. Greenhills San Juan City LIAN, QIANG Project Director 30.

Brief Job Description: rich experience in all kinds of constructions works, especially in large scale and constructions works ZHAO, XINGBO Project Director

31.

Brief Job Description: rich experience in all kinds of constructions works, especially in large scale and constructions works AN, RENHAI Senior Technical Consultant

32.

Brief Job Description: Rich experience in horizontal and vertical construction project, especially in high rise building construction

Basic Qualification: fluent in mandarin language and college graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: fluent in mandarin language and college graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language and college graduate Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

COCOPIG DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit F 20/f Marajo Tower 26th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

33.

GENG, JIAQI Freight Coordinator Brief Job Description: Processes orders and oversees cycle of order fulfilment.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN and with at least 6 months experience in logistics industry. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg. Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City VALDES CIFUENTES, JONATHAN MAURICIO Systems Engineer 34.

Brief Job Description: 10+ yrs of experience in 24/7 operations focusing on technical roles

Basic Qualification: Any science/technical diploma or bachelor degree; native Spanish speaker Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg. Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St. Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City LIOW KONG PING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

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

LIU, MEIHUA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 36.

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

35.

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

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

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

TRAM MY PHUONG Risk And Compliance Executive

LAY, LIDA Risk Associate

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

LI, YAN Field Sales Consultant

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City

Basic Qualification: With 2 years’ experience in Operations Manager works and other related job functions.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

ALASKA MILK CORPORATION Corinthian Plaza Bldg. P. De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City

GUPTA, TARANG Managing Director

Brief Job Description: The one responsible to “get the sale” using various customer sales methods.

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

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

Basic Qualification: More than 18 years of experience in food and beverage in global, Asia and Africa roles; experience in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment; ability to drive business agility by tapping opportunities; capable of building high performing teams to drive business growth; strategic thinker and entrepreneurial in approach

25.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, experience leading a team and managing people and ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently

LAM, CHOVSKCY Field Sales Consultant

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

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

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

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS PHILIPPINES INC. Padc Hangar 2 Domestic Airport Brgy. 191 Pasay City

CHEEVINROJANAVIT, SANSIRI Field Service Representative

15.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and written

ABSOLUTE STAFF SOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 1710 Entrata Condo Tower 1 Fcc Alabang Muntinlupa City LEE, GYUHYEOK Korean Client Relation Specialist

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

LEE, WONYOUNG Operations Manager

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

ZOU, XIA Chinese Customer Service

No.

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

13.

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City

MIAO, HAIYONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification: Skilled in identifying local construction technologies and construction material sources; Can carry out and monitor testing and inspection of products and materials to ensure the finished product meets quality standards

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION XU, CHAO Chinese Customer Service

Saturday, September 11, 2021

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

PENG, XUEHAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 37.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A14 Saturday, September 11, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION YANG, GUOYAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

38.

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

ZHAO, YING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 39.

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

HE, XUTAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer 40.

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

LUO, YUNQI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 41.

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

XIAO, YA Chinese Speaking Program Designer 42.

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

ZHANG, XIANJUN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 43.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

No.

SHI, GUIMING Customer Service Specialist 52.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With At least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

53.

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

54.

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YOONG KAR YAN Senior Procurement Officer 55.

44.

Brief Job Description: Manage the Sales Planning Division and its department and provide technical expertise and knowledge

56.

45.

Brief Job Description: Lead the sales business unit projects which will be implemented in the country.

Basic Qualification: Experience in managing budget and building sales strategy of the ASEAN region

57.

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

46.

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

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

YAN, JIAPENG Marketing And Sales Agent 47.

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

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

YANG, CUITING Marketing And Sales Agent 48.

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

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

HOANG THI HUE Customer Service Representative 59.

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila Basic Qualification: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

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

HAO, LIANG Customer Service Representative 58.

Basic Qualification: Advance degree in marketing, sales or finance / 5-10 work experience in management position / Industry expertise (hygiene and sanitation) and market familiarity

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

LI, JUN Customer Service Representative 60.

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

LUO, ZHIQIANG Customer Service Representative 61.

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

LY NHAT GIANG Customer Service Representative 62.

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

NGUYEN BA THACH Customer Service Representative 63.

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

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

ZHENG, ZHEN Marketing And Sales Agent 49.

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

PENG, JIANWEN Customer Service Representative 64.

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

LI, SHUANGYAN Senior Marketing Specialist 50.

Brief Job Description: Looking after the budget of marketing department and making sure the budget spend is delivering a return on investment. Managing the design and production of promotional materials, such as websites and brochures.

Basic Qualification: Can work harmoniously with executive team such as the marketing director or managing director to set the marketing strategy for the business. Must be willing to hire and manage junior marketing team that includes PR and creative staff. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin is an advantage

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

TANG, GUOBING Customer Service Representative 65.

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

ZHANG, XIN Customer Service Representative 66.

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

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

ENCORE AMUSEMENT AND GAMING SUPPORT SERVICES CORP. 3f Metlive Metro Park Edsa Ext. Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City NGUYEN THI NHUONG Customer Service Specialist 51.

Brief Job Description: Promptly responding to customer queries via email, live chat, video, phone and social media channels. Immediately escalating serious complains or issues that you are not equipped to deal with

Basic Qualification: Customer service specialist Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

Basic Qualification: Customer service specialist Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

68.

Basic Qualification: Customer service specialist Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Customer service specialist

69.

CHEN, SISI Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 70.

71.

72.

ZHENG, XUE Customer Service Representative 67.

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

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

73.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English

74.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential

CHENG, LIJUAN Customer Service Representative (Mandarin Speaking) 75.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing retrieving, copying, and transmitting data and graphics from English to Mandarin

XU, HUI Customer Service Representative (Mandarin Speaking) 76.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for producing information, transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing retrieving, copying, and transmitting data and graphics from English to Mandarin

LI, XUE Chinese IT Support Specialist 77.

78.

79.

80.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. QIU, JINKAI Chinese IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. ZHU, BIN Chinese IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. ZHU, ZHANLI Chinese IT Support Specialist Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist (CITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Extensive through and Fluency in Mandarin language and characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House Magallanes St. 069, Bgy. 655 Intramuros Manila CHEN, FEI-YIN Strategic And Facilitation Officer 81.

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

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate Level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in Mandarin and Basic English

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

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 9/f 100 West Building Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English

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

GLOBAL PACIFIC KNOWLEDGE CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 905 9/f The Pearlbank Centre, 146 Valero St. Bel-air Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic English

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

HE, LONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

YUAN, ZHENQIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

LIU, SITONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

CHEN, WENBIN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Basic Qualification: 5-10 years’ work experience in supervisory position, job-relevant degree, multilingual

Basic Qualification: College Graduate level, preferably with customer service or sales experience, fluent in mandarin and basic english

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

GLADIOLOUS INC. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg. Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

Basic Qualification: 5-10 years’ experience in supervisory position in industry-related field, multilingual

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

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

ZHOU, HAOYANG Customer Service Representative

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHI, LEILEI Customer Service Representative

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

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

RYU, SEUNGHOON Marketing And Sales Agent

Brief Job Description: Primarily responsible for the coordination of training and development within the company. Requires supervisor to identify training center needs, evaluate training initiatives, and maintain staff training records.

CHEN, YULIN Customer Service Representative

DIVERSEY PHILIPPINES, INC 8/f Bankmer Bldg. 6756 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City

SETHI, AMARINDER SINGH Country Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversees the purchasing department and are responsible for sourcing materials, contract management, budget control, disbursement WANG, DI Training Supervisor

DAIKIN AIRCONDITIONING PHILIPPINES, INC. Exxa Tower Bridgetown C-5 Road Ugong Norte 3 Quezon City KUDO, HARUKA Manager - Sales Planning Division

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/ Good in Oral and Written Communication

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

GAO, FAN Project Manager 82.

Brief Job Description: Play the lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing out projects.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or a related field. 3-5 years of project management and related experience. acquired trainings and certification related to project management are advantage Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

MA, WENBO Project Manager 83.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Play the lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing out projects.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or a related field. 3-5 years of project management and related experience. acquired trainings and certification related to project management are advantage

No.

101.

102.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 KEWPIE PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 1506, 15th Floor Ibp Tower Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City

MAEOKA, YU General Manager 84.

Brief Job Description: Initiate and formulate business strategy to hit sales targets, achieve growth, expands company’s Customer base and ensure its strong presence

Basic Qualification: • JLPT N1 passer; Fluent in Japanese and English (Speak, read and write) • At least 5 years working experience leading a sales team or strategy team • Strong verbal, visual and written communication skills with the ability to explain approach to all levels of organization • Extensive knowledge in the same industry is preferred

103.

104.

105.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 KKJ AUTO LAND CORPORATION 264 Aguirre Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City

85.

KIM, MINSU Operations Manager Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate and oversee daily operation

Basic Qualification: With 2 years experience and can speak Korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

106.

107.

LEWIS GLANZ SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 509f Cattleya Condo, 235 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City MCGUFFIE, BENEDICT MARK Account Manager 86.

Brief Job Description: Generate sales among client accounts, including upsetting and cross-selling, manage company relationship with customers.

Basic Qualification: Advanced course study and experience in business and marketing. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

LH & CREATIVES INC. Unit 905 9/f Antel Corporate Centre 121 Valero St. Bel-air Makati City ICHIKAWA, ATSUSHI President And Operation Manager 87.

Brief Job Description: Support, supervise the operation and communicate with clients in Japan

108.

109.

Basic Qualification: College Degree Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

110.

MARKETCLUB INC. 41/f Gt Tower International Ayala Ave. Cor. H.v. Dela Costa St. Bel-air Makati City CAI, JUNJIE Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 88.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customers questions about services or products/ excellent Mandarin communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

112.

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

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

96.

97.

98.

99.

100.

BUI TRUNG KIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CAO THI QUYNH TRANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, SHENHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, QIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CHEN, LONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires DUONG THI HIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HU, YULONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JIA, XUELIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries JIN, JINGJING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KOU, CHUNHUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE TAT CHIEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, LIAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

111.

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

113.

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

114.

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

115.

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

116.

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

117.

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

118.

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

119.

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

120.

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

121.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, QINGZHEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, JUN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries MA, JINYIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THAI DUC Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI HANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN THI NGAT Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries NGUYEN VIET HUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NI, BIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM CAO DUC HAU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires PHAM TIEN DUNG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires SHANG, KEYANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SHENG, CHENGXIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SHI, JUNYAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN THI LY Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TU, HONGWEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, ZHIDE Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XUE, KAIKAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, PENGFEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, XIANGLIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires YU, LIANRUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

ZHANG, QIANRU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

WILDE, GREGORY ROSS Deputy Head Of Primary

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

122.

Brief Job Description: Provide professional leadership in the management of the school, promote a secure foundation from which to achieve high standards in all areas of the school’s work

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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 ABUBAKER, NASEERA Instructional Developer

123.

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

Brief Job Description: To implement and deliver the uk national curriculum ensuring a high standard of education and ensuring that teaching programs, curriculum, materials, and other components are in line with the educational objectives of the school.

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

EVANS, ADRIAN Instructional Developer 124.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 PEIRIS, MALWALA ACHARIGE ASIRI UDESHIKA Instructional Developer

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

125.

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

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

KAISER, LUCA RAPHAEL ARVID Regional Head Cash Management 126.

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

Brief Job Description: Lead and manage the cash management team. Participates and presents in in-house due diligences and introduction sessions

YANG, XU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 127.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

YOU, QIANG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 128.

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

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

ZHU, WEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 129.

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

130.

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

131.

Brief Job Description: Third in command and supports the President by overseeing internal operations and stepping in when the President is unavailable. He is a top level leadership role in a company and oversees department managers.

SOUVLAKIS, NICOLAS Director Manufacturing PH 132.

Brief Job Description: Assist the Regional Manufacturing VP and Managing Director in preparing the overall manufacturing and other business related strategies of the Company

133.

Basic Qualification: 5-10 years’ experience in working for British curriculum schools/postgraduate certificate of education (pgce) or similar accreditation/ experience with computer-based training software Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Master’s degree plus 5-8yrs or 8-12yrs of relevant professional experience in treasury, banking and related areas Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Basic Qualification: Must have worked in a multi-cultural business environment; Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; Excellent communication and presentation skills. Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification: Can direct and lead the local PMI factory Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

TIAN, ZHENYANG Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Conduct market research and analyse trends

Basic Qualification: Chinese national know how to speak, read and write in English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

RICECASH ASIA PHILIPPINES, INC. 26/f Yuchengco Tower, Rcbc Plaza Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City WANG, DUOMING Payments Associate (Multi-lingual) 134.

Brief Job Description: Handle all transaction, fund transfer, credit back, filed transaction request from department

Basic Qualification: Fluent in native Mandarin and English, able to perform daily reconciliation of accounts. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SB CONSTRUCTION CORP. U2702 27/f Pacific Star Bldg. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Cor. Makati Ave. Bel-air Makati City

135.

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

POWERTRAC INCORPORATED 2015c Apolonia St. Mapulang Lupa Valenzuela City

CHA, MYUNGKUK Crawler Drill Operator Basic Qualification: 5-10 years’ experience in working for British curriculum schools/postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) or similar accreditation/ experience with computer-based training software

PMFTC INC. Plant C & D Champaca Ii Fortune Marikina City

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

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential

YANG, SHAOCAI Vice President

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

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

PINOLILINO INC. Suite 513 Pasda Mansion,77 Panay Ave. Paligsahan 4 Quezon City

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

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

GUO, ZENGPENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Basic Qualification: 5-10 years’ experience in working for British curriculum schools/postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) or similar accreditation/ experience with computer-based training software

PERFECTZEST INC. 16th Floor Tower 6789 6789 Ayala Avenue Bel-air Makati City

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

PARTNERS GROUP PRIME SERVICES SOLUTIONS (PHILIPPINES), INC. 18/f Net Park Bldg. 5th Avenue Cor. 26th Street Fort Bonifacio Global City Taguig City

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

NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MANILA INC. Neo Chinatown Bradco Ave. Aseana Tambo Parañaque City

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

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Brief Job Description: Ensuring all equipment is maintained and used in accordance with the company health and safety standards HONG, SOK HEE Crawler Drill Operator

136.

Brief Job Description: Ensuring all equipment is maintained and used in accordance with the company health and safety standards

Basic Qualification: With experience as a Crawler Drill Operator; bilingual in English and Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience as a Crawler Drill Operator; bilingual in English and Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A16 Saturday, September 11, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION PARK, GI-SIG Junior Manager

137.

Brief Job Description: Oversee and direct construction projects from conception to completion. Review the project indepth to schedule deliverable s and estimate costs. Oversee all onsite and offsite constructions to monitor compliance with the building and safety regulations. LEE, TAESEOK Pile Manager

138.

Brief Job Description: Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in driving piling into the ground to provider foundations for structures

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With experience as a Junior Manager; bilingual in English and Korean

139.

Brief Job Description: Apply diagnostic utilities to aid in troubleshooting

Basic Qualification: With experience as a Pile Manager; bilingual in English and Korean

140.

Brief Job Description: Client point of contact for supply planning across all business lines. In includes-existing lob ramp-up & ramp-down, new lob/ workflow launch, lob/ workflow optimization across all geos.

141.

Brief Job Description: Provides expedient and accurate customer service to French speaking clients and customers

154.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write fluent Korean language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: At least 15 yrs contact center experience. At least 12 yrs solid experience with work force management. Background as global planning & strategy lead. Graduate of 4 yrs “business” course.

155.

156.

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

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City NAHKUN, VIRGINIA French Learning Services Learning Specialist

153.

157.

142.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills

158.

143.

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

CHEN, YAOMING Mandarin Customer Support Representative 144.

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

WANG, HAO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 145.

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

YANG, JIE Mandarin Customer Support Representative 146.

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

ZHOU, YI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 147.

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

148.

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

160.

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

161.

162.

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

163.

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

164.

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

165.

166.

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 months working experience/fluent inn Mandarin/English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

167.

WESERV SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 11f Net 2 Square 3rd Ave. Crescent Park West Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

MATSUMOTO, YOSHITAKE Japanese Bilingual Bpo Operations Manager 149.

Brief Job Description: Manages a large or complex team and demonstrates good knowledge of the area of operations has responsibility to ensure and maintain the availability of the operation for customer and end users

Basic Qualification: Bilingual - n1/native with solid experience in operations, people, customer and multiple team management in a BPO environment

150.

151.

Brief Job Description: Customer service

CHANG, HAIYANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

168.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 169.

XINCHUANG NETWORK TECHNOLOGY, INC. 3rd, 5th-10th Flr. Alabang Zapote Rd. Almanza Uno Las Piñas City

BI, MINGXU Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Customer service

CUI, YAFEI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

FENG, LEI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

GUO, CHUNQIAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

HE, HAOYUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

HUANG, JING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

HUANG, YUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

JIANG, ZHIYUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LEE HONG THAI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LIN, QIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LIU, JIEPING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LIU, SHIJIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LU, XIAOMING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

LUO, JIANSHENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

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

TWILIGHTBIZ INC. 40/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor. V.a Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City LIN, QIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

159.

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

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road Tambo Parañaque City BAI, HAOHUN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

CHENG, LANG Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Skilled in French language

TOPAZBLITZ INC. Unit No. Unit 2c, Flr. No. 4/f, One E-com Center Building Bldg. Ocean Drive St., Mall Of Asia Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City SUN, GUANGYUAN Chines Speaking Data Entry Clerk

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

TELEPERFORMANCE GLOBAL SERVICES PHILIPPINES INC. Ground To Fifth Floor Five West Campus, Le Grand Ave. Mckinley West Taguig City KUNJU, PRADEEP Global Planning And Strategy Lead - Strategic Account Management

152.

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

SKYLUCK CORPORATION #360, Unit 243 Shaw Center Mall Shaw Blvd. Penthouse Shaw It Center Mandaluyong City JIN, SANGWOO Korean Technical Support Staff

No.

Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

170.

171.

MA, GUOQUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

MYINT MYINT AYE Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

SIM KIAT YU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

TAN, JIABIN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

WANG, HENGYONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

XIAO, JUHUA Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

No.

172.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

173.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

174.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

175.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

176.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

177.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

178.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

179.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

XU, DENGKE Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English

YANG, SHANGBIAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

YANG, PENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

YANG, ZHAOHONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

YUAN, GUANGZHOU Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

ZENG, LIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

ZENG, RONGJUN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

ZHANG, JING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service

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

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

WANG, KAIJIE Chinese Customer Service Representative 180.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

YOUBIN CONSULTANCY INC. 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg. Paseo De Roxas Bel-air Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Responsible for processing orders, forms, application, and request.

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

TAN SOW BOH Mandarin Account Associate 181.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for evaluate financial budgets and track expenses proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

182.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

183.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college/level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for reconcile financial books including incoming and outgoing funds

HUANG, ZHENYONG Chinese Language Customer Service Representative 184.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

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

ZONAC AND SHIBATA SERVICES INC. 4/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards

YANG, PENG Mandarin Sales Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate / level. Must be fluent in Mandarin and basic English.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

LI, CHANGLUO Mandarin Sales Associate

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customer’s needs to achieve satisfaction

ZOU, GUANGLEI Chinese Language Customer Service Representative 185.

Brief Job Description: Identify and assess customer’s needs to achieve SATISFACTION

Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communication skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ZX-PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 16/f Robinsons Cybergate 3 Pioneer Brgy. Barangka Ilaya Mandaluyong City LAI, HAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 186.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ good in oral and communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Sep 10, 2021

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on September 3, 2021, the salary range of GREUTER, MARCEL HENDRICUS under PRIME METRO BMD CORPORATION, should have been read as 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-NCR Regional Office located at DOLENCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR