BusinessMirror September 18, 2021 by BusinessMirror

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DOH and local government officials and residents of Tingloy Island pledge their solidarity and support to the torch of TANGLAW for the region’s TB-Free Island Initiative.

TORCH of HOPE

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

T was on a fine summer day in May on the island of Tingloy in Batangas when officials of the Department of Health (DOH)-Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) launched a noble program with one single-minded objective: Decisively end the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) disease that afflicts a good number of island residents. Launched on May 2, 2021, TANGLAW, or “TB Agapan, NGayon Lunasan at Wakasan,” is the first TB-Free island initiative in the country with the objective of eliminating tuberculosis in island municipalities of the region. The total budget for the activities of the program in Tingloy is P571,500 when it started in 2019. TANGLAW was also launched later on Polillo Island in Quezon on September 26, 2019. Derived from the Filipino word tanglaw, or torch, that shines a light to a darkened path, the DOH-Calabarzon’s program aims to bring hope and heal those on the island afflicted with the dreaded but curable respiratory disease. To avoid being stigmatized, not only the chest X-ray screening, GX testing were undertaken, but a medical and surgical mission was also conducted for Tingloy residents. This included random blood sugar (RBS), body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP)

measurement, urinalysis, hemoglobin testing, newborn screening blood testing, circumcision, dental service, medical consultation, buntis check-up, smoking-cessation seminar, and provision of multivitamins and medicines for children and essential and maintenance medicines for adults. Dental and buntis kits were also distributed. The same approach was replicated on Polillo. “So, they went there not only because they will be screened for TB. This is to avoid the stigma,” DOH-Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo said.

Planning stages

IN an interview, Dr. Maria Elena G. Castillo-Gonzales, head of the Regional Infectious Disease Cluster, said TANGLAW was presented during the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) consultative meeting in 2019. Dr. Gonzales, who also coined the TANGLAW acronym for the program, said that each region

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 49.8520

Amid the pandemic, DOH-Calabarzon spearheads an ambitious fight for the total elimination of TB in pilot island provinces south of Manila Four phases

ACCORDING to Dr. Gonzales, the TANGLAW program has four implementation phases. Phase 1 includes the preparations. Interim guidelines were also created. Dr. Mariquita Mantala, incountry advisor, was a big help in drafting the initial plans. As part of the preparations, Dr. Gonzales said, they needed to look at the logistics, supply, health human resources, and general demography of Tingloy, a fifth-class municipality of Batangas province, which includes Maricaban Island, Caban Island and other minor is-

lets located south of the Calumpang Peninsula, with a population of around 20,000. The DOH-Calabarzon said their data showed that in Tingloy, there were 69 TB positive patients on the island and an additional 21 positive cases identified from January up to April 30, 2019. “We have chosen to start the project in Tingloy because it is one of the areas in Calabarzon where cases of tuberculosis are high and continue to increase,” Dr. Janairo said. Dr. Gonzales also said that Tingloy and Polillo were chosen for Continued on A2

DR. Maria Elena C. Gonzales, DOH-Calabarzon Regional National Tuberculosis Control Program outcome manager—and also head of the Regional Communicable Disease Control Unit— encourages residents to submit to a medical check-up and avail themselves of the free diagnostic and treatment procedure for TB patients during the opening program of the “TANGLAW sa Polillo TB Free-Island Initiative” held at the Polillo Sports Complex in the province of Quezon in 2019.

would present a plan as part of their commitment to the 20172022 Philippine Strategic TB Elimination Plan. “Our goal is to end TB. So the goal of the program is very ambitious, TB elimination right away.... We need to be anchored…each and every region has its own individual plans,” she said. She recalled that during the planning stage in 2018, before the consultative meeting in 2019, their initial goal was to conduct active case finding (ACF). Dr. Gonzales said that when

they presented the plan, Janairo suggested launching it in island municipalities. “So, our plan to have a TB -free program with active case finding became a TB-Free Island [initiative],” Dr. Gonzales said. From then, the NTP core team of the DOH-Calabarzon, composed of Dr. Gonzales; Kristine Marie I. De Guzman, nurse outcome manager; and Ms. Ma. Cristina Ann N. Buenaagua, medical technologist outcome manager, did not waste any time and immediately held brainstorming sessions.

n JAPAN 0.4544 n UK 68.7758 n HK 6.4051 n CHINA 7.7220 n SINGAPORE 37.0785 n AUSTRALIA 36.3620 n EU 58.6808 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.2956

Source: BSP (September 17, 2021)

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TORCH of HOPE Continued from A1

the implementation of TANGLAW because “there are UHC [Universal Health Care] implementation sites in Batangas and Quezon.” Under Phase 2, a massive TB screening of all the population of the island, from children to adult, will be conducted. Once diagnosed, they will be enrolled in the program and treated promptly to keep the illness from progressing and prevent further spread of infection in the community. There will also be a mapping system to have a geographical information system and visual presentation for them to be easily located by health-care workers. “This is also to ensure the continuity of TB treatment completion,” Janairo emphasized. Prevention is under Phase 3, Gonzales continued. “There are already TB cases, so how will you prevent this? This is where TB preventive therapy will come,” she said, citing that therapy plays a crucial role in efforts to eliminate TB and prevent latent infection from progressing. Phase 4, she said, is TB elimination. “We are still far from achieving that [TB elimination phase],” she said, adding that currently, and due to the pandemic, TANGLAW remains in Phase 2.

DOH-Calabarzon Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo gives his assurance of full health services to hundreds of residents who attended the launching of “TANGLAW sa Polillo TB Free-Island Initiative” held at the Polillo Sports Complex in the province of Quezon on September 26, 2019.

Covid-19 response takes its toll

DR. Gonzales lamented that the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the “smooth sailing” implementation of the TANGLAW program. Everything was well planned until the pandemic came, she recalled. Gonzales noted that Covid has also affected other TB programs in

the country, not only TANGLAW. Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that they see a direct effect of the Covid-19 pandemic “on a critical disease prevention and control program like TB” after the NTP reported that from January to March this year, there were a total of 88,662 new and re-

lapse TB cases, declining steeply by almost 20 percent between February (30,728) and March (24,782). “The quarantine has extremely affected and limited the healthseeking behaviors of our fellow Filipinos,” Duque said.

Challenges

DR. Gonzales said that bringing equipment to both islands alone already poses a challenge. “Buwis-buhay talaga [Your life is almost at stake every time because] going there is not so easy,” according to Gonzales. Amid the pandemic, Dr. Patt Flexl Mandocdoc, DOH Doctor to the Barrio on Tingloy Island, said they are still making sure that they can continue to monitor those enrolled in the program. However, their ACF has been affected due to quarantine restrictions. One of the challenges, Dr. Mandocdoc said, is managing the dwindling medical supplies or lack of supplies, at times, for pediatric age group. They get the medicines for children through a Korean nongovernmental organization (NGO), the Good Neighbors International Philippines. The supply for adults, meanwhile, comes from the DOH, while the local government of Tingloy helps in the operations side of the program. Mandocdoc said they are thankful that the lack of a radio technologist in Tingloy was addressed early this year, accelerating implementation of the program. When it comes to his patients, Mandocdoc said that after one who’s been identified as a positive case wants to enroll in the treatment, that patient gets a full briefing on what he or she will experience while undergoing treatment. “It requires careful monitoring as well,” Mandocdoc said, stressing that they have to make sure that the TB patient will not pass the disease on to other family members and other close physical contacts. They must also be sure to look for signs that the patient is responding to the treatment. As a doctor, one of the challenges he considers is when patients cannot handle the side effects of the drugs that they prescribe. “If they can’t handle the side effects, sometimes they discontinue the treatment,” he said, stressing that any doctor will find this frustrating. “We don’t want them to return when their TB is getting worse like they are coughing up blood already,” he said.

TB patient

IN May this year, Che (not her real time), 23, observed that she tended to feel tired and is always gasping for breath while working.

She decided to see a doctor. She had a chest X-ray and a sample of her sputum was also collected. When the doctor informed her that she was afflicted with TB, she was speechless. She then informed her mother who was in Tingloy. “I decided to go home in Tingloy and left my work in Batangas. I thought that it would be better to have my treatment there because I know there is TANGLAW there,” she said in Filipino. When she started her treatment, she complained that she couldn’t handle her dizziness. “It was hard. But I can tolerate the side effects now,” Che added. However, Roy, 42, said he did not experience any side effects. “I just feel normal,” he said. He first discovered that he has TB after he went to the Rural Health Unit to consult for his constant coughing. He said he was unsure where he might have contracted TB. His wife was also screened but was negative. Dr. Mandocdoc then asked him if he wants to enroll in the program and explained the process of treatment. “I did not hesitate,” he said. Dr. Mandocdoc said Roy is one of the patients who, after a few months, are already responding positively to the treatment. “They are already gaining weight. No more cough but they need to finish the duration of the treatment,” Dr. Mandocdoc said. Roy is set to finish his treatment next month. Dr. Janairo said that TB easily spreads from person-to-person contact through the air. “When a TB positive person coughs, sneezes and speaks, the bacteria is released into the air where it stays for hours. If you will inhale it, you will be exposed and the possibility to contract TB is there, so you need to see a doctor immediately,” he added. Both Che and Roy are thankful to the nurses and barangay health workers (BHWs) who were constantly reminding them to take their medicines and monitor them regularly. “They would call us and remind us never to skip our medicines and remind us of our monthly checkups,” she said, adding that they can also save money because not only are the medicines free: the BHWs personally bring these to them. Dr. Mandocdoc said that the BHWs sign the patient’s ID treatment card system to determine if they have taken their medicines every day. “Sometimes, the BHWs go to the patient to personally see that he or she is taking the medicines… sometimes they also count the medicines left just to be sure,” he added. Che and Rey said that they did not feel embarrassed or ashamed

despite contracting the disease because due to the pandemic, almost everyone stays at home. People will not wonder why they are not going outside their homes, they said. Dr. Janairo also thinks the quarantine restrictions helped in containing the TB infection. For his part, John Oliver Villegas, Development Manager Officer IV in Tingloy, stressed the importance of “correct information and family support” are also taught to them. “Also the awareness that there is already TANGLAW wherein the treatment is free,” he said, noting that they no longer need to ride a boat to go to Batangas City for TB screening or treatment, because TANGLAW had came to the island, relieving them of the “catastrophic cost.” He also noted that efforts of BHWs are immeasurable for they are also attending to Covid-19 response in the municipality. Meanwhile, Maria Concepcion G. Macaraig, a barangay councilor of Barangay 15, Poblacion 3, considers TANGLAW a big help in the municipality, making the lives of TB patients a lot easier while they heal. A former barangay nutritionist, Macaraig also helps monitor the distribution of medicines to TB patients in her barangay. “There is no reason for TB patients to refuse treatment as everything is being provided for them for free,” she said.

Enrolled in TANGLAW

THERE were 139 patients enrolled in TANGLAW in Tingloy; two had discontinued; four died, and six were lost to follow-up. In 2021, there were 37 additional TB patients, cured: 3, completed: 2, died: 1, and lost to followup: 1. There are 30 other patients currently undergoing treatment On Polillo, meanwhile, the total number of persons screened stands at 1,818. Of this number 103 turned out to be positive, but only 15 have enrolled in the program.

TB isolation facility

DR. Janairo, for his part, explained part of the plan is to put up a TB facility for drug-resistant TB patients. However, there’s this possibility that this may not materialize at the moment due to the pandemic. He also expects to see the progress of his “brainchild,” and if possible achieve TB elimination in Tingloy before retiring from government service.

Partners’ support

THE DOH-Calabarzon said TANGLAW was made possible through the NTP partners like local executives of Tingloy and Polillo, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. These are: TB Innovations, TB Platforms, Philippine Business for Social Progress for Advancing Client-Centered Care and Expanding Sustainable Services for TB, and Gerry Roxas Foundation and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Hubraj Yadav, medical officer of World Health Organization. Dr. Janairo said TANGLAW does not only “spark hope” for the island regions through the bayanihan spirit with the help of the government, NGOs, private sector and down to the community. “Whole of society and whole of government approach. During my PHC [Primary Health Care] days, inter-local and intra-local collaboration,” Dr. Janairo said. If TANGLAW would prove to be a success, Dr. Janairo expressed optimism that it will be replicated in other island municipalities or remote areas in the country. This story supports the #TBFreePH campaign of the Department of Health. With the help of the United States Agency for International Development, #TBFreePH aims to increase and improve conversations about TB and help address stigma and discrimination experienced by persons with TB.

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TORCH of HOPE Continued from A1

Covid-19 response takes its toll

Challenges

TB patient

IN May this year, Che (not her real time), 23, observed that she tended to feel tired and is always gasping for breath while working.

Enrolled in TANGLAW

TB isolation facility

Partners’ support

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Cashed-up LGUs unable to spend threaten PHL’s ‘fragile recovery’ P hilippine cities and towns are set to get more money from the central government next year, but many likely won’t be able to spend it, throwing up another obstacle to the economy’s “fragile recovery.”

Under a 2018 Supreme Court order, local governments will get a bigger portion of national revenue next year, boosting their share in the proposed 2022 budget to more than one-fifth, or some P1.1 trillion ($22 billion). This year they got 18.7 percent of the budget, or P844.6 billion. But as much as P155 billion, or 70 percent of the additional funds earmarked for localities may end up unused, the World Bank estimates. Even now, local governments fail to spend half of the funds they’ve set aside for roads, bridges and other capital outlays due to weak planning, lack of skilled personnel and procurement bottlenecks. And any unspent funds from the tax share would remain in the local accounts, according to the budget department. Piles of unused public funds are perhaps the last thing the Philippine economy needs. It’s already expected to be among the slowest in Asia to recover from the pandemic, and the country’s economic managers see output returning to its pre-pandemic level only by the end of 2022 or early 2023. The bigger budget shares comes

after the Supreme Court ruled local governments are entitled to a share in all national taxes, including customs duties, not just collections by the tax agency. Although the shift aims to improve delivery of basic services, it “could have a negative effect on growth” due to the risk of greater underspending, said Manila-based World Bank economist Kevin Cruz.

‘Atomic bomb’

Confronted with rising debt, the central government specified duties that local leaders should take on using the bigger revenue share, including critical health care and smaller infrastructure projects like irrigation, roads and school buildings. Some local leaders are sweating. “It’s like an atomic bomb will be dropped,” said Carolyn SyReyes, mayor of Pilar, a town of almost 76,000 people that’s 500 kilometers southeast of Manila. Many local governments in places like Pilar lack skilled personnel to spend the bigger budgets and take on additional tasks, she said in a recent online forum. “The national government de-

volved as many things as they want to ease its fiscal burden,” said Dakila Cua, governor of the northern province of Quirino and president of a national union of local leaders. Delivery of services may be affected as national agencies aren’t allowed to help fund devolved functions and local governments can’t fulfill them all, he said by phone. The central government’s budget department, meanwhile, sees the initiative as a “unique opportunity” for local leaders and that the shift is “a milestone in pursuit of the country’s decentralization policy,” it said in an e-mailed reply to questions. To address underspending concerns, the national government continues to provide financial management training, the agency said. Disbursement frameworks and minimum performance standards will be in place at local governments next year, it added.

‘Birthing pains’

The change also risks widening the gap between rich and poor areas. As outlined by law, the new distribution of funds among

local leaders will favor densely populated rich cities that have better infrastructure and social services than far-flung towns, said Maria Ela Atienza, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines. Accord ing to t he budget de pa r t ment, a n equ it y f u nd has been set aside for ne x t yea r to help poorer a reas implement t heir new responsibi l it ies. Next year’s budget prioritizes social services and education to help address regional inequalit ies t h at t he pa ndem ic m ay have exacerbated. Decentralized funding may allow local executives to better promote their constituents’ welfare and mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact, the budget department said. Despite the central government’s support, there will be “ birthing pains” as local leaders, focused on the pandemic response, “struggle to prepare for t he shif t,” sa id Nichol as Mapa, economist at ING Groep NV in Manila. “ The timing of the switch is precarious given the ongoing pandemic and next year’s elections.” Bloomberg News

Bizmen, advocacy group seek Senate OK of judicial marshal services bill

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

dvocacy and business group Judicial Reform Initiative (JRI) threw its support behind the passage of measures creating the Philippine Judicial Marshal Services (PJMS), noting that the proposed law would “foster judicial independence” and protect the country’s judicial processes. In a letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, the group expressed its support and appeal for the early passage into law of Senate Bill 1974 which seeks to create the PJMS. The JRI noted that the House of Representatives already approved on third and final reading their counterpart version of the PJMS

Act, which has been transmitted already to the Senate. “We understand that the Senate version [Senate Bill No. 1947] is still at the interpellation stage and should soon proceed to the amendment phase,” it said in its letter dated September 13. The JRI noted that 34 members of the Judiciary were killed since 1991, with only 24 of the cases being prosecuted in court with two resulting in convictions and six in acquittals. “The provision for Judiciary Marshals to protect court officials and support investigation of wrongdoings against the Judiciary will not only help deter these killings, acts and threats against their lives for their role as champions of the rule of law and defender of

individual rights but also ensure that such threats and acts are more timely investigated, assessed and mitigated,” the group said. The JRI said the creation of the PJMS “would not be in conf lict w ith the Constitutiona l mandate of having one police force whose mandate is both general and national in scope.” “The responsibilities of the Philippine Judicial Marshal Service as special law enforcement officers of the Judiciary are particularly limited to protect members of the Judiciary and its personnel and support investigation of court-related offenses,” it said. “ T he prov ision of Judicia l Marshals is a complementar y legal reform to foster judicial independence and protect the

judicial process by ensuring the safety of the members of the Judiciary and court personnel, as well as security of the courts, halls of justice and the conduct of its proceedings,” it added. The JRI’s members include the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), the Makati Business Club, the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO), Institute of Corporate Directors, Philippine Institute of Arbitrators, Shareholders Association of the Philippines, Rotary Club of Manila, the Wallace Business Forum, Paynamics Technologies Inc. as well as the American, Canadian and European Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines.

PRC renews vow to serve Filipinos amid contagion By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

he Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Friday renewed it vow to uphold and pursue their commitment to serve the Filipino people amid negative accusations hurled against the humanitarian organization. “The Philippine Red Cross is one of the respected Red Cross

organizations in the world. Our staff and volunteers will not stop providing service to our countrymen even there are negative issues thrown against us,” a PRC news statement read. “We will continue to provide help especially now that there is a pandemic,” the statement added in Filipino. T he PRC likew ise cited its

outstanding contributions in the government’s Covid-19 response. As of September 16, 2021, the PRC has already tested 4,254,872 swab and saliva samples, which is 21 percent of the total tests conducted in the Philippines. The PRC has 13 operational molecular laboratories strategically located across the country, with a 14th molecular laborator y to open in Cotabato City this weekend. They also vaccinated a total of 127,808 individuals in its 20 Bakuna Centers and 16 Bakuna Buses. The Bakuna Buses make up PRC’s mobile vaccine clinic fleet going around the country to provide free vaccinations to remote communities whose citizens have not been able to get inoculated due to lack of mobility or health issues. The PRC also served the medical needs of 3,381 patients in its 6 operational isolation facilities. Earlier this week, PRC’s Tuguegarao Isolation Facility accepted its first batch of patients to respond to the rising cases within the region. Additionally, 34,810 patients have also been served by the PRC

in its emergency field hospitals and medical tents. As of September 17, a total of 111 medical tents were deployed by PRC to assist 62 hospitals located in areas where there are high cases of Covid. Part of PRC’s Covid response is providing hot meals to communities affected by lockdowns. The Red Cross’ Hot-Meals-OnWheels is a food truck fleet that has provided freshly cooked food to 85,799 individuals to date. All these are on top of PRC’s regular blood services and convalescent plasma, free dialysis treatments, housing, and free ambulance services to indigent individuals. The PRC said that they perform around the clock since the pandemic began. There are also disaster recovery operations being implemented by the PRC to help victims of typhoons and other natural disasters to get back on their feet. “The Red Cross is staying true to its ethos of being ‘Always First, Always Ready, Always There for Filipinos,’” PRC vowed.

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Bongbong presses free movement of vaxxed APORs in locked down areas

ormer Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow fully vaccinated Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs) living in locked down areas a “free egress-ingress.” “Let them go out for a living. And allow them to be with their families after work. It’s their daily routine to get through with this pandemic… financially and mentally,” said the former senator. Marcos made the appeal following the IATF’s pronouncement of granular lockdown rules that will be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting September 16, 2021, Thursday. The I ATF said only health-care workers and returning overseas Filipino workers will be considered APORs and will be allowed passage to and from areas under granular lockdown. “What’s the sense of calling them APORs if they will not be allowed to go outside their homes? Isn’t that what that acronym meant?” Marcos said in Filipino. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Tuesday that the National Capital Region will be placed under Alert Level 4, the second-highest classification under the new IATF guidelines. Individuals prohibited to leave their homes under Alert level 4 include those aged below 18 and aged above 65, people with comorbidities, immunocompromised, and pregnant women except when buying food and working in essential industries. “Total lockdowns run counter to having APORs and the IATF will appear inconsistent should they insist on it. We are appealing to the IATF to let fully vaccinated APORs to leave their homes under granular lockdowns,” Marcos added. Also on Tuesday, more than a thousand business owners submitted a joint manifesto urging the government to give fully vaccinated individuals more mobility to spur economic growth. The group added that this move “would give establishments an opportunity to bounce back and workers to rebuild their livelihood.” Marcos also said that it is important for the unvaccinated to see the added benefits of being fully vaccinated since this will allay their fears and finally encourage them to get the jab. “It is also important to show people the added benefits of being fully vaccinated so the fears of some are allayed and finally convince them to get inoculated,” Marcos said.

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Mad Cow disease outbreak prompts PHL to ban beef imports from Brazil

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

he Philippines has slapped a temporary import ban on Brazilian beef products, including live cattle, after the Latin American country reported an outbreak of Atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Mad Cow disease a few weeks ago. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar issued on Thursday Memorandum Order (MO) 54 authorizing the temporary ban on the importation of live cattle, meat and meat products derived from cattle from Brazil.

Dar ordered the temporary import ban to protect the country’s cattle population as well as Filipino consumers due to history of Mad Cow disease affecting humans. “BSE is a zoonotic disease and there are studies showing that

the atypical type of BSE or Mad Cow disease may pose a risk to consumers due to BSE’s assumed link with the variant CreutzfeldtJakob disease [vCJD] in humans,” Dar said in his order. With the order, the Bureau of Animal Industry has suspended the processing, evaluation of the application and issuance of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance for Brazilian beef imports. “All shipments in transit/loaded/accepted unto port before the official communication of this order to the Brazilian authorities shall be allowed provided the slaughter and production date is on or before August 31, 2021,” Dar said in the order. Dar has also ordered veterinary quarantine officers to conduct a “more rigorous and tight inspection” on all arrivals of meat and

meat by-products derived from cattle including live cattle.

Impact of ban

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) on Friday cautioned that the temporary blanket ban on Brazilian beef products would result in increase in the retail prices of processed goods since the industry will be forced to utilize more ex pensive raw mater ial from countries like Australia and the United States. “With the ban, meat processors will be forced to use higher priced beef from suppliers such as Australia, Ireland and the US,” the group said in a news statement. “Hence, the increased cost of beef raw material for processed meats will be passed on to consumers in terms of higher prices, while the ban on Brazilian beef is

in effect,” the group added. PAMPI noted that Brazil is the country’s top source of beef supply as the Latin American country accounts for 40 percent of total import volume annually. “It has a large share of the market because Brazilian beef is priced much lower compared to beef products from other countries. We are concerned about the implications of the ban because as far as we know, it is only the Philippines which imposed such ban,” PAMPI added. PAMPI pointed out that Brazil is also one of the country’s major source of raw materials for meat processed products. Industr y sources told the BusinessMirror that the processed meat products that could see a spike in prices are canned corned beef, hot dogs, longganisa, burger patties and beef tapa.

Imported car sales drop by 18 percent in August S By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

al e s of i mp or te d c a r s dropped by 18 percent in August as the lockdown measures amid surging Covid-19 cases tempered demand for the period. In a news statement released on Friday, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc. (AVID) reported that it sold 3,917 units in August,

which is lower than 4,753 unit sales year-on-year. “The entire industry hit a pothole in August due to the necessary health restrictions. Despite this, we at AVID choose to be optimistic as we approach the final stretch of the year,” said AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo. All segments registered sales decline in August. Sales for passenger car (PC)

units was cut by 44 percent to 1,052 from 1,865 year-on-year. Light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales slightly dipped by 1 percent to 2,829 units from 2,851 in the previous year. Commercial vehicle (CV) segment saw a 3-percent decrease in sales with 36 units. Year-to-date, however, the imported car dealers registered a 33-percent uptick in sales with

39,011 units, which is higher than the 29,363 units in the previous year for the same period. LCV accounted for the bulk or 72 percent of the total industry sales in the first eight months. Sales for this segment went up by 44 percent to 27,956 year-todate from 19,412 units in 2020. Ford Group Philippines leads the sector with 11,639 units sold; followed by Suzuki Philippines Inc.

and Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. with 7,874 units and 3,420 units, respectively. PC sales inched up by 4 percent to 10,164 units in January-August period. Suzuki and Hyundai are the top sellers with 5,080 units and 3,300 units sold. CV sales, mostly comprised by Hyundai trucks and buses, surged by more than four times to 891 units from just 193 units last year.

Blue Ribbon pursues Pharmally paper trail, turns up more signals of irregularity

By Butch Fernandez

en. Panfilo Lacson insisted on Friday that documents will prove lingering concerns of an alleged “overprice” in personal protective equipment (PPEs) purchased by the government from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. This, as Sen. Richard Gordon lamented President Duterte’s continuing tirades against him—and now, also dragging in the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) that he chairs—just because he is leading the inquiry into pandemic-related contracts linked to businessmen with alleged Palace connections, notably Duterte friend and former economic adviser Michael Yang. Gordon chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee conducting the inquiry into the bulk purchase of PPEs at the height of the pandemic in 2020. At the center of focus is the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management, which awarded the Pharmally contracts on behalf of the Department of Health. The DOH’s transfer of P42 billion of its funds to PSDBM, without a memorandum of agreement, was earlier flagged by the Commission on Audit. Addressing Duterte, Gordon said, “Today, I tell you, you are not a President the Filipino people can respect.” Duterte, said Gordon was behaving like a “cheap politician” in defending the likes of Lloyd Christopher Lao, the former head of the PS-DBM who presided over the controversial award of over P8 billion in contracts to Pharmally. Lacson said probers expect to obtain documents that will prove the overprice, apart from other irregularities in the purchases from Pharmally, which drew attention because it is a low-capital start-up that bagged more than P8 billion in contracts. Earlier, testimonies given to the House of Representatives by PS-DBM officials insisted there was no overprice in the bulk delivery of face masks, face shields and other anti-pandemic supplies. According to Lacson, the paper trail will show the documents starting with the PS-DBM buying face masks from Pharmally at P27.72 per piece—at a time that other suppliers were selling at P13.50 each. Senators said the purchase was clearly questionable as it violated a resolution by the Government Procurement Policy Board stating that government purchases should be bought from legally, technically and financially capable firms. Pharmally’s financial capability was in focus earlier because its officials admitted to senators they borrowed, on several occasions, funds from Yang, in order to cover the initial deliveries to PS-DBM. During a hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee, it was shown that P8.67 billion was the total amount of contracts awarded to Pharmally last year, apart from almost P2 billion worth of contracts this year. Lacson made it clear they are not targeting President Duterte or any one in particular in conducting their inquiry, as they were only making sure public funds are spent properly amid the pandemic.

Hontiveros: Who ordered irregular delivery?

Also at Friday’s hearing, Sen. Risa Hontiveros pressed Pharmally

incorporator Krizle Mago to reveal who ordered the irregular delivery of millions of face masks. The senator showed a message exchange between Mago and a former PS-DBM employee, in which Mago asked if the PS-DBM employee was aware that Pharmally delivered 2 million pieces of surgical masks. In the text exchange, Mago also said she was only told to deliver the goods by a certain “boss.” Asked to reveal who she was referring to, Mago pointed to Pharmally representatives Mohit Dargani and Linconn Ong. Both Dargani and Ong denied knowledge of the supposed order. Hontiveros was amazed by the grit of the Pharmally group to “deliver such a huge volume,” adding, “The only logical conclusion is that someone might have underhandedly guaranteed this contract for them even before any documentation was done. The question is: who is this favored one?” Hontiveros flagged Pharmally’s unsolicited delivery of 2 million units of surgical masks even before the company received a Request for Quotation or a Notice of Award. “They sent over 2 million face masks even before a price was agreed on. The price of masks in the first quarter of 2020 was very volatile,” Hontiveros said. Hontiveros then presented the correct process for an emergency procurement: issuance of request for proposals, opening of proposals,

evaluation, negotiation (e.g., terms of delivery), issuance of resolution recommending the award, issuance of the Notice of Award, and then the Purchase Order. “In the case of Pharmally, the 500,000 mask delivery came before notice of award. It came before purchase order. Then, these 2 million

pieces of surgical mask, there was no notice of award, no purchase order, and no request for quotation,” Hontiveros said. “Why did the PS-DBM leadership allow this? It seems a very powerful person is keeping our own government on a tight leash,” Hontiveros concluded.

BusinessMirror

A6 Saturday, September 18, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

HOANG TUAN ANH Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 1.

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

KONG VA TAC Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 2.

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

YAO, YONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 3.

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

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

GUAN, XIAOQUAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 11.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

ZHAO, ZHENGDE Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 12.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in mandarin speaking

LONG, BANG Mandarin Construction Operations Specialist 13.

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

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

GONG, MAOYI Mandarin Contract Administrator 14.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Deliver client facing engagements/work at Philippine delivery center. Manage fully cycle of fund and property accounting including preparation and analysis of the financial statements, general ledgers, subsidiary ledgers and cash flow projections

Basic Qualification: College graduate with degree in accountancy, has atleast 10 years of fund and property accounting experience, at least 5 years of leadership experience

ZHANG, TINGTING Mandarin Contract Administrator 15.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor and control business account balances

Basic Qualification: Must be native Indonesian / Vietnamese / Cambodian fluent in English and respective native language; with at least a year of experience in similar field.

LAN, XINHONG Mandarin Field Service Coordinator 16.

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

BAYVIEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 43/f Yuchengco Tower Rcbc Plaza Ayala Ave. Cor. Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City

Brief Job Description: Develop and manage social media and messenger platforms.

Basic Qualification: Must be a multilingual able to speak in native Indian English and has experience atleast 2 years as media executive

MO, CHENGGANG Mandarin Head Operation Project Supervisor 17.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer’s needs, gives appropriate and relevant information

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must speak and write, Bahasa Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese to cater foreign market

LU, YIN Mandarin Mechanical And Electrical Maintenance Supervisor 18.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for assessing company’s financial status

Basic Qualification: Provide solutions and set goals to increase profitability Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

WEI, GUANGYU Mandarin Operations Specialist 19.

DENSO TECHNO PHILIPPINES INC. 2/f Sm Jazz Residences N. Garcia Cor. Jupiter Sts. Bel-air Makati City NIIMI, YOSHINOBU Manager For Information System 10.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for planning, leading, organizing, and controlling the formulation and implementation of information technology strategy, maintenance of internal and inter-company systems, and development and implementation of system security control to support overall business operations.

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

Basic Qualification: Information Technology Planning; IT Security Protocol and Maintenance; Help Desk Support; Network Management; Asset Management; Security Management; Project Management Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a Mandarin Head Operation Project Supervisor, Familiarity, knowledge and awareness on Machinery and Heavy Equipment use by company, Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

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

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

ZHANG, BUREN Mandarin Project Supervisor 20.

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

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

KIM, DONG HUN General Manager Of Finance Department

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree

Brief Job Description: Finance controller

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

YANG, LUYAO Chinese Customer Service Representative 22.

Brief Job Description: Responsible to provide information to the company’s Chinese clients or customers in response to inquiries FENG, ZHONGHAI Chinese IT Support Specialist

23.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. HU, QIANG Chinese IT Support Specialist

24.

Brief Job Description: The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure. Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprises systems throughout the Chinese clients. RUAN, JINHUI Chinese IT Support Specialist

25.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. UANG, YUNG-CHEN Chinese IT Support Specialist

26.

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. WANG, LONG Chinese IT Support Specialist

27.

28.

29.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. ZHANG, GAOJUN Chinese IT Support Specialist

30.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. ZHU, LUAN Chinese IT Support Specialist

31.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. DUONG THI THANH HUONG IT Support Specialist

32.

Brief Job Description: The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) 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. HONG CONG LAI IT Support Specialist

33.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. U-608 Eastfield Ctr. Moa Comp. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 7/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Avenue Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City 9/f 100 West Building Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 10/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Avenue Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City

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

CENOPHI CORPORATION 2/f Krisambet Bldg., 1015 Zobel Roxas St. Singalong 082 Brgy. 755 Santa Ana Manila TAN SIOK YIN Accounting Consultant

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

21.

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

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street Salcedo Vill. Bel-air Makati City

PHAM BAO YEN Vietnamese Language-officer Customer Service

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HITACHI ELEVATOR PHILIPPINES CORPORATION (HEP) U-604 Penthouse Oppen Bldg. 349 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City

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

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

LEI, YUANYI Customer Support (Multi-lingual)

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

No.

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

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

HARTONO Payment Senior Executive

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

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1 Pioneer St Mandaluyong City PEREZ, EMILYN VIRAY Service Delivery Ops Associate Manager

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

ABSOLUTE STAFF SOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 1710 Entrata Condo Tower 1 Fcc Alabang Muntinlupa City

ZHAO, JINGFU Chinese Client Relation Specialist

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

GUANGXI HYDRO ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION BUREAU (GHCB PHILIPPINES CORPORATION) #58 Road 1 Project 6 1 Quezon City

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 Chinese fluently.

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HTET HTET NAING IT Support Specialist 34.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

KHIN NU WIN IT Support Specialist 35.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 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: 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 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION KHIN THIDAR NYEIN IT Support Specialist

36.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. KHUAT VAN PHUOC IT Support Specialist

37.

38.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. LU MY ANH IT Support Specialist

39.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. MIN HTWE IT Support Specialist

40.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. NGUYEN THI NHU UYEN IT Support Specialist

41.

42.

43.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language

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

44.

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

SIOW SEK MOOI Management Consultant 51.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language.

52.

45.

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

53.

HUANG, LIYIN Strategic And Facilitation Officer 46.

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

54.

WAN, JIAN Strategic And Facilitation Officer 47.

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

55.

56.

57.

48.

Brief Job Description: Trading Lifecycle Management roles are responsible for core functions of pre and post trading life cycle across all asset classes, including settlement and confirmation, to ensure all trades are processed on respective platforms. Responsibilities may include operational support related to regulatory, market and legal requirements, fund transfers, reconciliations, billing and expenses, sanctions screening, exceptions processing, cash management, and/or formal documentation. This may include coordinating with front and back office, market counterparties, custodians, brokers, market depositories, or clearing agents.

59.

49.

TAKEFUJI, KAZUKI Vice President - Japanese Corporate Banking Department 1 Brief Job Description: Leads the Japanese Corporate Banking Department 1

60.

61.

50.

Brief Job Description: Formulates plans & strategies for the business promotion of the department

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing Korean and English

Brief Job Description: Monitor the day-to-day sales and marketing within the company, such as market data on a local, regional or national level, through the use of Mandarin native language

69.

70.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Information Technology , Mandarin Speaking

71.

KATUWAL, JAGAT BAHADUR Indian Speaking Warehouse Officer/assistant To The Manager 62.

Brief Job Description: He is in charge of inventory at the warehouse referring to incoming stocks from the India supplier. He works as a warehouse worker to receive and record new stock as it comes in. He create schedules, monitor stock levels at the warehouse and know when to replenish stock. Communicate with the management on warehouse capacity based on shipment arrival and shipment load.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

Brief Job Description: Customer service LI, JUNJIE Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service LUO, BIAO Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service SHEN, JUN-HENG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service TAO, WUKAI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service

Brief Job Description: customer service

72.

73.

74.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Finance, Mandarin Speaking Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Marketing Management, Mandarin Speaking

Brief Job Description: He is overall in-charge of allProject Sites that controls the time, cost and quality of bored piling projects, from residential, commercial and industrial buildings to roads, bridges and school

LI, YARU Chinese It Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

LIU, GUICONG Chinese It Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

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

Basic Qualification: Warehouse officer will need to speak with India suppliers on a regular basis. He will need to resolve issues relating to stocking and inventory. He will need devise plans of action on supplier concerns and inventory and assess those plans regularly.

75.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can maintain professional and productive relationships with Clients/ Contractors for the benefit of the company and successful completion of our projects Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices.

Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices; Fluent in Mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices; Fluent in Mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices; Fluent in Mandarin and English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Supervise, hire, and train employees, manage quality assurance programs, strategize process improvements, and more.

Basic Qualification: Experience in Management, , strong personal and judgment, with good oral communication skills specifically Japanese and English speaking. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YOFC INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION U-307-309, #99 Reliance It Center Bldg. E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Ugong Pasig City JIA, JIE Project Manager 76.

Brief Job Description: Project managers are responsible for planning and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget.

Basic Qualification: Able to communicate comfortably with Chinese employees 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 FEI, XIAOGUANG Chinese Language Customer Service Representative 77.

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

YU, FENGSHENG Chinese Language Customer Service Representative 78.

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and Written

SU, SHUMU Chinese It Specialist

HARADA, DAIKI Operations Manager In Japanese Speaking

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Marketing Management , Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Fluent in chinese writing and speaking language

WELL TREASURE PHILIPPINES INC. Unit No.602-p, Flr. No.6/f Five E-com Center Bldg. Blk. No.18 Pacific Drive Ext. Mall Of Asia Complex Subd. Zone 10 Barangay 76, District 1 Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Marketing Management, Mandarin Speaking Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Finance, Mandarin Speaking

SPEED QUALITY TECH INC. 20/f Techzone Bldg. 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. San Antonio Makati City CAO, GUOAI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

WANG, HAN Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Dd Dragon Plaza Dd Meridian P Edsa Ext. Cor. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Information Technology , Mandarin Speaking

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

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

MANETTI, ANDREA VP-operations

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

Brief Job Description: Customer service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TREVI FOUNDATIONS PHILIPPINES INC. U-2301 88 Corporate Center 141 Valero Cor. Sedeno Sts. Bel-air Makati City

Basic Qualification: Bachelor degree in Information Technology , Mandarin Speaking

TRAN TUAN VINH Mandarin Customer Service Specialist

WANG, XIN Chinese IT Support Specialist

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TIANYU TECHNOLOGY INC. 16/f Socialdesk Tower H.v. Dela Costa St. Bel-air Makati City

SHANGHAI ORIENTAL TEXTILE CORPORATION (SHANGHAI ORIENTAL IMPORT & EXPORT) 3212 1st Street V Mapa Sta. Mesa, 059 Bgy. 601 Sampaloc Manila

MUFG BANK, LTD. Oledan Square 15/f 6788 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City

KAWAKAMI, TOMOFUMI Director/head Of Japanese Corporate Banking

Brief Job Description: Monitor the day-to-day marketing operations within the company, such as market data on a local, regional or national level, through the use of Mandarin native language LU, XINYUE Mandarin Sales And Marketing Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: 4 yr university degree, desirably a business related course, 8+ yrs of banking experience, n1 level proficiency in japanese language required

MIZUHO BANK, LTD. - MANILA BRANCH Units 1-8, 25/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave. Cor Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related course, at least 10 years experience in Japanese bank, native Japanese speaker with excellent communication skills

Brief Job Description: Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company, such as payroll, invoicing, and other transactions JIA, CHENCHEN Mandarin Marketing Specialist

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in chinese language

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company, such as payroll, invoicing, and other transactions LIU, DUNQUAN Mandarin Finance Manager

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.- PHILIPPINE GLOBAL SERVICE CENTER 23/f Net Plaza 31st St. E-square Zone Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

DESAI, RUJAL BHUPESH KUMAR Trade Lifecycle Associate I

Brief Job Description: Serves customers by providing product and service information and resolving product and engaged to provide significant support LI, YONGZHEN Mandarin Finance Manager

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in chinese language

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Capital Markets is required. Must be able to work under pressure and make accurate decisions in stressful situations. Uses initiative and readily questions, client focused, good time management skills, an appreciation of risk and quality issues. Control Oriented, proactive, positive approach, able to grasp/learn concepts and procedures quickly. Ability to work independently, problem solving skills, attention to detail”

Brief Job Description: Serves customers by providing product and service information and resolving product and engaged to provide significant support YANG, SANHUI Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in chinese language

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

Brief Job Description: Serves customers by providing product and service information and resolving product and engaged to provide significant support SONG, BAOJUN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: College Graduate Speaks and write fluently (Korean & English)

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

Brief Job Description: Serves customers by providing product and service information and resolving product and engaged to provide significant support PING, LIANG Mandarin Customer Service Representative

58.

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

Brief Job Description: Monitors and oversees all concerns with regards to Logistic Department

LEI, ZENING Mandarin Customer Service Representative

JDB MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTANCY CORP. 107 T & D House Magallanes St. 069, Bgy. 655 Intramuros Manila HENGJI WIJAYA Strategic And Facilitation Officer

No.

Basic Qualification: College Degree

PH GLOBAL JET EXPRESS INC. 11th Floor, The Marajo Tower 26th Street Cor. 4th Avenue Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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

Brief Job Description: Organize, create value and maximize growth within the company

LEE, HYERIN Manager- Management Support System

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

OSSTEM PHILIPPINES INC. U-2708 A&b 27/f Centuria Medical Makati Kalayaan Ave. Cor. Salamanca St. Poblacion Makati City

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

68.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

OJO EYEWEAR & SERVICES, INC. Unit 606 Carolina Terraces 1203 Cardona St. Poblacion Makati City

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

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

No.

Saturday, September 18, 2021

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

Basic Qualification: Great communications skills and must be fluent in Chinese and English language. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Great communications 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 WONG YEE FUI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 79.

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 communication and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Sep 17, 2021

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

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on June 19, 2021, the name of YAN, JINFENG under SKY DWELLER HOLDING INC., should have been read as YANG, JINFENG and not as published.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and Written

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 DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

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

Please inform DOLE-NCR if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Basic Qualification: MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A8 Saturday, September 18, 2021

ExportUnlimited BusinessMirror

Citem launches Spring and Summer 2022 collection in leading French trade platform

N time for Paris Design Week, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) launches a new collection of homeware and furniture for Spring/Summer 2022 on Maison & Objet and More (MOM), the digital platform of major French trade show Maison et Objet.

Under the creative direction of premier designers Rita Nazareno and Gabriel Lichauco, the Philippine delegation to MOM will spark nostalgia with designs taking inspiration from key eras; namely, the Roaring 20s, Italy in the 50s, and California in the 70s. “For our Spring/Summer 2022

collection, you can expect bold, striking, and vibrant expressions evoking future nostalgia,” Citem Executive Director Pauline SuacoJuan said. “We harness the abundance of nature and transform natural materials such as rattan, abaca, and wood into export-quality crafts that uplift not only our

pride as Filipinos but also the lives of the artisans and their communities. Through our products, we champion our materials, culture, and heritage,” she added. On top of showcasing the best of Philippine design, the participation at MOM also unlocks business opportunities for Philippine brands and manufacturers. Despite not being onsite at Maison et Objet, one of the most important European trade shows for home and lifestyle happening now, Philippine products continue to be discoverable online through MOM, where our products will be available to view 24/7. According to Suaco-Juan, joining international trade shows through digital means also complements the agency’s own digitalization efforts. Aside from giving Philippine brands further exposure and visibility in the global design community, it also

drives traffic to the digital platforms managed by Citem. The Philippine participation in MOM also saw the selection of two pieces to be featured on the trade show floor of Maison et Objet Paris 2021 from September 9 to 13, 2021. The Cheque bench and the Fiori lamp join other standout designs in the show’s Best of MOM special exhibit. The Cheque bench is one of Zarate creative director Jim Torres’s previous designs, which he began developing in 2019. Using two disparate materials, metal and wood, and finished in either mint or orange, the piece was intended to also be an elegant solution in texturing interior spaces. Meanwhile, award-winning furniture maker Finali will present the Fiori Lamp, an embodiment of the brand’s aesthetic and sculptural leanings, in the Best of MOM exhibition.

Made with the native and naturally renewable material, rattan, the Fiori Lamp simulates a fully bloomed flower on the ground and is strategically designed so the lightbulb can be placed in the center. Currently, the following brands are live on the MOM platform: • Cebu Homecraft • Celestial Arts Inc. • Contemporaneo • Chanalli • E. Murio Manila • Finali • Hacienda Crafts • Haspe Designs • Indigenous • JB Woodcraft • La Galuche • Lija by That One Piece • Mejore • Natures Legacy • Obra Cebuana • Prado Filipino Artisans Inc.

• Prizmic & Brill • SC Vizcarra • Stonesets International • Tadeco • Venzon Lighting & Objects • Vito Selma • Weavemanila Inc. • Zacarias • Zarate All pieces by the Philippine delegation at MOM and more from the country’s home, fashion, and lifestyle (HFL) sectors are also on FAME+. FAME+ is Citem’s digital sourcing and storytelling platform for the HFL sectors. From October 20 to 22 2021, Citem will welcome buyers as well as enthusiasts from all over the world in FAME+ Market Days, where participants will be able to initiate business directly with exhibitors and access information sessions spanning design, digital marketing, and leisure.

1Export gains $800K seed round, gears for scale up ops, expansion to Indonesia

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

A N I L A - B A SED tec henabled exporting company 1Export has announced it has raised a $800,000 seed round that will enable them to scale their operations and expand to Indonesia. Anna Melissa Nava, founder and CEO of 1Export said the funding was led by Philippine-based venture capital Foxmont Capital Partners with the participation of a consortium from the Manila An-

gel Investors Network and Kerubin Capital, IdeaSpace Foundation, Singapore-based Iterative and other private investors. With the new investments, Nava said 1Export plans to develop and improve its order handling capabilities, marketing services, financing, and other third-party integrations within its platform. She noted the lifetime revenue of $1.5 million and service availability of 1Export in 23 countries generated interest from the investors. “Businesses all over the world are

evolving at a rapid pace, even amidst a global crisis, thanks to technology. It’s time that businesses in the Philippines, especially micro, small and medium enterprises [MSME], keep up with this digital transformation as well,” said Nava news statement released on Wednesday. “The latest seed round will help us at 1Export scale up our tech platform and services to ultimately support Filipinos MSMEs, contribute to Philippine exports, and create a distinctly Filipino footprint in other markets.”

Founded in 2016, 1Export aims to help MSMEs in the Philippines grow their business and expand in different countries using digital tools and platforms. In June 2021, the company generated around $500,000 or P25 million in export sales, accounting for 0.2 percent of the total Philippine exports. It has currently 450 supplier partners on its platform and distributes an overall volume of 4,000 tons of products, which are a mix of food and non-food products. 1Export plans to expand to 60 countries by

the end of 2022. “In this time of crisis, Bayanihan is what will get us out of this. For 1Export, this means enabling Filipino businesses to go global. In the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce, we hope to be able to provide solutions that not only fit the needs of the here and now, but to radically transform how Filipino businesses think of exporting,” added Daniel Remo, chief operating officer of 1Export. Aside from being an e-commerce platform, 1Export evalu-

ates Filipino products if these are cross-border compliant, allowing local businesses to comply with the regulations of the market they want to explore or expand to. The company also offers all-around exporting services such as compliance documentation, product labeling, logistics, export facilitation, and intensive business matching, which helps local businesses identify which of their products fit certain markets. 1Export’s comprehensive services help reduce time and costs by up to 80 percent for export.

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www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, September 18, 2021 A9

Senior citizens urged to get jab as doses arrive–DOH-9 By Teofilo Garcia Jr.

problems are more likely to develop serious illness from the virus. Dr. Augusto Manolo Alpichi, DOH assistant regional director, made the call Tuesday as he noted that the elderly and persons with comorbidities who belong to the A2 and A3 priority groups, respectively, are the most vulnerable to Covid-19 infection.

AMBOANGA CITY—The Department of Health (DOH)Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) urged senior citizens and those with comorbidities to submit themselves for vaccination against Covid-19. The agency said older people, and those with underlying medical

Alpichi said 100,836 individuals representing 42.16 percent of the 239,138 eligible population under A2, and 187,682 people or 79.66 percent of the 235,596 qualified individuals under A3 are now fully vaccinated since the government’s inoculation program started in the region last March. Meanwhile, he said more people

will be protected against Covid-19 as they received Monday the 30th batch of vaccines consisting of 112,000 doses of Sinovac, 24,550 doses of Pfizer, 14,700 doses of AstraZeneca, and 600 doses of Gamaleya. Alpichi said 108,200 of the 112,000 doses of Sinovac vaccine were shipped from Manila directly to the city while the remaining

3,800 doses were coursed through Dipolog City. Of the 24,550 doses of Pfizer, 18,720 arrived in the city while the remaining, as well as the 600 doses of Gamaleya, were shipped through Dipolog City from Manila. The 14,700 doses of AstraZeneca arrived in the city from Manila. Alpichi said they received a total

of 2,556,700 doses of vaccines since March, this year, comprising of Sinovac—2,143,600 doses; AstraZeneca —202,400; Janssen—109,200; Pfizer—84,900; Gamaleya—8,700; and Moderna—7,900. “The continuous arrival of the vaccines against Covid-19 in our region is a sign that many will be protected against the virus,” he said. PNA

Kabankalan City takes pride Zimbabwe’s older people often in being home to oldest Pinoy sent to homes amid pandemic By Farai Mutsaka

By Nanette Guadalquiver

The Associated Press

ACOLOD CITY—The City of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, which currently has 11 validated living centenarians, takes pride in being home to the oldest living Filipino—124-year-old Francisca Montes Susano. On September 11, Susano, who was born in 1897, turned a year older and this time, her well-wishers included Chief Executive Officer Franklin Quijano of the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC). Photos posted by the city government on Facebook on Sunday showed Quijano, with Mayor Pedro Zayco and Vice Mayor Raul Rivera, visiting the supercentenarian at home in Barangay Oringao. “It’s an honor for us to have the oldest living Filipino in our place,” city tourism and information officer Jake Carlyne Gonzales told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday. She said the NCSC reached out to the city government to make arrangements for Quijano to visit Susano in the southern Negros city. Quijano gave the supercentenarian a bouquet, a plaque recognition, P10,000 cash and a manager’s check amounting to P24,000. Commissioner Jorge Largado of the Commission on Indigenous Peoples also came to visit to acknowledge Susano as a member of the IP community in her village.

FRANKLIN QUIJANO (third from left), chairman of the National Commission on Senior Citizens, with Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco (second from left) and Vice Mayor Raul Rivera (left), visit the oldest living Filipino Francisca Montes Susano during her 124th birthday on Saturday (September 11, 2021) in Barangay Oringao. Quijano gave her a plaque of recognition, cash gift and a manager’s check. PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF KABANKALAN FACEBOOK PAGE

Also, Susano received two wheelchairs—one each from the Provincial Health Office and Department of Health—as well as essential items such as vitamin supplements, face shields and blankets. With the bid to have Susano declared as the oldest living person in the world, Gonzales said the city government and the Susano family are willing to assist and provide documents to the Guinness World Records that will verify her birth records. She bore 14 children, including her now 101-year-old eldest daughter. Meanwhile, among the living cen-

tenarians in Kabankalan, two are 104 years old. Esperanza Gargantiel and Argentina Azcona are considered among the oldest vaccinees in the country. QuijanoalsovisitedGargantielather residence in Barangay 3 on Saturday. Gonzales said that aside from the 11 living centenarians, the City Social Services and Development Office is also validating the birth records of 20 more elderly aged 100 and above. The city government will distribute P50,000 cash gifts to each of the centenarians later this year, she added. PNA

ARARE, Zimbabwe—Banana bread was served at a recent birthday party at Melfort Old People’s home, where a group of residents mustered a raspy happy birthday tune. Just a week after arriving at the facility, Rodrick Bhatare, in his 90s, said he felt a bittersweet moment at the celebration for a 103-year-old fellow resident. “I haven’t been this happy in a very long time,” he said. “I just wished I was doing it with my family.” Hardhit by the pandemic, his family could no longer provide for him, he said. The economic ravages of Covid-19 are forcing some families in Zimbabwe to abandon the age-old tradition of taking care of older people. Some roam the streets. The lucky ones end up at facilities for older people—once widely viewed by many Zimbabweans as “un-African” and against the social bonds that have held extended families together for generations. Rarely talked about, older people are “silent victims” of the pandemic, said Priscilla Gavi, executive director of HelpAge Zimbabwe. “Parents or elderly relatives have become an extra strain in this pandemic so although it goes against our culture, many people are finding old people’s homes as the only option,” Gavi said.

Zimbabwe’s care homes have experienced a 60-percent increase in admissions since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted in March 2020, and most of the country’s more than 170 facilities for older people are full, she said. Covid-19 has increased the risk of abuse and neglect of older people across Africa and around the world, according to a report by HelpAge International. In addition to being one of the groups most at risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19, older people are chronically neglected in response and recovery efforts, especially in lower-income countries, according to the report, “Bearing the Brunt.” For the older people in care institutions, the experience is both a saving grace and a source of anguish. Bhatare said that after he retired from work as a quarry miner about two decades ago “all was well” as he alternately stayed with his two daughters and other relatives. He was living with a married niece and four of her children when Covid-19 hit and their income from selling goods on the street dropped. Food in the home became scarce, tensions rose, and to survive Bhatare began foraging for meals on the streets until concerned neighbors alerted HelpAge, which found him a place in the Melfort home, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) east of Harare, the capital.

“My daughters are married but they are also struggling. I had become a strain to everybody,” he said. Zimbabwe’s economy was already battered before the pandemic and now more than 80 percent of urban households are struggling to buy basic food supplies, while large numbers of rural families are also sinking into hunger, according to the World Food Program. People age 70 and above make up less than 3 percent of Zimbabwe’s population of about 15 million and often became casualties of belt-tightening. “They are not bringing in any income in an environment where even young children are working to contribute towards household incomes. The elderly are becoming the sacrificial lambs. Covid-19 has really knocked them down,” said Phillip Pasirayi, a sociologist and director of the Center for Community Development in Zimbabwe. Feeling “abandoned” by their families can be a shock for many older people at care facilities, he said. “It doesn’t really resonate with what we are accustomed to as Africans. You want to spend your last days surrounded by family. That is the tradition,” Pasirayi said. “When they are forced into old people’s homes, many go into depression, into dementia…they are confused that their children or relatives have abandoned them,” said Daniel Francis, the administrator at Melfort Old People’s home.

To all the cats that came and left, and those that stayed in our backyard By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

WO weeks ago or so, Aurit, my wife, was again looking listless and disturbed. Was it another acquaintance that passed away due to Covid? It’s been a month of one sad news after another. I found out that, indeed, one dear to her was seriously sick—a female cat in our backyard named Chingkee—and seemed barely breathing. We had taken her to the vet only a week ago and we had been giving her the prescribed antibiotics and vitamins. These past few days she seemed to regain her appetite and was up and about. I examined her and it was clear she was already at the point of death, too late to bring her back to the vet. Less than an hour later, she was gone. We buried her in a special space in our backyard where several feral cats and a dog were buried. It now serves as a kind of pet cemetery. In grief, my wife posted Chingkee’s death in a chat group of cat lovers. Lo, in just a few hours, her post got over 700 expressions of sympathy! Since we moved to our present residence more than 30 years ago, stray and feral cats have been coming here. They just appear and then leave, subsisting on our leftovers. They use our yard as a feeding place and then spend

the night prowling around. Some cats stayed. One of them, a female cat we named Tonee, made our backyard her enclave, producing offspring. She was not the caring motherly type, however. After delivering her kittens, she would let a few of them suck her milk for a few short moments and then would walk away. No wonder only a handful of her kittens lived. Strangely, during the pandemic lockdown, the said prolific kitten factory simply vanished. We somehow miss the little mewing sounds of her newborn kittens. It was 6 or so years ago when my wife and daughter got the cat fever from my son, who got it from his erstwhile girlfriend. All three of them are now full-fledged cat lovers and for some time now we’ve had two pet cats being properly taken care of in a big cage, separate from the freely roaming stray cats in our yard. I’m not really a cat lover. I have a Buddhist-like attitude of non-attachment to living and non-living things, so I don’t have any personal fondness for any cat or any pet for that matter. What I have is a deep respect for all animals as fellow creatures. I detest humans who abuse or inflict pain on animals.

I admire cats because they are superbly designed in many aspects. Because I am a writer by inclination, my appreciation for them has been mostly on the literary level. Cats have enjoyed an admirable run as literary muses in children’s books, poetry, and novels, including mystery novels. Although many of these literary works are supposedly about cats, one would note that they are really about what it means to be human. In 1939, T. S. Eliot published Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, a book of light verse, which was the inspiration for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s highly acclaimed and popular musical Cats. Speaking of “practical cats,” one of the reasons I allow cats to stay in our yard is to keep rodents away. Once in a while, we see a dead rat on our front step. We take it as a gesture of gratitude from one of the cats. That’s what I liked best about the late Chingkee; she was a skilled rat catcher. Aside from discouraging rats and mice from venturing into our home, it is said that cats absorb the negative vibes in and around our house. In Japanese folklore, cats have protective powers and symbolize good fortune. Today, businesses put mini statues of “maneki neko” (beckoning cat) in front of their shops, in the hope that the moving paw will bring in customers. I observed that cats are solitary and independent creatures. They

don’t depend on each other. In fact, there is not much organization in the feral cat society around our place. It is said that the strays are dominated by a “boss” —strongest tomcat. I don’t know about that but I have yet to see a tomcat lording it over in our yard. The cats in our yard tend to keep others away from their space. One aggressive male cat in our front yard chases away all other strays. According to experts, that’s because cats are territorial. They even mark their “territory” by pissing. For example, one cat in our yard sprays his piss on our car cover as his way of claiming his right to sleep on top of our vehicle. Some of the cats became an intolerable nuisance that we had to take them to a faraway place and lose them. One was noisily climbing up our screen doors and windows. Another was liberally littering our backyard with her smelly feces. No two cats are alike. Each has a different personality: endearing, irritating, dumb, dull, distant, fearful, suspicious, pesky, elusive, untouchable. Most of the cats I have encountered are not friendly. Some would even hiss or growl when they are warded off. Our cats have scratched me several times. One bit me, probably because I accidentally stepped on him. Our two pet cats fight regularly and ferociously. But it’s mostly a sonic fight. Probably they’re just

releasing pent-up energies for being caged too long and unable to roam like normal cats. This behavior observed in cats is probably why we have the word “catty,” which refers to spiteful, deliberately hurtful comments. Someone who’s catty is mean and nasty. If you act catty, you’re malicious or snotty towards other people. There are certain cats that elicit feelings of fondness and endearment and have found their way to our hearts. We’ve had cats that didn’t resist chin rubs. A few would rub their whiskers on our legs. Some would purr in response to affectionate baby talk. I have seen some of them transformed after staying in our place. When they first appeared, they were the typical unkempt strays with a haunted look, wide-eyed, wild expression. Now they are “pettable,” with softer expressions, willing to be touched, and responding to you when you call them by name. Oreng, an orange colored cat ingratiated himself to our household by rubbing his thin body around my legs the moment he suddenly appeared at our front yard. I shooed him away many times but he would not go away. So that’s how he came to stay and is now in a specially made cage as one of the family pets. He is an energetic and endearing full-grown cat. Maybe even a sensitive and compassionate cat because my wife observed that when Chingkee was in the

throes of death, Oreng was restlessly reaching out to the sick cat with his paws from his cage and letting out some mournful sounds as if in sympathy. Shumi, a gray cat with white patches, was a stray we found outside a mall after a flood. Taking pity on him, my son took him home. He turned out to be a smart, agile and well-behaved cat. At times he can appear to be entitled because he is the only feral we allow to get inside the house. Every time he walks in, he would just recline on the floor in a Cleopatra-like pose, waiting for us to lead him out by offering a piece of meat. One thing to keep in mind. If you are taking care of stray cats in your yard, enjoy them but don’t get too emotionally attached to them. Most of them, after enjoying your hospitality, will just leave you. It’s nothing personal. Cats are simply like that. Whatever their quirks, eccentricities and peculiarities, annoying as well as endearing, the cats in our yard have taken the boredom and monotony out of our daily routine, especially during the long pandemic lockdowns. To Chingkee, Logins, Tonee, Chin-chin, Shumi, Cleo, Oreng and Sirius and all the countless cats in our yard, those that have stayed as well as those that came and left, thanks for the company and the memories. In a little while, another stray is probably on his way to our yard.

Education BusinessMirror

A10 Saturday, September 18, 2021

Congress urged to pass Inclusive Educ. Bill soon S AVE the Children is prodding Congress for the immediate approval of the bicameral committee version of the Inclusive Education (IE) Bill for Learners with Disabilities.

“We must also consider the welfare of 5.5 million learners with disabilities who have limited access to quality and inclusive education even before the pandemic,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children-Philippines, as the new school year started last Monday. “The early enactment of the IE Bill will provide [disabled] children...with equal access and opportunities to quality education, thereby making the educational system of our country more inclusive,” Muyot added. The IE Bill, which is advocated by Save the Children-Philippines and partners, was approved on third reading in the House of Representatives in December 2020, and in the Senate in May 2021. The organization raised concerns on the disruption of education among marginalized children and learners in the country who were most impacted by the pandemic. “Lack of support, [as well as] access to the Internet, accessible software and learning materials” are just some of the many factors that “deepen the gap for students with disabilities,” according to the policy brief:

“A Disability-Inclusive Response to Covid-19” by the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Children with disabilities face “major concerns” accessing education (51.8 percent), child-development services (50.7 percent), habilitation and rehabilitation services (48.5 percent), and general health services (42.8 percent), according to the “Situation of Children with Disabilities in the Context of Covid-19” online survey in 2020 by the Council for the Welfare of Children-Subcommittee on Children with Disabilities. It said that 14.1 percent of the respondents also cited a “decline in mental health and well-being of children” as a result of their inability to access psychosocial and related services. Sierra Paraan, basic education advisor of Save the Children-Philippines, believes the IE Bill is crucial in supporting marginalized children during the pandemic, and improving education for all: “[It ensures] that...rights of children with disabilities to quality inclusive education are upheld as they, and their families, are among the most impacted by discrimination and inequality during

REDEN, 11, who has speech delay, participates in the Children’s Multicluster/Sector Initial Rapid Assessment during an emergency response of Save the Children-Philippines. LEI TAPANG/SAVE THE CHILDREN-PHILIPPINES

this pandemic.” Said bill seeks to provide learners with disabilities access to public and private schools, as well as support services and capacity-building to students, their families or caregivers, and teachers—including the establishment of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers that will serve as knowledge hubs. Among many of the IE Bill’s other provisions—an advisory council for education of learners with disabilities— will be made to support the Department of Education’s further development of the country’s learning system, and pro-

vision of a support system for parents, so that they may provide care for their children at home. Disabled learners who have not had early childhood and basic education services will also receive support through the “Child Find System,” which will identify and facilitate their inclusion in learning programs. “This is why Save the Children urges everyone to support the bill,” Paraan stated. “With accessible, inclusive, appropriate education and services through the IE Bill, no student will be left behind.”

Pandemic boosts young Filipino artists’ creativity via Teatro Europa

HE pandemic can bring out the best both in humanity, and in the humanities, as Teatro Europa artists from 16 Philippine universities have literally gone beyond their limits during these trying times. An artist from the University of the East-Caloocan, Reign Emmanuelle Geronimo said her fellow artists had to rehearse at night after attending classes. These, according to her, had to be done “after the chickens had risen, or after trucks had passed the roads near our houses.” She talked about artists being one with the environment, as Teatro Europa artists had little control over it. Artistic Director Ronnie Protacio of the University of Makati found it a challenge to stage virtually the Belgian play The Horrid Little Princess by Geneviève Damas. Protacio’s team of 15 developed a musical with live actors in an animated background, which required lengthy preparations. He had to organize a threeday speech-training workshop to come up with a unified diction from everyone. “I want them to sound like they come from one place—except the two characters who play the Goths and Adelaide,” Protacio explained. “After that we conducted online rehearsals. We haven’t been doing plays of this nature for quite some time, that is why I found the Belgian play exciting and interesting to do.” He mobilized, grouped his team, and delineated tasks: animation, editing, music scoring, creatives, costumes and props. During rehearsals the animation team started designing backgrounds based on the scenes and storyboard. Song arrangements, rehearsals and recording were done afterwards. “The pandemic cannot stop [us from creating],” the artistic director added. “We always find ways to cope and deliver our creative outputs. Teatro Europa provided a venue for artists to still practice their craft despite the pandemic.” For him, the Belgian play has a universal theme that Filipinos can easily relate to. It talks about good leadership, war, kindness, and respect for elders. Meanwhile, Roda Dizon, an artist and member of the editing-animation committee, found her immersion in the play as fun and interesting. Rehearsals were

mostly executed online, but the rest was face-to-face. She had to convince her parents to allow her to go on location, but they all succeeded in staging the play smoothly even with a tight schedule and minimal budget. Dizon said the learning was fun, and that going out of their comfort zones— especially when meeting new people— helped improve their work. Meanwhile, the cast of University of San Agustin-Iloilo adapted the play Snow by Stanislaw Przybyszewskito to suit the present time. It revolved around a past love winning over an established marriage and was deemed “highly realistic, considering that currently, many Filipino spouses are working abroad.”

Masterpieces

TEATRO Europa was an opportunity to understand and appreciate other cultures through outstanding continental literary masterpieces. Artists discovered their common humanity as they were able to empathize with the struggles of the characters from forces outside and within. Angel Depol, who played Snow, or the automated assistant in the play, said the Teatro Europa experience made her learn a few more things about European culture: “[Trying to pronounce the language of Poland, studying its literature and symbolisms, and learning interesting facts about the country’s history based on the play, all...inspired us to be more] creative in our performance, while utilizing online streaming,” she said. Anthea Dulfo, who acted as Bea, found rehearsing and preparing for the play challenging: “We had to adjust with the current situation of not getting into

close contact with other people, which made us realize and acknowledge [our] limitations.” Meanwhile, Renz Isiah Inquit, who played Ted, said: “Truly ironic, we were trapped in the comfort of our homes… However, despite the challenges we faced as actors, it was a joy to see that we were able to push through… Passion and perseverance...kept us going.”

Mapúa explores virtual theater

FOR its part, Mapúa University discovered the virtual-theater medium with the EU as an enabler to overcome limitations imposed by the health crisis. Mapúa Tekno Teatro, the university’s official student-theater organization, saw an opportunity to explore another medium as it was able to reach out to a wider audience by participating in Teatro Europa. “[It] was a way for us to explore the possibilities of this new medium despite the pandemic,” Dennis Marasigan, Mapúa Tekno Teatro’s adviser and coach, said. Marasigan confessed that the limitations of the pandemic looked insurmountable until Teatro Europa, along with the Cultural Center of the Philippines’s (CCP) Tanghalang Pilipino and Writer’s Bloc’s Virgin Labfest, revealed alternatives to traditional theater. Although the virtual-theater medium was tough and unfamiliar, it was the perfect training ground for student members to elevate their artistry and craft. “We needed to find a way for studentmembers of Mapúa Tekno Teatro to continue enhancing their skills,” added Marasigan. The company pulled three-hour-long

online rehearsals thrice a week since June, which required actors to throw lines, while the production and technical crew mastered the rigors of video editing and directing on-the-fly. To further up the ante, the group filmed its one-act play Riders to the Sea by Irish playwright John Millington Synge in a single, uninterrupted performance. This technique effectively conveyed the play’s unapologetic message. It also displayed the actors’ skills and the crew’s dedication—a feat for a group that did not rely on a formal theater-arts program. Mapúa Tekno Teatro’s masterpiece will be unveiled on September 20 on Teatro Europa’s Facebook Page. It was previously staged on August 19 and September 6. On top of the actual performance, members also gained soft and technical skills useful both on campus and in their future professions. “Students will learn something out of this artistic process that they can apply to whatever they do,” Marasigan added. “Essential soft skills like time management, concentration, active listening, comprehension, truthfulness and interpersonal skills are just some of the competencies our student actors develop when they join Tekno Teatro. These are...things that [can be done] outside of theater.” Established in August 2000, Mapúa Tekno Teatro’s first play Siklab (Spark) was written and directed by Prof. Benigno Agapito Jr., dean of Mapúa School of Media Studies. It joined local drama tilts like Sipat Lawin Ensemble’s “Battalia Royale” at the CCP, as well as staged A Man Called Jesus in the Music Museum and St. Cecilia Theater. It organized Mapúa’s first University Dramafest in 2007, which became an annual festival. In the first year of Teatro Europa in 2020, it performed The Robbers by Friedrich Schiller. A series of theater acts by Philippine universities and organized by the EU Delegation to the Philippines, as well as the EU member-states’ embassies and cultural institutes, Teatro Europa highlighted the cultural exchange between the Philippines and the bloc by showcasing the talents of Filipino youth through featured plays that originated from various countries of the continent.

Editor: Mike Policarpio

UST trains DepEd teachers on cultural mapping

HE University of Santo Tomas Graduate School-Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET) recently held the pilot training for cultural mapping nationwide among teachers under the Education Department. The training activity was in accordance with the 10-point agenda of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, which highlighted the importance of Philippine arts, culture, history and heritage in basic education toward self-sustaining and inclusive development. The aim of the country-wide activity was to orient selected educators on the cultural-mapping process, identify distinct cultural resources of their local communities, as well as document narratives of heritage resources for educational utilization and future reference of the department. The pre-orientation meeting among supervisors and teachers from 17 regions of the country was held online on June 30. Education program supervisors or their alternates, and 12 nominated teachers, represented each region. A total of 221 select teachers participated in the 15-day intensive online cultural-mapping training. Associate Professor Eric B. Zerrudo, PhD., who is USTGS-CCCPET’s director, conducted the series of lectures, and provided the online delivery of the training. He was assisted by Beverly Bautista of the center’s staff, who was in-charge of facilitating the workshop series through the innovative Heritage Online Mapping Experience, or HOME, platform. (Posted in the USTGS-CCCPET web site, HOME is the customized UST online portal for cultural mapping developed by the center to meet the demands of national agencies and local government units during the pandemic. It may be accessed via http://ustgs-cccpet.com.ph/h-o-m-e/.) The online training was held from July 5 to 9, July 12 to 16, and July 19, while the August training session was held between August 3 and 6. All were delivered through synchronous and asynchronous modes. The nationwide cultural-mapping training was conducted through the collaboration of the USTGS-CCCPET, Bureau of Learning Delivery and the Cultural Center of the Philippines’s Arts Education Department.

2021 PhilEd reimagines local education past the pandemic

ESPITE the local learning sector facing unprecedented challenges of the times, the 2021 Philippine Education Conference (PhilEd) will be held from December 1 to 4, with “Reimagining Schools and Learning Beyond Covid-19” as the theme. The 2021 PhilEd Conference will highlight the need for the Philippine education system’s transition from school recovery and readiness to school preparedness and resilience, which will ensure student-learning continuity during disruptive situations such as the pandemic. The conference will have presentations and discussions running the gamut of current issues in education. Sessions on teaching and learning will include updates on the K-12 curriculum, reports on teacher-education institutions, as well as the development of both school leadership and critical feeling in today’s digital era. Meanwhile, sessions on standards and competencies will cover professional-licensure exams, the Philippine Credit Transfer System, and work force upskilling. For sessions geared on the future of schools, attendees can look forward to updates on government assistance, discussions on protecting student and educator health, an exploration of smart schools and data-based decision-making, as well as dialogues on future thinking. All sessions are designed to engage schools to take active roles in pursuing improvement of the Philippine education system. Professor Paul Glewwe of Distinguished McKnight University-University of Minnesota, who will give the keynote; Professor Tan Eng Chye, who is the president of National University-Singapore; Duy Tan University’s Dr. Hang Le; Marshall Cavendish Education Singapore’s Dr. Charles Chew; Nanyang Technological University’s Jerome Lo; and Professor Jal Mehta of Harvard University are this year’s resource persons. Registration for the 2021 PhilEd is ongoing v ia https://philed.peac.org.ph/. Visit the of f ic i a l #2021Ph i l Ed Facebook e vent page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/ events/269281084628499/.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, September 18, 2021 A11

Fly in style to Paradise called Banwa

Banwa Private Island is a sanctuary in a marine protected area.

The villas offer privacy and tranquility with world-class features.

By Benjamin Locsin Layug

he 6.5-hectare (15-acre) Banwa Private Island, nestled in Sulu Sea on Puerco Island off Roxas on Northeastern Palawan, is Palawan’s most talked about new all-villa holiday destination for discerning guests seeking the ultimate in contemporary luxury, privacy and bespoke service. Voted “Private Island of the Year” during the 2020 Destination Deluxe Awards, Banwa Private Island recently announced a new Preferred Aviation Partnership between the resort and Ascent Flights Global (Ascent), an ondemand air mobility platform. Ascent, Asia’s leading air mobility company, is a convenient, reliable mode of mobility that addresses congestion, connectivity, environmental sustainability and health issues generated by rapid urbanization and the pandemic, powering air taxi, experiential, medical and cargo servic-

es. With Ascent, people and businesses can avail of on-demand flights, across cities and regions, on board helicopter, private jets and seaplanes. Across the Philippines, they operate with hubs in major locations such as airports, central business districts and popular leisure destinations. Starting September 1, 2021, Ascent will offer an exclusive, seamless and highly personalized travel bubble experience from on-demand private flights to the luxurious island sanctuary, truly a curated experience of personal safety and privacy

The beach-front villa comes with a private infinity pool and Jacuzzi.

Nature’s playground is just a step away from magnificent beach-front villas

through sustainable chartered air travel. At these pandemic times, passengers can now fly on curated aircraft in accordance with Covid-19 related safety protocols such as enhanced aircraft cleaning and frequent health checks on the crew. Swedish national Peter Nilsson, chief executive of Banwa Private Island, greeted this new dynamic partnership by saying, “We found a great partner in Ascent with our shared goal to deliver exceptional, personalized and intimate guest experiences to our affluent clientele. Our utmost priority is the genuine care and well-being of our guests from their chartered flight to their holiday experience in our informal and intimate island sanctuary. Personal safety and handcrafted travel experiences have become even more important in the luxury travel landscape nowadays. Ascent’s long-term approach and commitment to a decarbonized world is well aligned with Banwa Private Island’s continuous dedication to sustainability.” Lionel Sina i-Sinelni kof f, founder and chief executive of Ascent added, “Banwa Private Island’s vision of an enhanced experience by air between Banwa

Guests can enjoy dining by design with fresh produce and harvest from the sea.

Private Island’s guests’ home, and its remote delicate environment, is dear to us. With its partnership, guests’ experience now starts with a seamless and private bubble. Ascent’s dedicated solution for Banwa Private Island, brings a holistic journey by air, like no other, beyond motion. With bestin-class air operations on fuelefficient aircraft, Banwa Private Island’s guests elevate their journey with peace of mind.” With its partnership with Ascent, the exclusive island, though still remote, will be conveniently and privately accessible by air, from Manila, via a scenic 1 hour 45-minute flight on a preferred 8-seater seaplane which lands on the doorstep of the exclusive island. Helicopters for up to 10 passengers are also available are from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport or The Peninsula Manila’s helipad. Also part of the Ascent fleet is the larger capacity fixed-wing aircrafts from any destination in the Philippines. Alternatively, guests can also choose any commercial airline to any of Palawan’s three commercial airports, San Vicente, Puerto Princesa or El Nido, followed by a short-hop helicopter flight across the Sulu Sea, and land on

Banwa Private Island’s own helilawn. For a more cost-effective option from either San Vicente or Puerto Princesa airports, guests can opt for onward travel to the island via a premium Sports Utility Vehicle, followed by a short boat transfer to the island. They also offer to service both domestic and international arrivals by private jets, be it in Manila or Clark for onward journey with any of their varying types of aircraft. Part of Ascent’s bespoke service is ground handling arrangements with meet and greet a r r a n ge me nt s, i nte r - a i r p or t transfers, exclusive lounge service and immigration fast track. Banwa Private Island’s soughtafter exclusivity is more timely and important than ever before. Located within a marine protected area, Banwa Private Island is home to lush, verdant landscaping, pristine white sand beaches and an abundance of vivid, rare, incredibly rich and diverse number of native flora and fauna (such as the protected Hawksbill sea turtles and Tabon birds) species. Its six magnificent beachfront villas (ranging from one to four bedrooms), each with their own private infinity pool and Jacuzzi, provide the utmost in privacy

and tranquility. There are also 12 garden rooms and a top-level residential suite. The island can accommodate up to 48 people. World-class amenities include a stunning open kitchen restaurant and terrace bar, a spa pavilion featuring floodlit tennis court, gym, massage suite, Pilates/yoga studio and juice bar. There’s also a dive centre and a short-game golf course. Guests have use of an island concierge and get unlimited spa treatments. This inclusive resort, the ultimate in luxury, tranquility and infinite privacy, has a full staff of chefs who cook with vegetables from the on-site organic farm and fish caught from the surrounding Sulu Sea. The resort even makes its own honey. The wine list has bottles costing as much as $36,000 (though premium wines are not included in the resort rate). Banwa also offers a myriad of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving, sailing, yoga and tennis. There is an on-site marine specialist to talk about the local wildlife. For the ultimate friends and family escape, the entire island can also be chartered on an “exclusively yours” basis.

Qatar Airways Receives 5-Star Ratings across Four Categories from Skytrax

atar Airways leads the aviation industry for Covid-19 hygiene safety and service quality with four 5-star ratings by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organization. Hamad International Airport (HIA) has recently won Airport of the Year 2021, and Qatar Airways is the only airline in the world where both the airline and its airport hub have received the prestigious Skytrax 5-Star rating across four categories—Best Airline Rating, Airline Covid-19 Safety Rating, Best Airport Rating, and Airport Covid-19 Safety Rating. Qatar Airways beats other global carriers

and air hubs around the world for Covid-19 safety and premium service quality. Currently, the State of Qatar is open to fully-Covid-19 PCR test done 48 hours prior to their flight. The Skytrax 5-Star ratings for Covid-19 Safety reinforce Qatar Airways’ and HIA’s position as one of the world’s safest airlines and airports against Covid-19. As the airline that has never stopped flying since the pandemic, Qatar Airways has gone above and beyond in implementing comprehensive hygiene measures to ensure utmost safety for passengers and employees. A detailed audit was carried out by

Skytrax in December 2020 to assess the airline’s Covid-19 hygiene and safety standards from flight check-in to on-board the aircraft. This included a full review of procedural efficiency checks, visual observation of hygiene and safety levels at all stages of the passenger journey, and on-board Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) sampling tests to measure the potential level of contamination of contact surfaces. Qatar Airways’ aircraft feature the most advanced air filtration system, equipped with industrial-size HEPA filters that remove 99.97 percent of viral and bacterial contaminants from re-circulated

air, providing the most effective protection against infection. Qatar Airways is also the first airline to introduce Honeywell Ultraviolet Cabin System in September 2020 for optimal inflight sanitization using cutting-edge technology. To further enhance hygiene by minimizing contact, the airline also rolled out 100 percent touch-free inflight entertainment system in April 2021 across its A350 fleet to safeguard passengers’ health and well-being. Qatar Airways cabin crew are regularly screened thermally, and equipped w ith PPE over their uniforms, along with safety glasses, gloves and a mask. Pas-

sengers are also provided with facemask and a hygiene kit of disposable gloves and hand sanitizers. Safe-distancing is done whenever possible onboard, and large bottles of hand sanitizers are placed in the galleys and made available for both cabin crew and passengers. At HIA, innovative solutions have been implemented to maintain the highest levels of hygiene including the use of disinfection robots, advanced thermal temperature screening, and ultraviolet luggage disinfection. All passenger touchpoints are sanitised every 10-15 minutes, while all boarding gates and bus

gate counters are cleaned after each flight. Qatar Airways is also the first middle-eastern carrier to trial the I ATA Travel Pass Digital Passport mobile app in March 2021, and organized the world’s first fully-vaccinated flight early April 2021 where the airline’s ground staff, operating crew and passengers were fully-vaccinated. These activities demonstrate Qatar Airways’ capability of implementing hygiene measures of the highest standards, as well as the very high percentage of fully-vaccinated Qatar Airways staff and crew to safeguard public health.

A12 Saturday, September 18, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

Apple’s next iPhone mirrors last year’s, adds more storage

THE new Apple iPhone 13 devices revealed at a virtual event. AP

BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press

AN RAMON, California—Apple unveiled its next iPhone line-up, including a model that offers twice the storage available in earlier versions and other modest upgrades to last year’s editions that proved to be a big hit among consumers devouring the latest technology during the pandemic. The pre-recorded video event streamed on Tuesday gave Apple a chance to present a polished story following a turbulent few weeks. The recent bumps included a hastily patched security vulnerability

that could let hackers secretly take control of iPhones and other Apple devices; a backlash to the company’s plans to scan iPhones for images of child sex abuse and a federal judge’s ruling that chipped away further at the competitive barrier Apple built around its app store, which generates billions of dollars in profits each year. As has been the case since Apple’s late cofounder unveiled the first iPhone in 2007, Apple executives talked reverently about the latest model, even though it isn’t dramatically different from the version Apple released nearly a year ago. Like last year’s model, the new iPhone 13 will come in four different designs, with prices starting from $700 to $1,100. They’re scheduled to be in stores September 24. “It’s an incremental upgrade,” said Gartner analyst Tuong Nguyen. “Some of the new features are impressive, but most of them are not noticeable or practical for most users.” Possibly the most notable change in the latest high-end iPhone 13 will be an option for a full terabyte of storage—that’s 1,000 gigabytes—on the device, up from its previous maximum of 512 gigabytes. That’s enough storage to accommodate roughly 250,000 photos, or about 500 hours of high definition video. Having a massive amount of storage could become more important to many consumers with the advent of ultra-high definition video and ultrafast wireless 5G networks that will make downloading content faster and easier, Nguyen said. Apple is also promising better cameras on the iPhone 13, including an improved ultrawide lens, a cinematic-like video feature and technology for better nighttime pictures. (The latter mirrors a feature

Google has long offered in its line of Pixel phones, which haven’t been big sellers yet.) As usual, the latest iPhones are supposed to have longer-lasting batteries, too. “We keep making the iPhone more capable,” Apple CEO Tim Cook boasted. These kinds of incremental upgrades have become routine for Apple and other device makers in recent years as the pace of smartphone innovation slowed, even while prices for some phones have climbed above $1,000. That trend has prompted more consumers to hold on to their older smartphones for longer periods. But the release of last year’s iPhone 12 unleashed one of Apple’s biggest sales spurts since 2014, possibly because the pandemic helped make homebound people realize it was time to get a newer and better model than what they had been using. Through the first six months of this year, Apple’s iPhone sales have surged by nearly 60 percent from the same time last year. That boom has helped push Apple’s stock price near its all-time highs recently, giving the company a market value of about $2.5 trillion—more than twice what it was before the pandemic began 18 months ago. Apple’s shares dipped 1 percent on Tuesday in a sign that investors weren’t excited by what they saw in the new iPhones. Although the iPhone is still by far Apple’s biggest moneymaker, the company has been trying to supplement its success with peripheral products such as its smartwatch. The Cupertino, California, company used Tuesday’s showcase to provide a preview of its next Apple Watch, which will feature a thinner, more rounded and brighter display. ■

Health care holds virtual nationwide medical mission JOURNALIST Kara David of Project Malasakit with Dr. Melani Camarillo Espino during the National mWellness Day online medical mission.

TELECONSULTATIONS with doctors have saved so many lives in quarantine. From “simple” illnesses like the common cold and skin allergies, consultations with doctors are important if you can afford them. For older people and those who have mobility issues, online medical consults are very important. Back then, we had to wait hours outside the doctor’s office for our consultations. Of course, in the time of Covid-19, that is no longer possible. Most people will not expose themselves for hours. Imagine the risk. Medical missions, of course, became a thing of the past, since doctors and nurses these days no longer have the time to go elsewhere as the hospital system is already overburdened with Covid cases. That said, the move of mWell, the only fully integrated health and wellness mobile app, to hold a nationwide virtual medical mission, dubbed National mWellness Day, was very much welcome in these times. On September 4 and 5, the first nationwide online medical mission in the Philippines took place via the mWell app of Metro Pacific Health Tech Corp. The consultations with primary care and specialized doctors were provided for free. Journalist Kara David, founder of Project Malasakit, hosted the online event in the National mWellness Day culminating activity: “As caretakers, guardians or as a parent, the anxiety and challenges of getting quality medical care is heightened especially in this Covid-19 pandemic. The first-ever virtual medical mission

by mWell PH brings health and wellness closer to people. Nakakalungkot, subali’t totoong may kakulangan sa health care para tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan [It’s sad to admit that there is a gap in the country’s health-care system. Our countrymen are unable to get the quality health care that they deserve].” mWell’s goal is to transform the country’s digital health landscape by providing professional consultations, medical diagnosis care and treatment plans to all Filipinos as part of the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy. Gabay Kalusugan aims to make health care and wellness available and accessible to more Filipinos through medical missions, sports camps, the distribution of hospital supplies, equipment, test kits and beds to various hospitals and facilities, and the development of an integrated health-care platform (mWell) so that every person’s health and wellness needs would be just a few clicks away. Dr. Melani Camarillo Espino, a volunteer obstetrician and gynecologist, said that in this pandemic, she has limited her clinic calls to

telemedicine so she can be contacted anytime, anywhere. Using the mWell platform, Espino’s initial apprehension was cleared because she discovered how user-friendly it was and the technical support was prompt. “Using mWell is just like making a private house call with my patients from the comforts of their homes. The flow of my virtual consultations are smooth, plus I gained more patients through the app. I want to reach out to more patients even in remote areas and those who are afraid to go out,” said Espino. The mWell app is backed by top names in the health care, wellness and tech industries. CareSpan’s Clinic in the Cloud integrates digital care tools and data for mWell doctors and patients. LotusFlare’s multiawarded cloud-native, IT digital enablement platform ensures a seamless, end-to-end customer experience. Ping An’s health-care technologies enables mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care and treatments. You can download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. More information can be found at www.mWell.com.ph.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

GARY VALENCIANO OFFERS A PRAYER BY PAULINE JOY M. GUTIERREZ THESE days, Gary Valenciano utters many prayers. He does so unselfishly, at a difficult time when many seek hope and healing through faith. The 57-year-old artist, known as a devout Christian, was recently introduced as the first Filipino ambassador of the prayer app, Pray.com. Pray.com was launched in 2017, reaching more than 10 million people globally. It became the mostdownloaded religious app of all time in 2020. Valenciano joins the likes of distinguished artists and international celebrities such as Kristine Bell and James Earl Jones, among others. In May, he performed during the United States’ celebration of the National Day of Prayer, with US President Joe Biden as a guest of honor. “I want to encourage everyone—no matter what you are going through—to take a moment, stop and pray. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Start a conversation with God who loves you, God who is everywhere, God who knows you and hears your every cry,” said Valenciano. “The Word promises—we can approach His throne of grace and always, we will find help in our time of need; He who has promised is so much more than able,” he added. Valenciano also reminds people to trust in God during times of great uncertainty. “[This] is not meant to destroy us but to break us enough, so we can allow His hands to put us back together again,” he said. “When we allow His hands to put us back together again, then He restores. And when He restores, He doesn’t restore back to the former. He restores beyond that.” “When you pray, you are not just saying words. You are praying to the One who knows exactly the strands of hair you have on your head. When you pray, open up that avenue that only you and Him journey off together to combat those anxious moments in your life.” Some of Valenciano’s compositions have become timeless classics, such as the multi-platinum hits “Shout for Joy,” “Take Me Out of the Dark,” as well as his vocal renditions of “Lead Me Lord” and “I Will Be Here.” More recently he released a song of praise, titled “Make Us Whole Again.” Written in the summer of 2020, the song is Valenciano’s way of expressing his journey in this ongoing pandemic, grappling with hope and fear, life and death, frailties and faith. Here, he recalls the anxiety he felt when he had bypass surgery and battled cancer three years ago. “We were relying on a perfect God and not on something that we were holding on to or what was promised to us, not in a job, not even in a person. It was in Christ, who does things we can’t even imagine,” Valenciano said. “I kept thinking about it, but He said, ‘Do not be anxious about anything.’ He knows that I will struggle and I won’t be perfect, but we rely on a perfect God so that’s what matters.” Pray.com CEO and cofounder Steve Gatena thanked Valenciano for agreeing to join the Christian app as its ambassador. “It’s clear that God has blessed Gary with a miraculous voice that is full of love, hope and encouragement. What was surprising to me was his willingness to pray with us. It was just an incredible blessing to have Gary on Pray.com.” Gatena added, “To those of you experiencing these struggles, hear my voice. You can win the fight and you can harness the power of prayer. I encourage you to pray. I encourage you to remember that God is always with you. The Bible tells us that the grass withers, the flowers fade. The word of our God will stand forever.” Pray.com is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, September 18, 2021 A13

A tale of two tablets to babysit our children—even more during the past year. But despite the high demand for children’s gadgets, the variety of gadgets made exclusively for children is low. Children mostly use their parents’ gadgets, which creates numerous concerns for parents in granting access to gadgets. The Huawei MatePad T 8 Kids Edition is a tablet specifically made for children, packed with features to ensure a safe and healthy digital experience. Designed for children aged three to eight, the tablet comes in a blue shell and cute green grips, and a curved back, to give kids a delicate and rounded grip. The stylus pen, on the other hand, offers a more

HE Covid-19 global pandemic is a tragedy— except for the almost forgotten tablet. Competing for the same market as smartphone users, many have predicted the end of the tablet in the past several years—even Google decided to stop making their own. Nobody expected the resurrection of the touchscreen slate, just as no one could have foreseen how this health pandemic would force us to stay indoors for work, study and even play. Yet here we are, still stuck at home (on some sort of lockdown), working on our laptops, socializing through our phones, and probably reaching for our new tablets to read books, watch movies, or keep the kids entertained. Tablets have come back from the dead because they deliver the right balance of mobility and computing power at a wide range of price points. At a crucial time when all of us had to adjust to the new normal, the ease of installing apps on tablets, for example, has made it easier for parents, students and educators to adapt to remote learning. One company that never gave up on tablets is Huawei, releasing new tablets every year to address the needs of different users who want a bigger screen. The tech giant has been busy partnering with developers to expand its AppGallery and the integration of Petal Search has made it simpler to find the apps you are looking for. The most recent Huawei MatePad 11 has been well-received for its size and design, while those looking for more even more versatility have the MatePad Pro 12.6. Just this week Huawei announced a tablet designed specifically for kids—complete with an edible (safe silicone) case.

THE (ULTI)MATEPAD PRO

FOR demanding creatives and professionals who need a more versatile device, the Huawei MatePad Pro returns with an even bigger screen more powerful internals and the new Harmony OS. Starting with the display, this flagship tablet features a 12.6-inch, 16:10 ultra-wide OLED FullView Display that is framed in superbly slim bezels each measuring just 5.6mm, allowing them to almost blend into the design. The 90 percent screen-to-body ratio is the world’s highest screen-to-body ratio among all tablets. The Huawei OLED FullView display supports a high contrast ratio of a million-to-one and the wide DCI-P3 color gamut, allowing it to produce better defined and true-to-life colors. Furthermore, the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 has a color accuracy rating of ∆E < 0.5, a level of accuracy that is only attained by some pro-grade monitors, making it a great portable second monitor for professional photographers. Matching its superb display is an all-new audio solution that features an eight-speaker sound system, which consists of large-amplitude tweeters

and woofers, to provide immersive multimedia experiences for consumers. It is also equipped with 4 microphones that pick up sound from up to 5 meters. Although it detects sound from afar, it removes unnecessary background noise during conference calls and recording because of its Active Noise Cancellation feature. As for the cameras, the MatePad Pro has three camera sensors on the back: a 13-megapixel main lens, an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 3D depth-sensing sensor. Huawei devices are known to have great cameras, so you can expect it to have one of the best shooters in a tablet. The MatePad Pro is equipped with the Kirin 9000E, 8GB RAM plus 256GB storage. The advanced and powerful SoC is capable of multitasking, processing massive amounts of data, and powering real-time AI computing with ease. The 22-core Mali-G78 GPU offers heightened image processing so you can enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience. This powerful processor ensures that multitasking on the MatePad Pro will be a seamless, lag-free experience even allowing up to four app windows to be shown on the screen at one time. Users can add two floating windows so whether you’re playing games or watching videos, you can quickly reply to messages on the floating window with no need to exit the current window. The MatePad Pro 12.6 supports the new TabletPC Multi-Screen Collaboration capabilities such as Mirror Mode, Extend Mode and Collaborate Mode. In Mirror Mode, the screen of the connected PC is mirrored to the tablet display, allowing users to directly sign and annotate documents, or draw on the PC with the new M-Pencil and MatePad Pro 12.6 just like professional designers would with a drawing pad and stylus. Extend Mode transforms the tablet into a second screen, providing extra screen space to display more content, great for checking reference materials or browsing the Internet. The innovative Collaborate Mode enables true cross-platform interactions, allowing users to transfer content with a simple drag and drop. The second generation M-Pencil becomes an essential accessory offering a pencil-like natural

writing experience with the new platinumcoated pen nib, low latency, and support for 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The M-Pencil supports a breadth of innovative interaction features including FreeScript, which transforms handwritten content into machineencoded text in real-time as well as double-tap to switch, Instant Shape, Instant Table, and more. The M-Pencil supports wireless charging as it charges simultaneously with MatePad Pro 12.6, like smart magnetic keyboard. For that laptop experience, the Smart Magnetic Keyboard is a full-sized keyboard that features a key travel of 1.3mm to deliver satisfying typing experiences. Built for a new generation of smart devices, HarmonyOS 2 empowers the Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6 with brand-new functionality. The new tablet desktop is more organized, featuring the new Bottom Dock and Service Widgets to provide new ways for users to view important information more efficiently. Leveraging distributed technology, the new tablet can harness the capabilities of other devices—ranging from smartphones, PCs to smart TVs—to form a Super Device that can support a wide variety of creativity and productivity use cases. Powering the MatePad Pro is a 10,050mAh battery. Together with the powerful and energy efficient performance of the Kirin 9000E and power-saving technology of HarmonyOS, it promises up to 14 hours of continuous local 1080p HD video playback, nine hours of unimpeded web browsing can be supported on a single charge, and 17 days standby.

MATE FOR KIDS

AS much as we hate to admit it, we use technology

interactive experience for kids by enabling them to draw pictures on the table and play those touchscreen games. Both the case and stylus pen meet the European Standards on the Safety of Toys so you don’t have to worry even if your kids bite them. Safety and control are the biggest concerns of parents who lend their devices to their kids. With the MatePad T 8 Kids Edition, parents can manage time spent, apps used, and other viewable content on Kids Corner, allowing them to set multiple designated time limit intervals throughout the day. Parents can set it so that their child can use the tablet for a maximum of 20 minutes after school between 5 pm to 6 pm, or after dinner. With Kid’s Profile, parents can also gain access to their children’s usage records, allowing them to log their children’s usage time and see the apps used over any given period. Making it truly enjoyable for young kids, Huawei has partnered with BabyBus and Azoomee, two of the leading educational developers creating apps for children, with a free three-month membership to Baby Panda World, and a free one-year membership to Azoomee. Other apps kids will love include My Talking Tom apps; GoKids! Kidoodle.TV-Safe Streaming, Coco-Melons Videos Collections, and many others. The Huawei MatePad T 8 is now available for preorder. ■

Phil Dizon, wearer of many hats, to launch online channel soon WHEN asked what they would like to be when they grow up, a child usually answers with one ultimate dream that becomes their guide toward adulthood. More often than not, only a few people get to live their dreams in adulthood, considering life’s unpredictability. In the case of Phil Dizon, chief executive officer and president of Vendiz Pharmaceuticals Inc., a 100 percent Filipino pharmaceutical company that develops high quality but cost-effective pharmaceutical products in the Philippines, life’s colors come in naturally as he traverses a high-profile world while fulfilling his destiny of leading a corporation. Raised in Baguio, the young Phil developed an early interest in the wondrous world of photography. Together with his siblings, Phil’s natural love for the arts developed into passion as he got to see the world and snap every moment of his experience abroad. A nature lover, Phil’s initial interest in photography developed further as he entered the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he learned

further techniques and styles in portraiture. Being part of a family of entrepreneurs, Phil had the luxury of traveling abroad, immersing in the culture and traditions that enhanced his interest in people and photography, which eventually brought him the idea of promoting Filipinos’ ingenuity and beauty through fashion shows. A few years after serving as the vice president for business development of Ashford Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Phil then moved to Vendiz Pharmaceuticals Inc. and was appointed its president and CEO to continue the company’s mission of improving the lives of the Filipino people—patients, doctors, partners and shareholders—through continuous innovation, quality products and costeffective prices. “The pandemic has brought so many challenges to the entire world. Along with these challenges are new opportunities for some of us that have brought us back to our core,” Phil shared. “In my many years as a professional photographer and executive of Vendiz,

I always tried to practice working intrinsically and extrinsically. This way, I get to experience everything about the business, and can easily step back to see the whole picture if something happens,” Phil added. Currently, Phil is happily manning the family’s business, while consciously getting inspiration from other forms of art that are popular among the new generation. Together with his children, 19-year-old Justin and 26-year-old Jessica, Phil was able to capture stunning moments and breathtaking sceneries before the pandemic struck the world. And because of his bankable talent, Phil will soon launch his online channel that will share his passion and love for art, along with other interests highlighted by different personalities he met in his journeys. Phildizstudios.com will be the virtual gateway to Phil Dizon’s online endeavors, which include his online portfolio for his photography work, online travel show (Phildiz World), and podcast (Phil’s World Chronicles). RENI SALVADOR

THE Huawei MatePad Pro and Huawei MatePad T 8 Kids Edition

Sports

ELREEN ANN ANDO is setting her goals high.

BusinessMirror

HE boundary between amateur and professional boxing blurred further Thursday with the International Boxing Association (Aiba) offering prize money of up to $100,000 for the first time at the historically amateur men’s world championships. Aiba said a total prize fund of $2.6 million was in place to award medalists in each category, with $100,000 for gold, $50,000 for silver and $25,000 for bronze. The men’s championships will be held in Belgrade, Serbia, from October 24 to November 6. Aiba did not immediately respond to a question from The Associated Press about whether it plans to have prize money at the women’s world championships. That event is scheduled for this year but has no listed venue or dates on Aiba’s competition calendar. “It is the first time Aiba will reward medalists of the world championships financially, and this is how it should be,” Aiba President Umar Kremlev said from the federation’s Lausanne headquarters. “This money is well-deserved taking into account the years of preparations required to earn a place at Aiba’s top

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| Saturday, September 18, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

AIBA DANGLES PRIZE MONEY IN WORLDS

tournament and the efforts made.” The move could help Aiba rally support among boxers as it tries to lift its suspension from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC has demanded reforms after questioning how Aiba was run following numerous judging disputes at past Olympics, and it blocked Aiba from having any role in organizing the tournaments at this year’s Tokyo Games. Aiba dropped the word “amateur” from its name in 2007 and held its first event with prize money the following year. It also

allowed boxers to fight in some professional bouts while retaining their Olympic eligibility. Albert Batyrgaziev of Russia became the first pro boxer to win an Olympic gold medal this year. Handing out prize money marks a shift for Aiba in another way. The embattled governing body had severe financial problems because of loans and failed attempts to muscle in on the lucrative pro boxing world by launching Aibabranded pro competitions. Soon after Kremlev was elected Aiba president in December, he brought in Russian state gas company

Gazprom as a major sponsor. The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap), meanwhile, told BusinessMirror that it will skip the world championships in Belgrade.

“We are not going to send a team there, we’re not prepared because we didn’t train the athletes immediately after the Tokyo Olympics,” Abap SecretaryGeneral Ed Picson said. “And the tournament is too close for comfort.” Picson, however, said there’s a chance that the Abap will field athletes to the women’s world championships in November. The national boxers couldn’t train in full compliment before and after the Tokyo Olympics because of strict quarantine protocols wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic. But despite the difficulties, featherweight Nesthy Petecio and flyweight Carlo Paalam clinched silver medals and middleweight Eumir Marcial bagged a bronze in Tokyo. Picson preferred not to delve deep into the Aiba’s monetary incentives. “That’s the idea of the Aiba—to attract more boxers,” he said. “But I really have no comment about it.” In the Asian Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships in Dubai last May, gold medalists received $10,000 each, silver medalists got $5,000 and bronze medalists $2,500. Josef Ramos and AP

Abueva lifts Hotshots past Batang Pier

ALVIN ABUEVA was at the right place at the right time to nail the gamewinner in Magnolia’s 90-89 victory over NorthPort on Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. Down by one with only 2.6 to go, Abueva got the inbounds and dribbled down low before sinking the buzzer-beating shot inside the paint against two Batang Pier defenders Kevin Ferrer and rookie Jamie Malonzo. “That was a design play, an alleyoop to Calvin [Abueva]—or the next option would be to Paul [Lee],” Magnolia Coach Chito Victolero said. “The good thing we executed [the play], thanks to Rome [Dela Rosa] for passing the ball to Calvin.” The Hotshots improved to 7-3 won-lost for a possible shot at the

No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs. “We really prepared for this game. We talked about our focus and what’s at stake in this game,” Victolero added. Ferrer converted a getaway give-and-go lay-up in the last 3.9 seconds—drawing a foul from De la Rosa in the process—and a loss stared the Hotshots in the eyes. But Ferrer failed to convert Victolero called for time and set up the eventual game-clinching play. Abueva’s game-winning shot saved the 26-point and 10-rebound effort by former college buddy, 6-foot-7 Sangalang, with Abueva finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks for Magnolia. Lee added 13 points, while Mark Barroca tallied 10 points and eight assists and Dela Rosa also had 10 points.

Greg Slaughter returned from a bacterial infection but his monster numbers of 21 points, eight rebounds and five blocks as NorthPort fell to its fifth loss in nine games. Anthony, coming off a bone spurs injury, added 16 points for the Batang Pier. Sangalang made it 88-87 for Magnolia lead with 39 seconds to go and the Batang Pier, who ran out of timeouts at crunch time, were assessed a technical foul on Anthony who called for a time out in the last 3.9 seconds. Lee, however, missed the technical free throw. NorthPort jumped to a 26-9 lead in the first quarter but Magnolia slowly clawed back to make it 44-47 at half time. San Miguel Beer routed Phoenix

reporters after the ceremony. “Alex and my mom are Greek citizens now.” Antetokounmpo also traveled to Greece in August with his brother Thanasis, carrying the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy. He took the trophy to the ancient Acropolis in Athens to celebrate with members of his family. One month after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA title in half a century, Antetokounmpo teamed up with the city’s other major pro sports franchise by joining the Milwaukee Brewers’ ownership group. “Man, this is unbelievable,” Antetokounmpo said Friday at a news conference. “This is a dream come true for a kid from Sepolia, Athens, Greece, born from immigrant parents. I could have never imagined I would be in this position.”

Josef Ramos

MAGNOLIA’S Calvin Abueva powers his way against NorthPort’s Kevin Ferrer.

Giannis in Greece as mom, brother handed citizenship THENS, Greece—National Basketball Association (NBA) star Giannis Antetokounmpo was in Greece for a meeting with the country’s prime minister Thursday and a special ceremony to bestow Greek citizenship on his mother Veronica and younger brother Alex. Antetokounmpo, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship in July, attended the ceremony at the official residence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The 26-year-old Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, the son of Nigerian immigrants. He was granted Greek citizenship in 2013, allowing him to travel to the United States and join the Bucks later that year. “We always felt Greek, but now we have an official stamp and we are happy,” Antetokounmpo told

Super LPG, 110-80, to advance to the quarterfinals with a 6-3 record. CJ Perez was outstanding with 24 points and five rebounds for the Beermen, while big man Mo Tautuaa made 19 points. June Mar Fajardo had 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Fuel Masters dropped to 4-7.

Antetokounmpo modeled a Brewers jersey with No. 34, the same number he wears on the basketball court. Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio joked that he wondered whether president of baseball operations David Stearns might want to try out the 6-foot-11 forward at first base. Attanasio and Antetokounmpo said they finalized this agreement in May. Antetokounmpo said he and the team kept it quiet at the time because they didn’t want to distract the Bucks’ playoff run and the early part of the Brewers’ season. Attanasio said Antetokounmpo is the first new individual investor who has been added to the Brewers ownership group since Attanasio purchased controlling interest of the franchise in 2005. Antetokounmpo said he started

thinking about getting involved in ownership of a pro sports franchise last year while he was in the NBA playoff bubble at Walt Disney World. Antetokounmpo, who is from Greece, said his team first discussed the possibility of buying a European soccer club. But the two-time NBA MVP said he wanted to team up with the Brewers to show his support to the city of Milwaukee. “Milwaukee made me who I am today,” said Antetokounmpo, who signed a supermax contract extension with the Bucks in December. “It made me a better person. This is basically my home. I’ve become a father here. I’ve become a leader here. I’ve become a champion here, and I want to be involved. I want to be involved in the community as much as possible. I know Milwaukee invested a lot in me, and I want to invest a lot of me back into the city of Milwaukee.” Antetokounmpo knows the city very well. But admitted that he

still has plenty to learn about the ame of baseball. “Obviously growing up in Europe, there’s not a lot of baseball over there,” he said. “I can tell you when I was introduced to baseball. I was 18. It was the first day I came to Milwaukee. I came to a game. But I know Christian Yelich. I know he’s a great player.” The Brewers sure know Antetokoumpo, though. AP

LOOKALIKES THIS TIME

GREEK Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (second from right) and Giannis Antetokounmpo, (left) pose for the photographers after a naturalization ceremony of his mother Veronica (second from left) and brother Alex Emeka at the Maximos Mansion in Athens. AP

AUSANNE, Switzerland—A doctor from Moldova has been banned from sports for life for arranging for lookalikes to give drug testing samples under the names of real weightlifters heading for the world championships. The International Testing Agency (ITA) said Thursday that Dorin Balmus represented three Moldovan athletes in 2015 when they were asked to provide samples shortly before competing at the world championships in Houston. The ITA said three lookalikes took on the identities of the

weightlifters because they were “each undergoing a doping cycle at the time” and risked testing positive. All three were able to compete at the world championships but later received doping bans. Life bans for doping are rare in sports but the ITA ruled it was appropriate for Balmus “given the nature and severity of the rule violations.” The deception later came to light in a 2020 documentary by German broadcaster ARD. The film also reported on doping

Ando earnestly prepares for Paris 2024

By Josef Ramos

LREEN ANN ANDO can’t wait to qualify for the Paris Olympics that are three years away and the first stop for the Cebuana will be the World Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent. The worlds, which the Uzbek capital is hosting from December 7 to 17, are the first of six Paris Olympics qualifying tournaments—the same format for each and every Olympics for the sport. “That’s my goal, my dream to qualify again for the Olympics,” Ando, who will turn 23 on November 1, told BusinessMirror on Friday. Ando made the International Weightlifting Federation quota for the women’s -64 kgs class in the Tokyo Olympics where Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s -55 kgs class. Diaz earlier told BusinessMirror that she will be in Tashkent to shoot for the only remaining gold medal missing from her collection—the world championships. She has won gold in the Asian Games in Jakarta 2018 and the Southeast Asian Games the country hosted in 2019. Ando immediately started training in the weightlifting gym of the Cebu Coliseum right after completing her quarantine upon her arrival from Tokyo in August. “Right after the Olympics and after the quarantine, I immediately plunged into training,” said Ando, a silver medalist in the 2019 SEA Games. Ando was one of 14 Filipino athletes who missed clinching a medal in Tokyo, but all of them were aptly rewarded a total of P1 million each by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the government. “I was able to reconstruct our house,” said Ando, whose family is an informal settler in Cebu. “My goal is also to have our own house and lot.” Ando placed seventh in her weight class in her Olympics debut with a total lift of 222 kgs. Before the Olympics, she clinched two silver medals and one bronze at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in April also in Tashkent. Besides Ando, 17-year-old Asian championships gold medalist Vannesa Sarno of Bohol is expected to see action in the women’s -71 kgs class in Tashkent. Also expected to participate in the world championships are Mary Flor Diaz (-45 kgs), Ellen Rose Perez (-49 kgs), Margaret Colonia (-64 kgs) and Kristel Macrohon (-71 kgs) in the women’s section, and Fernando Agadin (-55 kgs), John Febuar Ceniza (-61 kgs), Dave Pacaldo (-67 kgs) and John Dexter Tabique (-96 kgs) in the men’s side. The Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) will hold tryouts next month either in Bacolod City or in Manila to determine the other members of the team to Tashkent. cover-ups and financial irregularities at the International Weightlifting Federation, leading to longtime president Tamas Ajan stepping down. The World Anti-Doping Agency alleged last year that the practice of using impostors for doping tests was widespread in weightlifting and said it was investigating 18 suspected cases of “suspected urine substitution” in six countries. DNA testing can determine whether a sample matches others given by the same athlete.