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Believe it or not, water—or lack of its clean supply—accounts for why millions of Filipino children are height-challenged.

COMING UP

SHORT ON SDG

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By Cai U. Ordinario

HE common belief that Filipinos are “short” may not only be due to genetics, but could have been caused by malnutrition, according to a researcher from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

In a virtual session on the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on the stunting of Filipino children, PIDS Senior Research Fellow Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep said that through the years, the mean height of Filipino children has not increased dramatically unlike those in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and China.

In the Philippines, the mean height of adult women 19 years old by socioeconomic status averaged around 150 centimeters among the poorest 10 percent of the population and around 152.5 centimeters among the richest 10 percent.

“For many years, we tried to normalize stunting—that it is part of [what] we are, it’s part of our genetics, etc. But I think we need to reflect on that because it might be something else. It might be a reflection of chronic malnutrition more than a reflection of who we are as Filipinos,” Ulep said.

The height and level of nutrition of women also matters, Ulep said, since stunted women will bear stunted children. Based on the 2015 National Nutrition Survey, he said, maternal factors are responsible for driving large disparities in child stunting.

Maternal height accounts for 26 percent of stunting among children; maternal education, 18 percent; maternal body mass index, 17 percent; and minimum dietary diversity and quality of prenatal

care, 12 percent.

The data also showed that the safety of drinking water and toilet facilities contribute 8 percent and 7 percent, respectively, in terms of the prevalence of stunting among children.

“Chronic malnutrition is a result of persistent assault to the mother and the child during critical periods,” Ulep said.

These periods are during adolescence when they are at risk of pregnancy; lack of access to adequate and high-quality prenatal care; lack of post-natal and infant care; inadequate intake of highquality and diverse nutrition; and lack of access to health care to address child illness/infection.

This highlights the importance of WASH. Ulep estimated that poor hand washing; unimproved toilet facilities and unimproved water sources have corresponding economic costs.

Poor hand washing costs P203 billion in health-care costs and productivity losses; unimproved toilet facilities, P32 billion; and unimproved water sources, P196 billion.

Around 18 percent of Filipinos could not practice proper hand washing; 25 percent do not have improved toilet facilities; and 22 percent do not have improved water sources.

Addressing WASH

UNICEF Philippines WASH Spe-

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.3720

(TOP photo) Bath time in a narrow alley in the slums of Malate, Manila. Only about 44 percent of households in the country have individual connections to a proper fully reticulated waterworks system, due to low investments in the water and sanitation sector, according to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua. The remaining 56 percent, or 57 million Filipinos, have to fetch water for their families from communal pipes or springs or wells up to 250 meters away.

(Above) Girls wash clothes at a village water pump in Sablan, Benguet. SJORS737 | DREAMSTIME.COM

cialist Elmira Bacatan said addressing WASH needs is important in reducing stunting in the country. She said regions with poor sanitation are the same regions showing a high prevalence of stunting and intestinal worm infection among children.

These regions are the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Western Visayas; Bicol; Central Visayas; Zamboanga Peninsula; and Eastern Visayas.

Further, efforts to address WASH are a way to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6). The targets under this goal are quite high and include reducing the number of people who practice open defecation by 250 million this year.

The SDG also targets to increase by 30 million people living in certified open defecation-free communities and 60 million accessing basic sanitation services.

Bacatan said Unicef, under SDG 6, needs to monitor 26 game

plan countries, which include the Philippines, in terms of their progress in meeting the targets, particularly in reducing the number of people practicing open defecation.

As of 2020, around 2 percent of Filipinos in urban areas still practice open defecation; 2 percent have unimproved toilet facilities; 14 percent have limited toilet facilities; 27 percent have basic facilities; and 55 percent have safely managed facilities.

In rural areas, some 5 percent still practice open defecation; 4 percent have unimproved toilet facilities; 9 percent have limited toilet facilities; 16 percent have basic facilities; and 66 percent have safely managed facilities in 2020.

The Philippines, Bacatan said, is one of only two countries that are off-track in achieving the target on open defecation. The other country is also in Southeast Asia, Myanmar.

“Unicef alone cannot address the gap in sanitation. It requires

multisectoral partnerships and collaboration to make a significant contribution to reduce stunting,” Bacatan said in a presentation.

Last week, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the Philippines needs to invest a total of P1.1 trillion in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goal on water supply and sanitation by 2030.

At the launch of the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP) on Thursday, Neda Assistant Secretary for Investment Programming Roderick M. Planta said this means an annual investment of over P100 billion is needed between 2020 and 2030.

This amount has not been invested by the country before on the water and sanitation sector, and Planta said this is why incentives need to be provided for other stakeholders in the sector.

“What we’ve been spending, if you add it all up, is only P5 billion.

So it’s really a P95-billion gap on an annual basis,” Planta said during the launch.

The low investments have led to many problems in the water and sanitation sector. In his speech, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said only about 44 percent of households have individual connection to a proper fully reticulated waterworks system.

He said the remaining 56 percent, or 57 million Filipinos, have to fetch water for their families from communal pipes or springs or wells up to 250 meters away.

Further, Chua said, only 18 percent of Filipinos have access to septage management services, while 13 percent have access to a sewerage system. He added over 4 million Filipinos still practice open defecation.

n JAPAN 0.4567 n UK 69.1205 n HK 6.4701 n CHINA 7.7975 n SINGAPORE 37.3569 n AUSTRALIA 36.7413 n EU 59.1418 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.4307

Source: BSP (September 24, 2021)

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Analysis: A ‘United’ Nations, navigating a fractured world

By Ted Anthony | The Associated Press

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EW YORK—When the United Nations rose from World War II’s rubble, its birth reflected a widespread aspiration that humanity could be lifted up and dispatched down a positive path—if only there was a coherent, informed, unified effort of good faith among countries and their leaders. That would require persistence, compromise and, above all, hope.

Four generations later, the theme of this year’s midpandemic UN General Assembly leaders’ meeting reflects that ideal: “Building resilience through hope.” But at UN headquarters this week, while persistence seems abundant, hope is a scarce commodity.

The General Assembly is unfolding this week under a thundercloud of deep pessimism. Coherence is spotty. Two growing kinds of unwanted information—mis and dis— are scurrying around unchecked. And that unified effort of good faith? It feels absent, if not outright outdated, in an era when those responsible for the rest of us can’t even agree to check at the door to see if everyone is free of the deadly virus that has upended humanity’s best-laid plans.

“Our world has never been more threatened, or more divided,” the UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, said Tuesday, setting the tone with his first words as he opened the meeting. “The world,” he said, “must wake up.”

But the leaders he summoned are fragmented and cranky and, to hear them tell it, unsettled and intimidated by pandemic, polarization and climate-fueled natural disaster. And the question that leaders keep implying at the United Nations this week, in speech after speech, is both one of the most basic and intricate that there is: What on Earth do we do now?

Part of the answer—or at least, a clue to why it hasn’t been answered yet—is contained in the nature of the United Nations itself.

For nations to commit to being united—and to actually follow through—isn’t easy in a fractured world brimming with problems that often come down hardest on the least powerful. The notion of nations playing on a level field

UNITED Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration during the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York, September 22, 2021. EDUARDO MUÑOZ/AP

GUTERRES: “Our world has never been more threatened, or more divided. The world must wake up.” EDUARDO MUÑOZ/AP

may sound fair and just, but smaller countries insist that principle crumbles when power dynamics come into play.

What’s more, the whole concept of “multilateralism,” an ever-present UN priority based on distributed solutions and layers of agreements that gives smaller countries a voice, clashes with the mythology of charismatic leadership embraced by the West for centuries.

Overlaid atop all that is the problem that the United Nations’ structure doesn’t match the era in which it is operating—something its leaders and members have long acknowledged.

This is, remember, an organization founded in an age—the mid-20th century—when many of the best and brightest believed the world could act in concert and coherence.

Yet even in the context of nations united, a significant power imbalance was baked in from the outset. The United Nations built its greatest authority into a council with five permanent members that represented the world’s most powerful and dominant nations. Inevitably, they often operated with their own interests in mind.

That structure remains to this

day, and some call it out of step with a fragmented world where many voices not amplified in the past are increasingly expecting to be heard and heeded. African nations, for example, have been demanding for years to have permanent representation on the Security Council for their 1.2 billion people. “We must eradicate hierarchies of power,” Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said.

So far, though, that hasn’t happened. And many leaders, particularly of smaller nations, consider such inequities antithetical to the whole point of the United Nations— a place that represents all of them and forms a whole that benefits all of them as well.

Not that progress is entirely absent at the UN meetings. On Tuesday, both the United States and China took notable, separate steps forward in efforts to reduce the carbon emissions that power global warming. And this time last year, no vaccine for the coronavirus had been deployed; today, billions have been injected with one of several iterations.

“Indeed, we are in a much better place than a year ago,” Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova said Tuesday. And from Romanian Presi-

dent Klaus Iohannis: “While the pandemic affected almost all aspects of our lives, it also provided us with opportunities to learn, adapt and do things better.”

Have those opportunities been seized? Guterres, for one, is skeptical, and he isn’t alone. The emotional, psychological and political baggage of a world reeling from unremitting crises is evident this year. Even compared with two or three years ago, leaders’ words and thoughts are peppered more with desperation, with exhortations like this one from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah elSissi: “Let us stand together to save ourselves before it is too late.”

And take the remarks of Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso Mendoza. When he said that “health has no ideology,” he was making a larger point. Yet he hit on part of the problem: Everything is political. Health, it turns out, has revealed fissures in ideology that were festering elsewhere but that the pandemic laid bare.

Same story with climate change, as leaders reeling from a summer of natural disaster sounded everlouder alarms.

“The world—this precious blue sphere with its eggshell crust and wisp of an atmosphere—is not some indestructible toy, some bouncy plastic romper room against which we can hurl ourselves to our heart’s content,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, channeling the global mood in his uniquely colorful way, said Wednesday night.

For now, the overall principles of a united United Nations remain intact and heartily advocated. Stick together. Keep trying. Don’t give up.

Success is still possible. That’s all on brand: For all of the postwar pragmatism of the era that birthed it, the United Nations was founded on optimism—on what the world might be, on what it could be if peoples and nations worked together.

“The UN,” said Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “is like a retired superhero who has long forgotten how great they once were.”

So this week, they’re here.

They’re talking. They’re still committed, still determined. Yes, the topics may veer toward existentialism and extinction, but they’re still promising—in oceans of speechified words and ideas and plans—to figure it all out and not simply go down with the ship. Perhaps—again, staying on brand—that’s building resilience through hope after all.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Saturday, September 25, 2021

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Consumers confident about economic prospects, but not most businesses

By Bianca Cuaresma

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ocal consumers are becoming more confident about the country’s economic prospects in the coming months, but businesses may not have the same outlook.

The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) survey on consumer and business expectations showed that buyers and sellers share opposing views about where the economy is headed in the coming months.

In particular, consumer sentiment in the country continued to improve for the third quarter of the year as the overall confidence index (CI) was less negative at -19.3 percent from -30.9 percent in the second quarter.

T he con s u me r out lo ok h a s been improving steadily since the third quarter of 2020, the quarter when the index reverted to negative mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The improved consumer sentiment was observed across the three

component indicators of consumer confidence, namely, the country’s economic condition, family’s financial situation, and family income.

On the contrary, after three consecutive quarters of optimistic sentiment, the outlook of business owners on the economy turned pessimistic as the overall CI declined to -5.6 percent in the third quarter of 2021 from 1.4 percent in the previous quarter.

The businesses pessimism was attributed to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its protracted adverse effects to their businesses, the re-imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ ), particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the decrease in sales, orders, and income.

Firms also expressed concerns over government policies, particularly the actions to curb the spread of Covid-19 and its Delta variant, and higher prices of raw materials like steel, wood liner, glue, and other commodities.

PHL sustains dollar earnings in Aug; 8-month BOP gap narrows to $253M

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HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s Balance of Payments (BOP) posted a surplus for the second consecutive month this year.

The country’s BOP hit a surplus of $1.044 billion in August this year, bringing the eight-month BOP position of the Philippines to a slimmer deficit of $253 million.

August’s BOP surplus is the largest since April this year. It is also higher than the $657-million BOP surplus seen in the same month in 2020.

The country’s eight-month BOP position, however, is still lagging behind the $4.77-billion surplus in the same eight-month period last year.

The BOP is usually considered as an important economic indicator in an economy as it shows the level of earnings or expenses of the Philippines with its transactions with the world.

A surplus means that the country had more dollar earnings than its dollar expenditures during the period.

The BSP attributed the August BOP surplus to the additional allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to the Philippines given the IMF’s efforts to increase global liquidity amid the pandemic and the BSP’s income from its investments abroad.

The surplus could have been larger, the BSP said, if not partly offset by the national government’s

(NG) foreign currency withdrawals from its deposits with the BSP as the NG settled its foreign currency debt obligations and paid for various expenditures, and the BSP’s net foreign exchange operations.

Just last week, the BSP announced that it had lowered its projection for the country’s BOP for this year and for 2022, taking into consideration current deficits in the country’s external position as well as recent economic developments in the local and international front.

The 2021 BOP projection was from a surplus of $7.1 billion down to $4.1 billion for this year on a “more guarded view” of economic recovery. The 2022 BOP projection has also been lowered from $2.7 billion down to a $1.7-billion surplus.

This means that the country should incur an average of about $1.09-billion surplus on average in the last four months of the year to hit the BSP’s new projection.

“By and large, in this assessment of the BOP outlook, while some upside risks remain, downside risks continue to build up underpinned by the emergence of highly transmissible variants of the Covid-19 virus,” the BSP earlier said.

“The lingering uncertainty continues to cast a shadow on external sector prospects over the near term as the direction and duration of the pandemic remains little known,” it added. Bianca Cuaresma

‘Financial literacy essential in new digital economy’

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dvocacy groups are urging government, financial, and education institutions to address the lack of financial literacy among Filipinos amid the massive shift to digital platforms precipitated by the pandemic.

CitizenWatch Philippines convener Atty. Tim Abejo stressed that digital and financial literacy are key to empowering the work force facing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, notably lockdowns that have been recurrent for more than 19 months now.

Abejo explained, “With the pandemic’s devastating effects on our lives, livelihood, and the economy in general, only digital solutions will help our workers cope with the changes and challenges of our time. These would make them survive, and eventually thrive, in the next normal.”

“However,” he added, “ the lack of financial literacy will deprive our work force the opportunity to safely invest their hard-earned money and will be stuck in a vicious cycle of laboring long and hard to catch up with the growing cost of living.”

The 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey by the Bangko Sentral showed that Filipino adults have little understanding of compounding interest and the effect of inflation on the buying power of households more so on investment risks, returns, and diversification. It also showed that Filipinos scored low in long-term financial planning and even daily money management.

In a recent online forum on digi-

tal financial platforms for overseas Filipino workers, Senator Joel Villanueva, a former director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and now chairman of two Senate committees—Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, as well as Higher, Technical and Vocational Education—emphasized the close link between technology, financial literacy, and job empowerment.

Villanueva also said that OFWs and their families must learn together how to save, invest and set up their own business. “Hindi po pwede na habang buhay ang isang marino, halimbawa, ay nandoon lamang sa barko. (Seafarers cannot stay at sea forever).”

He pointed out that OFWs contribute 12 percent of the country’s national income and remit approximately P3 million a day that can now be safely and conveniently done through available dig ita l remittance platforms.

In a concurring statement, Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute President, Prof. Dindo Manhit said, “Having little knowledge on investing among wage earners here and abroad is a restricting disadvantage that must be reversed by empowering Filipinos with financial skills to manage their money, debt, and expenses and gradually create a culture of investing instead of consumption.

Financial literacy should be part of the essential skillsets that our people must learn and practice to create wealth and prosperity in the emerging digital economy,” Manhit said.

Meanwhile, consumers’ rosier outlook was based on their view of availability of more jobs and more working family members, additional or higher income, and effective government policies and programs, particularly in addressing Covid-19related concerns, such as the availability and rollout of vaccines, provision of financial assistance, and easing of quarantine restrictions.

The Third Quarter 2021 Business Ex pectat ions Sur vey was conducted during the period July 22 to September 15 this year.

There were 1,511 firms sur veyed nat ionw ide, consist ing of 58 4 companies in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 927 firms in areas outside NCR, covering all 16 regions nationw ide.

The Third Quarter 2021 Consumer Expectations Survey, meanwhile, was conducted from July 1 to 14. In the survey, 5,670 households were surveyed, 50.3 percent were from the NCR and 49.7 percent from the areas outside NCR.

Novavax submits emergency use OK from WHO for its Covid-19 vaccine

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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he US biotechnology firm Novavax Inc. announced on Friday the regulatory submission to the World Health Organization (WHO) for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Novavax recombinant nanoparticle proteinbased Covid-19 vaccine candidate with Matrix-M™ adjuvant. “[T he] s u b m i s s ion of ou r protein-based Covid-19 vaccine to WHO for emergency use listing is a significant step on the path to accelerating access and more equitable distribution to countries in great need around the world,” said Stanley C. Erck, president and chief executive officer, Novavax.

The submission was done together with its partner, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (SII). The vaccine will carry the trademark COVOVAXTM in the Philippines where an Emergency Use Application (EUA) was already submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“With this development we hope to inch closer to FDA approval for COVOVAXTM in the Philippines,” said Dr. Luningning Villa of Faberco Life Sciences Inc., the local biopharmaceutical company that will have the local rights to distribute the Novavaxdeveloped vaccine, COVOVAXTM in the Philippines.

The grant of EUL by WHO is a prerequisite for exports to numerous countries participating in the COVAX Facility, which was established to allocate and distribute vaccines equitably to participating countries and economies.

Clinical trials for COVOVAX have shown the following results: n 92.6 percent efficacy against variants of concern and interest including Delta n 100 percent efficacy against severe illness that leads to hospitalization and death n 91 percent efficacy on highrisk populations including seniors and those with comorbidities n 90 percent overall efficacy including the original strain Novavax has also previously announced that the vaccine has shown very high efficacy against all variants when given as a booster. Interim results from Phase 3 studies in adolescents aged 12 to 17 are also expected within the last of the year.

Faberco Life Sciences Inc. is a Philippine biopharmaceutical company marketing and distributing targeted premium pharmaceutical products for devastating and critical diseases. Faberco partners with reputable international manufacturers at the forefront of innovative product platforms and therapeutic categories.

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Pharmally docs covering ₧4.4-B deliveries go ‘missing’ Senators lauded for firm action on school tax rates

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By Butch Fernandez

enators threatened to send Pharmally Director Lincoln Ong to the National Bilibid Prison for his “refusal to cooperate and answer legitimate questions” as the Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Sen. Richard J. Gordon, continued to pursue the paper trail of multibillion transactions involving the controversial supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Department of Health (DOH).

Also at its ninth hearing, the Blue Ribbon noted the apparent “tampering” of official documents submitted to it, after Sen. Kiko Pangilinan flagged the disappearance of at least 19 inspections reports, covering some P4.4 billion in Pharmally transactions, from the Google Drive earlier submitted to the Senate.

“They were uploaded in the morning...we downloaded some of them... but somebody from your office took it down,” said Pangilinan as he confronted Director Jolas Brutas of the Procurement Service of the Department

of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).

Brutas was standing in for PS-DBM Executive Director Jasonmer Uayan.

Gordon demanded to know “who has control” of the electronic documents, and has the capability of taking them down.

After half an hour, Gordon’s staff noticed that an unidentified party had reuploaded some documents at past 4 p.m. to the Google Drive, prompting senators to remark that “someone tried to clean up the mess,” and had restored the missing documents because the senators raised a howl.

Earlier, Sen. Panfilo Lacson demanded that Ong reveal full details of the extent of financial assistance it got and from President Duterte’s former economic adviser Michael Yang that allowed it to cover for multibillion-peso transactions with the PS-DBM to which the DOH had outsourced the task of conducting biddings for urgently needed PPE items early on in the pandemic.

Lacson noted that of 45 suppliers, Pharmally is “number 1 and you bagged 26.39 percent of the P42 billion

transferred by DOH to PS-DBM, with a P625,000 initial capitalization.”

That is why, he said, Pharmally should be compelled to produce the documents sought by Senate probers.

“What is your connection with PS-DBM to be able to bag all those contracts?”Lacson demanded to know of Ong, noting that the contracts were negotiated contracts.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon moved to transfer Ong—seconded by Sen. Francis Pangilinan—after Drilon got exasperated with Ong’s evasive answers, when he repeatedly declined to say how much funds were really lent by Yang to Pharmally to allow the controversial start-up to cover for its committed supply deliveries to PS-DBM. Ong kept saying Pharmally has a “nondisclosure agreement” with Yang, which prevented him from revealing the actual amounts lent by Yang.

Drilon later asked Ong if he would cooperate if the Blue Ribbon were to call for an executive session so he can “speak freely.” The Minority Leader even

suggested senators could consider enrolling Ong in the Witness Protection Program, if they assess his testimony is crucial enough.

As Ong asked for five minutes to consult with his lawyer, senators resumed grilling of Micahel Yang, Duterte’s former economic adviser.

Gordon’s questions focused on the origins of Yang’s wealth, which Yang repeatedly refused to divulge.

Addressing Yang’s refusal to answer, Gordon said the Philippines was obligated to pursue the money trail because it had to show the international community “we are serious about money laundering.”

In the same hearing, a video presented by Sen. Risa Hontiveros showed a man wearing a cap and dark glasses, voice disguised, testifying that a Pharmally official instructed them to change the expiry dates on near-expiry face shields; and to include in the packs for delivery even old, bent shields, with yellowing foam (yellowed from long stocking period in warehouse). Those face shields are for doctors and nurses.

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

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rivate school associations lauded members of the Senate for “swiftly and favorably acting” to pass a bill on second reading that will prevent the collapse of propriety educational institutions in the face of a massive increase in tax rates amid the global health and economic crisis.

Dr. Anthony Tamayo, chairman of Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (Cocopea) and president of Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), said that with the approval by the Senate, SB 2407 moved a step closer to its enactment into a law. He said this would greatly help the private education sector together with its stakeholders.

“We need this more than ever. With our enrollment numbers that continue to go down because of the pandemic, this economic and policy intervention from our senators empowers and uplifts our institutions in taking on the challenges in education, particularly the current learning crisis of our students; preparations for reopening of schools to in-person classes; and the need to continuously strengthen our country’s human capital development in response to the fast-evolving digital economy,” Tamayo said. He said that with just a few days left before the session breaks in October for the filing of candidacies for the 2022 national elections, “we pray that SB 2407 be passed into law as soon as possible.”

“We express our profound gratitude to the Senate for swiftly and favorably acting on Senate Bill 2407 entitled, ‘An Act Clarifying the Income Taxation of Proprietary Educational Institutions, Amending for the Purpose Section 27 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, As Amended,’ especially to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chairperson Sen. Pia Cayetano and the primary author of SB 2407, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara,” the associations said in a joint statement stressing that the proposed amendment will make private schools qualified for a concessionary tax rate of 1 percent under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE Act), instead of the 150-percent increase imposed by a recent regulation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Tamayo said that upon hearing the “impassioned” sponsorship speeches for SB 2407 of Sen. Joel Villanueva,

Sen. Ralph Recto, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, “we are reassured that our legislature will not turn its back on private education in ensuring it gets the rightful share in the recovery and assistance measures that it grants to various sectors through the enactment of the CREATE Act.” The associations also thanked Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Francis Tolentino and Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go for manifesting their desire to be made co-sponsors of SB 2407.

“Indeed, Minority Floor Leader Sen. Frank Drilon has aptly described the overwhelming support on the passage of the clarificatory bill as bipartisan and an issue that crosses party lines for the sake of public interest. Education, as a public good, certainly deserves such significance and priority being given by our honorable senators. This was highlighted by Senate’s immediate termination of the period of interpellation to substantially save time and expedite Senate approval of the measure,” Tamayo added.

He said that the millions of stakeholders of the private education sector and the linked ecosystem that depend on the continuity of our schools, would be deeply grateful to the Senate for its swift and conclusive correction of BIR Revenue Regulation 5—2021’s erroneous interpretation of the CREATE Act, which the “Senate and the House clearly intended to provide a relief, not a burden, to the private education sector as partner of government, amidst the devastating pandemic.”

The associations said the educational institutions need a stable and enabling policy foundation to continuously produce the manpower with skills that are responsive to a fastevolving digital economy.

Signatories in the statement include the Cocopea, which represents over 2,500 private educational institutions with over 300,000 school personnel; Davao Colleges and Universities Network; Association of Private, State Colleges, and Universities in Region 11; Bicol Association of Private Colleges and Universities; and CESAFI Association of Cebu Private Schools.

Senate Bill 2407 seeks to amend Section 27 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997 to rectify with finality the flawed interpretation of a provision under the CREATE Act by the BIR’s Revenue Regulation 5-2021 which imposes a 150-percent increase in taxes on private schools.

No vaccine, no participation for teachers in F-to-F classes

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olding face-to-face classes may be a good sign that the country is slowly recovering from the pandemic, but the Department of Education (DepEd) should make sure teachers must be fully vaccinated first.

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. strongly suggested that DepEd should refrain from proceeding with its proposed policy of not making Cov id-19 vaccination mandator y for teaching and non-teaching personnel of schools that would participate in the pilottesting of face-to-face classes.

“I think there is a need to take a second look at that policy. Simply because in other countries, ang experiences nila was that there were risks involved in having non-vaccinated teachers and staff when they went back to face-to-face classes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that at least we are trying to start face-to-face classes. It is actually good news because that is a very good sign that, somehow, we are slowly going back to normalcy,” he said.

Marcos also noted that unlike last year, when children and teenagers were not so vulnerable to the previous strains of the virus, but with the highly infectious Delta variant now being the dominant virus strain worldwide, there are already thousands of children in the age range of four and below to 19 who have been infected with Covid.

According to data from the Depar tment of Hea lth, there were 38,825 Cov id cases among children aged four years old and below; 40,286 among children bet ween five years old and nine years old;

54,847 among children who are 10 to 14 yea rs old; a nd 82,434 among teenagers between 15 and 19 years old.

The former lawmaker pointed out that with children below 18 still not included in the national vaccination program’s priority tiers, they will be even more vulnerable when coming in contact with unvaccinated teachers and non-teaching personnel in the schools.

“Kung ‘yung findings noong isang taon hindi masyadong naapektuhan ang mga bata, hindi masyadong tinatamaan ang mga t e e n a ge r, i b a n a iton g D e lt a v a r i a nt . M a s h i g h l y i n f e c t io u s i t o n g v a r i a nt n a it o. N g a y o n , m a ra m i nang mga bata, mga teenager at p a t i m g a s a n g g o l n a n a h a wa a n .

Kaya ‘yung mga teachers, I bel i e v e t h e y s ho u l d b e v a c c i n at e d b e c au s e t h e y a r e e x p o s e d t o s o many people and then they are e x p o s e d t o c h i l d r e n , s t u d e nt s , young people na hindi pa nasis i m u l a n g b a k u n a h a n,” h e s a i d .

Reiterating his earlier call to include teachers and the DepEd ’s non-teaching personnel in the list of priorities for vaccination, Marcos proposed allocating a portion of the vaccines, expected to be completely delivered in several batches by the end of October, for the vaccination of teachers.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier disclosed that around 41.5 million doses of Covid vaccines are expected to arrive in the remaining week of September and in October, which would allow the country to have a total vaccine supply count of 100 million.

A6 Saturday, September 25, 2021

ExportUnlimited BusinessMirror

Pinoy exporters urged anew to explore EFTA market

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OCAL exporters and MSMEs can receive expert guidance on how to take full advantage of the Philippines-EFTA free trade agreement (PH-EFTA FTA) to break into and expand their existing operations in Europe in an upcoming webinar organized by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture on September 28, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In June 2018, the country’s free trade deal with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland entered into force after a near 10-year journey that started when

the EFTA member-states indicated their interest in forming an agreement in 2009.

Under the agreement, Philippine exporters benefit from reduced, if

not zero, tariffs, liberal rules of origin, and trade-facilitating features aimed at increasing two-way trade.

The FTA also eliminates the need to secure a Certificate of Origin from the Bureau of Customs.

Since the agreement came into effect, the Philippines was able to turn its trade deficit around with EFTA, DTI Undersecretary Ce-

Asia’s booming fish farms raise environmental, health alarm

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SIA leads the world in aquaculture production but intensive farming has led to an array of environmental challenges that could ultimately pose a risk to human health.

With demand soaring and much of the world’s fish stocks dwindling, almost half of all seafood now comes from aquaculture, with Asia at the center of it. The region accounts for 52 percent of global fish consumption and dominates production with an 88-percent share, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

While the contribution of aquaculture to economic growth and consumers’ diets is clear, these

benefits have been accompanied by environmental and social problems.

The damage includes declining agricultural yields as a result of land salinization, frequent outbreaks of shrimp disease and the misuse of prohibited antibiotics to prevent and treat it, which threatens consumer health.

Global fish consumption is surging faster than that of beef, chicken or pork, driven by an expanding and increasingly prosperous global population that recognizes the health benefits of eating seafood. Agricultural giants like Cargill Inc. and JBS SA have made forays into the aquaculture market that’s projected to grow to more than $245 billion by 2027

from $180 billion currently.

Another problem with aquaculture is that feed for farmed shrimp and fish depends heavily on wildcaught fish, further depleting marine resources. The fish processing industry is also often criticized for its treatment of workers, with child labor and substandard conditions under the spotlight. These issues challenge the sustainability of aquaculture, ADB said.

Much of the focus when it comes to farmed fish is on China, which outproduces the rest of the world combined. Indonesia, India and Vietnam are also big producers, but the concerns are not limited to Asia. Problems persist because the fish farming community typically comprises many smallholders, making it difficult to control good practices.

Innovations and improved regulation can make aquaculture more sustainable, the ADB said. That’s a role for the government and private sector. Modernizing outdated laws and improving technologies and practices can help farmers boost productivity, while reducing the negative impact on the environment. This will become even more pressing as the market expands further afield.

“It’s still continuing to grow fast, and it’s expanding to other countries,” Takashi Yamano, senior economist at ADB, said in an interview. “The demand for fish also will continue to expand.” Bloomberg News

ferino S. Rodolfo said in the first episode of the PH-EFTA FTA video series. The Philippines posted a trade surplus of $47 million in 2019 which grew to $109 million in 2020. Despite the pandemic, exports to EFTA grew 6 percent in 2020 to $461 million, with electronic integrated circuits, static converters, crude coconut oil, and

prepared and preserved pineapples among those that make up our top industrial and agricultural exports.

“This [PH-EFTA FTA] is part of the DTI’s commitment to help our businesses—big and small alike— to grow, become global, and share in the benefits of international trade by opening new markets for Philippine products,” Undersecretary Rodolfo said.

In addition to promoting trade in goods, the EFTA also improves trade in services. Philippine service suppliers, particularly architects and engineers who want to test their skills in EFTA, can benefit from commitments by the member-countries for cross-border movement.

For the upcoming webinar, officials from the EFTA Secretariat in Geneva will walk the audience through the process of navigating the regulatory landscape to be able to export to EFTA. Krisztina Bende, trade relations

division director of the EFTA Secretariat, will headline the event. Ola Godø Andersen, senior officer, will discuss trade in goods, rules of origin, and trade facilitation. Inger Gregersen, officer, will touch on government procurement, trade, and sustainable development. Bruno Hässig, officer, will cover trade in goods, agriculture, and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues. A speaker from the Philippine Bureau of Customs will also discuss the PH-EFTA approved exporter scheme in detail.

If you’re interested in joining the webinar, please register through this link. To learn more about the PH-EFTA FTA, watch this YouTube playlist. The webinar is organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Bern and Stockholm, the Office of the Agriculture Attaché in Geneva, with the support of the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau and the DTI-Bureau of International Trade Relations.

PHL leads benchmarking of laminated bamboo strips for indoor furniture use

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NIQUE, strong, and versatile —these are some of the characteristics being attributed to laminated bamboo strips making it a strategic resource for designing attractive furniture and a valuable product prized by ingenious craftsmen in the country.

To address the need for a standard on laminated bamboo strips, the Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), submitted a new work item proposal (NWIP) on laminated products made of bamboo strips for indoor furniture purposes to the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee on Bamboo and Rattan (ISO/TC 296).

The development of such standard will promote and facilitate international trade of laminated bamboo and reinforce its value, effectiveness, and competitiveness in the market; serve as reference for the formulation of a national standard for laminated bamboo products; and provide guidance to consumers and other stakeholders with regards to its consumption.

The proposal of the Philippines was approved by ISO/TC 296 last February 2021.

L aminated bamboo str ips, generally referred to as engineered bamboo in the Philippines, are bamboo products that are manufactured by fixing together strips/slats from bamboo culms to form a composite mate-

rial designed to serve a specific purpose. These products have various purposes often similar to that of solid wood or laminated wood products, which significantly increase their potential demand in the market most especially by furniture-manufacturing and construction firms, designers, manufacturers, and traders of laminated bamboo products.

The development of ISO standard on laminated products made of bamboo strips for indoor furniture purposes is handled by ISO/ TC 296/WG 5-Bamboo for Furniture. The working group is headed

by Dr. Rico Jariel Cabangon, deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), as its Convener.

Dr. Cabangon is also the chairman of the BPS Technical Committee on Bamboo and Rattan (BPS/ TC 76) that mirrors the work of ISO/TC 296 and establishes a national consensus position on the documents of ISO/TC 296. In addition, BPS/TC 76 reviews all the draft documents and comments of the ISO/TC 296 working groups which are submitted to the secretariat/conveners.

ISO/TC 296/WG 5 is composed of experts from the Philippines, China, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Colombia, Netherlands, and Nigeria.

The ISO Working Draft on

laminated products made of bamboo strips for indoor furniture purposes (ISO/WD 6128) specifies the requirements and test methods for laminated products made of bamboo strips for indoor fur niture pur poses including bamboo wood composite. It does not cover other laminated bamboo products not made of bamboo strips. It also specifies handling, storage, packaging, and marking requirements.

ISO/TC 296/WG 5 had its first meeting last April 28, 2021, in which the working group discussed the results of voting and comments on the proposal of the Philippines. It conducts a monthly meeting to deliberate the contents of ISO/WD 6128 and prepare the Committee Draft for submission to ISO/TC 296. The working group is set to have its next meeting on 30 August 2021 to continue with the deliberation.

BPS Director Neil Catajay congratulated the working group and expressed his hopes to have the standard completely developed in two years. “The Philippines endeavor to complete the development of all relevant standards by ISO/ TC 296 as these will significantly contribute to the advancement of the country’s bamboo and furniture making industry. We look forward to the support of other countries to the promotion and improvement of the bamboo industry in the international community,” Director Catajay shared.

OurTime BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Angel R. Calso • Saturday, September 25, 2021 A7

House committee seeks income tax exemption for senior citizens

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

Bill 8832 will now be transmitted to the House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

Ordanes said he filed the bill to exempt citizens aged 60 and up from paying income taxes.

“This measure seeks to partially increase the savings of our senior citizens in preparation for retirement

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HE House Special Committee on Senior Citizens on Tuesday approved in principle the proposed “Income Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens Act.” Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes of Senior Citizens party-list said the House

by exempting them from income tax until they retire,” he said.

“Through this, we, as a nation, can finally fulfill our Constitutional mandate to promote social justice by upholding and protecting the welfare of the vulnerable sectors of our society while helping them achieve the

Filipino dream of a comfortable retirement,” he added.

However, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Law and Legislative Division Atty. Mary Gretchen Mondragon suggested that a threshold be established to target the marginalized senior citizens rather than those in the higher income bracket.

Currently, the measure does not specify a cap on the amount of income that would be tax-free for senior citizens.

Ordanes urged the BIR to reconsider exempting citizens from paying taxes once they reach the age of 60 until they retire.

“Ang senior citizens ay napakaram-

ing taon nang nagbabayad ng income tax, upon reaching the age of 60, 35 years na pong nagbabayad ng income tax,” Ordanes said.

He also said he is open to a proposal to limit the tax exemption to ensure that the marginalized senior citizens truly benefit from the bill.

At 101, she’s still hauling FDA backs Pfizer Covid-19 lobsters with no plans to stop boosters for senior citizens

By Patrick Whittle & Robert F. Bukaty

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The Associated Press

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OCKLAND, Maine—When Virginia Oliver started trapping lobster off Maine’s rocky coast, World War II was more than a decade in the future, the electronic traffic signal was a recent invention and few women were harvesting lobsters.

Nearly a century later, at age 101, she’s still doing it. The oldest lobster fisher in the state and possibly the oldest one in the world, Oliver still faithfully tends to her traps off Rockland, Maine, with her 78-yearold son Max. Oliver started trapping lobsters at age 8, and these days she catches them using a boat that once belonged to her late husband and bears her own name, the “Virginia.” She said she has no intention to stop, but she is concerned about the health of Maine’s lobster population, which she said is subject to heavy fishing pressure these days.

“I’ve done it all my life, so I might as well keep doing it,” Oliver said.

T he lobster i ndu st r y h a s changed over the course of Oliver’s many decades on the water, and lobsters have grown from a working class food to a delicacy.

The lobsters fetched 28 cents a pound on the docks when she first starting trapping them; now, it’s 15 times that. Wire traps have replaced her beloved old wooden ones, which these days are used as kitsch in seafood restaurants.

VIRGINIA OLIVER, age 101, works as a sternman, measuring and banding lobsters on her son Max Oliver’s boat on August 31, 2021, off Rockland, Maine. The state’s oldest lobster harvester has been doing it since before the onset of the Great Depression. AP PHOTO/ROBERT F. BUKATY

Other aspects, though, are remarkably similar. She’s still loading pogeys—lobster-speak for menhaden, a small fish—into traps to lure the crustaceans in. And she’s still getting up long before dawn to get on the boat and do it.

She was destined for this life, in some ways. Her father was a lobster dealer, starting around the turn of the century, and instilled a love of the business in Oliver, who would join him on trips.

Wayne Gray, a family friend who lives nearby, said Oliver had a brief scare a couple of years ago when a crab snipped her finger and she had

to get seven stitches. She never even considered hanging up her lobster traps, though.

“The doctor admonished her, said ‘Why are you out there lobstering?’” Gray said.” She said, ‘Because I want to.’”

After all these years, Oliver still gets excited about a lobster dinner of her own and typically fixes one for herself about once a week. And she has no plans to quit lobstering any time soon.

“I like doing it, I like being along the water,” she said. “And so I’m going to keep on doing it just as long as I can. ”

A taste of culture

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

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ELL me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are.” These words are attributed to Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French lawyer and politician, who, as the author of The Physiology of Taste, became famous as an epicure and gastronome.

In the same vein, someone once astutely commented that if you truly want to know the culture of a place, taste the native cuisine. Why? Because there’s much history, tradition, custom behind the unique dishes of a given place. So, when in another country, eat as the locals do and get them to talk about the back-stories of the food they are serving.

Perhaps this notion of “food as culture” should be given some serious thought by my friends at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and any organization tasked to nurture, promote or preserve Filipino culture.

That was the point I got years ago when I read Tikim (1994), a collection of essays written by the late Doreen G. Fernandez. She single-handedly championed Filipino food in her writings,

documenting the indigenous cooking traditions—long maligned and misunderstood or ignored due to our misguided higher regard for western cooking. Doreen must have realized that there was more to food writing than sensory description; it was a way of illuminating a culture. This makes her a pioneering culinary ethnographer who transformed the way Filipinos saw their food and made it a big part of our cultural asset. One young Fil-Am chef who now credits Doreen for her change in perspective about Pinoy dishes says: “She opened the door for me to look at it with dignity.”

When I watch the old films of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, and even modern Bollywood movies, I become specially engrossed whenever there’s a dining scene. I am fascinated to see the dishes they are eating, such as plain rice or biryani with curry dishes, meat stew with chapati bread, and so on. These never fail to whet my appetite for Hindu food. It is also interesting to see them eating in the traditional native way—with their hands—including the well-groomed female lead

characters. It brings me back to my boyhood days in the province when I devoured my Lola’s savory cooking with my hands. More significantly these little food scenes give us telling glimpses of Hindu culture beyond words.

Even our history could be more interesting if we approach it from the culinary angle. If only local dishes could talk, they would probably have much juicy tales to reveal about the characters of our heroes and beloved icons. Come to think of it, one can discover much about the real human being behind a great man by listening to the lowly cook in the kitchen talk about his favorite dishes.

The Filipino food historian Milagros Santiago-Enriquez authored an award-winning historical cookbook, Kasaysayan ng Kaluto ng Bayan, which documents the history of Bulacan cuisine from as early as the 17th century. The book provides original recipes of Bulacan dishes during the Philippine Revolution and the birth of the Philippine Republic. There is a chapter there that lists down the favorite foods of the country’s heroes. Jose Rizal’s favorite was “Tinola and Ginisang Monggo” while Marcelo H. del Pilar’s was “Pinalundag na Bulig and Pochero.” Gregorio del Pilar craved “Arros ala Cubana and Puto Caramba,” among others.

DOT should look into food tourism as a whole travel package to promote the Philippines to a grow-

HE US moved a step closer Wednesday to offering booster doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine to senior citizens and others at high risk from the virus as the Food and Drug Administration signed off on the targeted use of extra shots.

The FDA authorized booster doses for Americans who are 65 and older, younger adults with underlying health conditions and those in jobs that put them at high risk for Covid-19. The ruling represents a drastically scaled back version of the Biden administration’s sweeping plan to give third doses to nearly all American adults to shore up their protection amid the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

However, more regulatory hurdles lie ahead before the dispensing of boosters can begin.

Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opened a two-day meeting Wednesday to make their own, more specific recommendations about who should get the extra shots and when. And in their first day of discussions, some experts were so perplexed by the questions surrounding the rationale for boosters that they suggested putting off a decision for a month in hopes of more evidence.

The uncertainties were yet another reminder that the science surrounding boosters is more complicated than the Biden administration suggested when the president and his top aides rolled out their plan at the White House last month.

The FDA decision Wednesday was expected after the agency’s own pan-

ing category of tourists who are into culinary experiences. A meal plan should be part of our travel packages, which dictate not only the hotels but also eating places that will enrich the visitor’s experience of our local culture.

One of the most effective ways to promote our local foods is through drama. I know this for a fact because there’s a slate of Japanese drama series on a streaming platform that uses food as an enticing dramatic ingredient to lure the viewer deeper into the heart of Japanese culture.

So far, I have been following five series. They are lighthearted and fun, eccentric and sometimes even elegiac in tone but all of them have food as a main character, affecting the character development of the protagonists in the mini drama.

In Midnight Diner the dishes can be so simple yet intriguing, from butter rice to omelet rice and various kinds of ramen. Watching the show, you can imagine just how much you can find and experience in the smallest of alleyways in Tokyo.

In Sweet Tooth Salaryman, a publishing sales man, Kantaro, wraps up his client visits in record time so he can secretly pursue his quest to indulge in the tastiest of sweets. The show features real locations and dessert hot spots in Tokyo. Each episode is centered on a typical Japanese dessert such as anmitsu, kakigōri, or mitsumame, or a Japanese interpretation of a foreign dish such as parfait, eclair,

el of advisers last week overwhelmingly rejected the Biden plan. The panel instead recommended boosters only for those most vulnerable to severe cases of Covid-19.

FDA acting commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said in a statement that the FDA authorization would allow for boosters in healthcare workers, teachers, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons.

“As we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines, including the use of a booster dose, we will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed,” Woodcock said.

Under the FDA authorization, vaccinated Americans are eligible for a third dose six months after receiving their second Pfizer shot. That’s different than the Biden proposal announced in August, which called for boosters after eight months.

“Today’s FDA decision is a major step forward in our effort to provide Americans with additional protection from Covid-19,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted Wednesday night. “We have been preparing for weeks to administer booster shots to eligible Americans and are ready to do so following CDC’s final recommendation later this week.”

The timing of the FDA decision was highly unusual given that the agency typically takes action before the CDC convenes its own experts.

The CDC panelists heard a series of presentations Wednesday outlinpancake or matcha bavarois.

The people behind the shows know that food has natural sense appeal and the shows exploit this to the hilt with appetizing shots arranged by food stylists on the set.

It’s almost like food porno, pardon the use of the term. The great thing about them is that it can propel the experience of eating delicious things to larger-than-life levels.

I am also getting a peek into the Japanese way of thinking and doing with every episode, thanks to the little slice-of-life elements that show revealing glimpses into the life of ordinary Japanese people.

Which brings me to my constant refrain on an idea I have harbored for the longest time. These shows prove my contention that tourism is narrative and sensual storytelling (sight, sound and taste), which is the most effective way of building greater understanding.

I strongly urge the NCCA and the CCP to look at this creative approach of using local cuisine embedded in classic elements of universal human drama to entice the world into the heart of our rich culture.

An enticing internationally appealing lighthearted TV drama series can be developed around the top Filipino dishes as ranked by Tasteatlas.com, including lumpiang shanghai, sinigang, tocino, sisig, adobo, lechon, daing, pinangat, and torta. From the books of Doreen Fernandez, there’s a wide array of other Pinoy dishes that

ing the knotty state of science on boosters. On one hand, the Covid-19 vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. On the other hand, there are signs of more low-grade infections among the vaccinated as immunity wanes.

Ultimately the committee must decide who is considered at high enough risk for an extra dose. Data provided by Pfizer and the Israeli government suggests a strong case for boosters in people 65 and older, but there is less evidence that extra shots provide much benefit for younger people with underlying health conditions.

Several CDC advisers agreed boosters are also important for keeping health-care workers on the job.

“We don’t have enough healthcare workers to take care of the unvaccinated,” said Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University. “They just keep coming.”

The CDC has already said it is considering boosters for older people, nursing home residents and frontline health-care workers, rather than all adults.

The World Health Organization and other global health advocates are opposed to wealthy nations dispensing a third round of shots when poor countries don’t have enough vaccine for their first doses. And many independent scientists say that the vaccines continue to perform well against the worst effects of Covid-19 and that their ability to curb the overall trajectory of the epidemic is uncertain. AP

will surely lure the world into our culture. An imaginative director can get inspiration from the recipes of mouthwatering dishes found in Mila Enriquez’ historical cookbook such as binilot na morcon, bistik na sugpo, bringheng Bulakan, calamares relleno, hamon ng Bulakan, leche flan del mar, picadilyong na may patatas at chorizo.

Such a show can even give new life to iconic delicacies such as bibingka, ginataan, suman, sapin-sapin, binatog and other traditional concoctions that are being glossed over because of today’s generation’s predilection for Western junk food.

The Japanese series that I follow—Journey To Red Restaurants List—makes the case for preserving endangered Japanese local eateries and their unique dishes and fare. Because it does it in such mouthwatering way, you end up advocating for the preservation of such places and such dishes.

These globally watched programs make a clear valid case for cuisine as an ART. The NCCA should seriously consider giving the art of food preparation legitimacy and putting it under its oversight together with the other conventional art forms.

Let’s nurture and “flex” our culinary artists and encourage them as they toil in their respective kitchens to keep stoking the flames of our native stoves to further explore “the luminous possibilities of a living culture.”

A8 Saturday, September 25, 2021

Education BusinessMirror

DepEd: 28.2-M enrollees surpass 2020 turnout

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HE number of learners enrolled in private and public schools for the new school year hit 28.2 million, effectively surpassing the turnout for 2020, according to the Education Department.

“We are happy with the turnout of enrollment this year, noting that we have surpassed [2020]’s enrollment levels overall, and in nearly all regions as of September 18,” Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno A. Malaluan said.

Based on the latest data from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Learner

Information System Quick Count, the 28,219,623 enrollees for this school year already exceeded 27,790,124 learners who enlisted in 2020.

DepEd said it would continue accepting late enrollees until September 30.

Meanwhile, the department also said some 202,603 learners have enrolled in

the Alternative Learning System.

“We are ending our release of the enrollment quick-count with the above data generated as of Saturday, September 18, as we shift to the beginning of the schoolyear updating of student profiles today,” Malaluan said.

The updated student profiles will be the basis for the official enrollment for SY 2021-2022, which will be released by end of October.

It will also provide information on the migration of learners from public to private schools or vice versa; balikaral, or those who skipped schooling in 2020 and returned this school year; as well as other important indicators.

Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA

Student loan provider widens scope, links up with top PHL universities T ECHNOLOGY-ENABLED education financing platform Bukas is expanding its reach by offering affordable student loans to its new partner-academic institutions.

These include private universities such as De La Salle University, University of Asia and the Pacific, Panpacific University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, St. Louis University, Colegio de Dagupan, St. Paul University-Quezon City, Baliuag University, and University of the Visayas, as well as specialty schools like SoFA Design Institute, Enderun Colleges, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Avion School, and Uplift Code Camp.

Studies reveal a third of Filipinos fail to obtain higher education, with affordability being a major barrier. In some cases, students may have enrolled for the first few semesters, but their financial situation falls short of being sustainable for them to continue and finish their degrees. This is reflected in the 10- to 15-percent yearly dropout rate many schools in Southeast

Asia experience, including the Philippines. “[The] new partnership between DLSU and Bukas is very timely, as many of our students continue to feel the effects of the pandemic on their family’s resources,” said Dr. Christine Joy A. Ballada, dean of DLSU’s Student Affairs. “With Bukas’ tuition installment plans, we can provide our students more options to fund their education, so that their learning continues during these difficult times.”

Bukas is offering an affordable, complementary solution to more families and students who cannot rely on bank loans or scholarships. With a base monthly interest rate of up to 1.5 percent, which is lower than other financing institutions, and payment installments up to 12 months, the platform makes it sustainable for parents, and even for working students, to manage their school finances.

The expansion of Bukas led by its parent company ErudiFi, which included the onboarding of new educational institutions and key hires across different business

functions, was a result of closing a $5-million, Series A round co-led by Monk’s Hill Ventures and Qualgro earlier this year. In 2020 ErudiFi’s business grew three times. It constantly widens its presence in the Philippines with partner-schools nationwide.

Counting the newly onboarded institutions, Bukas now has a total of 27 partnerschools, with presence in 57 campuses— including Mapua University, Far Eastern University, Adamson University, Our Lady of Fatima University, PHINMA Education Network, University of Nueva Caceres, Centro Escolar University, and Eskwelabs, among others.

“Welcoming new partners to our platform gives more…Filipino students the opportunity to study in their dream schools through more sustainable means,” Bukas Country Manager Jon Robert Emlano said. “The number of out-of-school youth continues to grow, and we want to be part of the solution as we help set them on the path toward building a better future.”

Roderick L. Abad

Visayas State U signs pact with Belgium’s KU Leuven

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HE Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven), or KU Leuven, has been engaging with the Visayas State University (VSU) since 2013.

In the aftermath of Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan), KU Leuven was one of the first overseas institutions to provide financial donations to VSU which amounted to P2.2 million. On top of that, several of the latter’s faculty members have also obtained their graduate degrees in the Belgian university.

While both universities have been working together for the past years, a formal partnership has yet to be sealed. As such, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in July. Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, president of VSU and Dean Dr. Philippe Muchez of KU Leuven’s Faculty of Science finally put into paper an agreement that formalized the longstanding relationship between the two learning institutions.

The said agreement involves conducting joint collaborative research, benchmarking of curricular offerings, and the provision of graduate scholarships—including shortterm exchange programs open for both faculty and students of VSU and KU Leuven.

VSU will benefit from this partnership by further strengthening its international presence through overseas mobility of its faculty and students.

Dr. Anabella B. Tulin, VSU Graduate School dean, laid the initial groundwork for partnership with Belgian Universities in 2019. The University of Ghent invited her in July 2019 through the Asean Plus Regional Platform Fellowship and made a proposal for funding. During her stay in the Belgian City, she had the opportunity to meet Belgian scientists from the University of Hasselt and Vrije University of Brussels for a possible collaboration with VSU. When KU Leuven’s International Course Program (ICP)-Master of Science of Sustainable Development reached out to VSU earlier this year through Gina Delima, a VSU alumna and now its faculty member, to ex-

Editor: Mike Policarpio

Coursera: PHL has highest global growth in enrollment from women-learners

MAJORITY of new learners in the country today are women, according to Coursera.

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NE of the largest online learning platforms in the world, Coursera Inc. (NYSE: COUR) has released a new study that examines the pandemic’s impact on skills and learning trends among women.

The Women and Skills Report compares prepandemic enrollment and performance data with trends observed on the Coursera platform since the onset of the health crisis through June 2021. It highlights an impressive increase in online learning participation among women-learners globally, and in the Philippines.

With a 774-percent year-over-year hike in enrollments from women-learners, the Philippines ranks No. 1 out of 190 countries for highest increase. More women are also joining certificate-training programs aimed at entry-level digital jobs.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021 indicates that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women in the archipelago, ranking lower in 2020. Despite the country almost bridging the education attainment gap at 99.9 percent, there is still gender disparity in labor-force participation, with only 49 percent of women in the job market today.

“We believe…the new norm of remote work and online learning is setting a solid foundation of a more inclusive recovery.

While women participation in the labor force is low in the Philippines, in the long term, we may see this rise as the access to equal job-relevant online education leads to equal employment opportunity,” said Coursera India and Asia-Pacific Managing Director Raghav Gupta. “The encouraging trends from the report are a testament to the resilience of Philippine women-learners and their determination to return to work and advance their careers.”

Women, skills report

MAJORITY (56 percent) of new learners in the Philippines today are women, bringing the total number of registered women in the country to 650,000.

Top skills among Filipinas reveal high investments in business. Top 10 abilities from the past year include communication (1.2 million enrollments among Filipinas), leadership and management (880,000), entrepreneurship (740,000), marketing (630,000) and business analysis (550,000). Many of the most popular courses are also from the business domain, including Excel Skills for Business (Macquarie University) and Write

Professional Emails in English (Georgia Institute of Technology).

Trends among women-learners in the Philippines align with global learner trends.

Though business skills are the most popular, more women are enrolling in courses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. For these, the gender gap narrowed from 38 percent enrollments from women in 2019 to 43 percent in 2021. Filipino women are investing in critical STEM skills like probability and statistics (680,000 enrollments), data analysis (490,000), and computer programming (480,000), with Programming from Everybody by University of Michigan among the most enrolled.

Women in the Philippines are enrolling in more courses than before the pandemic, particularly in certificate-training programs aimed at entry-level digital jobs. Women’s enrollments in similar Professional Certificates increased from 33 percent in 2019 to 47 percent in 2021. Certificates from industry leaders such as Google, IBM and Facebook are designed to prepare learners without a college degree or technology experience for a wide range of high-demand digital jobs.

Businesses, governments and campuses will continue to play a key role in reducing gender gaps in the digital economy. This year, in programs where Coursera is used by various businesses, governments and campuses in the Philippines, there were higher shares of registered women learners (44 percent, 57 percent and 54 percent, respectively), compared to the global setting (36 percent, 51 percent and 42 percent, respectively). Better gender share is likely to contribute to more diverse talent pipelines for employers.

“I earned my computer science degree with only a handful of women alongside me, and while a great deal has changed since then, we still have important work to do to increase women’s representation in technology and leadership,” said Coursera Chief Content Officer Betty Vandenbosch. “Access to flexible, job-relevant education can help women learn new skills they need to enter high-demand roles and achieve better gender balance in the work force.”

With more than 87 million learners and 5,000 courses on the platform, Coursera has one of the largest data sets for identifying and measuring skill trends. The Women and Skills Report includes information from 40 million new learners who registered during the pandemic between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.

De La Salle Phils. appoints COO plore opportunities for linkages, Dr. Tulin’s research-led project: the Development of a Smart and Sustainable Disaster Risk Management, served as the takeoff point of the MOU. Dr. Muchez expressed enthusiasm in the operationalization of the partnership.

“This notion of understanding is indeed a start for further operations within many more projects—both regarding research, but also education, which I think is really important,” Dr. Muchez explained.

Dr. Constanza Parra, KU Leuven director of the Master of Science of Sustainable Development program, added ways in which the partnership can be harnessed in the future: “We sincerely hope that from [this point] onward, we will be able to build together in education, in research, and in outreach. We are now passing the second phase of our ICP Master program, ICP connect, and we want [VSU to be one of] our core partners to accommodate mutual needs and expectations.

I would like [to] work together on research about climate-change adaptation, disaster resilience and sustainability.”

The VSU president assured KU Leuven officials of mutual cooperation that will benefit the two institutions. He also highlighted the way the Belgian university was an enabler for them “like a dependable friend that can

be counted on, especially in difficult times.”

“I have no doubt...this will bear significant results for both VSU and KU Leuven in terms of instruction, research, extension and innovations,” the VSU official shared.

“KU Leuven has always been a generous institutional partner for VSU even in our most difficult times...Our faculty who graduated from KU Leuven are also now contributing to VSU’s overall development because of the training quality they obtained from their international graduate experience in Belgium.”

Dr. Beatriz S. Belonia, VSU vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Juliet C. Ceniza, VP for Research, Extension and Innovation; and Dr. Ana Marquiza Quilicot, head for International Affairs witnessed the virtual MOU signing, while Dr. Klara Claessens, program coordinator of the Master of Science in Sustainable Development, joined the KU Leuven delegation.

Invited guests included KU Leuven alumni who are current faculty members of VSU: Dr. Rotacio S. Gravoso of the Department of Development Communication; Dr. Ivy Emnace of the Department of Food Science and Technology; Kyza Ramoneda of the Department of Biotechnology; and Delima, who represented VSU’s Institute for Strategic Research and Development Studies.

D

E La Salle Phils. (DLSP) President Edgar O. Chua recently announced the appointment of Robert L. Tang as its new chief operating officer and concurrent central house administration director.

Tang, who recently commenced his duty at La Salle Green Hills Central House, was previously the chancellor of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). He likewise shared his knowledge as a faculty member of the Human Resource Management Program.

As chancellor, he was instrumental in the formation of Benilde Antipolo. Through his leadership, Benilde Manila is set to open its senior high-school program.

Responding to the times, the new DLSP COO spearheaded the creation of the People and Organizational Development Office, and paved the way to emphasize the role of technology in inclusion and innovation through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Digital Technology.

Tang completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from De La Salle University, and finished his graduate studies in Business Management at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Clark Air Base College.

Prior to his academic venture in DLS-CSB, Tang worked as an instructor at the UPExtension Program in Pampanga. He commenced his journey in the college as a faculty member of the School of Management and Information Technology, where he was even-

TANG

tually appointed as dean. He likewise served as the college’s vice chancellor for academics.

A network of Lasallians within the Lasallian East Asia District, DLSP was established to build scholastic communities and provide access to Christian education that enables the youth to participate in the transformation of society. It was instituted to promote the spirit of faith and zeal for service of its founder Saint John Baptist de La Salle and facilitate collaboration in the Lasallian Mission.

Tourism&Entertainment BusinessMirror

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Saturday, September 25, 2021 A9

Silent Big Stones in Korea’s

Ganghwa Island Story & photos by Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero

T

alk about “ancient big stones” and the first place that comes to mind is England’s Stonehenge.

While Europe is home to a lot of similar structures ranging from the menhirs (free-standing large stone) in France to complex megalithic sites like those in Turkey and Malta, Asia also has a few exceptional megaliths but hardly anyone talks about them.

An interesting kind of megalith is the dolmen. Although they are neither the fanciest nor the most sophisticated structures around, the mysteries surrounding dolmens, as well as their ages and sizes, are more than enough to put some of them in my bucket list.

Dolmens are megalithic structures that mark graves of prehistoric people, mostly from the Bronze Age. While dolmens exist in many countries, the Korean peninsula is said to be the home to almost 40 percent of all the identified dolmens in the world! Most of them contain invaluable artifacts, as well as clues, that help in better understanding of how the earlier people lived and how they treated their dead. As a nod to this noteworthy cultural patrimony, three dolmen sites, namely, Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa, were given Unesco World Heritage Site statuses in 2000.

Historic island dotted with dolmens

A day before World Heritage Day (April 18th) in 2019, I managed to check out the dolmens in Ganghwa island. A little over an hour from the capital Seoul, Ganghwa lies along the border of South Korea and North Korea. The Ganghwa dolmens are scattered across the island and are grouped into clusters. The island is known for having the earliest northern table-type dolmen in the Korean peninsula, characterized by having at least two upright stones supporting an even larger capstone. The dolmen

cluster in Bugeon village is home to the nearly 200-ton dolmen officially named Bugeulli jiseok dolmen. The dolmen cluster in Osang village lies a few kilometers away and it definitely can be reached on foot.

Most visits to Bugeon village are rather fast and predictable: visitors go near to the Bugeulli jiseok dolmen, take a photo or two, go around it, and then move on to their next destination. While there is a map indicating that there are 16 more dolmens nearby, no one seems to really pay attention to them. The sprawling dolmen park also underwent some landscaping extensions in 2019 to include and highlight four more massive dolmens not even 50 meters away from the famous big one, in the hope that this would encourage others to explore them too and spend more time in the site.

The iconic 200-ton dolmen of Ganghwa-do, the best example of a Korean table-type dolmen.

Another dolmen marking an ancient grave along the hill trek.

Cherry blossoms in springtime South Korea are not overrated.

One of the gates of the Joseon period mountain fortress on the island.

Ignored hill with hidden megaliths

The weather during my visit was so unpleasant that I just had to make the best out of it—Seoul at that time was damp and cold. I decided to explore the surrounding areas and then walked towards a hill that is said to contain the other dolmens I never knew even exist before seeing the largely ignored map.

The trek is uncomplicated and can be done in an hour. However, as expected, it did not seem to be a popular excursion among visitors to the site, so much so that I never encountered a single person at all on the hill. The trek afforded me close encounters with wild Korean

A CURIOUS black fur squirrel follows the author.

water deer, a few cute black fur squirrels, and some striking feathered friends. To be in the company of old trees in a quiet corner of an island in springtime can easily be one of the best ways to spend one’s holiday! Indeed, there is joy and excitement in exploring remote places on your own sometimes.

One interesting dolmen on the hillside clearly shows lines of carved holes, indicating the method

Markings on the dolmen, an outline as to where a cut should have been made.

the Bronze Age builders used in cutting these large stones. They would have placed wooden stakes in the holes and later swelling them by pouring water. The pressure created by the expanding wood would cause the stone to break along the line of holes created. This technique is no different from how they did it on the megaliths in Egypt or Peru, and it is in fact still widely used today by stone cutters. Although

An example of an unsupported capstone dolmen on the hill trek nearby.

most of the dolmens along this trail are the unsupported capstone type, which is characterized by a big stone laid directly on top of an underground chamber, there are a few table-type ones that unfortunately have already collapsed. Nevertheless, all dolmens are properly marked and fenced, which only means that they are highly valued.

While I enjoyed some 15 minutes looking at and appreciat-

ing the well-known Bugeulli jiseok dolmen, I found the little adventure in the outskirts to be more thrilling, memorable and fulfilling. I have yet to see the other two dolmen groups Gochang and Hwasun down south, which some say may be even more impressive.

But for now, I can say that I have been well-contented with what I managed to witness and admire in Ganghwa.

Oceania Cruises resumes sailing

O

c eania C r u i s e s, t he world’s leading culinaryand destination-focused cr uise line, welcomed g uests across the gangway for the first time in 524 days. Marina is the first of Oceania Cruises’ ships to resume sailing and is also the very first cruise ship to sail from the port of Copenhagen since 2019.

“Today is one of those days we will all remember for a lifetime as we reunite with our shipboard families and our guests to start exploring the world once again,” stated Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises.

All Oceania Cruises voyages are operating with a requirement that 100 percent of guests and crew are vaccinated, creating what we believe is one of the safest vacation experiences in the world. The line is undertaking a phased restart

with its science-backed plan for a healthy return to service that protects our guests, crew and communities visited.

The robust SailSAFE Health and Safety Programme creates multiple layers of protection against Covid-19 and was developed with guidance from our team of public health and scientific experts including the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council and the Healthy Sail Panel.

These protocols will be continuously evolved and modified using the best available science and technology.

Oceania Cruises’ first guests to board the Marina cut a ceremonial red ribbon and are welcomed by Captain Luca Manzi, Master of the Marina, and Binder.

Marina’s first voyage sails from Copenhagen to ports in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania,

MARINA first guests ribbon cut

Latvia, Estonia, and Finland prior to concluding in Stockholm. Marina will spend the remainder of the summer and autumn cruising around Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Greek

First guest boards Marina.

Isles prior to setting sail for Miami where she will arrive on December 1.

Marina is the first ship to resume sailing for Oceania Cruises and will quickly be followed

by Riviera, which resumes sailing in the Greek Isles on October 18, 2021, and Insignia from Miami on December 21, 2021, to kick off the epic six-month-long “Around the World in 180 Days”

voyage. Sirena resumes sailing in the Caribbean on January 21, 2022, and Regatta will start sailing on February 5, 2022, in Polynesia followed by Nautica in the Mediterranean on April 1, 2022.

A10 Saturday, September 25, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

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ETHICAL HACKING COULD SAVE PHL FROM HIGH RISK OF CYBERATTACKS

THE virtual IKEA museum

BY RODERICK L. ABAD | Contributor

Swedish furniture maker hosts online festival, launches gaming collection

P

ERHAPS one of the most-awaited store openings in the Philippines this year is that of IKEA in Pasay City. This early, people have already created their wish lists on the IKEA Philippines web site (yes, you can already create a wish list but you can’t make any purchases yet). The web site will be open for shopping soon, before the fourth quarter opening of the physical store.

The store is five-story building in the Mall of Asia Complex. It will have a floor area of 68,000 sqm, said IKEA’s Pasay City store manager Georg Platzer.

“However, our visitors and customers will have access to our showroom, restaurant and Market Hall on levels 3 and 4,” said Platzer.

Last week, the global brand held the first-ever IKEA Festival with DJs, artists, designers, chefs and many other talents turning their homes into virtual stages.

To kick off the festival, IKEA in the Philippines hosted a virtual press conference and one of the highlights of the event was Raniel Hernandez of Facebook group Scandi Homes Enthusiasts giving us

a tour of his lovely home, which even had a corner for recycling and composting.

This was what the festival was about. It was set in over 100 homes, studios and neighborhoods worldwide with living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and backyards turned into virtual stages for performances and experiences in more than 50 markets across the world, including the Philippines.

“This is a new kind of experience IKEA wants to offer—celebrating, connecting and engaging around life at home. Home tours around the world will open doors to new experiences and new inspiration. We want to spark a conversation on the more sustainable and affordable life at home of tomorrow. And just as with any festival, you can expect a few surprises,” said Erika Intiso, managing director of IKEA Marketing and Communication AB. The festival took place on www.ikea.com and in IKEA stores in different room settings. There were also rooms where discussions took on current topics and visitors were kept abreast on news about IKEA. The IKEA Festival gave visitors and Scandinavian design fans so many experiences, including home makeover inspirations, storage advice cook-offs, intimate concerts and access to what is happening in IKEA right now, from the factory floor in Zbąszynek, Poland, to the prototype shop in Älmhult, Sweden.

IKEA fans even got to travel back in time in a digital IKEA museum to explore the diverse history of the brand over the decades.

Festival-goers got exclusive glimpses into the creative processes of designers and IKEA collaborators Ilse Crawford and Virgil Abloh. Star chefs from all over the world, including Swedish

cook Paul Svensson and Flynn McGarry, shared recipes and how-tos. “The home has never been more important than before. And with virtual connection now taking on a more prominent role in everyone’s life at home, we can open the door to many more lives around the world—exploring each other’s individuality and creativity at home,” said Platzer.

IKEA put up a billboard featuring more than 1,000 Filipino families along Edsa Magallanes. The collage was of the many “life at home” stories of Filipinos shared to IKEA last June. The store also opened a popup in SM Mall of Asia. The next pop-up will be in SM Megamall.

But perhaps one of the most exciting highlights of the festival was IKEA’s new collection of gaming furniture and products. One of the lines in the gaming collection, called Uppspels, is in collaboration with ASUS ROG. The ASUS ROG IKEA Collaboration product line Uppspel (Swedish for “play”) includes 12 products, and is the flagship line of IKEA’s gaming collection. The Uppspel collection includes an electronically height-adjustable gaming desk, alongside the Matchspel gaming chair, in addition to other gaming-focused furniture such as a striking pegboard and neck pillow.

There will be five other lines in the collection.

The other product lines are Lånespelare, Matchspel, Gruppspel, Utespelare and Hudvudspelare.

The entire collection takes the form of more than 30 new products, from gaming chairs to desks, mug holders to neck pillows, all of which will be available in stores by the end of October. The pieces in the line are offered at different price ranges to meet the needs of a variety of gamers. ■

Lenovo Legion takes gaming PCs to higher levels with Intel LENOVO Legion 5i

IT is no surprise that gaming is all the rage. With video games as a popular source of social interaction, people are searching for devices that can deliver high-performance and immersive gaming experiences.

Lenovo Legion recently unveiled the latest generation of new battle-ready devices with the hottest gaming features, cooler thermals and artificial intelligence (AI) to auto-enable seamless gaming. In addition, customers can count on integrated machine learning to elevate gameplay settings and framerates to pro levels.

No matter where you are at on your gaming journey, you will love the stylish-on-the-outside-savage-on-the-inside quality of the new Legion X60 Intel lineup: the IdeaPad Gaming 3i, Lenovo Legion 5i and 5i Pro, and Lenovo Legion 7i. These new laptops are equipped with smarter class gear with Lenovo’s unique blend of uncompromised engineering and industrial design. The addition of intelligent Lenovo Legion Coldfront 3.0 thermals increases airflow of up to 18 percent gen-to-gen improvement to better manage the heat and noise. Multiple sensors are placed on the CPU, GPU, rear

and side thermal vents, as well as on the SSD storage and palm rest to fire off information every nanosecond to predict the system’s thermal curve for hours of gaming with zero throttling. To further dissipate heat, Lenovo Legion expanded the copper heat sink system for up to 82 percent more thermal fin area gen-to-gen, and drilled copious holes into the laptop’s bottom cover and even under the keyboard to keep things cooler.

Gamers can also perform at their best with this year’s even faster millisecond input speeds, plus anti-ghosting, soft-landing switches, and the more mechanical key feel of Lenovo Legion TrueStrike—the specialized gaming keyboard with RGB backlit optional feature, and now color-matched for a more cohesive look.

Every Legion X60 Intel laptop purchase comes with a bundled Legion Active gaming backpack perfect for your new device. All items are available in all Legion Exclusive Stores and authorized resellers, and in the Legion Flagship Store on Lazada. More information is available on www.lenovo.com/ ph/en/legion.

THE Philippines is highly vulnerable to cyberattacks that ethical hacking could help counter, according to cybersecurity testing platform provider Secuna.

Based on the ransomware detections in Asean countries from January to September 2020 by Kaspersky Security Network, this Catholic nation ranks high as the fourth country in Southeast Asia targeted by ransomware attackers.

Meanwhile, the Asean Information Center reported that the Philippines remains at a low 82nd when it comes to online security readiness.

“We are not in the worst position, but we can be better,” Secuna Chief Executive Officer Iannis Hanen reiterated in a recent webinar they organized with the FinTech Philippines Association (FPH). “There are countries that have stronger cybersecurity but the Philippines is actually learning and catching up quite fast.”

As an effective solution to the country’s cyber risk, Secuna promotes the deployment of white hat hackers (WHHs), known as the “good hackers” who can detect and report the information technology (IT) and digital vulnerabilities that expose them to criminals on the web.

Their skills are in-demand as local companies have entered the cross-hairs of online hostiles that probe for and exploit weaknesses in their IT infrastructure. However, WHHs are still not enough to meet this urgent need, with 2.046 million vacancies unfulfilled in Asia alone. “With the rising cyberthreats in the Philippines, how can companies become cyber-secured in this ever-evolving digital era? With the help of the cybersecurity community and a proactive, persistent mindset toward protecting your data, a brighter future can be secured,” Secuna President Jay Ricky said.

According to Secuna chief information security officer AJ Dumanhug, their WHH-centered strategy can neutralize present and future cyber threats as their extensive network of ethical hackers provides customers and partners strong protection.

“Genius hackers strengthen companies’ cybersecurity by rigorously and continuously testing their systems to protect them and their users. We incentivize those WHHs for finding valid security vulnerabilities in our clients by paying the first hacker who finds those problems,” he noted.

A business leader’s openness can help firms to “be more accepting of these WHH reports to help them protect their data,” Secuna chief marketing officer Paulo del Puerto pointed out. Advancing the popularity of ethical hacking in the country could be achieved through collaboration. With this in mind, PearlPay Chief Technology Officer Pio Lumungsod suggested that “we should have a platform where the ideas are free-flowing, and the private and government sector can share the best practices.”

For Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, FPH trustee and Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra managing partner, a forwardlooking strategy is vital to building of cyber defenses.

“Risks have to be identified before an attack occurs, since the element of surprise is also part of an attacker’s weaponry.

Find the flaws in our defenses and fix them before they are used against us. We need this new cyber environment to make it safe for ourselves and our businesses,” he stressed.

Twitter to pay $809.5 million to settle shareholder lawsuit SAN FRANCISCO—Twitter said on Monday it will pay $809.5 million to settle a consolidated class action lawsuit alleging that the company misled investors about how much its user base was growing and how much users interacted with its platform. The San Francisco company said the proposed settlement, which must still be signed off by a judge, resolves all claims against it without Twitter admitting any wrongdoing.

The original lawsuit filed in 2016 by Twitter investor Doris Shenwick claimed that Twitter executives “knowingly made inaccurate public statements regarding these metrics, and failed to disclose internal information about them, resulting in an inflated share price that fell when the truth about user engagement became known.”

The company said it plans to use cash on hand to pay the settlement in the fourth quarter of 2021. It expects to record a one-time charge as a result.

According to the lawsuit, in 2014 Twitter executives said that the site’s monthly average user base was expected to increase significantly to “to over 550 million” in the intermediate term and “over a billion” over the longer term.

In 2019, Twitter stopped reporting monthly user figures.

At last count that spring, that number was at 330 million.

Now, Twitter reports only daily user figures.

And in 2017, Twitter said it had been overstating its monthly user numbers by mistake because it was including users of a third-party app it should not have.

Shares of Twitter Inc. fell $2.50, or 4 percent, to $59.95 in afternoon trading. AP

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Saturday, September 25, 2021 A11

Using blockchain to help Filipino doctors, nurses gain successful employment abroad L

AST June, the Philippines increased the number of nurses and health-care workers allowed to go overseas to 6,500 annually, as demand for our health-care professionals continued to increase.

The country continues to be one of the world’s biggest sources of nurses, with roughly 17,000 Filipino nurses signing overseas work contracts in 2019. But there was a temporary halt last year as coronavirus hospitalizations rose sharply.

Despite the danger, Filipino health-care workers all over the world continued to risk their own lives to keep Covid-19 cases from getting out of control.

Countries like the United Kingdom lauded around 21,000 Filipino frontliners who were working for the country’s National Health Service and private hospitals for their extraordinary contribution to UK’s battle against Covid-19.

The pandemic highlighted the shortage of health-care staff in many parts of the world, creating considerable opportunities for Filipino health-care workers who are dreaming of working overseas. In this Covid-19 era, Filipino health-care workers can now utilize digital technology in securing legitimate employment abroad.

A good example is how technology now allows them to create a digital profile where all their credentials are fully verified using blockchain technology. All an employer has to do is check the profile and see if it matches their requirements.

This can be done through TrueProfile.io, an online platform that provides them with the tools they need to secure a legitimate and successful career abroad. It became easier for medical workers to find legitimate recruiters as well as reach out to prospective health-care employers. “The TrueProfile.io platform helps to bridge the gap between qualified medical professionals and global health-care employers,” said Alejandro Coca, co-founder of TrueProfile.io. “This is done by providing all of our members with a free

digital profile known as a myTrueProfile page, which acts as a verified digital CV.” Currently, there are at least 50,000 Filipinos who trust TrueProfile.io platform in helping them fulfill their dream of working overseas: “We only work with legitimate recruiters to ensure that members are well looked after and have a positive experience when it comes to relocating for a career in another country.”

Apart from that, by having a myTrueProfile page, Filipino medical professionals also dramatically increase their chances of being hired. Interested applicants can simply create an account on TrueProfile.io (member.trueprofile.io/register), build a myTrueProfile page, and then set contact settings to the “Recommended” option in order to attract new career opportunities.

When developing a myTrueProfile page, one must be careful and detailed with their information: members should make sure to add relevant information about work experience, education, languages spoken, countries interested in relocating to, and verifications and professional licenses already held. They must also ensure their contact information is 100 percent correct, and specify e-mail information that is active and used regularly.

“The contact details that are listed on the profile will be used by the TrueProfile.io team and their recruiting partners to communicate about job opportunities.”

To verify all documents, applicants can log on to www.trueprofile.io. By signing up to become a member, the site offers members with a number of career solutions including a free digital CV which can be shared with employers, regulators and recruiters, and can also be showcased on social media. In addition, members can also utilize recruitment services and a wealth of resources to answer any queries about moving to the United Kingdom, for example, where many Filipino nurses have found lucrative careers.

This opens them up to a world of job opportunities on an international scale.

This technology makes the recruitment process so much easier since members need to have their documents verified only once. “Our use of blockchain technology means that individuals no longer need to verify their documents over and over again. Members can simply verify once, and a digital fingerprint of their verification is stored on blockchain which is fully owned and controlled by the individual. This means they can share their verification directly with employers, recruiters and regulators who can be assured of the authenticity of the documents.”

TRUST IN ONLINE MALLS

LAZADA recently held the second edition of LazMall Brands Future Forum (BFF) 2021, with the theme “Rising to the Future: Southeast Asia’s Digital Commerce.”

The Lazada platform has more than 110 million annual active consumers, and online transactions have grown 100 percent year-on-year.

In just three years, LazMall has grown to house over 32,000 local and international brands, with a high-quality customer base who are willing to spend more to purchase from brands they know and love, as well as discovering new brands on the platform.

New buyers on the LazMall channel nearly doubled year-on-year, and the value of purchases made by LazMall customers is twice that of an average buyer on the Lazada platform.

As online retail grows, adoption of a long-term digital commerce strategy that is unique to each brand is key. To ensure success, Lazada offers fully customized business and marketing tools and solutions, tailored to the needs of each brand and their customers.

According to the Lazada Group, innovation, creativity, cutting-edge technology and stunning customer experiences have continued to transform eCommerce, resulting in a great online migration, with over 70 percent of the Southeast Asia’s population now using the Internet.

As part of celebrating LazMall’s third anniversary, the event also presented the second BFF Awards. The BFF Awards 2021 honored nine top performing and innovative global and Southeast Asian brands on the LazMall channel with The Estée Lauder Companies taking home the most coveted award of LazMall Brand of the Year, and Samsung winning the Best Brand Partnership Award. Other winners included Nike for Best New Brand Launch Award; Coach for LazMall Rising Star Award; Lancôme for Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate getting the Best New Product Launch Award; Shiseido Group with LazMall Marketing Excellence Award; Starbucks with LazMall Innovation Excellence Award; Synagie receiving the Lazada Partner Award; and the L’Oréal Consumer Products Division winning Best Use of Lazada Sponsored Solutions.

The awards celebrate excellence demonstrated within the online retail landscape, the agility in adapting business strategies in an ever-evolving commerce environment, as well as constant creativity in seeking fun and interactive ways to enhance customers’ online shopping experiences. ■

GCash expects to surpass inclusive growth targets THE Philippines’s leading mobile wallet GCash reported that it expects to exceed its inclusive growth targets on the full array of financial services it offers in the country, spanning credit, savings, insurance, loans and investments. It also announced that it is doubling down on lending as Filipinos move toward digital finance. Having the first mover advantage on digital financial services, GCash is poised to offer more innovations leading to finance for all Filipinos.

Its Assets Under Management (AUM) for its GSave product has grown to over P9 billion, from P5 billion in 2020—almost double in just six months—while its GInvest product, just launched last year with four new fund categories, has helped GCash immediately capture 70 percent of the domestic market of total UITF accounts in just six months.

GInsure, GCash’s microinsurance offering launched in-app in 2020, now accounts for a third of all new insurance policies issued in the Philippines.

This happened in less than a year.

Last, the company’s in-house lending service GCredit, disburses P1 billion worth of loans a month on average, with P15 billion worth disbursed as of June 2021. It also provides the best repayment rates, and locally has the lowest past due and non-performing loans. Partnered with CIMB Bank, a neobank, GCredit works like a pre-approved credit card to make QR and online purchases, as well as bills payment, without traditional documentation requirements, and extends

MARTHA SAZON, president and CEO of GCash

30-day credit to GCash users.

GCash is also piloting GLoan, a new service that allows qualified users to borrow as much as P25,000, with repayment spread over 12 months. The service is doing well and has shown the fastest-growing revenue for its category.

In addition, GCash seeks to launch a “Buy Now, Pay Later” service within the year, aimed at addressing

financial challenges encountered by its users during the pandemic and beyond.

“As a driver of financial inclusion, our objective is clear, and that is to ease the friction being experienced by unbanked and underserved Filipinos. That said, we are also a highly collaborative institution. Financial organizations that share the same vision are welcome to partner with us; we seek to enable rather than compete with them as we work toward financial inclusion” said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash.

As a mobile wallet, GCash’s versatility lies within its platform approach. This allows the company to partner with other financial institutions in offering their products to its 46 million and growing digitalsavvy user base, whereas digital banks are restricted to their own services. Aside from the neo-bank CIMB Bank partnering with GCash for GSave and GCredit, Cebuana Lhuillier, AXA (through MicroEnsure), and Singaporean insurtech Singlife, have likewise partnered with GCash as insurance providers through GInsure.

“We have enjoyed massive growth in our financial services through innovative fintech solutions and strategic partnerships, regardless of licenses. We also have the edge on experience and technology as we’ve been promoting financial services since we started.

We have a very positive growth outlook in the years to come,” Sazon added.

Facebook oversight board reviewing ‘XCheck’ system for VIPs FACEBOOK’S semi-independent oversight board says it will review the company’s “XCheck,” or cross check, system following an investigation by the Wall Street Journal into the use of this internal system that has exempted high-profile users from some or all of its rules.

The board said on Tuesday that it expects to have a briefing with Facebook on the matter and “will be reporting what we hear from this” as part of a report it will publish in October. It may also make other recommendations, although Facebook is not bound to follow these.

The Journal’s report found that many VIP users abuse the system, “posting material including harassment and incitement to violence that would typically lead to sanctions.”

For certain elite users, Facebook’s rules don’t seem to apply. Facebook Inc. had told the Journal that the system “was designed for an important reason: to create an additional step so we can accurately enforce policies on content that could require more understanding.” The company added that criticism of it was “fair” and that it was working to fix it.

A representative for Facebook declined to comment further on Tuesday.

The Journal’s report, the board said, has drawn “renewed attention to the seemingly inconsistent way that the company makes decisions, and why greater transparency and independent oversight of Facebook matter so much for users.” AP

TRUEPROFILE cofounder Alejandro Coca

Sports

FILIPINO FIGURE SKATERS TEETER ON GERMAN ICE

BusinessMirror

A12

| Saturday, September 25, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

ROMEO SCORING LEADER D ESPITE playing hurt, Terrence Romeo still emerged as the leading scorer at the conclusion of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup eliminations.

The flamboyant San Miguel Beer guard averaged 19.0 points on 46.8 shooting percentage from the floor in just six games as injuries hounded his stint this season.

Romeo, a three-time scoring champion, is barely ahead of prolific rookie Mikey Williams who is at second spot with an 18.4 average scoring for the top seeded TnT Tropang Giga.

Williams’s hot shooting from deep also landed him second for the most three-point field

goals made with 29—behind the 32 of leader Simon Enciso of Blackwater.

Robert Bolick of NorthPort who previously occupied the second spot, slipped at No. 3 with 18.1 points per game, followed by Barangay Ginebra’s Stanley Pringle with 17.5, while another Beerman, CJ Perez, averaged 17.2 to round out the top 5 in scoring.

NorthPort big man Greg Slaughter, meanwhile, also made his presence felt in the individual statistical category even after playing for just six games as the 7-foot center leads the league in rebounding (10.7) and in block shots (2.3). He likewise ranks within the top 10 in scoring with 16.5 points at No.8.

Bolick on the other hand, is

showing the way in the assist department with 7.3 per game, while also leading in minutes played with an average of 38.9 per game, even as San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross is “The Man of Steal” with 2.3 average per outing.

As expected, Williams leads all rookies in scoring, three-point field goals made, and assists (3.7), but no. 2 overall pick Jamie Malonzo of NorthPort is giving him a good fight by placing second in scoring (13.2), while tops in rebounds (9.0) and block shots (1.8).

Other rookies in the upper bracket of the scoring are top pick Joshua Munzon of Terrafirma (11.7), Calvin Oftana of NLEX (9.3), and Meralco’s Alvin Pasaol (9.7).

Comprising the rest of the top 10 in scoring are the Magnolia

duo of Paul Lee (17.0) and Ian Sangalang (16.9) at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively, while occupying the final two sports are Jayson Perkins of Phoenix (16.4) and Magnolia’s Calvin Abueva (16.1).

Crowding out Slaughter in the rebounding department are Barangay Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger (10.5), six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer (9.8), Abueva (9.7), and Alaska’s Yousef Taha (9.6).

After Bolick, Kiefer Ravena of NLEX is No. 2 in assists (6.5), followed by Ross (5.7), Magnolia’s Mark Barroca (5.1), and Matthew Wright of Phoenix (5.0).

S

TERRENCE ROMEO’S having a ball in the Philippine Cup.

Ginebra, Phoenix clash for last berth in Philippine Cup quarters

P

HOENIX Super LPG and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel clash for the eighth and last quarterfinals spot in a suddendeath playoff on Saturday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The winner of the 4:35 p.m. game will face No. 1 TNT Tropang Giga in the quarterfinals. The KaTropa own a twice-to-beat advantage.

Phoenix and Terrafirma finished with 4-7 won-lost records in the eliminations, but the Fuel Masters beat the Dyip to the line because of the winner-over-the-other rule.

Phoenix beat Terrafirma, 96-84, last September 9.

Matthew Wright, who averaged 15.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.00 assists in 10 games, is confident of getting back at the Gin Kings, who beat them, 87-94, in the elimination round.

“We’re very confident that we can win this time...we should have won that game [eliminations],” Wright told BusinessMirror on Friday.

“Ginebra didn’t do anything special this season. They have

good players and a good coach [Tim Cone] that’s why they are successful,” Wright said. “But they didn’t do anything shocking.”

Phoenix power forward Vic Manuel is doubtful for Saturday’s game because of a groin injury.

Ginebra, on the other hand, stayed alive for the quarterfinals after Northport’s 122-94 win over Alaska on Thursday, the same day the Gin Kings lost to No. 2 Meralco Bolts, 66-79, that dropped them to a 4-7 record.

But Cone and the Gin Kings will have to face an inspired Phoenix side without Japeth Aguilar (medial collateral ligament) and Scottie Thompson (health and safety protocols).

“We have been given an unexpected reprieve, so we want to do our best and take advantage of it,” Cone said. “The guys know the road is tough, and has been tough, but it starts with one step.

That step starts with our game against Phoenix.”

Thompson averaged 12.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 10 games, while Aguilar averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in eight games played in the Philippine Cup.

YULO BACK ON TRACK

Former world champion Carlos Yulo shows his two medals—a gold and a bronze—he bagged at the 2021 All Japan Senior and Masters Gymnastics Championships on Thursday in Yamagata, Japan. Japanese Coach Munehiro Kugiyama posted the Tokyo Olympian’s accomplishment in social media. Yulo won gold in the floor exercise with a score of 15.300 and clinched bronze in vault with 15.000.

Underdog Euros have Yanks where they want ’em

S

HEBOYGAN, Wisconsin— They’re on the road, without their fans, facing an opponent with almost as much firepower and only slightly less favored than Mike Tyson in his prime. Europe’s perennial Ryder Cup underdogs have the Americans exactly where they want them.

Europe boasts the world’s No. 1-ranked player in Spaniard Jon Rahm; the US squad has eight of the remaining nine. The average European ranks 30th; the average American comes in at ninth.

According to golf’s most reliable metric—strokes gained—Yanks top the list in driving (Bryson

Josef Ramos

Clubs accuse Fifa of legal breach, railroading World Cup overhaul

L

ONDON—European clubs joined forces on Friday to rebuke Fifa for trying to railroad through plans for biennial World Cups, warning of a destructive impact on world football.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has infuriated the European Club Association (ECA), which is accusing the global governing body of being in breach of legal obligations with its rush to radically overhaul the sport and gain more control.

Fifa has been pushing internal interviews to media with retired players and former managers as it rushes to sweep up support from national associations for the plan to double the frequency of men’s World Cups from every four years to two, while making the women’s game appear to be an afterthought.

UEFA has already expressed its concerns about Fifa’s conduct and that has been echoed by the ECA, which represents 234 clubs.

The ECA said it would back a more balanced approach to club and international football by reducing the five windows typically in the year for players to be released for national team games to reduce the burden on players. It is the lack of apparent engagement by Fifa on the required new international match calendar (IMC) from 2024 that is troubling the clubs.

“ECA has therefore followed with grave concern and alarm Fifa’s launch of active PR campaigns and much pretence,” the club body said in a statement to The Associated Press, “apparently seeking to railroad through reforms to the IMC, particularly the introduction of a biennial World Cup.” All 211 member federations of Fifa have been invited to online talks on Thursday on the new IMC. The plans surfaced again in May when Saudi Arabia’s federation nominally proposed at the congress in May for Fifa to explore biennial World Cups.

The Saudis have emerged as one of the closest allies of Infantino, who has made trips this year to see Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

It is former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who has been deployed to sell the case for World Cups every two years in his role as Fifa chief of global football development. He gave presentations to the media before bodies such as UEFA on his vision for the match calendar after 2024 which requires the approval of the ECA so clubs release players for tournaments.

Fifa was “in light of the range of predisposed decisions and communications...in direct and unilateral breach of certain legal obligations,” the ECA said. AP

TEAM USA’s Brooks Koepka and teammates walk off the 10th tee during a practice day at the Ryder Cup at the Whistling Straits Golf Course on Wednesday in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The Ryder Cup starts Saturday (Friday in the US). AP

DeChambeau), approach play (Collin Morikawa), sand saves (Brooks Koepka) and scrambling (Patrick Cantlay).

In fact, the only category in which they trail their counterparts from across the pond is confidence. With good reason: Europe has won seven of the nine Ryder Cup matches played this century, including a split of the four on US soil.

“If we are watching them celebrate on our home turf, I think that’s going to be a hard pill to swallow,” said Tony Finau, making his second appearance for the US team. “With that being said, there’s that extra motivation, I think, or extra drive, to change the culture of American golf and we have that opportunity this week.”

The Yanks will get their chance beginning Friday morning, when Rahm teams with countryman Sergio Garcia in the opening alternate-shot match against the US pair of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. The second match pits Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland against Morikawa and Dustin Johnson; followed by Koepka and Daniel Berger against the English duo or Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick. The first session ends

by Cantlay and Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffle facing Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter.

The lineups for the afternoon of four better-ball matches will be announced after the morning session ends.

The Europeans enjoy a considerable edge in experience, with only three rookies to the Americans’ six. On the flip side, European captain Padraig Harrington will have to keep a close eye on his quartet of 40-somethings—Garcia, Westwood, Poulter and Casey—for signs of fatigue.

“We all know in Ryder Cups, there’s a fine line between playing too much, trying to stay fresh, fine line, 36 holes a day,” Harrington said. “Obviously, I have a slightly older team.... You don’t see them having any issues with playing 36 holes if they have to. But yeah, it’s something I would be aware of, that we don’t want to burn players out.” AP

By Josef Ramos

OFIA FRANK ranked No. 22 and Edrian Celestino wound up No. 16 in their respective events to find themselves on the radar’s edge at the Nebelhorn Trophy 2021—a qualifying tournament for the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022—at the Eissportzentrum Oberstdorf in Oberstdorf, Germany, on Thursday.

The Filipino-American Frank, only 15, now needs a strong finish at the women’s free skate program on Saturday to earn a ticket to the Beijing Games set from February 4 to 20.

Philippine Skating Union (PSU) President Nikki Cheng told BusinessMirror on Friday that Frank was 22nd in a field of 37, while Celestino, 23, was 16th among 30 participants in the men’s short program.

“Sofia placed 22 of 37, but we’re looking at the scores rather than the ranking,” Cheng said.

To qualify for Beijing, Frank must land at least in sixth place on Saturday, while Celestino needed to finish in the top seven in the continuation of his event late Friday.

The Colorado Springs-based Frank tallied a score of 47.65 in her routine that she performed with the Donna Summer hit Last Dance.

Cheng said that Frank’s Coach Tammy Gambill would need to strategize in the free skate to get a better result.

Frank showcased her best on the ice with a triple double toe loop, a triple loop and a double axel in her routine.

“It was a close fight. Scores were close for the next few skaters that scored better than Sofia,” Cheng said. “But the coaches are strategizing with her and she will get a call from her main coach Tammy Gambill today.”

Gambill is one of the more sought after figure skating coaches in the US, having been a national lever skater herself. She started coaching at a young age of 19.

Two-time champion American Alysa Liu topped the short program with 70.86, followed by Swiss Alexia Paganini with 65.65, Viktoriia Safanova of Belarus with 62.02, Australian Kailani Craine with 61.62 and Ukrainian Anastasila Shabotova with 61.49.

Ekaterina Kurakova of Poland was sixth with a score of 61.04, 14 points ahead of Frank.

Celestino, on the other hand, posted 64.32 points in his “In This Shirt” by the Irrepressibles.

Performance.

American Vincent Zhou stood in front with 97.35, followed by Adam Siao Him Fa of France with 89.23 and Australian Brendan Kerry with 85.89.

“Hopefully, they will do their best in the free skate and get high scores,” PSU National Coach Abraham Domdom said.

Online running up

T

HE Ortigas Malls Group— Greenhills, Tiendesitas, Estancia and Industria—will hold its first virtual running event as part of the group’s effort to promote health through sports for the general public without risks of contracting Covid-19.

Participants can do the 5-, 10or 21-kilometer distances anytime and anywhere from September 25 to October 10. Free registration is ongoing online through the Pinoy Fitness Atleta app. Registration ends on October 3.

Interested runners only need to submit a single or accumulated receipts worth P1,000 and use a GPS tracking or running app, watch or treadmill and submit run result on or before October 10.

The event partners are Fitness First and Anytime FitnessTiendesitas, Truslen and Greenhills Active Playground.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24/7 BUSINESS PROCESSING INC. 5th-6th-7th Flr. 81 Newport Bl Newport City Brgy. 183 Pasay City CHEW WAN XIN Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) 1.

Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

IRENE KING LING LING Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) 2.

Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

JACKSON SIA YEW FONG Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) 3.

Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

SIEW SOON FUH Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) 4.

Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

YONG JIA CHYI Customer Service Representative (Chinese Accounts) 5.

Brief Job Description: Assists clients will all their concerns. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

Basic Qualification: Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

6.

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

CHEN, JIANXIAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 7.

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

LI, WENMIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 8.

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

LIU, CAIMEI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 9.

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

LIU, HONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 10.

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

LU, XINHAI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 11.

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

MO, ZHENTING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 12.

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

TAO, JIAXING Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 13.

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

YU, JIAQIANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 15.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

ZHANG, XIAOYAN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 16.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

Basic Qualification: Preferably, 6 months to 1-year customer service experience. Detailoriented and has the ability to multi-task.

17.

LI, HUNG-YING Mandarin Speaking Financial Consultant 18.

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

19.

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

20.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HUANG, JIANWAN Chinese Customer Service

21.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LIANG, MEIXING Chinese Customer Service

22.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires MYAT PHONE LWIN Chinese Customer Service

23.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires SU, SHAOYOU Chinese Customer Service

24.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TEOH YU WEI Chinese Customer Service

25.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TERTI NOVIANI Chinese Customer Service

26.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TIANYANG, LUO Chinese Customer Service

27.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HUANG, JIANGMING Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Execute assigned business projects according to clients requirements

BUI DUC MANH Chinese Customer Service

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

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

No.

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

GAN CHOENG HIAN Customer Service Officer-Malaysian Speaking 31.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking foreign language

32.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WANG, HUAZE Chinese Customer Service

28.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WEI, LEIYU Chinese Customer Service

29.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, YUPI Chinese Customer Service

30.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

33.

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

34.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak Read and Write Chinese Language

35.

36.

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

LILIANA Bahasa Indonesian Language-head Of Department Fund Management Brief Job Description: Managing clients, meeting investors to discuss investments strategies

Brief Job Description: Provide excellent VIP guest services and gaming experience

DE LOOFF, BERNARD ADRIAAN Contracts Manager 37.

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

Basic Qualification: Strategic management of all IT applications development and delivery; partnership with different entities within the Asian Market, and overall management of the entire business operations.

Basic Qualification: Ability to liaise effectively with clients and other organizations Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Can communicate in English & Chinese Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Brief Job Description: Oversees and provides legal support to the project team

Basic Qualification: University degree in civil and administrative law including maritime law, construction law, and insurance law Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

DIAGEO ASIA PACIFIC SHARED SERVICES CENTRE LIMITED, INC. 10th Floor, Commerce & Industry Plaza Bldg. Mckinley Hill Fort Bonifacio Taguig City LIZZY SAFITRI HR Operations Analyst (Bahasa Speaking) 38.

Brief Job Description: Processes all incoming calls & emails into activities, redirecting to other HR Operations team where appropriate. Resolve all queries possible including investigation & customer interaction

Basic Qualification: At least 5 years experience in HR Administration.

Knowledge & training in any HRIS applications & Indonesian Labor Code. Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

DIGIVIRTUAL TECH CORPORATION 7/f Ba Lepanto Bldg. 8747 Paseo De Roxas Bel-air Makati City HU, MENGYANG Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist 39.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

SHANG, WENRUI Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist

40.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

SHEN, KUN Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist

41.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

TAO, XU Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist

42.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

YANG, DONGQING Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist

43.

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

Basic Qualification: Prior administrative experience and associate’s degree in any field

BOSKALIS PHILIPPINES INC. R-5008-b12/f A-place Bldg. Cbp Coral Way Drive Brgy. 076 Pasay City

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

Brief Job Description: Overall responsibility of overseeing IT application development, support and security function to Asian Markets

WANG, YING-JUI Relationship Marketing Host

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

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

BLOOMBERRY RESORTS AND HOTELS INC. Solaire Resort And Casino 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City Tambo Parañaque City

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

Basic Qualification: Thorough understanding of social media and web analytics

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

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

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support to managers and employees, assisting in daily office needs and managing company general administrative activities. Assist with colleagues’ travel expense reimbursement.

BHANOTHA, PRADEEP Chairman, President And CEO

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

AXA GROUP OPERATIONS PHILIPPINES INC. 39/f Gt Tower International 6813 Ayala Ave., Cor. H.v. Dela Costa St. Bel-air Makati City

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

Brief Job Description: Monitoring, analyzing, managing a monthly advertising campaign via Google ad words

WANG, DAN Mandarin Admin Assistant

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ASK ASIA SOLUTIONS INC. 1608 16/f New World Manila Bay Hotel 1588 M. H Del Pilar Cor. Pedro Gil Sts. 076 Bgy. 699 Malate Manila

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

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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered SUTA, SANIT Marketing Officer-Thai Speaking

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the Marketing Plans and Projects , Recommend to Senior Management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

APRICUS TECHNOLOGY INC. 8/f Aguirre Building 107 Aguirre St. Legaspi Village San Lorenzo Makati City

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor, Review and report on all Marketing Activity and Result

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ANDES CONSULTING ADVISORY INC. 22/f Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City

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

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

HUI, KE Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

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

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

CHEN, ZICHUANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

14.

A13

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

WEI, SONGYIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

ZHANG, XIAOCHUN Mandarin Speaking Computer Support Specialist

44.

Brief Job Description: Investigate user problems and prepare reports for developers.

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

EBDI PHILS. INC. G/f Pilgrim Bldg. 111 Aguirre St. Leg. Vill. San Lorenzo Makati City

BusinessMirror

A14 Saturday, September 25, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION POTTER, MICHAEL ADRIAN Director

45.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Advisor to the CEO, plans, presides and facilitates board and committee meetings

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Extensive years of experience in planning

46.

Brief Job Description: Configure and maintain computer networks

63.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer applications

47.

Brief Job Description: Primarily responsible for supporting company lawyers, including drafting documents, conducting, legal research, and maintaining and organizing files.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

CAI, RENSEN Customer Service Representative

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

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5 Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive Sto. Niño Parañaque City CHIU, YEN-YU Computer System Analyst

No.

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

CAI, XINGYUAN Customer Service Representative 64.

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

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center 170 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

ZHOU, MINLEI Mandarin Team Leader

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Organize promotions and events for company clients

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

DIAO, MINGWEI Mandarin Marketing Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Organize promotions and events for company clients

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

HUANG, RONGMEI Mandarin Marketing Specialist

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

CAI, YANGZHENG Customer Service Representative 65.

Brief Job Description: Organize promotions and events for company clients

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

CHOI, BUMSU Customer Service Representative

GUANG, BO Mandarin Operations Specialist

Basic Qualification: 09605221304

Brief Job Description: Organize promotions and events for company clients

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

HUANG, CHUNTAO Mandarin Team Leader

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Brief Job Description: Organize promotions and events for company clients

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

66.

FUJIAN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY 5 West Lawin Phil-am 1 Quezon City XIANG, LINMIAO Chinese Deputy Project Manager 53.

54.

55.

Brief Job Description: Able to work with the project manager closely to ensure the smooth running of the project

CHEN, WANZHAN Chinese Project Manager Brief Job Description: Planning and defining scope of the project

MA, JIANYONG Chinese Site Manager Brief Job Description: Participating in scheduling for a project

DENG, LEIYU Customer Service Representative Basic Qualification: no. Of years of relevant work experience of project management

67.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: excellent oral and written communication both in English and mandarin Chinese; strong public speaking skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: excellent oral and written communication both in English and mandarin Chinese; strong public speaking skills

FU, TIANZENG Customer Service Representative

68.

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issues depending on account assignment HAN, YANG Customer Service Representative

57.

58.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issues depending on account assignment

PENG, WENKUAN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

VONG PHAT SON Customer Service Representative 59.

60.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issues depending on account assignment

WONG TUNG YEE Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

XUE, HE Customer Service Representative 61.

62.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issues depending on account assignment

ZHANG, JIEWEN Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

LI, XUESHUANG Customer Service Representative 69.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

LUO, HONGLIN Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm i stressful situation

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

GU, JUN Customer Service Representative

FUWEALTH SERVICES INC. 18/f Techzone Bldg. 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. San Antonio Makati City

56.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

70.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situations Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SHEN, MINGZHEN Customer Service Representative 71.

Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm i stressful situation

YANG, YAPING Customer Service Representative

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

Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation

72.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm stressful situation Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

73.

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

GRANDTECH SUPPORT SERVICES INC. 4/f U-2c One E-com Ctr. Bldg. Ocean Drive Brgy. 076 Pasay City

No.

74.

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

75.

76.

77.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

78.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

79.

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

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

WANG, XUEFENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 80.

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

ZHAO, LIANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 81.

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

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

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

INQUICK SERVICES INC. Unit 606 6/f Itc Bldg. 337 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Bel-air Makati City

82.

NG JOEY Mandarin Speaking Hr Manager Brief Job Description: Manages the talent acquisition process

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

INTEGRITY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. 2/f-3/f Ayala Malls Circuit A.p. Reyes Ave. Carmona Makati City GAO, YUAN Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 83.

Brief Job Description: Provide information about products and service, handle returns or complains, review or make changes to customer accounts

WU, WANFANG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service Representative 84.

Brief Job Description: Provide information about products and service, handle returns or complains, review or make changes to customer accounts

Basic Qualification: Good communications skills mandarin speaking and basic English, must be good to handle clients and customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good communications skills mandarin speaking and basic English, must be good to handle clients and customers Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor Eight West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City CHEN, FEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 85.

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

GUO, YIXIN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

86.

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

LU, QIAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 87.

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

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

NIE, JUN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 88.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects ,recommend to Senior Management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

TAN SZE YAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

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

QIAO, BIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

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

LI, JIAJUN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

HENDY Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

TANG, ZHANGLONG Site Technical Support-mandarin

CHEN, SIJIE Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

SONG, WEINAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

TAN, BIYI Mandarin Customer Support Representative 89.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION TANG, ZHE Mandarin Customer Support Representative

90.

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

WEI, QUANSHENG Mandarin Customer Support Representative

91.

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

XIAO, HONGTIAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative

92.

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

LIAO, FENG Mandarin Customer Support Specialist

93.

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

YEE YEE Myanmari Customer Support Representative

94.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

95.

Brief Job Description: Ensure efficient delivery of services to all stakeholders (entities, regions, employees) in line with agreed service level targets.

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

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

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

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

96.

Brief Job Description: Provide information about products and service, handle returns or complains, review or make changes to customer accounts

OH, INCHAN Customer Service Representative Korean Speaking 97.

Brief Job Description: Provide information about products and service, handle returns or complains, review or make changes to customer accounts

PARK, DUK JIN Customer Service Representative Korean Speaking 98.

Brief Job Description: Provide information about products and service, handle returns or complains, review or make changes to customer accounts

109.

YEOM, KYUNGRAN Project Consultant 110.

111.

99.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

100.

DONG, HUAIWEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

112.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

113.

101.

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

114.

102.

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

115.

103.

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

116.

117.

104.

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

105.

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

106.

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

107.

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

120.

121.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries XI, JIGUO Chinese Customer Service

122.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XIE, JING Chinese Customer Service

123.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries XING, LINGLING Chinese Customer Service

124.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries YAN, SHUANG Chinese Customer Service

125.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, JUN Chinese Customer Service

126.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YAO, DONGCHEN Chinese Customer Service

127.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YU, ZICHUN Chinese Customer Service

128.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, JIANFENG Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries VONG NHUC MUI Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRUONG THI HOA Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SHI, HUAGUI Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, YANG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries JIANG, XUEJIAO Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HE, LILONG Chinese Customer Service

119.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HE, QING Chinese Customer Service

118.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GUAN, SHUHUA Chinese Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Good communications skills Mandarin speaking and basic English; Must be good to handle clients and customers

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries CAO, YANGYANG Chinese Customer Service

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City CHEN, LEI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: To analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each project.

CAI, ZHIHAO Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Good communications skills Mandarin speaking and basic English; Must be good to handle clients and customers

ZHUO, CHUJI Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries ZHANG, JIE Chinese Customer Service

129.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

130.

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

XU, YOU Mandarin Customer Service 131.

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

132.

133.

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

134.

135.

136.

137.

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

138.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin

Brief Job Description: Organize promotions & event for company clients

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

Brief Job Description: Provide functional assistance, direction to the kitchen operation, facilities and costs

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

LIU, YUNLONG Site Technical Support-mandarin Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

SHEN, PIHAO Site Technical Support-mandarin Brief Job Description: Reporting urgent maintenance and repair tasks

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

HUANG, ZE Mandarin Customer Support Representative

139.

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

HUANG, ZHENRONG Mandarin Customer Support Specialist

140.

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 5 years relevant experience, can speak and understand the Chinese language Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

URBANDIDEAS INC. Unit 17-m Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City MEI, XINXI Mandarin Team Leader 141.

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin

Brief Job Description: Maintain and drive program knowledge for self and team

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

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Dd Dragon Plaza Dd Meridian P Edsa Ext. Cor. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City LI, RENHAI Chinese It Specialist 142.

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

LI, DONG Mandarin Marketing Specialist

CHEN, YANMEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Opens customer accounts by recording account information

REDSHIELD SERVICES INC. Rm. 127 12/f Times Plaza Bldg. Un. Cor . Taft Ave. 072, Bgy. 666 Ermita Manila

Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin

TANG, YI Mandarin Technical Support

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

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

RED DOT MARKETING AND BRANDING INC. Unit 1514 Burgundy Transpacific Place Taft Ave. 079, Bgy. 727 Malate Manila

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

Brief Job Description: Opens customer accounts by recording account information

MOK CHEE WAH Executive Chinese Chef

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

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

PHILIPPINE PLAZA HOLDINGS, INCORPORATED Ccp Complex Roxas Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, Read, and Write Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin

YU, SHUNPING Mandarin Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center 170 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHAO, TIANLU Chinese Customer Service

MIRAE COMTECH INC. Unit 5a 5th Strata 2000 Building Emerald Avenue San Antonio Pasig City

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

Basic Qualification: Good communications skills Mandarin speaking and basic English; Must be good to handle clients and customers

ZHAO, YONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Relations Service Provider

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

Basic Qualification: College Graduate of any degree/Fluent in English and Bahasa/ Preferably with knowledge of HR Administration and Organizational Management Processes

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling service support calls

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

JVD GLOBAL CONSULTANCY INC. L2 Ayala Circuit Mall, Circuit Makati A.p. Reyes Ave. Carmona Makati City EOM, YEHEE Customer Service Representative Korean Speaking

108.

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

JTI GBS PHILIPPINES, INC. 14th And 17th Floor - Office A Ten West Campus Building, Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

RINA Employee Life Cycle Specialist (Bahasa)

No.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

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

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor. Washington St. Pio Del Pilar Makati City YU, HECAI Bilingual Admin Support Specialist 143.

Brief Job Description: Handles administrative requests and queries from Senior managers/officers

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

YONGFU PHILIPPINE NEW ENERGY MANAGEMENT LTD. INC. Units A&b, 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo Makati City LIU, JIE Chinese Business Assistant 144.

Brief Job Description: Reporting back to the director with detailed and accurate notes following any absence

Basic Qualification: Previous team management experience.

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

*Date Generated: Sep 24, 2021 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.

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

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

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR