BusinessMirror September 30, 2021 by BusinessMirror

Foreign biz pitches Ease of Paying Taxes bill B T J C. P @Tyronepiad

EVERAL foreign business groups asked the Senate to take action on the bill seeking to simplify the process of paying taxes in the country. In a statement on Wednesday, the business organizations said they recently sent a letter to the Senate Ways and Means Committee requesting that it deliberate the proposed Ease of Paying Taxes Act. The House approved the bill on third and final reading on September 15; it was subsequently transmitted to the Senate a day after. The measure wants to put in place a simplified process of tax filing returns to improve compliance with tax rules and

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IT’S DIFFICULT FOR ME TO ACCEPT THAT MY TIME AS A BOXER IS OVER—PACQUIAO

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hind its Asian neighbors including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. “We are certain that ending being the only country to require an OR [official receipt] and not accept the invoice is a positive step. If other countries that are ranked higher than the Philippines do not require this extra paperwork, then it is common sense to remove the requirement as soon as possible,” they said. The foreign chambers said the proposal received support from the government officials and private sector during the House hearing, even citing the previous endorsement by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. “During this unprecedented time of the Covid-19 pandemic, when circum-

regulations in the country. It also seeks to create a Taxpayer’s Advocate office, allowing the public to file for Tax Identification Number offsite, among others. Citing the Joint Foreign Chambers, the business groups said that enforcing the legislation can help the country improve its ease of doing business, which can bode well for its ranking in the World Bank’s (WB) Doing Business report.

Irregularities

HOWEVER, the WB announced recently the discontinuation of the said survey after finding “data irregularities” due to potential manipulation in 2018 and 2020 surveys. The latest report in 2020 placed the Philippines in 95th ranking, lagging be-

stances for taxpayers—be they corporate or individual—are very difficult, government should be creative and innovative in collecting revenue for our fight against the virus, but at the same time government should facilitate compliance by taxpayers,” they added. The statement was signed by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Australian-New Zealand Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters Inc.

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PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY

DATA CHAMPION

P.  |     | 7 DAYS A WEEK

CHINA POWER WOES MAY ■

IMPACT PHL BUSINESS UNCTAD CITES PHL FOR FREE FLOW OF DATA ACROSS BORDERS B T J C. P @Tyronepiad

IMPORTED carrots are on display at the Pasay Public Market. The Department of Agriculture has urged consumers to be meticulous when buying vegetables from the market, as undocumented shipments of agricultural produce are reportedly being sold in the country. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the DA has formed a task force with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to identify and press charges against these smugglers. NONIE REYES

B C U. O

@caiordinario

HE Philippines must brace for the impact of China’s power crisis, which has affected its manufacturing sector, and could imperil global trade, according to economists. This week, news reports surfaced that China’s bid to toughen its emissions standards has led to

a shortage of coal supplies. With high demand from manufacturing firms, coal prices in the so-

called Factory of the World have skyrocketed. Former University of the Philippines School of Economics Dean Ramon L. Clarete told the BM that China’s emission targets are quite ambitious and deferment of their targets will lead to a quick recovery from their current woes. “China’s competitiveness is going to get hit by the [power] crisis. And world trade as well. But the Chinese government can easily recover by deferring its climate change commitments and importing coal. The target implementa-

tion is quite ambitious,” Clarete told this newspaper. Clarete said China remains heavily dependent on coal. Developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy (RE) sources into mainstream power sources are still years away from turning into reality, he added. “It’s a development we need to prepare for. That [power crisis in China] and the looming bankruptcy of a real-estate firm with potential of dragging down its financial

HE United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) cited the Philippines as one of the six countries allowing free flow of data across borders, which is key in boosting the digital economy. In a recent report, Unctad noted that the country—along with Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore and the United States—uses “light-touch approach” for its cross-border data flow. “This approach appears to be favored mostly by countries with strong regulatory environments and sufficient regulatory resources to monitor compliance of domestic laws, especially by huge foreign companies,” it explained. The report attributed the Philippines’s use of light-touch approach to its “dependence” on the outsourcing industry, which is considered one of the major economic growth drivers of the country. The National Privacy Commission (NPC), for its part, said it is important to highlight both privacy rights of the Filipinos while ensuring free

flow of information to allow innovation and growth. “In the ongoing digital transformation of the country as accelerated by the pandemic, the ability of data, whether personal data or not, to move unhindered within and outside the Philippines, is vital for the economy. Of course, such free flow is subject to regulation, especially for the processing of personal data,” the NPC told the BM. As such, the privacy watchdog said this is observed in the business-process outsourcing industry (BPO) of the country. “The BPO sector relies on the trust and confidence of clients offshore to continue setting-up their businesses here, including the continuous transfer of data to be processed in the Philippines,” the NPC said. NPC said they make sure the sector is abiding by the Data Privacy Act, including placing security measures and upholding data subject rights, among others. Meanwhile, those applying “restrictive” or “guarded” approach in their cross-border S “UNCTAD,” A

S “C,” A

Ban on unvaxxed, not a glut, behind tomato dumping B J E Y. A @jearcalas

ARMERS in Northern Luzon dumped about 6,000 kilograms of tomatoes not because of oversupply but because of non-arrival of buyers, who were barred from entering the area due to “no vaccination, no entry” policies enforced by local government units (LGUs) in certain checkpoints. The Department of Agriculture (DA) explained that the reason behind the unsold tomatoes of a farmer named Enza Aguinao of Tubeng, Ap-apid in Tinoc, Ifugao

PESO EXCHANGE RATES

was the stringent implementation of no vaccination, no entry policy in various checkpoints by LGUs. The DA added that this was according to Ifugao provincial agriculturist Dr. Domingo Mariano, as affirmed by Diego Madino, a stall owner at the Nueva Vizcaya Agriculture Terminal (NVAT). Madino said that about 6 metric tons (MT) of tomatoes were dumped in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya due to lack of buyers. “The Regional High-Value Crops Management Program reported that Aguinao was able to earn a gross income of P800,000,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

“However, last week, she brought home 2 MT of unsold small and ripe tomatoes from her latest harvest. She returned it to her farm, which is the normal practice in the area where it was plowed back,” it added. Citing NVAT, the DA said the price of tomatoes has plunged to P10 per kilogram in the past week from P40 per kilogram. “For next week, DA-CAR has coordinated with the Ateneo Manila and the Rural Rising wherein they will be buying 1.5 MT, and 4 MT of tomatoes, respectively,” it said. “As a way forward, the agency

will coordinate with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and the LGU to use KADIWA trucks for the transporting and marketing of tomatoes, and coordinate with the DA-AMAS to look for more markets,” it added. The DA noted that the DACAR assisted a total volume of 58,991 MT of tomatoes from the municipality of Tinoc with a total value of P507,467 last year. “This year, a total of 71,563 MT with a total value of P641,947 was linked, transported, and marketed to NCR,” it said, noting that tomato is one of the high-value cash crops.

■ US 50.9470 ■ JAPAN 0.4569 ■ UK 68.9822 ■ HK 6.5462 ■ SINGAPORE 37.5217 ■ AUSTRALIA 36.8856 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 13.5823 ■ EU 59.5367 ■ CHINA 7.8872

Source: BSP (September 29, 2021)

News BusinessMirror

Thursday, September 30, 2021

UNCTAD... C  A

data flows include China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Vietnam.

International framework

UNCTAD said the global community should enable digital data to flow freely across borders, raising the need to craft an international framework to allow such activities. “It is more important than ever to embark on a new path for digital and data governance,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “The current fragmented data landscape risks us failing to capture value that could accrue from digital technologies and it may create more space for substantial harms related to privacy breaches, cyber attacks and other risks.” The new approach should facilitate “worldwide data sharing, develop global digital public goods, increase trust and reduce uncertainty in the digital economy,” the report explained. Unctad Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan stressed these are a must amid the

pandemic in order to resolve issues with global digital governance. Shamika N. Sirimanne, Unctad’s director of technology and logistics, said that the countries will find it more challenging to take advantage of the digital economy without a global data governance framework. In addition, no global framework also means added burden in protecting the privacy for both private ssector and government use of data, she said, noting this could also adversely impact law enforcement and national security. “We need a new regulatory framework that factors in both economic and non-economic dimensions, and that can work for countries at different levels of digital readiness,” Sirimanne pointed out. Unctad noted that the data-driven digital economy is gaining more foothold, with estimates showing that global Internet protocol traffic will grow more than three times between 2017 and 2022. This was further supported by the accelerated shift to digital amid the pandemic. The report noted that global Internet bandwidth rose by 35 percent last year, higher than the 26-percent growth in 2019.

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DOT promises foreign tourists #morefunawaits them in PHL B M. S F. A

@akosistellaBM Special to the BM

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched an international branding campaign aimed at keeping the Philippines top of mind among foreign tourists, in preparation for the eventual reopening of the country’s borders.

In an interview with the BM, DOT Assistant Secretary for Branding and Marketing Communications Howard Lance Uyking said the #MoreFunAwaits was launched to an international audience on September 16, with 30-second spots airing on CNN

International, the BBC, CNBC, and National Geographic. “Th is is a followup to our #WakeUpInThePhilippines campaign last year and will be airing until the country reopens,” he said. “Our foreign offices need a cam-

paign to help with their promotions and partnerships with international sellers,” he added. The DOT is targetting to reach about 37 million viewers for the international campaign, said Uyking. While the #MoreFunAwaits campaign was developed “internally,” the video ad itself was produced by IPG Mediabrands Philippines, with Touch XDA as media buyer.

Ongoing health, safety domestic promo

IN the ad, featured destinations include El Nido, Osmeña Peak in Cebu, Chocolate Hills, Boracay Island, and activities like sky biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, and island hopping. With the interspersed shots, the voiceover says, “Everyday the Philippines does more than wait. Putting together new adventures and experiences for you to try. Or making our sites better, for you to see. Cooking up new dishes for you to taste. We can’t wait to welcome you.” (For the entire video, visit https://bit. ly/2WhiiUz)

Along with the international campaign, Uyking said a local campaign to encourage healthy habits among domestic tourists is also ongoing. The “Have a Safe Trip” campaign “will continue next month when more destinations are open,” he said. Under the DOT’s budget for 2021, some P4.6 billion sourced from the Tourism Development Fund, was supposed to be used for the development, promotion, and marketing of the Philippines. The TDF is sourced from the accreditation, identification card, sticker and code fees, in accordance with Section 16 of Republic Act 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009).

China...

C  A

system,” Clarete, however, said. Ateneo Center for Research and Development (ACERD) Associate Director Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes said bracing for the impact of China’s crisis would be wise, given that the Philippines is a net importer. Peña-Reyes said the power crisis in China is causing supply-side problems which may lead to more expensive imports from China. This will especially be felt in food imports. He echoed former ACERD Director Alvin P. Ang, who wrote in his column in the BM last Friday (Economic growth is a moving target: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2021/09/23/economic-growth-is-amoving-target/?fbclid=IwAR2iP3KoH zlZk8cg5VokdtxcPFkuIkGdD2nlvguMZrpA4nrQssFjlPjaLQA) that the Phil-

ippines is 40 percent dependent on trade. With the country’s trade deficit accounting for 10 percent of the economy, the country imports more than it exports. “China’s supply-side problems due to its power crunch might have an inflationary effect as well on the stuff that we import from them, most especially food. I guess we need to diversify import sources, or find a way to boost domestic production,” Peña-Reyes told the BM.

Tim Yap party cost Baguio P8M

IN the recent 2022 budget presentation of the DOT to the Senate Finance’s Sub-committee, chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Imee Marcos questioned why the agency spent P1.5 billion for an international branding campaign when the country continues to be closed to foreign tourists, and in fact, declared a “hot spot.” She added, “Even a budget for domestic branding seems premature and unnecessary,” and suggested the funds be used instead for product development, language training, and the like. For her part, Sen. Nancy Binay also raised the possibility that the budget for the international branding, could be “better used to help the industry.” In response, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said the branding budget was in fact “reduced to P400 million” for this year, which was allocated to domestic promotions. She also corrected Marcos’s impression that the DOT spent for the controversial birthday party of event organizer Tim Yap in Baguio, through the local government. The party cost P8 million, according to the senator. “We didn’t fund the Tim Yap party,” said Romulo Puyat, adding “we came out strongly against it. Every time there’s a mass gathering, we are always against it.” (See, “Baguio’s Magalong comes to events manager Tim Yap’s defense,” in the BM, January 28, 2021.)

The DOT has a proposed 2022 budget of some P3.53 billion, and for its attached agencies—the Intramuros Administration and the National Parks Development Committee—P63.7 million and some P203.8 million, respectively. In an e-mail to the BM, University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus Epictetus Patalinghug said, however, that the impact from the “power price increase” in China may be small on the country’s external trade performance. Patalinghug said the country’s trade with China, even if it is considered a major trading partner of the Philippines, may be significantly affected by shipping woes and the increase in fuel prices. He said the logistics industry is currently plagued by a shortage of shipping crew, many of whom reside in countries with limited vaccines such as the Ukraine, Greece, Indonesia, Panama, and of course, the Philippines. “Even without power price increase in China—I do not call it a power crisis—imports [are] bound to increase due to rising shipping costs and the rise in the price of oil per barrel,” Patalinghug said. “However, the purchasing power of Filipinos willing to celebrate the Christmas season will tolerate price increases. May 2022 election spending will add to the inflation pressure after Christmas,” he added.

Coal crunch, row with Aussies

PATALINGHUG said China’s coal problems were a result of its “diplomatic and economic friction” with Australia. C  A

Davao City Special Feature

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Patio Suites | Davao City Facade

Positioning real estate investments in Davao’s unshakeable growing economy

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

NVESTING outside Metro Manila has been a recent key trend, as major infrastructure, government spending, and signs of potential are budding outside the city. Davao City, in particular, has been one of the more noticeable investment locations and touted as one of the country’s growth regions to keep an eye on.

Davao City is the regional center of Davao Region and the most populous city in Mindanao. As the third largest city in the Philippines, it is known for its bustling economic activities, urban build-up and modern amenities. The Davao Region is also the 5th largest economy in the Philippines in terms of GDP (with P832.1 billion in 2020), and the fastest growing region with a recorded 8.6 percent growth in 2018 and seven percent in 2019. Despite the pandemic, it was able to limit the decline of its economy at 7.6 percent. Being among the top five regions in the country, Davao is the only region that is better than the national average of -9.6 percent. And in the next five years, it is expected to receive a sizeable budget of P169 billion from the national government for its development efforts. More investments mean more infrastructure, and this translates to a creation of new lifestyle landmarks for the new era, at the center of which, is the progressing landscape of Abreeza.

The Rise of Urban Cities in Davao

AS Davao’s premier business and lifestyle district, Abreeza is a complete city leisure haven of lifestyle, commercial, entertainment and recreation spaces. It houses the Abreeza mall, which has over 300 anchor stores for dining and retail, as well as other key establishments such as Seda Hotel, Abreeza Corporate Center and a host of multiple residential choices from Alveo Land. With Abreeza, Davao offers a modern lifestyle of convenience, with everything you need all within a secure, exclusive, and walkable community. Also located close-by are essential institutions such as the Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital and Metro Davao Medical and Research Center; schools like the University of Southeastern Philippines, Assumption College of Davao and Ateneo de Davao University, and churches like the Redemptorist Church and Sacred Heart Parish. To be part of such a thriving modern estate like Abreeza signals the mark of positioning

Patio Suites | Davao City Al fresco Lounge

Patio Suites | Davao City Studio Unit

Seda Abreeza

investments in the right side of growth. This opens up opportunities to invest in modern developments that align with the pace of Davao region’s progress.

Alveo Land introduces Modern City Lifestyles

LOOKING at choice residential options within this thriving Ayala estate, Patio Suites by Alveo Land and Accendo Commercial Corp is a two-tower residential condominium characterized by an iconic patio design. Nurturing settings for connection and recreation, it features a spacious outdoor leisure amenity area of pools cabanas and multi-purpose green open spaces. This unique proposition mimics the feeling of a patio backyard, offering views that extend towards the whole estate. Patio Suites offers studio to three-bedroom units ranging from approximately 26 to 109 sq.m. Enjoy a complete city leisure lifestyle in Abreeza that fully complements residential trends that will change the urban landscape. For more information about Patio Suites and other Alveo Land projects in Mindanao, visit www.alveoland.com,.ph. The Alveo showroom located at the G/F Abreeza Mall is open for viewing by appointment.

Patio Suites | Davao City Lobby

Patio Suites | Davao City Swimming Pool

Abreeza Estate.

The Nation

A4 Thursday, September 30, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

BusinessMirror

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‘Swift’ grant of e-sabong franchise stirs ruckus in House By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

WO lawmakers strongly expressed their opposition on Wednesday over the “swift” grant of legislative franchise to e-sabong operators amid what they described as online gambling-related suicides.

Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva lamented the non-livestreaming of a committee hearing on an e-sabong bill “denying the public the chance to further scrutinize the measure.” The CIBAC party-list representative revealed that his office has so far received four reports of online gambling-related suicide—

two from Bulacan and two from Pampanga. The suicide victims were reportedly deep in debt and experienced distress because of their gambling losses. “CIBAC party-list [have] received reports of identifiable individuals who committed suicide because of their gambling troubles. They were not from rich families. They were

common Filipinos who got hooked on e-sabong because of the game’s addictive allure. Today, they have been reduced to cautionary tales of what gambling actually does to a nation. Instead of promoting prosperity, gambling destroys lives, families, and communities,” he said in a statement. “The effects of gambling and addiction to it are not only indisputably adverse but are also empirically established,” Villanueva said. “In actuality, the fiscal benefits or gains that our government could have from allowing and taxing e-sabong is just a drop in the bucket and pale in comparison to the social costs that it will bring to our people,” the lawmaker pointed out. The bill in question is House Bill 10204, which will grant Visayas Cockers Club Inc. franchise to operate offsite betting activities such as e-sabong. Villanueva lamented that a similar franchise bill for another e-sabong operator had previously been passed by the House “haphazardly” sans “ rigorous public scrutiny,” and is now awaiting passage in the Senate. Fearing the apparent mushrooming of e-sabong operators, Villanueva presented a University of Chicago National Opinion Research Center report indicating that “the availability of a casino within 50 miles roughly doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gamblers.” “Given the risks of increasing accessibility to all kinds of persons, including minors, and a high chance of being addicted to it, should not our consciences be troubled if we allow and even encourage e-sabong to thrive in our country under our watch?” he asked. Villanueva also questioned the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for its seeming double standards or lack of standard as to the government’s determination of which kinds and modes of gambling should be legalized. He also questioned its lack of empirical data on expected revenues from e-sabong and how they compare to revenues government could earn should gamblers spend their money on other taxable goods and services instead. “If government is expecting billions of revenues from e-sabong, does it not mean that we are making our people shell out trillions or more amount of money which they should have used in other more pro-

ductive economically beneficial consumption or spending? After all, such same amount of money should have been injected in the economy and may even produce revenues for the government albeit in other forms, such as VAT and excise taxes,” he said.

Railroaded?

FORMER Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, said he hopes the lower chamber will not “railroad” a second bill granting a franchise to another company to operate online cockfighting in the country. In a letter to Majority Floor Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on September 28, 2021, Cayetano asked that he be informed if the bill granting the franchise to Visayas Cockers Club Inc. would be taken up before the adjournment of Congress on Thursday, September 30. “It is my fervent request that this will not be the case as it deprives the members [of the House] of the opportunity to raise questions on a bill of transcendental importance that must be discussed due to the destructive effect it has on our society,” Cayetano told Romualdez. “Members of the House of Representatives are entitled to due notice of the matters that will be taken up during the plenary session. This is important to allow the members to study the proposed measure, prepare questions for interpellation, and formulate amendments, if necessary,” he added. Cayetano asked that House members be given a day’s notice before interpellations and debate on the measure that are scheduled for plenary deliberations. “This is also to prevent delays in the discussion to ensure that the resource persons we requested to invite are present and that the documents we requested are provided— especially on the bill that I am pertaining to,” he said. The first e-sabong franchise was granted to Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. on September 13, 2021. Cayetano noted that it took the House a mere day to move the measure from Committee Recommendation, inclusion in the Order of Business, Period of Sponsorship, and finally to Approval on Second Reading. “It is imperative that there will be an opportunity to deliberate on this measure and it will not be ‘railroaded,’” he said.

DND chief tackles PHL-US ties with new American ambassador By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

EFENSE Secretar y Delfin N. Lorenzana and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava held an “introductory” meeting on Tuesday as Filipino and American Marines kicked off their war games with the participation of Japanese forces. The defense chief welcomed Variava to the Philippines where both countries later reaffirmed their commitment to the security alliance through the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) during a meeting. “Both sides exchanged views on recent developments in the region, and covered discussions on how to further enhance the cooperation between the Philippines and the US,” the Department of National Defense (DND) said in a statement released by spokesman Arsenio “Popong” Andolong. “They also discussed updates on upcoming bilateral defense activities, logistics cooperation, particularly on the capability upgrades of the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP], and the way ahead for the Philippines-US defense relations,” Andolong added. Andolong said Lorenzana expressed his appreciation for the US support to the country’s efforts in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in facilitating the continued delivery of vaccines in support to the Philippines’s national immunization program.

‘KAMANDAG 5-21’

MEANWHILE, the “KAMANDAG 5-21,” the Philippine Marines’ joint and combined interoperability exercise with the US Marine Corps (USMC) and Japanese forces began on Wednesday, with fictional counterterrorism and internal security operations among its scope. The KAMANDAG or “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat,” an annual training exercises under the MDT, is aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation

and interoperability between US Forces and other partner-nations and strengthen allied countries’ readiness to respond to crises in the region. Marine spokesman Major Emery Torre said the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) again decided to join the exercise wherein it shares its humanitarian aid and disaster response (HADR) capability. Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major Gen. Ariel Caculitan said the eightday exercise should enhance their core competency as a national amphibious maneuver force and solidify the “Archipelagic Coastal Defense concept.” The counterterrorism exercise, which simulates special operations in defending and taking of an island, will be held at Corregidor, while the “Coastal Defense” training has been scheduled in Cagayan. Torre said a “Staff Integration Activity” would also be held in Palawan in order to improve the interoperability planning process with other foreign allied forces in the context of “territorial and coastal defense.” Capt. Benjamin Yoder, Communication Strategy and Operations Officer of the 3rd Marine Division, USMC, stressed the significance of reinforcing the decades-long alliance. “The US Marine-Fleet values these partnerships and is excited to exercise multilateral integration with our friend and allies both here in the Philippines and Japan. While our physical presence is limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the scope of this exercise remains significant with US Marines participating on both Philippine and Japanese soil,” he said. Maj. Yasutomo Kamiakito, commander of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, JGSDF, underscored the importance of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. “Both Japan and the Philippines suffer from common natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and flood almost every year. It is important for both countries to do HADR exercises to improve capabilities and share knowledge,” he said.

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AFP receives P57M worth of med supplies from Australia By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

HE military has received about P57 million worth of medical equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Australian government under its anti-pandemic effort for the Philippines. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO turned over the donations on Tuesday to defense and military officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the South Harbor in Manila. “Throughout this unpredictable Covid-19 pandemic, I am very pleased that Australia is able to provide flexible and responsive support to the Philippines,” the envoy said in turning over the items. “These additional medical and personal protective equipment will be critical in VLMC’s Covid-19 testing efforts, and treatment of Covid patients,” he added. Australia made the donation while its three warships are docked in Manila after holding maritime exercises with a Philippine Navy vessel under Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endevour 2021 (IPE21). Among the donated items were high flow oxygen machines, stretcher, defibrillator, disinfection kits, Automated RNA Extraction kit, Viral RNA Extraction kit, RT-PCR Reagents and Detection kit, face masks, face shield, PPE level 3 and level 4 sets, eye protector and KN95 masks. Lorenzana expressed the Department of National Defense’ gratitude and appreciation to Australia’s latest assistance. “The Australian Government has expanded the coverage of its Defense Cooperation Program to include the pandemic needs of Filipino soldiers; a gesture that conveys the message that we are not alone in this fight,” Lorenzana said. “Certainly, these donations will ramp up the day-to-day clinical management and quality of care and service which AFP’s medical arm is expected to provide,” he added. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the aid was the third tranche of donations from the Australian Government coursed under the Australia-Philippines Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program. AFP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino thanked the Australian Government and assured that the donations will be maintained and maximized.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Thursday, September 30, 2021 A5

Solon suggests realignment of DOH’s ’22 budget for booster jabs, fund SRA

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE Department of Health (DOH) may opt to realign P21.5 billion more under its proposed budget to purchase Covid-19 vaccine booster shots and to fund the special risk allowance (SRA) of health-care workers next year, an economist-lawmaker said. During the plenary deliberations on the DOH’s 2022 proposed budget late Tuesday, Marikina Rep. Stella

Luz Quimbo said the DOH could reallocate funds it had earmarked for its programs with historically

very low utilization rates. “Why should we insist on adding to the budget of programs that historically don’t use up their funds?” Quimbo told DOH. The lawmaker issued the recommendation after the DOH, through House Committee on Appropriations Vice Chairman Duke Frasco, said P4.2 billion could be realigned in the 2022 DOH budget of the agency to buy vaccine booster shots. “The agency could take 90 percent of the proposed funding for projects with utilization rates of 50 percent to 70 percent to generate around P21.5 billion funding for booster shots and SRA,” she said. According to Quimbo, pro-

grams with low utilization rates are health systems strengthening program, public health program, epidemiology surveillance program, health emergency management program and health facilities operation program. For his part, Frasco said these programs had low utilization rates due to the implementation of restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “[But] we agree that for weaker vaccine or the vaccine with lower efficacy, booster [shot] is needed. However, we are just awaiting for vaccine expert panel to provide us the advisory before we can proceed with the booster shot,” said Frasco. Currently, DOH’s budget proposal

Green groups urge Palace anew to order ban on single-use plastics

NVIRONMENTAL groups has asked President Duterte to order the immediate release of Non-environmentally Acceptable Products and Packaging (NEAPP) that will effectively ban single-use plastics in the Philippines. Through a letter addressed to Malacañang, leaders of the groups EcoWaste Coalition, Break Free from Plastic, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Philippines, Health Care Without Harm South East Asia, Mother Earth Foundation, and Oceana Philippines urged Duterte to direct the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) to effect the ban on single-use plastic. “This mandate is two decade long overdue and the Commission only listed plastic soft drink straw and stirrer in February. The plastic pollution crisis should be addressed as urgently as Covid-19 response. The longer we

don’t ban single-use plastics, the worse it will get,” Coleen Salamat of EcoWaste Coalition said in a news statement. The groups listed 10 items that should be included in the ban. These include plastic “labo” bags, plastic bags including oxo-degradable plastics, plastic cutleries: spoon, fork, and knives, plastic straws, plastic stirrers, plastic bottles plastic cups and plates, thin plastic take-out containers styrofoam or polystyrene food containers, and sachet, packaging, or products that are multilayered with other materials. They said that plastic is not just a waste management issue but a climate and health concern as well that continues to worsen due to the pandemic. So far, 95 local governments have issued resolutions urging the NSWMC to release the NEAPP list and include single-use plastics. “Our oceans are already drowning

in plastics. Our existing environmental laws are powerful, it is powerful enough to end the plastic crisis. Still, the implementation falls short. The Commission is composed of 14 national government agencies. RA 9003 was passed 21 years ago but to date, not much has been done to address the perils of plastic pollution,” Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana said. “We respectfully note that in 2019 during a Cabinet meeting on climate change, a pronouncement was made that the administration will push for a ban on single-use plastics. We are reaching out to the Office of the President as his [President Duterte’s] term comes to an end. To truly address the plastic and climate crisis, we have to stop it at the source. We sincerely hope that the administration will follow through on this promise,” Salamat added. Jonathan L. Mayuga

China power woes may impact PHL business continued from a2 He said Australia earned the ire of China for its insistence in the conduct of an international investigation on the origin of Covid-19 which was first detected in Wuhan, China. As a result, Patalinghug said, China is boycotting coal exports from Australia. This is now causing the limited supply of coal in China, sending coal prices to increase. On Tuesday, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Chief Economist Aaditya Mattoo said China’s announcement to toughen its emissions standards can actually work for the benefit of China, even if there are sectors that could be

hit by this effort through higher costs of transitioning to cleaner technologies. Mattoo said China’s aim of becoming carbon-neutral could make it a catalyst for greater international cooperation toward the Paris Goals and transform Beijing into a global leader in renewables. “For China, there are huge domestic benefits in terms of health. But even in terms of worker productivity could be higher with less particulate matter. Finally, China can be a leader in green technology, in some ways it already is,” Mattoo said. “So any downsides need to be

weighed against the upsides of a greener world where China’s tremendous innovative and industrial capacity will be a huge advantage,” he added. On Monday, a Reuters report noted that the power crisis in China has already affected the manufacturing sector and households. Guangdong and other industrial hubs in China are already experiencing consumption caps and power disruptions. In 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will cut its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels.

With implementation of mobile portability law, telcos reminded to ensure subscriber privacy By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

ELECOMMUNICATION companies were reminded to ensure privacy of telco subscribers’ personal information as a recently enacted law embodied in the Mobile Number Portability Act (MNPA) gets under way starting September 30. “Safeguard personal information of mobile subscribers, ensure cybersecurity policies are in place, and provide proper consumer welfare mechanisms in the course of porting activities,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said Wednesday as telcos are poised to implement the cell-phone number portability law.

Gatchalian authored the cellphone number portability bill now embodied in Republic Act 11202, otherwise known as the Mobile Number Portability Act. In a news statement, the senator asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to closely “oversee proper implementation of the law” by allowing subscribers to switch between telco service providers without having to change their mobile numbers and pay for interconnection fees for calling or texting across different networks. At the same time, Gatchalian goad-

ed concerned agencies to ensure the promotion of subscribers’ welfare and protect them against public exposure of mobile numbers. For instance, he cited a recent controversy surrounding the popular Netflix’s Korean series Squid Game where a supposed fictitious phone number used in the show turned out to be a real mobile number and the owner who has been using it for more than 10 years received a barrage of prank calls and texts from curious fans. He recalled that in one of its episodes, a business card with a phone number was given to a potential contestant to be able to be invited to a

mysterious survival competition with a cash prize worth W45.6 billion in Korean money. The senator reminded that the unauthorized disclosure of personal information, such as an individual’s name and phone number, is punishable under the Data Privacy Act. Gatchalian warned the public against posting online phone numbers without the consent of the owner, saying: “Sa panahon ngayon na kailangan natin ng mas maayos na serbisyo lalo na halos nakadepende na tayo sa ating mga mobile phones sa mga araw-araw nating gawain, mahalaga na maisakatuparan na ito at libre tayong makapamili ng serbisyo ng gusto nating telco.”

Police power vs unvaxxed legal, but law needed on sanctions–DOJ chief By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday upheld the legality of President Duterte’s statement compelling Filipinos to get their Covid-19 shots. The justice chief, however, said a law may be required if sanctions or

for next year, particularly the categorization of the P45-billion Covid-19 booster program, is under the unprogrammed funds. Unprogrammed items are only funded if the revenue collection of the government exceeds the target. “For the calendar year 2022, there is P45 billion unprogrammed funds for booster doses which should cover an estimate of 38 million of our population,” Frasco said. “[But] there is an allocation of P4.2 billion from programmed funds that will be used for the booster shots,” Frasco added. Citing her own computation, Quimbo said at least P60 billion is needed to cover the booster shots and to fund the SRA.

penalties would be imposed in the exercise of such “police power.” “The President correctly invoked police power as basis to compel antiCovid-19 vaccination for everyone except those who have valid reasons. The power rests upon the inherent right of the State and the people to self-protection,” Guevarra said.

“But this power, especially if accompanied by penalties or sanctions to enforce obedience or compliance, must be exercised through the legislature,” he said. Without an enabling law, Guevarra explained that the government might only urge or persuade or try even to convince people to heed its

call to get vaccinated. Earlier, President Duterte warned he would use police powers to compel people to avail of the government’s anti-Covid-19 vaccination program. Duterte noted that there were reports that some people are still hesitant to be vaccinated for a range of reasons.

BusinessMirror

A6 Thursday, September 30, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1, Pitx Kennedy Road, Tambo, City Of Parañaque CHENG, QIAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 1.

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

DANG THI THOM Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 2.

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

HOANG THI NINH Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 3.

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

HOANG THU XANH Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 4.

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

LE THI HUYEN TRANG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 5.

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

LI, FENGHUA Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 6.

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

SUN, ZHENGFEI Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 7.

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

VO THI HOAI LE Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 8.

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

WU, YUANMENG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 9.

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

YANG, JIE Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 10.

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

ZHANG, XINGQUAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 11.

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

ZHONG, FUDONG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 12.

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

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects recommend to senior management

No.

PECHSUWAN, TIKAMPORN Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking 16.

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

17.

18.

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

19.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects recommend to senior management

20.

21.

22.

23.

13.

Brief Job Description: Supervise teams of technicians, oversee workers, and perform inspections on work orders.

YU, ZHANGXIONG Technical Supervisor 14.

Brief Job Description: Supervise teams of technicians, oversee workers, and perform inspections on work orders.

15.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

24.

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered PHENSRISAI, KHANITTA Senior Telesales Marketing Officer- Thai Speaking

25.

Brief Job Description: proactive selling of products to both existing and new customers in order to achieve and exceed weekly, monthly and annual sales revenue targets and other performance targets PHAM THI NGOC MAI Telesales Marketing Team Leader-Vietnamese Speaking

26.

Brief Job Description: Create good relationship with team members and motivate them to put in their best to work in order to achieve maximum results

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

27.

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

WANG, JIE Field Sales Consultant 29.

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English

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

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

Brief Job Description: Strong written and verbal communication skills in Bahasa and English; Syncs with clients regarding Indonesian market trend and how the policies/updates apply to the market; High Competency with Google Sheets / Excel

QUEK JOO HONG Malaysian Customer Support Representative 34.

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

KIM, TAEYOON Marketing And Sales Agent 35.

ZHANG, HONGJUN Field Sales Consultant 30.

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

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

NEELY, THOMAS Marketing And Sales Agent 36.

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: Can contributes information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies; can help to detail, design, and implement marketing plans for each product or service being offered.

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

XING, XIAOXIANG Marketing And Sales Agent

Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and penetrate or follow through sales leads, Can Valuate customers skills need and build productive long lasting relationship , Can Meet personal team sales targets.

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

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

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

37.

Basic Qualification: Provide support through media review of sports, entertainment and adult video content for Bahasa Language, Bahasa Language expertise

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St, , Binondo, City Of Manila

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

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

DEXIN 999, INC. Red Hotel No. 345, Edsa Cor. Don Carlos Revilla St., Barangay 147, Pasay City

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

SUN, JINGANG Senior Marketing Specialist 38.

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

Basic Qualification: Can work harmoniously with executive team such as the marketing director or managing director to set the marketing strategy for the business .Must be willing to hire and manage junior marketing team that includes PR and creative staff . Able to speak and communicate using mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

FIBERHOME PHILS., INC. U-19d 19/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

ZHANG, YAN Account Director 39.

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

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

33.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate; at least 1-2 years of working experience in the related field; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

SULTON EFENDY Senior Process Executive - Data

Basic Qualification: Strong supervisory and leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate and manage a team

28.

Brief Job Description: Build and deploy salesforce solutions - marketing cloud

Basic Qualification: Proficient in salesforce marketing cloud and agile project management

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects recommend to senior management

CAI, QINGXIANG Field Sales Consultant

32.

SAMUEL KENNET RAJKUMAR, SITA KUNZ Senior Consultant (C1)

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

Basic Qualification: Can research accounts and penetrate or follow through sales leads, Can Valuate customers skills need and build productive long lasting relationship , Can Meet personal

CAPGEMINI PHILIPPINES CORP. 12f, Ten West Campus Bldg., Le Grand Avenue, Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

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

CAI, GUOXIONG Field Sales Consultant

31.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and presentation skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHU, PANPAN Field Sales Consultant

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

No.

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, City Of Parañaque LIU, HAIFENG Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered NGUYEN HOANG VY THAO Senior Customer Service Officer-Vietnamese Speaking

A-LINK STEEL MANUFACTURING CORP. Unit 1403-1404 14/f Bdo Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati CHEN, CHAOFAN Technical Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered PUNTUP, RACHAYA Senior Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered OUMDEEJIEM, PATCHAWADEE Senior Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered MAIPENGMUENG, BENJAWAN Senior Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered CHAISIT, SUNISA Senior Customer Service 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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered YODYING, URAIWAN Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered THAMPIYANAN, NATTANICHA Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking

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

Brief Job Description: Handling phone calls involving selling, pacify and good service rendered PETCHSUWAN, CHATTARIKA Customer Service Officer-Thai Speaking

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

AN, SHIQING Marketing Manager 40.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customer fiberhome in the Philippines

KONG, HONGBIN Project Manager 41.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing technical issues on materials, equipment Beijing used on projects.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a account director, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company, demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English languages, both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English languages, both verbal and written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, JUNDA Project Manager

42.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing and growing key customer fiberhome in the Philippines.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English languages, both verbal and written

43.

Brief Job Description: maintain and provide mandarin customer service

YE, CHAOMING Mandarin Head Operation Project Supervisor 58.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing incoming calls

44.

Brief Job Description: Discussing requirements with clients, recruiting and training staff, updating records, solving customer issues, and completing others tasks as assigned by directors. ZHANG, YI User Operations Manager

45.

Brief Job Description: Determines customers’ needs, recommends the scope of product lines by reviewing product specifications and requirements; appraising new product ideas and/ or product or packaging changes; assesses market competition by comparing the company’s product to competitors’ products.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: 5-10 years work experience in supervisory position, job-relevant degree, multilingual

46.

Brief Job Description: *Studying company profile and operations to understand its marketing needs. * Implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget.

PAN, RONG Mandarin Structural Maintenance Supervisor 59.

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

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

CUI, KAI Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

HUANG, BO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

HUANG, ZHICHENG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

LIU, ZHAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

LYU, SHANGYING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

SHI, ZEDONG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue

XU, SHIPING Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing various customer issue JI, DENGCHENG Technical Software Support Representative Brief Job Description: Follow standard processes and procedures

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

CHEN, ZHUOTAO Senior Site Coordinator 60.

61.

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.

ZENG, LILI Customer Service Representative 57.

Brief Job Description: Plan and coordinate all management aspects of the project at site

ZHANG, YU Sales Manager 62.

Brief Job Description: Serve as the lead point of contract for all customer management

WANG, MINGMING Chinese Barbecue Chef 63.

Brief Job Description: Assist the Exec Chinese Chef in the overall direction of all Barbecue planning, preparation, production and management of all BBQ items.

PAN, LI New Full Turn Key (FTK) Integration Service Delivery Platform System Project Director

64.

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

Brief Job Description: Manage project progress and ensure on time tasks completion; improve team work efficiency and simplify project delivery process; achieve customer’s objective and requirements for site coverage construction as required; assist the project team in selection and site acquisition according to customer requirements; allocation and adjustment of the team structure according to the progress and difficulty of site acquisition; help the project team resolve site acquirement issues; upgrade operation web services system capacity; promote operation web services online approval’s new technology; organize and coordinate team members

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

DUAN, ANQI Operation Manager For Mega Ecommerce Campaign

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

Brief Job Description: Plan the channel layout of the brand and marketing and promotion of Huawei stores; will be assigned as the electric channel platform station, monitoring payment tools; to manage network delivery and assurance scope; in charge of presales project’s professional service solution development and proposal

65.

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

HU, JIAN Product Manager For Philippines 5g Carrier Network Project

Basic Qualification: Have patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation 66.

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

67.

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

Brief Job Description: In charge with financial solution setting; identify the impact and risks of the project financial and business management; participate in the scale channel operation meeting and decision making; work with the regional centers to review monthly data and exceptions; maintain good relationship and communication with headquarter to gather latest policies and requirements; lead the quarterly self-inspection system

YANG, YOU Service Capability Building Project Director

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: Design the network solution and provide consulting services; introduce Huawei’s latest network products and solutions to meet customer requirements; handle new product proof of concept test and use case design; in charge with existing and future evolution fiber network high level design and new structures to evolve; handle emergency communication vehicle budding project SONG, BAOLONG Senior Financial Manager For Huawei Device And Internet Of Things (IOT) Business Development Project

Basic Qualification: Excellent problem solving and strong analytical skill Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

69.

70.

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

68.

Brief Job Description: Handle country service strategy adaption and execution; manage service outlet planning, construction and closure; oversee service bulletin and standard adaptation; supervise the capacity building project’s service centers operation; responsible for service center building and renovation; handle the repair spare parts management; recruit and build service team; provide guidance to all the service team members and service suppliers; conduct customer satisfaction degree research and improve customer satisfaction degree.

Basic Qualification: With at least 5 year work experience as product manager for ftk system; must have technical skills in delivery platform system and intensive project management skills; proficient with data analysis and mitigation plan; knowledgeable in site integration network, patents and technologies in structural design; must have a master’s degree in logistics engineering; highly proficient in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 2 year work experience as ecommerce operation manager; must have intensive training in ecommerce operation and management

71.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 3 years work experience as service manager for network construction and service center building; with at least 5 years managerial work experience in telecom industry; with expertise in product develop process and after-sales operation flow; knowledgeable in mobile phone products technology; with after sales work experience for mobile phone company including service network planning, service center building, innovative service solution, operations management and training; must have a bachelor’s degree in international trade; highly proficient in Chinese and English language Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

HUANG, LIJUN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 72.

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

YAN EAIN AUNG Myanmari Customer Support Representative 73.

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

NGUYEN VAN LUONG Vietnamese Customer Support Representative 74.

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

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

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 BURMESE 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 VIETNAMESE and at least college level with related BPO experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, Bf Homes, City Of Parañaque KANG, SEUNGMIN Korean Customer Service Representative 75.

Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing strategies to Korean customer service representative LEE, YOUSIN Korean Customer Service Representative

76.

Brief Job Description: Create and manage product in conjunction with marketing strategies to Korean customer service representative

Basic Qualification: At least college graduate speak and write fluently (Korean & English) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: At least college graduate speak and write fluently (Korean & English) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

JLG CONSULTING, INC. 4/f Crown Center, 158 Jupiter St., Bel-air, City Of Makati SEVRIN, MARIE ALICE C Designer Consultant 77.

Brief Job Description: Design consultant that evaluate client needs and developing products and prototypes

Basic Qualification: Basic Qualification: College Graduate; Preferably with 3 years experience in designing beach resorts, Fluent in English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

JSLINK INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 803-804 Ri-rance Building, Aseana Enclave Aseana City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque LI, SHIJIN Technical Consultant 78.

Brief Job Description: Determining information system requirements and defining project objectives ZHANG, LIANG Technical Consultant

79.

Brief Job Description: Determining information system requirements and defining project objectives

Basic Qualification: ABLE TO SPEAK MANDARIN AND ENGLISH Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

JT INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) INC. Penthouse, W Office Building, 28th St. Cor. 11th Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: With 3 years work experience as financial manager in global setting; with basic knowledge on privacy NAD fiver security, with skills in project management, communication, report issuing and reviewing; with expertise in business knowledge and internal control for devices and IOT business

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

CHEN, JIAAI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Master’s degree in optoelectronic information engineering; highly familiar with fiber network design system; proficient in Chinese and English language

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese. Has broad experience in handling finance and accounting

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor, Eight West Campus Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin language, with college degree

Basic Qualification: Chinese national with at least 3 years of work experience in Hotel Chinese Restaurant and has an eye for detail.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in overall operations of the finance and accounting department

LIU, YEN-KU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

CHAI, XIAOHAO Deputy Head Of Finance And Accounting Department

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience as a site coordinator; fluent in mandarin/basic english

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL BANK OF CHINA LIMITED - MANILA BRANCH G/f, 24/f, The Curve Building, 32nd St. Cor. 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

HOTEL SPECIALIST (MANILA), INC. Conrad Manila, Moa Complex, Seaside Blvd. Cor. Coral Way, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

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

HUANG, XUYANG Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Plan and coordinate all management aspects of the project at site

Basic Qualification: At least three (3) years of experience as a site coordinator; fluent in mandarin/basic english

HIKVISION SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. PHILIPPINES BRANCH 37th/f Joy Nostalg Center, Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a mandarin structural maintenance supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company, demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

No.

HAMMERTIME CONSTRUCTION INC. Unit 203-s3 2nd Flr., Fbr Arcade Bldg., #317 Katipunan Ave. Loyola Heights 3, Quezon City

FUWEALTH SERVICES INC. 18/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati CHENG HON LEONG Customer Service Representative

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

LIU, SONGTAO Senior Site Coordinator Basic Qualification: *Preferably 6 months experience with the above position. *Can multi-task and keen to details. *Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as a mandarin head operation project supervisor, familiarity, knowledge and awareness on machinery and heavy equipment use by company, demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

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

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

FLY ASIAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Eighty One Newport Blvd., Newport City, Va, Brgy. 183, Pasay City ZHANG, YULIN Marketing Consultant (Mandarin Speaking Clients)

Brief Job Description: The mandarin head operation project supervisor will be strategist and a leader able to steer the company to the most profitable direction while also implementing its vision, mission and long term goal.

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

Basic Qualification: 5-10 years supervisory or managerial experience in logistics or operations/ multi-lingual applicant.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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, City Of Taguig

NG YEE CHING Area Supervisor

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

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

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5, Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive, Sto. Niño, City Of Parañaque LIU, HANCHAO Mandarin Customer Service

No.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

MIKISHANOV, EVGENII Business Intelligence Group Manager 80.

Brief Job Description: Develop and lead the BI strategy in order to support Market KPI achievement, assess critical business and strategic levers

Basic Qualification: Understanding of the tobacco industry environment; advance knowledge on SQL, Microsoft power BI (Data modelling and data analysis expressions) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

JVD GLOBAL CONSULTANCY INC. L2 Ayala Circuit Mall, Circuit Makati, A.p. Reyes Ave., Carmona, City Of Makati PARK, GWONYOUNG Customer Service Representative Korean Speaking 81.

Brief Job Description: Duties, services and as may be assigned to him/her from time to time by the management of the Employer or other officials and superior officers.

Basic Qualification: Good oral communication, specifically English and Korean Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

M AND J SOLUTIONS PROVIDER INC. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati DINIZ BRAGA, NATALIA Hebrew Technical Sales Representative 82.

Brief Job Description: Close and grow sales through professional communication with existing and potential clients. Manage and interpret customer requirements speaking with clients to understand anticipate and meet their needs. Communicate sales or service opportunities and customer concerns or suggestions.

Basic Qualification: BSC/BA in business administration marketing economics or related MSC/ MBA is a plus data entry competency 40 wpm better 5-8 years of exp sales/ preferred fluent in Hebrew language fluent in English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

MARKETROLE ASIA PACIFIC SERVICES, INC. 26/f, 27/f, 28/f The Enterprise Center Tower 1, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

83.

CHAO, MIN-FENG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

A8 Thursday, September 30, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

84.

85.

86.

87.

88.

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

96.

97.

98.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHRISTOPHER Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service HOKY AJICAHYADI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service JIANG, CHENGWU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service KHONG LAI WOON Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service LI, ZHIFENG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service MA, MENGYIN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service NGUYEN VAN TAN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service QIU, JIANHUI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service WANG, LUYUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service WANG, WEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service XIA, YUNLONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service XIONG, XIAOXIAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service XOI THAI HUY TRINH Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service ZHANG, MENGMENG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service ZHENG, BAIMING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

99.

Brief Job Description: Manages all of the company’s financial controls and accounting programs

104.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ mandarin fluently

105.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ mandarin fluently

106.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ mandarin fluently

107.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak chinese/ mandarin fluently

108.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ mandarin fluently

109.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak chinese/ mandarin fluently

110.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

111.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

112.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

113.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

114.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

115.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

116.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin fluently Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Must have 4 year degree in business, accounting or related field (MBA and Chartered Accountant, CPA or similar designation preferred), Minimum of 10 years of diversified business experience in business/ financial planning, financial analysis, internal/external audit, and accounting, gained ideally in gaming, entertainment and hospitality industries

117.

Brief Job Description: Creating annual leadership sales forecasts by estimating total sales, gross.

118.

101.

102.

103.

CHEN, GUANGBIAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries FANG, XING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GAO, QIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, DAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIAN, LIPING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIN, WENDA Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LUO, FEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TAO, JING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WU, ZILONG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, BANGHUI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHANG, XIAOBIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAO, JIXIANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, YAN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHONG, JIANQUAN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description: To manage and oversee the operations of the corporation

Brief Job Description: Develop and enhance new and existing Nissan Customer Satisfaction and Retention Programs such as NSSW, GK Activities, F1 and QVOC, NES and SOW to meet market and customer needs

MURATA, RYO Vice President For Operations And Engineering (job Grade 7) Brief Job Description: Supervise monitor and apply corrective measures to ensure smooth projects

YU, JINLI Computer System Analyst Brief Job Description: Analyze and evaluate present computer business systems, procedures and process

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

122.

ZHOU, YINAN Procurement/marketing Manager (Mandarin-speaking) 121.

Brief Job Description: Implement avant-garde marketing strategies and establish a vast network of foreign suppliers

Brief Job Description: Supervise daily operations, ensure customer relationship is build up, and maintained through established service standards

JI, GYEONGNAN Manager, International Marketing

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

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

123.

LIN, ZHIHONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 124.

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

125.

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

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

WOO, JAEMYOUNG Calligraphy Designer/digital Typography Designer 126.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with our team of designers to create eye-catching artworks. Preparing layouts, providing timelines and constantly communicating with the clients are also some of your responsibility

LYU, YANBO Mandarin Project Manager 127.

Brief Job Description: Provide leadership throughout the project planning, implementation and post-launch support

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

LIU, ZHANGUI Machine Operator 128.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining warehouse equipment and machinery setting up manufacturing equipment overseeing training of new and junior machine operators using machine equipment to complete task performing routine inspections of manufacturing equipment

Basic Qualification: Previously holding of an identical position and responsibility Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

GAN, LEI Operation Manager 129.

Basic Qualification: Competency in Japanese language (written and oral), proficiency in Nissan systems such as Dragon, SAP, NIMS, Global One, ASPP panel, etc.

Brief Job Description: Process each item upon arrival, execute seller’s contract and write descriptions of each item, number items, communicate with management of consignments that will be sold at auctions, loading and unloading equipment directing and moving equipment to prepare for the auction

XIE, HANLIN Project Consultant

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 130.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor of arts

Brief Job Description: Determining the scope of projects via consultation and investigation. Analyzing the strengths weaknesses and risks of existing project plans as well as recommending improvements. Identifying project parameters and specifications. Performing cost calculations and coordinating budgets with financial departments.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field or business; minimum of 3 years of working experience as computer system analyst; fluent in Mandarin/ basic English

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, ability to speak and write in English and Korean fluently, skilful hands and an eye for detail and highly creative and ability to think innovately. Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification: Skilled and knowledgeable in various project management methodologies Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ZHONGWANG MACHINERIES PHILIPPINES, INC. Lot 424-d Riverside Ave., California Village, San Bartolome 5, Quezon City

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

Basic Qualification: Must have lived, studied and worked in Korea for at least 10 years and is accustomed to its culture; must naturally speak and write Korean language

WILDFIRES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 24th Floor Bgc Corporate Center, 11th Cor. 30th St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort B Onifacio, City Of Taguig

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

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

WEB4U INC. 2nd-5th Flr. One Of T Bldg., Ilang-ilang St., Almanza Dos, City Of Las Piñas

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

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

YU, DA Mandarin Customer Support Representative

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

Brief Job Description: Monitors market opportunities based on financial, technological and demographic factors

Basic Qualification: Must have lived, studied and worked in Taiwan for at least 10 years and is accustomed to its culture; must naturally speak and write Taiwanese language

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

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

ZHANG, BIAO Sales Manager 131.

Brief Job Description: Reviews machine applications directly assist customers to resolve lease and rental equipment problems. Solve problems to the customers satisfaction. Investigates and resolves machine accident machine damage and suspected machine abuse situations.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related a minimum of 5 years experience as machine operator and repair experience in construction and machineries; preferably fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or business administration / a minimum of 8 years experience management operations and budgeting Experience in construction and machineries company; preferably fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related minimum of 3-5 years regional project management of heavy construction equipment. Experience in construction and machineries company preferably fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business administration sales and marketing a minimum of 3 -5 years exp in sales and marketing of heavy construction equipment experience in construction and machineries company; preferably fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Sep 29, 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 National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication. Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

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

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

HUANG, HSIANG-TING Executive Host, International Marketing

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TIGER RESORT, LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT, INC. Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Barangay Tambo, City Of Parañaque

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

THE SASSY SIS BEAUTY FACTORY INC. 4/f 7665, Dela Rosa St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

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

No.

SUPREME CHENGHAO MANAGEMENT OPC Level 26-a Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

120.

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

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

SHINRYO (PHILIPPINES) COMPANY, INC. One Corporate Plaza, 845 Arnaiz Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

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

HE, JINQING Chinese Customer Service

OSHIO, RIE Aftersales Technical Consultant

MITSUBISHI POWER ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD. PHILIPPINES BRANCH 21f Tower 1 Insular Life Corp., Center, Fcc, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

100.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

NISSAN PHILIPPINES, INC. 8th Floor Ecoprime 32nd Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

119.

Basic Qualification: Identify new services delivery opportunities and leading the Company’s tender and submission process

HAO, WENJING Chinese Customer Service

ISHIKAWA, NORIKAZU Executive Chairman

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

NOMOTO, TOSHIRO General Manager

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NIPPON SANSO INGASCO, INC. 2301-06 One Corporate Center, J. Vargas Cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

MELCO RESORTS LEISURE (PHP) CORPORATION City Of Dreams Manila, Aseana Ave. Cor. Roxas Blvd., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

GIORDANO, JOSEPH Vice President, Finance

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin; wide range of network of suppliers in China, Japan. And Korea Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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

TheWorld BusinessMirror

China to keep Taiwan out of Pacific Rim trade group B

EIJING—Beijing said Wednesday it will block Taiwan’s application to join a Pacific Rim trade initiative, citing as its reason the island’s refusal to concede that it is a part of China. The Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday said Taiwan’s participation in regional trade cooperation is based on the “one China principle.” “We oppose the Taiwan region participating in any trade arrangements of an official nature or signing any trade agreements of an official nature,” spokesman Zhu Fenglian told reporters at a biweekly briefing. China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. It refuses to recognize

the island’s government and has increasingly sought to isolate the independence-leaning administration of President Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan announced on September 23 that it had applied join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a week after China submitted its own application to join. The 11-nation CPTPP, which took effect in 2018, includes agreements on market access, movement of labor and government procurement. Other members include Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Singapore and New Zealand. The UK also has started negotiating to join after it left the European Union. The CPTPP originally was called the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a group

promoted by then-President Barack Obama. His successor, Donald Trump, pulled out in 2017. President Joe Biden has not rejoined it. China and Taiwan split after the Communist Party seized control of the mainland in 1949 amid a civil war. They have extensive trade and investment ties but no official relations, and China has been using increasingly threatening language toward the island while applying military, diplomatic and economic pressure against it. Zhu’s comments follow earlier remarks by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian that China was “firmly opposed to any official contacts between Taiwan and other countries, as well as Taiwan’s accession to any agreements or organizations that are of an official nature.”

Taiwan’s government expected China would seek to block its accession. It says its status as a democracy and market economy should count in its favor. “Taiwan and China follow different systems of organization. We are an integrated market economy,” John Deng, a minister without portfolio, said at a news conference following last week’s announcement. Taiwan applied to join the CPTPP using the name “Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.” That is the name it used to join the World Trade Organization in 2002. As it has gained economic and political clout, China has adopted an increasingly rigid attitude toward such organizations in recent years, particularly regarding Taiwan. AP

North Korea says hypersonic missile made first test flight

EOUL, South Korea—North Korea said Wednesday it successfully tested a new hypersonic missile it implied was being developed as nuclear capable, as it continues to expand its military capabilities and pressure Washington and Seoul over long-stalled negotiations over its nuclear weapons. The missile test early Tuesday was North Korea’s third round of launches this month and took place shortly before North Korea’s UN envoy accused the United States of hostility and demanded the Biden administration permanently end joint military exercises with South Korea and the deployment of strategic assets in the region. A photo published in North Korea’s state media showed a missile mounted with a finned, cone-shaped payload soaring into the air amid bright orange f lames. The official Korean Central News Agency said the missile during its first f light test met key technical requirements, including launch stability and the maneuverability and f light characteristics of the “detached hypersonic gliding warhead.” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff assessed the missile to be at an early stage of development and said North Korea would need “considerable time” to be able to deploy it operationally. The North’s announcement came a day after the South Korean and Japanese militaries said they detected North Korea firing a missile into its eastern sea. The US Indo-Pacific Command said the launch highlighted “the destabilizing impact of [North Korea’s] illicit weapons program.” In a separate report, KCNA said the North ’s rubber-stamp parliament opened a session on Tuesday and discussed domestic issues such as economic policies and youth education and that the meetings would continue. Some experts speculate the North might use the session to address the deadlock on nuclear diplomacy, but the state media report did not mention any comments made toward Washington and Seoul. At a ruling party meeting in January, leader Kim Jong Un named hypersonic glide vehicles, which are launched from a rocket before gliding into a target, among a wish-list of sophisticated military assets. KCNA described the new missile as an important addition to the country’s “strategic” weaponry, implying that the system is being developed to deliver nuclear weapons. The report also said the test confirmed the stability of the missile’s fuel capsule, indicating a technology to add liquid propellant beforehand and keep it launch-ready for years. And a North Korean official said the North planned to expand the system to all its liquidfuel missiles. Liquid-fuel missiles are more vulnerable than solid-fuel missiles because they need to be fueled separately and transported to launch sites using

trucks that can be seen by enemy satellites or other military assets. K im Dong-y ub, a professor at the Universit y of Nor th Korean Studies in Seoul, said North Korea is tr y ing to improve the mobility of these weapons. Nor t h Korea l ast week made

offers to improve relations w ith South Korea under certain conditions, apparently returning to its pattern of mixing weapons demonstrations w ith peace overtures to wrest outside concessions. Negotiations over its nuclear program have been in a stalemate

since Februar y 2019. North Korea has demanded the lifting of US-led sanctions while insisting it has the right to nuclear weapons. US officials have made it clear the sanctions w ill stay in place until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearization. AP

Thursday, September 30, 2021

A10 Thursday, September 30, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Selective urgency in Bayanihan mandates

RESIDENT Duterte has repeatedly declared he won’t tolerate even a whiff of corruption from any government employee. “One whiff of corruption, you’re out,” he said. Surprisingly, he flew into a passion when senators harped on the alleged ties of two of his former appointees—former economic adviser, Chinese businessman Michael Yang, and former Budget Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao—to a small company that has been the government’s biggest provider of medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic. The President defended Yang and especially Lao, his fraternity brother, saying there is nothing wrong with appointing Lao, who has worked with him since he was Davao City mayor, as head of the controversial Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM). But he also told lawmakers not to spare Lao if he is found guilty of lapses in the bidding and procurement process. In the House, in a hearing dominated by administration allies, much has been said of the supposed carte blanche given by the Bayanihan laws to agencies like Department of Health (DOH) and PS-DBM to skip the usual strict procedures set by the procurement law and the Government Procurement Policy Board because, it is repeatedly noted, “this is an emergency, the pandemic is a crisis and we must move fast to save lives.” And yet, that same reckless urgency to use a small trading firm—not a manufacturer—to supply billions in PPEs was not present when they carried out other provisions of the Bayanihan law, notably, the grant of special risk allowance to health workers. Bear in mind that when he began the motu proprio hearings, Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Sen. Richard J. Gordon had said he was calling hearings mainly to find out why the DOH had sat on billions of pandemic benefits, pushing thousands of desperate health workers to threaten resignation. He did not set out to target Pharmally. But as things turned out, the slowness in giving worker benefits under Bayanihan was matched only by its exact opposite—the lightning speed with which they awarded billions to a cash-starved start-up sourcing PPEs from other suppliers, while Filipino suppliers who spent to retrofit their garments factories were left hanging. The Blue Ribbon is looking into the government’s pandemic purchases in 2020, particularly the P8.6 billion worth of pandemic-related supply contracts awarded by PS-DBM to Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp. in 2020. Registered in September 2019 with the Securities and Exchange of Commission with a paid-in capital of P625,000, Pharmally secured P8.6 billion worth of government contracts for the supply of PPEs in 2020 and P2.9 billion in 2021. During the committee hearing on September 24, Pharmally regulatory affairs head Krizle Grace Mago disclosed that her company tampered with the production dates of the face shields delivered for the DOH. She said the instruction came from Pharmally corporate secretary Mohit Dargani, who denied giving orders. Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation are now tracking the whereabouts of Mago who went missing after her disclosure. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has sought NBI assistance to look for Mago, who has gone incommunicado since testifying virtually at the September 24 Senate hearing. Also at its ninth hearing, the Blue Ribbon panel noted the apparent “tampering” of official documents submitted to it, after Sen. Kiko Pangilinan flagged the disappearance of at least 19 inspection reports, covering some P4.4 billion in Pharmally transactions, from the Google Drive earlier submitted to the Senate. Senate probers fear that powerful unseen forces were moving mightily to cover up traces of wrongdoing in what has been touted as the most scandalous episode of the government’s pandemic response. From BusinessMirror’s May 14, 2019 Editorial: “We need the Senate to be the Senate. Separation of powers and checks and balances should be prominent political thoughts in governance right now. The absence of checks and balances is unacceptable in modern-day politics, but this seems to be Philippine political reality today.” Saint Augustine said: “The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself.”

Since 2005

Governments ‘hate’ poverty John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

y grandfather was born in 1886. At that time 72 percent of humanity lived in “extreme poverty.” In “Relative Poverty” —85 percent—were those who “from the social perspective have a much lower living standard compared to the economic standards of the surrounding population. This is a measure of income inequality.”

Karl Marx, who died in 1883, wrote that poverty was caused by capitalism. He was wrong. Steven Pinker is one of the world’s leading authorities on language and psycholinguistics. In The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined he writes that prior to the Industrial Revolution and “capitalism,” “The murder rate in medieval Europe was more than 30 times what it is today.” Marian L. Tupy, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity: “For most of human history, life was very difficult for most people. People died young. People with ailments spent their lives in ago-

Will Leni run?

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Susan V. Ople

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nizing pain. Entire families lived in bug‐infested dwellings that offered neither comfort nor privacy. They worked in the fields from sunrise to sunset, yet hunger and famines were commonplace.” Marx never lived to see that between 1820 and 1914, real or inflation‐adjusted income per person rose by 127 percent in Western Europe. In Great Britain, life expectancy at birth rose from 41 years in 1818 to 52 years in 1914. The 20th century saw the greatest improvement in human living conditions in any 100year period in history. About 9 percent of the world (700 million) now lives in extreme pov-

or now, no one really knows what her decision will be. I can only imagine the weight on Vice President Leni Robredo’s shoulders, because a 2022 presidential run requires extraordinary courage and near-infinite resources. Her declared opponents appear to have been blessed with both attributes—for example, Sen. Manny Pacquiao is second only to Sen. Cynthia Villar in net worth, with a declaration of P3.1 billion in assets. In contrast, Vice President Leni Robredo declared her net worth to be P11.9 million in 2020. In terms of his extraordinary courage, we have to doff our hat to Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, who chose to forego a sure mayoral re-election, in favor of the high-stakes battle for the presidency. When he ran for the Senate, he shared his inspiring story before crowds of thousands, but it was not enough to land him in the magic 12. Would that same inspiring narrative move enough voters to choose him as our next commander-in-chief? Speaking of courage, Doctor Willie Ong also deserves admiration for his own selfless—some kibitzers would even say reckless—decision to run as vice president. His no-pretense, folksy way of handling interviews may yet catch fire with an electorate in search of new names and faces. However, Senate President Vicente Sotto III has a firm lead in initial surveys even against President Duterte. In the

latest Pulse Asia survey, he led all other potential vice-presidential candidates in the ABC, D and E classes. As Senate president, “Tito Sen” as he is fondly called by the media and friends, has a built-in podium, and his consistent defense of the Senate as an independent institution has earned him respect and high marks as a national leader. Vice President Leni Robredo placed number 7 in survey rankings below Sen. Grace Poe in the same Pulse Asia presidential polls, scoring quite low in Mindanao. She does have a good following in the class E, and a respectable showing in NCR. But her numbers are low, and her supporters are getting increasingly impatient, with some casting a moist eye on the vibrant and fast-moving campaign style of the Isko-Willie tandem. Her chief nemesis, the still undeclared Bongbong Marcos, ranked number 2,

erty. And if you eliminate the most god-forsaken poverty areas on the planet—South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Central African Republic—the percentage falls by one third. But as much as governments say they “hate” poverty, they “love” poor people more. The poor are the greatest political weapons ever invented. Almost anything done by government can be justified in the name of “helping the poor.” September 22, 2021: “United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres blasted private space flights as indicative of global wealth inequality in a grim opening speech to the General Assembly on Tuesday. “Billionaires joyride to space while millions go hungry on Earth.” Who could disagree with that? By July 2014, Jeff Bezos had invested over $500 million of his own money into Blue Origin and has been spending $1 billion a year since then. However, the total of all contributions to the United Nations that Mr. Guterres oversees could instantly reduce the number in “extreme poverty” by 10 percent. The US is by far the largest contributor to the UN with $675 million. Yet, even that amount is only

with a whopping 28 percent potential vote in NCR and good numbers across the ABC, D and E classes. He placed second to Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte who claimed the lead because of her 47 percent support in Mindanao. If it turns out to be a BBM-Inday tandem (or vice-versa), the north-south geographic equation plus a solid core of Marcos & Duterte loyalists will make this the team to beat. But these are surveys, quite temporary, subject to the winds of change depending on the twists and turns of the campaign. These numbers will change once the filing of certificates of candidacy is over, and we all know who the final presidential candidates are. If VP Leni is among them, then her team needs a serious revamp to boost her chances in the campaign. Honestly, tying her down to the usual Liberal Party rhetoric and visuals will sink her further down the polls. It would be helpful to the LP senatorial bets to have Leni as their presidential candidate, but not the other way around. Her choice of vice president should reflect openness to a wider political spectrum— the opposite of a folksy “Willie Ong” in terms of gravitas and name recall. If her campaign is aimed at bringing down the chances of former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, then it takes on the character of a vendetta campaign—unappealing to people already suffering from Covid-driven depression. It’s wearisome to listen to a candidate using the stage to hit someone while building himself or herself up. But if she and her team believe that hitting Bongbong and reminding people of martial law is enough motivation to run, then they would have to also

a “rounding error” on the US annual government budget of $4.1 trillion. But to hear Mr. Guterres talk, global hunger and poverty would be gone if not for Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos. Governments “hate” poverty and “love” poor people. Or is it the other way around as to what and whom they love and hate? The story is the same around the world regardless of the form of government and the type of the economy. A small percentage of people control the overwhelming majority of the wealth and a small percentage of the wealth are at the very bottom. The few nations that have the lowest wealth inequality all have populations between 5 and 10 million. The countries with the highest wealth inequality are Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, US, Brazil, Thailand and Denmark. The King to his Middle-Class Subjects: “I know you’re upset about some of my tax policies. But rest assured it is all because we have to support the homeless shelter.” The King to the Queen: “Politics 101: Blame the poor.”

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

ask—is that enough to convince people to choose them instead? Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III are good friends, and their warm camaraderie will show throughout the campaign. The Isko-Willie tandem appears to be making inroads because of their dominance in the traditional and social media. Sen. Manny Pacquiao needs a strong vice-presidential contender, as does Sen. Bongbong Marcos—and if any of them gets a Duterte for a vice president, whether the father or daughter, then the odds will quickly shift in their favor. Sen. Grace Poe and Cong. Alan Peter Cayetano have yet to decide on what posts to run for, if they do want to pursue higher office in 2022. Filipinos are known to be “llamadistas”. Very few would stick to national candidates with the smallest chance of winning. The hardworking vice president is right in taking her time to reflect over which position to aim for. If she opts for a local position, then that should be perfectly understandable. There is no shame in that. If she guns for the presidency, then she would need a better, more experienced team to guide her and a message that would resonate, especially during these difficult times. Simply put, VP Leni should follow her heart. It is she and her family that will be in that most difficult arena, after all.

Susan V. Ople heads the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, a nonprofit organization that deals with labor and migration issues. She also represents the OFW sector in the InterAgency Council Against Trafficking.

Opinion BusinessMirror

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Thursday, September 30, 2021 A11

Beijing consensus vs PHL neo-liberalism: Scorecard four decades after Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo

LABOREM EXERCENS

he Communist Party of China (CPP), the world’s biggest political party with 90 million card-carrying members, marked its 100th year with a grandiose celebration at Tienanmen Square in July this year. The highlight of the commemoration was the speech of a proud and assertive President Xi Jinping, who issued a warning to the outside world: “The era of China being bullied is gone forever.” He added: “Whoever wants to do so will face bloodshed in front of a Great Wall of steel built by more than 1.4 billion Chinese people.” Xi’s speech clearly alluded to China’s humiliating defeats in the hands of the British imperial forces in the so-called opium wars during the 19th century. The said wars ended with the Chinese rulers signing treaties allowing the British to run their lucrative opium trade within China without any restrictions. An added war trophy for Britain: China’s cession of Hong Kong, subsequently named as the British “Crown Colony.” Xi is right: A repeat of China’s 19th century humiliations is next to impossible. Not in 21st century China. Today, China is poised to overtake the United States as the world’s Number One economic power, that is, in a few years from now. With close to a billion Internet users and

able to graduate tens of thousands of engineers and scientists annually, China is also on the verge of becoming the world’s technology and innovation leader. This technology race is at the roots of the US-China trade wars. Modern China is giving the West a run for their money in the development and deployment of modern technology such as AI, robotics, 5G communications and so on. And yes, China is modernizing the biggest military force on Earth. Not surprisingly, the big birthday bash of the CPP was focused not on the first 60 years of CPP but on how the “modernization” program of Deng Xiaoping helped transform China into an economic colossus in the last four decades. It was Deng

‘Neglected danger’: Nukes not in forefront in speeches at UN By Jennifer Peltz

Associated Press

EW YORK — It was the Marshall Islands’ turn to speak, and the president wanted to remind world leaders of a cause the United Nations has espoused since its founding. “No effort should be spared,” President David Kabua told the UN General Assembly this month, “to move towards a world free of nuclear weapons and nuclear risk.” It might seem like a must-discuss topic in countries’ big speeches at the annual meeting of presidents, prime ministers and other top officials—perhaps especially in a year when a historic nuclear weapons ban treaty take effect, though without participation from nuclear-armed nations. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which has yet to enter into force for lack of ratification by eight crucial nations but has helped greatly reduce such tests. And it’s the 75th anniversary of the General Assembly’s very first resolution, which sought proposals to eliminate atomic weapons. So where was all the discussion? Nuclear disarmament wasn’t a dominant theme, particularly among major powers, in the “General Debate” that is the assembly’s centerpiece and provides something of a yearbook of what’s on world leaders’ minds. Even specific concerns about the troubled Iran nuclear deal and North Korea’s atomic program didn’t get as much emphasis as in some years past. The world’s nuclear arsenal “is a forgotten and neglected danger, but it is forever present,” said Darryl Kimball of the Washington-based Arms Control Association. “It deserves to be at the top of the agenda, and it really should demand more attention.” It did get some, including from the nations with the biggest stockpiles. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said “the world was encouraged” by last winter’s renewal of the New START treaty that limits Moscow’s and Washington’s nukes, and he noted the countries’ upcoming strategic talks. US President Joe Biden said the world needed to come together on problems including “enduring threats like nuclear proliferation.” UN Secretary-General Antonio declared “we need progress on nuclear disarmament,” and there were separate events on it during diplomacy’s biggest convocation of the year. Still, the treatment of the issue in national speeches “seems to suggest that nuclear disarmament is not a big prior-

ity among the nuclear-armed states” and reflects uncertainty about prospects for progress, said Tytti Erästö, a disarmament researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. It’s no surprise that nukes didn’t get more of the spotlight from leaders preoccupied by the coronavirus pandemic and climate change. But it’s still “a missed opportunity,” said Richard Ponzio of the Stimson Center, a Washington-based foreign policy think tank. The chance to convene leaders from around the planet “should not go underutilized,” said Ponzio, a former UN and US State Department official. The UN was founded in the wake of World War II. The world had just watched the devastating debut of nuclear weapons—the bombs that the United States dropped on two Japanese cities in 1945, killing over 100,000 people. The so-called Cold War followed. The nuclear-armed US and Soviet Union engaged in proxy conflicts, came perilously close to the use of atomic weapons in the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, and pursued an arms race animated by a chilling doctrine of deterrence: “mutual assured destruction.” The potential for atomic annihilation loomed over international relations. And it burrowed into the psyche of generations of Americans, at least, who grew up with bomb shelters, “duck and cover” air raid drills, and depictions of nuclear war in formats ranging from the 1964 “daisy ad” campaign commercial to the 1983 TV film “The Day After.” The UN “helped reduce the tensions and helped to hold back the darkness,” as US President John F. Kennedy put it to the General Assembly in 1963. He spoke shortly before a limited nuclear weapon test treaty took effect. There have since been more pacts and some significant progress. There were over 2,000 nuclear tests worldwide from 1945 to 1996, but fewer than a dozen since. The global count of nuclear warheads is about one-quarter what it was at its mid-’80s peak, though still potentially cataclysmic at more than 13,000. And the Cold War’s end, finalized with the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union, somewhat eased global fears of nuclear conflict. Concerns about terrorism, global warming and other perils subsequently grew and focus on nuclear issues receded, for many, in a world increasingly populated by people who didn’t experience the Cold War. “We’re seeing a generational change,” says John Erath, a former US diplomat and national security official now with the nonprofit, Washington-based Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.

and his fellow “capitalist roaders” in CPP who crafted in 1978-1980 the “Four Modernizations,” whose goals are strengthening agriculture, industry, defense and science. As a backgrounder, Deng was labeled a “capitalist roader” during the disastrous Cultural Revolution of the 1960s-1970s and was sent by Mao Tse-tung to the countryside for “rehabilitation.” After the death of Mao and the fall from power of Mao’s wife in the mid-1970s, Deng and his fellow “modernizers” succeeded in regaining leadership in the CCP. China watchers quickly labeled the modernization program of Deng as nothing but an instrument for the capitalist transformation of China. The famous agricultural commune system of China collapsed within two years, when individual farmers were allowed to shift to family-based “self-responsibility system” and grow and sell part of their agricultural produce to the private traders. The huge sector of “state-owned enterprises” (SOEs) was overhauled, with around a quarter of the SOEs either privatized or abolished. However, the most dramatic and publicized component of the modernization program was the opening of China to the global market and the encouragement for foreign capital to come in under the “Open Door Policy.” This policy includes the establishment in the coastal provinces such as Shenzen and Xiamen of Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

catering to foreign manufacturers. These SEZs subsequently became the core of “Factory Asia,” churning out myriad labor-intensive products such as toys, garments, electronics, household appliances and so on that are exported to the world market. In summary, it was in the pivotal 1978-1980 period that Deng and company launched China on the high road to marketization and globalization. The so-called “Four Modernizations” program has remained the overall guiding framework of development for China, from the 1980s to the present. Coincidentally, in the same 19781980 period, the economic technocrats of the Marcos Administration were “negotiating” with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for a series of “structural adjustment loans” (SALs) supportive of deeper liberalization and global integration of the Philippine economy. According to the WB-IMF twins, the never-ending trade deficits and poor economic performance of the Philippines in the martial-law decade of the 1970s were due to the country’s failure to implement fully the outward-looking export-oriented industrial (EOI) strategy adopted by the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) in 1972. Hence, the policy conditionalities attached to the SALs required the Philippines to adopt a comprehensive structural adjustment program aimed at the further opening up of

The ‘Kodigo scenario’ Val A. Villanueva

Businesswise

he name of the Philippine presidential palace Malacañang is traditionally attributed to the phrase “may lakan diyan,” indicating the presence there of a nobleman or more precisely a strong leader. Yet, we seem to be once again at the risk of falling prey to the stars in our eyes and installing a papier-mache proxy in the presidential palace, instead of the strong leader the country needs. Former actor Isko Moreno, aka Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso or “Yorme,” caused a stir when he announced his intention to run for president in 2022, and pundits are wondering: is this the healing that the Philippines actually needs, with a clear and decisive break from Dutertismo? Is “Yorme” Duterte’s and his cronies’ ticket to a golden parachute?

Isko Moreno is clearly not a neophyte politician who is merely flying by the seat of his pants. He knows what is important to him. We, in turn as responsible citizens, should take careful stock of the people we put our trust in. The recent and very public spat between President Duterte and the Manila Mayor—where the President criticized the latter for mismanaged ayuda disbursements and released derogatory statements about his “bikini”, and Isko firing back with choice retorts—may well be just an exercise in smoke and mirrors. Upon examination of the facts, we may recall that Duterte appointed Isko as an Undersecretary at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which he soon vacated when he ran for Manila mayor in 2019. Back then, the President openly heaped praises upon Isko for having even more resolve than he did, such that when the Manila Mayor spoke, Duterte listened. That was in 2019, when elections were quite far from people’s minds—perhaps a much more honest time in the public space, as there was less of a need for opaque actions in order to gain the advantage of surprise. But it wasn’t a one-way pandering either. Isko’s vocal defense of national government programs has been consistent up until 2021. One of the pro-Duterte causes that he defended was the dolomite issue in 2020, which was dogged by controversy as people flouted social distancing protocols to go and see the “white sand” dumped on what was to be known as the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, which

had been eventually washed away by several storms. This dolomite overlay cost Filipino taxpayers around P28 million. The Manila Mayor’s fallback defense when lending credibility to any national government’ faux pas is the need to “maintain the status quo.” More recently, in discussing his plans as president, Isko has begun dropping hints that Duterte—should he win as vice president—would be welcome in his Cabinet. Sadly, instead of projecting himself as a “reconciliation and healing candidate,” Isko’s centrist approach to governance has people on both sides of the political divide wondering about the actual motivation for his presidential bid. The fact that Lito Banayo—who coined Rodrigo Duterte’s catchphrase “Tapang at Malasakit” and helped steer the former Davao Mayor to the presidency and is now running Isko’s campaign—is the main ingredient in the chunky conspiracy stew in the former actor’s smoky political pot. Isko’s choice of Dr. Willie Ong, who is reportedly still the vice president for health services of the Duterteallied Lakas-CMD party, as running mate adds the proverbial spice to this political concoction. Not surprisingly, many political analysts—and yes, even some so-called Palace insiders—are convinced that the “Kodigo” (Isko-Digong) tandem was pre-arranged by the incumbent powers-that-be as far back as last year. It has come to a point where there are entire Viber groups dedicated to discussing the nuances of this “Kodigo” partnership, particularly the terms and ex-

the economy. The SAP had the following major policy thrusts: trade and investment liberalization, privatization of government corporations and deregulation of different sectors of the economy. It is thus ironic that Deng’s Open Door Policy and the Philippines’ SAP were crafted and put in place at about the same time: 1978-1980 period. They also had one overriding goal: integration in the global economic order in order to win markets, investments and jobs for their people. The only difference: capitalist Philippines was way ahead of China in the marketization process as well as in the adoption of the outward-looking EOI strategy. The question is: four decades after, what is the scorecard? Who is the winner and who has been lagging in development under this business of global economic integration? Obviously, China is the runaway winner. A quick look at the statistics on the per capita GDP growth of the two countries (see table 1) indicates the amazing success of China in posting continuous high economic growth, close to 10 percent a year, in the last four decades. In contrast, the Philippines, with a per capita three times bigger than China in 1980 was left behind, “trapped” in what the Asian Development Bank calls as the middle-level income trap, unable to scale up and reach the status of a highly-developed middle-class economy.

Now what accounts for the differing economic outcomes for the two countries, which had seemingly similar economic liberalization and globalization goals at the beginning, four decades ago? One major explanation: the liberalization and globalization processes in a given economy are not the same for all countries. In the case of the Philippines, the SAP program is a classic “Washington Consensus” recipe. On the other hand, China’s “Open Door Policy” is only part of a bigger and complex development blueprint labeled by Western economists as the “Beijing Consensus.” What is the difference between the two and what are the policy implications for the Philippines? More on this in the next issue.

The 2022 elections are not going to be straightforward and neat. They are going to be a whirlwind of activity, with too many allegiances to keep track of for the opposition. With the Marcoses pulling out all the stops to worm their way back into the Palace and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo allegedly pulling some strings, the opposition may find itself too embattled on all sides to present a decent standard bearer to overcome the past six years of death, drugs, and face shields.

systemic corruption—all these maladies are plaguing this administration, through all the backtracking, the “jokes,” and the late-night press conferences. Isko’s running will not do to Duterte what Grace Poe did to Mar Roxas, however. Because they are running under different positions and under different parties, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to assume that they specifically chose statistically weak running-mates so as not to hinder the real game plan. On the other hand, Isko throwing his hat in the ring will do to the opposition the same thing that Grace Poe did when she ran against Mar Roxas in 2016: split the vote and destabilize any hope the opposition may have for a strong mandate. In a way, Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao are also skin-deep opposition candidates, as it will be recalled that they stood firmly behind Duterte on integral issues, such as peace and order and the war on drugs, essentially enabling the administration to run things the way it has over the last few years. Consequently, the biggest potential threat to the opposition at present would be Isko, especially if he were just a shill for the Duterte administration to keep on doing what it has been doing for the last five years. If Davao Mayor Inday Sara DuterteCarpio decides to take another page out of her father’s playbook and run later on (under a seeming halo of a grassroots demand for her brand of public service in Malacañang), then perhaps we will see if Isko would either bow out so as not to divert votes from the “ultimate chosen one,” thereby confirming his shill status, or stick it out to the end. The 2022 elections are not going to be straightforward and neat. They are going to be a whirlwind of activity, with too many allegiances to keep track of for the opposition. With the Marcoses pulling out all the stops to worm their way back into the Palace and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo allegedly pulling some strings, the opposition may find itself too embattled on all sides to present a decent standard bearer to overcome the past six years of death, drugs, and face shields. One can only hope that something will light a fire under them to organize, and to move with impact and purpose. Time is of the essence.

changes involved in the hypothetical sweetheart deal. Isko’s political leanings aren’t really a matter of import, as much as the effect his inclusion in the race will have on the actual, true opposition to Dutertismo—the opposition that will allegedly champion human rights, dignity, separation of legislative and executive branches of government, and so on. So, will the real opposition please stand up? If the Kodigo conspiracy is true, who is the standard bearer against this Manchurian candidate claiming to unite us, when odds are that he will merely absolve wrongdoings of the current administration? Whoever that champion will be, he or she would have to be an experienced and crisis-proven contender. Imagine having a leader who will only start learning once installed on the job at the tail-end of a pandemic that has left a large chunk of the country’s workers still unemployed; an unprecedented volume of OFWs being repatriated with no place to go and no money to remit; fiscal deficits; rising costs of consumer goods and services, and businesses still trying to right themselves after the injudicious and seesawing quarantine levels have laid to waste their balance sheets. From being “the sick man of Asia” to a “rising tiger” from 2010 to 2016, the Philippines managed to shed that dreaded moniker thanks to the tender care of Benigno Aquino’s intensive care team. The Philippines seems to have fallen ill again under Duterte, as we witness how the country’s political system has eroded to such a point that the state can no longer be relied upon to work for the benefit of all sectors of society, especially those who live below the poverty line. Infighting, fingerpointing, a culture of impunity, and

Table 1. Per capita GDP, 1980-2020 China versus Philippines (in US$) Year

China Philippines

1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

1951 294 318 610 959 1,753 4,550 8,067 10,500

685 566 716 1,062 1,073 1,244 2,217 3,001 3,299

Source of data: www.macrotends.net/countries

For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at mvala.v@gmail.com

A12 Thursday, September 30, 2021

Heeding clamor, Comelec extends registration to Oct. 30

By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

SPIRING voters will now have until next month to register with the Commission on Elections.

This, after members of the Comelec en banc unanimously decided to extend the voter registration beyond its September 30, 2021 deadline, in response to public clamor and pressure from Congress. In an online press briefing on Wednesday, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said there will be no voter registration during the one-week period set aside for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) from October 1 to 8, 2021. He said voter registration will resume on October 11 to October 30, 2021.

“It will run from Monday to Friday. No Saturdays except October 30, which is the last day. For all cases it will be from 8 am to 5 pm,” Jimenez said. Jimenez stressed all registration services will be offered during the said period contrary to what was previously reported that the extension may only cover new registrants only. He said overseas voter registration will also be extended from October 1 to 14, 2021. “Note that for overseas voting, the filing of COCs is not an issue, thus the extension starts immediately,” Jimenez said.

Internal opposition

PRIOR to the announcement of the extension, Comelec held a management committee meeting to determine the feasibility of extension amid the Comelec’s tight schedule in its preparation for the polls next year. Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said the proposal was rejected by their directors, but he said the Comelec en banc still decided to approve it in favor of the clamor from the public and lawmakers. Members of the Senate and House of Representatives have been pushing the poll body to extend the voter registration to offset the long period of its suspension due to lockdowns in previous months. To note, the Comelec en banc initially thumbed down the extension, citing the possible delay it will cause to the poll body’s preparation for 2022 polls, particularly for the printing of ballots. Comelec needs the final list of voters, which must still be vetted and approved by the Election Registration Board (ERB), before it could start the printing, which should correspond to the final number of registered voters.

Extension reactions

MAL AC AÑANG welcomed the extension since it will give people more time to cast their votes in the 2022 elections. “Now that ample time is given, we call on all eligible voters, especially the youth, to register early, and not resort to last-minute registration, while adhering to minimum public health standards,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a brief statement. Comelec data showed that as of September 18, 2021, there were already 61 million registered voters. Of which, 5.4 million are newly registered voters. Labor advocate group, Defend Jobs Philippines, which was one of the groups which lobbied for it the extension, urged workers to avail themselves of the extension so they could vote for “pro-labor” candidate next year. “The coming election is crucial for us to choose pro-labor candidates who will bring forward our just and legitimate aspirations in the halls of the bureaucracy,” Defend Jobs Philippines spokesperson Christian Lloyd Magsoy said in a statement.

DBM RELEASES P451M MORE IN SRA TO DOH

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released to the Department of Health (DOH) an additional P451.31 million to cover the payment of Special Risk Allowances (SRA) of public and private health workers, but another P1.185 billion is still pending for the approval of the Office of the President. W it h t he ad d it ion a l P451.31 million released by DBM, the total SRA releases to DOH have reached P8.23 billion for healthcare workers directly catering to or in contact with Covid-19 patients from December 20, 2020 to June 30, 2021. This amount was estimated to have benefitted 499,116 health-care workers, according to a statement issued by the DBM on Wednesday. Budget Undersecretary and Of f icer-In- Charge Tina Marie Canda separately told the BusinessMirror that the figure is already net the P2.73 billion lapsed/reverted allotment upon expiration of Bayanihan 2. Eligible health workers are entitled to receive SRA

not exceeding P5,000 per month. This is on top of the existing compensation as prescribed under the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers and the DOH-DBM Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2016. The grant of Covid-19 SRA shall also be pro-rated based on the number of days that the frontline health workers physically report for work in a month. Of the recently released additional P451.31 million for the payment of the SR A , P407.08 million was charged from the Cont i ngent Fu nd wh i le P44.23 million was charged from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund under the FY 2021 General Appropriations Act. If the President approves the P1.185 billion for SRA, this would benefit an additional 63,812 health workers and this would have brought the total SRA releases covering the same period to P9.37 billion. Earlier, the Filipino Nurses United warned of a possible mass resignation if they still can’t receive their SRA from DOH. Bernadette D. Nicolas

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, September 30, 2021

SEC warns public against investing in Axie operators

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public against dealing with Pogi Breeds International, a group of individuals that plays the popular Axie Infinity game using the investments it solicited from its clients. Pogi Breeds, according to the SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department’s advisory, is headed by Gino Mendoza, also known as Nigo Tekashii. The group offers its co-partnership program wherein clients are enticed to invest a minimum of P5,000 up to P250,000. Promised earnings range from P100 to P25,000 daily or

2 percent daily or 10 percent weekly earnings for 45 days. Total contract earnings ranging from P4,500 up to P225,000 or 90 percent per contract in 45 days. Pogi Breeds assures its co-partners that the capital will be returned after 59 days or at the end of the contract. “The co-partnership program

offered by Pogi Breeds clearly falls under the definition of securities in the form of an investment contract which is mandated by Republic Act No. 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code [SRC] to be registered with the commission before these securities are offered to the public,” the SEC said. The agency said Pogi Breeds and all its allied brands are not registered with the agency and are not authorized to solicit investments from the public since it has no prior registration and license to solicit investments from the commission as prescribed under Section 8 of the SRC. The law sets a penalty of a maximum fine of P5 million or imprisonment of 21 years or both. “The public is hereby warned that such investment schemes are considered as securities subject to the regulatory authority of this commission. The offering and selling

of securities to the public without a permit or license is a violation of Section 8.1. of the Securities Regulation Code,” it said. SEC also warned that Axie Infinity or its developer Sky Mavis are both not registered and are not licensed to do business in the country as a branch, regional area/operating headquarters or a representative office and “they do not possess any secondary license to conduct any regulated activity within the Philippines.” Bloomberg reported that Axie Infinity’s daily active users swelled from 30,000 in April this year to more than 1 million in August, with most logging on from developing countries hit hard by Covid, including the Philippines, Brazil and Venezuela. Originally built on the Ethereum blockchain, Axie recorded around $30 million worth of Ether transfers a day over the past month, according to Etherscan.

PSE greenlights IPO of AllDay

opened in Talisay, Bacolod, Cauayan and Sto.Tomas. Next year, the company said it will have 10 new stores, ending 2022— an election year—with a total of 45 branches. “We have always been proud to provide a global standard in our thrust of bringing AllDay to the local supermarket landscape,” said Manuel B. Villar Jr., chairman of AllValue Holdings Inc., AllDay’s parent firm. “We have always believed that the Filipino deserves to be able to access a global standard of grocery shopping experience across the country. Given our synergy with the entire Villar group of companies, we are confident in our ability to maximize this synergy as we implement our strategy to grow the AllDay store network to 100 locations by 2026.” VG Cabuag

BusinessMirror file photo

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

EGACY carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is studying the possibility of mounting flights from Zamboanga Airport to Asean nations, depending on the restrictions imposed by each country. PAL SVP Harry Inoferio said his group is keen on operating international flights out of Zamboanga to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; and Bangkok, Thailand. “It w i l l a l l depend on the preparation for the protocols and requirements by each country. There are a lot of moving parts that we need to fix—we need the go-signal of government authorities. It will depend on their timeline. As long as there is demand for a route, we will be willing to consider that,” he said. Inoferio was responding to the remarks of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for the flag carrier to mount regional flights out of the newly-upgraded Zamboanga Airport. “ Za mboa nga Inter nat iona l Airport is ready for international operations. It has long been prepared for this. The airport can start international operations through the Zamboanga-Manila-

he Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has approved the initial public offering (IPO) of Villarled grocery chain operator AllDay Marts Inc., which will be listed on the main board under the ticker ALLDY. “We are pleased that we will be welcoming AllDay Marts as an addition to our roster of listed firms and we are glad that it chose the equities market to raise capital for its financial requirements and expansion plans,” PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said. The company will sell some 6.85 billion in common shares as its primary offer and an over-allotment option of 685.71 million shares as its secondary offer. Both will have a par value of P0.10 and will be sold at an indicative price of P0.80 per share. The final price of the offer is scheduled on October 12, while

offer period is on October 18 to 25. It will be listed on the PSE on November 3. Net proceeds from the sale could amount to P5.82 billion, which it said will be used for debt repayment, capital expenditures and initial working capital for store network expansion. “We intend to retire our high-cost debt in the amount of P4.1 billion which were used primarily to fund our past and ongoing store network expansion. We believe that pursuing this strategy will increase the overall shareholder value of the company as this will decrease our financing cost by as much as P264.4 million per annum. Any balance of the net proceeds will allow us to partly fund our store network expansion,” the company said. AllDay, which excludes the Villar Group’s convenience store chain

AirAsia: Normal operations may resume next year

Rolls-Royce’s best month since Nov sparks recovery optimism L

irAsia Philippines hopes to return to its pre-pandemic operation levels as early as the last quarter of 2022, depending on local and international restrictions and protocols. Ray Berja, the company’s CFO, said his group forecasts its domestic operations to go back to normal before the 2022 elections. International operations may normalize in the fourth quarter of next year. “For domestic frequency, aligned again to the path of herd immunity, we hope to at least achieve 100 percent by April or May before the elections. For international, that would be, maybe, early 2023 or later part of 2022. But that one is very tough because that involves the restrictions of other countries and that will be out of our control,” he said during a press briefing. Currently, AirAsia Philippines operates between 10 percent and 15 percent of its pre-Covid capacity domestically. Meanwhile, its international operations are limited to chartered flights. To accommodate the expected rise in traffic during the holiday season, AirAsia is increasing its capacity in Cebu, Boracay, and Tagbilaran and other major domestic routes through December. Lorenz S. Marasigan

of the same brand, is a supermarket operator with a total of 33 stores spanning 55,881 square meters in aggregate net selling space, as of end-June. PNB Capital and Investment Corp. has been appointed as sole issue manager for the transaction. PNB Capital, BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. were picked as joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners. After the IPO, the company’s public float will hit 33 percent. AllDay wants to have 100 branches in the country by 2026, or an expansion of an average of 15 branches per year in the next five years. The company said it will be expanding its presence in Metro Manila with new locations in Mandaluyong and Sucat this year. These stores are in addition to the four branches it has

PAL eyes flights from Zamboanga to Asean nations

More Pinoys seen buying insurance By Bernadette D. Nicolas

olls-Royce Holdings Plc is making steps toward recovery and the market is noticing. The stock is on track for its best month since November, buoyed by the easing of United States travel restrictions, asset sales and a major engine contract. The United Kingdom jet-engine maker is also one of the biggest gainers in the benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index in September, with a 24 percent advance so far, though the shares still languish below the heights reached before the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the travel industry. “It’s been a pretty rocky ride with Rolls-Royce in recent years,” Stephen Payne, a portfolio manager at Janus Henderson Investors, said in an interview. “Taking a longer-term view, one can see why there’s potential scope for recovery to start coming through there.” Analysts at JPMorgan and Vertical Research Partners increased their price targets on the stock this week as the company strives to repair its balance sheet and restore an investment-grade credit rating. It gained a contract to provide upgraded engines for the Air Force’s aging B-52 bomber in an award that could grow to $2.6

An employee works on a Trent 700 aircraft engine on the production line at the Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc factory in Derby, United Kingdom. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

billion, the Pentagon said Friday. And on Monday, Rolls-Royce agreed to sell its ITP Aero unit for 1.7 billion euros ($2 billion). “Confirming the deal is an undoubted positive,” JPMorgan analyst David Perry wrote in a note Monday, adding that the transaction would meaningfully reduce Rolls-Royce’s headline gearing. Meanwhile, the reopening of US borders to most fully vaccinated travelers, a decrease in global Covid-19 cases and improving inoculation rates in Asia “should result in stronger engine flying hours,”

he said, bringing in crucial maintenance revenue next year. The London-based company was hit particularly hard by the pandemic as it powers large jets and travel demand isn’t expected to recover to previous levels for years. Although the shares still trade more than two-thirds below their peak in January 2014, some analysts and investors remain cautious. Janus Henderson’s Payne, who doesn’t own the stock, wants to see more tangible cash-flow delivery before turning more positive. Bloomberg News

Kota Kinabalu route. But we have to wait for our Malaysian counterpart for the Zamboanga-Kota Kinabalu flight,” Tugade said. Tugade assured that apart from the completed development projects, more development projects will be undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) to further improve and accommodate international flights at the Zamboanga International Airport. Tuesday saw Tugade leading the inauguration of the upgraded Zamboanga Airport. The agency spearheaded the expansion of the passenger terminal building (PTB) of the airport from 500 passengers at any given time to 750 passengers. The project covers the 9.20 meters x 36.00 meters expansion of the PTB at its right side and the rehabilitation of several areas at the existing terminal building. With these improvements, Zamboanga Airport’s PTB has been provided with an additional space of 691.2 square meters, making the PTB a 3,456-square meter structure. Future development projects for the airport include the expansion of its runway, apron and taxiway, Tugade said. The airport development is expected to help revitalize the economy of Zamboanga and its neighboring provinces.

@BNicolasBM

ife insurer Pru Life UK sees more Filipinos getting insured in the coming months amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Pru Life Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga said clients remain keen on securing insurance policies despite the imposition of lockdowns to curb the spread of Covid-19. “ Def i n ite ly t he i n su r a nce ta ke-up w i l l increase. T hat’s what we have been seeing,” Tumbaga said. “W hat we see is that even given the pandemic given all the restrictions we have now, people are still getting insurance. And interestingly enough, in the surveys that were conducted by the likes of other research agencies, younger people are more interested because the pandemic showed that anything can happen to you; [the pandemic] was not expected so it’s best to be prepared always.” As of the first quarter of this year, insurance penetration in the country for life insurance, non-life insurance companies, and mutual benefit associations was at 2.3 percent, data from the Insurance Commission showed. By the end of 2020, it was at 1.71 percent. Tumbaga also said the company is currently looking at the possibility of creating a specific package for Covid-19.

If Covid-19 becomes mainstream like the f lu, Tumbaga said this may just be a part of the regular coverage of the company’s critical illness products. “We may have one specific for it. But the more we are vaccinated and the more it becomes mainstream like the flu, there may not even be a need for one specific to it. But we’re studying that, definitely,” he said. In the meantime, Tumbaga said the company is eyeing to rollout more features for their AIpowered health management app called Pulse, such as coming up with a Tagalog version and adding a wealth component. “Because we did plan to come up with a Tagalog or Filipino version. It may come out with the Filipino version so it will become even more inclusive,” he said. “We’ve been talking about health. So, definitely something to look forward to will be the wealth component.” Last year, Pru Life UK topped the list of life insurers in terms of New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) with P7.95 billion. The NBAPE is an international standard adopted by the Insurance Commission to more accurately measure the life insurance industry’s sales performance. It is computed by obtaining the sum of the value of the first year premiums from products newly sold in a specific year and 10 percent of single premiums written.

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Customers affected by cable outage to get refund–PEMC

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

he Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) will recommend to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) a pricing scheme for the duration of the outage of the Cebu-Negros Submarine Cable, in its bid to balance the interests of consumers and power firms. The governing body of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) said on Wednesday it will comply with the directive of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to suspend the collection of congestion-related charges from its Visayas customers, following the damage sustained by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) submarine cable. According to PEMC President Leonido J. Pulido III, his office and WESM operator, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), are currently fleshing out the details of the amounts and the manner of refund to the affected customers,

as well as the recommendations to be submitted to the ERC on the pricing and settlement solution that may be applied during the repair period. Once finalized, the proposed solution shall be formalized through the incorporation of changes to the market rules, specifically on the dispatch protocol as well as the billing and settlement provisions. “We recognize the financial burden that the Visayas electric power consumers may bear attributable to the congestion caused by the damaged submarine cable. As such, we are working with the Department of Energy [DOE], the ERC, IEMOP, and the NGCP in maintaining the

balance between protecting the consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the generators,” said Pulido. The ERC earlier received reports of significant increases in the electricity rates of consumers beginning June. The significant increases in electricity billings have been decried by many stakeholders in Panay and Negros as an unreasonable burden to consumers and businesses. As such, the ERC directed PEMC to stop collecting the said charges from the distribution utilities (DUs), which, in turn, bills the consumers. In addition, the ERC likewise directed PEMC to refund those that were already collected from the customers for the billing period of June to August. The refund will be done in a period equivalent to the number of months covered by the subject collections. PEMC was also directed to defer payment of congestion and other applicable charges to generation companies affected by the subject incident, until the complete restoration of the said transmission line by the NGCP, or until a more applicable pricing and settlement solution has been determined by ERC. Pulido said PEMC already submitted information to the ERC last September 15, supporting the regulator’s review of the unusual results

of the July and August WESM billing periods, including the high line rental charges in the Negros and Panay regions. In the exercise of its functions, Pulido said PEMC will submit its proposed pricing and settlement solution during the repair activities which could take up to 26 months. “The incident cannot discount the fact that supplying power also entails costs on the part of the dispatched generators. Hence, further study and discussion with the stakeholders need to be undertaken to also allow for the recovery of the congestion costs for the power supplied to the areas affected by this incident and how these will be considered in the WESM bills of customers.” Damages to the NGCP submarine cable were caused during the Department of Public Works and Highways’ dredging activities in the area last June, resulting in congestion that limits the available supply. Consequently, costlier diesel plants have been tapped to compensate for the load required, ultimately setting the marginal costs that define the current pricing in Negros and Panay. Further, electricity prices have also been influenced by high line rental amounts due to congestion.

PAL announces partnership with BillEase By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

hilippine A irlines Inc. (PAL) has partnered with First Digital Finance Corp. (FDFC), which operates the buy now, pay later app BillEase, to allow clients to pay airline tickets on an installment basis. In a statement on Wednesday, PAL said the partnership is part of their goal to provide customers “a transparent and flexible way to pay.” “We are proud of our partnership with BillEase. This latest service innovation using a card-free installment solution adds more flexibility to our flight booking process,” said PAL SVP for Sales and Marketing Oscar Reyes. “Travelers can now enjoy an installment plan when they’re booking their tickets, removing some of the hassle and added costs of planning a trip during the new normal.” PAL customers need 1 valid ID when signing up and are expected to get approved in less than 5 min-

utes to complete their booking. Customers will be shown the actual amounts, including the exact date of installments and a disclosure statement before completing the purchase. The first installment is not due until 15 days or 30 days after the trip is booked. “We’re excited to enable customers to book their flights with a hassle-free payment option. Our partnership with PAL is focused on providing what customers need and delivering a differentiated customer experience for travelers,” Georg Steiger, CEO, and Co-Founder of FDFC said. BillEase is a flexible alternative to credit cards and e-wallets, enabling customers to apply for a point of sale loan and pay over 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly installments. The BNPL service is card-free and does not require customers to sign up for a credit or a debit card. The fintech startup has partnered with over 200+ merchants including PAL and major payment processors such as 2C2P, Xendit, Paynamics, Dragonpay, and UBX Philippines’ Bux.

mutual funds

September 29, 2021

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

219.98

13.95%

-4.02%

-3.61%

-3.18%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5749

46.27%

4.55%

2.27%

19.95%

-7.81%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0307

-6.56%

-3.27%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7336 10.98%

-6.16% n.a.

-9.74%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7601 11.99%

-2.35% n.a.

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

4.9849

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

16.96%

2.49%

20.21%

-1.2%

-1.46%

0.88%

0.7394

14.19%

-3.69%

-5.49%

-6.02% n.a.

-5.55%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

96.21

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

45.2869

17.15%

-2.22%

-2.25%

-3.32%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

473

13.75%

-2.04%

-2.74%

-3.26%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d

1.0874

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2334

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

34.5381

15%

25.7% n.a. n.a. 24.71%

-0.09%

19.3%

-1.46%

-0.9%

-0.73%

5.58%

-1.18%

-0.67%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8823

16.09% n.a. n.a.

-3.36%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.6516

17.84%

-1.53%

-1.57%

-2.91%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

778.22

17.93%

-1.45%

-1.59%

-2.92%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7027

17.37%

-5.67%

-4.8%

-2.25%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.6013

18.36%

-3.47%

-2.65%

-0.62%

-1.8%

-1.76%

-3.21%

-1.97%

-0.98%

-2.12%

-1.29%

-1.11%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8882 17.49% United Fund, Inc. -a

3.2481

17.29%

-4.77%

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

104.5279

17.95%

-2.81%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1618

13.47%

4.44%

4.94%

-3.42%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8205

23.95%

11.64%

11.77%

8.83%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6757

9.37%

0.71%

-1.34%

0.43%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2034

8.75%

0.15%

-1.35%

-3.59%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6278

10.91%

1.62%

0.16%

0.03%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1956 NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9588

7.59%

14.39% n.a. n.a. 2.43%

0.67%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6651

7.26%

1.81%

-0.65%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.4042

7.42%

1.73%

-0.64%

-3.16%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0516

8.58%

0.18%

-0.53%

-1.89%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.558 10.63%

-3.3%

-0.57%

-1.21%

-0.43%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9834

6.72% n.a. n.a.

-3.83%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.9015

10.52% n.a. n.a.

-5.03%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8895

12.28% n.a. n.a.

-4.67%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

14.26%

0.8982

-0.88%

-1.54%

-1.26%

-0.42%

1.18%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.03813

-1.75%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.073

2.87%

1.15%

-2.48%

4.88%

2.94%

2.59%

-5.04%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7687 17.85%

8.89%

8.17%

5.67%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.2181 8.19%

5.09%

4.32%

1.32%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities 373.37

1.4%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9288

-1.13%

1.26%

0.12%

1.5%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2421

1.28%

3.38%

4.19%

0.83%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2593

-1.26%

2.13%

1.25%

-1.7%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4326 -0.54%

3.13%

1.66%

-0.84%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.02%

2.42%

0.61%

4.4593

-3.37%

4.95%

1.22%

-3.69%

1.318

0.55%

3.96%

2.64%

-0.25%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9849

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

0.9%

4.75%

1.033

-0.15%

5.25%

1.6%

-1.01%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2058

0.94%

5.14%

2.57%

-0.01%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

0.17%

4.41%

1.86%

-0.68%

1.743

2.15%

-0.4%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$488.1

2.19%

3.1%

2.07%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є220.3

1.53%

1.11%

0.73%

0.49%

$1.1998

-2.99%

2.28%

1.25%

-6.25%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

0.84%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.026 -1.14%

1.59%

0.71%

-2.26%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$1.0388

-4.09%

0.29%

-1.31%

-4.7%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.4968

0.54%

4.77%

1.71%

-1.7%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.0629105

2.65%

3.42%

2.07%

0.98%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1558 -0.19%

2.92%

0.53%

-2.1%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

130.78

1.27%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0554 Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.3105

2.97%

2.55%

1% n.a. n.a.

1.54%

2.75%

2.55%

0.74% 0.7% 1.05%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0588

0.91%

1.57% n.a.

0.49%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d 1.3473

36.67% n.a. n.a.

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a,d

$0.98

5.38% n.a. n.a.

19.27%

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

1 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last July 8, 2021 (formerly, Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc.).

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

September 29, 2021

Net Foreign Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Stocks Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FILIPINO FUND IREMIT NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

100 4,405 2,255,870 255,416,542 1,729,180 138,903,542.50 53,400 1,283,610 131,100 1,174,172 2,635,100 115,501,000 1,585,600 32,124,075 150 8,452.50 170,800 3,165,208 514,620 53,956,451 39,540 3,330,542 200,000 180,000 84,000 360,280 1,200 7,836 60,000 68,800 92,000 60,300 9,970 2,136,292 176,000 147,500

-12,400,407 -88,607,840 -1,002,240 -60,164 -59,106,085 -1,586,925 -14,029,704 -19,294.50 109,800 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 11.28 11.3 11.5 11.52 10.9 11.3 81,588,300 915,149,900 ALSONS CONS 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.16 64,000 73,610 ABOITIZ POWER 29.8 29.85 30.95 31.75 29.6 29.8 13,337,500 401,184,265 BASIC ENERGY 0.56 0.57 0.53 0.56 0.51 0.56 15,993,000 8,663,370 FIRST GEN 32 32.45 31.95 32.45 31.9 32.45 356,300 11,418,165 74.1 74.3 74.1 74.15 74 74.05 65,420 4,842,830 FIRST PHIL HLDG 293 297 295 297 291 297 113,360 33,389,634 MERALCO 18.58 18.6 18.5 18.58 18 18.58 2,443,100 45,073,064 MANILA WATER 3.05 3.06 3.06 3.07 3.04 3.05 1,079,000 3,293,700 PETRON 3.96 4.06 4.06 4.06 3.96 3.96 19,000 75,840 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 11.7 11.98 11.62 12 11.62 11.98 43,100 511,438 PILIPINAS SHELL 19.24 19.26 19.3 19.3 19.04 19.24 166,200 3,186,658 SPC POWER 14.5 14.7 14.8 14.8 14.02 14.5 133,700 1,917,132 AGRINURTURE 4.87 4.99 5.03 5.09 4.85 4.98 113,200 556,685 AXELUM 2.66 2.7 2.72 2.72 2.67 2.7 258,000 692,390 13.6 14.3 13.52 14.3 13.52 14.3 8,000 112,060 CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD 27 27.5 27.5 27.5 26.5 27 1,331,500 35,956,450 14.6 14.62 14.94 15.04 14.52 14.62 186,300 2,734,212 DEL MONTE 7.45 7.46 7.63 7.63 7.44 7.45 7,517,900 56,155,357 DNL INDUS 17.74 17.8 17.6 17.8 17.54 17.8 2,740,900 48,280,682 EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV 74.05 74.2 74 74.2 74 74.2 137,420 10,187,131.50 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.63 0.65 0.64 0.65 0.64 0.65 10,000 6,490 FRUITAS HLDG 1.3 1.31 1.29 1.31 1.26 1.31 11,490,000 14,840,230 GINEBRA 105.6 108.1 109.5 109.5 104 105.6 65,860 7,009,788 196 196.3 197 197 194 196 218,110 42,715,480 JOLLIBEE 6.25 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.03 6.25 205,800 1,264,905 MAXS GROUP 0.184 0.189 0.19 0.19 0.181 0.185 820,000 152,430 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 17.82 17.88 18.62 18.78 17.54 17.82 98,874,100 1,773,559,566 7.8 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.6 7.8 59,400 462,746 SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO 0.76 0.77 0.75 0.77 0.73 0.77 3,588,000 2,666,910 RFM CORP 4.55 4.65 4.65 4.65 4.65 4.65 10,000 46,500 ROXAS HLDG 1.26 1.27 1.3 1.3 1.27 1.27 15,000 19,080 SWIFT FOODS 0.113 0.115 0.113 0.115 0.112 0.115 1,130,000 128,310 UNIV ROBINA 130.4 131 128.2 131.6 128 130.4 1,175,720 152,581,387 0.77 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.77 0.78 460,000 357,770 VITARICH VICTORIAS 2.41 2.44 2.41 2.41 2.41 2.41 3,000 7,230 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.28 1.25 1.27 4,268,000 5,364,780 CEMEX HLDG 14.76 14.9 15.02 15.1 14.52 14.78 72,200 1,060,734 EAGLE CEMENT 6.99 7 7.1 7.1 6.95 7 829,400 5,795,868 EEI CORP HOLCIM 6.2 6.22 6.25 6.25 6.12 6.22 214,500 1,323,543 MEGAWIDE 6.1 6.15 6.1 6.15 6 6.1 694,800 4,206,800 PHINMA 14.36 14.4 14.36 14.5 14.36 14.4 35,100 505,370 TKC METALS 0.91 0.94 0.91 0.91 0.91 0.91 143,000 130,130 1.14 1.15 1.13 1.17 1.12 1.14 2,655,000 3,013,510 VULCAN INDL 1.69 1.71 1.7 1.71 1.7 1.7 165,000 280,530 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 1.7 1.78 1.7 1.77 1.7 1.77 62,000 106,640 MABUHAY VINYL 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 3,800 20,140 5.4 5.45 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 57,000 307,800 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 21.25 24.15 21.15 22 21.15 22 200,600 4,412,690 GREENERGY 2.09 2.1 2.15 2.2 2.06 2.1 7,451,000 15,645,780 INTEGRATED MICR 7.54 7.55 7.86 7.86 7.55 7.55 1,300,400 9,859,245 IONICS 0.86 0.88 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.86 16,000 13,760 PANASONIC 5.75 5.94 5.96 5.96 5.94 5.94 1,600 9,516 1.14 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.13 1.14 593,000 677,890 SFA SEMICON 4.33 4.35 4.36 4.37 4.22 4.33 2,285,000 9,814,830 CIRTEK HLDG

-229,561,826 21,660,400 -67,650 -2,823,985 -1,924,201.50 -10,920,932 10,611,534 -252,990 20,000 161,662 22,540 150,604 -10,633,845 -21,698 -15,688,318 499,174 5,547,835.50 2,669,301 -13,400,833 286,511 -677,062,958 30,135 282,190 -55,497,093 7,230 14,080 -544,478 -5,169,994 169,890 -939,028 -354,140 19,080 4,400,000 -926,420.00 -6,712,080 -203,550.00 16,940

44 113.1 80.25 24 8.99 43.9 20.2 55.4 18.5 105 84 0.89 4.28 6.53 1.15 0.65 215 0.82

45 113.4 80.3 24.05 9 43.95 20.25 56.35 18.52 105.4 84.3 0.92 4.3 7.96 1.19 0.67 219.8 0.9

44.05 113.5 80.6 24.15 8.98 44 20.6 56.35 18.72 106 84.8 0.9 4.28 6.53 1.18 0.67 227 0.86

44.05 113.5 81.5 24.15 9.06 44.4 20.75 56.35 18.72 106.5 84.8 0.9 4.3 6.53 1.18 0.67 227 0.86

44.05 112 80.2 23.95 8.89 43.25 20.1 56.35 18.5 104 83.5 0.9 4.27 6.53 1.14 0.64 208 0.8

44.05 113.4 80.3 24 9 43.95 20.25 56.35 18.5 105.4 84.3 0.9 4.3 6.53 1.15 0.64 219.8 0.82

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

1.11 5.22 792 48.5 10.1 5.39 0.92 0.52 0.52 4.98 6.8 7.57 2.11 0.3 515 3.54 62.2 5.4 0.67 3.11 9.96 0.44 3.64 3 1.79 1.18 980.5 113.7 0.66 0.255 0.19

1.12 6.05 809 49.9 10.16 5.4 0.93 0.54 0.57 5.01 6.82 7.76 2.8 0.31 516.5 3.98 65 5.69 0.69 3.16 9.97 0.5 3.65 3.06 1.86 1.21 987 114 0.72 0.27 0.191

1.12 5.22 798 48.4 9.97 5.41 0.91 0.52 0.51 5.03 6.8 7.77 2.68 0.3 527 3.54 63.15 5.4 0.67 3.13 9.79 0.44 3.73 3 1.76 1.17 977 113.6 0.66 0.26 0.191

1.13 5.22 809 49.9 10.1 5.5 0.93 0.52 0.51 5.03 6.84 7.77 2.68 0.31 527 3.54 65 5.4 0.69 3.14 10.16 0.5 3.73 3 1.86 1.17 987 114 0.66 0.26 0.191

1.08 5.22 781 46 9.81 5.11 0.91 0.52 0.51 4.97 6.6 7.76 2.68 0.3 510 3.54 61.15 5.4 0.66 3.1 9.66 0.43 3.62 3 1.76 1.17 961 112.6 0.66 0.255 0.19

1.12 5.22 809 49.9 10.1 5.4 0.93 0.52 0.51 4.98 6.82 7.76 2.68 0.31 515 3.54 65 5.4 0.69 3.11 9.96 0.5 3.65 3 1.86 1.17 987 114 0.66 0.255 0.19

15,602,000 19,400 262,210 1,539,800 4,178,600 9,336,600 444,000 1,310,000 1,000 700,200 16,888,300 1,700 1,000 590,000 630,740 2,000 1,372,080 300 248,000 667,000 11,463,700 330,000 26,262,000 1,000 118,000 10,000 307,190 128,360 9,000 1,140,000 300,000

17,223,360 101,268 209,289,290 75,047,970 41,676,307 49,637,546 407,360 681,200 510 3,490,594 113,624,764 13,207 2,680 181,050 327,077,655 7,080 87,324,362 1,620 165,440 2,078,240 113,154,832 145,600 96,043,440 3,000 214,620 11,700 301,762,920 14,579,818 5,940 295,650 57,100

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.63 0.64 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 2,181,000 1,374,030 AYALA LAND 33 33.05 33.05 33.45 32.8 33.05 16,331,100 538,379,540 ARANETA PROP 1.03 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07 3,000 3,210 AREIT RT 38.95 39 38.9 39.05 38.9 38.95 697,100 27,150,995 BELLE CORP 1.32 1.34 1.32 1.34 1.32 1.32 534,000 705,300 0.89 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.87 0.91 61,000 54,440 A BROWN 0.77 0.78 0.77 0.77 0.76 0.77 472,000 361,480 CITYLAND DEVT 0.12 0.123 0.118 0.125 0.116 0.124 4,090,000 482,270 CROWN EQUITIES 6.1 6.2 6.08 6.1 6.08 6.1 3,400 20,680 CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS 2.9 2.92 2.9 2.91 2.86 2.9 920,000 2,655,040 CENTURY PROP 0.42 0.425 0.43 0.435 0.42 0.425 4,950,000 2,115,050 DOUBLEDRAGON 10.12 10.16 10.12 10.34 10.06 10.12 381,500 3,867,758 DDMP RT 1.8 1.81 1.8 1.81 1.79 1.8 5,376,000 9,675,120 DM WENCESLAO 6.87 6.9 6.94 6.94 6.9 6.9 30,500 210,640 EMPIRE EAST 0.27 0.28 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 640,000 172,800 0.375 0.38 0.365 0.38 0.35 0.38 30,100,000 11,063,450 EVER GOTESCO 7.2 7.22 7.22 7.23 7.2 7.2 3,606,900 26,032,165 FILINVEST RT 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.11 1.09 1.1 13,689,000 14,986,800 FILINVEST LAND 0.95 0.97 0.92 0.99 0.92 0.97 359,000 345,780 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 9.21 9.5 9.25 9.52 8.9 9.5 6,059,300 56,318,825 PHIL INFRADEV 1.1 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.1 1.13 1,434,000 1,596,670 CITY AND LAND 1.07 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.06 1.07 306,000 329,210 MEGAWORLD 2.84 2.85 2.8 2.84 2.77 2.84 28,715,000 80,855,940 MRC ALLIED 0.285 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.285 0.29 6,370,000 1,832,800 0.49 0.5 0.49 0.49 0.485 0.49 1,720,000 838,400 PHIL ESTATES 1.73 1.77 1.74 1.75 1.72 1.73 120,000 207,940 PRIMEX CORP 6.73 6.74 6.62 6.76 6.58 6.73 4,465,200 29,882,765 RL COMM RT 15.88 15.9 16.1 16.1 15.86 15.9 2,910,000 46,290,664 ROBINSONS LAND 0.243 0.25 0.241 0.25 0.241 0.25 480,000 116,800 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.49 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.53 1.53 7,000 10,710 SHANG PROP 2.6 2.64 2.61 2.61 2.6 2.6 45,000 117,020 STA LUCIA LAND 2.78 2.88 2.76 2.89 2.76 2.88 733,000 2,062,690 SM PRIME HLDG 33.25 33.7 33.1 33.7 32.7 33.7 7,410,900 247,675,795 VISTAMALLS 3.63 3.77 3.63 3.7 3.63 3.7 17,000 62,690 1.5 1.53 1.55 1.55 1.47 1.53 801,000 1,198,860 SUNTRUST HOME 3.4 3.41 3.43 3.43 3.37 3.4 2,495,000 8,480,220 VISTA LAND SERVICES ABS CBN 14.06 14.08 13.64 14.2 13.02 14.08 1,406,500 19,172,248 GMA NETWORK 15.96 16 15.04 16.2 14.58 15.96 12,128,600 185,388,644 GLOBE TELECOM 2,940 2,946 2,890 2,970 2,740 2,946 143,825 414,282,820 PLDT 1,629 1,631 1,639 1,640 1,590 1,631 314,180 507,650,115 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.122 0.123 0.12 0.126 0.119 0.122 1,073,920,000 131,329,560 37.95 38 37 38.1 35.2 38 10,570,600 391,594,510 CONVERGE 3.59 3.69 3.61 3.75 3.61 3.74 59,000 217,890 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 7.39 7.4 7.54 7.55 7.35 7.39 6,111,400 45,324,210 1.44 1.57 1.44 1.44 1.44 1.44 5,000 7,200 IMPERIAL JACKSTONES 2 2.1 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.03 10,000 20,300 NOW CORP 1.81 1.84 1.88 1.88 1.8 1.84 2,364,000 4,288,400 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.355 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.35 0.36 2,860,000 1,012,850 PHILWEB 2.21 2.22 2.29 2.29 2.22 2.22 446,000 1,002,420 2GO GROUP 8.07 8.15 8.09 8.16 8.07 8.07 15,200 122,860 ASIAN TERMINALS 13.7 14 13.6 13.6 13.6 13.6 800 10,880 2.13 2.14 2.17 2.18 2.1 2.13 718,000 1,529,860 CHELSEA 38.85 38.9 39.45 39.5 38.7 38.9 380,200 14,786,515 CEBU AIR 199.9 200 194 200 189 200 1,415,270 278,477,471 INTL CONTAINER 16.5 16.98 16.5 16.8 16.5 16.8 6,200 103,678 LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.91 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 136,000 126,480 MACROASIA 4.3 4.33 4.28 4.33 4.2 4.33 1,095,000 4,656,820 METROALLIANCE A 1.41 1.5 1.48 1.48 1.4 1.41 96,000 137,780 HARBOR STAR 1.03 1.05 1.05 1.05 1.05 1.05 2,000 2,100 ACESITE HOTEL 1.52 1.56 1.53 1.56 1.52 1.56 30,000 46,620 0.082 0.083 0.075 0.083 0.075 0.083 153,890,000 12,281,340 BOULEVARD HLDG 2.11 2.22 2.11 2.23 2.11 2.23 47,000 100,830 DISCOVERY WORLD 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.52 464,000 236,680 WATERFRONT IPEOPLE 6.82 6.99 7 7 7 7 500 3,500 STI HLDG 0.36 0.365 0.36 0.365 0.36 0.365 40,000 14,450 BERJAYA 5.46 5.5 5.48 5.6 5.45 5.55 49,800 272,865 BLOOMBERRY 5.83 5.85 6 6 5.76 5.85 3,828,700 22,349,326 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.95 2.04 1.93 2 1.93 2 18,000 35,250 LEISURE AND RES 1.71 1.72 1.72 1.74 1.7 1.71 361,000 620,120 PH RESORTS GRP 1.18 1.24 1.21 1.24 1.13 1.18 2,464,000 2,916,570 0.41 0.42 0.41 0.42 0.405 0.41 820,000 336,200 PREMIUM LEISURE ALLHOME 8.66 8.69 8.8 8.8 8.61 8.69 1,510,900 13,132,483 1.29 1.3 1.29 1.3 1.28 1.3 1,576,000 2,046,980 METRO RETAIL 43.35 44 44 44 41.8 44 2,220,600 96,121,950 PUREGOLD 49.95 50 50.05 50.2 49.8 50 289,460 14,452,722 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 85.4 87 87 88 85.15 87 19,440 1,699,375 SSI GROUP 1.1 1.11 1.13 1.13 1.1 1.1 898,000 994,410 WILCON DEPOT 26.6 26.7 27.5 27.5 26.4 26.6 3,615,700 96,326,110 APC GROUP 0.265 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 0.27 1,250,000 337,500 5.1 5.2 5.05 5.05 5.05 5.05 1,300 6,565 EASYCALL GOLDEN MV 482 535 480 535 480 535 4,900 2,610,780 7 7.08 7.06 7.08 7.06 7.08 7,000 49,460 IPM HLDG PRMIERE HORIZON 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.98 0.92 0.95 20,751,000 19,616,390 4.2 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 17,000 74,800 SBS PHIL CORP MINING & OIL ATOK 6.7 6.84 6.98 6.98 6.68 6.84 30,200 203,861 APEX MINING 1.4 1.41 1.4 1.41 1.39 1.4 605,000 844,450 ATLAS MINING 5.92 5.96 6 6 5.86 5.96 481,900 2,856,778 BENGUET A 5.09 5.19 5.2 5.2 5.19 5.2 56,000 291,171 4.75 5.25 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 1,000 4,800 BENGUET B COAL ASIA HLDG 0.285 0.29 0.27 0.29 0.27 0.29 950,000 259,800 CENTURY PEAK 2.7 2.73 2.7 2.73 2.7 2.73 506,000 1,366,350 6 6.15 6 6 6 6 13,000 78,000 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 2.1 2.12 2.14 2.14 2.08 2.12 1,463,000 3,067,000 GEOGRACE 0.24 0.255 0.24 0.25 0.24 0.25 30,000 7,400 LEPANTO A 0.131 0.132 0.132 0.134 0.13 0.132 10,700,000 1,403,510 MANILA MINING A 0.0096 0.0097 0.0096 0.0098 0.0095 0.0096 81,000,000 778,100 MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 10,400,000 104,100 MARCVENTURES 0.92 0.94 0.93 0.94 0.92 0.94 352,000 326,150 1.07 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09 58,000 63,220 NIHAO NICKEL ASIA 5.29 5.31 5.3 5.33 5.22 5.29 5,353,000 28,293,093 0.345 0.39 0.355 0.355 0.35 0.35 400,000 140,750 OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA 0.87 0.89 0.87 0.87 0.87 0.87 19,000 16,530 PX MINING 5.05 5.08 5.15 5.21 5.04 5.05 1,169,000 5,938,107 SEMIRARA MINING 19.02 19.12 18.6 19.44 18.52 19.02 5,371,900 102,307,960 UNITED PARAGON 0.007 0.0072 0.0072 0.0072 0.0072 0.0072 2,000,000 14,400 ACE ENEXOR 14.9 15.46 15.1 15.46 15 15.46 114,400 1,720,260 ORNTL PETROL A 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 1,800,000 19,200 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 3,000,000 33,000 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.0098 0.01 0.0098 0.01 0.0098 0.01 5,000,000 49,400 PXP ENERGY 6.11 6.18 6.29 6.29 6.07 6.18 343,300 2,097,973 PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 101.8 102 101.8 101.8 101.8 101.8 30,520 3,106,936 AC PREF B1 510 520 508 508 508 508 1,080 548,640 ALCO PREF B 102 102.5 102 102 102 102 580 59,160 AC PREF B2R 520.5 521 522 522 520.5 520.5 11,000 5,734,140 CEB PREF 38.8 39 39.1 39.9 38.9 38.9 87,600 3,435,280 102.5 103.5 102.3 103.5 102.3 103.5 170 17,511 CPG PREF A DD PREF 100.9 101.2 100.8 100.9 100.8 100.9 3,000 302,500 FGEN PREF G 105.4 105.5 105.2 105.4 105.2 105.4 4,900 515,880 MWIDE PREF 100 101.5 101.2 101.2 100 100 150,000 15,068,366 MWIDE PREF 2A 97.6 103.3 104.1 104.1 103 103.4 600 62,242 PNX PREF 3B 106.5 107 106.3 107 106.3 107 26,680 2,844,011 PNX PREF 4 1,007 1,013 1,014 1,014 1,010 1,013 220 222,270 PCOR PREF 2B 1,012 1,028 1,029 1,029 1,010 1,012 5,050 5,166,590 PCOR PREF 3A 1,090 1,120 1,090 1,090 1,090 1,090 15 16,350 PCOR PREF 3B 1,142 1,155 1,142 1,142 1,142 1,142 85 97,070 79.35 79.45 79.3 79.35 79.3 79.35 35,680 2,830,161 SMC PREF 2F 78.95 79.2 78.95 78.95 78.95 78.95 8,000 631,600 SMC PREF 2I SMC PREF 2J 76.25 76.5 76.25 76.5 76.25 76.5 866,730 66,088,306.50 SMC PREF 2K 76 76.2 76 76.2 76 76.2 8,370 637,180 PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 13.22 13.4 12.98 13.4 12.8 13.4 199,400 2,603,830 GMA HLDG PDR 15 15.04 14.26 15.1 14 15.04 298,000 4,314,030 WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 1.44 1.45 1.44 1.47 1.4 1.44 3,476,000 4,939,020

2,920,620 -101,268 6,524,245 2,918,815 -7,713,587 -1,781,769 -2,724,928.00 -6,246,524 -776 -82,117,935 -8,459,287.50 -519,990 -9,037,738 -45,249,110 -33,444,315 25,917 -92,289,150.00 -16,944,075 5,280 -4,550 63,840 42,920 -31,580 -319,000 -1,075,854.00 -2,490,780 -153,900 -183,400 -11,746,903 -2,030,040 441,185 46,240.00 121,860 -2,247,820 -376,150 -43,800 -24,140 -3,737,349 4,999,860 49,400 -25,198,645 1,500 -2,562,950 23,969,160 2,742,375 -3,465,100 35,158,860 -3,043,479 -541,530 -49,700 -391,530 2,430 -59,720 -7,774,900 5,634,547 200,590 714,000 33,310 -10,668,043 124,280.00 3,825,857 -1,236,300 -12,760,710 -8,342,202.50 477,920 -242,420 -69,685,615 -101,080 194,900 4,400 -45,560 -88,155 1,366,350 569,080 10,000 -80,580 5,516,406 -157,488 10,214,684 -450,000 658,300 -1,242,470.00 -793,500 - -1,025,280 -2,133,850

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP 0%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

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ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE MERRYMART

17.06 1.88 4.09 2.4 3.83

17.12 1.94 4.15 2.74 3.84

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF

104.3

105

17.24 1.95 4 2.4 3.82

17.24 1.95 4.28 2.4 3.86

17.04 1.87 3.8 2.4 3.79

17.06 1.94 4.09 2.4 3.84

81,800 233,000 19,000 1,000 6,533,000

1,395,878 440,410 74,920 2,400 24,953,960

58,100 55,168 -54,200 300,160

105.5 105.5 103.4 105 15,980 1,665,843 108,578

Agriculture/Commodities BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • Thursday, September 30, 2021 B3

Govt sets sights on hiking 2022 rice output by 5%

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE government is targeting to expand the country’s unmilled rice production by 5 percent to a record 21 million metric tons (MMT) next year on the back of its P55-billion investment in the rice sector. Following the record-high palay production last year and in the first semester of this year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued a memorandum order (MO) which indicated its production target for 2022. MO 58, which was signed by Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar on September 28, stipulated that the government must aim for another record-level palay harvest next year to justify the huge budget of the rice industry for 2022. “We shall aim for a minimum of 5-percent increase [over 2021] production in rice production of each of the PIRP [Philippine Integrated Rice Program] target provinces or an overall target of more than 21 MMT in 2022. This target will justify the more than P55 billion that the government invests in the rice sector in

2022,” he said in the order. “Based on what we have learned from our current efforts to attain higher rice yield and production and reinforce our actions further, this memorandum order is being issued for all concerned offices to mainstream their operations and implement in scale.” The DA noted that the recordhigh levels of palay production were achieved through higher investments in yield-increasing interventions, more extensive farmers’ training and stronger collaboration with industry partners. “These have allowed us to further increase the production in high yielding areas and low yielding areas,” it said. The DA said it sees “significant opportunities to increase the yield per hectare and provincial produc-

A FARMER in Barangay San Mateo in Arayat, Pampanga, is plowing his rice field in preparation for the second cropping season in this BusinessMirror file photo.

tion” based on available data, which include those from the Philippine Statistics Authority and Philippine Rice Information System. Under the MO, concerned agencies and offices are tasked to implement numerous guidelines including selecting the most suitable variety

for specific location and adjusting the planting calendar to reduce yield loss and maximize yield. The DA said hybrid rice varieties must be promoted in specific areas as they have “shown clear and convincing yield advantages in well-irrigated areas.”

“Likewise, promote planting of specific inbred varieties that have shown yield advantage over other varieties in specific cropping season and location. Furthermore, focus on the distribution of certified seeds in low usage areas.” Implementers of the MO must

also promote the use of PalayCheck application since it can be used in diagnosing and addressing some of the production constraints. The DA also ordered the resolution of location-specific yield and production constraints using available technical data and local knowledge. “We need proper nutrient management through appropriate fertilization. Pay special attention to micronutrient deficiencies like Zinc and Sulfur. These two elements can limit the effectiveness of NPK [fertilizer] and seed interventions.” The DA said it will also scale-up cost-reducing and productivity-enhancing innovations and promote the Bayanihan Agri Cluster for the provision of services. “The key to attaining scale and success is through our strong partnership with other agencies and organizations [government and nongovernment] that will make them co-own the process and the outputs.” The Philippines is on track to achieve its 20-MMT historic palay harvest target this year if production momentum will be sustained after first-half output grew by almost 5 percent to a record of nearly 8.8 MMT. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/08/09/ barring-adverse-weather-condition-in-h2-phl-on-track-to-historic-palay-yield-in-2021/).

Feed millers push for review of tariff Preserving biodiversity: Effective, lasting solutions based on science and innovation structure for yellow corn imports

HE Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. (PAFMI) urged the government to review the current tariff structure for yellow corn imports to temper the increase in animal feed costs. PAFMI said the prices of both local and imported feed corn are “hitting record highs,” triggering an “escalation in the price of animal feeds” which may affect the cost of meat products. “Tariffs are supposed to protect local corn growers, but with the significant supply gap, feed millers need to import more corn to be able to supply the requirements of livestock growers,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday. “The country’s yellow corn importation is now more than what is locally available, and has a more significant impact on consumer foods.” With the current tariff structure, PAFMI said imported corn from non-Asean countries “is bloating the Philippines’s import costs to unrealistic levels.” The country has a three-tiered tariff structure on corn: 5 percent for those from Asean member-countries, 35 percent for supply falling under the country’s minimum access volume (MAV) World Trade Orga-

nization (WTO), and 50 percent for imports over MAV. “At a 50-percent tariff, feed corn imports could lead to landed costs as high as P30.10 a kilo,” PAFMI said. “If local corn were available, the price today would only be at P21 to P23 a kilo. Last year, before this global corn supply and pricing crisis hit, local corn averaged only at P15.79 a kilo.” The group said the current situation is “further aggravated by the current tight demand for corn in the world market that has caused prices to escalate.” “The existing scarcity of corn allocated for export by Asean members, plus the globally elevated prices, is likely to stay until 2022, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, which keeps a tight tab on grain supply and movements across countries. The US is a major exporter of corn.” PAFMI noted that countries like Vietnam have started to review their tariffs on corn, with the inclination of lowering them, to support their livestock and poultry industries and keep meat prices stable. “[We] want the country to adopt similar measures and shield Filipino consumers and corn-dependent do-

mestic industries from the adverse impact of the rising world market prices of corn,” it said. “The Philippines cannot rely solely on the supply from its Asean peers as they are also heavy users of corn.” PAFMI said yellow corn accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the feed formulation, while feeds account for 60 to 70 percent of the cost of producing meat and poultry products. Based on its own computations, PAFMI said a P1 increase in the price of feed corn per kilo would translate to a 3-percent rise in the cost of producing a kilo of broiler feeds, which in turn could result in a 1-percent rise in the cost of growing a broiler chicken. “A 3-percent increase in the cost to produce a kilo of layer feeds could jack up by 2 percent the cost of producing an egg, and a 2-percent increase in the cost of producing a kilo of hog feeds could increase by 2 percent the cost of growing a hog,” it said. “All these will result in higher prices of pork, chicken, and eggs.” Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed that the average farm-gate price of yellow corn in the first half grew by almost 4 percent to P12.9 per kilogram from P12.41 per kg recorded last year. Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

MPHASIZING the need to “produce more with less,” Qu Dongyu, director general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), urged all stakeholders in agri-food systems to upscale science and innovation and find “effective and long-lasting solutions” to support biodiversity. The agri-food sector is a key player in the management of biodiversity as well as its custodian, he said in his opening remarks at the 18th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). The meeting kicked off on September 27. The CGRFA is the only permanent intergovernmental body that specifically addresses all biological diversity for food and agriculture, and aims to reach international consensus on policies for the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.

The week-long session will address an array of issues in relation to genetic resources for food and agriculture. It will focus on devising and implementing global action plans for animal, aquatic, forest and plant genetic resources— and digging deeper into the worlds of micro-organisms and pollinators. The Commission will also consider a policy response to the first-ever global assessment of The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. Biodiversity loss has been associated with the higher risk of zoonotic pathogen emergence as well as reduced resilience in the face of climate change for food crops and livestock. “We are facing a critical time in the planet’s history,” Qu said. FAO, which hosts the CGRFA, has been actively involved in global fora such as the Convention on Biological Biodiversity (CBD), the One Planet Summit and the World Conservation Congress, and has been fostering dialogue to help Members effectively

contribute to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that will be considered at a major summit in Kunming, China, in October. He noted that, within the past 12 months, FAO’s governing bodies have adopted a strateg y and an action plan on mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors. He also emphasized that agriculture plays a positive role in biodiversity conservation, and insisted on policies that could lead it to be an even greater contributor, as well as aimed to form a bridge leading to more food diversity to feed the world’s growing population. “Biodiversity allows farmers, breeders, scientist and all other stakeholders along the agri-food chain to keep the agri-food systems up and running,” Qu said. “And it is this diversity that forms the basis of innovation and inspires scientists, the private sector, farmers and traders to discover new solutions and make technological breakthroughs.”

The country that makes breakfast for the world is plagued by frost, drought

O country on Earth puts more breakfasts on kitchen tables than Brazil. The farms that dot the vast plains and highlands that rise above the Atlantic coast produce four-fifths of the world’s orange juice exports, half of its sugar exports, a third of coffee exports and a third of the soy and corn used to feed egg-laying hens and other livestock. So when the region’s crops were scorched and then frozen this year by a devastating one-two punch fueled by climate change—the worst drought in a century followed by an unprecedented Antarctic front that repeatedly coated the land in thick frost—global commodity markets shook. The cost of Arabica beans soared 30 percent over a six-day stretch in late July; orange juice jumped 20 percent in three weeks; and sugar hit a four-year high in August.

FIRES burn on a farm near environmentally protected land in Sao Paulo state on August 24. BLOOMBERG NEWS

The price spikes are contributing to a surge in international food inflation—a United Nations index has jumped 33 percent over the past 12 months—that’s deepening financial hardship in the pandemic and forcing millions of lower-income families to scale back grocery

purchases across the globe. What’s more, the episode is sending an ominous warning of what’s to come as scientists anticipate rising global temperatures and declining soil humidity will increasingly wreak havoc on farm lands in Brazil—and much of the rest of the world.

“It’s a vicious cycle,” says Marcelo Seluchi, a meteorologist at Brazil’s Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alert Center. “There is no rain because there is no humidity, and there is no humidity because there is no rain.” Deforestation of the Amazon, which ranchers clear cut to raise cattle and plant crops, is playing a big role, he says. By his calculation, Brazil hasn’t had a normal rainy season since 2010. “It’s been a very peculiar year,” he says. “Floods in Germany and China, and there’s a very serious drought problem in Brazil.” There’s also drought across the border in Argentina and in Chile, Canada, Madagascar, Mexico and Russia. The United States has been cleaved in two this summer: The West has been ravaged by record heat waves, forest fires and a drought so severe that, like in Brazil, giant lakes and rivers are drying up and strain-

ing hydro-electric power; the East, meanwhile, has been drenched by record-setting tropical storms and deadly floods. “The world is on a very dangerous path,” Seluchi says. All of this, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, will lead to a 10-percent decline in crop yields over the next three decades, a period in which the global population is expected to grow more than one-fifth. The destruction wrought in Brazil provides a glimpse of that future. Between the drought and the frost, crops on some 1.5 million square kilometers of land have been damaged —an area the size of Peru. The coffee losses are the most stunning: as much as 1.3 billion pounds of beans destroyed, enough to brew every single cup that Americans drink over a four-month period.

This has triggered a frantic rush among the world’s biggest coffee retailers—companies like Starbucks Corp. and Nestle SA—to secure supplies. “These guys are scrambling pretty hard,” says Jack Scoville, a trader at commodities broker Price Futures Group in Chicago. Starbucks said in a statement that it always buys months in advance, and Mark Schneider, Nestle’s CEO, told investors on a July conference call that the company protected its finances by purchasing hedging contracts that stretch into early next year. Scoville, though, warned that successfully locking in prices isn’t the same as getting enough coffee over the long term. Brazil’s poor harvest will roil the market for years, he predicts. He’s seeing buyers who normally get all of their beans from Brazil and Vietnam suddenly turn elsewhere to try to make up for shortfalls. Bloomberg News

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

Thursday, September 30, 2021

PHL diplomat courts Chinese investors during CIFTIS 2021

EIJING—Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana encouraged Chinese enterprises to continue exploring opportunities in the Philippines.

Sta. Romana spoke with local businessmen at “The Philippines Awaits: A Conference of Services in Tourism, Business, and Agriculture” event during the Department of Tourism (DOT)-led conference early in September at the sidelines of the eighth China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Chinese capital city. The ambassador said the embassy will work toward boosting partnerships and other collaborative arrangements between Filipino and Chinese enterprises. He added that

“despite the challenges imposed by the...pandemic, the Philippine Embassy and the representative offices of tourism, trade and investment, and agriculture were unceasing in pursuing promotions in China.” Tourism Attaché Erwin Balane, Commercial Counselor Glenn Peñaranda and Agriculture Counselor Ana Abejuela delivered presentations to increase awareness of the Chinese on tourism, as well as trade and investment potentials in the country. Representatives of various com-

AMBASSADOR Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana (foreground, second from right) welcomes guests at the sidelines of the eighth China International Fair for Trade in Services. BEIJING PE

panies in China in the fields of aviation, travel and leisure, information technology, as well as agriculture attended the Philippine-led side event. DOT-Beijing spearheaded the establishment of a Philippine National Pavilion at the CIFTIS, which

showcased the country’s tourist destinations, trade and investments opportunities, as well as agriculture products. Visitors also had an opportunity to interact with representatives from Philippine partner-agencies and network at the pavilion. DFA

BCCP upbeat on seeing legislation amendments passed by October B

RITISH Chamber of Commerce Philippines Executive Director and Trustee Chris Nelson made another call for the passage of three economic bills in October. In a recent TV interview, Nelson shared the country’s Trade and Finance Departments’ sentiments regarding the economic bills, namely the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Public Services Act (PSA) and the Foreign Investments Act (FIA) as “being supportive to the [local] economy.” According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Devel-

NELSON

opment (OECD) 2020 data, the Philippines placed third-most restrictive out of 83 economies on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Regulatory Board, and is considered the most limiting in Asean.

“This is not surprising as to why the Philippines has been registering only around 4-percent share of the annual FDI inflows into the...region in the past decade,” said Nelson. The BCCP executive also noted the importance of timing in passing these bills, and urged that they be passed before the end of October, “because we’re cognizant that the elections are coming up. It will be a great boost [and] will allow us to promote [further in the United Kingdom].” Recently, the Philippine Senate has approved the third and final

reading of Senate Bill 1156, amending the Foreign Services Act. The changes will reduce the minimum number of direct hires for foreign companies to 15, allow 100-percent equity investment in select domestic-market enterprises, and allow complete ownership of small- and medium-sized enterprises. The British Chamber said it “welcomes the significant developments to move the country forward at this unprecedented time and thus, strongly remains optimistic that all three bills will soon be passed in October.”

Online Spanish film fest branches out to PHL, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia

HE 20th edition of the PELíCULA-Spanish Film Festival will treat movie buffs from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia to a selection of contemporary Spanish and Latin American cinema. PELíCULA 2021 has responded to the pandemic by going online, and even went further by expanding to three other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Presented by the Instituto Cervantes in Manila and Sydney, as well as the Spanish Embassies in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia, the festival will stream 16 feature films and four shorts for free. It will open on October 1 with El Cover (2021), a musical comedy and debut film of actor Secun de la Rosa. Other films in the line-up are Invisibles (Gracia Querejeta, 2020), Una vez más (Guillermo Rojas, 2020), Tristesse (Ruiz Barrachina, 2020), and the documentaries Oscuro y Lucientes (Samuel Alarcón and Antonio Machado, 2018), and Los días azules (Laura Hojman, 2020). The official entries also include dramas such as 15 horas (Judith Colell, 2020), Ane (David Pérez Sañudo, 2020) and the latest film of David Trueba: A este lado del mundo (2020), a bitter and intelligent depiction of immigration.

Audience Choice Awards

PELíCULA 2021 will also feature Latin American films such as the Mexican documentary Observar las aves (Andrea Martínez Crowther, 2019) and Lina de Lima (2019), a feature film directed by María Paz González and coproduced by Chile, Argentina and Perú. All films will be available with English subtitles and for free via www.pelikula.es for 48 hours. Similar to previous editions, spectators may vote for their favorite films right after viewing them as the best among the line-up. The Audience Choice Awards has been a very popular tradition since its establishment in 2004, and

is kept alive through its transition online. The film with the highest ratings will be screened again on October 10 at 6 p.m., also on the said web site. To celebrate the 20th edition of the cinematographic showcase, there will be a special selection of films that have won the PELíCULA Audience Choice Award: Fuera de carta (Nacho G. Velilla, 2008), El secreto de sus ojos (Juan José Campanella, 2009), También la lluvia (Icíar Bollaín, 2010), Un cuento chino (Sebastián Borensztein, 2011) and Campeones (Javier Fesser, 2018).

Webinars

PELíCULA also will be offering on its web site free webinars and online talks with the directors of the films in the festival and professionals in the audiovisual industry. On October 4 there will be a roundtable discussion on the possibilities of coproduction of Asian films in Europe and Spanish films in Asia, in which various Spanish, Thai, and

Filipino producers and experts on the topic will be participating. Philippine cinema was born in the Spanish language, which can be deduced from film-related terms in Filipino: pelikula, sine, direktor, aktor, contrabida, and others. They serve as proof of the strong cultural relations shared between Spain and the Philippines. With this in mind, PELíCULA has had activities that served as a space for meeting and interacting with Spanish and Filipino filmmakers since its first editions. In line with this, the film fest will be holding the webinar “En corto: Short films in the Philippines, Thailand, Australia and Spain” on October 7—an activity which will feature four recent short films, or one per country, and a talk among their directors. Also, the Department of European Languages of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman is holding a contest on film reviews in Spanish, which is open to students of the Castilian language in the Philippines. For further information, check out https://upddel. wordpress.com/2021/09/13/review-contest-inspanish-pelikula/. PELíCULA 2021 is also an initiative of the AECID (Spain’s Agency for International Development Cooperation), in collaboration with ICAA (Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales), the Embassy of Mexico in the Philippines, the National Film Archive of Thailand, the Sydney Film Festival, Australia’s Travelling Film Fest, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the UP and UP Film Institute, Intramuros Administration, and La Pícara. All the movies are in Spanish or their original language, with English subtitles. For the schedule, film details and further information, visit www.pelikula.es, or the Facebook page of Instituto Cervantes: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

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Let’s rise above geopolitics and rebuild Afghanistan By Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Foreign Minister of Pakistan

HE world has to come together to help Afghanistan prevent an economic meltdown. After suffering for decades, the beleaguered country is at a historic crossroads, where it can finally end the cycles of conflict and instability, or descend into state failure which would bring untold misery to its people and affect the region. After the aforementioned, Pakistan has suffered the most from the Afghan imbroglio. We have endured 80,000 casualties. We have incurred economic losses to the tune of over $150 billion, yet still continue to host approximately 4 million refugees. That is akin to adding the population of a small country to that of Pakistan. But we remained steadfast. We never had the option or inclination, simply, to walk away. As an immediate neighbor, we do not have the luxury to disengage. My country has kept its embassy and consulates in Afghanistan open. Our national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines, has braved all hazards to evacuate personnel of diplomatic missions, international organizations, international nongovernment organizations, and media entities. While Pakistan is committed to doing what it can, it would be essential to have a realistic perspective as the situation evolves. The Afghan crisis—its worsening and continuation—were not of Pakistan’s making, but we tried to help negotiate an end to the “forever war.” Pakistan urges the “spoilers” to desist from stultifying the process of Afghan stabilization. Afghanistan is a deeply wounded entity that needs healing not cynical manipulation. Stop misleading the world by misusing cyber platforms and spreading baseless allegations to create a wedge between people. To the international community, we say: Stay the course, and help Afghanistan avert an economic and humanitarian disaster. Do not repeat the precipitous actions of the past, which deepened the fissures in the Afghan society that were exacerbated by military action, mismanagement, corruption and squandering of fantastical sums of Western taxpayers’ money. Incentivize through constructive engagement and positive messaging. To the new Afghan dispensation: Try to bring about genuine reconciliation and create a polity where no one feels imperiled due to ethnicity or gender.

QURESHI As a responsible player, Pakistan not only facilitated the peace process, but is also striving for a regional approach on Afghanistan. We have also reached out to the Western countries, as well as all Afghan political factions, to work together for lasting peace and stability. Pakistan calls upon every international player to heed its call for genuine efforts to promote intra-Afghan reconciliation. Afghanistan has had enough conflict. Pakistan’s sufferings have been second only to those of Afghanistan. The prime minister’s vision for a transformed Pakistan is centered on economic security. Pakistan has made a policy shift from geopolitics to geo-economics. We desire a peaceful and prosperous region adding to international security and stability. This would also help in the realization of our mutual connectivity agenda leading to regional economic integration. Providing generous support to Afghanistan would help it make a genuine transition from a fractured and maladministered entity, to a responsible member of the international community. Helping it would help prevent an economic meltdown and a refugee crisis. Financial measures at this stage would add to the suffering of common Afghans. We should extend our hands to lift them up, not to choke them. The mind-numbing speed with which the Ashraf Ghani-led house of cards collapsed has spawned many hypotheses. There, also, is angst and bewilderment, as well as sense of loss due to wasted investment of a regional actor that wanted to use Afghanistan as an anti-Pakistan Trojan Horse. Let us rise above geo-politics and try to mitigate the pain and suffering of Afghanistan. Pakistan urges all responsible actors to learn from past mistakes, and let us not repeat them. We must not be prescriptive in our approach. Let us seize the opportunity to usher in an era where a stable and peaceful Afghanistan helps us unlock the true potential of the region.

NSCR extension project commences construction

APANESE Ambassador Kazuhiro Koshikawa joined Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John R. Batan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director-General Ramesh Subramaniam at the site inspection of the ongoing Japan-funded North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCREx) project, which will span from Malolos to Tutuban, Manila. The September 18 ceremony at the site of Clark International Airport Station in Mabalacat, Pampanga marked the start of construction for the NSCREx. Jointly financed by the ADB and the government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, there will be two extension lines to strengthen the Philippines’s mass-transport network and expand the economic sphere of Metro Manila, which is seen to alleviate traffic congestion, improve the investment environment, as well as mitigate effects of air pollution and climate change. The 51-kilometer North extension will run from Malolos in Bulacan to Clark International Airport in Pampanga, while the 55-km South augmentation will stretch from Solis, Manila

to Calamba, Laguna. The project will utilize the Japanese railway system using energy-efficient and reliable trains. The technical aspects will also complement the ongoing NSCR Malolos to Tutuban Project adopting Japanese technology on flood-resilient and antiseismic design to withstand earthquakes. The official development assistance, or ODA, yen loan will be allocated for the procurement of rolling stock and railway system, as well as consulting services. The ADB loan funds, meanwhile, will be placed on civil works. The NSCR-Ex project is one of the key infrastructure projects supported by Japan under the Philippine government’s Build, Build, Build program. Its Japanese counterpart has been supporting the local railway sector for many years—including the expansion of Light Rail Transit Line 1 to Cavite, the recently completed extension of LRT Line 2 to Masinag, Antipolo under the Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila project, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation projects, as well as the Metro Manila Subway.

Parentlife BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Thursday, September 30, 2021

Uplifting hospital’s community amid pandemic cited THE country’s leading heath-care institution, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph) received international recognition from the Asian Hospital Management Awards (AHMA) 2021 for its efforts to inspire and motivate its health-are workers and staff amid the global pandemic. The center won the Gold Award in the Talent Development category at AHMA 2021 for “Rainbow Connection,” a learning and motivation initiative led by the hospital’s Service Operations DivisionBusiness Operations Support Services. Rainbow Connection uplifts MakatiMed healthcare workers and employees by organizing virtual activities that empower them and strengthen their camaraderie as they continue to provide quality service in these challenging times. One such activity was a friendly online competition in singing, dancing and acting, intended to give frontliners a platform to express themselves, showcase their talents, and destress while entertaining each other. MakatiMed employees had regular opportunities to help maintain their mental and physical well-being by joining Rainbow Connection’s workout challenges and weekly yoga sessions. A Viber group was also set up to serve as the employees’ virtual lounge where they regularly exchange inspiring, funny, and positive posts to uplift each other. Apart from these, the center put up an online marketplace on Facebook to help employees get extra earnings and organized raffle draws for the benefit of the hospital staff. “Rainbow Connection is a program MakatiMed created to help our healthc-are workers navigate the challenges and impacts of Covid-19, particularly on their well-being,” MakatiMed president and CEO Atty. Pilar Nenuca Almira said. “We assure our team that the hospital continues to work on implementing more ways to support the staff and employees who are the force behind the hospital’s consistent, quality, and compassionate service.” AHMA is a prestigious awards-giving body that honors health-care institutions in the Asia Pacific for progressive approaches and practices that benefit everyone within the hospital’s community. In particular, the AHMA’s Talent Development category recognizes staff development programs that improve skills and patient care abilities, including learning and motivation initiatives. In 2020, MakatiMed also won the AHMA Excellence Award for its “MMC: Beyond Malasakit—The Hospital with a Stronger Heart,” which focuses on its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

MakatiMed’s winning entry at the Asian Hospital Management Awards 2021.

It is time we all sleep better

AST July, I suggested that each of us have our self mid-year review. I suggested the book Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath as a starting point in taking care of our body. I thought that with the pandemic continuing to cause anxieties due to uncertainties, it would be good for us to try to focus on things we can control—our self. Let us try to use this time to regulate ourselves in areas that was difficult to do in the past. Now that we have more time at home, I felt the best place to start is with sleep. Based on the book The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington, experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that the healthy amount of sleep for individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 is a minimum of seven hours. What happens when we lack sleep? I summarized below an article I really found useful at Healthline. com, “10 Reasons Why Good Sleep is Important” by Joe Leech and medically reviewed by Atli Arnarson BSc, PhD, because I found it quite comprehensive and simple to understand: 1. Poor sleep is linked to higher body weight, and is strongly linked to weight gain. It even states that short sleep duration is one of the strongest risk factors for obesity in both children and adults. 2. Studies show that sleep-deprived individuals have a bigger appetite and tend to eat more calories

because sleep deprivation disrupts the daily fluctuations in appetite hormones and is believed to cause poor appetite regulation. 3. Sleep deprivation negatively affects concentration and productivity because sleep is important for various aspects of brain function, which includes cognition, concentration, productivity and performance. 4. Less sleep duration has also been associated with poor exercise performance and functional limitation in older women. In a study on basketball players, longer sleep was shown to significantly improve speed, accuracy, reaction times, and mental well-being. 5. Poor sleepers have a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. 6. Sleep affects glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes risk. In a study of healthy young men, restricting sleep to four hours per night for six nights in a row caused symptoms of prediabetes. These symptoms resolved after one week of increased sleep duration. 7. Mental health issues, such as depression, are strongly linked to poor sleep quality, sleeping disorders, and even associated with an increased risk of death by suicide. It has been estimated that 90 percent of people with depression complain about sleep quality. 8. Even a small loss of sleep has been shown to impair immune function. It cited a large two-week study which found that those who slept less than seven hours were almost three times more likely to develop a cold than those who slept eight hours or more. It suggests that if you often get colds, ensuring that you get at least eight hours of sleep per night and eating garlic could be very helpful. 9. Poor sleep is linked to increased inflammation like long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. 10. Sleep affects emotions and social interactions. One study found that people who had not slept had

a reduced ability to recognize expressions of anger and happiness, along with important social cues and process emotional information. In order to sleep better, Mayoclinic.org suggests these six steps to better sleep: n STICK TO A SLEEP SCHEDULE. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Try to limit the difference in your sleep schedule on weeknights and weekends to no more than one hour. If you don’t fall asleep within about 20 minutes, leave your bedroom and do something relaxing. Read or listen to soothing music. Go back to bed when you’re tired. Repeat as needed. n PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK. Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol deserve caution, too. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine take hours to wear off and can wreak havoc on quality sleep. And even though alcohol might make you feel sleepy, it can disrupt sleep later in the night. n CREATE A RESTFUL ENVIRONMENT. Create a room that is ideal for sleeping. Often, this means cool, dark and quiet. Doing calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques, might promote better sleep. n LIMIT DAYTIME NAPS. Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. If you choose to nap, limit yourself to up to 30 minutes and avoid doing so late in the day. n REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN PROMOTE BETTER SLEEP. Avoid being active too close to bedtime, however. Spending time outside every day might be helpful, too. n TRY TO RESOLVE YOUR WORRIES OR CONCERNS BEFORE BEDTIME. Jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow. At this time, I believe harnessing one’s energy is important to have the positive disposition we all critically need to get through this pandemic. Sleep is one good area for us to do that. Let’s sleep right today. n

FROM left: Eat Move Sleep by Tom Rath; Stages of Sleep from Healthline.com; The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington

Should teens taking ADHD, anxiety and depression drugs consume energy drinks and coffee? By Lina Begdache Binghamton University, State University of New York ABOUT 6.1 million children in the US, more than 9 percent of all kids and teens, have been diagnosed at some point in their lives with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Known as ADHD, it causes inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Many kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD take prescription stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin. These drugs increase brain activity to counteract a lack of focus and poor concentration. In addition, six in 10 children diagnosed with ADHD have at least one other mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, such as anxiety or depression. As a result, many of them take other kinds of prescription drugs too. Meanwhile, Monster, Red Bull and other energy drinks are commonly marketed to teens as a way to boost stamina, physical performance and alertness. This is troubling because of the high levels of caffeine those drinks contain. Ingesting large amounts of caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, which interferes with sleep and can increase stress, as well as anxiety. According to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers can consume up to 100 milligrams of caffeine a day, the equivalent of two 12-ounce cans of soda, without any trouble.

However, just one energy drink, and some specialty coffee beverages, can have more than triple this amount of caffeine. In addition, the large amount of sugar in many of these drinks can disrupt blood sugar levels, causing changes in brain chemistry and consequently contributing to mental health problems. The academy also states teens should never consume energy drinks, regardless of prescription drug intake. And yet about one-third of Americans from 12 to 17 years old drink these beverages on a regular basis. I believe that consuming energy drinks is even more dangerous for teens taking prescription drugs for ADHD, anxiety or depression because of the additional stimulants they are getting. They should also curb their coffee consumption. The situation is even more complicated, though, because there are signs that not all of the young people taking those drugs need them. There is evidence that quite often, several ADHD symptoms could be caused by other conditions, such as stress, certain medications, insomnia and poor nutrition. Among the drugs that may trigger these symptoms are those prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. As a nutritional neuroscientist who studies the connections between what people eat and their lifestyle, stress and mental health, I believe that many teens diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety and depression may benefit from changing what they eat before they

PHOTO BY DANIIL ONISCHENKO ON UNSPLASH

begin to take any prescription drugs. One reason for this is that the brain has a growth spurt during the teen years. This growth requires essential nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids— typically found in high amounts in fish—that not all teens get enough of through their usual diet. A poor-quality diet can interfere with this growth and development, contributing to poor concentration and even mental distress.

Perhaps even more troubling, many teens and college students without any symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder take ADHD drugs for non-medical reasons. They often do this because of a mistaken belief that the drugs will help them do better at school. In summary, whether or not a young person has a prescription for ADHD drugs, taking them makes avoiding energy drinks essential. THE CONVERSATION

B6 Thursday, September 30, 2021

MPIF marks Bayan Tanim’s anniversary, lauds beneficiary communities, partners

ETRO Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) celebrated the one-year anniversary of Bayan Tanim!, its backyard gardening project that champions sustainable living and self-sufficient food security amid the food scarcity resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Since its launch last year, Bayan Tanim has aided 32 communities in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, distributing almost 3,000 planting kits to support over 3,100 disadvantaged families.

‘SULYAP : ISANG BALIK TANAW VIRTUAL GRAND REUNION.’ St. Mary’s College Quezon City Alumni Foundation, Inc., will hold its 2021 Virtual Grand Alumni Homecoming of the St. Mary’s College Quezon City, to be hosted by the Silver Jubilarians Grade School Batch ’92 and High School Batch ’96. Calling all Golden Jubilarians GS ’67 and HS ’71 ( IV-Pearl, IV-Aquamarine, IV-Sapphire and IV-Carnelian),Join and Celebrate!!! For more information, contact Vangee AndradaPalileo at 09175399828 ( Viber), email : vangeepal@yahoo.com; Venny Ayalde-Infante at 09178450403 (Viber) and SMCQC ’71 on facebook. The 2021 Virtual Grand Alumni Homecoming (via zoom) is happening on November 27, 2021, 10 in the morning (Manila Time), with the theme : ‘Sulyap : Isang Balik Tanaw' with program, entertainment and raffle for all attendees. This year’s event is supported by media partners : WhatsHappeningmanila.com and PinoySandbox.

COVID gaps need responsive health agenda

Planting the Seed of Food Security

THE Foundation wanted to develop a program that not only addresses the current need for immediate food sources, but also provide a long-term solution that may help them in the coming months or even years. With the idea of recovery in mind, MPIF President Melody del Rosario said, “MPIF intended to go beyond giving relief packs and focus on a more sustainable program for its beneficiaries. Through Bayan Tanim!, communities and individuals are provided with planting kits that contain the basic items needed to start their own backyard garden.” “The program was intended to not only promote food security during the pandemic, but also offer the recipients possible alternative livelihood opportunities by growing their own produce,” she added. In its “seed” stages, Bayan Tanim! was a pay-it-forward chain initiative, encouraging donors to purchase crates that they can donate to their chosen beneficiary, who will also purchase crates for another recipient. Company donors were given the option to donate crates to their stakeholder and fenceline communities.

Tilling the Partnership Soils

PARTNERSHIPS were key in ensuring Bayan Tanim’s success. The program generated interest primarily from MPIF’s kapatid companies under the MVP Group of Companies, the conglomerate chaired by Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan. Through the initial donation from First Pacific Co. Ltd. and Light Rail Manila Corporation, MPIF was able to distribute 400 planting kits to four beneficiary communities, including Brgy.128 Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila, and Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Caloocan. Following its strong start, MPIF signed a tri-partite agreement with

the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Agrea Agricultural System International Inc., to further strengthen their shared advocacy for food sustainability in the Philippines. The MOU was signed respectively by DA Sec. William Dar, MPIF President Melody del Rosario, and Agrea President and Founding Farmer Cherrie Atilano. The DA, through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), provided 1,000 agricultural starter kits containing seedlings of common vegetables and other needed materials. They also committed to spearheading capability building activities including online courses, leading the advocacy campaign for Integrated Urban Agriculture, and providing information, education, and communication materials on Urban Agriculture techniques. Similarly, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), contributed seedlings of commonly grown vegetables, provide trainings on Urban Agriculture techniques, and provide technical assistance to MPIFidentified community gardens. The BPI also committed to conducting regular and semestral monitoring of these gardens. This year, Maynilad Water Services Inc. and CAVITEX, a Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation subsidiary, helped MPIF go beyond its goal of 1,000 kits by donating over 900 kits to 18 barangays: 201 kits from Maynilad for Brgy. Poblacion, Muntinlupa and Brgy. Anabu 2-C, Imus Cavite, and 700 kits from CAVITEX for 16 barangays in Paranaque City.

Reaping the Fruits of their Labor

MPIF has closely monitored the progress of all community gardens with some beneficiary communities regularly providing updates on their produce. To

further encourage them to continue the responsible work they have put in, MPIF launched a Bayan Tanim! Anniversary photo contest for all beneficiary communities. Beneficiaries were asked to post photos of their progress with #BayanTanim, for a chance to receive sacks of rice and proper gardening tools for their communities. Three of the earliest beneficiaries, the Parish of Immaculate Conception, Epiphany of the Lord Parish, and Brgy. 128 Smokey Mountain were lauded for their program outcome. Fr. Joel Saballa of the Parish of Immaculate Conception in Novaliches, shared photos of their thriving parish garden and encouraged others to take part in backyard gardening as well. Ms. Lenilia Declaro of the Epiphany of the Lord Parish expressed her gratitude for the program. “We are very grateful for the support we got from MPIF. I'm happy to inform you that the seedlings were already transplanted to their respective crates and are now being cultivated,” said Ms. Declaro. “Many of our parishioners are now into gardening in their respective pamayanan. We are now planning to share some seedlings to other leaders who want to adopt this project.” MPIF is steadfast in helping the disadvantaged and vulnerable Filipino communities become self-sufficient and responsible for their own food security. MPIF’s Bayan Tanim program is aligned with MPIC’s efforts to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 2 Zero Hunger, 3 Good Health and Well-Being, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

Global BPO celebrates SitelLife Week

JOINING the kickoff of #SitelLife were, clockwise from left: Hosts and radio DJs DJ Chacha and Sean Kyle, Miss Universe 2015 and Pride Advocate Pia Wurtzbach and Francis “Taz” Biagan, Sitel PH Director Leadership Development,

IRST celebrated in 2020, SitelLife showcases the very best of employee experience. For associates, this means celebrating opportunities to succeed, cultivating an accepting and diverse workplace, enjoying programs that promote a healthy and balanced life, and countless opportunities for growth and career development. At the digital kickoff event, with 17,000 engaged viewers and over 200,000 online views, the group highlighted

several success stories, photos, and videos of associates from their sites across Metro Manila, Tarlac, Baguio and Palawan. They also touched on the enhancements and pivots Sitel Group has made to improve the employee experience during the global health crisis. These improvements include launching micro work hubs, providing support for remote work, boosting its academy's training and development opportunities, expanding the employee benefits package and

creating innovative online activities. The BPO also bolstered the company’s talent acquisition with digital online recruitment solutions. To showcase their online recruitment tools, an online virtual career fair was held simultaneously with the kickoff event so that interested potential talents could sign up on the spot. Alongside the plethora of employee testimonials and company milestones, the party also featured fun singing and dancing performances and raffles for prizes such as gift certificates and a brand new TV. The event highlight was an interview on self-improvement and motivation with special guest Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach, who shared inspirational words with event participants. “At this point, giving up is not an option even though you feel like you’ve hit a wall,” Wurtzbach shared. “Even if tomorrow is unclear and things are postponed, our essential workers are really important in helping us make it through. If you don’t think you are essential or of value to society, that is not true. You are. Everything happens for a reason. One day we will look back on these days and realize that we made it, despite overwhelming odds.”

AILURE in leadership, gross mismanagement, and a disconnect between approaches and results in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic are straining the Philippines’ already-fragile and fragmented health system, experts said during a virtual forum of the Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute and advocacy group Universal Healthcare Watch held Friday, September 24. Professor Dindo Manhit, President of the Stratbase ADRi institute said, “As the government moved towards another quarantine scheme, while the country continues to face an uptrend surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, it is vital to provide our healthcare system with adequate resources to constantly respond with the needs of the public.” “The government should prioritize the implementation of the UHC Law, together with other health laws and allocate adequate resources for their operationalization based on sound data and evidence-based information,” he said. “Various stakeholders can proactively collaborate in the decision-making process so that through this whole-of-society approach the country’s health systems could achieve better health outcomes with a greater sense of accountability in healthcare delivery,” Manhit said. One of the speakers, Dr. Leni Jara, Executive Director for the Council for Health and Development, said testing, contact tracing and treatment capability remain woefully inadequate. “We still have a very high positivity rate,

29%, despite our under-testing. And yet we are already in seventh position as far as the number of cases of COVID is concerned,” said Dr. Jara. “COVID testing is not accessible for everybody because most of them are in urban centers – 116 in Metro Manila, 18 in Cebu, and 10 other provinces that have it. There are 31 provinces that don’t have testing centers.” She added that inadequate contact tracing has caused the persistence in the community transmission of the virus, that hospitals lack medicines and the capacity to cope with the number of patients. And while the government sees vaccines as the solution, herd immunity cannot be achieved at the rate we are rolling out vaccines. Alvin Manalansan, co-convenor, of UHC Watch, said in a statement that, “The controversies manifested by alleged corruption, transparency, and negligence has damaged the image of the Department of Health and affects our fight against COVID 19.” “We need a holistic, transparent and people-centered approach to healthcare, one that duly considers the rights and needs of different health constituents and stakeholders,” he said. Other speakers in the forum included Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former Health Secretary; Ms. Maria Fatima “Girlie” Garcia Lorenzo, President, Philippine Alliance of Patients Organization (PAPO); Dr. Beaver Tamesis from the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP); and Dr. Jaime A. Almora, President, Philippine Hospital Association.

Security Bank Foundation hosts online fundraising events for Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko scholarship program

ECURITY Bank employees and scholars take part in the online bingo night organized by the Security Bank Foundation Inc. In continued support of the Bank’s agency personnel, Security Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, Security Bank Foundation Inc. (SBFI) held an online fundraising event for its Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko (RMKK), a scholarship program for agency personnel and their children. Through an Online Bingo with playing fee, Security Bank employees and Foundation college scholars raised funds to sustain the RMKK scholarship program despite the pandemic. Now on its second year, the Online Bingo attracted more employees, including their family members, as it provided an opportunity to interact and have fun amidst physical distancing. “I felt more connected to my co-employees through this activity,” says Patricia Mae Yang, Channel Management Officer of Security Bank Bancassurance. “I love supporting Security Bank Foundation in its pursuit of extending help to its beneficiaries. The bingo game was just a bonus and I definitely enjoyed playing despite not winning,” adds Rex Symon Tupas, Operations Officer of Security

Bank Financial Control Division. Since 2010, RMKK has helped 337 scholars nationwide, with 120 of them currently enrolled this academic year 2020-2021. Of the existing scholars, two are agency personnel taking up college degrees while the rest are children of security guards, messengers, custodians, janitors, drivers, and telephone operators. “The Online Bingo gave me the opportunity to bond with my co-scholars and interact with Security Bank employees. I am truly grateful to the Security Bank Foundation for giving me the chance to be their scholar and to all the donors who continuously support the program,” says Nhenlen Bataller, third year college student of BS Education at Bicol College, and RMKK beneficiary. Apart from the Online Bingo, SBFI also raises funds for RMKK through other initiatives such as online concerts, virtual trivia nights, and virtual game nights happening latter part of this year, as well as direct contributions of employees and clients through programs such as conversion of Security Bank Mastercard’s rewards to donation points. To know more about the program and support a scholar, visit https://www. securitybank.com/sustainability/bank-to-bankcash-donation/.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Health&Fitness BusinessMirror

Thursday, September 30, 2021 B7

To boost or not to boost? Experts ENHANCING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: weigh in on Covid booster shots THE ASIAN HOSPITAL WAY By Rory Visco

Contributor

veryone who has been infected by Covid-19 and are already vaccinated twice are asking— what about booster shots? Many countries believe that the benefits of the first two doses might be wearing off so they’re looking for a third shot to further boost our anti-viral capabilities against Covid-19, especially the Delta variant. But is it really needed? Aren’t two doses enough to protect us from severe disease and hospitalization?

An expert’s look

Dr. Nina Gloriani, chair of the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), explained that there is a “primary” series of vaccines, comprised of two to four doses, that are needed to reach full effectiveness, like for the Covid-19 vaccines. There’s also a “booster” dose, which can be given months or years after the primary dose to “refresh the immune system’s memory and maintain protection.” For Covid-19, the booster is the third or additional dose to the primary series. She pointed out that the need for booster shots after the primary series will depend on the duration of the immunity, whether months or years. “If immunity is short lived and the magnitude of the antivirus in the body is smaller, definitely it will need booster shots.” The boosters, she said, will serve as the secondary immune response to help the antivirus level become more pronounced or with a higher number. Protection is longer in duration and response is stronger and becomes more effective in limiting infection. Dr. Gloriani pointed out that the antibodies come from the so-called “B cells,” and the level of antibodies that a person gets depends on the number of B cells that later divide into plasma cells to create the antibodies, which is called “clonal expansion.” The B cells will recognize the antigens, and it will then be activated to “clonally proliferate,” which means it will multiply in numbers. “What we have seen is more B cells clonally expand with time and with longer interval between doses. So, more plasma cells will be there and divide to produce more

Cardinal Santos Medical Center opens Sports Medicine Institute for athletes

ardinal Santos Medical Center (C SMC ) h a s l au nc hed it s own Sports Medicine Institute designed to provide world-class clinical care to both professional and recreational athletes. Named “ The MVP Clinic,” the CSMC Sports Medicine Institute is the countr y’s most comprehensive hospita lbased facilit y for proper body conditioning, as well as treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries. Equipped with the latest, most effective machines and led by a team of highly-competent, board-certified Sports Medicine experts from CSMC, The MVP Clinic is the top-choice physical health partner for athletes and sports enthusiasts preparing to reach their full potential and best shape. “Through this institute, we are committed to lead in the delivery of quality and expert medical care to sports-related injuries so that our beloved athletes are assured of world-class clinical treatment without the need to seek the required services outside the country,” CSMC President and CEO Raul C. Pagdanganan said in his message during the inauguration. The hospital named The MVP Clinic after Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Chairman and sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the development of sports in the country. The institute has also been dedicated to support Mr. Pangilinan’s vision of nurturing globally competitive Filipino champions. Among the services offered by The M V P Clinic are cr yotherapy, which helps relieve muscle and joint swelling after a grueling match or heavy training, and platelet-rich plasma, a procedure that follows the principle of stem cell therapy.

antibodies. As time passes, there is what is called ‘affinity maturation,’ where the antibodies will bind to the viral antigen. And as more antibodies are produced with stronger affinity, therefore, there is wisdom in waiting for the right time to boost,” Dr. Gloriani said. But the big question remains: “To boost or not to boost?” There are considerations if a boost is really needed, she said, like “waning immunity.” What should be looked at also when thinking of booster shots are the risk groups like the elderly, the immunocompromised, and those with risks of higher exposure like those who care for Covid-19 patients and the medical frontliners. There is also a need to look at the epidemiology of breakthrough cases over time, disease severity if there are variants, or data on vaccines on how their third dose will perform or have performed. To be looked at as well, she said, is the safety and immunogenicity—did the antibodies multiply, or, is the third dose safe? Or can there be “mix and match,” or can lower doses be given as boosters? So, what is the optimal timing for boosters? Should it be six, eight or 12 months after the primary series? The World Health Organization (WHO), however, said that the scientific justification for boosters remain unclear, although WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged third doses “might be necessary for at-risk groups.” He added, however, that “they do not want widespread use of boosters for healthy people who are fully vaccinated.” Dr. Tedros also called on countries to “prioritize vaccinating the most at-risk people around the world who have yet to receive their first dose.”

Are Covid-19 boosters effective and safe?

Dr. Marie Carmela Lapitan,

professor, Institute of Clinical Epidemiology of the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH) cited the findings of the Covid-19 Living Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) Task Force, saying that rather than looking at antibodies, what needs to be considered is whether they want to prevent infection or give additional protection. She cited only two observational studies that provided actual clinical outcomes after a booster. Both studies used the Pfizer vaccine and were done in Israel. The first study showed that the margin of protection against the virus was recorded at 84 percent 14 days after the booster was administered compared to the one not given a booster. The second study showed that receiving a booster provided an 11.4fold protection against Covid-19 infection, and an even higher 15.5-fold protection against severe disease. So to answer the question above, Dr. Lapitan said the studies reporting the safety outcomes at least 28 days after receiving the boost indicate that the adverse reactions were mostly mild and transient between those who received the boost and those who did not. When the primary vaccination and the booster shots were compared, some reported similar while some reported lower rates of reaction. For the severe and serious adverse events, the studies revealed very low rates or even no adverse events, says Dr. Lapitan, adding that majority, if not all, were unrelated to the boosters. For the immunocompromised, there was no acute rejection among transplant patients who received the boosters. But what if the booster vaccine is different from the primary vaccination? She said that the three studies that looked at this showed that heterologous booster vaccination was associated with higher local and sys-

temic reactions, but these were generally mild and moderate adverse events. Now, about the certainty of the evidence that these studies provided on a general population scale, Dr. Lapitan said they had to downgrade expectations since most of the studies were observational, and those that conducted the randomized trials, most of them only showed immunogenic and not clinical outcomes. She said of the 21 studies conducted on Covid-19 vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and safety, they showed that Covid-19 boosters are effective in preventing Covid-19 infection, but based on very low to low certainty of evidence. Boosters were also declared safe based on moderatecertainty evidence. However, Dr. Lapitan cited as well other evidence that will help in the decision-making process of whether to roll out Covid-19 vaccine booster programs. The WHO conducted systematic reviews that included 50 reports that consist of real-world evidence of primary vaccination, how are they working. It showed that majority of vaccines showed 85 percent effectiveness against any infection, and 90 percent against severe disease. As for the vaccines’ capacity to fight other variants, it showed 85 percent effectiveness against any infection and 90 percent against severe disease with the Delta variant. Also, all vaccine types showed 85 percent effectiveness against severe disease. As to the vaccines’ effectiveness over time, during this stage that many nations, including the Philippines, consider giving boosters, the reviews showed that vaccines showed 80 percent effectiveness against any infection and a high 90 percent effectiveness against severe disease even later after a longer interval from the time the primary vaccination was given.

Groups call for junking of ‘anti-health’ vape bill By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

lavored tobacco products have been out in the market with the goal of luring the Filipino youth into nicotine addiction. What makes health advocates worry more is that Senate Bill 2239, which aims to regulate the sale, packaging, advertisement, and promotion of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs), will be shifting its target market from 21 years old to 18 years old. During the recent “Pa-Cool Pero Harmful” forum organized by ImagineLaw, a nonprofit public interest law organization, health advocate groups and youth group leaders called for the junking of the bill, describing it as “antihealth”.

Attracts the youth

Ralph Degollacion, project manager of HealthJusticePhilippines, said that flavored ecigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) are harmful and encourage the initiation and continuation of tobacco use. Degollacion cited the US Food and Drug Administration findings that 80 percent of the youth are attracted to flavors. These products come in an array of candy, fruit, dessert, and cocktail flavors such as sour apple, cherry, grape, chocolate, strawberry margarita, appletini, piña colada, cotton candy and cinnamon roll. “[The] main attraction is the fruity products. Candy flavors are really enticing and this has been proven in the US,” Degollacion said. “Some of these flavors have very dangerous toxicants that are risky to our senses.” Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the US, he cited, was dealing with an epidemic “or their own ep-

idemic on the use of e-cigarettes.” “We want to avert another epidemic. We are facing a pandemic right now. We don’t want another epidemic in the next two or three years,” he stressed. For his part, Dr. Dexter Galban, chief executive officer of Alaga Health, said that promoting flavored vapor products is the logical next step for big tobacco companies to push their agenda, up their game, boost their targeted marketing efforts towards the youth, and make tobacco products more enticing. “Thwey want them [youth] to [be the] replacement smokers,” he said. “Decades of health campaigns have exposed the link between the smell of tobacco and the negative connotations attached to smoking,” Dr. Galban said, adding that the tobacco industry is creating interesting scents and flavors “to break that link and make it appear like it’s no longer toxic.” He pointed out that, “Not everything that smells good is good for you. It’s even worse when they are made to smell that way to hide how dangerous they are.”

Vaping not the best option

HealthJustice Philippines, a non-government organization, stressed that vaping is not the best option, and would never be, for people who are trying to quit smoking. The SB 2239 or commonly known as the Vape Bill, would even encourage the people, especially the youth to try vaping. HealthJustice is strongly against this bill, which was sponsored by Senate President ProTempore Ralph G. Recto, for it allows 18 years old to purchase and use the vaporized nicotine products (VNP), such as vapor products and HTPs.

Vapes and e-cigarettes not safe

Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, concurrent director of DOH Health Promotion Bureau and Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, said during the forum that several studies noted dual and even triple use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco use of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and conventional cigarettes. “This is alarming for public health, especially given that there is an increase among Filipino youth in the use of electronic cigarettes from 11.7 percent in 2015 to 24.6 percent in 2019,” Dr. Ho said. During this time of the pandemic, the DOH official stressed, it is crucial to understand that vapes may cause inf lammation and enhance the adherence of infectious organisms. “This makes the vapers, their loved ones, and community exposed to emissions more susceptible to Covid-19. Vapes and heated tobacco products also contain toxic chemicals that can cause cancer,” she said. Dr. Ho added that there is growing evidence of harmful effects of electronic cigarettes such as increased risk for heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and explosion injuries. “In recent years, we have also encountered vape-associated health harms such as explosion and vaping associated with lung injury which happened to two Filipino minors,” Dr. Ho recalled. The DOH official reiterated the department’s commitment which is consistent with the policy of the state to protect and promote the right to health of the people and “to instill health consciousness.”

AHMC’s Covid Homecare program

ince the Covid-19 pandemic started, hospitals have been unable to serve the needs of many of its patients primarily because these patients do not want to go to the hospital because of the fear of getting the virus. These trying times posed many challenges to Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC). How will they be able to serve the needs of non-Covid-19 patients? The management came up with different ways to serve the needs of the community by continuing to raise the bar, creating different programs to continue to give excellent and compassionate healthcare services to their community. AHMC came up with four new channels to address patients’ needs in the comforts of their homes as well giving them the assurance that they are receiving the best medical care possible. These four are the eConsults, Online Appointment System, Family Connect, and Covid HomeCare. Each has a specific purpose to address and all are geared towards the promise and satisfaction of the patient and their family.

Bringing medical experts to the world

“I can talk to my doctors, who are specialists in their fields, at the comfort of my home.” eConsults is an online platform where patients can communicate and consult their health concerns with AHMC doctors in the comforts of their homes. It is a teleconsultation platform that keeps both the doctors and patients safe during these trying times. Patients who have used the platform have positive feedback from the experience because they can connect with their doctors simply and digitally. “I don’t worry about finding a parking space or risk going out of the house.” This is what a regular eConsults user has to say. Doctors also find it convenient and easy to use because they are fully supported by the Asian Hospital triage team for a smooth process. Patients need not delay consulting with their doctors to get the best treatment for their medical needs. They can visit Asian Hospital’s website and schedule an appointment with any of the accredited specialists anytime. They just need to look for the eConsults service, and Asian Hospital will do the rest.

No appearance booking

“Booking for multiple procedures is made easy. I also just go to the hospital to take the tests. I can prepay the procedures before I go to my scheduled appointment. It is so convenient!” Online Appointment System, a user-friendly platform developed by Asian Hospital, is where patients can book their outpatient procedures prior to visiting the hospital. It assures them of a scheduled appointment that eliminates waiting time. Patients can conveniently book and pay for single or multiple procedures. Patients only have good things to say about their experience with the platform for it has made their lives easier when it comes to availing various diagnostic tests. “I can book laboratory tests and other diagnostic tests in one day. It saves me various trips to the hospital. Their outpatient navigation team

will help you get the most convenient schedule for you!” Patients may book their outpatient diagnostic appointments by visiting Asian Hospital’s website and look for the Online Appointment System page. Their outpatient navigation team will be on standby to assist you should you need to book for multiple tests.

Connecting families

“What you are doing helps alleviate the pain of separation for our mother, giving us hope for better days” Family Connect is a virtual communications service that bridges the gap between critical care patients and their families in this most uncertain of times. Asian Hospital recognizes that healing is faster when patients are closest to their loved ones. With this service, Asian Hospital provides the patients and their loved ones the opportunity to connect with each other. They can participate in the virtual family conferences with the patient’s doctors to discuss the clinical care for the patient. “It assures us that my mother is in good hands and is recovering well.” Asian Hospital stands by their promise of compassionate care even in these difficult times

Healing at the comforts of their own home

“I was scared when I learned I have Covid-19, but I was cared for at home by the Home Care team at home. I am assured that I will be monitored by a doctor and nurse.” Due to the uncertain surges of Covid-19 cases as well as the inaccessibility of healthcare facilities to accommodate those who seek Covid-19 care, AHMC offers its patients the option of receiving the best possible attention at home through its “COVID Home Care” services. The Home Care Covid Program is a remote service of AHMC for asymptomatic and mild Covid patients. A team of competent medical staff is designated to manage the recovery of the patient from the virus. The patient is enrolled in the 14-day Covid Care Program where the medical services needed by the patient is packaged at a very reasonable amount. Aside from the medical consultations, the patient is assured that should they need supplies and medicines for their treatment, the Home Care team will readily coordinate this with Asian Hospital Pharmacy. “I even have a standby oxygen tank should I need it. They help us go through the recovery faster.” Other services included in the Covid Care Program, as well as Post Covid Care Program are in Asian Hospital’s website. They are ready to take care of patients even at home. These channels are just some of the innovative services that Asian Hospital brings to its patients. It continues to listen to the needs of its community and drives to bring these services closer to the homes of our patients; for their safety and continued wellbeing. Talk to us on how Asian Hospital can further help you with your medical needs. Visit Asian Hospital’s website at www.asianhospital.com. Sharon Hernandez, Mark Louie Napoles & Lhord Edrhel Damiles

Marcial receives warm welcome in Zamboanga

OKYO Olympics boxing bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial received a lot of surprises from Chooks-toGo during his homecoming on Tuesday in Barangay Lunzuran, Zamboanga City. Marcial, along with his fiancée Princess Galarpe, were invited to Bounty Agro Ventures Inc.’s Business Center along MCLL HiWay in Divisoria in the same city. There, Marcial was awarded his own Chooks-to-Go store by Atlanta 1996 Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco. But that was not just the incentives received by the 25-yearold Zamboangueño. It had always been Marcial’s dream to have a grassroots boxing program for his provinces—wanting to help identify, groom and develop the next Marcial or next Manny Pacquiao. With this dream, Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas also pledged to fund Marcial’s program. “We all know the story of our boxers like Onyok, Manny, and Eumir—all stories of dreamers who grew up in poverty and were able to achieve their dreams through boxing,” Mascariñas said. “Now that Eumir is in the position he is in, he wants to give back by not just inspiring Zamboanga’s youth but also giving them a path to achieve their dreams. And we are here to support his cause and find the next great Filipino boxer,” the amiable sportsman said. Marcial couldn’t hold his tears upon knowing this as his dream got a huge infusion to get going. “Firt of all, I want to thank God Almighty for these blessings,” Marcial said. “And I want to thank Sir Ronald for being God’s vehicle to accomplish my dreams.” Marcial and Velasco went on to give a talk to a select group of aspiring boxers later in the afternoon. Mascariñas also vowed to support Marcial’s professional career. “With our support for his professional career, Marcial will no longer have to worry about anything else besides to train hard and put on a show during fight night,” Mascariñas said. “I’m surprised. I didn’t see this coming,” Marcial, in tears, said.

ALVIN OFTANA pulled off an offensive gem not often seen from rookies like him as NLEX edged Meralco, 81-80, on Wednesday to send their quarterfinal duel to a do-or-die match in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga. Meralco was the No. 2 seed after the eliminations and NLEX No. 7 with the Road Warriors needing to beat the Bolts twice to stay alive in the playoffs. Reynel Hugnatan used his veteran wits to give Meralco an 80-79 lead with 55 seconds left, sending NLEX to scamper for a final-minute play to turn the game around. Oftana was no ordinary rookie as NLEX Coach Yeng Guiao kept him in the game at crunch time.

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POC gets House’s nod on P650M additional 2022 budget for PSC

BusinessMirror

EUMIR FELIX MARCIAL and Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco entertain the crowd in Barangay Lunzuran.

By Josef Ramos

ENATOR Manny Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing on Wednesday, ending an illustrious 26-year rags-to-riches story and kicking off another of his noble fights this time in the political arena hoping to weave the same fairy-tale ending all the way to Malacañang. For weeks after losing his last fight in August to Cuban Yordenis Ugás in Las Vegas, the writing on the wall couldn’t be denied—the Filipino boxing icon, the People’s Champ and the Pambansang Kamao looked bound to hang up his gloves. “It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today, I’m announcing my retirement. Wow…I never thought that this day would come,” the 42-year-old Pacquiao said in his retirement speech shown live on his Facebook page. “As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people for supporting Manny Pacquiao.” “Glory to God who made it all happen. I always believe that in God all things are possible. Without Him, I am nothing,” he said. “He is the One who gives me the ability and strength to accomplish all those things.” “Goodbye, boxing…Thank you for changing my life. When my family was desperate, you gave us hope. You gave me the chance to fight our way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you, I have been given the courage to change more lives. I just heard the final bell. Thank you to all of you.” Pacquiao was a skinny teenager who stowed away on a ship from his hometown in General Santos City in search of a silver lining in Manila. He did odd jobs to make both ends meet and eventually, found himself boxing for cash. He made his professional boxing debut as a junior

| Thursday, September 30, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

MANNY PACQUIAO ends a 72-fight career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws—winning 12 world titles and becoming the only fighter in history to win titles in eight different weight classes. AP

GOODBYE BOXING... THANK YOU FOR CHANGING MY LIFE—PACQUIAO

flyweight in 1995, at the age of 16, fighting his way out of abject poverty to become one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. Pacquiao finished his 72-fight career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws. Of those 62 wins, 39 were by knockout and 23 by decision. He won 12 world titles and is the only fighter in history to win titles in eight different weight classes. “His legacy and records speak for himself, he never turned down any

fights,” Gibbons said, who became the right hand man of Pacquiao after his contract with Top Rank’s Bob Arum expired in 2017. He last fought on August 21 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, losing the World Boxing Association welterweight belt he previously owned to Ugás. A rematch with Ugás or a fitting farewell fight in January? Those won’t happen anymore as he embarks to preparing for his next fight in the political arena when he runs for the presidency in the May 6, 2022, elections.

OFTANA SINKS CLINCHER FOR NLEX

The former San Beda Red Lions star missed a three-pointer in the next play, but redeemed himself by grabbing the rebound. He called for time. Oftana then completed his heroic by receiving the inbounds pass from Jericho Cruz, drove to the basket in the process scattering the Bolts defense and sank the clincher—time down to six seconds. Desperate for the win, Cliff Hodge made a desperate trey but was blocked by JR Quiñahan at the buzzer. “It was intended for him [Oftana]. It went exactly as we planned it, but of course sometimes it does

FCHWPO FAITH, Consistency, Hard Work Pays Off. That’s the secret to the awesome and spectacular performance that One strawweight world champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio showed inside the One Circle last Friday in One: Revolution. The 25-year-old Team Lakay warrior—out of the Circle for a year and eight months—needed less than a round to put away erstwhile nemesis Yosuke Saruta in their trilogy fight. And keep that One last world championship belt within the Philippine area of responsibility. Pacio, downed by Covid early this year and living in virtual limbo before his return to the Circle, faced

unprecedented challenges in his fighting career. Besides getting Covid, he also battled injury. He endured four to five weeks of isolation and being locked down. Even when he had beaten the virus, he had a hard time getting back. He lost his sense of taste, felt the pain in his joints and muscles, had hardness of breathing and an unfamiliar feeling of weakness. Taking his first step when he was well enough and walking a few meters “felt like a whole training session,” he said. How in the world could he go through a five-round fight with “The Ninja,” Saruta, who knew his weaknesses and was just waiting to take advantage of the situation? How indeed. Saruta seemed merciless in his pregame pronouncements about Pacio. “I will break Pacio’s fighting spirit, break his will, and finish him between rounds four and five. That’s my prediction. Whether I knock him out or submit him, I am coming for the finish,” a fired-up Saruta had said. But come fight night, it was Joshua Pacio who pulled a rabbit out of a hat. If it was at all possible for anti-rust fluid to be glugged down, it looked like the young Lakay had taken it as a sports drink. He was absolutely rust-free, focused, fast, strong and ready on the reflex. Twice he caught Saruta’s low kicks, a furtive move on the part of the Japanese to see how far he could go with “The Passion.” Saruta had no idea how in the zone his opponent was. When Pacio caught Saruta’s foot the second time around, the Japanese felt the rug being pulled from

CALVIN OFTANA proves he’s no ordinary rookie as he sinks the game clincher for the Road Warriors against the Bolts.

“He had a chance to get a big bang send-off farewell fight, but he wanted to focus on winning the presidency of the country,” Sean Gibbons, MP Promotions president, told the BusinessMirror. “The people will miss the people’s champion.” “When he goes to run, a lot of people follow him. When he goes to the gym, the people also follow him,” Gibbons said. “He is a true natural-born leader. Boxing is going to be a little bit sadder without him.” With AP

happen, sometimes it doesn’t,” Guiao said. “We’re just lucky it happened this time.” Oftana, 25 and the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half to go with nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block—numbers that validate his Most Valuable Player trophy in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95. “We’re just trying to survive every game. Meralco is a very solid team—and there’s a reason why, they are second place,” added Guiao, who’s already missing the services of Kiefer Ravena, now playing in Japan’s J.League. Allein Maliksi had 16 points, Mac Belo made 12 points, Nards Pinto and Hugnatan got 11 points each for the Bolts. The Bolts and Road Warriors square off in a no-tomorrow game at 6 p.m. on Friday. Josef Ramos

under. He was surprised, but before he could even find his balance, in came Pacio’s overhand right, kapow! stunning him again. He tried to run, but Pacio followed, pursuing him like prey and delivering the blows from all sides until Saruta crumpled against the wall. He simply had no answers. When the referee separated the two to acknowledge the TKO, Pacio let out a mighty cry that echoed from the Singapore Indoor Stadium all the way to the mountains of Cordillera. It was a cathartic release of all that had gone before: the shock of getting Covid, the injury, the frustration of not being able to do anything about it, the waiting, the days and weeks alone, the pain, the misery, and then the slow, soul-testing process of putting it all back together again. That’s what The Passion released on the floor that night, never to bother him again. That win gave Pacio, a 20-3 record plus the distinction of having the most wins in the One strawweight division (nine), the most strawweight world title fights (seven) and the most strawweight title fight victories (five). “We’ve been working on all of our strengths and weaknesses. We’re working on our counters as well. We’re working on our offense, and you [saw] it,” he said after the fight. That awesome outcome couldn’t have been possible without F, C and HW. Throughout his ordeal, and even in the thick of battle, Joshua Pacio never stopped believing. Then too, he never stopped training. Even when

HE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved the request of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) for an additional P650 million for the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) 2022 budget from general appropriations. POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also a representative from Cavite’s Eighth District, sought for the additional budget to fund the training and participation of national athletes to at least five major international competitions. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the National Expenditure Program, appropriated only P175 million for the PSC, figures that cover only bare essentials for the government sports agency’s operations for the coming year. Tolentino informed the committee of the importance of four major international competitions that are held every four years as necessary to build on the momentum of the multiple medals— specially Hidilyn Diaz’s weightlifting title that gave the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo after close to a century of participation. These are the Beijing Winter Olympics (February 4 to 20), Thailand Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (March 10 to 20), The World Games or TWG (Birmingham, Alabama, USA, July 7 to 22), Huangzhou Asian Games (September 10 to 25) and Shantou Asian Youth Games (December 20 to 28). In his manifestation during the House Committee on Finance hearing presided over by Deputy Speaker Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Tolentino also included the postponed 31st Southeast Asian Games which Vietnam is bound to host also in 2022. “With due respect to the DBM, we in the POC were not consulted—and again with due respect to the PSC— we were not also asked, as part of planning, on how much is needed to fund our athletes for these major international competitions,” Tolentino said in his manifestation. “We are protecting and making sure that our qualified national athletes can compete in full force in those four major events that happen only once every four years, plus the SEA Games in Vietnam where we are the defending overall champion,” he said. Tolentino earlier planned a budget of P5 million for the Winter Olympics, P150 million for the AIMAG, P10 million for the TWG, P270 million for Asian Games and P15 million for the AYG. The SEA Games budget was pegged at P200 million. “The total budget is a measly sum and this could be tapped from several sources…my concern is the budget needed by our athletes in these major competitions,” he said. “I am also willing to put a provision—as an oversight function—that all canceled competitions will be treated as savings and will be returned to the DBM or the National Treasury.” “Only P175 million is given to the PSC but we badly need this P650 million and we promise that we will give another honor for the country,” Tolentino said. “We cannot ignore or forget the pride and honor that our athletes are giving to us and to the country.” Both the Minority and Majority supported Tolentino’s manifestation for the additional budget for the PSC. “This is well deserved for the PSC,” Dy said. PSC Chairman William Ramirez and his chief of staff Mark Velasco also attended the hearing.

he was locked down and could make it on his feet, he trained alone. When he was better, he helped train his teammates in the Lakay Gym. When he was in the groove, he started training twice a day. And never lost focus. He said that if he could improve himself even One percent a day, he would be very happy. That consistency, that relentless pursuit of his goal is a strength that Joshua Pacio can bequeath to the new Lakay generation like Stephen Loman, Jeremy Pacatiw and Jhanlo Sangiao who are waiting in the wings, eager to show the kind of gold that really shines up there in the mountains. Lakay founder and coach Mark Sangiao said he was himself impressed and very pleased with Pacio’s attitude to get better and better in his sport. He puts in the work, he always wants to get better, he is always eager to learn, Coach Mark said. After ONE: Revolution, Joshua Pacio now sits on top of the hill of his Strawweight Kingdom and surveys all in his domain. Whom he will fight next is not yet known, but any of these gentlemen may come calling: South African Bokang Masunyane, Japanese wrestler Hiroba Minowa who defeated fellow Lakay Lito Adiwang last year, and the Monkey God, Jared Brooks who is out on a mission to challenge and dethrone all those who rule. That’s a long way off yet though, and for now, The Passion can bask in his glory as the Filipino nation thanks him for his gift. He has lots of time to get better and better and stay invincible. FCHWPO is the truth.