BusinessMirror April 06, 2022

War, inflation, Covid to pull down PHL growth

T

HE Philippines is projected to grow below 6 percent this year and in the next two years on the back of the war in Eastern Europe, the rise in commodity prices and the pandemic, according to the World Bank.

In its latest East Asia and the Pacific report, the World Bank said the Philippines is expected to post a growth of 5.7 percent this year and 5.6 percent in 2023 and 2024.

The World Bank’s projection for this year was a slight downgrade from the 5.8 percent the Washington-based lender projected last year. The World Bank also said the country’s growth, should conditions worsen, could only reach 4.9 percent this year.

The World Bank said its past

projection for the Philippines “was conservative so that downgrade is small.”

And, East Asia and Pacific Chief Economist Aaditya Mattoo said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday, “the reason for the downgrade is primarily the war in Ukraine. We believe that this is a shock for the whole world and it is going to affect the Philippines.”

Inflation is also expected to reach 4.2 percent this year before slowing to around 3.5 percent in 2023 and 3.3 percent in 2024, while private consumption is expected to post a 5.50-percent growth this year before tracking GDP growth in 2023 and 2024.

The World Bank said the country’s GDP growth will be driven

by the domestic economy and the decline in Covid-19 cases. The country also stands to benefit from looser restrictions and a wider reopening of the economy.

The Washington-based lender said the domestic economy will compensate for the weak external environment influenced by the slowdown in global growth, rise in inflation, and geopolitical turmoil.

“I think it was beginning to open up as I said, because of the success in containing Covid. It’s unfortunate that its opening up coincides with new global uncertainties,” Mattoo said.

One of the ways to further support GDP growth, Mattoo said, is to adopt structural shifts in the

economy. One way is to go full blast on digitization which is already in high demand all over the world, especially after the pandemic.

He said the country must channel resources away from sectors like tourism to digital services, as well as strengthen infrastructure facilities that will allow greater digitization.

Mattoo added that building broadband facilities and improving regulatory mechanisms will help deliver better services that the Philippines can also offer to the world.

“Philippines is to try and shift resources away from sectors like tourism and other sectors towards See “Growth,” A2

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Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 180

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 20 pages | 7 days a week

‘BEST EFFORTS’ CITED AS MARCH INFLATION HITS 4% n

By Cai U. Ordinario

Amid rising inflation, BSP chief set on H2 timeline

@caiordinario

T

HE government is already doing its utmost in terms of implementing economic policy to cushion the impact of high commodity prices on the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

On Tuesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation averaged 4 percent in March this year, higher than the 3 percent posted in February, but slower than the 4.1 percent in March 2021. The average inflation for the first quarter reached 3.4 percent. PSA data showed the inflation owed to increases in costs of food, fuel and utilities.

In an interview with BusinessMirror on the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing, Neda Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon said since the crisis is temporary, it is not advisable for the government to implement measures that could have a more permanent impact on the economy.

“First, we think this crisis is temporary so we don’t need to bring in solutions that will have cascading effects down the road, [that could lead to] more permanent adverse effects and so we only need temporary solutions right now,” Edillon said.

“Of course, we still think the more robust solution is to really improve our energy security.

That’s where our vulnerability lies but right now, since that will take time to happen, we just want to See “Inflation,” A2

By Bianca Cuaresma

B

ECONOMIC BRIEFING From left, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Agriculture Secretary William Dar, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Benjamin Diokno, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez pose for a photo opportunity at the 2022 Philippine Economic Briefing at the plenary hall of PICC on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Stories on the PEB on pages A1, A4, A12. NONIE REYES

‘GAME-CHANGING REFORMS’ LAID GROUND FOR STRONG ECONOMY

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

D

ESPITE the pandemicstricken economy, Malacañang assured Filipinos

on Tuesday it will leave a strong economic foundation for the next administration.

In his speech during the briefing of economic managers at the Philippine International Conven-

tion Center (PICC), Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea said the government is confident the country’s economy will bounce back from the effects of the Covid-19 crisis, which led to

the mass closure of establishments and labor displacements in the last two years.

“The pandemic disrupted the

@BcuaresmaBM

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno recognizes the “need to take action” in terms of monetary policy, as inflation is projected to spike further in the coming months.

However, the governor confirmed on Tuesday that they’re still looking at staying the course of starting monetary policy normalization only in the second half of the year.

In the press conference after the 2022 Philippine Economic Briefing, the governor said inflation will likely remain elevated in the coming months after clocking in at 4 percent in March from 3 percent in the previous month.

“In the latest policy meeting, the latest assessment is that keeping the policy rate at this level was appropriate. However, the latest inflation number this March at 4 percent suggests that inflation is likely to remain elevated in the coming months,” the governor said.

“This means that the BSP must be prepared to take action against price pressures from broadening and becoming more entrenched, which could translate to secondround effects,” he added.

See “Reforms,” A2 See “BSP,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 51.4500 n japan 0.4191 n UK 67.4973 n HK 6.5672 n CHINA 8.1160 n singapore 37.9313 n australia 38.7984 n EU 56.4715 n SAUDI arabia 13.7152 Source: BSP (5 April 2022)

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

A2

PRRD thanks China for bridge, lists desired agenda before talks with Xi

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

D

AYS before his scheduled talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Duterte said he wants to tackle the matter of Chinese ships in the Spratlys, as he addressed Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian at a public event on Tuesday.

Duterte made the statement during the inauguration of the BinondoIntramuros bridge on Tuesday, where Xilian was among the guests.

He also said he wants to discuss the fishing rights of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, which is being

BSP. . .

Continued from A1

Earlier during the day, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that the growth of consumer prices hit the ceiling of the government’s annual target range of 2 to 4 percent in March on the back of higher price increases of food items combined with the continued rise in energy-related inflation.

The governor said they will continue to keep a “watchful eye” on emerging developments to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains in line with price stability.

“We’re prepared to take preemptive action as needed if inflation expectations become at risk of becoming disanchored.

hindered by the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

“We can talk about the Spratly Islands and probably the fishing rights of my countrymen—plain talk, nothing else,” Duterte said, while addressing Xilian.

The President stressed the country has no “quarrel” with China despite the ongoing incursion of Chinese sea vessels in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the WSP. To note, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed with China last week a new diplomatic protest due to the close-distance maneuvering by CCG ships in the Panatag Shoal, moves that

the Philippine Coast Guard denounced as dangerous.

At the same time, firmer signs of a durable economic recovery will allow us to consider adjustments in our monetary policy stance consistent with the eventual normalization of our policy settings,” the governor said.

implementation of their exit strategy.

“We will strive to strike the right balance between providing support to the economy on one hand and fulfilling our mandates of price and financial stability on the other,” the governor said.

With the surge of inflation in March, economists are agreeing with the governor that prices are only bound to go upwards in the coming months.

“Inflation could pick up to 4 percent levels for the coming months of 2022, largely due to the increase in global oil, energy and other commodity prices since Russia’s war with Ukraine,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said. “[The] relatively weaker peso exchange rate vs. the US dollar in recent months could

Normalization in H2

Despite the more hawkish tones of the governor on Tuesday, Diokno said they are still looking to start policy normalization in the second half of the year, as earlier planned.

“For the timing of the disengagement strategy, I think we are still on track despite the Russia-Ukraine crisis. We are still looking at the second half of the year for our normalization strategy,” the governor said.

Diokno said the BSP will continue to assess demand and supply conditions to ensure the “timely and orderly”

Deepened relations Duterte, meanwhile, also thanked China for its role in the construction of key infrastructure projects in the country, such as the P3.39-billion BinondoIntramuros Bridge.

For his part, Xilian also noted China’s strong cooperation with the government, as manifested in the completion of 16 government-to-government cooperation projects, including the BinondoIntramuros Bridge, since 2016.

He said he hopes the PhilippineC h i na d iplom at ic rel at ions w i l l

“deepen” amid the “turbulent” international situation with the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

“This world is an inseparable community. We should further cherish regional peace and stability and value the hard-earned momentum of our relations. China and the Philippines are good neighbors and close friends,” Xilian said.

Last week, Malacañang announced that Duterte is set to hold an online meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

However, Palace officials have yet to announce the issues which both leaders will discuss in their forthcoming talks. still also add to import costs,” he added.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) economists also said the peak for inflation during the year is “not yet in sight” as oil— the biggest contributor to faster inflation—is also affecting food and utility prices.

In a research analysis published after the inflation announcement on Tuesday, BPI said aside from the usual culprit of oil, food and utilities, supply issues from China’s lockdown and the normalization in the US can also feed into the local inflation in the coming months.

For BPI, they expect a 75-basis-point adjustment in the policy rate this year from 2 percent to 2.75 percent.

“The chances of an intermeeting/ unscheduled BSP rate hike are increasing because of oil and currency volatility. Kicking the can further may eventually lead to a situation that could force the BSP to hike by more than 25 basis points in one meeting, similar to what happened in 2018,” the BPI said.

“It is a tough and delicate balancing act in managing the monetary policy, going forward, to prevent inflation from spiraling further, while at the same time, helping sustain the fragile economic recovery prospects still reeling from the adverse effects of the pandemic that could be jeopardized by any premature tightening of monetary policy,” Ricafort, meanwhile, said.

The BSP has two more scheduled monetary policy meetings for the first half of the year—on May 19 and June 23. The first meeting the BSP is scheduled to have in the second half of 2022 is on August 18.

Reforms. . .

Continued from A1

Philippines’s accelerated path to upper middle income status, but we are confident that the disruption is only temporary,” Medialdea said.

“While many challenges remain, I am confident that we have shaped a better future for our economy and our people,” he added.

He said the country withstood the brunt of the economic impact of the pandemic through the socioeconomic reforms implemented by the administration.

These reforms, Medialdea said, subsequently increased the net take home pay of workers, lowered the taxes of corporations, rationalized the fiscal incentives system, increased the Philippines competitiveness, promoted financial inclusion and digitalization and improved the ease of doing business in the country.

“The Duterte administration has implemented game-changing reforms to relentlessly pursue economic growth which is not only measured by statistics but can be seen, touched, and felt by the Filipino people,” Medialdea said.

Such measures will serve as the “strong foundation” for the next administration, according to the Palace official.

“The Duterte administration will continue to work towards smooth transition and leave public office with stronger foundations in place for inclusive sustainable economic growth,” Medialdea said.

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Inflation. . .

Continued from A1

cushion [the impact] on the ones who will be hit the most,” she explained.

Steps to combat inflation, the Neda said, included expanding supply and reducing prices of pork by extending the lower tariff of 15 percent in quota and 25 percent out quota with minimum access volume of 200,000 metric tons until December 2022.

The Neda said the measures also included accelerating the release of imported pork from cold storages and passing the proposed Livestock Development and Competitiveness Law and pursuing the livestock value chain reform to address rising corn and feed prices.

The government also worked to accelerate the release of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance from the National Meat Inspection Service’s cold storage warehouses to push up chicken inventory and removed all non-tariff barriers.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua said that over 158,000 corn farmers and fisherfolk registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture are also set to receive P3,000 as fuel subsidy.

The Neda chief added that to cushion the impact of rising prices, the government will distribute unconditional cash transfers worth P500 per month to the poorest 50 percent of households.

Moreover, around 115,000 public utility vehicle drivers and operators have received P6,500 each under the Pantawid Pasada program. However, this initiative has hit a snag after transport agencies stopped disbursements for fear of running afoul on the Comelec ban on spending during the campaign season. Related story on page A12.

“The government stands ready to support consumers, commuters, public transport drivers and operators, and agricultural producers to ease the impact of high oil and commodity prices,” Chua said.

“As Covid-19 cases subside, we also aim to move the entire country to alert level 1 to provide more opportunities for Filipinos to earn and provide for their families amid inflationary pressures,” he added.

Higher prices Based on PSA data, the main sources of higher inflation were food and nonalcoholic beverages which averaged 2.6 percent in March. The increase in

Growth. . .

Continued from A1

these digitally delivered services and extract the tremendous potential capacity that has to grow to the delivery of these services, but actually required investments in education to remedy the scars created by the pandemic,” Mattoo said.

The World Bank said the war in Ukraine threatens the uneven recovery of developing East Asia and Pacific (EAP) countries from the Covid-19 shock, the World Bank said on Monday.

The war comes on top of the economic distress caused by the lingering Covid-19 pandemic, the financial tightening in the United States, and the pandemic resurgence amid zeroCovid policies in China.

The report said shocks emanating from the war in Ukraine and the sanctions on Russia are disrupting the supply of commodities, increasing financial stress, and dampening global growth.

prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 53.5 percent of the uptick in inflation.

Under this commodity group, the main sources of the increase were the prices of meat and others, rising 2.9 percent in March; fish and other seafood, 4.3 percent; and vegetables and tubers, etc. which increased to -0.1 percent.

The PSA data also showed food inflation alone posted inflation of 2.8 percent in March; while Cereals and Cereal Products, 3.4 percent. Under this, corn inflation averaged 31.3 percent during the period and Flour, Bread and Other Bakery Products, Pasta Products, and Other Cereals averaged 3.6 percent.

Inflation for other food items like oils and fats also increased 9.1 percent while sugar, confectionary and desserts also increased to 6.2 percent.

Apart from food and non-alcoholic beverages, the inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased to 6.2 percent. This accounted for 30.3 percent of the increase in inflation.

PSA said inflation posted by electricity prices averaged 18 percent while Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices surged 26.5 percent.

The data also showed that transport accounted for 13.7 percent of the increase in inflation for the month of March. The commodity group saw prices increase 10.3 percent, the highest since May 2021 when inflation for this group averaged 16.2 percent.

Under this commodity group, gasoline prices surged 36.7 percent while diesel prices skyrocketed by 58 percent in March 2022.

Meanwhile, following the trend at the national level, inflation in the National Capital Region rose to 3.4 percent in March 2022, from 1.9 percent in the previous month. In March 2021, inflation in the area was reported at 2.5 percent.

The higher inflation in NCR was brought about by the uptick in the inflation of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 1.5 percent, from -1.6 percent in February 2022.

Similar to the trend at the national level and in NCR, inflation in Areas Outside NCR rose to 4.1 percent in March 2022, from 3.4 percent in February 2022. In March 2021, inflation in the area was posted at 4.6 percent.

The higher inflation in the area was brought about by the increase in the inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages at 2.8 percent, and housing water, electricity, gas and other fuels, at 6.7 percent.

“Just as the economies of East Asia and the Pacific were recovering from the pandemic-induced shock, the war in Ukraine is weighing on growth momentum,” said World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Manuela V. Ferro. “The region’s largely strong fundamentals and sound policies should help it weather these storms.”

Overall economic growth is projected to slow to 5 percent in 2022— 0.4 of a percentage point less than expected in October. If global conditions worsen and national policy responses are weak, growth could slow to 4 percent. China, which accounts for 86 percent of regional output, is projected to grow 5 percent in the baseline and 4 percent in the downside scenario.

Output in the rest of the region is projected to expand 4.8 percent in the baseline and 4.2 percent in the downside scenario. In the downside scenario, 6 million more people in the region would remain trapped in poverty in 2022 at the $5.50/day poverty line. Cai U. Ordinario

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The Nation BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, April 6, 2022 A3

NBI ready to assist hunt for peddlers of ‘fake news’

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

T

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed its readiness to help the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in going after peddlers of “fake news” relating to the incoming national and local elections.

Justice Secretar y Menardo Guevarra made the assurance af ter Comelec Commissioner George Garcia on Monday said the poll body would seek the assistance of law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), an attached agency of the DOJ, and the Phil-

ippine National Police (PNP) in holding purveyors of fake news criminally liable.

The Comelec has expressed its intention to include the said agencies as part of its Task Force Against Fake News.

“But as in the case of the Comelec’s campaign against vote-buying, the DOJ is ready to extend help to the Comelec,” Guevarra said.

“After all, purveying false news that affect public interest or public order is a criminal offense that falls squarely within the mandate of the DOJ/NBI to investigate and prosecute,” he added.

Garcia said that the creation of such a task force would enable

them to better investigate and file appropriate charges against those who spread rumors that may raise questions on the integrity of the election process. Aside from the Task Force Against Fake News, the DOJ and the NBI would also be part of the Comelec-formed Inter-Agency Task Force Kontra Bigay that would focus on vote buying.

The Task Force Kontra Bigay would be headed by Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino.

Its members would also include representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Presidential AntiCorruption Commission (PACC),

PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Threatening BBM

IN a related development, the DOJ’s Office of Prosecutor General (OPG) announced that it has approved the filing of criminal charges against a delivery rider who allegedly posted in his Twitter account a threat to kill presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Charges of grave threats under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Law) is set to be filed against Michael Go be-

fore the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City.

The case stemmed from the complaint of a certain Ken Romualdez and the Quezon City Police District Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.

Go was accused of posting on his Twitter: “I was block by Marcos Jr. in 2016. Paki sabi mag ingat siya sa Tandang Sora QC. Pag dumaan siya dun babarilin ko siya.

Di ako takot makulong. Hindi rin ako takot mamatay. Isang malaking karangalan ipaghiganti mga kasama ko aktibista biktima ng karahasan panahon ng martial law [Tell Marcos to be careful when he is in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

When he passes by there, I will shoot him. I am not afraid to go to jail. I am not afraid to die. It will be an honor to avenge my activist companions who were victims of violence during martial law].”

“Grave threat is a crime against security. Article 282 penalizes any person who shall threaten another with the infliction upon the person, honor, or property of the latter or of his family of any wrongdoing amounting to a crime,” the DOJOPG said.

Go, who turned himself over to the police, had denied the allegation, claiming that the said Twitter account does not belong to him.

Pay raise may have to wait until after May 1, Labor Day

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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INIMUM wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) may have to wait after May 1, Labor Day, before they can possibly get a pay increase.

This after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-NCR) Chairman Sarah B. Mirasol said their deadline to act on the four pending wage petitions from labor groups will be on May 5, 2022.

She explained they would conduct the stakeholder consultation with labor groups on April 8 and with employers’ groups on April 19.

The consultations will then be followed by a public hearing, which will be announced through a published notice.

“We can only conduct the public hearing 15 days after it is published. On the 16th day [after the publication] or May 5 [2022] that is that time we can conduct it,” Mirasol explained in a virtual forum last Tuesday.

Mandated rules

THE regional wage boards are mandated under Republic Act (RA) 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act, to conduct consultation and public hearing before they could issue a new wage order.

Mirasol explained they must strictly comply with the said rules to avoid any questions on the legality of the new wage order they will issue.

Otherwise, she noted the order will be “exposed to appeal or irregularity,” which could invalidate it.

“Instead of us being able to imme-

diately implement [the order] after its publication, we will be subject to appeal or certiorari, wherein we cannot implement the wage order,” Mirasol said.

Pending petitions

CURRENTLY, the RTWPB-NCR has four pending wage petitions, which seek to raise the daily minimum wage rate in Metro Manila between P213 to P470.

The oldest of the petitions, which is seeking to raise the existing P500 to P530 minimum wage rate in NCR

to P750, was filed by Unity for Wage Increase Now (UWIN) way back in November 25, 2019.

In separate wage petitions filed last March 4, the Metro East Labor Federation and the Solidarity of Unions in the Philippines for Empowerment and Reforms also asked the RTWPB-NCR for a similar wage adjustment as UWIN. Thus, the three wage petitions were consolidated by the RTWPB-NCR. The last petition, which aims to raise the daily minimum wage in NCR by P470, was refiled by the

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) last Monday.

To note, the RTWPB-NCR denied due course the initial petition filed by TUCP last March 14 since it sought an across-the-board pay increase, which is beyond the mandate of the wage boards.

Under RA 6727, RTWPBs could only act on petitions for minimum wage earners.

“For petitions concerning acrossthe-board wage increases for workers, it should probably be addressed to Congress,” Mirasol said.

A4 Wednesday, April 6, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

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DOF chief: Govt can fund UCT to poorest 50% up to 6 months

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

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HE government has allocated P41.4 billion to finance the additional uncondi-

tional cash transfers (UCT) to the poorest 50 percent of the population for six months to cushion the impact of rising oil prices, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III revealed on Tuesday.

The Department of Finance (DOF) chief said a portion of the funds needed for the cash aid would be sourced from the P15 billion to P17 billion advance payments for the purchase of tax stamps

of cigarette companies.

“They don’t ‘give’ it to us. They just bought in advance over and above their average,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing and Sulong Pilipinas 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Dominguez earlier said they are eyeing to also source the funds needed for the subsidy from excess dividends from government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and the windfall from higher value-added tax (VAT) collections on fuel brought by higher oil prices amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

The economic team earlier proposed to release P33.1 billion needed to cover an additional UCT of P200 per month or P2,400 for one year for each household. However, President Duterte ordered Dominguez to raise the additional monthly additional UCT aid from P200 to P500 after drawing criticisms that the cash is “too small.”

Duterte also said Dominguez expressed reservations over the additional budget allocation needed to implement the increase in UCT benefits, since it will cause “problems” in the government finances after it is implemented.

Pressed on why the government is now planning for an additional UCT that will be good for six months instead of one year under their original proposal to the Presi-

dent, Dominguez said: “I am only telling you how much is available.”

Last month, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Officer in Charge Tina Canda said that what the government can afford at that time was to provide P1,500 worth of UCT that will cover three months and that they are eyeing to release the amount this month.

Sought separately by the BusinessMirror on when the government will start releasing the additional UCT, DBM Undersecretary Rolando Toledo said they have yet to receive the certification of excess funds from the Bureau of the Treasury.

The DOF made the proposal to release an additional UCT as it fended off calls to suspend excise tax and VAT on fuel, arguing that suspension of fuel excise taxes would lead to a revenue loss this year of P105.9 billion and a higher debt-to-GDP and deficit-to-GDP ratios for the national government.

If the fuel excise taxes under Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TR AIN) law are suspended, the DOF said the deficit-to-GDP ratio this year will widen to 8.2 percent from the government’s projection of 7.7 percent. The budget deficit, which is the difference between revenues and expenditures, represents the amount the government needs to cover with additional borrowings.

Increased borrowings, in turn, will push up the debt-to-GDP ratio this year from a projected 60.9 percent to 61.4 percent.

National ID registration hits 61.3-M halfway mark–data

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

M

AJORITY of Filipinos have completed their registration for the National ID, according to data shared by the Department of Finance (DOF).

In a presentation at the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) on Tuesday, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said a total of 61.3 million Filipinos have completed Steps 1 and 2 of the National ID as of March 23.

Step 1 of the National ID registration involves the provision of demographic information, while Step 2 obtains biometric information including fingerprints and an iris scan of registrants.

Dominguez also said that the data includes 7.7 million Filipinos who now have bank accounts from the Land Bank of the

Philippines. Under Step 2 of the PhilSys, registrants who do not have bank accounts have the option to create one at the registration center.

As of March 16, 2022, some 60.48 million Filipinos completed the PhilSys Step 2 Registration, which involves capturing biometric information such as fingerprints, iris, and front-facing photographs at registration centers.

PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, said more Filipinos would be able to register to PhilSys and allow PSA to meet this year’s target on time.

In February, Mapa told the BusinessMirror that the PSA is targeting to register the demographic and biometric of 92 million by the end of 2022. The PSA aims to distribute National ID cards to 31.3 million Filipinos by year-end.

Senators split on ban on fuel subsidy releases continued from a12

“Any moratorium effectively cancels any proposal from the government to increase the budget of the program and the number of beneficiaries,” he said.

Villanueva said fuel vouchers should be treated in the same category as medicine for the sick. “Does it mean that because of an election, we stop giving medicine and treatment to the sick?” Villanueva said.

“Remember these are not tax breaks for billionaires in the millions, but trickledown help to those who feed us, those who are bringing us to work,” he said.

Villanueva was the first senator to call for more exemptions to the election season government spending ban in order

not to disrupt social services and work on critical infrastructure.

He warned that declaring a pause on critical public works construction “will drive tens of thousands of workers into temporary unemployment.”

Pimentel, however, said that for now, in the absence of a Comelec exemption, the Comelec directive stopping the fuel subsidy in the midst of the campaign for the May 9 elections should be followed.

As of now, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is still seeking exemption from the Comelec rule in order to continue distributing the fuel subsidy that was stopped last March 25.

Earlier, Senators Grace Poe and Francis Tolentino also asked the C o me l e c t o fast-track an exemption, claiming the assistance to drivers and operators is direly needed amid soaring prices of petroleum fol lowed by spiralling prices of basic commodities.

Butch Fernandez

BusinessMirror

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April 06, 2022

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STELLA Indonesian

Name and Address of Employer: NISSIN UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORPORATION FCIE, Brgy. Langkaan, Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Monthly Salary Range

KOHEI YOSHIMINE Japanese

Monitor the standard operating procedures, quality methods and follow safe operating practices

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

14.

LUTONG HE Chinese

Name and Address of Employer: ULTRA-PAK PHILIPPINES CORPORATION FCIE, Brgy. Langkaan, Dasmariñas, Cavite

Files incoming help request from end user from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Files incoming help request from end user from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

2.

Monthly Salary Range

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

PRODUCTION CONSULTANT 1.

Position and Job Description MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Notice is hereby given that the following employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s.

Position and Job Description

A5

Name and Address of Employer: SMART WIN TECHNOLOGY, INC. 4-12F, Southwoods Mall, Tower 2, Biñan, Laguna

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Position and Job Description FACTORY MANAGER

MENG-HSUAN LIN Taiwanese

Manage the manufacturing operation

Monthly Salary Range Php60,000.00 Php89,999.00

15.

–

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

Files incoming help request from end user from the People’s Republic of China via both telephone and work orders in a courteous manner consistent with Chinese standards.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: SERCOMM PHILIPPINES INC. Phase 1 Lot 1 &5, Filinvest Technology Park, Brgy. Punta, Calamba, Laguna

Name and Address of Employer: B O L I M AUTOPARTS PHILIPPINES, INC. Lot 2, Block 10, Phase 1, Cavite Economic Zone, Rosario, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

GOH BOON SOON Malaysian

Monthly Salary Range

16.

CHEN-YUAN HUA Taiwanese

Position and Job Description SCM MANAGER Plan and organize production schedules

Monthly Salary Range Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

PRODUCTION MANAGER 3.

Lead, direct, evaluate, and develop professional engineering staff to ensure the quality, validity, and credibility of the organization’s activities.

SUN-KI LEE Korean

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: KEDICA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION FPIP, Brgy. Sta. Anastacia, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

PRODUCTION MANAGER 4.

Lead, direct, evaluate, and develop professional engineering staff to ensure the quality, validity, and credibility of the organization’s activities.

JAEOK HAN Korean

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: BO CHENG RUBBER PHILIPPINES INC. LTC-SEZ, San Fernando, Malvar, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

YAKUN DING Chinese

Interprets for Japanese business transactions and do follow ups for company’s proposal

17.

Name and Address of Employer: UBI PHIL. 1 CO. INC. Brgy. San Vicente, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description VICE PRESIDENT

6.

MINKYUNG SHIN Korean

Lead significant units and oversee department managers

Monthly Salary Range Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: DAIHO (PHILS.), INC. Lima Technology Center-SEZ, Lipa City, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description ADVISER FOR SALES DEPARTMENT

7.

MANABU IKEDA Japanese

In charge of overall sales and marketing of plastic injection mold parts/products

KEIJI KATO Japanese

Monthly Salary Range

JUMPEI SUDO Japanese

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

MANDARIN SPEAKING TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST 8.

RENHAI CHEN Chinese

Interview clients to gather information useful in providing recommendations and solutions to technical problems MANDARIN SPEAKING TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST

9.

CHUANGYE MA Chinese

Interview clients to gather information useful in providing recommendations and solutions to technical problems CHINESE IN-HOUSE COMPANY CHEF

10.

CHAOHUO XU Chinese

HO BEAM KIM Korean

Prepare special Chinese dishes and foods exclusively for Philsync employees MANDARIN SPEAKING TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST

11.

XIAODONG MAO Chinese

Interview clients to gather information useful in providing recommendations and solutions to technical problems MANDARIN SPEAKING TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST

12.

WENYING LUO Chinese

Interview clients to gather information useful in providing recommendations and solutions to technical problems

Monthly Salary Range Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Position and Job Description

Coordinate, manage & monitor the works of various department

Monthly Salary Range Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: RMS COLLECT PHILS., INC. SM City Tower 1, Old National Highway, Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

AGENT PICHITCHAI CHUCHANG Thai

Answer technical support inquiries via incoming calls, chat or email.

Demonstrate excellent customer service skills with the ability to take ownership in assisting, researching and resolving customer issues.

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: SION RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY PHILS. CORP. Sitio Pantay, Maguyam, Silang, Cavite

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

21.

JOUNG HEON PYO Korean

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

22.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Responsible in managing operations and fiscal viability of the company

OPERATIONS MANAGER 19.

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: BEST GARDEN RESORT INC. Sitio Palaisdaan, Balite 1, Silang, Cavite

Name and Address of Employer: PHILSYNC TECHNOLOGIES CO. LTD. CORPORATION CBC Asia Technozone, Talaba IV, Bacoor, Cavite Position and Job Description

Position and Job Description MARKETING MANAGER

18.

20.

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Oversee the complete operation of the organization in accordance with the direction established in the strategic plan

Name and Address of Employer: NATCORP CAREER GROWTH AND MANPOWER SERVICES INC. Brgy. Parian, Calamba City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Monthly Salary Range

VICE PRESIDENT

BUSINESS MANAGER 5.

Position and Job Description

JUNG HEE HAN Korean

Position and Job Description VP- GENERAL FACILITIES AND MACHINERIES In-charge in all machineries and equipment

VP- OPERATION In-charge in all production works

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

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 the DOLE Regional Office within 30 days from the date of publication.

Please inform the DOLE Regional Office if you have an information of any criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

To avail of free job referral, placement, and employment guidance services, visit the nearest Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) or log on at http://www.philjobnet.gov.ph

A6

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

2GO LOGISTICS, INC. 8th Flr. Tower 1 Double Dragon Plaza, Edsa Cor. Macapagal Ave. St., Barangay 76, Pasay City LY, STEPHEN Head Of Financial And Operations Management 1.

Brief Job Description: Enables growth of the company’s business in Asia pacific region and facilities management decisionmaking across the entire business scope of the company

Basic Qualification: Extensive global experience in express and logistics services

2.

3.

Brief Job Description: Chinese Customer Service Representative

HE, GAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Chinese Customer Service Representative.

4.

5.

Brief Job Description: Promote business and products

DANI DWIKI SASONGKO Bahasa Indonesian Language - Supervisor Marketing Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer needs

6.

MU, ZHUANG Mandarin Language - Officer Customer Service Brief Job Description: Initiate conversation to uncover customer needs

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

14.

15.

Basic Qualification: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 16.

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

17.

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write bahasa indonesian, vietnamese, thai to cater foreign market Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

18.

Basic Qualification: Degree holder, must fluently speak and write Bahasa Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai and mandarin to cater foreign market 19.

BIGCON CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 3b, 2nd Floor, Rayco Tower, Doña Soledad Ave., Don Bosco, City Of Parañaque

7.

Brief Job Description: monitor employee compliance with operation standards, manage and train

HUANG, SHIZHAO Construction Admin 8.

Brief Job Description: Arrange project schedules, supervise workers, site inspection of construction progress.

KONG, XIANGLE Cost Analyst 9.

Brief Job Description: analyzes expenses and cost transactions, ensure the transaction recorded

LAI JEA FANG Cost Analyst 10.

Brief Job Description: analyzes expenses and cost transactions, ensure the transaction recorded

WU, SSU-KAI Cost Analyst 11.

Brief Job Description: analyzes expenses and cost transactions, ensure the transaction recorded

ZHU, YIJIONG Management Support Analyst 12.

Brief Job Description: analyzes data gathered and develop solution, highly organized and able to multitask

TANG, HULIANG Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

VAY MY LINH Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

XU, YUEJIAO Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Basic Qualification: Must fluently speak and write bahasa indonesia

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

JIANG, TING-NI Assistant Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Basic Qualification: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 18/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue Cor. Rufino Street, Salcedo Vill., Bel-air, City Of Makati EDITH GUYMEN MATUNRI Bahasa Indonesian Language - Manager Marketing

OKTASARI Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

CHEN, ZHONGHUA Chinese Customer Service Representative

13.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: master’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills

20.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Excellent communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

21.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

22.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business management.

Excellent communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

23.

CAO, FEI Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

CUN SAU THANH Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

HU, DONGBAO Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

HU, YIQUAN Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

HU, ZHIJE Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

LIU, XILIANG Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

LYU, WENJUN Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

Basic Qualification: bachelor’s degree in business management, excellent communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

24.

Basic Qualification: bachelors degree in business management, excellent communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 25.

BILLION DRAGON OUTSOURCE PHILS., INC. One Townsquare Place Bpo Bldg., Alabang Zapote Rd., Almanza Uno, City Of Las Piñas

WANG, FEILONG Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer service representative

YANG, XIAOBIO Customer Service Representative (csr) Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters

No.

26.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters

27.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters

28.

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

29.

Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Shall answer incoming phone calls from clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware.

NGUYEN HUU BINH It Support Specialist

30.

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

Brief Job Description: The IT Support Specialist shall answer incoming phone calls from clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware.

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (Writing and Speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Chinese language (writing and speaking) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CRONYX INC. No. 4th-10th Flr. Yinhope Bldg., Dela Rama Cor. Zoili Hilario St., Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Subd. Zone 10, Barangay 76, Pasay City

THAZIN KYAW Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 31.

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

WOO CHEE HONG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 32.

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

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

DATACLICK INTERNATIONAL CORP. E. Rodriguez St., Roxas Blvd. St., Barangay 3, Pasay City

33.

34.

35.

36.

Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Shall answer incoming phone calls from clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware.

WANG, YIZHENG Chinese It Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters

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

BAI, XIAOFAN Chinese It Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters

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

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg., Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Ave., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters

Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters

Brief Job Description: Customer Service Representative (CSR)

GHOUZAYEL, EL SHEIKH MARWAN Field Sales Consultant

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: High School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Cam Operate Mandarin Characters

YIN, YILUN Customer Service Representative (csr)

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: School Graduate in Chinese, Can Speak and Write Fluent Chinese Mandarin, Can Operate Mandarin Characters

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

37.

38.

BUI THI THANH Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

PHAM THI NGUYET MINH Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

PHAN THI BICH LY Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

PHAN THI NGOC Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

PHAN THI QUYNH Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

PHAN THI THU THUY Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

39.

40.

41.

42.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SU CA PHENH Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

TAY GIA LINH Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

TRAN DIEU ANH Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

TRUONG PHAM MINH THUY Customer Service Officer Brief Job Description: Converse and interact with the customer

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

DUAN, CUIPING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 51.

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

43.

Brief Job Description: Use the expertise on Korean language to ensure that all customer service related queries are followed up and resolve accurately and efficiently.

52.

44.

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

SARWINDAH Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 45.

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

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

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

LI, DONGSHENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 53.

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

Basic Qualification: More than 3 years experience in Administrative & related management experience.

Proficient in Korean both written & spoken.

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

54.

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

REN, CHAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 55.

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

SHAO, XIAOFENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 56.

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

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

LI, ZHANGYUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

LIU, QIANHONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

FONG SUNG MAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

DIAGEO ASIA PACIFIC SHARED SERVICES CENTRE LIMITED, INC. 10th Floor, Commerce & Industry Plaza Bldg., Mckinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

KIM, TAEHEE Customer Service Executive (korean Speaking)

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

SONG, YUDI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 57.

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

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

FRONTIER POINT MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS INC. 29/f Techzone Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati TSAI, YIN-LEI a.k.a. LEO TSAI Mandarin Administrative Specialist 46.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in answering customer questions about products and services of the company.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in English, Mandarin and other multi-lingual language.

TEE PEG QI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 58.

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

GRAND PREMIUM CREST HOLDING INC. 16/f Tower 6789, 6789 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

JIANG, XIAOLONG Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 47.

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

WONG ZI MIN Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 48.

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

XI, JIAJUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

49.

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written

FLAURENCE GABRIELLA THOMAS Jr. Data Analyst - Bahasa Speaker

60.

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

Basic Qualification: Chartered accountant (2+ years of exp2), or ICWA (2+ years of exp.) or MBA/ master’s degree in a financerelated subject (2+ years of exp.); a graduate degree in commerce and related subjects would be preferred; relevant experience in a global bank or related operational experience in an organization of similar scale and knowledge of financial products; experience in complex reconciliations across multiple systems and platforms would be preferred

NGUYEN HOANG THIEN Jr. Operations Analyst, Global Marketing Services Vietnamese Speaker

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

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

Brief Job Description: Monitoring corporate action events such as shareholders meetings from various sources like EDGAR, SEDAR and Stock Exchanges of each market.

WEN, JUNHUI Chinese It Support Specialist 62.

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

ZHANG, BANGYAN Chinese It Support Specialist

63.

Brief Job Description: The Chinese IT Support Specialist shall answer incoming phone calls from clients and troubleshoot customer technical problems with computer software and hardware ZHANG, GUIDE Chinese It Support Specialist

64.

50.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

66.

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

67.

68.

69.

70.

71.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent reading comprehension and language skills in both written and oral (Required fluency in English and Korean)

72.

73.

74.

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

BUI THI LAN ANH It Support Specialist

75.

65.

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

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

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

HY PHU NHAN It Support Specialist

76.

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

LAM TRUNG HIEU It Support Specialist

77.

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

LAU LENH DANH It Support Specialist 78.

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

LE DUC ANH It Support Specialist 79.

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

LE DUC UOC It Support Specialist

80.

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

LE HONG CONG It Support Specialist

81.

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

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

HOANG VAN DAT It Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

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

HOANG TRONG VU It Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: A Chinese and fluent in Chinese Writing and Speaking Language

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

HOANG THI HONG It Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese writing and speaking language

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

HOANG DANG KY It Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent reading comprehension and language skills in both written and oral (required fluency in English and Bahasa.

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

DOAN ANH SANG It Support Specialist

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

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

DANG NGOC VU It Support Specialist

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

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

CHU THI THU HUONG It Support Specialist

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

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

CHU THI LIEN It Support Specialist

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

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

CHAU SANG SANG It Support Specialist

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION BUI THI NHUNG It Support Specialist

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 24/f Yuchengco Tower I, Rcbc Plaza, Bel-air, City Of Makati

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex, Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

Brief Job Description: Search for, collect and verify data (of basic and intermediate levels of complexity) for companies under his/her assigned market based on current collection methodologies and acceptable sources; Attend to internal/client queries and requests to ensure data captured is aligned with data methodology and policy guidelines.

No.

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

INSTITUTIONAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES, INC. 15/f Solaris One Bldg., 130 Dela Rosa St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

DENG, CHENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/Good in oral communication and written

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

61.

Brief Job Description: The role is a supervisory role which production responsibilities at a managerial level (team of 5) in the balance sheet substantiation team; servicing the Hub Trading sites of HSBC located in London, Paris, and New York; the role is primarily focused on the reconciliation and substantiation of back office vs ledger settlement balances across multiple asset classes; the rectification of balances via journal postings;

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

59.

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

A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Basic Qualification: With Atleast 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written

HSBC ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING (PHILIPPINES) INC. Filinvest One Building, Alabang Zapote Road, Northgate Cyberzone, Filinvest City, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

BACHHAWAT, SWETA Manager - Accounting Control, Data And Regulatory Reporting

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

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing quality it support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele LE PHUC LANH It Support Specialist

82.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read cantomese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

A8

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LE THI NHUNG It Support Specialist

83.

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

LE VAN THUONG It Support Specialist

84.

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

LO THI THOM It Support Specialist

85.

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

LUONG THANH TRA It Support Specialist

86.

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

LY THI THUY It Support Specialist

87.

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

NGUYEN DUC PHI It Support Specialist

88.

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

NGUYEN DUC TRUNG It Support Specialist

89.

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

NGUYEN SINH QUAN It Support Specialist

90.

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

NGUYEN THI ANH It Support Specialist

91.

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

NGUYEN THI HOA LY It Support Specialist

92.

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

NGUYEN THI HONG HANH It Support Specialist

93.

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

NGUYEN THI LE It Support Specialist

94.

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

NGUYEN THI NGOC HIEN It Support Specialist

95.

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

NGUYEN VAN AN It Support Specialist

96.

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

NGUYEN VAN DUNG It Support Specialist 97.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

No.

NGUYEN VAN THANH It Support Specialist 99.

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

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

100.

101.

102.

103.

104.

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

105.

106.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and Fukien language 107.

108.

109.

Basic Qualification: The IT Support Specialist (ITSS) is an integral member of the company infrastructure, Application Support, and of the IT Division and is responsible for providing quality IT support of enterprise systems throughout the Chinese clientele. Can speak and read Cantonese, Mandarin and Fukien language

110.

98.

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

111.

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

TAN CHEE WEI It Support Specialist

112.

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

TRAN BA HIEU It Support Specialist

113.

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

TRAN PHUONG NAM It Support Specialist

114.

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

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

QUACH NHIEN THANH It Support Specialist

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

NGUYEN VAN LAM It Support Specialist

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

PHUONG THI HAU It Support Specialist

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

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

PHAN VIET NGOC It Support Specialist

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

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

PHAN VAN TRUONG It Support Specialist

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

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

PHAN VAN NHAT It Support Specialist

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

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

PHAN VAN HAU It Support Specialist

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

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

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

PHAN CAO CANH It Support Specialist

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

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

PHAM THI TRUYEN It Support Specialist

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

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

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

PHAM DINH HONG It Support Specialist

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

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

PHAM CONG TUAN It Support Specialist

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

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

NGUYEN VIET XUAN It Support Specialist

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

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

NGUYEN VAN THANH It Support Specialist

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

TRAN THIN MINH LE It Support Specialist

115.

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

No.

TRUONG THI HUYEN It Support Specialist 116.

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

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

117.

118.

119.

LIU, SHENG Mandarin Equipment Installation Officer 120.

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

Brief Job Description: Design and Maintain all vendor reports and evaluate all issues and assist to prepare all data reports for all purchasing system and manage all buying trends

WANG, ZHAOYUE Mandarin Equipment Installation Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 121.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Design and Maintain all vendor reports and evaluate all issues and assist to prepare all data reports for all purchasing system and manage all buying trends

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

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

122.

123.

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

124.

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read cantomese, mandarin, and fukien language.

125.

Brief Job Description: Acknowledging and resolving customer complaints

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing the Quality Assurance program for the Region of North America, Europe and Latin America Understand the Quality Approach of the Verticals and Accounts Responsible for the overall delivery of the Quality department Initiate, and Review Standardization Drives and Improvement Projects Accountable for ensuring clear visibility of the Opportunities of the Performance Parameter.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service PHAM THI YEN LINH Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff

126.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service YU, ENZHAO Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff

127.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

ISHIKAWA, DAICHI General Manager, Industrial Materials & Japanese Customer Support 128.

Brief Job Description: Direct and Manages sales promotion activities to the Japanese key account general contractors and subcontractors in the Philippines.

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

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read cantomese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in English Language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in construction Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in English Language both in written and verbal With working knowledge in construction Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

Basic Qualification: Have years senior leadership experience under your belt; Are a master of maximizing Analytical Tools and Improvement Methods; Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

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

MELCO FACTORY AUTOMATION PHILIPPINES INC. #128, Lopez-rizal, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

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

ZHAO, HAI Mandarin Customer Service Representative

LY KIN SAU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read cantomese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

Brief Job Description: Design it systems and networks ensuring the right architecture and functionality

ANSARI, YOUNUS PERWEZ Senior Director Of Quality

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

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

LIZARDBEAR TASKING INC. 17th To 20th Floors, Twenty Four Seven Mckinley Building, 24th Street And Seventh Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read cantomese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

KING-MERCHANT BUSINESS TRADING INCORPORATED Unit 2505-f, The Finance Centre 26th St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read cantomese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

KINDOSAR PROCESS SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 5d, Rose Industries Bldg., Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, City Of Pasig KIM, SEONGJUNG Korean I.t Specialist

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

JIANGSU DIBANG CONSTRUCTION PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2106-a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

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

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

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

VONG THI XUAN It Support Specialist

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

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

TRUONG VAN MINH It Support Specialist

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

Basic Qualification: -Can speak and read Cantonese, mandarin, and fukien language.

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

TRUONG THI NGA It Support Specialist

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TOMINAGA, TAKESHI Vice President, Industrial/factory Automation 129.

Brief Job Description: He will be responsible in defining strategy and overall business planning.

Basic Qualification: Bilingual – Must be fluent in Japanese or Nihongo and English Languages.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Bilingual – Must be fluent in Japanese or Nihongo and English Languages.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

MG EXEO NETWORK, INC. Elizabeth Ave., Sta. Ana Drive, Sun Valley, City Of Parañaque IWAGAYA, ATSUSHI Technical Consultant 130.

Brief Job Description: Exhibiting insight and technical engineering expertise

THET HTAR AUNG Chinese Customer Service Basic Qualification: Extensive experience as a technical consultant Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

149.

131.

Brief Job Description: Conducting research and marketing strategies to develop areas of the business opportunities

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

150.

ANTO Chinese Customer Service 132.

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

AUNG HTET OO Chinese Customer Service

133.

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

CONNELIN FRANSISKA Chinese Customer Service

134.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries DUONG KIM HUNG Chinese Customer Service

135.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries HAN, LEI Chinese Customer Service

136.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HLA MYO TUN Chinese Customer Service

137.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KYAW SWAR MYO AUNG Chinese Customer Service

138.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries KYI PHYU LIN LAE Chinese Customer Service

139.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE THE ANH Chinese Customer Service

140.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LE THI HIEN Chinese Customer Service

141.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LEE LAM YONG Chinese Customer Service

142.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming calls and customer service inquires LI, SHIPENG Chinese Customer Service

143.

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

144.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM TRONG NAM Chinese Customer Service

145.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries PHAM VAN TRUNG Chinese Customer Service

146.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SUHARDY CENDRAWAN Chinese Customer Service

147.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

THANT ZAW OO Chinese Customer Service 148.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

151.

152.

153.

154.

155.

156.

157.

158.

159.

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

160.

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming calls and customer service inquires XIE, CHAOCHANG Chinese Customer Specialist

161.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

FOO CHOON MENG Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 162.

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

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

KE, QINQIN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 163.

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

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

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

LI, HAO Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 164.

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

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

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

GIANG THU HUONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 165.

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

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

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

MERYANI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 166.

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

A9

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

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

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

167.

168.

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

169.

170.

171.

172.

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

173.

Basic Qualification: Digital manufacturing

LACROIX, YOANN FABIEN Director For Digital Manufacturing

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

Brief Job Description: Creating quality product using digital machines

Basic Qualification: Must have lived, studied and worked in Korea for a t least ten years and is accustomed to its culture

Brief Job Description: Responsible for developing mass patrons to premium patrons and ensuring a positive experience during their stay or visit to okada manila

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

Basic Qualification: -Through , Extensive and Fluency in Mandarin Language.

Brief Job Description: -Handle Service Support Calls, Emails and chats Related to Inquiry from Clients and/or Customer Through Mandarin to English Translation.

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

174.

Basic Qualification: -Through , Extensive and Fluency in Mandarin Language.

Brief Job Description: -Handle Service Support Calls, Emails and chats Related to Inquiry from Clients and/or Customer Through Mandarin to English Translation.

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

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor., Washington St., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati BUI LE QUANG THIEN Vietnam-speaking Customer Service Officer 175.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking

Brief Job Description: Delivering a comprehensive service to enquiring customers

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

ZX-PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 16/f Robinsons Cybergate 3, Pioneer, Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong

LU TRINH HA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 176.

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

PENG, GAOFENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 177.

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

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

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

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

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

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

REAGAN CHONG MENG KEAN Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: -With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

Brief Job Description: Serves as primary contact for problem resolution and information gathering regarding customer complaints and work assignment.

KE, YAN-HONG Customer Relation Representative (mandarin Translation)

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

Basic Qualification: -With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written.

Basic Qualification: a native speaker of the Chinese/mandarin language (spoken and written)

VICCI BUSINESS CONSULTANCY CORP. 10/f Liberty Plaza, 102 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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: A native speaker of the Indonesian language (spoken and written)

LEE, HYEJI Manager, Premium Marketing Business Development

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

Basic Qualification: Supervise and participate in the preparation of various financial statements, management and statutory report for the business unit and company.

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

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

SOMNOMED PHILIPPINES, INC. 3/f Allegro Center, 2284 Don Chino Roces Extn., Magallanes, City Of Makati

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

Brief Job Description: Evaluate the financial performance of the company and measure returns on investment

CHRISTHOVER JOSEPHINE Indonesian-language Customer Support Staff

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

Brief Job Description: The Financial Manager is responsible for all areas relating to financial reporting. This the position will be responsible for developing and maintaining accounting principles, practices and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial statements.

LOW TUCK FOOK Asian Regional Senior Finance Manager

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

Basic Qualification: With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written

RUNNINGMAN CORPORATION 8/f Techzone Bldg., 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

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

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

HUA, FENGWEI Financial Manager

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

POWERCHINA PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHANG, MEIZHI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires YEE JAK KIE Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YAN YAN MAY Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries VONG NAM LIN Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries UNG LE MY LINH Chinese Customer Service

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRUONG QUANG VIET Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRIEU VAN CHIEU Chinese Customer Service

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

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

Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming calls and customer service inquires TRIEU THI MAI Chinese Customer Service

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

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower, C4 Rd. Edsa Ext., Barangay 76, Pasay City

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TIU WAI LEN Chinese Customer Service

MIGHTY-MERCHANT BUSINESS TRADING INCORPORATED Unit 2505- E The Finance Centre, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig CHENG, BO Mandarin Speaking Marketing Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

SONG, CHUNYU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 178.

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

Basic Qualification: -With atleast 6 months customer service experience/good in oral communication and written.

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

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

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

*Date Generated: Apr 5, 2022 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.

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A10 Wednesday, April 6, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Let the cut flower industry bloom

E

xperts have long been advocating for export diversification to raise the country’s earnings from agricultural goods. For the longest time, the Philippines has been relying on staples such as coconut oil, bananas, and pineapples to prop up its export receipts.

Coconut products, including coconut oil, have remained as the top farm export of the Philippines, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The focus on cut flowers or ornamentals is a welcome development as it gives the Philippines an opportunity to diversify its farm exports.

For many years, the country has been selling mostly food crops to its trade partners. If the High-Value Crops Development Program is done right and if the next administration sees the value in pursuing the development of the local cut flower industry, the country would have an additional revenue stream.

Citing data from the International Association of Horticultural Producers, the Department of Agriculture noted that the Philippines is among the emerging domestic producers of ornamental plants. The country is considered a net exporter of ornamentals and its major buyers are the United States and Japan. Citing data from the PSA, the DA said exports of ornamentals reached more than $4 million in 2020 (See, “PHL sets sights on $48-B cut flower market,” in the BusinessMirror, April 4, 2022).

The economic potential of the cut flower industry is huge. Citing studies, the government noted that the global market for the flower and ornamental plants was valued at $48.15 billion in 2020, while compound annual growth rate is pegged at 6.3 percent. The market is expected to hit $74.2 billion in four years or by 2026.

For stakeholders to be able to take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by ornamentals, they need support to hurdle obstacles that prevent them from increasing shipments. Among these challenges are the high cost of structures like greenhouses, irrigation, and post-harvest facilities; lack of quality planting materials; and high credit interest rates. Planters and various groups have been pushing for a higher budget for ornamentals to pursue mass propagation, development of new varieties, and improved production technologies.

The Philippines, according to the DA, has vast potentials for cut flower production given its favorable agro-climatic conditions for its year-round production. The country is also capable of growing both tropical and subtropical varieties. Government support is crucial if the local cut flower industry is to become a significant contributor to the country’s export receipts (See, “Climate change, land lack nip floriculture sector in the bud,” in the BusinessMirror, August 8, 2018).

Policymakers have an important role to play to make this industry bloom by ensuring that local cut flower growers will continue to have budget support beyond the term of the current administration.

Funds are needed to assist planters in increasing their production via the establishment of production facilities, such as tissue culture laboratories and the conduct of research for varietal improvement.

They also need financial support to bankroll initiatives that will improve the marketability of Philippine ornamentals, including the participation of producers in local and international trade fair promotions and related events.

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Why child car seats are a non-negotiable

By Leah Baroña-Cruz

M

aia was riding in a van with her family one day when the driver suddenly stepped on the brakes. Miguel, her first-born, who was about 3 years old at the time, lurched forward from where he sat. “Hindi naman sya nasaktan (he was unharmed), but he was literally thrown off of his seat,” Maia recalled.

“Natakot na ako (I got scared). I decided right then to get my child a car seat.”

Maia is one of many parents who were early adopters of child car seats in the Philippines, years before there was a law that required it.

In 2019, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, or Republic Act (RA) 11229, which now requires the use of child restraints or car seats in private motor vehicles, was signed into law. When it was launched for implementation in February 2021, the public response was less than enthusiastic—hostile, even.

One of the biggest objections to RA 11229 had to do with the cost of buying a car seat, times the number of children in a household who fit the age (up to 12 years old) and height (below 4’11”) requirements.

The timing of the launch of RA 11229 in February 2021 was also unfortunate: it was a year into the pandemic, when many families suffered financial setbacks. Full implementation has thus since been put on hold, and law enforcement agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) decided to focus instead on intensifying the information campaign for parents.

Three children die each day in the Philippines from road crashes—a preventable cause. RA 11229 seeks to bring this number down. Older laws also prohibit children from sit-

ting in the front of the vehicle and leaving them unaccompanied, even when they are strapped in a child car seat. Both are reiterated under RA 11229.

Although some resistance is understandable, the idea of using child car seats when traveling with children will hopefully gain ground as parents come to understand its benefits. This becomes more urgent as the country eases into a less fraught phase of the pandemic and children are now allowed to go out.

An investment, not an expense

Road safety advocates urge parents to see child car seats as an investment for their children’s safety. Anyone who has been in a road crash knows that even a minor bump could cause injury to a child, whose body is still developing and is thus more fragile.

In severe cases, the injured child could end up with a lifetime condition or disability. Medical and rehabilitation expenses—not to mention the emotional and psychological cost—a family in such a situation could incur will certainly be much, much higher than the price of a child car seat that could have prevented the injury in the first place.

On the other hand, using a child car seat can keep your child safe while

on the road, and may even save his or her life.

But how exactly does a child car seat work?

How does a car seat protect a child?

Children have weaker neck muscles and their still-developing bodies are smaller and more fragile than those of adults. They are thus more vulnerable in a road crash and need special protection.

During a crash or a sudden stop, the car seat keeps the child from being ejected from the seat and hitting the vehicle interiors violently, or from getting thrown outside. It directs the force of impact to the strongest parts of the body—the hips and torso—and spreads that force over a wider area, thus helping the child ride down the crash with minimal impact. The child car seat is designed to cradle the neck and head, thus also protecting the brain and spinal cord.

Why can’t my child use the built-in seatbelt?

Regular seat belts are designed for adults and are too big for children.

During a crash, an ill-fitting seat belt will not restrain the child well and may even cause harm, such as when the seat belt which rests along the child’s neck tightens when the brakes are hit forcefully.

One might also ask: why can’t I just hold my child on my lap?

“Akala natin, kapag kalong o hawak-hawak ang anak, na tayo yung magbibigay ng ultimate protection (We have this mistaken notion that if we hold our child on our lap, that we provide the ultimate protection),” relates Maia. “But come to

think of it, even as adults we have to wear a seatbelt. We could not offer the same support and security that a child restraint system—a car seat made especially for children— provides.”

Maia’s mommy instinct is correct: your embrace will not protect your child in a crash or a sudden stop.

“The force of the impact from a crash will make your child feel a lot heavier and much more difficult to restrain, and your own arms will tend to flail instead of hold tight,” explains Atty. Daphne Marcelo, project director for road safety at ImagineLaw. “Your own body, if it collides with the child’s, may also become a source of injury for the child.”

Buckle up your treasures!

ON the road, the only thing we have control of are our own actions, such as buckling up. “Minsanan ka lang talaga. Kapag may nangyari, pwedeng magkaroon ng disability or, worse, mawala yung pinakamamahal mo. (It only needs to happen once, but that one time could result in a disability or, worse, the loss of a loved one),” Maia said.

Yes, a child car seat will cost money; it is something households need to plan for. But as an investment for your child’s safety and future, it should be well worth it. Plus, you know what costs much more? The price of not using a child car seat, in the event of a road crash.

Let us encourage parents to use child car seats so it becomes norm and habit, not merely for compliance to the law but, more importantly, to protect our most precious treasures—our children.

Suddenly, Twitter’s biggest stakeholder is Tesla’s Elon Musk

T

By Michelle Chapman & Tom Krisher | AP Business Writers

esla CEO Elon Musk has acquired a 9 percent stake in Twitter to become its largest shareholder while joining other critics in questioning the social media platform’s dedication to free speech and the First Amendment.

Musk’s ultimate aim in acquiring 73.5 million shares, worth about $3 billion, isn’t clear. Yet in late March Musk, who has 80 million Twitter followers and is active on the site, questioned free speech on Twitter and whether the platform is undermining democracy.

In years past, Twitter and other social platforms have taken fire for allowing harmful speech ranging from incitement to violence to coordinated harassment and racial abuse.

More recently, these platforms have made concerted efforts to rein in such behavior, often drawing criticism similar to Musk’s from the political

right. Both Twitter and Facebook faced blowback after suspending the accounts run by former President Donald Trump following the January 6 Capitol insurrection last year.

It’s unclear just when Musk bought the stake. A US Securities and Exchange Commission filing made public on Monday says the event triggering the filing happened March 14.

Musk has also raised the possibility with his massive and loyal Twitter following, that he could create a rival social media network.

Industry analysts and legal experts say Musk could begin advocating for changes at Twitter im-

Musk recently described himself on Twitter as a “free speech absolutist” in explaining why the Starlink satellite Internet service—part of his aerospace company SpaceX—would not block Russian state media outlets, which have spread propaganda and misinformation in line with the Kremlin’s narrative on its war in Ukraine.

mediately if he chooses. In a note to investors, CFRA Analyst Angelo Zino wrote that Twitter could be viewed as an acquisition target because the value of its shares have been falling since early last year.

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey stepped down as CEO in November.

Musk’s stake in Twitter is now more than four times the size of Dorsey’s, who had been the largest individual

shareholder.

“Musk’s actual investment is a very small percentage of his wealth, and an all-out buyout should not be ruled out,” wrote Zino, who covers Twitter and social media.

Musk could see Twitter as an investment with big growth ahead, or he could have noninvestment reasons for the purchase, such as buying to make sure the platform doesn’t restrain his speech, said Erik Gordon, a law and business professor at the University of Michigan.

“What he could be worried about is if enough of his tweets start to look like disinformation, that Twitter says ‘we’re doing our job against disinformation.’” Gordon said. No CEO would refuse to take a call from the company’s top shareholder, so the purchase gives Musk access to Twitter’s top management, he said.

Musk has not spoken specifically See “Twitter,” A11

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

North Korea warns of nuclear response if South provokes it

By Kim Tong-Hyung | The Associated Press

S

EOUL, South Korea—For the second time this week, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un berated South Korea for touting its supposed preemptive strike capabilities against the North, saying her country’s nuclear forces would annihilate the South’s conventional forces if provoked.

In a statement carried Tuesday

by North Korea’s state media, Kim Yo Jong called South Korea Defense Minister Suh Wook’s recent comments about preemptive strikes a “fantastic daydream” and the “hysteria of a lunatic.”

She stressed that North Korea doesn’t want another war on the Korean Peninsula but warned it would retaliate with its nuclear forces if the South opts for preemptive strikes or other attacks, which would leave the South’s military “little short of total destruction and ruin.”

North Korea has repeatedly stated it would preemptively use its nuclear weapons when threatened by rivals as it accelerated its development of nuclear bombs and missiles, which Kim Jong Un sees as his strongest guarantee of survival.

In another statement directed toward Suh on Sunday, Kim Yo Jong called him a “scum-like guy” and warning that the South may face a “serious threat” because of his comments. Her statements come amid tensions over North Korea’s accelerating weapons tests this year, including its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017 on March 24, as her brother revives nuclear brinkmanship aimed at pressuring Washington to accept the North as a nuclear power and remove crippling sanctions.

Some experts say the North may up the ante in the coming months, possibly test-flying missiles over Japan or resuming nuclear explosive tests, as it tries to get a response from the Biden administration, which is distracted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and an intensifying rivalry with China. The renewed tensions have been a major setback for outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a dovish liberal who had staked his presidential term on his ambitions for inter-Korean rapprochement. During a visit to the country’s strategic missile command last week, Suh said South Korea has the ability and readiness to launch precision strikes on North Korea if it detects the North intends to fire missiles at South Korea.

Seoul has long maintained such a preemptive attack strategy to cope with North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats, but it was highly unusual for a Moon administration official to publicly discuss it.

“In case (South Korea) opts for military confrontation with us, our nuclear combat force will have to inevitably carry out its duty … a dreadful attack will be launched and the (South Korean) army will have to face a miserable fate little short of total destruction and ruin,” Kim said in her latest statement.

South Korea’s government didn’t immediately respond to her com-

Twitter. . .

continued from A10

about any Twitter rule changes he might push, but the social media platform’s history of suspensions and bans is well documented.

Trump’s suspension from both Twitter and Facebook has raised difficult questions about free speech in a social media industry dominated by a few tech giants—an issue that Trump and conservative media have seized upon. There was broad praise for Musk from those circles Monday.

Michael Flynn, the retired general who served briefly as Donald Trump’s national security adviser, and who was suspended from Twitter in January 2021, sent Musk some

Experts say those missiles, which could potentially be armed with “tactical” battlefield nuclear weapons, communicate the North’s threat to use smaller nuclear arms even during conventional warfare to overcome the stronger conventional forces of South Korea and the US. The US stations about 28,500 soldiers in the South to deter North Korean aggression. ments. Seoul had issued a low-key response following Kim’s earlier comments on Sunday, urging Pyongyang to refrain from further raising tensions and return to dialogue.

Moon met Kim Jong Un three times in 2018 and lobbied hard to help set up his Kim’s first summit with then-President Donald Trump in June that year. But the diplomacy derailed after the second Kim-Trump meeting in 2019 where the Americans rejected North Korea’s demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a limited surrender of its nuclear capabilities.

Kim has since vowed to bolster his nuclear forces and sped up weapons development despite limited resources and pandemic-related difficulties. North Korea has also severed all inter-Korean cooperation while expressing anger over US-South Korea military exercises and Seoul’s inability to wrest concessions from Washington on its behalf.

Before its resumption of longrange testing last month, the North had spent the much of the past three years expanding its arsenal of nuclear-capable short-range missiles threatening South Korea.

Experts say those missiles, which could potentially be armed with “tactical” battlefield nuclear weapons, communicate the North’s threat to use smaller nuclear arms even during conventional warfare to overcome the stronger conventional forces of South Korea and the US. The US stations about 28,500 soldiers in the South to deter North Korean aggression.

Moon’s term ends in May, when he will be replaced by conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, who could possibly take a harder line on Pyongyang.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Biden’s special envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, plans to meet his Chinese counterpart in Washington to discuss the North’s growing threat. China, Pyongyang’s major ally and economic lifeline, has repeatedly called for the easing of UN Security Council sanctions against the North, citing the economic toll on civilians. AP writers Hyung-jin Kim in

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 A11

UN warns Earth ‘firmly on track toward an unlivable world’

B

By Frank Jordans & Seth Borenstein | The Associated Press

ERLIN—Temperatures on Earth will shoot past a key danger point unless greenhouse gas emissions fall faster than countries have committed, the world’s top body of climate scientists said Monday, warning of the consequences of inaction but also noting hopeful signs of progress.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change revealed “a litany of broken climate promises” by governments and corporations, accusing them of stoking global warming by clinging to harmful fossil fuels.

“It is a file of shame, cataloguing the empty pledges that put us firmly on track toward an unlivable world,” he said.

Governments agreed in the 2015 Paris accord to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) this century, ideally no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit). Yet temperatures have already increased by over 1.1C (2F) since pre-industrial times, resulting in measurable increases in disasters such flash floods, extreme heat, more intense hurricanes and longer-burning wildfires, putting human lives in danger and costing governments hundreds of billions of dollars to confront.

“Projected global emissions from (national pledges) place limiting global warming to 1.5C beyond reach and make it harder after 2030 to limit warming to 2C,” the panel said.

In other words, the report’s cochair, James Skea of Imperial College London, told The Associated Press: “If we continue acting as we are now, we’re not even going to limit warming to 2 degrees, never mind 1.5 degrees.”

Ongoing investments in fossil fuel infrastructure and clearing large

swaths of forest for agriculture undermine the massive curbs in emissions needed to meet the Paris goal, the report found. Emissions in 2019 were about 12 percent higher than they were in 2010 and 54 percent higher than in 1990, said Skea.

The rate of growth has slowed from 2.1 percent per year in the early part of this century to 1.3 percent per year between 2010 and 2019, the report’s authors said. But they voiced “high confidence” that unless countries step up their efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the planet will on average be 2.4C to 3.5C (4.3 to 6.3F) warmer by the end of the century—a level experts say is sure to cause severe impacts for much of the world’s population.

“Limiting warming to 1.5C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 at the latest and be reduced by 43 percent by 2030,” he said.

Such cuts would be hard to achieve without drastic, economy-wide measures, the panel acknowledged. It’s more likely that the world will pass 1.5C and efforts will then need to be made to bring temperatures back down again, including by removing vast amounts of carbon dioxide— the main greenhouse gas—from the atmosphere.

Many experts say this is unfeasible with current technologies, and even if it could be done it would be far costlier than preventing the emissions in

the first place.

The report, numbering thousands of pages, doesn’t single out individual countries for blame. But the figures show much of the carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere was released by rich countries that were the first to burn coal, oil and gas beginning with the industrial revolution.

The UN panel said 40 percent of emissions since then came from Europe and North America. Just over 12 percent can be attributed to East Asia, which includes China. But China took over the position as world’s top emissions polluter from the United States in the mid-2000s.

Many countries and companies have used recent climate meetings to paint rosy pictures of their emissionscutting efforts, while continuing to invest in fossil fuels and other polluting activities, Guterres charged.

“Some government and business leaders are saying one thing but doing another,” he said. “Simply put, they are lying. And the results will be catastrophic.” The report isn’t without some hope, however.

Its authors highlight myriad ways in which the world can be brought back on track to 2C or even, with great effort, return to 1.5C after that threshold has been passed. This could require measures such as the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere with natural or artificial means, but also potentially risky technologies such as pumping aerosols into the sky to reflect sunlight.

Among the solutions recommended are a rapid shift away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy such as increasingly cheap solar and wind power, the electrification of transport, less meat consumption, more efficient use of resources and massive financial support for poor coun-

tries unable to pay for such measures without help.

The situation is as if humanity has “gone to the doctor in a very unhealthy condition,” and the doctor is saying “you need to change, it’s a radical change. If you don’t you’re in trouble,” said report co-author Pete Smith, a professor of soils and global change at the University Aberdeen.

“It’s not like a diet,” Smith said. “It is a fundamental lifestyle change. It’s changing what you eat, how much you eat and get on a more active lifestyle.”

One move often described as “lowhanging fruit” by scientists is to plug methane leaks from mines, wells and landfills that release the potent but short-lived greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. A pact forged between the United States and China at last year’s UN climate conference in Glasgow aims to do just that.

“The big message we’ve got (is that) human activities got us into this problem and human agency can actually get us out of it again,” said Skea, the panel’s co-chair.

The panel’s reports have become increasingly blunt since the first one was published in 1990, and the latest may be the last before the planet passes 1.5C of warming, Skea told the AP. Last August, it said climate change caused by humans was “an established fact” and warned that some effects of global warming are already inevitable.

In late February, the panel published a report that outlined how further temperature increases will multiply the risk of floods, storms, drought and heat waves worldwide.

Still, the British government’s former chief science adviser David King, who wasn’t involved in writing the report, said there are too optimistic assumptions about how much CO2 the world can afford to emit.

New UN report: Renewables key to securing energy, economy

By The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities

Seoul and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

he United Nations’ newest climate change mitigation report released yesterday confirmed that, now more than ever, immediate and deep cuts in emissions combined with systemic, transformative actions across all sectors are key towards achieving an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic recovery.

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) examined current emission trends across the energy, transport, agriculture, buildings, and industry sectors in its mitigation report, which is the contribution of the Working Group III (WGIII) to the panel’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). The report also looked at projected levels of future warming based on the policy commitments of governments, and the urgent action needed to transition to a low carbon economy in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 in line with the Paris Agreement.

The report comes as the Philippines and other countries continue to suffer energy and food price shocks brought about by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Heavily affected by massive increases in fuel costs, the Philippines is also threatened by

rotating blackouts and even higher electricity bills due to the projected shutdowns of baseload power plants.

Among the highlights of the IPCC mitigation report are: Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 and be reduced by 43 percent by 2030, in order to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C) and avoid the worst projected climate impacts, as detailed in the previous IPCC adaptation report.

There are options available now in every sector that can at least halve emissions by 2030—not only in energy, but also transport, land use (including agriculture and forestry), industry, cities, buildings, and demand and services.

While current financial flows are three to six times lower than levels needed by 2030 to limit warming to below 1.5°C or 2°C, there is sufficient global capital and liquidity to close investment gaps. Without taking into account the economic benefits of reduced adaptation costs or avoided climate impacts, global gross domestic product would be just a few percentage points lower in 2050 if the world takes the necessary actions to limit warming to 2°C or below, compared to maintaining current policies.

Accelerated and equitable climate action in mitigating and adapting to

climate change impacts is critical to sustainable development. Some climate solutions can absorb and store carbon and, at the same time, help communities limit the impacts associated with climate change.

Reacting to the latest IPCC mitigation report, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) associate for policy advocacy Denise Fontanilla said: “The latest installment of the IPCC report reinforces the challenge to the next administration to reframe climate resilience as economic resilience. To act on the climate crisis is also to act on food, water, and energy security.

“For too long, governments including ours have equated climate change impacts with mere disaster response strategies or reducing carbon footprints. This new report confirms what our own experts have been calling for. Adaptation must remain the country’s climate response anchor, because the pursuit of resilience objectives will establish if not accelerate the country’s decarbonization agenda.

Addressing the demand for reliable, secure and affordable power, or efficient and safe urban mobility, or coastal risk reduction and food security will do far more for global efforts than diffuse measures to reduce emissions. In fact, the demand

free advice via Telegram.

“Hey Elon, how about letting all of those dropped from twitter for being America First and Pro-Trump back on Twitter!!!,” Flynn wrote.

Twitter earlier this year banned the personal account of far-right US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for multiple violations of the platform’s Covid-19 misinformation policy.

Other people banned in recent years include Steve Bannon, for suggesting the beheading of Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke for breaking the social media site’s rules forbidding hate speech, and right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his Infowars show for abusive behavior.

Musk recently described himself on Twitter as a “free speech absolut-

ist” in explaining why the Starlink satellite Internet service—part of his aerospace company SpaceX—would not block Russian state media outlets, which have spread propaganda and misinformation in line with the Kremlin’s narrative on its war in Ukraine. But such absolutism would not be welcome by advertisers who are Twitter’s chief revenue source, said Brian Wieser, global president of business intelligence at GroupM. Brands that advertise on Twitter strongly prefer some content standards because a toxic platform can drive many other users away.

“Certain kinds of speech, such as advocating an insurrection or advocating hurting people, are not the kinds of things most advertisers want to support,” said Wieser,

who analyzes the media industry for advertisers. Twitter’s stock surged nearly 30 percent Monday. Since March 14, the date listed on filing

by Twitter, its shares are up nearly 50 percent, meaning that Musk’s investment has paid handsomely—so far.

Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In March, Musk told his millions of followers on Twitter that he was “ giving serious thought “ to creating his own social media platform, and has clashed repeatedly with financial regulators about his use of Twitter.

Musk is locked into a bitter dispute with the SEC over his ability to post on Twitter. His lawyer has contended in court motions that the SEC is infringing on the Tesla CEO’s First Amendment rights.

In October of 2018, Musk and Tesla agreed to pay $40 million in civil fines and for Musk to have his tweets approved by a corporate lawyer after he tweeted about having the money to take Tesla private at $420 per share.

The funding was far from secured and the electric vehicle company remains public, but Tesla’s stock price jumped. The settlement came after the SEC brought a securities fraud charge. It specified governance changes, including Musk’s ouster as board chairman, as well as preapproval of his tweets.

Musk’s lawyer is now asking a US District Court judge in Manhattan to throw out the settlement, contending that the SEC is harassing him and infringing on his First

T

for reliable, secure and affordable power remains largely unmet and realizing this aim offers far more synergies than trade-offs as we pursue economic growth and decarbonization.

“Shifting to renewables, investing in battery and storage, improving mobility, restoring our ecosystems —while all these contribute to decarbonization and the Paris Agreement goals, these same actions will likewise help stabilize food and energy prices, and improve access to energy and mobility while decreasing pollution.

“In the international arena, the country’s next leaders must continue to demand developed nations to make deep and immediate cuts in their emissions reductions, if the world is to have a fighting chance to survive and thrive in the face of worsening climate impacts, as detailed in the last IPCC adaptation report.

The Global North must also scale up its commitments to deploy finance and technology to the Global South in order to protect and empower women, children, and other vulnerable communities at the frontlines of climate change.”

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a Manila-based climate and energy policy group advancing climate resilience and low carbon development.

Amendment rights.

The SEC says it has legal authority to subpoena Tesla and Musk about his tweets, and that Musk’s move to throw out the settlement is not valid.

The SEC also disclosed that it is investigating Musk’s November 6, 2021 tweets that asked followers whether he should sell 10 percent of his Tesla stake. The commission said it issued administrative subpoenas while investigating whether Musk and Tesla are complying with disclosure controls in the 2018 agreement.

Musk ended up selling more than 15 million shares worth roughly $16.4 billion. With some sales in late December, Musk is close to selling 10 percent. Matt O’Brien and Michelle R. Smith contributed from Providence, Rhode Island.

Krisher reported from Detroit.

A12 Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Pandemic sets back PHL’s targets to wipe out poverty

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By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE goal of eradicating both subsistence and income poverty may not be achieved due to the extent of the pandemic’s impact on the economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Government targets to eradicate subsistence poverty by 2030 and bring down income poverty to zero by 2040. Subsistence incidence in poverty is the proportion of the population who could not even provide for their basic food needs, while the income poverty rate includes those who could not provide for their basic food and non-food needs.

Howe ver, Ned a Undersec-

retary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon told BusinessMirror at the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing on Tuesday that the pandemic has cost the Philippines at least two years worth of gains in poverty reduction.

“We need to catch up. We’re coming up with a catch-up plan for growth and poverty,” Edillon said. “If we met the (poverty in-

cidence of) 13 percent to 15 percent this year, we could have easily met our targets because we want zero (poverty incidence). We were expecting (before the pandemic that) by 2030, we would be able to bring down to zero subsistence poverty because we already hit single digit in 2018.”

Based on the World Bank ’s re por t re lea sed on Tuesd ay, povert y incidence is a lso expected to increase in light of the increase in commodit y pr ices this year.

A simulation by the Washingtonbased lender showed that if cereal prices rise by 10 percent in the Philippines, this would be expected to increase the $3.20/day poverty rate by 1 percentage point or about 1.1 million additional poor.

If the low-case GDP growth scenario, pegged at 4.9 percent for the Philippines, were to materialize this year, some 6 million more people would remain trapped in poverty in 2022 at the $5.50/day poverty line.

T he World Bank estimates showed that using the International Poverty Rate of $1.9 a day in 2011, poverty in the Philippines would average 2.6 percent this year; 2.1 percent in 2023; and 1.7 percent

in 2024.

Using the $3.20/day poverty rate, or the lower middle-income poverty rate, would lead poverty to average 16.3 percent in 2022; 14.6 percent in 2023; and 12.9 percent in 2024.

Based on the Upper middle-income poverty rate of $5.5 per day, poverty incidence in the Philippines would average 46 percent in 2022; 43.4 percent in 2023; and 40.9 percent in 2024.

“Recent food price increases in the region, reinforced by food and fuel price rises related to the Ukraine-Russia war, could threaten expected progress in poverty reduction in 2022, as poor households tend to spend substantial shares of their incomes on food and energy,” said the World Bank report.

The latest official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed poverty incidence increased to 23.7 percent in the first semester of 2021 from the 21.1 percent in the first semester of 2018.

This translates to 26.14 million Filipinos who lived below the poverty threshold—estimated at P12,082, on the average, for a family of five per month—in the first semester of 2021.

LOCSIN, LORENZANA OFF TO TOKYO FOR 2-PLUS-2

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

F

OREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana are flying to Tokyo this weekend to meet their Japanese counterparts, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, for their first 2-plus-2 meeting.

Holding the 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue was part of the agreement between President Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during their tele-summit in November 2021.

“The meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for PH-Japan security partnership in the next decade,” the DFA said in a statement.

Both Japan and Philippines have common security threat with the growing Chinese maritime presence. The Philippines has a long-running territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea, while Japan and China have overlapping claims in Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. “The 2+2 is the next logical progression in the deepening policy and security cooperation between the two countries, and is envisioned to be a key component in further strengthening the decade-

Ex-DA chief questions wisdom of importing rice in harvest season

By Lito Gagni

Special to BusinessMirror

F

ORMER Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor yesterday questioned the wisdom of allowing rice imports during the harvest season, as it hits the farmers with low palay prices that deepen their poverty.

Montemayor said the Philippines is the only country he knows that allows rice imports to enter the country during palay harvest, adding, in Filipino, “it’s not just the typhoons that kill them, but also the law.” He was referring to the Rice Tariffication Law which allowed any importer to bring in rice as long as the correct duties and taxes are paid.

The issue on rice imports was among the topics in the third leg of the Experts Forum sponsored by the Aliw Media Group. The forum dwelt on Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and Food Security and was held the Treston College in Bonifacio Global City.

During the forum, Treston College Chairman Efraim Genuino, who is now into farming, pitched what he dubbed the industrialization of agriculture to benefit the farmers, even as he noted the continuing decline in the share of agriculture to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), a key determinant in economic growth.

Genuino said agriculture’s in GDP has steadily declined yearly. In 2016, it accounted for 10.4 percent in output and in the next year, it went down to 10.1 percent.

By 2018, agriculture output accounted for just 9.7 percent and in 2019, it went down further to 9.2 percent.

“This is a worrisome trend,” Genuino said, adding this could be addressed by allowing for industrialization in the agriculture sector, especially in rural areas, where farmers can have ready access for the market of their own

produce. This, he said, will allow farmers to earn more so that economic growth comes about by having a vibrant economic community.

National Land Use

FOR Dr. Roberto Rañola Jr., national chairman of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, the umbrella organization of licensed agriculturists, what is needed to arrest the decline in agriculture output is for congress to pass the National Land Use law to rationalize the ongoing land conversion practices that have resulted in haphazard conversion of farmlands to housing subdivisions.

In Los Baños in Laguna, he said, subdivisions and other commercial establishments have sprouted in what used to be farm lands by the road, resulting in a decline in agriculture output.

He also raised apprehension over the Mandanas-Garcia law which mandates the increase in the IRA allotments of local government units.

Rañola said the devolution of the Department of Agriculture budget to LGUs could have an adverse impact on the national government’s thrust for food sufficiency, since the LGUs may still need to have the technical knowhow to address the plight of farmers.

According to former congressman Jonathan de la Cruz, the proposed National Land Use policy has been filed every year in Congress, and yet failed to pass due to stiff opposition from businessmen affected by such a law.

De la Cruz recalled that one time, the House of Representatives was about to pass the law patterned after that of the Senate which was first able to muster enough votes.

“But, a recess, a break was called,” he said, and the proposed law was scuttled. He declined to name the House leaders who caused such delay at that time.

old PH-Japan Strategic Partnership,” the DFA said.

This will be the second 2-plus2 talks of the Philippines. The first one was with defense treaty ally, United States, in November 2021.

“The close ties between the two countries for six decades now continue to expand to various areas of cooperation, and have resulted in the improvement of the Philippines’s maritime law enforcement capabilities, increased maritime domain awareness, and enhanced counterterrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities, among other areas,” the DFA added.

Then in mid-April, Japan will also hold a similar 2-plus-2 dialogue with India, with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expected to go to Tokyo.

Both countries are members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, together with the US and Australia.

Once a loose group, now Quad was reinvigorated in 2021 as its member countries become more aligned in their shared concerns about China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the region. Japan and Australia are treaty allies of the US, too.

Senators split on ban on fuel subsidy releases

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HE issue of the Comelec ban on public spending covering even the badly needed fuel subsidy for public utility transportation drivers has split senators, but all are prodding the poll body to issue an exemption as soon as possible.

On Tuesday, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III waded into a brewing controversy over the Comelec ban on government granting fuel subsidy to drivers of public transport, which is seen by the Comelec as smacking of vote-buying.

Pimentel, chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms, reminded everyone there is such a Comelec rule intended to prevent an impression or suspicion of vote-buying.

Also on Tuesday, Senator Joel “TESDAMAN” Villanueva backed calls that fuel subsidies to PUVs be taken out of the election public spending ban list.

“The call of the hour is to step on the gas in distributing this aid, and not to step on the brakes,” Villanueva said.

The senator also said that similar distribution of fuel vouchers to farmers and fisherfolk should not be halted on account of the May 9 elections.

“This is a critical lifeline to crucial sectors impacted by the high gas prices. So a moratorium is not only unjust, it is oppressive,” Villanueva said.

He earlier urged the government to fast-track the distribution of the P2.5-billion fuel subsidy to the transport sector, and increase the P500-million fuel subsidy program for farmers and fisherfolk. He also called for boosting the fuel subsidy for fishermen to an initial P2 billion.

He justified his call by citing studies showing fuel accounts for half of the operating cost of fishermen, “which translates to half of the retail prices of fish we see in the market.”

Continued on A4

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

B1

SM Prime prices ₧30B bonds SNAP to put up storage system higher vs secondary market’s

S

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

HOPPING mall operator SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) on Tuesday has set the interest rates for its five-, seven- and 10-year P30 billion retail bonds, in which the company priced higher than the secondary market rates.

In a statement, SMPH said it its Series P, 5-year retail bond is priced 5.6141 percent due on 2027. It priced its Series Q, 7-year retail bond due on 2029 at 6.1175 percent and the Series R, 10-year retail bond due on 2032 at 6.5432 percent.

The said debt will have a spread of between 44.59 basis points and 56.67 basis points from the secondary market rates.

SMPH is selling a principal amount of P15 billion of the Series P, Q and R bonds, with oversub-

scription option of an additional P15 billion.

These retail bonds will be offered from April 7 to 13.

BDO Capital and Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. were picked as joint issue managers.

The two banks along with BPI Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. are also the deal’s joint bookrunners and joint lead underwriters.

“SMPH will use the proceeds of these latest retail bonds issuance to pursue the expansion plans set for the company’s property portfolios, including malls, residential developments, offices, and hotels, which will drive further growth to the Company as well as to the communities

we serve,” SMPH CFO John Nai Peng C. Ong said.

The issuance is the fourth tranche under the company’s P100 billion shelf registration of fixed-rate bonds approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2020 .

Earlier, Broker Regina Capital Development Corp. advised to trade the range on the stock of SM Prime “as the bears won over the past trading days causing the stock to close lower last week.”

“However, indicators are not giving strong clues as to where SMPH is truly headed yet,” it said. “What’s clear is that SMPH is likely to linger around P37.30 to P38.20.”

SM Prime shares closed last week at P37.90 apiece. The shares of SMPH closed on Tuesday at P38 apiece, down P0.15 from the previous trade.

MPTC to help in motorists’ safety

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

M

ETRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) expects traffic along its network of expressways to rise by as much as 15 percent during the Holy Week, prompting it to deploy its annual motorist assistance program dubbed Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko (SMSK).

Rodrigo E. Franco, the company’s president, said historically, traffic during the Holy Week rises “anywhere from 10 percent to 15 percent.” Through its subsidiaries, MPTC operates the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex), Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex), Cavitex C5 Link, and Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax).

“With the easing of travel restrictions, there’s a lot more outdoor activity from the general public. As we return to some normalcy as compared to recent years, we have anticipated this increase in volume by fielding additional personnel and offering special roadside services,” he said.

As part of the SMSK program, MPTC will increase the deployment of patrol crews, traffic marshals, security teams, and toll plaza personnel to ensure safety, and provide immediate assistance to motorists.

Emergency medical services and incident response teams will also be augmented and will be stationed at strategic areas of the expressways.

From April 18 to April 18, MPTC will suspend all lane closures and mainline road works unless safety repairs are needed. MPTC will also provide free towing services for Class 1 vehicles.

Franco encouraged motorists to download the MPT DriveHub app, a travel app that allows users to manage their RFID accounts, receive updated

PLDT to pick firms for tower deals

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LDT Inc., the Philippines’ biggest telecommunications and digital services provider by market value, has picked Edgepoint Infrastructure and edotco Group Sdn. as the preferred bidders for its local towers, people familiar with the matter said.

Edgepoint, backed by Digital Bridge and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, is in exclusive talks with PLDT for a portfolio of about 3,000 towers in the greater Manila area, according to the people. Malaysia’s telecommunications tower firm Edotco has entered into exclusive discussions for another 3,000 tower outside of Manila, said the people, asking not to be identified because the matter is private.

The two deals could be valued at about $1.5 billion and agreements could be reached as soon as in the coming days, the people said. Talks could still fall apart and no final decision has been made, the people said. Other bidders including private equity firms and industry players remain interested in the assets, the people said. A representative for Edgepoint declined to comment, while representatives for Edotco and PLDT didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Bloomberg News

Toll Regulatory Board Chief of Regulation Division Joz Carlos G. Ordillano NLEX Corp. President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista and Philippine Reclamation Authority Assistant General Manager Joselito D.Gonzalez show the newly-launched app called MPT Drivehub during its launch in time for the “Safe Trip mo, Sagot Ko” program of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. at a hotel in Quezon City last April 5, 2022. The MPT Drivehub is an all-in-one travel app that integrates three functions: RFID Transactions, trip planning and emergency roadside assistance. Photo by NONOY LACZA

traffic advisories, and request for roadside assistance if needed.

“MPT DriveHub is designed to make access and mobility efficient and easy for our customers.

Aside from getting to their destination safely and conveniently, we want them to feel secure that we have these customer-centric services so they can focus on enjoying the journey,” he said.

MPT DriveHub, he said, complements the SMSK program for the Holy Week exodus.

“The app, the increased manpower deployment, the roadside services identified to respond to our customers’ needs for this coming Holy Week— these initiatives are synergistic—they all come together to create a travel experience that is safer and more relaxing,” Franco said.

Opensignal bares factors in telco-user retention

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ILIPINO mobile users switched to a different mobile network operator because of their bad experience in terms of service availability and reliability as well as the intermittent signal they get for 4G or 5G, a report from Opensignal showed.

In its latest report about the Philippine telco landscape, Opensignal said “Filipino Leavers”—those who left their original mobile operator for another without changing their phone numbers—“on average saw a significantly worse mobile experience before they changed operators.”

“Such ‘Leavers’ spent more time without a signal and less time connected to 4G or 5G than the average of all users on their original operator,” the report read.

In terms of signal availability, Dito, Globe and Smart “Leavers” spent significantly more time with no signal than the average reported for all our users on those networks.

“The difference was 1.5 times

more time for Globe ‘Leavers,’ 1.6 times more for Dito and 1.7 times for Smart,” the report found.

Similarly, leavers spent less time connected to 4G or 5G than the average across all users on the original operator.

“The difference was highest for Globe Leavers—2.5 percentage points—followed by Dito leavers with a gap of two percentage points.

Smart Leavers spent only 1.6 percentage points less time connected to 4G or 5G compared to the average calculated across all of our Smart users,” the report read.

However, switching network operators did not entirely mean better service.

Based off a 30-day analysis after switching to a new operator, Opensignal said: “Our Globe Leavers saw a 4.6 percentage point improvement after they switched to another network, and our Dito Leavers saw an 8.4-percentage point drop in their time on 4G or 5G after they churned or switched operators. This greater

difference for Dito “Leavers” is because our users observed the highest time on 4G or 5G on DITO’s network and so when they switched to either Globe or Smart it’s more likely they would see a fall in this measure,” the report read. “Only our Smart ‘Leavers’ did not see a significant change in the proportion of time they spent on 4G or 5G when churning.”

Hence, Opensignal suggested that operators improve their offers and services to retain their customers.

“Even in a rapidly changing market, Opensignal’s analysis shows that mobile network experience plays a key role in customers’ decision to leave their mobile service provider, and that operators must focus on offering a high-quality mobile experience to retain their customers. In addition, there are opportunities to highlight strong mobile experience in acquisition marketing to target rival operator customers that have a poor experience,” the report read. Lorenz S. Marasigan

This undated photo from the SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) shows its Magat hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela. SNAP announced it will put up a battery storage system at the plant. Photo downloaded from SNAP

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

S

N Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) will put up a 20-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Magat hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela.

The joint venture between Scatec and Aboitiz Power signed the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Hitachi Energy for the development of the BESS project last March 25. The Bank of the Philippine Islands and China Banking Corporation will provide financing.

Early-phase activities for the Magat BESS project were completed last year as part of the preconstruction stage, which included site surveys and basic engineering design. Construction is expected to commence this month, signaling the project’s progress toward its targeted commercial operation in the first quarter of 2024.

The facility, which is expandable to 24 MW, is expected to be used primarily for ancillary services.

This project marks the first venture between Aboitiz Power, and Scatec, after the Norwegian renewable energy solutions provider acquired SN Power.

This is an important milestone for the Scatec and Aboitiz partnership in the Philippines. It is the first step in our ambition to work on more initiatives here. The Philippines is an important market for Scatec, and we see several promis-

ing opportunities, especially in renewables, Scatec’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, Torbjørn Elliot Kirkeby-Garstad said.

SNAP Group President and CEO Joseph S. Yu said the BESS project complements the company’s ambition of bringing forth an renewable energy-powered future, and continue to explore and assess other greenfield and brownfield opportunities beyond hydropower and floating solar. “We also appreciate the support of our banking partners for project financing,” said Yu. Aboitiz Power President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio, meanwhile, said the new development in the Magat facility is a significant step forward in its renewable energy ambitions over the next 10 years. “We intend to take an active role in the Philippine renewable energy market but this is not our journey alone. We’re fortunate and proud to be working with Scatec, Hitachi, and our banking partners with whom we share the same aspiration for a more sustainable energy future,” he said.

In connection with the BESS project, the upgrade of the 230-kilovolt Magat-Santiago transmission line has been included in the Transmission Development Plan of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. The upgrade will allow SNAP to continue adding capacities within the Magat area for additional projects. The Philippine government has launched a Renewable Energy Roadmap with a target of 35-percent share of renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030.

Intel CEO visiting Asia to check supply chain

I

NTEL Corp. CEO Pat Gelsinger is on the move visiting customers and suppliers in Asia in an attempt to shake up an industry that’s fallen victim to a global pandemic and geopolitical ructions.

Gelsinger is traveling to Japan, Taiwan and India, according to a person familiar with his itinerary.

As part of the trip, he will meet with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world’s foremost contract chipmaker that now counts Intel as a client, said the person, who asked not to be named as the plans are not public. The company isn’t expected to make any significant announcements during the trip.

In addition to TSMC, Intel has other key suppliers in Taiwan and Japan. The company depends on Tokyo Electron for chipmaking equipment, while it relies on Ibiden Co. and Unimicron Technology Corp. for Ajinomoto build-up film substrates, materials required for the packaging process.

Senate Commerce Committee Holds Hearing On Technology Innovation Patrick Gelsinger, chief executive officer of Intel Corp., holds an Intel integrated circuit die during a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, March

23, 2022. The hearing is titled “Developing Next Generation Technology for Innovation.”

The leader of the Santa Clara, California-based chipmaker has had a busy first year in charge of the company, tasked with turning back a tide of competition that’s weighed on its stock price and earnings. Gelsinger announced two major chip manufacturing hubs, one in Ohio and another in Germany, in recent months.

He has called for greater investment from North America and Europe to expand chipmaking capacity in their regions and make a supply chain largely concentrated in Asia more resilient. Pointing to the chip crunch that’s left industries from automaking to smartphones short of crucial components, Gelsinger has urged governments to “not waste this crisis” as it’s a matter of national security as well as good economics.

“Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and other members of the Intel team will be increasing local engagements with employees, customers, partners, suppliers and other key stakeholders in various regions around the world,” an Intel representative said. “These engagements are vital as we and others in the industry work together to drive innovation and restore balance and resilience to the global supply chain.” Bloomberg News

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Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Bidding for Meralco’s 850MW RE demand declared a failure

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By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE competitive bidding for the 850-megawatt (MW) renewable energy (RE) mid-merit requirement of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) was declared a failure last Thursday by the Third-Party Bids and Awards Committee (TPBAC).

There was no bid offer received on the April 5 deadline to challenge the unsolicited proposal of Terra Solar Philippines Inc. Terra Solar is the special purpose vehicle of Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. and Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. led by Leandro Leviste.

According to the TPBAC, there

were no comparative bids received on Tuesday even if two interested bidders initially expressed interest to participate in the bidding.

These are SMC Global Light and Power (SGLP) and SunAsia Energy Inc. SGLP wrote and notified the TPBAC that it would no longer participate in the 850MW CSP. SunAsia,

meanwhile, did not submit a bid but instead submitted and read a “Notice of Non-Submission of Bid.” SunAsia manifested its interest to participate in the next round of Competitive Selection Process (CSP), should there be any. The TPBAC will welcome its participation, it said.

Pursuant to Section 9 of the Revised CSP Rules, a “comparative bidding is considered failed when, during its conduct, no comparative bid was received by the TPBAC.” The bid submission was attended by several observers from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Meralco started the CSP via competitive challenge for the contract capacity of 850-MW RE on January 22, following the DOE’s approval of the CSP’s Terms of Reference and Bid Requirements. The original bid submission deadline was March 7, but this was later extended to April 5 to accommodate a prospective bidder’s request for more time.

The TPBAC emphasized that its decisions were made in consideration of its mandate to uphold the policy under the EPIRA and the revised CSP rules to conduct a competitive public bidding, which ensures the quality, reliability, security and affordability of electric power supply to Meralco’s captive customers. The TPBAC did not receive any motion or request to further extend the deadline.

Terra Solar offered P6.0800 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for headline rate and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). It proposed to supply Meralco 600 MW to be made available by February 26, 2026; while the additional 250 MW is expected to be delivered starting February 26, 2027.

It will source power from its planned solar power plants with Energy Storage System (ESS) located in Batangas-Cavite, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales. These plants are under development.

US out-innovating rivals on patents filed

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HE US is out-innovating global rivals, according to patent applications filed in Europe last year.

Data released by the European Patent Office show that new ideas percolated at a record pace despited the isolation forced upon many by the global pandemic. US companies and inventors filed 5.2 percent more patent applications in Europe in 2021, helping to reverse the overall decline seen in 2020.

“The strong demand for patents last year shows that innovation has remained robust,” EPO President Antonio Campinos, said in a statement. “It highlights the creativity and resilience of innovators.”

US inventors filed a record 46,533 patents, almost three times more than China. The American growth was driven by increased patent applications in five fields: Medical technology, computer technology, digital communications, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The US led in semiconductor patenting ahead of

both China and South Korea.

Overall, the European Patent Office received 188,600 applications in 2021. Following the US were Germany, Japan, China and France among the top five countries. But, when ranked by patent applications per million inhabitants, the US drops to 14th place.

Patent applications are highly concentrated. The top five countries account for almost two-thirds of European patent applications, and the top 20 countries account for 95 percent.

Raytheon Technologies Corp. became the new top US patent applicant at the EPO, filing a total 1,623 patent applications, and pushing Qualcomm Inc. into second place.

Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. followed with more than 1,000 each.

Overall, Raytheon came in sixth place by patent applications.

Huawei Technologies Co. jumped ahead of Samsung Electronics Co. as the leading patent applicant at the EPO in 2021. The top ten

include four companies from Europe, two from South Korea, two from the US, and one from each of China and Japan.

About three-quarters of applicants last year were large enter-

mutual funds

April 5, 2022

NAV

A

MERICAN multinational ecommerce corporation eBay Inc. revealed a strong demand for certain products that are exported worldwide by the Philippines and its Southeast Asian peers.

“Southeast Asia [SEA] has been one of the regions, which offers uniquely sought-after items to eBay buyers across the globe, and we are seeing significant opportunities for SEA SMEs [small and medium enterprises] to start their export businesses on eBay and sell in-demand products,” Vidmay Naini, country manager of eBay in Southeast Asia and India, was quoted in a statement as saying. Naini issued the statement after the company reported that “annual active buyers declined by 9 percent, for a total of 147 million global active buyers.”

“A nnua l active sell-

ers declined by 8 percent, for a total of 17 million global active sellers,” the company said in its financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2021. eBay in Southeast Asia noted that pre-loved luxury watches from the Philippines and its neighboring countries Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, are most-sought items among buyers from the United States (US).

In 2021, sales of watches with an average selling price in excess of $2,000 increased by 62 percent year-on-year. The top 10 popular pre-owned watch brands were: Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Breitling, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, Chopard, Tag Heuer and Seiko.

Apart from such accessories, eBay’s trading cards segment is growing significantly in the region faster than the overall marketplace.

The best-selling brands were Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, Yu-GiOh!, Basketball, Soccer, American Football, Baseball and Tennis. Collectible cards enthusiasts throughout the region have been profiting from this trend as buyers turn their hobbies into an alternative investment. Roderick L. Abad

One Year Three Year

Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

230.25

11.31%

-4.25%

-2.3%

-1.22%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5258

18.44%

-2%

1.31%

-8.32%

-7.95%

-5.01%

-1.71%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7507 2.62%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1824

-6.96% n.a.

-0.77%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6963 4.39%

-6.81% n.a.

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

5.159

12.12%

-9.68%

13.79%

-1.89%

-0.06%

-0.46%

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

0.7708

17.7%

-4.02%

-3.43%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

-9.92%

-12.02% n.a.

-8.29%

86.6

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

47.2018

11.16%

-3.03%

-0.96%

-1.92%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

494.26

11.08%

-2.94%

-1.07%

-1.28%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.379

27.56%

1.91%

2.05%

1.67%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

36.3467

14.36%

-1.92%

0.34%

-0.68%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9395

13.92%

-3.06% n.a.

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.8942

12.56%

-2.25%

-0.22%

813.3

11.85%

-2.39%

-0.31%

-1.83%

0.7342

11.73%

-7.27%

-3.21%

-2.44%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

-0.2%

12.44%

-4.73%

-1.46%

-1.86%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9264

11.45%

-2.7%

-0.57%

United Fund, Inc. -a

11.04%

-2.67%

0.68%

-1.13%

3.3986

-1.6%

-1.34%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.7053

-1.92%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.184

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

17.72% n.a. n.a.

1.83%

992.19 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

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

109.7046

12.43%

-2.12%

0.13%

-1.59%

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

eBay notes demand for items from PHL

prises, 20 percent individual inventors or small or medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 250 employees, and the remainder universities and public research organizations. Bloomberg News

$1.0349

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.6974

-17.39%

-0.13%

2.06%

-8.13%

1.99%

9.76%

9.05%

-8.07%

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

1.6259

0.6%

-1.8%

-1.28%

-3.91%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2278

4.03%

-1.2%

-0.61%

-2.35%

8.06%

0.57%

1.4%

-0.39%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6804

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2088

11.9% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

5.7%

1.41%

1.9946

1.5%

-1.1% -1.64%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.7035

5%

0.36%

0.42%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.6016

4.98%

0.11%

0.36%

-1.45%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.1061

6.28%

-0.5%

0.16%

-0.72%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5904 6.95%

-2.15%

-0.27%

-1.55%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

-1.22%

0.18%

-1.41%

0.9407

13.67%

-0.1%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) 0.952

0.82%

-1.48% n.a.

-3.82%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.9191

6.76%

-2.59% n.a.

-2.69%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a

0.9094

7.67%

-2.86% n.a.

-2.62%

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

$0.0354

-6.69%

-0.58%

-0.01%

-6.69%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.0175

-9.26%

0.52%

1.55%

-4.65%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.4558 -0.55%

6.4%

6.35%

-7.21%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.1191 -3.23%

2.3%

2.62%

-6.63%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

373.64

1.01%

2.46%

2.44%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8877

-1.04%

0.11%

0.15%

-0.18% 0.16%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2373

0.62%

2.47%

3.6%

-0.21%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2135

-1.3%

0.85%

1.16%

-1.69%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4173 -0.3%

2.25%

1.84%

-0.36%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.2974

-3.36%

2.2%

1.26%

-2.23%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3176

0.17%

3.33%

2.8%

-0.11%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.9262

-0.87%

2.8%

2.5%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.0128

-0.99%

3.27%

1.93%

-1.5%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1591

-0.24%

3.08%

3.02%

-0.89%

2.23%

2.33%

-1.13%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7111

-1.01%

-1%

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

$484.84

0.67%

2.24%

2.13%

-0.97%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є215.9

-1.59%

-0.01%

0.52%

-1.87%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b

$1.115

-5.17%

-1.45%

-0.01%

-7.38%

-0.4% n.a.

-4.23%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0249 -3.11% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

$0.9528

-9.06%

-3.54%

-2.3%

-6.84%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.3482

-4.41%

1.38%

1.29%

-6.29%

$0.0611427

-2.17%

1.75%

1.43%

-1.85%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.9545 -4.73%

-0.21%

0.03%

-7.56%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

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

131.49

1.26%

2.45%

2.52%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0607

1.04%

1.76% n.a.

0.23%

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3208

1.54%

2.34%

2.51%

0.28%

0.4%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0622

0.66%

1.28% n.a.

0.15%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

45.6252 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.3303

11.51% n.a. n.a.

-3.8%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.9191

-6.21% n.a. n.a.

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

c - Listed in the PSE.

-5.25%

d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

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

2 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last November 25, 2021.

"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."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 5, 2022

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

BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

150,306,137 16,268,462 64,266,306 3,136,220 1,299,891 58,180,816 652,370 1,035,334 61,097 759,525 15,230,700 129,571,253.50 98,760 312,210 1,600 929,900 40,800 542,456 1,828,500

-6,633,903 11,407,570 -12,623,903.50 -399,843 5,820,589 34,908 -57,100 10,275 -1,568,618 8,726,920 -159,400 181,106 1,828,500

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.84 8.85 8.87 8.91 8.8 8.85 12,562,200 111,439,151 ALSONS CONS 1.01 1.03 1.01 1.03 1.01 1.03 9,000 9,110 ABOITIZ POWER 36.75 37 35.9 37 35.8 37 2,467,700 90,395,960 BASIC ENERGY 0.42 0.425 0.415 0.425 0.415 0.425 1,850,000 778,350 FIRST GEN 26.2 26.35 26.4 26.4 26 26.35 44,300 1,155,615 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70.35 70.4 70 70.4 70 70.35 6,550 460,941 MERALCO 373.6 374 373.2 374 368.4 374 178,100 66,413,396 MANILA WATER 20.8 20.9 20.8 21 20.75 20.8 283,800 5,910,370 PETRON 3.31 3.33 3.32 3.34 3.29 3.34 733,000 2,420,040 PETROENERGY 4.9 4.98 4.98 4.98 4.98 4.98 21,000 104,580 PHX PETROLEUM 10.24 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10,000 105,000 SYNERGY GRID 12.18 12.22 12.18 12.22 12.08 12.22 748,100 9,121,006 PILIPINAS SHELL 18.18 18.2 18.2 18.2 18.1 18.18 361,600 6,563,346 SPC POWER 14.4 14.52 14.54 14.7 14.1 14.52 489,000 7,003,714 SOLAR PH 1.86 1.87 1.9 1.91 1.87 1.87 20,088,000 37,784,320 AGRINURTURE 4.96 4.97 5.18 5.29 4.97 4.97 2,847,100 14,440,675 AXELUM 2.44 2.52 2.45 2.52 2.45 2.52 128,000 319,590 CENTURY FOOD 24.05 24.2 24.1 24.2 23.7 24.05 440,800 10,576,785 DEL MONTE 14.22 14.4 14.22 14.4 14.2 14.4 5,600 79,606 DNL INDUS 7.6 7.61 7.6 7.65 7.53 7.61 360,100 2,740,494 EMPERADOR 14.18 14.2 14.1 14.3 14.1 14.2 1,423,800 20,215,462 SMC FOODANDBEV 61.85 62.5 61.85 63 61.85 62.5 41,360 2,575,715.50 FIGARO COFFEE 0.63 0.64 0.65 0.65 0.63 0.64 2,948,000 1,884,520 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.59 0.6 0.58 0.6 0.58 0.59 38,000 22,560 FRUITAS HLDG 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.12 1.12 136,000 152,870 GINEBRA 108 111 111.4 111.4 107.8 111 100,800 11,138,483 JOLLIBEE 228 229.8 228 229.8 225 229.8 437,810 100,078,274 KEEPERS HLDG 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.19 1.2 1,595,000 1,904,790 MAXS GROUP 6.11 6.2 6.1 6.2 6.06 6.2 41,000 251,678 MG HLDG 0.137 0.144 0.141 0.141 0.136 0.136 150,000 20,900 MONDE NISSIN 13.28 13.3 13.36 13.38 13.22 13.28 4,645,900 61,738,624 SHAKEYS PIZZA 7.72 7.98 7.72 7.72 7.7 7.72 72,600 560,254 ROXAS AND CO 0.57 0.59 0.57 0.59 0.57 0.58 133,000 77,130 RFM CORP 4.28 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 4.39 5,000 21,950 ROXAS HLDG 1.16 1.3 1.16 1.16 1.16 1.16 1,893,000 2,195,880 SWIFT FOODS 0.1 0.107 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 30,000 3,000 UNIV ROBINA 118 118.1 121.1 121.1 118 118 841,300 100,440,450 VITARICH 0.62 0.63 0.63 0.64 0.63 0.63 299,000 188,900 CONCRETE A 45.55 48 48 48 48 48 200 9,600 CONCRETE B 46.15 59.95 47 59.95 46.1 59.95 100,210 4,619,999.50 CEMEX HLDG 0.85 0.86 0.87 0.87 0.85 0.85 481,000 412,420 EAGLE CEMENT 13 13.3 13 13 13 13 34,000 442,000 EEI CORP 5.25 5.26 5.3 5.35 5.25 5.26 137,000 723,050 HOLCIM 5.52 5.64 5.65 5.65 5.52 5.52 28,100 156,815 MEGAWIDE 5.11 5.12 5.08 5.19 5.08 5.11 82,200 421,065 PHINMA 19 19.44 19.48 19.48 19.44 19.44 105,200 2,045,096 TKC METALS 0.76 0.79 0.78 0.78 0.77 0.77 3,000 2,320 VULCAN INDL 0.95 0.96 0.98 1 0.94 0.96 5,083,000 4,876,420 CROWN ASIA 1.8 1.81 1.81 1.81 1.81 1.81 10,000 18,100 EUROMED 1.1 1.13 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 7,000 7,700 PRYCE CORP 5.69 5.76 5.84 5.84 5.69 5.84 54,400 309,896 GREENERGY 1.58 1.59 1.68 1.72 1.58 1.59 10,527,000 17,142,720 INTEGRATED MICR 7.98 7.99 8.1 8.1 7.98 7.98 145,500 1,165,368 PANASONIC 6.2 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.1 6.3 11,800 73,533 SFA SEMICON 1.08 1.1 1.07 1.08 1.07 1.08 386,000 415,970 CIRTEK HLDG 3.28 3.29 3.31 3.35 3.28 3.28 470,000 1,555,760

17,154,974 15,058,635 10,400 7,549,982 726,770 79,110 94,620 1,361,898 -2,648,994 312,450 421,320 1,502,535 2,804,355 556,565 -2,797,666 -1,278,063.50 -96,530 4,520 -38,411 26,120,956 11,900 -29,280 -11,253,674 13,920 -21,950.00 -69,840,324 -17,640 -69,400 65,000 -10,488.00 -11,242 42,530 -18,100 13,432 -4,747,160 1,596 -309,960 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

131.9 12.2 99.1 27 8.36 56.5 8.58 19.36 57.1 20.5 109.7 101.5 1.99 3.73 0.81 0.29 1,000 201 2,650

1.02 3.65 812 59.95 12.22 9.1 0.6 0.6 4.92 9.09 6.9 531 3.6 58.9 0.52 2.98 9 3.79 1.54 0.91 876 108 0.28 0.16

133.4 12.22 99.2 27.1 8.37 56.95 8.98 19.44 57.2 20.75 109.8 101.7 2.08 3.8 0.84 0.335 1,020 207 2,800

1.04 4.1 815 60 12.5 9.18 0.61 0.61 4.95 9.1 7.19 532 3.72 59.2 0.58 3 9.09 3.8 1.57 0.92 889 109.5 0.3 0.17

130.8 12.24 99 26.9 8.36 56.9 8.71 19.22 57.1 20.8 109 99.95 1.97 3.7 0.8 0.3 1,020 201 2,650

1.03 3.65 820 59.6 12.3 9.02 0.6 0.61 4.94 9.03 6.9 534 3.68 60.95 0.52 2.98 9.03 3.79 1.53 0.93 887 106.8 0.295 0.16

133.4 12.3 99.45 27 8.37 56.95 8.98 19.44 57.1 20.8 110.5 102 1.99 3.95 0.8 0.335 1,020 206.6 2,650

1.05 3.65 827.5 60 12.5 9.1 0.62 0.63 4.95 9.11 6.9 534 3.68 60.95 0.58 3 9.11 3.8 1.57 0.95 889 109.5 0.3 0.16

130.1 12.16 98.85 26.8 8.35 56.05 8.57 19.22 57.1 20.5 109 99.8 1.97 3.7 0.8 0.285 1,020 200 2,650

1 3.65 806 59.6 12.2 9 0.6 0.61 4.92 9.02 6.9 526.5 3.6 58.5 0.51 2.98 9 3.73 1.46 0.92 865 106.8 0.28 0.16

133.4 12.2 99.2 27 8.37 56.95 8.98 19.36 57.1 20.75 109.8 101.5 1.99 3.9 0.8 0.335 1,020 201 2,650

1.04 3.65 815 60 12.5 9.1 0.6 0.61 4.92 9.09 6.9 532 3.6 59.2 0.58 3 9.09 3.8 1.57 0.92 889 109.5 0.28 0.16

1,136,570 1,333,200 648,310 116,600 155,400 1,025,190 75,700 53,400 1,070 36,900 138,830 1,277,710 50,000 83,000 2,000 3,260,000 40 2,700 690

6,033,000 7,000 135,000 2,282,680 834,400 72,000 3,613,000 149,000 1,266,000 4,270,500 8,000 61,660 18,000 681,510 65,000 116,000 1,773,000 4,572,000 124,000 148,000 384,770 49,650 840,000 210,000

6,175,120 25,550 109,815,615 136,877,412.50 10,279,280 648,418 2,210,020 91,500 6,240,260 38,790,353 55,200 32,683,040 65,040 40,387,870.50 33,470 347,180 16,044,711 17,299,470 187,030 136,700 337,453,615 5,385,843 251,100 33,600

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.57 0.6 0.57 0.6 0.57 0.6 114,000 65,490 AYALA LAND 34.85 35 35.35 35.45 34.7 34.85 9,875,600 344,455,655 AYALA LAND LOG 4.89 4.93 4.94 4.99 4.89 4.89 405,000 1,999,400 ARANETA PROP 1.01 1.04 1.06 1.06 1.04 1.04 22,000 22,920 AREIT RT 46.5 46.7 47 47 46.5 46.5 111,300 5,199,295 A BROWN 0.89 0.9 0.92 0.92 0.9 0.9 49,000 44,250 CITYLAND DEVT 0.7 0.71 0.7 0.71 0.7 0.7 35,000 24,510 CROWN EQUITIES 0.09 0.093 0.093 0.093 0.09 0.093 90,000 8,310 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.96 2.97 2.98 2.98 2.96 2.96 1,190,000 3,522,970 CENTURY PROP 0.41 0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 150,000 62,250 CITICORE RT 2.66 2.67 2.64 2.67 2.6 2.67 10,089,000 26,697,840 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.91 8.95 8.99 9 8.95 8.95 35,600 319,220 DDMP RT 1.58 1.59 1.59 1.59 1.58 1.59 797,000 1,264,170 DM WENCESLAO 6.84 6.85 6.87 6.87 6.8 6.85 37,600 256,670 EMPIRE EAST 0.231 0.236 0.235 0.235 0.235 0.235 10,000 2,350 EVER GOTESCO 0.255 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.255 0.26 640,000 165,950 FILINVEST RT 7.19 7.2 7.2 7.29 7.13 7.2 1,396,500 10,009,859 FILINVEST LAND 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.04 1.05 3,551,000 3,712,840 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.9 0.92 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 100,000 90,000 8990 HLDG 13.34 13.66 13.86 13.88 13.38 13.66 63,800 859,554 PHIL INFRADEV 0.9 0.93 0.89 0.9 0.89 0.9 19,000 17,030 CITY AND LAND 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.93 0.88 0.9 208,000 184,870 MEGAWORLD 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.03 2.99 3.02 3,148,000 9,464,260 MRC ALLIED 0.244 0.245 0.246 0.25 0.245 0.245 5,110,000 1,255,750 MREIT RT 18.3 18.38 18.6 18.78 18.3 18.3 2,646,900 48,714,680 PHIL ESTATES 0.41 0.43 0.405 0.425 0.405 0.415 290,000 120,100 PRIMEX CORP 2.23 2.28 2.41 2.41 2.23 2.23 3,133,000 7,226,900 RL COMM RT 7.41 7.42 7.44 7.49 7.4 7.41 2,239,700 16,646,222 ROBINSONS LAND 20.35 20.4 20.1 20.5 20.1 20.4 1,507,900 30,682,040 ROCKWELL 1.38 1.46 1.46 1.46 1.46 1.46 5,000 7,300 SHANG PROP 2.53 2.58 2.53 2.6 2.5 2.56 1,047,000 2,620,100 STA LUCIA LAND 2.58 2.91 2.9 2.91 2.9 2.91 20,000 58,150 SM PRIME HLDG 37.65 38 38 38.05 37.5 38 3,036,600 114,999,745 VISTA LAND 2.67 2.68 2.65 2.7 2.61 2.68 1,490,000 3,989,330

SERVICES ABS CBN 12.82 12.88 12.82 12.84 12.7 12.82 125,800 1,601,438 GMA NETWORK 15.8 15.82 15.76 15.98 15.76 15.8 3,592,500 56,966,528 GLOBE TELECOM 2,420 2,432 2,502 2,520 2,420 2,420 89,740 221,078,000 PLDT 1,811 1,818 1,810 1,828 1,800 1,818 66,905 121,257,610 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.049 0.05 0.049 0.05 0.048 0.049 590,700,000 29,302,500 CONVERGE 29.25 29.3 29.1 29.7 28.8 29.3 12,310,000 358,915,980 DFNN INC 2.75 2.76 2.73 2.79 2.65 2.76 490,000 1,346,590 DITO CME HLDG 5.29 5.3 5.3 5.34 5.29 5.3 1,624,900 8,622,290 NOW CORP 1.16 1.17 1.16 1.19 1.15 1.16 254,000 294,980 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.335 0.34 0.345 0.345 0.33 0.335 3,690,000 1,243,300 ASIAN TERMINALS 13.2 13.9 13.98 13.98 13.02 13.02 17,800 236,356 CHELSEA 1.53 1.59 1.6 1.6 1.53 1.59 200,000 311,500 CEBU AIR 47.5 47.6 47.75 47.85 47 47.5 316,800 15,043,695 INTL CONTAINER 224 226 224.8 226 222.2 226 577,900 129,869,262 MACROASIA 5.72 5.73 5.74 5.88 5.67 5.72 1,237,300 7,148,444 METROALLIANCE A 0.95 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 0.99 10,000 9,900 PAL HLDG 6.35 6.38 6.35 6.4 6.33 6.35 37,900 241,473 HARBOR STAR 0.71 0.73 0.73 0.73 0.71 0.71 39,000 27,930 ACESITE HOTEL 1.54 1.75 1.8 1.8 1.65 1.75 51,000 89,890 DISCOVERY WORLD 1.78 1.85 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1,000 1,800 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.53 6.87 6.53 6.53 6.53 6.53 700 4,571 FAR EASTERN U 530 537 537 537 530 530 290 154,400 IPEOPLE 6.91 7.23 7.23 7.23 7.23 7.23 5,000 36,150 STI HLDG 0.355 0.365 0.365 0.365 0.35 0.365 130,000 45,950 BELLE CORP 1.28 1.29 1.28 1.32 1.28 1.29 116,000 149,720 BLOOMBERRY 6.18 6.2 6.4 6.43 6.17 6.18 23,549,600 146,351,925 LEISURE AND RES 1.25 1.29 1.27 1.3 1.25 1.29 704,000 887,260 PH RESORTS GRP 0.99 1.03 1.02 1.04 0.98 1.03 795,000 800,680 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.45 0.455 0.465 0.465 0.45 0.455 5,650,000 2,576,000 PHILWEB 2.29 2.32 2.3 2.32 2.3 2.3 398,000 916,460 ALLDAY 0.475 0.48 0.47 0.48 0.465 0.48 9,330,000 4,394,150 ALLHOME 7.66 7.8 7.7 7.83 7.66 7.71 1,770,100 13,628,413 METRO RETAIL 1.35 1.4 1.39 1.39 1.35 1.35 255,000 347,500 PUREGOLD 37.65 37.75 37.1 37.85 36.65 37.75 2,616,700 98,248,210 ROBINSONS RTL 57.9 58 56.5 58 56.4 58 204,790 11,777,705 PHIL SEVEN CORP 66.9 67 67 68.2 67 67 8,730 589,900.50 SSI GROUP 1.1 1.11 1.11 1.11 1.09 1.1 1,310,000 1,442,300 WILCON DEPOT 26.8 26.85 27.45 27.45 26.75 26.8 850,600 22,827,145 APC GROUP 0.24 0.255 0.255 0.255 0.235 0.25 70,000 16,800 MEDILINES 0.87 0.88 0.9 0.9 0.87 0.88 77,000 68,030 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.57 0.58 0.57 0.58 0.57 0.57 2,756,000 1,588,350

MINING & OIL ATOK 5.7 5.8 5.62 5.89 5.62 5.8 27,200 155,050 APEX MINING 1.64 1.67 1.67 1.67 1.64 1.67 1,200,000 1,987,930 ATLAS MINING 7.14 7.16 7 7.14 6.99 7.14 662,800 4,679,440 BENGUET A 6.93 7.12 7.19 7.3 6.83 7.12 145,800 1,049,155 BENGUET B 7.1 7.15 7.14 7.4 7.02 7.1 48,400 346,818 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.245 0.255 0.245 0.245 0.245 0.245 60,000 14,700 FERRONICKEL 2.96 2.97 3.05 3.05 2.97 2.97 5,373,000 16,116,810 LEPANTO A 0.151 0.154 0.154 0.155 0.151 0.154 1,620,000 249,490 LEPANTO B 0.15 0.154 0.151 0.154 0.15 0.154 2,760,000 418,950 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 49,800,000 501,500 MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 0.0099 0.01 191,500,000 1,910,110 MARCVENTURES 1.65 1.66 1.69 1.71 1.65 1.65 554,000 927,940 NIHAO 0.98 0.99 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.98 107,000 104,860 NICKEL ASIA 7.96 7.97 8 8.08 7.88 7.97 2,305,500 18,448,235 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.96 0.98 0.99 0.99 0.96 0.98 298,000 289,590 PX MINING 5.41 5.43 5.46 5.46 5.35 5.41 210,400 1,137,588 SEMIRARA MINING 30.6 30.65 30.35 30.7 30.25 30.6 2,637,200 80,522,895 UNITED PARAGON 0.0062 0.0066 0.0063 0.0063 0.0063 0.0063 7,000,000 44,100 ACE ENEXOR 16.6 16.74 16.8 16.98 16.3 16.6 63,800 1,062,924 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 1,300,000 15,300 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 3,600,000 42,000 PHILODRILL 0.0091 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 0.0093 1,000,000 9,300 PXP ENERGY 5.75 5.76 5.74 5.85 5.7 5.76 155,900 899,532

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 99.2 101 101 101 101 101 10 1,010 HOUSE PREF A 99.8 101 99.8 99.8 99.8 99.8 200 19,960 ALCO PREF D 512.5 520 512.5 512.5 512.5 512.5 50 25,625 AC PREF B2R 505 509 505 505 505 505 150 75,750 BRN PREF A 103 105 105 105 105 105 60 6,300 CEB PREF 46.6 47.45 46.5 47.5 46.5 46.6 38,600 1,797,910 CPG PREF A 100.5 102.8 102.8 102.8 102.8 102.8 130 13,364 DD PREF 100 100.9 100 100 100 100 100 10,000 EEI PREF B 108 109.8 109.5 109.8 107 109.8 2,200 236,290 FGEN PREF G 102.2 105.5 102.6 102.6 102 102 1,000 102,400 JFC PREF A 970 1,010 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 50 50,000 JFC PREF B 965 1,000 1,000 1,000 961 961 1,460 1,403,450 PNX PREF 3B 100.7 101 101 101 101 101 2,500 252,500 PNX PREF 4 975 980 980 980 980 980 810 793,800 PCOR PREF 3B 1,083 1,090 1,086 1,086 1,086 1,086 1,035 1,124,010 SMC PREF 2F 76.35 77.9 77.9 77.9 76.25 76.25 1,660 126,846.50 SMC PREF 2H 75.4 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 34,250 2,585,875 SMC PREF 2I 76.3 78 78 78 78 78 8,000 624,000 SMC PREF 2J 76 76.45 76.5 76.5 76 76 390 29,770 SMC PREF 2K 74.25 76 76 76 74.25 75 28,900 2,158,599.50 TECH PREF B2D 54.4 54.95 54.95 55 54.95 54.95 1,910 104,979.50

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.06 12.4 12.2 12.2 12.06 12.06 70,100 851,872 GMA HLDG PDR 14.7 14.84 14.76 14.96 14.7 14.7 599,600 8,891,270

WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.65 0.68 0.69 0.69 0.67 0.68 3,130,000 2,127,400

4,721,800 -25,550 8,778,355 -57,066,620 -1,397,142 600,300 -1,777,260 6,085,728 491,945 -2,855,976 -23,840 -3,403,154 4,531,850 -141,555,940 -785,059 4,800 -62,155,730 -73,920 -2,396,100 -683,760 49,800 -1,803 -465,880 440,912 -2,244,940 -43,370 45,000 1,335,710 196,950 -17,821,064 -4,357,168 -4,732,960 -5,840 -10,830,975.00 -1,881,670 -35,986,910 -33,564,010 411,300 128,034,925 2,053,776 -1,070 13,100 2,738,250 40,095,840 5,710 14,030 -3,650 22,000 -8,868,637 -15,500 18,200 690,000 520,350 2,253,173 -1,070.00 74,310,595.00 6,043,062.50 -58,147.50 1,009,090 736,640 11,700 -55,680 57,750 452,745 64,610 2,172,680 -9,050 -1,668,000 -18,190 -134,992 118,582 -5,170,220 -34,364 -19,200 -9,264 -9,500 -32,850 70,700 49,000 19,125 22,529.50 -478,552.00 -7,306,482 -6,900.00

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

16.3 1.13 0.94 1.84 0.32

16.68 1.14 0.96 1.85 0.33

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

109.5

109.9

16.7 1.17 0.96 1.84 0.33

16.7 1.17 0.96 1.87 0.335

16.68 1.09 0.94 1.83 0.32

16.68 1.14 0.96 1.84 0.33

700 1,489,000 124,000 640,000 500,000

11,680 1,651,380 117,530 1,176,070 164,950

283,400 7,360 -

109.9 109.9 109.2 109.5 10,390 1,138,097 113,777

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Wednesday, April 6, 2022

B3

4% March inflation is still cause for action, wheat prices should be watched–Salceda With Covid-19 Safety cert, GSIS assures client safety

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HE GSIS Head Office in Pasay City has secured the Safety Seal Certification from the Department of the Interior and Local Government to assure the public that standard public health and safety protocols are being observed to protect clients from Covid-19.

GSIS’s application was based on the Joint Memorandum Circular No.21-01 on the Implementing Guidelines of the Safety Seal Certification Program issued by the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, and Department of Trade and Industry.

“We support the national government in reopening the economy safely. GSIS voluntarily applied for the certification so that our members and pensioners will feel safe transacting in our office. These measures have actually been in place since we reopened to the public after quarantine restrictions were eased in 2020,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

GSIS provided handwashing stations with soap, sanitizers, and tissues near the entrance of the building. GSIS adopted StaySafe.ph, a contact tracing mobile app, since February 2021 to minimize using the fillable health declaration forms by clients and employees. Their body temperatures are obtained using a thermal scanner. A computer system, which automatically counts people inside the building, was also installed to monitor compliance with IATF’s capacity requirements.

To guide the public on social distancing, physical barriers are placed in client counters and cafeteria as well as markers in elevators and corridors.

GSIS personnel and security guards remind clients and employees to wear their masks properly and observe other safety protocols while inside the premises.

Windows and doors of closed spaces are opened regularly to ensure air circulation. Cleaning and disinfection are conducted twice every day.

Isolation tents are available for employees and clients with Covid-19 symptoms.

GSIS’s Medical and Wellness Services Department takes the lead in providing medical and psychosocial support to employees, contract tracing, and monitoring of cases.

Coordinations are made with barangay health and emergency response teams (BHERTs) and medical institutions for referrals.

BHERTs and other Covid-19 Emergency hotlines are posted in conspicuous areas.

GSIS has garbage bins on every floor for the disposal of face masks and infectious wastes. The contents of these are stored in a garbage house outside of GSIS until collected by GSIS’s service provider.

The seal is valid for six months until September 17, 2022 and renewable subject to continued compliance with the eligibility requirements.

Prior to the certification, GSIS was recognized as Gold Winner for Most Valuable Government Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic by the Stevie Awards on December 8, 2020.

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By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

@joveemarie

HE inflation rate for March, announced at 4 percent, is still cause for government action to provide immediate relief to poorest households despite being within target range.

At the same time, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda warned the government of the next pressure point for inflation possibly

next month—wheat prices that were greatly impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, top wheat producer.

Referring to the March inflation

print, Salceda said,“It’s at the cusp of breaking the target range, so it should definitely be treated as a trigger for more government action to provide relief.”

The economist-lawmaker said that the government should thus “expedite promised relief, including the targeted cash subsidies announced by President Duterte.”

“I also anticipate second-round effects to set in in other commodities, although as oil prices have begun to stabilize, I am cautiously hopeful that inflation will not be significantly worse over the coming months,” Salceda added.

“The Ukraine situation will last for months, and oil will not reach the levels we had gotten used to

early in the pandemic. I still expect oil to settle above $80 this year, on average. Those are the levels considered ‘red flags’ under TRAIN. So assistance is still needed by the poorest of the poor,” he said. TRAIN is the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. Salceda, meanwhile, asked the government to watch out for wheat prices.

Salceda cautioned the government “that the next commodity increases may come from baked goods, as wheat shortages are expected in May due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”

“We should still see to it that we have adequate buffers of wheat, as that will be the next commod-

ity that will see significant price increases due to this global situation.”

“I am talking with some departments on the matter. I think the Department of Science and Technology is promoting wheat substitutes,” he said.

Salceda also strongly recommended fortifying the bread with other vitamins and minerals, “so that, at least, if the ordinary consumer buys more expensive bread, they are also getting more by way of nutrition.”

“The next administration will inherit this situation, I have no doubt.

So, food prices should always be part of the national conversation this election season,” he said.

BOC defers DA’s request to extend validity of MAV+ certificate for pork

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

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HE Bureau of Customs has deferred the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) request to extend the validity of minimum access volume plus certificate (MAVPC) for pork, saying existing rules and regulations restrict them from doing so.

In Customs Memorandum Circular (CMC) 44, the BOC said pork imports under the 2021 MAV plus (MAV+) program of the government with MAVPC issued beyond February 28 shall be assessed with outquota tariff rates.

At present, pork imports within the MAV or in-quota are levied with 15 percent tariff rate while out-quota imports are slapped with 25-percent tariff rate, based on Executive Order 134. The CMC was addressed to all BOC Deputy Commissioners, Directors, Division Chiefs, District and Port Collectors, among others.

“Steps should also be undertaken

to collect additional duties on the difference between in-quota and outquota rates on affected importations,” Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero said in the CMC made public recently.

Dar’s request

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar wrote to Guerrero last January 19 seeking the BOC’s consideration to levy pork imports under the 2021 MAV+ program arriving beyond February 28 with in-quota tariff rates.

Dar made the request on condition that the MAV import certificates (MAVIC) of the concerned pork imports under MAV+ were issued “on or before January 31, 2022.”

Dar said meat importers have requested accommodation of the MAVIC of pork MAV+ arriving beyond February 28 that were affected by longer transit times, which have been taking as long as 120 days, due to global logistical challenges.

The government raised by

Systemic risk, anyone?

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HIS article is an attempt to create an awareness of systemic risk by pulling out information from the 2nd Semester 2021 Financial Stability Report of the Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) chaired by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor.

The FSCC institutional members are the BSP, Department of Finance, Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Insurance Commission.

In finance, systemic risk is “the risk of a cascading failure in the financial system rather than simply the failure of individual parts.” (Systemic Risk & Management in Finance, CFA Institute) The familiar incidents that lead to systemic risk are bank panics or bank runs, where depositors lose confidence and withdraw their money all at the same time; and bank crises caused by a heavy decline in the price of bank assets (think real estate). A memorable systemic risk event of recent vintage was the filing of bankruptcy proceedings and eventual collapse of the big-time investment banker, Lehman Brothers, on September 15, 2008.

The two features of systemic risk are, first, its domino effect which quickly spreads the crisis in one company or sector to other companies and sectors; and second, the ultimate outcome which is the collapse in the entire financial system or entire economy.

The Financial Stability Report (FSR) warns that “Systemic risks matter but there is much that is unclear about it. They matter because the effects are not limited to target constituents but eventually affect the rest of the economy. And they matter because the dislocations feed off each other...where small (even private)

200,000 metric tons (MT) the country’s MAV for pork, called pork MAV+, to boost domestic meat supply to temper rising prices caused by lower pig herd as a consequence of African swine fever.

In his letter, Dar pointed out that as of January 17 2022 the 2021 pork MAV+ utilization was only at 34.25 percent or about 68,481.07 MT out of the total 200,000 MT allocation.

“It is important to note that the intent of the MAV plus 2021 scheme is to augment the supply of pork in the country to stabilize price and temper inflation,” read Dar’s letter.

“With the upcoming end of the MAV Plus 2021 for pork, the Department of Agriculture encourages faster and greater utilization of the remaining allocation of the MAV Plus,” he added.

BOC response

BOC records showed the agency received Dar’s letter on February 4.

Guerrero replied to Dar in a letter dated February 15. He said the BOC

the interlinkages in our economy are double-edged.

Four areas of concern

Finex free enterprise Santiago F. Dumlao Jr. shocks can get passed on, magnified and eventually become a problem to all. They matter because there will always be a next occurrence, and we need to prepare for them, ideally, before these systemic risks come to fruition.”

This warning was triggered by the systemic risk that was, or is, Covid-19. And the FSCC was talking about preparations, not so much for Covid-19 now, but for the “next occurrence,” even now concerned as we are gearing up for economic recovery.

The BSP Governor notes that “There continues to be ample liquidity in the financial system, and the unemployment rate is down to 7.4 percent from as high as 17.7 percent as the pandemic was unfolding in 2020.” Then he concludes: “There is momentum towards recovery and the immediate task is to build on the gains of 2021 and face 2022 on an even stronger footing.”

The BSP Governor continues: “… the interlinkages that have propelled our economy forward in normal times are the same interlinkages that can instigate systemic risks when stress conditions arise. This is exactly what this pandemic is about, a systemic risk that has arisen from the ability of the Covid-19 virus to spread, literally among individuals and figuratively across business activities. The point then is to be prepared and take a pre-emptive stance on possible risks.” (Emphasis supplied) Indeed,

The FSCC takes a pre-emptive stance by identifying four issues that must be addressed to sustain our recovery: a) public heath infrastructure; b) current supply bottlenecks; c) social inequity; and d) climate change.

Since the FSCC has in its membership the principal regulators of the financial system, controlling the levers of fiscal and monetary policy, and having oversight of the broad activities involving the movement or flow of funds, they are in a position to perform effective pre-emptive interventions to address these issues.

The FSCC policy analysis, for one, has the practical value of pointing out, for both government and private business, what are and where the preferred areas of investments should be, i.e., in health infrastructure and related facilities; in supply chain facilities and services; and in climate mitigation/adaptation projects. As for social inequality, investment in education easily appears as the obvious preferred choice, as well as affordable housing. In this sense, FSCC policy interventions can facilitate the flow of investments to these identified areas of preference which more significantly support economic recovery. In the capital market space, this policy analysis guides the capital market stakeholders—whether on the supply or demand side, whether market intermediaries or market regulators—to be directed in their priorities to develop and choose business projects, and to make investment decisions.

We did want to funnel our discussion to how systemic risks can affect the capital market’s function

is “constrained” to “defer” his request, citing existing rules and regulations.

Guerrero cited provisions of DA Administrative Order 1 of 1998 which outlined the rules and regulations of the MAV mechanism, wherein MAVICs shall be valid for three months from date of issuance but shall be invalidated beyond February 28 of the following MAV year.

The country’s MAV year runs from February 1 until January 31 of the following year.

Guerrero, however, noted that the BOC “understands” the need to extend the validity of the MAVIC for pork imports under the 2021 pork MAV+ due to longer transit time and delays caused by “pandemic-caused global shipping problems.”

“However, reference should be made on the above-cited Section I.K(15) of Administrative Order No. 1 series of 1998 which mandates that no MAVIC issued within the MAV year shall be valid beyond February of the following MAV year,” he said.

“Thus, this Office is constrained

of matching the demand and supply of capital funds. Some of us do realize that systemic risk in the financial sector is usually transmitted through the payments system which interconnects domestic and international financial institutions. When this system is disrupted, business transactions are effectively blocked, or caused to be more expensive suddenly. (The exclusion of Russia from the SWIFT payments system comes to mind.). Systemic risks like this is what we wish to avoid, if we can.

So our discussion leads us to what’s happening now. New systemic risk threats are brewing from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine that started February 24, 2022. The FSCC Report we use as reference here was written December 2021 and didn’t foresee the Ukraine invasion coming.

What systemic risk-induced adversities can we expect now?

I don’t think we—nd I mean the financial practitioners particularly— have thoroughly assessed the potential ultimate impact pf the systemic risk threats arising from the UkraineRussian war, now still unfolding. But we do feel the encroaching effects, e.g. disruptions in commodity supplies and in the supply chains; increased commodity prices especially oil; disturbances in the global payments systems; impediments in the normal flow of cross-border flow of funds; and, of course, inflation. Are these systemic risks playing out abroad going to reach our shores in a materially disruptive, destabilizing manner to hinder our economic recovery?

We can take some comfort we have an FSCC and that our BSP Governor also co-chairs the Regional Consultative Group for Asia of the Financial Stability Board. But how I wish FSCC can give definitive answers to our troubled minds. Or can anyone?

to respectfully defer the implementation of the request for extension of MAVIC’s validity beyond 28 February 2022 until the DA issues an amendatory administrative order or such issuance allowed by law providing for an exemption to Administrative Order 1,” he added.

Under Section I.K(15) of AO 1 1998 also stipulated that MAVICs issued after the end of its concerned MAV year shall be “counted against the licenses issued for the current MAV year.”

Guerrero said amendments to AO 1 must include the “specific range of the issuance dates covered by the amendatory” AO, considering that “on or before January 31, 2022” covers the whole preceding MAV year.

The amendment must also include the specific range of arrival dates that must be considered valid beyond a concerned MAV year.

“Rest assured that we will coordinate with the DA on all matters of mutual concern,” Guerrero said in his letter.

LandBank: We’re probing loan scheme solon cited

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HE Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) on Tuesday assured the public that the bank is investigating the alleged loan scheme raised by the president of the American Boulevard Trading Corporation (American Boulevard) and a lawmaker.

The LandBank made a statement after Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Rep. Nina Taduran filed House Resolution 2543 asking the leadership of the House of Representatives to look into the alleged illegal profiteering of some insiders of the LandBank who act as “go-betweens” or “agents” in loan applications.

“The bank exercises stringent vetting processes in granting and implementing loans, based on its existing policies and all other pertinent banking rules and regulations,” the LandBank said.

The bank also assured the public that it maintains high ethical standards in the workplace and takes any violation by its employees very seriously.

“The bank assures the public that it will not tolerate fraudulent practices opposite to its brand of public service for over 58 years, anchored on integrity, transparency, and accountability,” the bank said.

Rep. Taduran, in a resolution, said her office received an information that these “go-betweens” or “agents” promise the fast approval of a loan in exchange for a 10 percent percent cut in the loan proceeds.

Taduran said she also received information that 30 borrowers, including American Boulevard Trading Corp., were victimized by this scheme of LBP insiders. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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The World BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Russia faces global outrage over burned bodies in streets

By Oleksandr Stashevskyi & Nebi Qena

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The Associated Press

UCHA, Ukraine—Moscow faced global revulsion and accusations of war crimes Monday after the Russian pullout from the outskirts of Kyiv revealed streets, buildings and yards strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians, many of them evidently killed at close range.

The grisly images of battered or burned bodies left out in the open or hastily buried led to calls for tougher sanctions against the Kremlin, especially a cutoff of fuel imports from Russia. Germany and France reacted by expelling dozens of Russian diplomats, suggesting they were spies, and US President Joe Biden said Russian leader Vladimir Putin should be tried for war crimes.

“This guy is brutal, and what’s happening in Bucha is outrageous,” Biden said, referring to the town northwest of the capital that was the scene of some of the horrors.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the capital, Kyiv, for his first reported trip since the war began nearly six weeks ago to see for himself what he called the “genocide” and “war crimes” in Bucha.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy pledged that Ukraine would work with the European Union and the International Criminal Court to identify Russian fighters involved in any atrocities.

“The time will come when every Russian will learn the whole truth about who among their fellow citizens killed, who gave orders, who turned a blind eye to the murders,” he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the scenes outside Kyiv as a “stage-managed anti-Russian provocation.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the images contained “signs of video forgery and various fakes.”

Russia has similarly rejected previous allegations of atrocities as fabrications on Ukraine’s part.

Ukrainian officials said the bodies of at least 410 civilians have been found in towns around Kyiv that were recaptured from Russian forces in recent days.

The Ukrainian prosecutor-general’s office described one room discovered in Bucha as a “torture chamber.”

In a statement, it said the bodies of five men with their hands bound were found in the basement of a children’s sanatorium where civilians were tortured and killed.

Associated Press journalists saw dozens of bodies in Bucha, including at least 13 in and around a building that local people said Russian troops used as a base. Three other bodies were found in a stairwell, and a group of six were burned together.

Many victims seen by AP appeared to have been shot at close range. Some were shot in the head. At least two had their hands tied. A bag of spilled groceries lay near one victim.

The dead witnessed by the news agency’s journalists also included bodies wrapped in black plastic, piled on one end of a mass grave in a Bucha churchyard. Many of those victims had been shot in cars or killed in explosions trying to flee the city. With the morgue full and the cemetery impossible to reach, the churchyard was the only place to keep the dead, Father Andrii Galavin said.

Tanya Nedashkivs’ka said she buried her husband in a garden outside their apartment building after he was detained by Russian troops. His body was one of those left heaped in a stairwell.

“Please, I am begging you, do something!” she said. “It’s me talking, a Ukrainian woman, a Ukrainian woman, a mother of two kids and one grandchild. For all the wives and mothers, make peace on Earth so no one ever grieves again.”

Another Bucha resident, Volodymyr Pilhutskyi, said his neighbor Pavlo Vlasenko was taken away by Russian soldiers because the militarystyle pants he was wearing and the uniforms that Vlasenko said belonged to his security guard son appeared suspicious. When Vlasenko’s body was later found, it had burn marks from a flamethrower, his neighbor said.

“I came closer and saw that his body was burnt,” Pilhutskyi said. “They didn’t just shoot him.”

Russia’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, insisted Monday at a news conference that during the time that Bucha was under Russian control, “not a single local person has suffered from any violent action.”

However, high-resolution satellite imagery by commercial provider Maxar Technologies showed that many of the bodies have been lying in the open for weeks, during the time that Russian forces were in Bucha. The New York Times first reported on the satellite images showing the dead.

In ot her developments, more than 1,500 civ ilians were evacuated Monday from the besieged and devastated port city of Mariupol in the south, using the dw indling number of private vehicles available to get out, Ukrainian Deputy

Volunteers collect bodies of murdered civilians, in Bucha, close to Kyiv, Ukraine on April 4.

Russia is facing a fresh wave of condemnation after evidence emerged of what appeared to be deliberate killings of civilians in Ukraine. AP/Efrem Lukatsky Prime Minister Ir y na Vereshchuk said.

But amid the fighting, a Red Crossaccompanied convoy of buses that has been thwarted for days on end in a bid to deliver supplies and evacuate residents was again unable to get inside the city, Vereshchuk said.

European leaders and the United Nations human rights chief joined the Ukrainians in condemning the bloodshed that was exposed after Russian troops withdrew from the area around Kyiv.

At the same time, many warned that the full extent of the horrors has yet to emerge.

“I can tell you without exaggeration but with great sorrow that the situation in Mariupol is much worse compared to what we’ve seen in Bucha and other cities, towns, and villages nearby Kyiv,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

Zelensky y was due to speak to a prev iously scheduled UN Security Counsel meeting Tuesday. Britain’s UN ambassador, Barbara Woodward, said the session was certain to focus on the k il ling of large numbers of civ ilians in Ukraine.

Western and Ukrainian leaders have accused Russia of war crimes before, and the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor has already opened an investigation. But the latest reports ratcheted up the condemnation.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the images from Bucha reveal the “unbelievable brutality of the Russian leadership and those who follow its propaganda.” And French President Emmanuel Macron said there is “clear evidence of war crimes” in Bucha that demand new punitive measures.

“I’m in favor of a new round of sanctions and in particular on coal and gasoline. We need to act,” he said on France-Inter radio.

Though united in outrage, the European allies appeared split on how to respond. While Poland urged Europe to quickly wean itself off Russian energy, Germany said it would stick with a gradual approach of phasing out coal and oil imports over the next several months.

The US and its allies have sought to punish Russia for the invasion by

imposing sweeping sanctions but fear further harm to the global economy, which is still recovering from the pandemic. Europe is in a particular bind, since it gets 40 percent of its gas and 25 percent of its oil from Russia.

Poland’s prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, described Russia under Putin as a “totalitarian-fascist state” and called for strong actions “that will finally break Putin’s war machine.”

“Would you negotiate with Hitler, with Stalin, with Pol Pot?” Morawiecki asked of Macron.

Russia withdrew many of its forces from the capital area in recent days after being thwarted in its bid to swiftly capture Kyiv.

It has instead poured troops and mercenaries into the country’s east in a stepped-up bid to gain control of the Donbas, the largely Russianspea k ing industr ia l reg ion t hat includes Mariupol, which has seen some of the heav iest fighting and worst suffering of the war.

About two-thirds of the Russian troops around Kyiv have left and are either in Belarus or on their way there, probably getting more supplies and reinforcements, said a senior US defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an intelligence assessment.

Russian forces also appear to be repositioning artillery and troops to try to take the city of Izyum, which lies on a key route to the Donbas, the official said.

On Monday, Russian shel ling killed 11 people in the southern city of Mykolaiv, regional governor Vitaliy Kim said in a video message on social media. Kim said nine of the victims died at a public transport stop in the city center.

Zelensk y y appea led for more weaponry as Russia prepares a new offensive.

“If we had already got what we needed—all these planes, tanks, artillery, anti-missile and anti-ship weapons—we could have saved thousands of people,” he said.

Qena reported f rom Mot yzhyn, Ukraine. Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Ukraine, Lolita Baldor in Washington and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed.

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

Shanghai Covid infections top 13,000 as millions locked down

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hanghai reported more than 13,000 daily Covid cases for the first time, as a sweeping lockdown of its 25 million residents and mass testing uncovered extensive spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant.

The outbreak in the Chinese financial hub pushed the national total to 16,412 local infections for Monday, the highest one-day figure recorded in the world’s second-largest economy during the pandemic—clouding its growth outlook and threatening to disrupt the global supply chain.

China’s current outbreak is surpassing a level not seen since February 2020, when a one-day correction in the way it tracked cases pushed daily infections past 15,000, largely concentrated in Wuhan. The ballooning number in Shanghai, despite a city-wide lockdown, underscores the challenge the nation faces in returning to President Xi Jinping’s Covid Zero goal.

Shanghai registered 13,354 local cases for Monday, up from 9,006 a day earlier and from near zero at the start of March, according to a local government statement. While a two-phase lockdown of the city officially ends early Tuesday, the widespread infections mean most residential blocks remain subject to quarantine for days or even weeks.

Thousands of medical staff from around China have arrived in the city to help with testing, Xinhua News Agency reported. The People’s

Liberation Army has also mobilized more than 2,000 military medics to support Shanghai’s virus control efforts, according to the PLA Daily.

Businesses and some factories remain shuttered, with Tesla Inc.’s Shanghai plant—its first Gigafactory outside of the US—entering a second week of disrupted operation.

Beijing has sent Vice Premier Sun Chunlan to Shanghai to oversee prevention efforts. Sun ordered local officials to curtail the outbreak “as soon as possible,” indicating China remains wedded to its rigid Covid Zero stance despite the escalating crisis. For much of the pandemic the nation has sought to eliminate the virus, something that’s become more challenging as the pathogen has mutated to become more transmissible, evading even the toughest border curbs and quarantine regimes.

China is the last country in the world to still be taking such a hard line with Covid, after other places that pursued elimination, including Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, started to open up once vaccination reached key levels.

While Xi has vowed to reduce the economic and social impact of his Covid-fighting measures, Shanghai’s outbreak has caused a surge in local food prices as residents race to stock up on supplies, and made it difficult for residents with chronic medical conditions to get much-needed treatment. Bloomberg News

World Bank says war shocks to drag on Asian economies

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ANGKOK—Disruptions to supplies of commodities, financial strains and higher prices are among the impacts of the war in Ukraine that will slow economies in Asia in coming months, the World Bank says in a report released Tuesday.

The report forecasts slower growth and rising poverty in the Asia-Pacific region this year as “multiple shocks” compound troubles for people and for businesses.

Growth for the region is estimated at 5 percent, down from the original forecast of 5.4 percent. The “low case” scenario foresees growth dipping to 4 percent, it said. The region saw a rebound to 7.2 percent growth in 2021 after many economies experienced downturns with the onset of the pandemic.

The World Bank anticipates that China, the region’s largest economy, will expand at a 5 percent annual pace, much slower than the 8.1 percent growth of 2021.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has helped drive up prices for oil, gas and other commodities, eating into household purchasing power and burdening businesses and governments that already are contending with unusually high levels of debt due to the pandemic, the report said.

The development lending institution urged governments to lift restrictions on trade and services to take advantage of more opportunities for trade and to end fossil fuel subsidies to encourage adoption of more green energy technologies.

“The succession of shocks means that the growing economic pain of the

people will have to face the shrinking financial capacity of their governments,” said the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Chief Economist Aaditya Mattoo. “A combination of fiscal, financial and trade reforms could mitigate risks, revive growth and reduce poverty.”

The report pointed to three main potential shocks for the region: the war, changing monetary policy in the US and some other countries and a slowdown in China.

While rising interest rates make sense for cooling the US economy and curbing inflation, much of Asia lags behind in its recovery from the pandemic. Countries like Malaysia may suffer outflows of currency and other financial repercussions from those changing policies, it said.

Meanwhile, China’s already slowing economy could falter as outbreaks of Covid-19 provoke lockdowns like the one now in place in Shanghai, the country’s biggest megacity. That is likely to affect many Asian countries whose trade relies on demand from China.

“These shocks are likely to magnify existing post-Covid difficulties,” the report said. The 8 million households whose members fell back into poverty during the pandemic, “will see real incomes shrink even further as prices soar.”

The report noted that regional economies fared better during the 2021 Delta variant waves of coronavirus than in the initial months of the pandemic in 2020, largely because fewer restrictions were imposed and widespread vaccinations helped limit the severity of the outbreaks. AP

Only one in three Indonesians favor China investments–Poll O nly one in three Indonesians favor Chinese investors buying a controlling stake in major local companies, a survey found, showing the difficulty Beijing faces to improve its image across Southeast Asia.

The poll by Australia-based Lowy Institute asked respondents about a range of topics, including whether they would favor companies, banks or investment funds from eight particular countries purchasing a majority share in major Indonesian firms. It found Saudi Ara-

bia the most popular with 57 percent, with the US at 42 percent and China at the bottom with 30 percent.

While trust in both of the world’s biggest economies fell among Indonesians, the survey found more negativity aimed toward China. More respondents saw the US as more important for Indonesia’s economy than China, and a majority said that Southeast Asia’s most-populous country should join with other nations to limit China’s influence.

“China ranks less favorably than

the United States across a range of indicators, from military and economic leadership, and influence and security concerns, to ‘soft power’ benchmarks such as education and work destinations,” Lowy said in a summary of its “Indonesia Poll 2021.”

The survey comes as Indonesia turns to the Middle East and China to finance the construction of a $34 billion new capital in Borneo after SoftBank Group Corp. founder Masayoshi Son pulled out of the project. Minister for Investment

and Maritime Affairs Luhut Panjaitan recently said overseas financers had expressed interest, including from Saudi Arabia and one from Abu Dhabi in partnership with Chinese funds.

“Indonesians appear to hold Islamic countries in particularly high regard,” the report said, adding that it surveyed 3,000 Indonesians. Saudi Arabia topped a “feelings thermometer” that measures perceptions about countries and territories.

After President Joko Widodo, the

two next leaders that inspire the most confidence among those surveyed were Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at 57 percent, and United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at 52 percent. US President Joe Biden at 44 percent outranked both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, both of whom had the confidence of about a third of Indonesians.

“Amid talk of an Islamic turn in Indonesian foreign policy, and rising

religious conservatism at home, more Indonesians express confidence in the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates than in any other foreign leaders,” the survey said.

The survey found Indonesians have grown distrustful of major powers over the past decade. While 56 percent of respondents trusted the US, that number was down 16 percentage points compared with a decade ago. Trust in China fell even further, dropping to 42 percent in that period. Bloomberg News

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We behave a lot more badly than we remember

By Francesca Gino Harvard University IN a 1997 US News and World Report survey, 1,000 Americans were asked the following question: “Who do you think is most likely to get into heaven?”

According to respondents, then-president Bill Clinton had a 52 percent chance; basketball star Michael Jordan had a 65 percent chance; and Mother Teresa had a 79 percent chance.

Guess who topped even Mother Teresa? The people who completed the survey, with a score of 87 percent.

Apparently, most of the respondents thought they were better than Mother Teresa in regards to their likelihood of getting into heaven.

As the results of this survey suggest, most of us have a strong desire to view ourselves in a positive light, especially when it comes to honesty. We care very much about being moral.

In fact, psychological research on morality shows that we hold an overly optimistic view of our capacity to adhere to ethical standards. We believe that we are intrinsically more moral than others, that we will behave more ethically than others in the future and that transgressions committed by others are morally worse than our own.

So, how do these beliefs of our moral selves play out in our day-to-day actions? As researchers who frequently study how people who care about morality often behave dishonestly, we decided to find out.

One key result of our research is that people engage in unethical behavior repeatedly over time because their memory of their dishonest actions gets obfuscated over time. In fact, our research shows, people are more likely to forget the details of their own unethical acts as compared to other incidents— including neutral, negative or positive events, as well as the unethical actions of others.

We call this tendency “unethical amnesia”: an impairment that occurs over time in our memory for the details of our past unethical behavior. That is, engaging in unethical behavior produces real changes in memory of an experience over time.

Our desire to behave ethically and see ourselves as moral gives us a strong motivation to forget our misdeeds. By experiencing unethical amnesia, we can cope with the psychological distress and discomfort we experience after behaving unethically. Such discomfort has been demonstrated in prior research, including our own.

We found evidence of unethical amnesia in nine experimental studies we conducted on diverse samples with over 2,100 participants, from undergraduate students to working adults. We conducted these studies between January 2013 and March 2016.

We chose a wide range of populations for our studies to provide a more robust test of our hypotheses and show that unethical amnesia affects not only college students but also employed adults.

We found that, on average, participants remembered fewer details of their actions and had less vivid memories of unethical behaviors as compared to ethical behaviors or positive or negative (but not unethical) actions.

Why does it matter?

Is having a less vivid memory of our misdeeds such a big problem? As it turns out, it is.

When we experience unethical amnesia, our research further shows, we become more likely to cheat again. In two of the studies we conducted out of the nine included in our research, we gave over 600 participants an opportunity to cheat and misreport their performance for extra money.

A few days later, we gave them another chance to do so. The initial cheating resulted in unethical amnesia, which drove additional dishonest behavior on the task that participants completed a few days later.

Because we often feel guilty and remorseful about our unethical behavior, we might expect that these negative emotions would stop us from continuing to act unethically.

But we know that is not so. Our experiences and news headlines from across the globe suggest that dishonesty is a widespread and common phenomenon.

Our work points to a possible reason for persistent dishonesty: we tend to forget our unethical actions, remembering them less clearly than memories of other types of behaviors.

So, what if people actively pursued scheduled time to reflect on their daily acts? In our research, we showed that unethical amnesia most likely happens because people limit the retrieval of unwanted memories about when they engaged in dishonesty. As a result, these memories are obfuscated.

Perhaps creating a habit of self-reflection could help people keep such memories alive and also learn from them. THE CONVERSATION

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, April 6, 2022

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Lessons from Volodymyr Zelenskyy

W

HEN the entire world was still trying to shake off the effects of the pandemic, Russia went off and invaded Ukraine with ferocity.

While some countries avoided becoming entangled, many others provided support the best way they could, exhausting diplomatic channels to convince the Russian despot, Vladimir Putin, to cease in his aggression. Now, as the world looks on, the more they wish they had the president of Ukraine as their own.

It is not often that world leaders are exposed to extraordinary conditions, just like the pandemic, which brought out the best and the worst of them. The invasion of Ukraine further shows how the leadership of a man named Volodymyr Zelenskyy can face up to even the might of a superpower. And while our leaders do not face an aggressor as formidable as Russia, there are some lessons we can gain from Zelenskyy’s example of how it is to be a leader.

When Zelenskyy was provided a way out of Ukraine by the US, he was supposedly quoted as saying, “The fight is here—I need ammunition, not a ride.” While some doubt if he really did say those exact words, his actions are enough proof to demonstrate his courage as a leader. Real leaders show up even in the toughest of conditions and stay with their team.

They are where the fight is and do their best to defend their team. Their team understands that when things become tough, their leader will always be alongside them.

And not just be there, but also with their team.

Zelenskyy understands the value of his people and used that understanding to inspire loyalty, not just to him, but to the country. This has motivated citizens of other countries to respect and support Ukraine’s cause, even inspiring others to be patriotic to their own countries.

As a leader, he has been empathetic and understands where his people are coming from.

When leaders represent the ideals and virtues of the people they lead, it becomes a potent force for influencing not just their people, but others as well.

Your influence as a leader does not stop in your team.

It spills over to other groups and teams.

As I hear and read more on the events, I am more and more amazed at how much willpower and dedication the Ukrainians have in defending their country. Zelenskyy’s leadership has fomented this culture where everyone understands the objective and does whatever they can to defend their country.

Because that is also the kind of person Zelenskyy is.

Your leadership will stem from your character—show me your followers and I will tell you what kind of leader you are. As a leader, you are what you attract.

An important expectation from a leader is their ability to inspire confidence by being with their people. A litmus test is that when you approach your

team, do they part like the red sea or do they welcome your presence? True, there are sycophants who will mill around you hoping to get your approval, but can the lowest member of your team readily approach you? If not, you might be inspiring compliance more than engagement. A true leader draws people to themselves and inspires others to maximize their potential, and shows others how to get there.

When Zelenskyy ran for president in 2019, there were people who ridiculed and taunted his background as not befitting of a president. But the former comedian—who also earned a law degree from the Kyiv National Economic University—proved them all wrong. He did not allow his background to affect his leadership. In fact, his background as an actor helped make him relatable, helping him also to communicate effectively to both Ukrainians and the world. A good leader knows how to communicate even in the face of the disinformation or propaganda coming from Russia. He knew what to say to inspire support, not just from his own people but from the rest of the world. People often forget that they should communicate to be understood rather than to hide behind words. So, when leaders speak in abstracts instead of concrete plans, they are just manipulating people.

A good leader knows when to rally their team and when to inspire them. To do this, leaders need to know individual members of their team and their team’s motivations. When leaders spend most of their time in their office, with little or no interaction with their

team, they will not understand how their team thinks.

Good leaders spend time with their team in a setting other than the office, so they can observe their team’s behavior and how each member interacts with the rest. Understanding the group dynamics of their team can help leaders understand when to push their team to better productivity, and when to sit with them and remind them of their purpose as a team.

One of the highlighted qualities of Zelenskyy is his servant leadership—putting the needs of his followers first. Zelenskyy understood they are up against a superpower but that has not stopped him from rallying his people to defend their country. Pictures of Zelenskyy alongside his soldiers have roused feelings of nationalism from people all over the world and inspired his people to remain steadfast because they have a leader who is not only for them, but with them.

His authority emanates from his evident desire to serve his people in the best way he knows how, and the world respects him even more for his courage and integrity.

As a leader, build your character because you never know when you will have to rise to challenging times. If there is one thing that Zelenskyy’s leadership has shown, it is that your character will show in the toughest of situations. And if your foundation is tenuous, your entire leadership will crumble and collapse under the weight of your responsibility and people’s expectations. Be like Zelenskyy, whose sphere of influence extends beyond the borders of his own country. n

GIVE YOUR HEALTH A NATURAL BOOST: 5 BOTANICAL BLENDS THAT WILL HELP YOU TAKE ON THE NEW NORMAL WHILE quarantine restrictions have been eased, now is not a good time to hit the brakes and let our guard down in the new normal. It’s still a must to strictly follow safety protocols, and, more importantly, to continue the good health habits we’ve started while in lockdown. As we’ve all learned, our body isn’t invincible as it needs proper nutrition, enough exercise, and quality sleep to stay healthy. It won’t also hurt to take extra steps for our overall wellbeing.

Filipino plant-based brand Sekaya (www.sekaya.com.ph) offers the Sekaya Botanic Infusions, a curated line of botanical blends for your health and wellness goals, that can give our body an added boost as it performs its many functions. Each blend is made with 100 percent organic plant ingredients that are non-GMO and non-irradiated, and have been certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Quality Assurance International (QAI).

We’re dishing on infusions to keep in your pantry as we step closer to the new normal: n STRENGTHEN THE BODY’S IMMUNITY WITH IMMUNE BREW. Fight off viruses and other bugs with proper rest, and lots of fluids that include this infusion which aims to boost your immune system at its most vulnerable. Subtle and fruity, it contains botanicals like echinacea purpurea leaf, lemon peel, elderberries, and ginger root that have been traditionally used to keep the common flu and simple infections away. n RAMP UP YOUR DRIVE WITH ENERGY MIX. Beat mental

fatigue, clear your head and keep up with the day’s to-dos with this young Hyson green tea botanical blend that matches your busy lifestyle. It also has eleuthero that may increase stamina and invigorate energy, ginkgo that can enhance memory with its positive effects on the vascular system, and ginger to support improved thinking and memory capacity.

Together, they make a mellow, minty, sweet botanical infusion that you can switch with your afternoon cup of joe. n BEAT STRESS BY GETTING QUALITY ZZZS WITH EASY NIGHTCAP. A good night’s sleep is a pillar of good health.

Make sure you get more than a wink of sleep by steeping and sipping a cup of Easy Nightcap that can help calm down anxiety and relieve stress and tension for more quality sleep.

Boasting a delicate and herbal taste, it contains catnip that can help reduce chronic anxiety and stress, and skullcap leaves to help calm the mind. n ENHANCE YOUR BODY’S HEALING FUNCTIONS WITH GENTLE DTX. It combines traditional botanicals that are meant to help strengthen the body’s daily detoxification actions. With a light and exotic flavor, Gentle DTX has burdock root that’s commonly used as a diuretic and a digestive aid, and dandelion root that’s known as a bile tonic and something that can help improve digestion. n KEEP YOUR SKIN GLOWING WITH SKIN CLEANSE. Wearing face masks has taken a toll on our skin health. Get your glow back with a cup of Skin Cleanse. Having a spiced

and sweet aroma with a hint of earthiness, it contains a blend of botanicals that have been long used to help clear the skin of impurities. Licorice root is a natural detoxifier that’s used to treat various skin conditions, while cinnamon bark has antifungal and antibacterial properties that are useful against acne and blemishes.

A WOMAN holds a portrait of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an anti-war rally in front of the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, April 2, 2022. AP

B6 Wednesday, April 6, 2022

US health expert says immunity boosters, holistic wellness needed to build up health amid pandemic

Empire East launches an industryfirst online homebuyers’ portal

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TARTING April 4, 2022, Empire East homebuyers may now access the online portal “Ask About Your Home” for a seamless, ticketed processing of their concerns regarding their Empire East home.

“When we launched our Transmutation as a pandemic response, it only had one goal in mind—we adapt fast enough to the changing Homebuyers' Journey. We aim to achieve an Empire East service that is responsive, attentive, and collaborative to showcase our company values of commitment, concern, and connectedness,” says Empire East's CEO, Atty. Anthony Charlemagne C. Yu. “Ask About Your Home” offers an efficient solution for every inquiry from today's discerning homebuyers.

Once the homebuyer submits a query through this portal, he will receive an email to confirm that the proper departments are attending to his request.

The company has received countless inquiries on relevant topics like construction, pricing, titling, documentation changes, and turnover schedules in the past years. These inquiries may now be chosen as a ticket topic within the askaboutyourhome. com portal. Once a homebuyer account is verified, Empire East will assign that ticket to the point person in charge of

that particular homebuying touchpoint - whether it's signing the Contract to Buy and Sell or a change of information request. What's great about the portal is the transparency system within the organization, where each department is trained to commit to fulfilling the cycle, with ticket closure as the goal.

The real estate industry is one of the fastest to adapt to digitization and automation in today's business landscape. While other companies saw it as a hurdle to complete, Empire East saw it as an opportunity to continue what it had already begun — transforming and adapting in the process.

“We understand that homebuying is tedious, and some milestones require a specific time range like titling and construction. But through this portal, we aim to provide accurate and timely updates to the homebuyers who trust us,” says Customer Relations Head Maylene Sison. “Rest assured that Empire East will efficiently handle all concerns towards their conclusion. It is of our mutual aim to help our homebuyers transition seamlessly into their new homes,” she continues.

For more information, visit www. empire-east.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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OP US-based immunology expert Dr. Emmanuel U. Sarmiento, along with professional experts in nutrition and fitness, joins forces with Essential for Daily Living to educate the public about maintaining a holistic approach to health in the new normal.

In the “Boosted and Fit in The Pandemic” forum held April 2 at Estancia de Lorenzo Farm Resort in San Mateo, Rizal, Dr. Sarmiento discussed ways to boost one’s resistance against viruses and diseases to strengthen one’s overall physical condition. One such way is the intake of supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and boosters and must be complemented by health interventions through nutrition and exercises.

“Supplements are critical because there is something called micronutrient malnutrition.

You can feel healthy but if your body is not taking the right amount of micronutrients from the food you eat, then you can still get malnutrition,” says Dr. Sarmiento, who has been recognized as South Carolina’s top allergist and immunologist in 2020.

“Supplements that are immunity boosters, in particular, are important for patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those preparing for surgeries or are still recovering.

Older people must also be taking the right supplements because they are likely to undergo immunosenescence, the process of immune dysfunction that comes with age,” he adds.

Dr. Sarmiento researched, developed, and formulated Essen Immunoboost SP, a supplement manufactured in the USA and designed with natural active components that work on the cellular level to help maintain immune cells to function properly.

Immunoboost’s scientifically curated

ingredients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Thiamine, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Selenium, ginger, and turmeric.

During the pandemic, Dr. Sarmiento advised co-workers in the medical industry in the US to take Immunoboost as they carry out their critical functions as frontline workers.

According to him, most of his colleagues who added the supplement to their diet did not get infected by COVID-19 even before the help of today’s vaccines. While some did contract the virus, they had only very mild symptoms.

Aside from Immunoboost, Dr. Sarmiento had also developed the Essen Fit capsule, a combination of powdered mangosteen and turmeric designed to boost energy, speed up recovery, and aid in weight loss.

Dr. Sarmiento was joined by Julianne Malong, a noted expert on nutrition and obesity, and Coach Nix Quejada, who demonstrated ways to boost fitness at home and at the workplace.

Learn more at: https://www.essen.ph/

Canon Philippines Group supports Red Cross relief

Nustar to open Cebu luxe resort complex

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EBU City will take center stage once more with the planned soft opening of the ultra-luxurious NUSTAR Resort and Casino complex this year. The first of its kind and the biggest lifestyle and entertainment destination outside Manila, it will redefine five-star luxury, gaming, entertainment, leisure, dining, and retail in the southern Philippines.

Situated at the picturesque Kawit Island along the South Road Properties, NUSTAR Resort and Casino is the flagship project of Universal Hotels and Resorts, Inc. of the Gokongwei Group which is focused on gaming and integrated resort developments.

Designed to be an iconic destination for leisure, business and entertainment, the sprawling property is a collaborative masterpiece of renowned international master development planners and interior designers.

The design will reflect a majestic development executed with luxurious artistry to evoke world-class style and sophistication, evident in its expansive casino, three hotel towers, and four-level shopping haven.

Hotel brands include 379-room Fili

Urban Resort, Grand Summit Hotel, which will all be managed by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) and one of the Philippines’ top hotel chains.

Through its world-class casino, NUSTAR will introduce a new experience and pleasure of gaming with it’s a floor area of 21,000 square meters, 1,500 machines and 250 tables, the largest and most varied in Cebu.

Guests will surely enjoy the thrill of exciting gaming action and live performances at the Entertainment Bar and exclusive events at the Sports Bar. Star-rated hotels will boast of wellappointed rooms which will elevate the gold standard in luxury accommodations, while its vast retail space will showcase luxury brands, high-fashion boutiques, plush VIP cinemas, and a carefullycurated mix of global and regional dining concepts, featuring international and home-grown restaurants.

With health and safety is the utmost priority, the resort complex has a 100% vaccinated workforce and is equipped with disinfectant technologies to give guests peace of mind when staying at the resort.

As Asia’s newest leisure colony, NUSTAR is envisioned to be a choice venue for business events, conferences, social gatherings, and entertainment events in showcasing Filipino culture and artistry at its state-of-the-art performing arts theater.

The recreational enclave is expected to be a hub for domestic and international Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE), with its spacious exhibition halls, elegant ballrooms, and high-tech support facilities suited for big events.

The property will also have a water theme park and viewing deck located at the pinnacle of the main NUSTAR Hotel tower, overlooking the mountains and the seas of Cebu.

Guests can also take a scenic walk along the 580-meter boardwalk connecting NUSTAR to the Cebu strait, designed by famed contemporary artist, JEFRË.

Located along Cebu’s coastal road, it is easily accessible via the from the Mactan Cebu International Airport via the soonto-open Cebu Cordova Link Expressway.

For more information, log on to www. nustar.ph or email contactus@nustar.ph.

PRESENT at turnover rites were Mr. Kazuhiro Ozawa, President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc.; Anuj Aggarwal, Vice President; Rolando Martinez, Vice President of Administration Division for Canon Information Technologies Philippines, Inc.; Eric Villanueva, Corporate Planning Head; Alberto Baruelo III, Corporate Communications Assistant Manager; Marilou Diego, Product Planning Assistant Manager of Canon Business Machines Philippines; and Ms. Erdrelyn Garbosa, Corporate Planning head. Red Cross PH were representated by Asst. Sec. General Ramon Murillo and Fund Generation Manager Shervi Corpuz.

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ANON Marketing (Philippines) Inc. and its subsidiaries, Canon Business Machines Philippines, and Canon Information Technologies Philippines, Inc., announced a joint cash donation of over Php 200,000 to the Philippine Red Cross. The money will be used to support the group’s relief operations in the Visayas region that was recently afflicted by Super Typhoon Odette. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, more than 130,000 Filipinos remain displaced across different regions and 59% are still staying in evacuation areas.

“As one Canon Philippines Group, we are grateful to work again with the Philippine Red Cross in providing families with the

food, water, and shelter support they need during this difficult time. Giving back to the community has been integral in our corporate DNA for the past 25 years, and we welcome every opportunity to participate in humanitarian efforts that will ultimately uplift, delight, and make a difference in the lives of many Filipinos,” said Mr. Kazuhiro Ozawa, President, and CEO of Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc. In celebration of its 25th anniversary in the Philippines, Canon Philippines Group is committed to paying it forward through its many sustainable CSR programs. To know more, visit the official website (ph.canon).

For more updates, follow @canonphils on Instagram and Facebook.

Bringing better sleep and wellness to consumers in PH

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LEEP plays a critical part in COVID-19, be it in boosting immunity or in recovery. Riding on this opportunity, Jensen Go, president and general manager of Kuysen Enterprises Inc., saw the need to bring in products that promote health and wellbeing to the Philippines’ consumer market.

Moreover, despite the pandemic, the Philippine economy recorded a full-year growth of 5.6 percent. The economic optimism and perked consumer spending presented an opportunity to Simmons® to expand Simmons store presence in the Philippine market. “In a recent Consumer Experience Excellence 2021 KPMG report, convenience and speed are important drivers for consumers in the Philippines and buyers also prioritized their spending during COVID-19.” Hence, Simmons partners with Kuysen to further expand our networks to bring better sleep to more consumers in Philippines as they become more affluent,” commented Aloysius Chew, Regional General Manager for Simmons Southeast Asia.

“We see a synergy between consumers in Philippines and Singapore – i.e. the

importance of having good health,” added Mr. Chew. In the new normal, consumers are increasingly mindful of their own health and well-being. Health is the prime focus, and achieving quality sleep is one of the key factors in attaining good health. The mattress plays a critical role in delivering quality sleep to one.

“Kuysen is happy to partner with Simmons, the mattress and sleep expert in the last 152 years. We are happy to have Simmons added to our slate of household and furniture partners, to bring convenience to our consumers,” commented Mr. Go. Since 1870, Simmons has pioneered several technologies that served as pillars in the industry, literally changing how the world sleeps with their invention of Pocketed Coils®.

With the partnership, Filipino consumers can now own the six- and five-star sleep experience right at the comfort of their homes.

Visit the showroom in Kuysen Design + Experience Center at 2 Jupiter Street, Makati, and soon in Kuysen Headquarters Showroom at 236 E. Rodriguez Senior Ave, Quezon City.

Simmons is also available online at https:// kuysenstore.com/.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 B7

Growth outside Metro Manila

Envisioned to last and endure through the years, Tagaytay Highlands remains to be a foremost choice of investors who now see the wisdom of acquiring properties located in lush mountainous areas.

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By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

roperty developers are all smiles these days as stronger buying appetites were manifested in regions outside Metro Manila because of the continuous drop in the number of Covid-19 cases and sustained vaccination drive.

Claro Cordero Jr., director and head or research, consulting and advisory services of Cushman and Wakefield (C&W) Philippines told the BusinessMirror the easing of the mobility and business restrictions, has boosted the growth. As a result, the country’s Residential Real Estate Price Index (RREPI) grew by 4.9 percent (year-on-year) YoY in Q4 2021, faster as compared to 0.8 percent YoY during the same period last year. Interestingly, the prices of residential properties outside Metro Manila grew by 5.1 per-

cent YoY in Q4 2021, just slightly above the recorded growth for properties in the capital region which increased by 5.0 percent YoY. In terms of performance by property type, townhouses and condominium properties grew by 22.6 percent YoY and 10.4 percent YoY, respectively, offsetting the recorded decline in the prices of single detached/attached and duplex properties which contracted by 1.1 percent YoY and 10.2 percent YoY, respectively.

He added residential demand in the provinces will be bol-

A rendering of the outdoor cinema in PHirst Park Homes Naic

stered by further improvements in t ra nspor t inf ra st r uct u res that also encourage residential property developments in these areas,” Cordero explained.

Lamudi Philippines CEO Kenneth Stern told the BusinessMirror in another interview that demand for properties for sale on their portal showed a slight uptick at the start of pandemic-induced restrictions last March 2020, highlighting the importance of having a safe home during a health crisis. Stern said the southern part of Metro Manila (Imus, Dasmariñas, General Trias, Tagaytay, Bacoor and Silang in Cavite, as well as Santa Rosa and Biñan in Laguna) and in the East (Antipolo and Cainta in Rizal) is getting popular among buyers.

“Overall, the pent-up demand has been somewhat released, but I do think that over the next quarter and even the second half of the year, we’ll see pent-up demand further drive the economy with a stable industry like real estate,” Stern said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital appoints Leechiu Property Consultants

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boitiz InfraCapital (AIC) recently appointed Leechiu P r o p e r t y C o n s u lt a nt s (LPC) as the exclusive broker of LIMA Tower One, the first Pezaregistered office tower in the 794-hectare LIMA Estate in LipaMalvar, Batangas.

Now under construction, the 11-story office tower is designed to meet requirements of business-process outsourcing (BPO) firms, and further boost activity and development in the progressive industrial-anchored township. LIMA Estate currently hosts 130 global and local companies, around 62,000 employees, a business hotel and 167 retail outlets.

LIMATower One will be the first of seven towers in LIMA’s emerging Central Business District.

Offering a gross leasable area of 23,000-sq-m LIMA Tower One and its succeeding buildings have been designed to host BPO locators, according to Rafael P. Fernandez de Mesa, president of LIMA Land Inc. and head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates.

“LIMA Estate is within a 10-kilometer radius of 23 colleges and universities. Their graduates represent a fresh untapped labor pool for BPOs whom we hope to attract to LIMA Tower One,” he shared.

Well-established BPOs and new industry players are projected to keep expanding across different parts of the Philippines as they cater to Western companies already in recovery mode.

South Luzon and Calabarzon in

particular, has been identified as one of the most attractive locations. As in the global financial crisis of the late ‘90s, outsourcing has proven to be an effective tool for firms catching up on lost revenues.

Even at the height of the pandemic, BPOs continued to increase their demand for office space in the Philippines, according to LPC CEO David Leechiu. In 2020, office take up registered at 389,000 sq m and in 2021 at 589,000 sq m or 39 percent higher than the previous year. In both years, demand was primarily driven by BPOs, according to Leechiu.

He emphasized: “For as long as outsourcing remains an attractive solution for companies in the West, office takeup will keep expanding in the Philippines especially in Peza-accredited locations outside Metro Manila like LIMA Estate.”

To highlight the importance of sustainability in LIMA Estate, Aboitiz InfraCapital has partnered with the Philippine Green Building Council in acquiring BERDE certifications for its buildings, including LIMA Tower One. In addition, the company is participating in a pilot program for District Certification of the entire LIMA Estate. Once completed, this will make LIMA the first Industrial Estate in the country to receive the certification.

At the recent signing ceremony marking the partnership between AIC and LPC, Rafael Fernandez de Mesa (second from left) and Lloyd Tiu (left), AIC assistant vice president for sales and leasing, represented Aboitiz I n f r aC apit a l . Dav id L e e c h iu (third from left) and Miguel Manipol, LPC director for commercial leasing, represented Leechiu Property Consultants.

PPHI on a roll PHirst Park Homes Inc. (PPHI) continues its tenacious streak of providing quality affordable homes for Filipinos as it recently launched its 11th project in historic Naic, Cavite, and a destination for leisure and relaxation near the province’s de facto capital. PPHI Naic is the project in Cavite after Tanza and General Trias launched back in 2017 and early 2021, respectively.

PPHI deemed Naic as an ideal location for those who are seeking a laid-back lifestyle complemented by straightforward living.

PPHI is optimistic that the Naic is a perfect addition to the growing communities of the brand. With the market’s positive reception towards PPHI’s initial offerings in Cavite, the company viewed it fit to expand its reach.

PPHI Naic boasts of a 21.2-hectare development and an estimated 1,948 new housing inventory for future property owners. Situated along Governor’s Drive, part of the barangays of Sabang, Halang, and San Roque, the project is in

the heart of various commercial spaces and projects.

‘Flee for the hills’ Since the pandemic hit the country two years ago, a big number of Filipinos went to buy additional homes driven by the need for outdoor space and a private place of rest set in a healthy, breathable environment. In a survey conducted by Santos Knight Frank, a growing number of buyers (85 percent of local respondents) prefer abodes w ith access to the outdoors (33 percent) and to functional property features (17 percent) such as health- and wellness-related facilities.

Tagaytay Highlands, an exclusive mountain resort complex just 90 minutes drive from the Ma k ati Commercia l Business District, fits the bill of families looking for a home to avoid the raging frenzy of city life.

Wit h approx imately 1,20 0 hectares of rolling terrain, Lennie Mendoza, Senior Vice President of Highlands Prime Inc. (HPI), developer of Tagay tay

Highlands and a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview that Tagaytay Highlands stands above the rest of the competition being the only mountain resort of its kind and scale that spans the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. At 2,000 feet above sea level, Mendoza said residents and their guests can enjoy year-round clean, crisp air and the intoxicating vista of Taal Volcano rising in a shimmering Taal Lake.

Most times of the year, Mendoza said Tagaytay Highlands’ n ippy breez e s pu rs resident families to take leisurely “paseos” at its lush garden parks or to indulge in more revitalizing activities such as trekking, hiking, fishing, go-karting, biking, and jogging.

“Tagaytay Highlands, in fact, offers everything that is fun and frolicsome in life. In this selfcontained community, residents have everything they need to live, play, work, and entertain themselves,” Mendoza added.

Cebu Landmasters breaks ground on ₧1.8-billion Casa Mira Towers Bacolod

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eading developer in VisMi n Cebu L a nd m a sters Inc. (CLI) recently began constr uction of a four-tower residential complex valued at P1.8 bil lion in Bacolod Cit y.

The project is part of a masterplanned CLI complex along Lacson Avenue where a branded hotel, commercial complex and another three-tower residential condominium of CLI garden series brand situated.

Casa Mira Towers Bacolod Tower 1 opened for selling last month is now 73 percent sold, generating a sales value of P630 million for 276 units. This is a testament of a robust demand for housing and Bacolod market’s strong acceptance of the project.

Highlighting the firm’s flagship Casa Mira economic housing brand, CLI’s newest residential project in Bacolod City offers 1,429 studio and one-bedroom units with areas of 20-22 sq m and 27.75-29.75 sq m, respectively. Set for completion in Q4 2026, this will be the second project in Bacolod to carry the Casa Mira brand which accounted for 41percent of the listed company’s record reservation sales of P16.5 billion in 2021.

Like other Casa Mira properties in VisMin, Casa Mira Towers Bacolod offers a strategic location in Barangay Bata where it is accessible to the city’s business districts, major schools, hospitals and malls.

As much as 40 percent of the project’s 1.12-hectare footprint

is devoted to open space allowing residents a more serene in-city living experience. Its generous inhouse amenities will also include a fitness gym, clubhouse, prayer room, viewing deck, play area, an adult and kiddie pool, and ground floor retail spaces.

Upkeep of these amenities will be complemented by 100 percent back-up power in case of power outages, efficient security sup-

ported by a 24/7 CCTV system to be operated by CLI Property Management. CLI’s in-house property management firm ensures the upkeep and growth in value over the long run of a residential condominium development.

CLI is set to launch more projects in Davao, Palawan, and Cebu, staying true to its brand promise to continue providing more for Filipino families.

Fans share spotlight as UP, DLSU, FEU win in UAAP hoops

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NIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) booked its fourth straight victory and De La Salle got back on the winning track on Tuesday when the fans and students are back to root for their teams in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 84 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After losing heavily to defending three-time champion Ateneo over the weekend, De La Salle vented its ire on University of Santo Tomas (UST), 7566, for its fourth win in five games.

UP, on the other hand, fended off Adamson University, 73-71, to join De La Salle at second place on a 4-1 card.

Far Eastern University (FEU) also arrested a three-game skid by pounding University of the East (UE), 88-74, to improve to a 2-3, the same record as UST. UE, now 0-5 at the cellar, played without head coach Jack Santiaho who served the first of a two-game suspension for a barbaric instruction to the Red Warriors to play physical against the Fighting Maroons during their weekend game.

The day, however, also belonged to collegiate league fans who were allowed to watch the games live from the lower and upper box sections and general admission.

A total of 4,225 fans watched the days’ three games with the crowd for the Ateneo-National University game set for 7 p.m. Tuesday still unaccounted for. The MOA Arena sits 14,000 with the league maintaining the patron section as a bubble zone.

Cool Smashers, Angels face off in Game One

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ETRO GAZZ has done its homework heading into its Premier Volleyball League Open Conference finals series with multi-titled Creamline that get going on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Blessed with talent, skills, momentum and, as importantly the crowd, But Petro Gazz is unfazed by Creamline’s overwhelming advantage, basking in the glow of being the underdog in a title series that took a sharp turn in just two nights.

“We’ll prepare hard, we’ll try our best,” vowed Petro Gazz Jerry Yee as his coaching savvy frustrated a fancied Cignal HD Spikers side in the semifinals, spoiling what had long been expected to be a classic showdown of unbeaten teams.

But the Angels rewrote the finals script and with a big fighting heart battled back from 0-1 down in the best-of-three semifinals with an epic win five-set Game 2 duel and inished off the hard-luck HD Spikers in sudden death on Monday.

Game One of the best-of-three title series is set at 6 p.m. before an expected record crowd hungry for such action that teams like Creamline and Petro Gazz could provide with their power and class.

Cignal HD and Choco Mucho also begin their duel for third place at 3 p.m. with both matches to be aired live on One Sports and One Sports Plus and on social media platforms Cignal Play, Gigaplay, KUMU and pvl.ph.

But for Petro Gazz, gaining another crack at PVL glory is one thing. Nailing a second championship is another.

LOIS KAYE GO brings golf smarts to Laguna.

Sports

CDM Fernandez welcomes resolution of EJ-Patafa rift ahead of SEA Games

BusinessMirror

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| Wednesday, April 6, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

MASTERS

THAT’S Tiger Woods walking to the second green during a practice round on Monday for the Masters. The tournament hasn’t started yet but look at that crowd. AP

ALL ABOUT WOODS LOOK, Tiger Woods’s wearing FootJoy shoes, not Nike, his sponsor since 1996. AP

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UGUSTA, Georgia—The gates to Augusta National opened a little after 7 a.m. Monday. It didn’t feel as though Masters week started until just before 3 p.m.

Tiger Woods was on the first tee, and this was no time to be shopping for shirts and caps or standing in line for pimento cheese sandwiches.

That much was evident by the biggest golf crowd this year on one hole except for the circus par-three 16th at the Phoenix Open.

Woods consumes attention at every Masters he plays. It’s been that way since the first of his five green jackets he won 25 years ago.

Now it’s even greater under these unusual circumstances.

He hasn’t played against the best in 17 months, not since the 2020 Masters in November, while recovering from a car crash that once looked as though it might end his career. And still to be determined is whether he plays this one.

Woods has said it would be a “game-time” decision whether his

battered right leg and ankle can handle walking and competing over 18 holes at Augusta National.

“There’s always buzz around this place,” Billy Horschel said. “But there’s just another level of buzz to see him and see him play. I’ve thought about it in the past, and I may be on the first tee watching him tee off if my tee works out and everything, just because it’s a special moment.”

It’s not as though this Masters was devoid of drama.

Rory McIlroy gets another crack at the career Grand Slam. He spent Monday in an Irish fourball alongside Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington and Seam Power. They have eight majors among them—Power is making his Masters debut.

Bryson DeChambeau is back, even though he says his doctors don’t recommend it.

DeChambeau said he first hurt his left hip two years ago while speed training—swinging as fast as his body allowed—and slipping on concrete.

Then, he didn’t work on finger strength, and that led to a popping sound in his wrist before his TV match against Brooks Koepka in Las Vegas last November. That led to a hairline fracture of his hamate bone in his left hand. And then he slipped on marble while playing table tennis is Saudi Arabia in early February, went horizontal and landed on his hand and his hip.

He declared himself 80 percent, though he liked the way he felt coming into the Masters.

DeChambeau hasn’t made a 36-hole cut since The Northern Trust in late

August—then again, he has played only eight times since then, six of those tournaments without a cut.

“The past few weeks have been very, very difficult on me, not playing well and not hitting it anywhere near where I know I should be hitting it,” he said.

“Yelling ‘Fore!’ off the tee every time is just not fun. It’s very difficult on your mental psyche as well.”

Playing the Masters was a “huge risk” a few weeks ago and a decision he said his doctors did not recommend. He was day to day until he felt comfortable giving it a go.

“Different situation than Tiger, obviously, but it was definitely a day-by-day process of figuring out if I could do this,” he said.

So much goes back to Woods, who had broken bones in his right leg and ankle from the car crash outside Los Angeles in February 2021 that left him immobilized for three months and not swinging a club until last November.

Brooks Koepka knows a thing or two about playing with injury, even if not as many were people were paying attention.

Koepka had surgery on his right knee three weeks before the Masters last year and still was determined to play. It was so bad he couldn’t crouch to read putts. Koepka is finally back at full strength, though he still hasn’t won since the Phoenix Open more than a year ago.

He is more concerned with his own game that what Woods has going on, though Koepka can appreciate the walk Woods is facing better than most players. AP

SEA Games-bound Go joins title chase at Hallow Ridge tilt

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IETNAM Southeast Asian Games-bound Lois Kaye Go hopes to pick up where national teammate Rianne Malixi left off as she joins the hunt in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Hallow Ridge Challenge which reels off Wednesday at the Filipinas Golf Hallow Ridge in San Pedro, Laguna.

The Cebuana ace, who beat now Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour campaigners Bianca Pagdangangan and Thai sensation Atthaya Thitikul in the 2019 Philippine Amateur Stroke Play Championship at Riviera’s Langer course, spices up the cast as she tests her skills against the country’s leading pros as part of her buildup for

‘Winning never gets old’ THERE is not a doubt that Ginebra will enter the court on Wednesday—that’s today—as the heavy favorite to defeat Meralco in Game One of their first-to-win-four showdown for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

next month’s SEA Games where she, Malixi and Mafy Singson will lead the country’s title-retention drive both in team and individual competition.

Pagdanganan, Go and Abby Arevalo captured the team championship in the 2019 SEA Games at Luisita with the power-hitting Pagdanganan bagging the individual gold.

The 22-year-old Go, who graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina last year where she finished with a double major in finance and accounting, will be donning the national colors for the last time in Hanoi before finally launching her pro career.

Go will lead a four-player amateur challenge that includes Arnie Taguines, Eagle Ace Superal and Kristine Fleetwood, all seeking to match Malixi’s successful title run in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) at Midlands at the close of the 2021 season last December and at the Luisita Championship, which kicked off this year’s circuit in Tarlac two weeks ago.

But they will be facing a fired-up pro crew out to reassert their might in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf

For one, Ginebra owns the hottest import in Justin Brownlee, whose last outing alone saw him explode for a career playoff best of 47 points.

For another, Ginebra, the defending champion, has beaten Meralco three of the four times that they battled for the Governors’ Cup title.

Aside from Brownlee, Ginebra boasts of the ever-reliable Scottie Thompson, whose consistency in being Brownlee’s chief back up is almost beyond equal.

Brownlee is so powerful that he could almost will his teammates to do the impossible.

Didn’t he even assure LA Tenorio he’d win Game 4 “for you, LA” after Tenorio emerged goat in Ginebra’s Game 3 loss to NLEX? Brownlee just doesn’t shoot blazing threes and perimeter jumpers with ridiculous accuracy. He also speaks in profound manner.

When Ginebra Coach Tim Cone said he always took “ huge delight” with every crown he wins, Brownlee said: “It’s basically self-explanatory what Tim said.

Tournaments Inc., headed by fancied Princess Superal along with leg winners Sunshine Baraquiel, Chanelle Avaricio and Daniella Uy. “Consistency will be key, along with ball control and ball placing,” said Superal, noting some of the layout’s tight holes and tough greens.

“But anybody can win here since all of us have prepared hard.

It all depends on how we will perform and respond to the various challenges,” added the 2019 LPGT Order of Merit winner.

HE resolution of the Ernest John “EJ” Obiena-Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) rift is a welcome development as the country’s athletes zero in on the 31st Southeast Asian Games that start on May 12 in Hanoi.

“It’s a positive thing that happened,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, chef de mission to the Vietnam SEA Games, told the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

Fernandez, a Philippine Basketball Association legend, said that any internal dispute involving athletes and national sports associations (NSAs) is the last thing the delegation needs before they embark on the mission in Hanoi.

“It will have an overall effect.

EJ Obiena and Patafa finally mending their fences is positive for our athletes,” he said. “We should learn lessons from that incident.”

“At least athletes are now aware that if they have problems with their NSAs, the PSC can mediate,” Fernandez said.

The defending SEA Games men’s

GINEBRA-MERALCO FINALS ON

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By Josef Ramos

ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel opens defense of the Governors’ Cup on Wednesday against Meralco, a familiar enemy which the Gin Kings have thrice beaten before in the Philippine Basketball Association conferene.

But all those are thrown out the window as the Gin Kings square off with a Bolts crew obviously toughened by those finals setbacks in 2016, 2017 and 2019 in Game 1 of the bestof-seven series set at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But Meralco coach Norman Black appeared wary of two of Ginebra’s primary weapons—defense and Justin Brownlee.

“They are peaking at the right time and their defense is really, really solid,” Black said. “They don’t allow penetration to the lane—a very good rebounding team, and they are shooting the ball really well.”

“And we have to find a way to slow down Justine Brownlee,” Black said.

Talk about defense and Ginebra did a great job against TNT in the quarterfinals, limiting the KaTropa to below 100 points—104-92 and 115-95—and did the same to NLEX in the semifinals—95-86 (Game 1), 104-94 (Game 2) and 112-93 (Game 4). The Gin Kings lost Game 3, 85-86, on an LA Tenorio lapse.

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Brownlee? Ginebra’s resident import churned in averages of 30.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 17 games this season, numbers that made him prime for the Best Import award.

His Meralco counterpart Tony Bishop’s been waxing hot, too, with is 25.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.5 steals also in 17 games.

Black’s concern is to win Game 1 for a headstart and everything else could follow.

“The team that gets the best start in the series, ends up winning the series,” he said. “It’s not a guarantee, but it is better to get that ‘W’ immediately.”

Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted he needed to tinker with the team’s defense as the conference progressed.

“I think our defensive matrix was poor through the elimination and we fixed it during the playoffs as we did a lot of different things,” said Cone, whose seeking his 24th PBA-best crown in his 36th Finals appearance.

“We started to peak defensively later in the elimination and improved a bit against TNT and NLEX.” The Gin Kings are playing the Finals undermanned—Stanley Pringle (knee) and Japeth Aguilar (calf), but do-it-all Scottie Thompson has been delivering averages of 13.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists and big man Christian Standhardinger contributing 14.4 points and 7.8 rebounds.

NCAA CHAMPS

Kansas University players celebrate with the trophy after beating North Carolina, 72-69, in the NCAA men’s basketball final on Monday in New Orleans. AP

FiberXers have Aces under sleeves ONVERGE ICT announced in a team presentation on Tuesday that it has retained the core of the Alaska Aces franchise for its Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) debut in the next 47th season that starts later this month.

The team also bared that its players will be called the FiberXers.

“We will play passionately and competitively in all our games,” team owner Dennis Anthony Uy

pole vault champion Obiena and the Patafa agreed on the terms of the mediation supervised by PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez last week.

“It’s a boost,” Fernandez told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo. Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Fernandez said the 987-strong Philippine delegation to Vietnam includes 646 athletes and 296 team officials to be funded by the PSC. They will be accompanied by 45 national Olympic committee delegates.

The Philippines won the overall title as host in 2019 with 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals. But Vietnam scrapped a big chunk of the events won by Filipino athletes two years ago, including arnis (14) and obstacle racing (six).

“I’m relying on our podium finishers in 2019. Most of them are playing,” Fernandez said. “And I’m hoping that all of them will retain their titles and that those who won silver and bronze medals in 2019 will improve.”

told media during the team’s official launch in a Mandaluyong City hotel.

“Converge is ready to take on this new challenge in an arena where passion fuels the competition.”

Uy said former PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who will sit as Converge’s representative to the PBA boatd, decides on the team’s composition but as expected, the league newcomer retained the core of the Alaska franchise it bought last month.

Winning never gets old.”

Wow! Winning never gets old!

And when Cone, on the issue of winning, told Inquirer’s Denison Rey A. Dalupang this: “I still have bad tummies, and sleepless nights. It’s never a normal thing for me.”

Brownlee answered, as quoted by Denison: “It’s never about the end. It’s about creating new heights. You get to that mountaintop, you’d want to get to a new one.”

But a grizzled warrior that he has always been, Meralco coach Norman Black is undaunted despite his losing streak against Cone.

“I like my chances this time around,” said Black Obviously, the confidence emanates from Meralco’s convincing 94-81 victory over Magnolia in the semifinal Game 5 decider that shoved the Bolts to a fourth Governors’ Cup Finals in five years.

Allein Malixi had 24 points and Raymond Almazan 18 points on perfect shooting in that ego-boosting Meralco win.

With Meralco import Tony Bishop coming up with a subpar effort and Chris Banchero absent due to a

Former Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann will team manager and so will Jeffrey Cariaso as head coach.

Converged retained former Aces Jeron Teng, Ben Adamos, Rey Publico, Jaycee Marcelino, Allyn Bulanadi and Bryan Faundo, who attended the event, as well as Abu Tratter, who’s currently in the US. “It’s very challenging right now and we just have to make a few moves to strengthen our lineup by picking shooters and big men,” Salud said. “We will explore everything through drafts and trades,” Salud said. Josef Ramos

hurting torso he suffered in Game 4, Chris Newsome and Aaron Black picked up the slack with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Meralco had a big lift when Magnolia import Mike Harris was carried off the court after suffering two bad falls.

“I’ve never beaten Tim before,” said Black of Cone.

“We’ve been meeting a lot lately. And he’s been on the winning end every time. But I always think I can win.

I always think my team can win whenever we enter the court.”

My swivel-chair narra waits.

THAT’S IT Everybody happy. That’s the fruit of the [EJ] Obiena-[Philip Ella] Juico rift that was finally resolved through the mediation efforts of sports czar Butch Ramirez and, yes, Senate Sports Committee chair Senator Bong Go. But the happiest would be the Filipino, who would benefit most as Obiena resumes his gold-winning dreams on the international stage. Cheers!