BusinessMirror April 27, 2022

NBI probes agri smuggling; DA intel unit eyed

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

& Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

J

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct its separate probe of the rampant smuggling of agricultural products into the country, as a Congress leader prodded the Department of Agriculture to rush crafting of a proposal for a separate trade intelligence unit in the agency, which has repeatedly claimed current laws give it no muscle to fight the menace.

Guevarra gave the order after the Department of Agriculture (DA) urged the Department of Justice

(DOJ) to hasten its investigation and prosecute those found involved in the illegal activities.

Guevarra said the NBI’s investigation will cover smuggling of certain agricultural products, including palm oil declared as animal feeds but actually converted and utilized as vegetable cooking oil. “ I h ave a l so d i rec te d ou r state prosecutors to check their dockets and speed up the preliminar y investigation of agricultural smuggling complaints, if there be any, and pursue their prosecution in court.”

The DOJ secretary noted that the DOJ has been in coordination with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in order to build up cases against government officials and

private individuals who are suspected of having a role in agricultural smuggling, with the aim of filing of administrative and criminal cases against them.

Agriculture Undersecretary Fermin Adriano earlier said the DOJ should intensify its investigation process and hasten the prosecution of cases involving smuggling of agricultural products in order to discourage similar activities in the future.

Adriano lamented the DA’s lack of power to apprehend and prosecute those involved in smuggling.

Despite this, Adriano gave the agency’s assurances that it would continue its investigation within the department to determine the individuals who may be involved.

Intel unit eyed

Meanwhile, the chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means is pushing for the creation of the Agricultural Trade Intelligence and Investigation Service (ATIIS) within DA, in parallel with a strengthened Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service of the Bureau of Customs.

In a request addressed to Agriculture Secretary William Dar andUndersecretary Adriano, Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda asked the DA to formalize its request for police powers, earlier cited by Dar in a previous statement, by sending a draft of the proposed measure to Salceda.

See “DA,” A2

BusinessMirror BusinessMirror

OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS ROTARYROTARY CLUB OFCLUB MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS

2006 National Newspaper the Year 2006 National Newspaper of theofYear 2011 National Newspaper the Year 2011 National Newspaper of theofYear 2013 Business Newspaper of the 2013 Business Newspaper of the Year Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year 2021 Pro Patria Award 2021 Pro Patria Award PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion

EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS EJAP JOURNALISM AWARDS

BUSINESS NEWS NEWS BUSINESS SOURCESOURCE OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR

(2017, 2018, 2019,2018, 2020)2019, 2020) (2017,

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2018 BANTOG MEDIA AWARDS

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broader look atattoday’s today’s business AA Abroader broaderlook lookat today’sbusiness business

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 199

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 24 pages | 7 days a week

FARMERS SET APPEALS VS. NEW TARIFF ORDERS n

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

S

German biz group hears investor gains in new laws

@jearcalas

AYING the government’s resort to tariff tweaks to fight inflation will not help the economy or give consumers relief, hog and corn farmers are opposing the plan to issue new executive orders that would lower corn tariffs and extend the reduced tariffs on pork.

They said they will appeal to President Duterte not to issue any new EOs to embody recommendations of a Cabinet panel.

Leaders of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (ProPork) and Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PhilMaize) said they will appeal against the approved recommendations by the Committee on Tariff and Related Matters to lower the tariffs on certain commodities.

The BusinessMirror broke the story on Tuesday that the CTRM approved the recommendations to lower corn tariffs and extend the coverage period for reduced tariffs on imported pork and rice in a bid to mitigate the impact of global economic challenges on domestic food prices.

The CTRM approved the lowering of corn tariffs to 5 percent and 15 percent for in-quota and out-quota volume, respectively, and the extension of the current 15 percent (inquota) and 25 percent (out-quota) for pork imports until the end of the year. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/04/25/ govt-turns-to-tariff-tweaks-vsinflation/).

A

TIMELY REMINDER Students walk past a

sign in Makati City reminding voters not to sell their votes, 12 days before the country holds its national and local elections. NONIE REYES

AIRBUS HELICOPTERS PHL CIVILIAN, MILITARY MARKETS GROW

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

A

IRBUS Helicopters is seeing growth in the Philippines market, both in the military and civilian sectors,

especially with the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Speaking to the media online, Airbus Helicopters Philippines Managing Director Charlie Simpson said the company continues to

gain traction, holding 30 percent of the Philippines’s helicopter market.

“Airbus has been serving operators in the Philippines for over 40 years. Today, there are close to 90 Airbus helicopters flying in

the country for a variety of civil, parapublic and military missions,” he said.

Airbus is one of the exhibitors in the Asean Defense and Security

MENDMENTS to economic reform laws, especially the liberalization measures, will benefit investors in the Philippines, and a trade official detailed them at a forum hosted by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) on Tuesday.

Atty. Ryan Romero Perez, Legal Compliance Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments (DTI-BOI), noted the key amendments to Republic Act 11595 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), RA 11647 or the Foreign Investments Act (FIA) and RA 11759 or the Public Service Act. Under the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA) or RA 11595, Perez emphasized that “there are no longer BOI pre-qualification requirements and the amendment significantly lowered the minimum paid-up capital.”

According to Perez, several categorizations previously were confusing. “There was a Category A, B, C, and D, with different capital requirements from $250,000 to $7.5 million dollars. Now, it’s only a standard single P25 million. So there’s no more categorization.”

The second key amendment, he said, is the minimum investment per store.

See “Airbus,” A2

See “Farmers,” A2

PESO exchange rates

See “Investor,” A2

n US 52.4280 n japan 0.4091 n UK 66.8195 n HK 6.6810 n CHINA 7.9902 n singapore 38.1600 n australia 37.6538 n EU 56.1818 n SAUDI arabia 13.9778

Source: BSP (26 April 2022)

BusinessMirror Electric vehicle roadmap crafted soon as measure lapses into law

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

A2

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

E

LECTRIC vehicles are now expected to become more accessible to the public after Republic Act (RA) No. 11697 finally lapsed into law earlier this month.

Under the new law, an interagency technical working group (TWG) will be established to develop the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI).

The TWG will include members of the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Economic

Airbus. . .

Continued from A1

which will open today at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Airbus, which offers five different types of helicopter products, is the only helicopter manufacturer that has a facility in the country, which assures its customers of prompt support and services.

Sharing on the company’s strong presence in the country’s civil and parapublic market, Simpson said 60 percent of Airbus’ helicopter orders in the Philippines were delivered in the last five years.

Included in the delivered helicopters are

and Development Authority (NEDA).

The CREVI will contain the consolidated government policies to develop, promote, and manufacture Electric Vehicles (EV) and charging stations as well as the supporting research and training of the personnel to operate it.

It will be integrated in the Philippine Energy Plan and the National Transport Policy.

transportations.

It will also require private firms and governments to have at least 5 percent of their vehicle fleets to be EVs “within the time frame indicated in the CREVI.”

Fiscal incentives

DOE was tasked by the new law with promoting the adoption of EVs and the development of charging stations, which it will accredit.

For its part, DOTr will be responsible for the demand generation for EVs as well as its regulation.

Among its mandates is to include EVs in its Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan and the inclusion of so-called “green routes” for public

Meanwhile, DTI will set the policies for the manufacturing of EV, particularly the regulation of its components.

This includes coming out with an EV incentive strategy to the Fiscal Incentive Review Board for the local manufacturing and assembly of such vehicles.

Any violation of the provision of RA 11697 will be punishable with a fine ranging from P50,000 to a maximum of P500,000 and suspension or revocation of permits.

DOE, DOTr, DTI and other concerned government agencies are re-

two H145 for Philippine Coast Guard and a fleet of H125 that the Philippine National Police has been using in its aerial law enforcement since 2019.

Airbus expects to maintain its market share with a strong local team and excellent products. Airbus has 43 employees in the country, 42 of them Filipinos.

Simpson underscored the company’s success in the private and business aviation, and commercial charter segment where Airbus is leading the market with a strong product range spanning single and twinengine helicopters.

The company also scored its first ACH160 order in Southeast Asia when a new private customer purchased an exclusive

edition of the premium corporate helicopter for private and business flights within the Philippines.

“Our customers’ operations are well supported by a strong in-country team, providing operators full sales, MRO and technical support in close proximity to customers,” Simpson said.

“Moving forward, we see the Philippines’ military and parapublic market stepping up over the next five to 10 years, where future demand will be driven by fleet modernization, renewals, military training, search and rescue, HEMS, internal security and maritime security. This is where Airbus aircraft are already actively supporting the agencies for its operations,” Simpson added.

Regulation and demand

quired to come out with implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for RA 11697, 120 days after it lapsed into law on April 15, 2022.

The new legislation will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

DA. . .

Continued from A1

In a statement, the Albay congressman said he is also drafting a proposed measure and wants DA’s inputs on the matter.

“I have already taken the initiative and we are filing that measure. But I also want DA to see what works best given their hierarchy and needs,” Salceda said.

Salceda made the request amid reports of P300 billion in palm oil products technically smuggled in Philippine markets.

Technical smuggling in palm oil products, he said, is allegedly conducted by declaring imports are crude palm oil fit for animal consumption, which is not subject to Value-Added Tax. Adriano had earlier noted the huge discrepancy in the volume of palm oil imports certified by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) against those allowed to enter by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Salceda said the ATIIS will be empowered to conduct investigations, apprehend offenders, and seize technically smuggled agricultural products, as well as work with customs enforcement. The Unit will also be allowed to file charges against offenders of Republic Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.

“The problem with RA 10845 is that, although it classifies large-scale agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage, the teeth and the strong arm to enforce the law are not specified. The Bureau of Customs is made the lead implementing agency, but even its prosecutorial or enforcement powers are not elaborated enough,” Salceda added.

“I also want the DA unit to work with a strengthened Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service. That will help close the loopholes technical smugglers exploit,” Salceda stated.

Salceda said giving the DA a unit with police powers to enforce anti-smuggling laws will also ensure that “we still have anti-smuggling measures even after the goods pass through our ports.”

“It adds another layer of protection from smuggled goods, for our domestic agriculture sector,” Salceda said.

“The unit will also help address the concerns of the DA that the Department of Justice may not have the bandwidth to expeditiously pursue cases filed on agricultural smuggling,” Salceda added.

Adriano earlier told media that they are appealing to the DOJ to expedite the processing of cases related to agricultural smuggling.

“Similar to how the Commission of Internal Revenue can pursue cases on tax evaders, the Secretary of Agriculture should be able to pursue cases against agricultural smugglers,” Salceda said.

“Agricultural smuggling is a serious, existential threat to local agriculture and food security. We cannot allow some gap in the law to prevent us from fighting the problem,” he said.

After being tagged as the “mother of all smuggling,” the DA has appealed to Congress to give the agency a police power to apprehend smugglers of agricultural products.

Meanwhile, Adriano said he would pursue the investigation within the DA to check for individuals involved in agricultural smuggling.

He said Dar had formed a committee to conduct an investigation.

Adriano also disclosed that the DA has been investigating since last year the alleged smuggling of palm oil declared as animal feed but then processed as cooking oil for human consumption.

Farmers. . .

Continued from A1

“Yes, after consultation with my members we will definitely make an appeal to the President,” ProPork President Nonon Tambago told the B usinessMirror.

“Yes, we will certainly do [appeal to the President] that as our last option,” PhilMaize President Roger V. Navarro told the BusinessMirror.

Loss to everyone

Both Navarro and Tambago claimed that the lowering of tariffs would not translate into economic benefits to the country, particularly for Filipino consumers.

“The current administration policy of reduced tariff of imported pork did not address its main purpose of lowering the pork retail prices for general consumers’ benefits for almost a year now,” Tambago pointed out.

ProPork earlier argued in its position paper to the Tariff Commission that the lower pork tariffs resulted in P6 billion in foregone revenues for the government.

Tambago said the government’s tariff revenue losses would continue should the lower tariffs on imported pork be extended.

“Big loss for potential government tax revenue, big loss for farmers, big loss for consumers,” he said.

Corn opposition

Navarro maintained PhilMaize’s opposition to lowering corn tariffs, arguing that domestic corn prices remain cheaper at P19 per kilogram to P20 per kilogram compared to imported corn at P24 per kilogram to P26 per kilogram.

“This policy of tariff reduction will not give a good signal to our farmers; it instead solidifies their thinking that their government is not for their welfare to inspire them to live in the countryside,” he said.

“This further can be viewed as destroying them, extinguishing our farming sector, their livelihoods and their basic fundamental rights to live in dignity,” he added.

Navarro deems it a huge mistake for the government to entrust the country’s food supply and security to private businesses, particularly unscrupulous importers and traders who will benefit from the import tariff reductions.

Next admin

Tambago proposed that the government abandon any plans regarding the tariffs of the concerned imported commodities. “Let’s leave it to the next administration to solve the

Investor. . .

Continued from A1

“So previously, as you can see it’s $250,000 to $830,000. But now it’s only a standard $200,000 or P10.5 million,” he added.

Perez noted that the parent corporation net worth was abolished and is no longer a requirement.

Meanwhile, in relation to stocks, Perez said, “Also with the public offering of stocks in the PSE or Initial Public Offering, previously it’s 30 percent equity or IPO.” The BOI pre-qualification is no longer required as well, he said: “you can directly go to the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporate, register.”

However, Perez said that the new law retained its promotion of Philippine-made products.

“But the very good thing is it’s more liberalized in the sense that investors are only encouraged to have a stock inventory,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Foreign Investments Act (FIA) or RA 11647, is currently being drafted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Finance (DOF).

According to Perez, based on the timeline, the IRR will be promulgated by May 2022.

The FIA aims to attract more foreign investments through the creation of the Foreign Investment Promotion and Marketing Plan (FIPMP) and the easing of requirements for foreign investors to operate in the country.

An important amendment, according to Perez, is the creation of the 13-member Interagency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee (IIPCC), with four representatives coming from various industry or business chambers.

Perez said the committee’s main function is to promote or facilitate efforts to encourage foreign investments, with the DTI as lead agency and BOI as the secretariat.

The panel is tasked to establish and develop a Foreign Investment Promotion and Marketing Plan (FIPMP), an online database “of local enterprises who are willing to partner with foreign investors,” Perez said.

problem. Perhaps, it would be better for both local producers/farmers and consumers.”

Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Research Fermin D. Adriano said the CTRM’s decision to approve the recommendation was a “bold” move by the Duterte cabinet to prevent supply shortage and skyrocketing prices.

“It is not a popular decision but it is necessary to save a lot of people. That’s basically the feeling of the Cabinet secretaries,” Adriano, who was present during the CTRM deliberations, told the BusinessMirror.

“If they were just thinking of themselves, they could have just left it to the next administration. They can just let the next administration do it, but no, they took a bold step,” Adriano added.

Countries, Adriano explained, are facing the possibility of supply shortages due to global food security issues caused by the Ukraine-Russia war.

The government must stockpile food products and open up cheaper alternatives for production inputs to mitigate increases in domestic food prices, he said.

For example, he noted the Philippines imports about 3 million to 4 million metric tons of feed wheat, which have become virtually unattainable to import this year due to the Ukraine-Russia war, as the two countries account for 30 percent of total supply.

“We do not have any access to that wheat volume. And if we are going to buy more corn and the tariffs are as high as 50 percent, I don’t think our feed millers [can absorb the prices],” he said.

“If we cannot have enough supply, the prices of the final products like chicken and pork will just keep increasing since input costs are high. There’s really a need to be able to stockpile as much as we can,” he added.

Former University of the Philippines School of Economics Dean Ramon L. Clarete noted that the CTRM perhaps considered the imbalances in corn supply due to the Ukraine-Russia war in approving the lowering of tariffs on corn.

“This helps keep food price inflation from spiraling. The government must have considered the imbalances on corn supply due to the war in Ukraine,” Clarete told the B usiness M irror .

Clarete said lowering the tariffs on corn and extending the reduced tariffs on pork and rice will not have “significant effects” on the government’s tax revenues.

“Agricultural tariffs have not been serving that role. They’re more to protect producers as in corn. The other rates on pork and rice are just to keep them where they are,” he said.

He cited another salient provision under the FIA: foreign investors or enterprises who can do business or invest 100 percent of their capital in domestic enterprises.

“So first they have to register with the [Securities and Exchange Commission] SEC as a corporation or with the DTI if they’re sole proprietorship,” Perez said.

For foreign export enterprises, “there is a requirement on their export sales, which is at least 60 percent of their total production should be exported.”

The amended Public Service Act (PSA) or RA 11659 transfers regulatory powers from the Public Service Commission, which has been abolished, to several administrative agencies.

Another important amendment is “the removal of foreign equity restrictions on most public services except on two instances for public utilities as defined by the law and critical infrastructures,” Perez said.

“So all other public services not defined as public utility are now subject to over 40-percent equity ownership,” he explained.

Perez explained the definition and enumeration of public utilities: “So it refers to all concessionaires, joint ventures, entities providing public service that operates, manages, controls for public use.”

The six public utilities are: distribution of electricity, transmission of electricity, petroleum and petroleum products, pipeline transmission systems, water pipeline distribution systems and sewerage pipeline systems, seaports and public utility vehicles.

Under the reciprocity clause on critical infrastructure, Perez said: “Foreign nationals are allowed to own more than 50 percent of capital of entities which are engaged in capital infrastructure, provided the country of such financial affords reciprocity rights to Filipinos abroad.”

But “if there’s no reciprocity, foreign nationals are allowed only up to 50-percent equity share.”

He said the list of public utilities can be expanded by inclusion of other public utilities only upon recommendation of NEDA to the President and upon recommendation of the President to the Congress.

The GPCCI belongs to the international network of German chambers of Commerce Abroad, or AHKs, represented by 140 offices in 92 countries. GPCCI is the official representation of German businesses in the Philippines, which is a bilateral membership organization with around 300 members, as well as a service provider to companies in their market entry and expansion.

Andrea E. San Juan

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The Nation BusinessMirror

‘Easing of curbs brings tourists back to PHL’

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

M

ORE tourism workers have returned to work with the easing of travel restrictions in the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported on Tuesday.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette T. Romulo Puyat noted several tourism stakeholders have informed her department that they have started rehiring their displaced workers since the country reopened its doors to foreign tourists last February 10.

Since the easing of travel restrictions, she said they registered 313,050 international arrivals.

Most of the travelers were from the United States, Canada and South Korea.

Puyat said the rise in tourism arrivals allowed more establishments to resume their operations during the first quarter of the year after closing down with the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.

About a fifth or 1.1 million of the 5.7 million tourism workers were initially affected by the pandemic, according to Puyat.

“Since we’ve reopened and eased travel restrictions all over the country, many [tourism

establishments], which were closed down during the onset of the pandemic have resumed their operations,” the tourism chief said in a television interview on Tuesday.

Puyat said they are still waiting for the July data from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to determine the exact number of workers who benefited with revival of the country’s tourism industry.

However, based from the latest displacement report of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the number of permanently displaced workers registered by the accommodation and food service activities has significantly dropped last March.

During the said period, DOLE was only able to record 631 additional jobless workers from 53 establishments in the said industry.

This was significantly lower compared to the permanently displaced workers last February (5,139) and January (5,782).

Puyat said they would be able to sustain the tourism gains with the continued implementation of minimum health standards nationwide to stop the spread of Covid-19 infections.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, April 27, 2022 A3

SC reaffirms constitutionality of anti-terror law with finality

B

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

AGUIO CITY—The Supreme Court affirmed with finality on Tuesday its decision issued last December 7, 2021, which declared almost all the provisions of Republic Act 1479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) “not unconstitutional.”

This was disclosed by the SC-Public Information Office (PIO) following the Court’s en banc session here where the magistrates denied the motions for reconsideration filed by various groups opposing the implementation of the ATA. “The Supreme Court, during its en banc deliberations today, April 26, 2022, denied with finality the motions for reconsideration of its December 7, 2021 decision on the petitions challenging Republic Act No. 11479 [RA 11479], or The AntiTerrorism Act of 2020,” the Court announced. It added that the motions were denied, “due to lack of substantial issues and arguments raised by the petitioners.”

The members of the Court maintained their votes in their decision, which was penned by then Associate Justice and now Philippine Judicial Academy Chancellor Rosmari D. Carandang. Newly appointed Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho Jr. sided with the majority.

The Court immediately ordered an entry of judgment on the case.

It can be recalled that the Court voted 12-3 to strike down specific portions of two of the ATA’s provisions for being unconstitutional.

These include the qualifier to the proviso in Section 4 of RA 11479, which defines terrorism.

The said provision states that terrorism “shall not include advocacy,

protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action and other similar exercises of civil and political rights which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person’s life, or to create a serious risk to public safety.”

The Court ruled that the qualifier “which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person’s life, or to create a serious risk to public safety” was “overbroad and violative of freedom of expression.”

Also declared as unconstitutional was the second method for designation in Section 25 (Designation of Terrorist Individual, Groups of Persons, Organizations or Associations) Paragraph 2 of RA 11479.

Paragraph 2 states: “Request for designations by other jurisdictions or supranational jurisdictions may be adopted by the ATC [AntiTerrorism Council] after determination that the proposed designee meets the criteria for designation of UNSCR [United Nations Security Council Resolution] 1373.”

The magistrates voted 9-6 to nullify the said portion for being unconstitutional. It can also be recalled that the petitions also assailed the constitutionality of ATA’s Sections 5 (threat to commit terrorism); Sec-

tion 6 (planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism); Section 9 (inciting to commit terrorism); Section 10 (recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization); Section 11 (foreign terrorist); Section 12 (providing material support to terrorists); Section 26 (proscription of terrorist organizations, associations or group of persons); Section 27 (preliminary order of proscription); and Section 29 (detention without judicial warrant of arrest).

A total of 37 consolidated petitions were filed before the Court seeking to declare the entire ATA or some of its vital provisions unconstitutional.

The ATA was enacted on July 3, 2020 and implemented 15 days later starting July 18, 2020.

In their motion for reconsideration, oppositors of ATA insisted that the entire law should be scrapped for being unconstitutional.

Out of the 37 groups of petitioners who originally questioned the constitutionality of ATA before the SC, 25 groups filed their joint motion for partial reconsideration of its December 7, 2021 ruling.

The SC-PIO said the copy of the resolution will be uploaded to its web site once available.

A4 Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

FDI inflow starts after new PSA approval–lawmaker

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

T

HE passage of the New Public Service Act (PSA) has paved the way for the eventual revival and operation of the Panay line under the Panay Railways Inc. (PRI), the chairperson of the House Committee on Economic Affairs said on Tuesday.

AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin, one of the New PSA’s principal authors, said many railways construction projects are currently under way that will benefit from new investments, such as the PRI, which has ceased to operate since 1985.

“Modern railroads in Panay Island are soon to be a reality, thanks

to New PSA. The initial P299 billion estimated worth of new FDI [foreign direct investment] is sure to include funds for the modernization and expansion of the country’s railway system. Hopefully, this will spur investments not only for urban railways but also for provincial ones,” said Garin.

“I am excited that the rehabilitation of railways will extend to my home province. There have been many interested foreign investors for the rehabilitation and construction of better railways in Panay since a memorandum of understanding was signed between interested foreign companies and the PRI since 2018. This includes a two-phase project that would connect Iloilo City to Barangay

Caticlan in Malay, Aklan,” said Garin.

She said the revival of this mode of transport would surely create jobs and more opportunities in the area.

According to Garin, RA 11659, or the New Public Service Act, will definitely improve the country’s public services by allowing more investors to participate in previously “closed” industries.

“I am excited to see how the railway industry will be positively affected by foreign direct investments,” she added.

“I am sure that very soon, we will have a modernized rail system running in our home province,” Garin said.

She also noted that underspend-

ing and lack of capital for maintenance and expansion have always been a problem with our country’s railway system.

“A good transport system can bring about better movement of goods and people. Rapid transit is not only a dream but is soon to be a reality. From subways to commuter rails up to provincial stations, I am confident that this chain of improvement will ultimately lead to better services for our people,” Garin said.

The lawmaker from Iloilo said PRI still owns properties but is currently not operating any trains.

Actual train operations began 1907, traversing Iloilo City to Roxas City.

In July of 1985, it ceased operations due to mounting losses.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Alternative animal feeds sources will cut pork prices; BBM pushes research

F

INDING alternative raw materials for animal feeds will play a big role in lowering the prices of pork, which have been spiking, said presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who vowed to fund further research on these if he wins the May 9 national elections.

Marcos noted that the country’s reliance on foreign-sourced raw materials in animal feeds contributes greatly to the high production costs in local swine farming.

“Our dependence on imported ingredients for our local animal feed production is one of the reasons the price of pork products remains high in the country. Reducing or eliminating this would ultimately lead to reduced farm gate prices,” Marcos explained.

He cited 2021 data showing that feeds represent the most expensive input in swine farming, and the Philippines has higher feed costs than Vietnam and China.

Feeds account for 54.64 percent of the cost for backyard raisers and

64.53 percent for commercial raisers.

“There is an ongoing research for the use of copra meal and cassava as an alternative feed ingredient and we will support that initiative. Alongside this, we will look into improving the yield of cassava to make it readily available as raw material,” Marcos said.

According to 2020 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), local swine production is a P249.66billion industry primarily composed of backyard raisers.

Supply issues also hound local swine production, which saw a 6.9-percent dip with the onslaught of African swine fever (ASF) in 2020.

“There is also an urgent need for us to revive our local corn production because the high tariff imposed on imported corn drives the price of feeds further,” Marcos added.

When it comes to the protein component of feeds, Marcos said, imported soybeans are still the major source despite local sorghum, Azolla, or copra meal showing promise as a substitute.

A6

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

TheWorld BusinessMirror

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

Russian diplomat warns of risk of WWIII; cautions against threat of nuclear conflict

By David Keyton

K

The Associated Press

YIV, Ukraine—Russia unleashed a string of attacks Monday against rail and fuel installations deep inside Ukraine, far from the front lines of Moscow’s new eastern offensive, as Russia’s top diplomat warned against provoking World War III and said the threat of a nuclear conflict “should not be underestimated.”

The US, meanwhile, moved to rush more weaponry to Ukraine and said the assistance from the Western allies is making a difference in the 2-month-old war.

“Russia is failing. Ukraine is succeeding,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared, a day after he and the US secretary of defense made a bold visit to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Blinken said Washington approved a $165 million sale of ammunition—non-US ammo, mainly if not entirely for Ukraine’s Sovietera weapons—and will also provide more than $300 million in financing to buy more supplies.

US Defense Secretar y Lloyd

Austin took his comments further, saying that while the US wants to see Ukraine remain a sovereign, democratic country, it also wants “to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine.”

Austin’s comments about weakening Russia appeared to represent a shift in broader US strategic goals.

Previously, the US position had been that the goal of American military aid was to help Ukraine win and to defend Ukraine’s NATO neighbors against Russian threats.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said weapons supplied by Western countries “will be a legitimate target,” adding that Russian

A Ukrainian serviceman walks amid the rubble of a building heavily damaged by multiple Russian bombardments near a frontline in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Monday, April 25, 2022.

AP/Felipe Dana

forces had already targeted weapons warehouses in western Ukraine.

“Everyone is reciting incantations that in no case can we allow World War III,” Lavrov said in a wideranging interview on Russian television. He accused Ukrainian leaders of provoking Russia by asking NATO to become involved in the conflict.

By providing weapons, NATO forces are “pouring oil on the fire,” he said, according to a transcript on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s web site.

Regarding the possibility of a nuclear confrontation, Lavrov said: “I would not want to see these risks artificially inflated now, when the risks are rather significant.” “ T he d a nger is ser ious,” he sa id. “ It is rea l. It shou ld not be u nderest i m ated.”

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, its apparent goal was the lightning capture of Kyiv, the capital. But the Ukrainians, with the help of Western weapons, thwarted the push and forced President Vladimir Putin’s troops to retreat.

Moscow now says its goal is to take the Donbas, the mostly Russian-speaking industrial region in eastern Ukraine. While both sides say the campaign in the east is underway, Russia has yet to mount an all-out ground offensive and has not achieved any major breakthroughs.

On Monday, Russia focused its firepower elsewhere, with missiles and warplanes striking far behind the front lines in an effort to thwart Ukrainian efforts to marshal supplies for the fight.

Five railroad stations in central and western Ukraine were hit, and one worker was killed, said Oleksandr Kamyshin, head of Ukraine’s state railway. The bombardment included a missile attack near Lviv, the western city close to the Polish border that has been swelled

by Ukrainians fleeing the fighting elsewhere around the country.

Ukrainian authorities said at least five people were killed by Russian strikes in the central Vynnytsia region.

Russia also destroyed an oil refinery in Kremenchuk, in central Ukraine, along with fuel depots there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. In all, Russian warplanes destroyed 56 Ukrainian targets overnight, he said.

Philip Breedlove, a retired US general who was NATO’s top commander from 2013 to 2016, said the latest strikes against fuel depots are part of a strategy to deplete key Ukrainian war resources.

The strikes against rail targets, on the other hand, are a newer tactic, he said.

“I think they’re doing it for the legitimate reason of trying to interdict the flow of supplies to the front,” he said. “The illegitimate reason is they know people are trying to leave the country, and this is just another intimidation, terrorist tactic to make them not have faith and confidence in traveling on the rails.”

Phillips P. O’Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, said the war is, for now, settling into a campaign of incremental battlefield losses and gains.

“The two sides are sort of every day weakening each other,” he said.

“So it’s a question of what can you bring in that’s new” and “what can you destroy on the other side.”

In Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova that sits along the Ukrainian border, several explosions believed caused by rocketpropelled grenades hit the territory’s Ministry of State Security.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility or reports of injuries.

Transnistria is a strip of land with about 470,000 people and about 1,500 Russian troops based there.

Moldova’s Foreign Ministry said “the aim of today’s incident is to create pretexts for straining the security situation in the Transnistrian region.” The US warned previously that Russia may launch “false-flag” attacks against its own side to create a pretext for invading other nations.

Last week, Rustam Minnekayev, a Russian military commander, said the Kremlin wants full control of southern Ukraine, which he said would open the way to Transnistria.

An estimated 2,000 Ukrainian troops holed up in a steel plant in the strategic southern port city of Mariupol are tying down Russian forces and apparently keeping them from being added to the offensive elsewhere in the Donbas. Over the weekend, Russian forces launched new airstrikes on the Azovstal plant to try to dislodge the holdouts.

Some 1,000 civilians were also said to be taking shelter at the steelworks, and the Russian military pledged to open a humanitarian corridor Monday for them to leave.

The Russian offer was met with skepticism by Ukraine. Deputy

Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on the Telegram messaging app that Ukraine does not consider the route safe and added that Russia had breached agreements on similar evacuation routes before. She called on the United Nations to oversee an evacuation.

The city council and mayor of Mariupol said a new mass grave has been identified about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city.

Mayor Vadym Boychenko said authorities were trying to estimate the number of victims. It was at least the third new mass grave discovered in Russian-controlled areas near Mariupol in the last week.

Mariupol has been gutted by bombardment and fierce street fighting over the past two months.

In addition to freeing up Russian troops, the capture of the city would deprive Ukraine of a vital port and allow Moscow to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said his country’s goal is to maintain resistance and “make the occupiers’ stay in our land even more intolerable,” while Russia drains its resources.

A top Ukrainian official cast doubt on the prospect of further talks between the two countries. Recent sessions in Istanbul ended without resolution earlier this month.

U k ra inian Foreig n Minister Dmytro Kuleba told The Associated Press in an interview that any negotiations other than talks between Zelenskyy and Putin would bring little resolution.

Britain said it believes 15,000 Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine since Moscow began its invasion. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said 25 percent of the Russian combat units sent to Ukraine “have been rendered not combat effective.”

Ukrainian officials have said about 2,500 to 3,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed as of midApril.

The Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau and Jon Gambrell in Lviv, Ukraine, and AP staff around the world contributed.

Russian forces shelling civilians in Donetsk, Luhansk: Governor

K

YIV, Ukraine—Four people died and nine more were wounded on Monday in the Russian shelling of the Donetsk region, the region’s governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said Tuesday.

Two of the victims were children: a 9-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, Kyrylenko said in the messaging app Telegram.

Governor of the Luhansk region, Serhiy Haidai, said the Russians have shelled civilians 17 times over the past 24 hours, with the cities of Popasna, Lysychansk and Girske suffering the most.

“Popasna withstood four powerful a r t i l l e r y a t t a c k s , a n d Ly s y c h a n s k withstood two. There is damage to two houses in Lysychansk, two in Popasna, at least one in Girske. We are checking the information about the victims,” Haidai said Tuesday on Telegram.

Rocket strikes were also reported in the Zaporizhzhia region Tuesday morning by local officials.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s foreign minister on Monday urged the UN chief to press Russia for an evacuation of the besieged port of Mariupol, calling it something the world body is capable of achieving.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told

The Associated Press in an interview he was concerned that by visiting Moscow on Tuesday before traveling to Kyiv, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could be vulnerable to falling into a Kremlin “trap” in the war.

Kuleba said Guterres “should focus primarily on one issue: evacuation of Mariupol.

An estimated 100,000 people are trapped in the seaside city while a contingent of Ukrainian fighters hold out against Russian forces in a steel mill where hundreds of civilians also are taking shelter.

Officials in the embattled Ukrainian city of Mariupol say a new mass grave has been identified north of the city.

Mayor Vadym Boychenko said authorities are trying to estimate the number of victims in the grave about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) north of Mariupol.

Satellite photos released over the past several days have shown what appear to be images of other mass graves.

Mariupol has been decimated by fierce fighting over the past two months. The capture of the city would deprive Ukraine of a vital port and allow Moscow to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014. AP

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TheWorld BusinessMirror

Sri Lanka discusses another loan from China to cover earlier debts

C

OLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Sri Lanka’s government said Tuesday it is discussing obtaining another loan from Beijing to repay some of its debt to Chinese banks after China told the nearly bankrupt island nation it was not in favor of restructuring the existing loans.

Sri Lanka has nearly $7 billion in foreign debt due for repayment this year and will need to repay $25 billion over the next five years. A severe shortage of foreign exchange means the country lacks money to buy imported goods, leading to shortages of food, fuel and other essentials.

The economic crisis has brought weeks of protests across the country calling for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation.

Government spokesman Nalaka Godahewa said Beijing was balking at restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt because it does not want

to set that precedent. He told reporters the finance ministry will announce details of discussions with China later.

Earlier this month, the government said it was suspending repayment of foreign loans pending negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a loan-restructuring plan.

Sri Lanka’s debt problems are partly because it built infrastructure like a port, airport and road networks using Chinese loans, but the projects are not making money.

Rajapaksa had asked Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited Sri Lanka in January, to restructure those loans.

Central Bank figures show existing Chinese loans to Sri Lanka total around $3.38 billion, not including loans to state-owned businesses, which are accounted for separately and thought to be substantial. AP

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

A7

Beijing enforces mass Covid testing, closes neighborhoods B

EI J ING — C h ina’s capit a l Beijing is enforcing mass testing and closing down access to neighborhoods as it seeks to contain a new Covid-19 outbreak.

Announcement of the testing had sparked panic buying in the city of 21 million on Monday, but the situation appeared to calm on Tuesday with public transport largely keeping to normal schedules and roads packed with commuters.

Fears of total lockdown have been fed by disruptions in the supply of food, medicine and daily necessities in the southern business hub of Shanghai, where 25 million residents have only gradually been allowed to leave their homes after three weeks of confinement.

However, 86-year-old Beijing resident Chen Shengzhen said the capital had been given more time to prepare than its southern cousin.

Shanghai’s lockdown “came all of a sudden, so the policies and other aspects were not able to be in place,” leading to short-term hardships in the city, Chen told AP Television News.

“My daughter works in a government department and they have prepared very well, such as beds, quilts, and articles for women’s use. Even if we need to go into lockdown, we will be fine,” said Chen.

Shanghai, which has been locked down for more than two weeks, reported more than 19,000 new infections and 51 deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

Zhang Yifan, who works in aviation industry, said he refused to stockpile food because he didn’t want to worsen supply shortages.

Zhang said he backed the government’s strict testing, quarantine and masking measures because they

“managed to keep the outbreaks to a controllable degree.”

“Mass testing is a very effective measure and I will cooperate with the government,” Zhang said.

Beiji ng hea lt h of f ic i a l s sa id 33 posit ive c a ses were ident if ied on Mond ay, i nc lud i ng one a s y mptom at ic c a se.

The city has ordered mass testing across sprawling Chaoyang district, where 46 of the cases have been found. The 3.5 million residents of Chaoyang, as well as people who work in the district, need to be tested on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The cities of Anyang in central China, Dandong on the border with North Korea and Baotou in Inner Mongolia have also started lockdowns, as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads.

Shanghai residents have turned

to group-buying food and other supplies, relying mainly on outlets offering services online. Goods have backed up at Shanghai’s port, affecting factory production, global supply chains and China’s own economic growth.

Beijing locked down residents in an area about 2 by 3 kilometers (1 by 2 miles), telling them to work from home and stay in their residential compounds. It wasn’t a total lockdown but stadiums, sports fields, cinemas, karaoke bars and other entertainment venues were ordered closed.

Elsewhere, the city also shut down some or all buildings in five residential compounds, adding to others that have been locked down for two days. Beijing has recorded 80 cases in the most recent wave, while Shanghai has seen more than 300,000 cases and 190 deaths this month. AP

A8

BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Republic of the Philippines

www.businessmirror.com.ph

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

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. IV-A 4th Flr. Andenson Bldg. II, Brgy. Parian, Calamba City Telefax No.: (049) 545-7362

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

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

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

15.

QIAO CAO Chinese

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

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

16.

JUNGANG JIANG Chinese

CHINESE IN-HOUSE COMPANY CHEF Prepare special Chinese dishes and foods exclusively for Philsync employees

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

BAO LIU Chinese

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

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

SHUANG CHEN Chinese

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

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

LIMING WEI Chinese

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

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

14.

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

Name and Address of Employer: AICHI FORGE PHILIPPINES, INC. Brgy. Pulong, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National 1.

YUICHI NISHIZAWA Japanese

Position and Job Description EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & PLANT MANAGER Supervise and direct production planning and output

Monthly Salary Range Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: ARTNATURE MANUFACTURING PHILIPPINES INC. FPIP-SEZ, Sta. Anastacia, Sto. Tomas, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National 2.

GEN SHIRAI Japanese

Position and Job Description DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION DIVISION ADVISER Provide and advise over-all planning and control in production division

17.

Monthly Salary Range Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: BRICKHARTZ TECHNOLOGY, INC. Lot 4044, Molino Blvd., Niog III, Bacoor, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National 3.

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER RELATIONS OFFICER Handle the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

TRAN MINH TRUONG Vietnamese

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: DENSO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 109 Unity Ave., CIP I, Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna

5.

GENERAL MANAGER - BUSINESS PLANNING DEPARTMENT Manage associates. Monitor the company

NAOKI FUJITA Japanese

GENERAL MANAGER - OE SALES DEPARTMENT Manage associates. Monitor and maintain sales operation

TAKUYA NAKAMURA Japanese

6.

LOH KOAH YEH Singaporean

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

7.

TAKUYA HAYASHIDA Japanese

Position and Job Description

8.

HIROHITO FURUE Japanese

9.

INGEUN KIM Korean

21.

10.

11.

GENERAL MANAGER Oversee all administrative work, production and sales

22.

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Position and Job Description

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Oversee all aspects of the finance and accounting functions

23.

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

Position and Job Description MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR Develop and execute the company’s business strategies in order to obtain the goals of the board and shareholders.

Monthly Salary Range

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Position and Job Description FACTORY GENERAL MANAGER Oversee all manufacturing activities of the company

HIDEYUKI TASAKI Japanese

Monthly Salary Range Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

KOHTA ARASHIDA Japanese

Position and Job Description PRODUCTION CONTROL & PROCUREMENT DIVISION SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER An authority on matters related to the procurement control and procurement division

Monthly Salary Range

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: SEMITEC ELECTRONICS PHILIPPINES, INC. CEZ, Rosario, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description PRESIDENT/CEO Create, communicate and implement the organization’s vision, mission and overall direction.

Monthly Salary Range

Php90,000.00 – Php149,999.00

24.

Position and Job Description PROD. ADVISER Manage production department

YUTAKA MATSUNO Japanese

Monthly Salary Range Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

25.

TATSUYA TANAKA Japanese

Monthly Salary Range

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

CHI HANG WONG Chinese

MERCHANDISER TRAINER Prepare and manage pre-production meeting with the factory and train the merchandisers in the development of market strategy to meet the customer needs efficiently and effectively

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

Position and Job Description

CHINESE CALL CENTER AGENT Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

PRODUCTION MANAGER Over-all production control

Monthly Salary Range Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Position and Job Description HGA ENGINEERING SR. TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST Supervise and lead engineers and technicians who design machinery, plan and develop projects

Monthly Salary Range

Php150,000.00 – Php499,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: RUIXINTONG INC. C2-C4 La Vivienda Condominium, Niog II, Bacoor, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

Position and Job Description

Name and Address of Employer: WESTERN DIGITAL STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PHILIPPINES) CORP. SEPZ-LTI, Brgy. Biñan, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

GRAPHIC DESIGN TRAINER Manage product design projects and provide liaison support to production to assure smooth execution of concepts and appropriate preparation for development and production

TONG NI Chinese

HYEONGGOO KANG Korean

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Monthly Salary Range

26.

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

XIAOLEI CAI Chinese

OSP SUPERVISOR Supervise OSP projects

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

27.

BAOGANG LI Chinese

OSP SUPERVISOR Supervise OSP projects

Php30,000.00 – Php59,999.00

28.

DUYANG ZHENG Chinese

OSP SUPERVISOR Supervise OSP projects

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.

Name and Address of Employer: MOA CLOUDZONE CORPORATION Covelandia Rd., Brgy. Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

13.

Php60,000.00 – Php89,999.00

Name and Address of Employer: EPSON PRECISION (PHILIPPINES), INC. Lima Technology Center-SEZ, Lipa City, Batangas

GRAZYNA ZOFIA STOKOWSKA Polish

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

SALES DIRECTOR Procure sales orders for manufacturing operations based on established sales revenue targets

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Address of Employer: L.M.S. SPORTSWEAR INC. Brgy. Langkaan, Dasmariñas, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

WEI-LIN TING Taiwanese

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Address of Employer: KANGRIM PHILIPPINES CQM Compound, B10 P1, Main Avenue, PEZA, Rosario, Cavite Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Monthly Salary Range

Name and Address of Employer: TKD PHIL. MEGA VENTURE INC. Lot 8, Blk 4, Costa Verde Subdivision, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

Monthly Salary Range

Name and Address of Employer: HIMEJI ELECTRIC PLATING PHILIPPINES, INC. Laguna Technopark-SEZ, Biñan City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Position and Job Description

Name and Address of Employer: TOSOH POLYVIN CORPORATION SEZ, Lima Technology Center, Lipa City, Batangas

Name and Address of Employer: FUNAI ELECTRIC PHILIPPINES INC. Lima Technology Center-SEZ, Lipa City, Batangas Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Monthly Salary Range

Name and Address of Employer: C-PAK PTE. LTD. - PHILIPPINE BRANCH CIP II, Brgy. Milagrosa, Calamba City, Laguna Name and Citizenship of Foreign National

Name and Address of Employer: RELIANCE PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE 7 Goldenmile Ave., GMBP, Maduya, Carmona, Cavite

20.

Name and Citizenship of Foreign Position and Job Description National

4.

18.

19.

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

HUAN ZHANG Chinese

April 27, 2022

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP)

Position and Job Description

Monthly Salary Range

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

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TheWorld BusinessMirror

UK budget deficit halves despite rising debt costs

U

nited Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak pledged to bring borrowing under control to “avoid saddling future generations with debt” after official figures showed debt servicing costs rocketed.

Government borrowing more than halved in the fiscal year through March as Covid-19 support programs were phased out and tax receipts recovered strongly, the Office for National Statistics said Tuesday.

The bill for servicing the government’s debt jumped 77 percent to 69.9 billion pounds ($89 billion) because of higher inflation and interest rates. In March alone, the interest bill was 2.9 billion pounds, 1 billion pounds higher than a year earlier.

“Public debt is at the highest levels since the 1960s, and rising inflation is pushing up our debt interest costs, which mean we must manage public finances sustainably to avoid saddling future generations with further debt,” Sunak said in a statement.

Public sector debt excluding public sector banks was 2.34 trillion at the end of March 2022, or around

96.2 percent of GDP. It’s now at levels not seen since the early 1960s.

The chancellor unveiled a 22 billion support package for households in March and is under pressure to deliver more help as the cost of living crisis escalates. Disposable incomes are forecast to shrink by the most since the 1950s this year as prices rise faster than wages.

A bigger package would drive borrowing higher. At the same time, economists warned that weakening growth also poses a threat to the public finances.

The ONS figures showed that the budget deficit for March came in just below expectations at 18.1 billion pounds, leaving the shortfall for 2021-22 as a whole at 151.8 billion pounds.

That was the equivalent of 6.4 percent of GDP, down from a high of 14.8 percent in 2020-21 when the coronavirus pandemic was raging. It was the third-highest financial year borrowing since records began in 1947, but less than half of the 317.6 billion pounds borrowed in the same period last year. Bloomberg News

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

A9

Japan unveils 6.2 trillion yen in measures to ease price pain J

apan announced a raft of measures to counter the blow from rising fuel and food costs for consumers and businesses ahead of national elections in the summer.

A combination of an additional budget, reserves, investment and loans will cover the 6.2 trillion yen ($48.5 billion) cost of the steps, according to the cabinet office.

Once private sector contributions

are included, the estimated scale of the measures widens to 13.2 trillion yen, it added.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government aims to secure the passage of an extra budget needed for funding the measures in the current parliament session, ahead of the upper house elections.

The relief measures come at a time when rising energy and commodity

prices are hitting companies and consumers, adding headwinds to the nation’s fragile economic recovery from the pandemic. The extra budget would come on top of a record regular budget this fiscal year, adding to the government’s pandemic-era spending spree.

The yen’s drop to a 20-year low against the dollar has piqued concerns over rising energy and food

imports, boosting calls for further relief measures.

Unlike other nations where central banks are joining forces with governments to cool inflation with higher borrowing costs, the Bank of Japan is leaving the matter largely to other parts of the government. The central bank is expected to stand pat on its monetary easing tools on Thursday. Bloomberg News

Myanmar court postpones verdict on first Suu Kyi corruption case

B

ANGKOK—A court in military-ruled Myanmar on Tuesday postponed by a day delivering a verdict on the first of almost a dozen corruption cases filed against the country’s former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The court in the capital Naypyitaw did not give any reason for delaying the expected verdict until Wednesday, said a legal official who spoke on condition of

anonymity because he is not authorized to release information. Suu Kyi’s trial has been closed to the public, and her lawyers barred from speaking to the press.

Suu Kyi, who was ousted by an army takeover in February last year, could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine if convicted.

She has denied the allegation that she had accepted gold and hundreds of thousands of dollars given her as a bribe by a top

political colleague.

Her supporters and independent legal experts have decried her prosecution as unjust and meant to keep the 76-yearold Suu Kyi from returning to an active role in politics. She has already been sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in other cases and faces 10 additional corruption charges.

Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy

party won a landslide victory in the 2020 general election, but lawmakers were not allowed to take their seats when the army seized power on February 1, 2021, arresting Suu Kyi and many senior colleagues in her party and government. The army claimed it acted because there had been massive electoral fraud, but independent election observers didn’t find any major irregularities. AP

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Wednesday, April 27, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4, Near Kay Buboy Bridge, San Dionisio, City Of Parañaque CHEN, SHAOBO Mandarin Translator

1.

Brief Job Description: Provides both simultaneous and consecutive interpretation support. Transcribes and translates foreign language files into good grammatical English. Scans intercepted data and determines as pertinent or nonpertinent to mission requirements. Provide language translation support services. Perform quality audit and translations.

SHI, JIANJUN Quality Construction Specialist 2.

Brief Job Description: Reviews, inspect and documents all construction projects during the construction periods of the current bond program.

Basic Qualification: Fluent understanding of mandarin language. Solid understanding of the culture of the source language country. Excellent writing skills.

14.

15.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Skilled in identifying local construction technologies and construction materials sources; can carry out and monitor testing and inspection of products and materials to ensure the finished products meets quality standards.

16.

17.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 ACCESS HEALTHCARE SERVICES MANILA, INC. 6f Unit B, One World Square, Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

SOLOMON, SORAB Assistant Vice President - Operations 3.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall direction and performance of the operations

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder preferably with MBA: excellent in English language both written and proficiency additional languages is a bonus 9-12 years of work experience out of which at least the last 3 years in a leadership position experience of managing large operations at a leadership level essential, BPO experience is preferred.

18.

19.

20.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 ACCIONA AGUA, S.A. PHILIPPINES BRANCH 15f Tower 2 Insular Life Corporate Center.,, Insular Life Dr., Fcc, Alabang, Putatan, City Of Muntinlupa

DEL MANZANO GAMERO, CARLOS Commissioning Manager

4.

Brief Job Description: Test and verify the required process performance for the Adelaide Desalination Plant • Control and operate the Adelaide Desalination Plant always ensuring the delivery of the requested water quality standards. • To undertake Site Installation, Commissioning, Handover and Start-up activities • Ensure compliance of equipment with given specifications • Provide reports and documents on the process commissioning progress

Basic Qualification: Around 10 years’ experience working in a comparable technical role • Degree or equivalent in an Mechanical or Chemical Engineering discipline • Experience in Water Treatment highly desirable or basic knowledge of water treatment techniques and instruments • Strong communication skills both verbal and written • Able to priorities and work autonomously on tasks Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

TUESTA SALAZAR, JOSEBA ANDONI Installation Manager

5.

Brief Job Description: • Attend sales and product review meetings; • Attend daily, weekly and annual meetings; • Coordinate the purchase of items to meet specific customer needs; • KPI Tracking; • Ability to achieve gross profit goals; • Gather competitive information; • Education and training duties as required; • Keep records as required; • Assist clients with special requests and problems (supply information, resolve complaints)

Basic Qualification: • Ability to interact effectively with customers and staff members; • Ability to manage time effectively; • College degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred; • Progressive management experience with demonstrated success; • Ability to hold self and direct reports accountable; • Extensive electrical product knowledge;

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

6.

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AUNG ZAW PHYO Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

CHAM PHOO AM Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

CHIT CHIT ZAW Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

HTAY HTAY LWIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KAY KHAING OO Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KHIN WIN AYE Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires KYAW LAY Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires NYI KO LWIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries

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

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

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

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

27.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WIN MIN THEIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YONE MYIN Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YU YU WAI Burmese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries SONG, YAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries BAI, YANG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

JIN, WEI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LU, FENGCHONG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries SU, JINMING Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WEN, HUA Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WEN, LAN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries YANG, JIAJIA Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHOU, HUA Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires ZHOU, PEI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires ZHOU, QIONG Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires ZHOU, YUQI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LEONG TEK XIANG Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LIONG SIN HUAT Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries WINNIE SIAO HUI ENG Malaysian Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries BUI QUOC VIET Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

CHUONG TUYET BINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

DAO THI SEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

DINH THI NHU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

No.

36.

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

37.

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

38.

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

39.

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

40.

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

41.

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

42.

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

43.

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

44.

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

45.

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

46.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HOANG THI TAN MUI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires HON SIU PINH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires LE THI MIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires MAC PHI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries MONG VAN THUAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGAN KIM HONG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries NGUYEN VAN SON Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PHAM THI NGAN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries PHAN THANH ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries TO THI AI QUYEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries TRAN DU CHUNG Vietnamese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read, and write Chinese language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Managing Incoming Calls and Customer Service Inquiries Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to Speak, Read and Write Chinese Language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak, 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

ANYMIND PHILIPPINES INC. 1008-1009 One Park Drive Building, 11th Drive Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

HORIKOSHI, YUKI YouTube Content Creator

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

47.

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

Brief Job Description: • Create consistent online content to grow social media following • Work with agency and development teams to create strong content for brand integrations • Work with entertainment industry partners to act, host, star, feature, and perform for various activities, for film, TV, or online content

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

Basic Qualification: - 30-40 years old - Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field, strongly preferred - With at least four (4) years’ experience in multi-platform content creation - With proven ability to identify, create creative content and stories that will connect with target audience - Can write, produce and edit YouTube Content in Nihongo and English - Proven range of both pre-production and post-production skills - Strong background in conceptual and visual thinking - High Level Expertise with Adobe creative suites and other video editing tools, including lighting, audio and photography Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

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

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

Basic Qualification: - 30-40 years old - Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field, strongly preferred - With at least four (4) years’ experience in multi-platform content creation - With proven ability to identify, create creative content and stories that will connect with target audience - Can write, produce and edit YouTube Content in Nihongo and English - Proven range of both pre-production and post-production skills - Strong background in conceptual and visual thinking Extremely detail oriented with strong organizational skills and can work in a fast paced environment Top-notch marketing and troubleshooting abilities - Transparent and reflexive approach to advertising

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

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

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

TANAKA, KAZUKI YouTube Content Creator

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

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

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

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

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

48.

Brief Job Description: • Create consistent online content to grow social media following • Work with agency and development teams to create strong content for brand integrations • Work with entertainment industry partners to act, host, star, feature, and perform for various activities, for film, TV, or online content

B & S DESIGN SERVICES INC. Unit 1132 5th Floor Avecshare Center, University Parkway North Bonifacio, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

BURY, LUCIA Operations Manager

49.

Brief Job Description: Operations managers supervise, hire, and train employees, manage quality assurance programs, strategize process improvements, and more. Operations managers are ultimately responsible for maintaining and increasing the efficiency of a business, agency, or organization

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: • Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business administration, or related field • 3+ years’ proven experience in an operations management position • Strong budget development and oversight skills • Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control of branch operations and customer service • Highly trained in conflict management and business negotiation processes • Have an understanding & knowledge of Australian standard would be advantageous but not essential Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

C3/CUSTOMERCONTACTCHANNELS PHILIPPINES LTD. 11/f, 17/f, 18/f, 19/f, 20/f Bonifacio One Technology Tower, 3030 Rizal Drive Cor. 31st St. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

50.

MUNIYAPPAN, SENTHIL KUMAR Senior Director- Transformation Management Organization

Basic Qualification: Knowledge and experience in accounting and finance

Brief Job Description: Responsible for establishing strategy and processes

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

CIVIC MERCHANDISING, INCORPORATED 710-716 Quirino Highway, 5, San Bartolome, Quezon City WANG, ZIYU Marketing Specialist 51.

Brief Job Description: Conduct market research and analyze trends to identify new marketing opportunities. Collaborate with other internal teams to develop and monitor strategic marketing initiatives. Analyze and report on the performance and efficiency of campaigns.

Basic Qualification: Conduct market research and analyze trends to identify new marketing opportunities. Collaborate with other internal teams to develop and monitor strategic marketing initiatives.

No.

62.

XIONG, YIFAN Logistic Manager 63.

52.

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

NGUYEN THI YEN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 53.

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

WANG, HONGYU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 54.

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

WANG, QIANXU Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 55.

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

64.

56.

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

YIN, CHENTAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 57.

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

CHEN, YIXIONG Central Control Dispatching Supervisor 65.

58.

Brief Job Description: Provide support in accurate translation of written project documents. Perform quality audit and translations. Read given material and research industry-specific terminology.

59.

Brief Job Description: Serve as the technical expert for detailed design and construction aspects of the project. Propose and oversee timelines for engineering proposals and submissions are met.

66.

60.

Brief Job Description: Responsible in overseeing internal operations, helping to build strong customer relationships, maximizing the company’s operating performance, and helping to achieve the company’s financial goals

61.

Brief Job Description: Staff supervision, facilitating communication and to develop procedures.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both verbal and written.

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

WU ATALANTA WU, YA-HSING Marketing Consultant (mandarin Speaking Clients)

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Preferably 6 months experience with the above position. Can multi-task and keen to details. Any nationality who can speak and write Chinese fluently.

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

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. Malate Bayview Mansion, 1781 M. Adriatico Street. 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

68.

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

69.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to work in a highpressure, deadline-driven environment. Exceptional communication and reporting skills. Solid working knowledge in all required software and programming languages.

70.

71.

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

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

LIEW CHING LUN Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 72.

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

VO NU HONG VAN Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 73.

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

WANG, JIALI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 74.

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

WANG, YING Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 75.

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

ZENG, WEI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer

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

79.

Basic Qualification: Knows How to Recommend Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting Customer Information and Analyzing Customer Needs

80.

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

YANG, XIANKUN Mandarin Technical Works Supervisor 77.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

NGUYEN DINH CHIEN Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 81.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: College graduate, speak and write fluently (English and Korean) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in English and their respective native language for the position applied for. Fluent to Chinese Mandarin is an advantage Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JOBHUB INC. Phil Song Te Temple Inc, 4/f 900-910 Reina Regente St., 028, Barangay 292, Binondo, City Of Manila REN, CHAOPENG Marketing Officer (mandarin Speaking) 82.

Brief Job Description: Maximize profits through developing sales strategies that match customer requirements and by promoting services.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Chinese dialect (Mandarin, Folkien, Cantonese) Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

JTI GBS PHILIPPINES, INC. 14th And 17th Floor - Office A, Ten West Campus Building, Le Grand Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig HANNAN, AKHTAR UZZAMAN General Manager - Global Business Services

83.

Brief Job Description: Responsible to provide consistent, effective, and efficient transactional processing service to the customers (markets and manufacturing center factories) in full compliance with JTI governance framework (JSOX requirements as described in relevant Business Process Controls, Corporate Policies and Procedures

Basic Qualification: Must be a Degree holder, MBA or equivalent is a plus.

Must have at least minimum of 10+ years of general management and senior management experience in FMCG organization.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

LG ELECTRONICS PHILIPPINES, INC. 15, Francisco Legaspi St., Maybunga, City Of Pasig JANG, CHANGSOO Air Solutions Product Director 84.

Brief Job Description: Overseas sales and marketing team with regards to Product and Marketing Strategy for Air Solution Product.

Coordinates with Korean counterparts in Headquarters and production factories.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of business admin, Exposure to overseas marketing, Experience with appliance industry Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

LIUGONG MACHINERY ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD. PHILIPPINE BRANCH Unit A&b 20/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a Rufino Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati YE, WENCAI Mandarin Administrator 85.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows How to Recommend Potential Products or Services to Management by Collecting Customer Information and Analyzing Customer Needs

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LE QUANG DU Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LUO, CHENG Mandarin Service Manager

86.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Administrator, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Service Manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

LUCKY365 CONSULTING LIMITED CORP. U/18a 18f 18/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati 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 Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With At least 6 Months Customer Service Experience/Good in Oral Communication and Written

LI, YANJIE Marketing Officer (mandarin) 87.

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

Brief Job Description: Analyzing and reporting on marketing performance and translating in Chinese language. Preparing forecasts and comprehensive budgets presenting into Chinese language

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

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

88.

89.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 90.

91.

92.

FENG, YU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service FU, XIANLEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service HU, WEIQING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service LI, MING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service STHEFANI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Staff Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service

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

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

HTTITANS GROUP CORPORATION Lot 8, Jackson St., Don Galo, City Of Parañaque

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

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

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services

Basic Qualification: Fluent in oral and written Mandarin and English

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

76.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both verbal and written.

XU, MINGWEI Chinese Customer Service

ZHANG, BO Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Strategic vision with the ability to execute, Impeccable judgment and ability to make sound decisions in a fastpaced, dynamic setting

Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services

THACH THI THIEN HUONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of the general subject and technical field of the material to be interpreted. Intimate familiarity with both cultures.

Solid general education and extensive vocabulary in both languages. Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages.

NGUYEN THI KIM DUNG Chinese Customer Service

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

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

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

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

SONG, YOONJOON Korean Customer Service Representative

WENG, WEI-CHUN Chinese Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree/ 5-10 years supervisory/ managerial experience in logistic or operations/ multilingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

JIU ZHOU TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 25/f Robinsons Summit, Jg Summit Center, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

67.

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

78.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin and English language both verbal and written

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

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

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

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

ESTATEWINE INC. G/f Republic Glass Bldg., 196 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati WATANABE, CHIHO Vice President

Brief Job Description: Organize resources so that deliveries and services are carried out in the most efficient and timely manner possible

LI, HAIFENG Marketing Consultant (mandarin Speaking Clients

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

LI, JIANWEN Technical Manager

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as logistic manager, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

No.

FLY ASIAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Eighty One Bldg. Newport Blvd., Newport City Vab St., Barangay 183, Pasay City

ENERGY CHINA PHILIPPINES BRANCH OFFICE Unit 1718, High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 1, Bonifacio Global, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

YANG, ZEZHENG Chinese Mandarin Business Translator

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing technical issues on materials and equipment being used

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 11/f Cybersigma, Lawton Ave., Mckinley West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque NGO MINH DUY Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Brief Job Description: Recommend optimal transportation modes routing equipment or frequency.

QU, NING Project Manager

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 EMELYA Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HAN, GUOZHEN Logistic Manager

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Basic Qualification: Proven experience as Mandarin Technical Works Supervisor, excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

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

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg., #48 President Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque

REN, TINGTING Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 93.

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

CHEN, FAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 94.

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

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

BusinessMirror

A12 A6 Wednesday, April 27, 2022

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, WENHUI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

95.

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

EKA AGUS HERMAWAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 96.

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

FU, CHENYANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 97.

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

HA THANH TAM Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 98.

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

LIU, KAIYI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 99.

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

LOH SIAW CHIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 100.

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

LUU THUY AN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 101.

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

QIN, JITIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 102.

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

SHEN, JUN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 103.

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

WANG, WEICHAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 104.

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

ZHANG, QINGFENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 105.

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

ZHANG, XIAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 106.

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

ZHAO, CHUANBAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 107.

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months customer service experience/ good in oral communication and written

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

108.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

FENG, LIANG Chinese Customer Service

109.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

HUANG, TIANZHEN Chinese Customer Service

110.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LIN, HONGLI Chinese Customer Service

111.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LIU, ANYING Chinese Customer Service

112.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

LIU, FAN Chinese Customer Service

113.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

114.

115.

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 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 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

116.

117.

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 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: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

118.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires WAN, LOU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

WU, SHUAISHUAI Chinese Customer Service

119.

120.

121.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

WU, YUSHAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires XU, MENGFAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires ZHANG, JIACAI Chinese Customer Service

122.

123.

124.

125.

126.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

NGUYEN GIA HAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires PHAM CHAN OAI Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires TANG MAN KHIN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires THONG CONG CHINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires

127.

128.

129.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

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

134.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

135.

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: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

136.

137.

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: Can speak mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Grow company revenues by developing new products.

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

DENG, BOWEN Mandarin Technical Support

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Testing and evaluating new technology.

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

LIU, XINGCAI Mandarin Technical Support

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Testing and evaluating new technology.

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

CHO, JAE HEE Operation Manager 130.

Brief Job Description: Ensure that all working is manufactured in a correct, cost effective and timely manner in alignment with specifications and quality requirements

Basic Qualification: Bachelor/ College graduate in any field, knowledgeable of organizational effectiveness and operations management

138.

LIM CHUN HEANG Business Lending Development Officer 131.

Brief Job Description: Develop business proposal, analyze current and past expenses, develop creative strategies

LIN, CHENGKANG Chinese Customer Service Representative 132.

Brief Job Description: Answering inquiries, resolving problems, fulfilling requests and maintaining data base

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in English, preferably 6mos1year customer service experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SINOSTEEL PHILIPPINES H.Y. MINING CORP. U-1612 16/f Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati ZHONG, HAIBO Mining Project Manager 133.

Brief Job Description: Providing leadership, expertise, and direction to successful mining projects.

Basic Qualification: Expert in major mining projects Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

SOCIALATEMYIND INC. Unit No. Unit 2c Flr. No. No. 4/f, One E-com Center Bldg., Lot No. 4/f Mall Of Asia Complex Ocean Drive St. District 1, District 4, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services

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

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.

STRICKLAND CONSTRUCTION CORP. 30-c, Embassy Village, Cupang, City Of Muntinlupa LI, DEKUI Contract Administrator 139.

140.

141.

142.

143.

144.

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.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in mandarin and English

Brief Job Description: Explain terms & conditions to existing &incoming employees ZHANG, XIN Contract Administrator

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in mandarin and English

Brief Job Description: Explain terms & conditions to existing &incoming employees

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in mandarin and English

ZHANG, SHIBAO Equipment Operator Brief Job Description: Ensure company & material is maintained & cleaned

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in mandarin and English

LIAO, DEBING Project Consultant Brief Job Description: To develop detailed project plan and allocation

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in mandarin and English

ZHANG, QINGMING Project Coordinator Brief Job Description: Maintaining & monitoring projects, budget &expenditures SHE, JUNFENG Site Manager Brief Job Description: Supervising & overseeing the direction of projects

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre, Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig STEVEN SEAGAL MANAOR Bahasa Indo Operations Technical Support Representative 145.

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

146.

Basic Qualification: Skilled in Indonesian language Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

HOANG NHA PHUONG Vietnamese Operations CSR II

Basic Qualification: Skilled in Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description: Provide expedient and accurate customer service to Vietnamese speaking clients and customer

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

XPRESSTRADESYSTEMS INC. 4f U2-c, One E-com Center Bldg, Ocean Drive St., Mall Of Asia Complex Subd., Zone 10 District 1, Barangay 75, Pasay City Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills

SHI, QING President And Chinese Speaking Marketing Senior Manager 147.

Brief Job Description: Establish and articulate project scope, strategy and objectives to internal clients, production team and key leadership

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

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

148.

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

RIGHT CHOICE FINANCE CORP. 5e-1 Electra House Bldg., 115-117 Esteban Street, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

YAN, WENBO Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering product and service questions; suggesting information about other products and services

GU, JUNCHAO Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant

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

SPEEDWELL INC. 5/f King’s Court 2 Bldg., 2129 Chino Roces Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Vietnamese (Verbal and written skills)

NGUYEN THI ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

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

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

LE VAN NUI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC. 10/f Tower 2 Double Dragon Plaza Bldg., Edsa Corner Macapagal Ave. St. Zone 10, District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CHEN, JUNXIANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

RICEMAC PHILTRADE CORP. #190, A1 Gen. Luis, Nagkaisang Nayon, Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

LAN, CHENMING Mandarin Product Developer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably 1 year experience in the similar field, speaks and write fluently (native language).

TIAN, BAODI Chinese Customer Service

WANG, WUJIU Chinese Customer Service

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: Manage incoming calls and inquiries, handling complaints, provide solutions, process customer accounts and file documents.

WANG, JIUSHENG Chinese Customer Service

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 LIU, YAN Chinese Customer Service

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

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th/f, Pearl Marina Building Pacific Drive, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque CHANG, JIAN Chinese Customer Service

No.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

TAI SHIEN CJONG Chinese Consultant Brief Job Description: Responsible for presenting ideas and costing to clients

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

LYU, NA Chinese Customer Service Representative 149.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency speaking, reading and writing in mandarin

Brief Job Description: Responsible for communicating with customer through various channels

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

ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. 36/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati FERY ISKANDAR Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer 150.

Brief Job Description: Indonesian written reports on a daily operation of call center activities performing customer-oriented telephone activities and various background operation duties

Basic Qualification: Indonesian Speaking and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

*Date Generated: Apr 26, 2022 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on April 23, 2022, the name of HSUEH, LI-HUNG under VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED, should have been read as HSUEH, LI-HUNG aka CHU-NI and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on April 26, 2022, the position of MORI, MICHIYO under BIGCAT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC., should have been read as JAPANESE LANGUAGE-OFFICER CUSTOMER SERVICE and not as published.

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE 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.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Ex-VP Binay thanks FPGMA, Makabayan bloc for support

F

ORMER Vice President and senatorial candidate Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay expressed his gratitude to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Makabayan bloc in Congress on Tuesday for supporting his senatorial bid.

“I am most grateful to former President Arroyo for her support.

Likewise to the members of the Makabayan bloc. As I have said earlier, our task is to help our people recover from the pandemic, and to do this we need to gather the broadest support possible,” Binay said.

“Muli kong uulitin ang aking sinabi noon na kahit magkakaiba ang kulay, ang mahalaga ay nagkakaisa naman tayo sa hangarin para sa ating bansa at sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

Former President Arroyo accompanied Binay in his market tour at the Pampang Angeles Market and San Fernando Public Market in Pampanga. Arroyo and Binay were joined by local officials and political leaders.

The Makabayan bloc, on the other hand, announced in a news conference the inclusion of Binay in the list of senatorial candidates being supported by the group of progressive lawmakers.

Binay is a guest candidate in the senatorial tickets of Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, and Sen. Ping Lacson. Sara Duterte, former Davao City mayor and the running mate of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has also expressed her support for Binay’s candidacy.

Binay, who is running under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), also received pledges of support from local officials during his campaign sorties.

Binay had said he intends to pursue legislation that would provide the needed government assistance for sectors adversely affected by the pandemic and the economic lockdown.

Earlier, the former vice president asked candidates and their supporters to tone down the negative rhetoric in the closing weeks of the campaign.

He said the focus should be on what needs to be done to help sectors affected by the pandemic.

“The coming years will not be easy, and it is important that we never lose our focus on what needs to be done to improve the lives of our countrymen who have been displaced by the pandemic,” Binay said.

“Partisan politics should take a backseat to the urgent task of rebuilding the country. We need to work together after the elections, but we cannot do that if the atmosphere has been poisoned by malice and animosity,” Binay said.

“Hiling ko lang ay itigil na ang palitan ng mapanirang salita sa nalalabing araw ng kampanya,” he said.

TUCP to RTWPBs: Hasten OK of petitions for wage increases

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

T

HE country’s largest labor group is planning to file additional wage petitions in four more regions in the coming weeks.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said they are preparing their wage petitions for Western and Eastern Visayas Regions, Cordillera

Pricey cabins

FOR her part, WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said: “WTTC 2022 booking data from ForwardKeys is a firm signal of the strong

Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley Region.

“We will start filing these wage petitions by next week,” Tanjusay said.

TUCP on Tuesday filed two additional wage petitions in Calabarzon and the Bicol region.

Representatives from TUCP personally filed a P428 daily minimum wage hike petition in the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Calabarzon (RTWPB-4A).

In the Bicol region, Tanjusay said they sent a P440 minimum wage petition to the RTWPB-Region 5 via e-mail.

In a news statement, TUCP President Raymond C. Mendoza said the minimum wage adjustments would allow workers to cope with the rising cost of living.

He cited the case in Calabarzon, where the daily minimum wage rates are P303.00, P317.00, P373.00, and

Revision of oil deregulation law unlikely for now, DOE exec says

W

ITH just two weeks before the May 9, 2022 elections, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it is now unlikely the new law amending the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 8479 or the Oil Deregulation Law will be passed by the current Congress.

In a televised interview on Monday, Energy Undersecretary Gerardo D. Erguiza Jr. said most lawmakers are now preoccupied with electionrelated concerns.

“Based on our estimate, the [passage of the law] will face difficulty since their priorities are now with the elections. After the elections, they will be canvassing votes, then they would have to go around of course [to] maybe thank their constituencies,” Erguiza said.

After the 2022 polls, Congress will be sitting as the National Board of Canvassers for the votes for elected

president and vice president.

Currently, Erguiza said the House of Representative has already done a “comprehensive study” on their proposed bill.

In the Senate, he said senators had already conducted a hearing on their legislative proposal.

Despite still being a long way from the passing the bill amending RA 8479, Erguiza said they hope the current Congress will at least lay down the groundwork for the said legislation.

“What is important now is already laid down on the table. And hopefully this will be addressed the soonest in the next Congress,” Erguiza said.

The energy official urged voters to consider electing lawmakers during the 2022 polls, who will prioritize the said agenda.

“This is important day-in, day-out because since the oil price deregu-

lation law was implemented it has affected us and it usually leaves our pockets empty whenever there is an oil price hike,” Erguiza said.

DOE is pushing to amend RA 8479, which will allow it to unbundle oil prices and impose minimum inventory requirements for oil firms.

It came up with the proposal amid the recent spike in world oil prices brought about by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, decision of some countries like Libya to cut oil production, and international sanctions for some oil-producing countries like Iran and Venezuela.

Currently, Erguiza said, the House of Representative has already done a “comprehensive study” on their proposed bill.

In the Senate, he said, senators have already conducted a hearing on their legislative proposal.

Samuel P. Medenilla

Leni to youth: Vote wisely on May 9

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

P

RESIDENTIAL candidate Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo has high expectations that the country’s youth will exercise their power and decide the country’s future as she emphasized the importance of the remaining two weeks of her campaign.

In her speech during a rally in Nueva Ecija on Monday, the vice president prodded the country’s youth to chart their future by voting wisely.

“Ito po, last two weeks, parang last two minutes sa basketball‘diba?”Napaka-lapit na. Excited na po ako na makita kungpapanoipaglalabanngmgakabataan ang ating bayan,” she told the crowd.

The presidential bet recalled that the youth sparked the bloodless revolution in 1986. “’Yung 1986, ang nagsimula ng rebolusyon mga kabataan. Ngayon po, ang magsisimula ng pagbabago, mga

Hot summer fun in PHL as flight bookings rise continued from a16 Data provided by the Department of Tourism shows 285,651 arrivals from February 10 to April 20, 2022.

Of these, balikbayans (homecoming Filipinos) accounted for 40.64 percent, or 116,097, while foreign tourists reached 169,554, which was equivalent to 59.4 percent.

Americans led the pack of top 10 foreign tourist arrivals at 59,846; followed by Canadians at 13,486; Australians at 13,024; South Koreans at 12,565; British at 12,420; the Japanese at 6,419; Vietnamese at 6,351; Germans at 5,351; Singaporeans at 3,165; and French at 2,988.

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 A13

recovery of the global travel and tourism sector.”

As per the latest ForwardKeys data, “Travel to the Asia-Pacific region shows impressive signs of improvement as destinations gradually reopen their borders to visitors, in line with customer demand.”

This supports the recent WTTC’s Economic Impact Report citing the recovery of the tourism sector in the Philippines and the rest of AsiaPacific starting this year. (See, “If you want to go abroadA, better get vaxxed–WTTC,” in the BusinessMirror, April 22, 2022.)

Meanwhile, Ponti noted that the first and second quarter figures for this year are showing triple-digit growth for inbound flight bookings around the world, compared to last year, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

kabataan din,” Robredo said.

She told the crowd that Filipinos do not need a revolution. Instead, “we only need to use our vote wisely and correctly.”

Robredo exhorted her supporters to exert all efforts in the remaining 14 days of the campaign to promote the “good and honest governance” that she and her and vice presidential hopeful Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan are advocating.

She also thanked supporters who are helping debunk all the “disinformation and fake news” that have been thrown at her in the last six years through their house-to-house (H-to-H) campaign.

“Ako po masaya ako kasi kanina, kausap ko po ’yung mga volunteers, kausap ko ‘yung mga kaparian, nagsasabi po silang sinisipagan namin ’yung pag house-to-house,” Robredo said.

“Alam niyo kung bakit mahalaga ’yung pag sipag sa house-to-house?

Kasi nabibigyan tayong pagkakataon,

nakikipag-usap tao sa tao, puso sa puso. ’Yun ’yung pagkakataon natin para ‘yung lahat na kasinungalingan, palitan natin ng katotohanan,” she added.

Robredo’s children Aika, Tricia and Jillian, her niece, Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, sister-in-law Dr. Penny Robredo-Bundoc, and supporters from all walks of life, ages, and genders, including the country’s top celebrities, have been leading the Hto-H activities in different provinces across the country since April.

The initiative was taken to allow ordinary Filipinos, especially those still undecided for the elections, to get to know Robredo and learn about the programs that the Office of the Vice President has been doing since 2016.

“Alam niyo malakas ang loob ko dahil alam ko, ’yung lahat na pera at makinarya, talong talo pag nagkakaisa ang taumbayan. Kaya po ilaban na natin itong huling dalawang linggo, ipanalo na natin ito,” she said.

P400.00 depending on the sector, where the worker is employed.

Mendoza, however, said the “real” values of the said minimum wage rates due to inflation are P267.91, P277.22, P329.80, and P353.05, respectively.

“How can workers and their families cope with skyrocketing prices of foods and commodities with such ridiculously low wages?” Mendoza said.

Aside from Calabarzon and the Bicol region, TUCP already filed

wage petitions in the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Caraga, Soccsksargen, Davao, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Tanjusay said the wage petitions they filed are still pending with the concerned RTWPBs. “We urge them [RTWPBs] to fast track acting on our wage petitions since it is needed by our workers,” Tanjusay said.

Lacson assures low-interest and simplified MSME loan processes if elected president

By Butch Fernandez

@butchfBM

S

EN. Panfilo Lacson vowed to speed up the economic recovery micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (MSME) if elected to the presidency, saying he would promptly “work towards simplification of the application process for state-funded loans.”

In a dialogue with residents attending a town hall meeting in Tarlac early this week, Lacson reaffirmed his commitment to promptly boost MSME growth by simply easing “overregulation of government on private businesses.”

The topic cropped up when a businesswoman reached out to Lacson to pour out her grievances over the difficult process of applying for low-interest loans from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the state-owned financial institutions like the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank).

Lacson commiserated by assuring he understood her sentiments, pinning the blame on “lack of information dissemination and improper policy implementation” concerning the available P2 billion worth of public funds allocated for the DTI to help keep MSMEs afloat.

He promptly clarified that this is apart from the P2-billion fund courtesy of the LandBank, asking, “Did you know there is a P2billion allocation intended purely for financing? There are two kinds of it, both worth P2 billion... One of these can be accessed at low-interest rates for the MSMEs.... The problem is why have you not been informed?” he asked.

A businesswoman, in turn, told Lacson: “Sir, we could not comply with the requirements: they were asking from us because they were difficult to provide; at the same time, we would also have to spend money for it.”

Moreover, the businesswoman related her disappointing experi-

ence in trying to seek assistance from the DTI. In turn, senatorial aspirant and former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol, for his part, recommended a Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) system, a special credit program he implemented for the benefit of farmers and fishermen when he spearheaded the agency.

Through this mechanism, Piñol related he was able to prevent cases of unused and misused appropriations at the DA by letting farmers and fishermen who need financial assistance access loans through easier application processes.

“Tulad ‘nung sinabi ni Sen. Lacson, ang daming pera ng gobyerno.

Nangyari sa akin ito noong nasa DA ako.

Pag-upo ko ang daming pera na pautang ng DA, hindi ma-access ‘nung mga farmers kasi ang hirap, ang daming dokumento,” noted Piñol.

[Like what Senator Lacson said, there is money with the government.

This happened to me when I was at the DA. When I assumed office, there was funding at the DA intended for loan disbursement, but the farmers could not access it because of so many documentary requirements.]

Piñol likewise lamented that some government-funded credit facilities end up with higher interest rates, especially when these are coursed through various types of cooperatives. He said this is what the Lacson administration would try to reform.

The senatorial aspirant likewise mentioned that if he wins a seat at the Senate, he would propose legislation to establish a bank, which would focus on responding to the financial needs of agricultural workers, including those who belong to the MSME sector.

“Your problem, small business owners like you, once we establish the farmers and fishermen’s bank, we will include you in it, so you could also have easier access,” said Piñol.

Palawan gov eyeing to replicate Kota Kinabalu’s flourishing tourism model

P

AL AWAN Governor Jose Chaves Alvarez is eyeing to replicate the tourism economic model of Kota Kinabalu to boost the province’s local economy and generate more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Palaweños.

Alvarez believes that Palawan’s tourism potential would be an effective fighting tool to fight hunger and poverty.

“In tourism, I have seen a direct poverty alleviator,” Alvarez said in a news statement.

Alvarez, also chairman of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), is serving his third and final term as governor of Palawan and is now gunning for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the province’s 2nd district.

According to Alvarez, everyone

benefits from tourism. “Not only the businessman who owns the resort but the farmers who sell their produce and livestock, the masahistas, the vendors, the carpenters and construction workers, the weavers and handicraft makers, the boatmen, the labandera, everybody,” said Alvarez.

Poverty incidence, which used to be at 65.02 percent in the province, has dropped under the Alvarez administration to about 55 percent.

The governor hopes to further decrease it to the national average of 24 percent or hopefully even lower. Alvarez said he would like Palawan to become entrenched as a global tourist destination, like the Hawaiian Islands of the United States, or rival the phenomenal success of Kota Kinabalu.

“Kota Kinabalu has 1 million Filipinos, mostly undocumented, servicing tourists,” Alvarez cited, as an example. “Money circulating in Kota Kinabalu is equivalent to about P130 billion a year.”

“Imagine Palawan’s tourism receipts if we can guarantee from 5 to 7 million tourists a year. Every tourist generates jobs for seven Palaweños. Our IRA [internal revenue allotment] of P3 billion would be miniscule compared to the potential tourism receipts,” he said. He noted the province easily lost about P150 billion in tourism revenues in the first months of the pandemic alone due to travel restrictions.

“Everybody will benefit from the tourism industry,” he said. “Even the national economy will get a huge boost if Palawan can maximize its

tourism potential.”

“My foremost goal is to make the life of the poorest Palaweños a little better. The last, least, and lost. If you are a father who has several children, you look after all your children, but you pay more attention to those who are lagging behind in their lives. You give them what they need to catch up,” he explained.

“You help them, so they won’t be left behind,” noted Alvarez, who lost his only child Jim in 2013 in a car accident in Quezon City. “This is really my mission. I have been in business for the last 50 years and the last 9 or almost 10 years serving as governor has been my CSR [corporate social responsibility],” Alvarez said.

He admitted there are still many areas under deep poverty in Palawan.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

A14 Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

PHL needs stronger food supply strategy

A

few weeks before Jakarta announced that it would ban the export of palm oil, officials of a party backing President Joko Widodo urged Indonesians to start boiling, steaming and roasting food instead of frying them as the price of edible oil surged, according to a Bloomberg report. Rising food prices had even prompted Jakarta to deploy Indonesian police for a 24-hour surveillance of cooking oil production and distribution. The move could tame domestic food prices but it also sent the price of palm oil soaring and heightened fears that global food inflation would further accelerate.

The Philippines is a major buyer of palm oil from Indonesia, based on figures released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. In its annual Foreign Trade Statistics, the PSA said the Philippines imported nearly $255 million (P12.75 billion) worth of palm oil from Indonesia in 2020. Of the figure, palm oil in packages of net weight exceeding 20 kilos accounted for P1.59 billion, while palm kernel olein (refined, bleached and deodorized or RBD) accounted for P11.11 billion.

In the same report, the PSA revealed that the Philippines imported nearly P20 billion worth of palm oil from Malaysia in 2020. Indonesia accounts for more than half of the world’s palm oil exports, while Malaysia is the second largest producer of palm oil. Jakarta’s decision is expected to put pressure on the price of palm oil from Malaysia, which could not raise output to fill the demand for the commodity due to a labor shortage.

The world has a huge appetite for palm oil as it is used in thousands of products, from food to personal care items to biofuels. Prior to the decision of Jakarta to ban the shipments of palm oil, nations that import edible vegetable oils are already grappling with the disruption caused by the war in Eastern Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent prices of sunflower oil and other alternatives, such as soybean oil, to record highs.

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s food price index in March showed significant across-the-board price increases for everything from cereals to sugar, pushing the weighted average of global prices up 12.6 percent from February. Vegetable oil prices took a particularly steep path, rising by 23.2 percent and hitting a record high. Indonesia’s palm oil export ban will only worsen the global situation.

The Philippines is already feeling the effects of the conflict in Eastern Europe, based on the March inflation data from the PSA. Last month, food inflation rose to 2.8 percent, from 1.1 percent in February, although the figure is lower than the 5.6 percent recorded in the same month in 2021. The PSA noted that faster annual growth rates were seen in flour, bread, pasta, meat, fish, sugar, and readymade food.

The Philippine government has already reduced the tariff on corn imports and extended the current duties on pork and rice to mitigate the impact of the Eastern Europe conflict on food prices (See, “Govt turns to tariff tweaks vs. inflation,” in the “BusinessMirror,” April 25, 2022). The recent development in the international vegetable oils market, however, points to the need to make further tweaks to the food supply strategy of the Philippines. Policymakers should keep in mind Jakarta’s pronouncement that it will not lift the ban on palm oil exports unless the domestic shortage is resolved.

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Weary of many disasters? UN says worse to come

A

By Seth Borenstein | AP Science Writer

disaster-weary globe will be hit harder in the coming years by even more catastrophes colliding in an interconnected world, a United Nations report issued Monday says.

If current trends continue the world will go from around 400 disasters per year in 2015 to an onslaught of about 560 catastrophes a year by 2030, the scientific report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction said. By comparison from 1970 to 2000, the world suffered just 90 to 100 medium to large scale disasters a year, the report said.

The number of extreme heat waves in 2030 will be three times what it was in 2001 and there will be 30 percent more droughts, the report predicted. It’s not just natural disasters amplified by climate change, it’s Covid-19, economic meltdowns and food shortages. Climate change has a huge footprint in the number of disasters, report authors said.

People have not grasped how much disasters already cost today, said Mami Mizutori, chief of the UN Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, “If we don’t get ahead of the curve it will reach a point where we cannot manage the consequences of disaster,” she said. “We’re just in this vicious cycle.”

That means society needs to rethink how it finances, handles and talks about the risk of disasters and what it values the most, the report said. About 90 percent of the spending on disasters currently is emergency relief with only 6 percent on reconstruction and 4 percent on prevention, Mizutori said in an interview Monday.

Not every hurricane or earthquake has to turn into a disaster, Mizutori said. A lot of damage is avoided with planning and prevention.

In 1990, disasters cost the world about $70 billion a year. Now they cost more than $170 billion a year, and that’s after adjusting for inflation, according to report authors.

Nor does that include indirect costs we seldom think about that add up, Mizutori said.

For years disaster deaths were steadily decreasing because of better warnings and prevention, Mizutori said. But in the last five years, disaster deaths are “way more” than the

People have not grasped how much disasters already cost today, said Mami Mizutori, chief of the UN Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, “If we don’t get ahead of the curve it will reach a point where we cannot manage the consequences of disaster,” she said. “We’re just in this vicious cycle.”

previous five years, said report coauthor Roger Pulwarty, a US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate and social scientist.

That’s because both Covid-19 and climate change disasters have come to places that didn’t used to get them, like tropical cyclones hitting Mozambique, Mizutori said. It’s also the way disasters interact with each other, compounding damage, like wildfires plus heatwaves or a war in Ukraine plus food and fuel shortages, Pulwarty said.

Pulwarty said if society changes the way it thinks about risk and prepares for disasters, then the recent increase in yearly disaster deaths could be temporary, otherwise it’s probably “the new abnormal.”

Disasters are hitting poorer countries harder than richer ones, with

recovery costs taking a bigger chunk out of the economy in nations that can’t afford it, co-author Markus Enenkel of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative said.

“These are the events that can wipe out hard-earned development gains, leading already vulnerable communities or entire regions into a downward spiral,” he said.

The sheer onslaught of disasters just add up, like little illnesses attacking and weakening the body’s immune system, Pulwarty said.

The report calls for an overhaul in how we speak about risk. For example, instead of asking about the chances of a disaster happening this year, say 5 percent, officials should think about the chances over a 25year period, which makes it quite likely. Talking about 100-year floods or chances of something happening a couple times in 100 years makes it seem distant, Mizutori said.

“In a world of distrust and misinformation, this is a key to moving forward,” said University of South Carolina Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute Co-Director Susan Cutter, who wasn’t part of the report. “We can move forward to reduce the underlying drivers of risk: Inequality, poverty and most significantly climate change.”

Elon Musk is buying Twitter: Soon the hard part starts

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By Tom Krisher & Matt O’brien | The Associated Press

esla CEO Elon Musk stands to be the next owner of Twitter, having pledged roughly $44 billion to buy the social platform and take it private. Assuming that happens, next up on his agenda will be planning how to fulfill his promises to develop new Twitter features, open its algorithm to public inspection and defeat “spambots” on the service that mimic real users.

He’ll also need to have the company start “authenticating all humans,” as he described it in a statement quoted in the Monday press release announcing the acquisition. What exactly Musk meant by the phrase remains unclear.

So does the question of whether his ideas are technologically possible and how we’ll know if these changes would benefit users or serve some other purpose.

Experts who have studied content moderation and researched Twitter for years have expressed doubt that Musk knows exactly what he is getting into. After all, there are plenty of fledgling examples of “free speech” focused platforms launched in the past few years as Twitter antidotes, largely by conservatives unhappy

with the company’s crackdowns on hate, harassment and misinformation. Many have struggled to deal with toxic content, and at least one has been cut off by its own technology providers in protest.

“This move just shows how effective (moderation features) have been to annoy those in power,” said Kirsten Martin, a professor of technology ethics at the University of Notre Dame. “I would be worried as to how this would change Twitter’s values.”

The fact that no other bidders emerged in public before Musk’s deal was a sign that other would-be acquirers might find Twitter too difficult to improve, said Third Bridge analyst Scott Kessler.

“This platform is pretty much the

The more hands-off approach to content moderation that Musk envisions has many users concerned that the platform will become more of a haven for disinformation, hate speech and bullying, something it has worked hard in recent years to mitigate. Wall Street analysts said if he goes too far, it could also alienate advertisers.

same one we’ve had over the last decade or so,” Kessler said. “You’ve had a lot of smart people trying to figure out what they should do, and they’ve had trouble. It’s probably going to be tough to make a lot of headway.”

Musk received some effusive, if highly abstract, praise from an unexpected quarter—Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, who praised Musk’s decision to take Twitter “back from Wall Street” and tweeted that he trusts Musk’s mission to “extend the light of consciousness “—a reference to Dorsey’s notion that “Twitter is the closest thing we have to a global consciousness.”

But others familiar with Twitter say they’re still dismayed at Musk’s successful bid for the company.

“Twitter is going to let a man-child essentially take over their platform,” said Leslie Miley, a former Twitter employee who has also worked for Google and Apple. Miley, who was the only Black engineer at Twitter in a leadership position when he left the company in 2015, echoed doubts about Musk’s grasp of the platform’s complexities.

“I am not sure if Elon knows what he is getting,” Miley said. “He may just find that having Twitter is a lot different than wanting Twitter.”

The more hands-off approach to content moderation that Musk envisions has many users concerned that the platform will become more of a haven for disinformation, hate speech and bullying, something it has worked hard in recent years to mitigate. Wall Street analysts said if he goes too far, it could also alienate advertisers.

Shares of Twitter Inc. rose more than 5 percent Monday to $51.70 per share. On April 14, Musk announced See “Elon,” A15

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 A15

Long shadow of Germany’s Putin gets what he didn’t want: Ukraine army closer to West Philip Breedlove, a retired US top Putin ally impedes general who led Nato in Europe from 2013 to 2016, says his shortUkraine aid hand summary of what Putin

By Michael Nienaber | Bloomberg Opinion

G

erman Chancellor Olaf Scholz is struggling to escape the shadow of his predecessor Gerhard Schroeder’s ties to Russia and that’s hampering efforts to help Ukraine.

Germany’s most-recent Social Democratic leader before Scholz, Schroeder, 78, has become a touchstone of controversy 17 years after losing power to Angela Merkel, revealing deeper issues at the heart of the left-leaning party.

In comments to the New York Times published Saturday, Schroeder defended Vladimir Putin and rejected calls to quit his high-paying jobs for stateowned Russian companies. The SPD, which has a long tradition of seeking rapprochement with Russia, hit back on Monday asking him to leave the party and saying a process was underway to expel him. Another SPD official said sanctions against Schroeder needed to be considered.

“His defense of Vladimir Putin against claims of war crimes is simply absurd,” co-leader Saskia Esken said in Berlin, referring to Schroeder’s assertion that he didn’t think orders over the atrocities in Bucha could have come from the Russian leader.

“The party is united in its stance toward Schroeder.”

What the spat highlights is just how weak Scholz is as leader of Europe’s largest economy. Despite his remarkable election victory in September, the 63-yearold has only limited control over his party, which remains conflicted in its response to the war in Ukraine. Some SPD members oppose military action, while others still support engaging with the Kremlin.

“The divisions within the SPD act as a constraint on Scholz’s room for maneuver,” said Naz Masraff, director for Europe at consultancy Eurasia Group.

These internal party tensions have “paralyzed the government.”

Early in the war, Scholz went out on a limb by shipping mainly defensive weapons to Ukraine such as anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems and setting up a 100 billion-euro ($108 billion) fund to upgrade aging military equipment. His party may have been pushed about as far as it can go for now, and Scholz is aware of those limits, according to a person familiar with his thinking.

His “sea change” in Germany’s defense policy has since stalled, as Scholz walks a fine line between international commitments and not straying too far from his party. He’s come under heavy criticism by balking at delivering tanks and other heavy weapons to Ukraine, citing fears of “nuclear war.”

Instead, he’s proposed a complex plan to get eastern European partners to send Soviet-style gear to Ukraine in exchange for more modern replacements paid for by Germany. While it’s unclear to what extent he’s responding to party issues, there is reason for caution if he wants to avoid the same fate as Schroeder.

Schroeder’s defeat to Merkel in 2005 was triggered by disgruntled SPD lawmakers. The left-leaning party helped bring about an early national election due to deep divisions over a series of labor reforms, which Scholz helped push through as the SPD’s general secretary until both he and Schroeder stepped down from their party posts in 2004.

The internal conflicts persisted and contributed to Scholz losing his bid to lead the party in 2019 because he was seen as too moderate and too close to the

What the spat highlights is just how weak Scholz is as leader of Europe’s largest economy.

Despite his remarkable election victory in September, the 63-year-old has only limited control over his party, which remains conflicted in its response to the war in Ukraine. Some SPD members oppose military action, while others still support engaging with the Kremlin.

Schroeder reforms. His candidacy in last year’s election stemmed from a lack of viable alternatives rather than a change of heart.

There’s also a division between the government and parliamentary lawmakers. In Scholz’s case, this is even more acute, requiring support from figures such as SPD caucus leader Rolf Muetzenich from the party’s left wing to pass legislation including the defense fund. Scholz’s legislative exposure was evident after his push for a Covid-19 vaccine mandate failed this month.

Muetzenich wants a broader discussion on help for Ukraine beyond weapons, saying the international community also needs to push for humanitarian corridors and a cease-fire.

“The discussion of the last few days has a massively militaristic bias,” he said Tuesday on ARD television.

Despite tensions, Germans largely support Scholz’s cautious line as things stand. A poll by INSA for Bild newspaper shows that 50 percent are against delivering heavy weapons to Ukraine—with SPD resistance slightly stronger at 55 percent.

But it’s a thin margin, and pressure will remain high.

The main opposition conservative bloc is seeking a motion this week on delivering tanks to Ukraine. It’s hoping for support from the Greens and the Free Democrats, Scholz’s coalition partners, who have been more aggressive in calling for support for Ukraine’s defense.

For his part, Scholz has tried to distance himself from Schroeder. In early March, he urged the former chancellor to give up posts as chairman of stateowned Russian oil giant Rosneft PJSC and head of the shareholder committee of Nord Stream AG, which built a Russia-to-Germany natural-gas pipeline that Scholz halted.

But Schroeder has been a recurring theme of Scholz’s short tenure. In February, with Scholz under pressure for not standing up more robustly to Putin’s aggression, he waved off Schroeder’s allegations that Ukraine was “saber-rattling,” defensively asserting: “There’s only one chancellor and that’s me.”

Other senior SPD officials have also been labeled as Kremlin sympathizers including FrankWalter Steinmeier, Germany’s president and a former foreign minister.

Esken—who met last week with Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany after a spat over his criticism of the party— insisted there’s a clear stance on the Kremlin, but acknowledged the SPD may have made mistakes about Russia in the past.

“The SPD doesn’t have a Putin problem,” she said in Berlin. But as Moscow developed its expansionary ambitions over the past 20 years, “we possibly saw those warning signs too late.”

W

By Robert Burns | AP National Security Writer

ASHINGTON—The longer Ukraine’s army fends off the invading Russians, the more it absorbs the advantages of Western weaponry and training—exactly the transformation President Vladimir Putin wanted to prevent by invading in the first place.

The list of arms flowing to Ukraine is long and growing longer.

It includes new American battlefield aerial drones and the most modern US and Canadian artillery. Also, antitank weapons from Norway and others; armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles from Britain; and Stinger counter-air missiles from the US, Denmark and other countries.

If Ukraine can hold off the Russians, its accumulating arsenal of Western weapons could have a transformative effect in a country that has, like other former Soviet republics, relied mainly on arms and equipment from the Soviet era.

But sustaining that military aid won’t be easy. It is costly and, for some supplier nations, politically risky. It also is being taken out of Western stockpiles that at some point will need to be replenished. That is why US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is convening a meeting Tuesday at Germany’s Ramstein air base to work out ways to keep it going, now and for the long run. Defense ministers and top military leaders from approximately 40 countries are to participate.

The goal, Austin said, is not just to support Ukrainian defenses but also to help them prevail against a larger invading force.

“We believe they can win if they have the right equipment, the right

support,” Austin said on Monday in Poland after returning from a visit to Kyiv with Secretary of State Antony Blinken that included discussion of Ukraine’s military needs. He also said the goal is to “see Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things it has done in invading Ukraine.”

Despite its early failings, the Russian military still holds some advantages that will be put to the test in the eastern Donbas region, where they are assembling more combat troops and firepower even as the US and its Nato allies scramble to get artillery and other heavy weaponry to that area in time to make a difference.

With the war’s outcome in doubt after two months of fighting, the Pentagon is providing 90 of the US Army’s most modern howitzers, along with 183,000 rounds of artillery—and other sophisticated weaponry that could give the Ukrainians an important edge in looming battles. The US also is arranging more training for Ukrainians on key weaponry, including howitzers and at least two kinds of armed drone aircraft.

On Monday, Austin and Blinken announced $713 million in foreign military financing for Ukraine and 15 allied and partner countries in Europe; some $322 million is earmarked for Kyiv, in part to help Ukraine transition to more advanced

wants in Ukraine and elsewhere on the Russian periphery is, ‘Weapons out, Nato back, and no America’. “What has happened is, Mr. Putin is getting exactly what he did not want. He’s getting more weapons forward, he’s getting more Nato forward, and he’s getting more America in Europe,” Breedlove said in an interview.

weapons and air defense systems.

The remainder will be split among Nato members and other nations that have provided Ukraine with critical military supplies since the war with Russia began, officials said.

Such financing is different from previous US military assistance for Ukraine. It is not a donation of weapons and equipment from Pentagon stockpiles but rather cash that countries can use to purchase supplies that they might need.

The Ukrainians say they need even more, including long-range air defense systems, fighter jets, tanks and multiple-launch rocket systems.

“It will be true to say that the United States now leads the effort in ensuring this transition of Ukraine to Western-style weapons, in arranging training for Ukrainian soldiers,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, adding, “and I only regret that it didn’t happen a month or two months ago from the very beginning of the war.”

Philip Breedlove, a retired US

general who led Nato in Europe from 2013 to 2016, says his shorthand summary of what Putin wants in Ukraine and elsewhere on the Russian periphery is, “Weapons out, Nato back, and no America.”

“What has happened is, Mr. Putin is getting exactly what he did not want. He’s getting more weapons forward, he’s getting more Nato forward, and he’s getting more America in Europe,” Breedlove said in an interview.

The complexities of keeping up Western military aid to Ukraine, even as its troops are fully occupied with a brutal war, are a reminder of what is at stake. Putin said before launching the invasion that Moscow could not tolerate what he saw as a Western effort to make Ukraine a de facto member of Nato.

He argued that Ukraine’s interest in westernizing and in remaining outside of Russia’s orbit was due to “external forces” such as US pressure.

Putin has demanded that Ukraine forswear membership in the Nato alliance, and beyond that he has insisted on turning back the clock to 1997, before Nato had begun adding former Soviet and Soviet-allied nations to its ranks.

There is little prospect of Ukraine joining Nato, but Russia’s war has in fact brought Nato closer to Ukraine.

The result has been a boost to Ukraine’s prospects for mounting a successful defense, even in the eastern Donbas region where the Russians hold certain advantages and where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting since 2014.

AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.

France’s victorious Macron boosts weapons, stakes in Ukraine

By John Leicester | The Associated Press

P

ARIS—When Vladimir Putin congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his re-election as France’s president and wished him “success in your activities,” the Russian leader probably was being more polite than sincere.

Firing six rounds per minute over 40 kilometers (25 miles) or more, the truck-mounted Caesar cannons will allow Ukrainian crews to pound Russian troops from afar, then move and pound them again. Used to great effect against Islamic State forces in Iraq and in other conflicts, they represent a step up in France’s assistance to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government.

As he embarks on a second term, with the intention of keeping France at the forefront of international efforts to force Putin to change course in Ukraine, Macron has given a green light for the delivery of modern artillery pieces to Kyiv that could help stem Russia’s new offensive in the east of the country.

Firing six rounds per minute over 40 kilometers (25 miles) or more, the truck-mounted Caesar cannons will allow Ukrainian crews to pound Russian troops from afar, then move and pound them again. Used to great effect against Islamic State forces in Iraq and in other conflicts, they represent a step up in France’s assistance to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government.

In another remarkable move, Macron is talking openly about the guns, lifting a veil of secrecy he’d thrown over French military aid. The delivery and the publicity together signal a tougher line from Macron in his dealings with Putin—talking less and engaging more in brinksmanship with the Kremlin.

“Initially, we were a bit shy to show what was being provided,” said retired Gen. Dominique Trinquand, a former head of France’s military mission at the United Nations. But “we have been escalating week after week, testing the reaction.”

Macron was in the closing stages of his presidential re-election campaign when he name-dropped the Caesar cannons in an April 21 interview with the newspaper Ouest-France. He also mentioned Milan anti-tank missiles, although those supplies had already been reported.

Macron didn’t give numbers.

Citing unidentified French sources, Ouest-France said 12 Caesars will be drawn from the French arsenal and that 40 Ukrainian artillery soldiers were arriving for training at a military base in the south of France.

Macron said his “red line” remains not entering into direct conflict with Russia, but within that limit, “we must provide maximum help to the Ukrainians.”

“We are delivering consequential

equipment,” he said. “We need to continue down this path.”

His armed forces minister tweeted that thousands of shells would also be part of the delivery. Sunil Nair, an analyst who specializes in artillery systems for the defense publication Janes, said the cannons could be used independently of each other or together as a battery.

“It does give you firepower, no doubt about it,” he said. “It’s a question of how they use it and where they use it.”

Before and after Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion, Macron had kept an open line with Putin. But the horrors discovered by Ukrainian troops as they retook control of villages near Kyiv once Russian soldiers withdrew gave Macron pause. His office said last week that the two leaders haven’t

Elon. . .

through subscriptions that give paying customers a better experience—possibly even an ad-free version of Twitter.

Asked during a recent TED interview if there are any limits to his notion of “free speech,” Musk said Twitter would abide by national laws that restrict speech around the world. Beyond that, he said, he’d be “very reluctant” to delete posts or permanently banning users who violate the company’s rules. It won’t be perfect, Musk added, “but I think we want it to really have the perception and reality that speech is as free as reasonably possible.”

After the deal was announced, the NAACP released a statement urging Musk not to allow Trump, the 45th president, back onto the platform.

“Do not allow 45 to return to the platform,” the civil rights organiza-

tion said in a statement. “Do not allow Twitter to become a petri dish for hate speech or falsehoods that subvert our democracy.”

As both candidate and president, Trump made Twitter a powerful megaphone for speaking directly to the public, often using incendiary and divisive language on hotbutton issues. He was permanently banned from the service in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol.

“If Musk either fires or drives away the team at Twitter that’s committed to keeping it clean and making it less hate-filled, he’ll see an immediate drop in user activity,” said Siva Vaidhyanathan, a media studies professor at the University of Virginia. “I think he’s going to find pretty fast that inviting the bigots back in is bad

continued from A14

an offer to buy Twitter for $54.20 per share. While the stock is up sharply since Musk made his offer, it is well below the high of $77 per share it reached in February 2021.

Musk has described himself as a “free-speech absolutist” but is also known for blocking or disparaging other Twitter users who question or disagree with him.

In recent weeks, he has proposed relaxing Twitter content restrictions—such as the rules that suspended former President Donald Trump’s account—while ridding the platform of fake “spambot” accounts and shifting away from advertising as its primary revenue model. Musk believes he can increase revenue

spoken since March 29.

Macron says that, eventually, he’ll need to pick up the phone again— because not talking to Putin will allow the leaders of China, India and Turkey to take the lead in trying to negotiate the peace, whenever that time comes.

“We’ll have to prepare a cease-fire at some stage, and Europe will have to be around the table,” Macron said last week.

In the meantime, French weapons will do some of the talking—in hopes of adding to the pressure on Putin.

“The best way to have successful talks is to have successful Ukrainians throwing back the Russian invasion,” said François Heisbourg, a French analyst on defense and security questions at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The Caesars will allow their crews to go hunting for Russian artillery pieces being used in eastern Ukraine that are indiscriminately pummeling civilian targets.

“The Americans and the Poles and the Slovaks and the Belgians and the French and the Canadians are all sending heavy artillery to the Ukrainians,” Heisbourg said.

“That’s a really, really big improvement to the situation of Ukraine in the new phase of the war.” Associated Press writers Sylvie Corbet and Angela Charlton contributed.

for business.”

Some users said Monday that they were planning to quit the platform if Musk took it over. To which he responded on Twitter: “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means.”

While Twitter’s user base of more than 200 million remains much smaller than those of rivals such as Facebook and TikTok, the service is popular with celebrities, world leaders, journalists and intellectuals.

Musk himself is a prolific tweeter with a following that rivals several pop stars in the ranks of the most popular accounts. Krisher reported from Detroit. O’Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. AP Business Writers Marcy Gordon in Washington, Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, and Kelvin Chan in London contributed to this report.

A16 Wednesday, April 27, 2022

HOT SUMMER FUN IN PHL AS FLIGHT BOOKINGS RISE

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

G

LOBAL flight bookings are forecast to recover this year, as more countries lift their inbound travel restrictions.

For one, inbound f light bookings into the Philippines are projected to rise by 29 percent in the second quarter of the year, according to a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its knowledge partner, ForwardKeys, a company that specializes in predicting global travel trends using aviation data.

In a news conference on the sidelines of the recent WTTC 21st Global Summit in Manila, Olivier Ponti, ForwardKeys Vice President Insights, said: “It is very encouraging that Asia has finally begun reopening, which is driving the return of both travel to Asia and within the region, both of which are clearly going to be instrumental in driving the global economic recovery.”

Asia-Pacific countries saw an increase in arrivals in the first quarter of the year, with flight bookings up a staggering 275 percent.

“In the second quarter,” said

Ponti, “we see further acceleration of the continuing recovery with a significant rise in international bookings, which have soared by 264 percent on the year before.” This was still 76-percent off the same period in 2019, though.

Less restrictions, more bookings

HE added, “This acceleration is particularly notable in Asia where travel restrictions are being removed. WTTC Global Summit host, the Philippines, is the fastest-growing single destination in Southeast Asia, up 29 percent in the second quarter this year compared to the first quarter.” He was unable to give absolute volumes for the Philippines and Aspac region.

The Philippines will lead the recovery in Southeast Asia, followed by Singapore, with a 21-percent increase in bookings in the second quarter; Cambodia (+13 percent); Malaysia (+11 percent); and Thailand (+8 percent).

The Philippines started reopening to international travelers, first to visa-free countries, on February 10, and then to the rest of the world, on April 1.

Continued on A13

PHL inks ₧12.3-B loan with Japan for Covid recovery

T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Philippines signed a 30-billion yen (about P12.3 billion) loan agreement on Monday with Japan to further support the country’s efforts toward economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) President Akihiko Tanaka inked the agreement for the second phase of the Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan (CCRESL 2) in Tokyo.

The second phase of the CCRESL was signed between the two countries in recognition of the Philippines’s accomplishments and plans in vaccinating its target population against Covid-19 and expanding its health-care system’s capability to meet the challenges of possible

public health emergencies in the future.

Equivalent to about P12.3 billion or US$234.36 million, the CCRESL 2 package carries concessional lending terms of 0.01 percent (one-hundredth of a percent) fixed interest rate per annum with a maturity period of 15 years, inclusive of a 4-year grace period—the same as with the first JPY50-billion CCRESL. Dominguez thanked Japan for its assistance to the Philippines’s development programs and pandemic response efforts.

The finance chief said Japan re-

DOMINGUEZ

mains to be the Philippines’s biggest provider of official development assistance (ODA), with Jica—its foreign assistance arm—being an extremely reliable partner in helping implement priority programs of the Duterte administration.

“The term of President Duterte’s administration ends in June of this year. We have accomplished much in improving our economy’s fiscal position and growth prospects. We would not have done this without the timely assistance of the people and the government of Japan,” Dominguez said before the signing of the agreement held at Jica

WB-backed scheme’s unintended results: More deforestation

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

C

OMMUNITIES deemed eligible to be part of the KalahiCIDSS (KC) program caused greater deforestation compared to communities that were not part of the program, according to a study by a researcher at the London School of Economics (LSE).

In a study titled, “Aid Against Trees? Evidence from a Community-Driven Development Program in the Philippines,” LSE Grantham Research Institute Research Officer Jeffrey Pagel said that on average, KC-eligible municipalities deforested 220 percent more per year than ineligible municipalities.

Pagel said eligible communities for the World Bank-backed KC program on average deforested approximately 79 hectares more per year than ineligible communities.

“Community-driven development (CDD) programs are becoming integral components in the portfolios of international development agencies, but little is known about the environmental effects stemming from such programs,” Pagel said. “These results indicate that more focus should be placed on the sustainability of CDD programs.”

Pagel said a regression discontinuity design (RDD) and a randomized control trial (RCT) was used to test whether CDD programs like KC have unintended environmental effects with respect to deforestation.

The CDD in the Philippines, in this case the KC, identified infrastructure-related subprojects that led to deforestation. Majority of these included constructed trails, bridges and roads, economic support subprojects, education and health facilities, and water and electricity subprojects.

“If we scale up the total effect over the treated municipalities and years of the program, the KC program leads to 44,556 hectares of

deforestation, about seven-tenths the size of Manila,” Pagel said.

In order to prevent further damage to the environment, Pagel said, international development agencies such as the World Bank should focus more on the sustainability of CDD programs, particularly in terms of being more aligned to forest conservation efforts.

Pagel said development agencies must develop mitigation strategies to deter municipalities included in CDD programs from contributing to deforestation.

As of June 2019, the paper listed 219 active CDD projects in 79 countries, including 57 countries supported by the International Development Association (IDA).

“If international development agencies are able to successfully implement the parallel strategies of CDD programs, i.e., poverty reduction and environmental sustainability, such programs can offer a potentially powerful intervention for development agencies and practitioners,” Pagel said.

The dataset employed in the analysis contains information on all 5,304 subproject interventions implemented from 2003 to 2008 for a total funding amount of approximately P4.27 billion or $86,600,000.

Participating municipalities received an average of $448,773 of KC funding, with the average grant at the village level of $16,335.

The KC was a government-run CDD implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program received support from the World Bank and, later, the US-backed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The World Bank loans to more than 4,000 villages in 184 municipalities across 42 provinces, thus making KC the largest development program in the country between 2003 and 2008.

headquarters.

He expressed confidence that incoming Jica President Akihiko Tanaka will be as supportive as his predecessor Shinichi Kitaoka of the country’s development programs.

With Jica’s help, the Philippines secured more than 1 trillion yen worth of financing for Duterte’s infrastructure modernization program “Build, Build, Build,” among others.

Apart from loans and grants, Japan also donated more than 3 million doses of Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccines.

“The support continues with today’s signing of this 30 billion yen loan agreement to aid the Philippine government’s Covid-19 response measures. As we intensify our climate action projects, we hope to also secure additional financing for natural and health-related disaster response programs,” Dominguez said.

“The friendship between our two countries withstood the test of time. It will continue to be so in the coming years,” he added.

To date, Japan remains to be the country’s top ODA partner, with a net loan commitment of about USD 10.02 billion, and grant amount of US$181.15 million, accounting for 31.84 percent of the country’s total ODA portfolio.

‘Show-cause’ order issued vs supermarket over price tags

By Andrea E. San Juan

T

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a “show-cause” order to a supermarket for allegedly failing to install price tags on some of the products on its shelves.

On April 21, the Department of Trade and Industry-Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) headed by Undersecretary Atty.

Ruth B. Castelo, along with DTIFair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Assistant Secretary and FTEB Concurrent Director Ronnel O. Abrenica, led the price and supply monitoring of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) in three supermarkets in Makati City.

According to the DTI-FTEB surveillance and monitoring team, prices of all monitored goods were well within the DTI Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin.

However, one out of the three supermarkets inspected received a show-cause order as some products it sold did not bear any price tag as mandated

by Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Article 81 of the RA No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines states: “It shall be unlawful to offer any consumer product for retail sale to the public without an appropriate price tag, label or marking publicly displayed to indicate the price of each article,” “Said products shall not be sold at a price higher than that stated therein and without discrimination to all buyers,” it added.

The trade department did not name the lone supermarket, which failed to comply with the price tag requirement.

Companies

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

B1

Enexor in talks with potential partners over SC55 drilling

By Lenie Lectura

A

@llectura

CE Enexor Inc. is in active discussions with potential partners about oil drilling in Service Contract 55 (SC55) offshore west Palawan.

“We’re focusing a lot right now in terms of derisking it and looking for partners. We’re actively talking with them in different stages. Some of them have initially approached, they are evaluating opportunities, some of them are in early discussions to actually gauge their interest,” said Enexor President Rolando Paulino during a virtual press briefing.

Enexor continues to derisk the

SC55 prospect, including ongoing efforts to explore potential partners, and drilling preparations. The SC55 consortium, which is 75-percent held by Palawan55 and 25 percent by Pryce Gases Inc., is expected to drill an appraisal well next year.

Palawan 55, meanwhile, is 75 percent owned by ACE Enexor and 25 percent owned by AC Energy Corp. (ACEN).

“The next step is to drill a well,

$40 to 50 million to actually do it.

This is pre-Ukraine figure, that’s something we need to continue to evaluate. Depending on the equity we will end up with as part of getting partners, we will allocate such amount so we can go to the next step of the drilling,” said Paulino.

ACEN President Eric Francia said Enexor wants to make sure that it selects the right partner given the size of the project cost.

“We are not talking small money here. When developing projects like this one, we are very prudent and judicious. We need to bring in the right partners early on so when we get to the more advance stage, the right resources and expertise will be there,” Francia said.

When asked if Enexor is willing to let the prospective partner own more shares than Enexor, Paulino said “it depends on the partners” if they would like to have a bigger

share and if they really have the capability.

“We will offer it as long as we have some level of equity. The reality is, we’re talking of big amounts.

We want to make sure we derisk it.”

The SC55 consortium earlier said that drilling activities will take place in April next year.

Enexor said it will be involved in a capital raising program to support some of its planned energy transition projects.

“We will be issuing up to 74 million shares in June 2022 as a follow on offering and to comply with Philippine Stock Exhange’s rules on backdoor listing. Within third quarter, we will acquire the diesel and Palawan 55 interest through a tax free exchange and following that a Stock Rights Offering to allow existing minority shareholders to catch up and increase their interest,” said Paulino.

AEV allots more funds for infra

By VG Cabuag @villygc

A

boitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) said it is allocating a bigger budget for new businesses as the company has set its sights on reducing its reliance on power generation.

Manuel Lozano, the company’s CFO, said out of the P69 billion in capital expenditures (capex) allotted for the year, its biggest component or about 42 percent will go to capitalintensive infrastructure projects.

“This help boost the growth of our newest endeavors, namely economic estates, common towers, bulk, water, and, of course, other digital initiatives,” Lozano said.

The amount will also be used to

complete the group’s bulk water project in Apo Agua in Davao.

“This is in line with our long term goal of balancing our portfolio by accelerating the growth of the non power business units. All in all, the above is group’s steady performance and growth powered by strong strategies, well thought out strategies, partnerships, and innovations, as well as balanced and balanced by prudence and responsibility will continue to create high value reflective of our work and expected by our shareholders, and all of our stakeholders.”

Last year, the company spent some P27 billion in capex, half of which was allocated for the power business.

This year, however, it is allocating some P28 billion for its power busi-

ness, still more than the previous year’s entire capex.

More than half the company’s business came from power, which grew by double digits every quarter.

As such, the company wants its other businesses such as food, property development, and infrastructure to grow at the same rate.

AEV’s infrastructure business units will spend some P29 billion this year, more than four times its spending last year, the company said.

Some P7 billion will be allocated for land acquisition and new site development for Aboitiz InfraCapital’s economic estates, while P5 billion is earmarked for the expansion of its telco tower business. Another P5 billion will go to other digital infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, P3 billion has been set aside for the completion of its bulk water project in Davao City this year.

Once operational, this water project will supply over 300 million liters of safe and sustainable water. The rest of the budget will be for other projects and Republic Cement’s major maintenance and safety related capital expenditures.

Sabin Aboitiz, the company’s president and CEO, earlier said the group is committed to invest in accelerated growth and diversification in the next 10 years. “We will advance business and communities in the 9 Asia Pacific countries where we operate by providing products and services that are not just life-essential but life-changing.”

MGen eyes offshore wind projects Globe 5G faster than mobile WiFi, M says Ookla

G

lobe Telecom Inc. said on Tuesday its 5G service is “three times faster” than mobile WiFi, citing data from Ookla.

Ernest L. Cu, the president of Globe, said the telco’s 5G network logged a median download speed of 121.29 Mbps in the first quarter, significantly higher than the 42.95 Mbps average download speed for all fixed providers in the Philippines.

“We are committed to bring better mobile experiences for our customers not only in terms of speed but more importantly how we extend life essential services through our robust network.

We realize that our customers’ needs have changed and we are there to meet these changes in a big way. For us to do this, we continue to invest in the latest mobile technologies like 5G,” he said.

Cu cited data from Ookla, which used statistical validation approach called Hsu’s Multiple Comparisons with the Best (MCB) procedure to identify how fast Globe’s 5G median download speeds are in comparison with mobile WiFi speeds.

He said the results were attributed to the continuous improvements in its mobile network. Globe is spending P89 billion in capital expenditures this year, as further expands its 4G and 5G networks, as well as its fixed broadband network. Lorenz S. Marasigan

eralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) has signified its interest to develop offshore wind power projects and team up with foreign investors.

“Yes, we are very interested in offshore wind. These are huge investments. These are huge tracks of offshore wind that is available in the Philippines. We are seriously looking at it. Most likely we will be tapping some foreign investors,” said MGen President Jaime Azurin.

The company said it has yet to work on the project details. “First and foremost, you still have to do your wind mast, which will take one to two years and then you decide investment.”

The power generation arm of the Manila Electric Co. continues to ramp up its renewable energy (RE) investments, targeting 1,500MW of RE capacity in the next seven years.

“After the first quarter of next year, we would have ramped up about 240MW of renewable projects online,” Azurin said.

The RE projects that are already ongoing construction are the 75MWac solar in Baras, Rizal, in partnership with Mitsui; 68MWac solar Ilocos Norte, in partnership with Vena; and the 45MWac solar in Cordon, Isabela, in partnership with Mitsui. These are about 190MW, in addition to MGen’s existing 50MW BulacanSol, which has been operating since May last year.

“There are still a lot more on the construction of large scale wind farm as well as other storage energy projects in the coming years.”

Other RE projects under pre-development includes large-scale wind farm and solar-energy storage. “We’ll have a better report sometime maybe in the middle of next year when we have finalized the plan for the large-scale wind farm as well as battery energy storage system.”

A new roadmap released recently by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the World Bank Group shows that the Philippines has the potential to install 40 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power.

The Philippines Offshore Wind Roadmap charts out the potential for developing a robust offshore wind industry in the Philippines in two potential scenarios. The low-growth scenario provides a roadmap for installing offshore wind at levels in line with the DOE’s national renewable energy program, and the high-growth scenario provides a roadmap for installing much higher levels that could be sufficient to drive competition, investments, and more cost reduction.

Analysis of the low-growth scenario suggests that the Philippines has the potential to install 6GW of offshore wind by 2050, making up 5 percent of the country’s electricity supply.

Analysis of the high-growth scenario shows the potential to install 40GW making up 45 percent of its electricity supply. To achieve these scenarios, the roadmap provides guidance on actions that must be taken by the government in collaboration with the stakeholders, including putting in place a long-term plan for offshore wind until 2050 as part of a decarbonized energy mix; establishing offshore wind development zones through further marine spatial planning; investment in transmission, port and other energy infrastructure upgrades; and increasing collaboration with industry and other relevant government agencies.

The other day, AC Energy Corp. (ACEN) said it has already identified possible sites for offshore wind power projects.

“We have identified possible sites in the Philippines and Vietnam while we’re currently pursuing studies through pre-development work.

In our home market, ACEN has already secured wind energy service contracts for sites in Batangas and Manila Bay. These are, however, medium to large term initiatives that will depend on commercial and financial and technical feasibility of potential projects,” said ACEN Chief Development Officer Jose Maria Zabaleta. Lenie Lectura

SM Prime to open new malls this year

Photo from the Facebook page of SMCity Roxas

S

hopping mall operator SM Prime Holdings Inc. said it will open new malls this year as the company has set its sights on a strong finish for 2022.

The company recently opened its mall in Roxas, Capiz last April 8. This will be followed by the unveiling of SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Sorsogon and SM City Tanza in Cavite.

For its residential business segment, SM Prime through its unit SM Development Corp. aims to launch between 15,000 to 20,000 residential units, mostly on mid-rise and horizontal housing, subject to government approval of its licenses to sell.

SM Prime is also set to launch FourE-Com Center, an office building, in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City and SMX Clark in Pampanga later this year to further enhance its integrated property development plan in these areas.

“As we get pass through the challenges of the recent years, we are refocusing our efforts in continuing the expansion programs of our integrated developments across the country led by our malls and residential businesses. We will cultivate the learnings from past to achieve greater goals that will provide better opportunities and lives to many Filipinos,” SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim said.

Medium-rise units are priced at about P3.2 million each, or below the

price when value added tax starts to kick in. SMDC is also venturing into the horizontal or house and lot market which has even lower price points.

Medium-rise projects, or those about four-storeys high but still equipped with elevators, already comprise about half of SMDC’s portfolio as it moves to the provincial areas which benefit from remittances from overseas Filipino workers.

“What we’re trying to do is to bring the products near the market. So that’s the provincial areas. And what is rather attractive there is that these products are alongside our malls or are near our malls. So it creates the opportunity for the integrated approach of the SM Prime,” Lim said.

Lim said things are getting better since the government eased quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, resulting in a foot traffic “close to pre-pandemic during weekends” in its malls.

“We believe that even if we’re not able to reach a pre-pandemic level before end of the year, at least we should target between 80 to 90 percent (of 2019 figures). So we are optimistic about the prospect for 2022,” he said.

Meanwhile, the company’s board approved the declaration of cash dividends of P0.097 per share, amounting to P2.8 billion to all stockholders of record as of May 11, payable on or before May 24. VG Cabuag

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Japan’s Tamiya to expand operations, build new plant

J

By Andrea E. San Juan

@andreasanjuan

apan’s Tamiya Inc. is spending P2 billion to build a new factory and expand its operations in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Tamiya, maker of plastic and radio-controlled models of sports/racing cars, bikes, airplanes, ships, and battle tanks, will build a new facility inside the Cebu Light Industrial Park.

The DTI said Tamiya’s Chairman and President Shunsaku Tamiya confirmed the company’s decision to pour in fresh investments and

expand its Philippine operations. “(Tamiya’s) new plant and building are are sized at 22,579 and 30,765 sq. meters respectively, which will generate 300 additional job opportunities and increase output by 5 percent over three years and overall capacity by 20 percent,” the DTI said in a statement.

Tamiya is targeting to begin operations in the new factory by September 2023.

While the company has extended its operations in California and Germany, Tamiya has only one production facility outside of Japan. It has a 40,000-sqm factory in Mactan, Cebu where over 1,200 workers assemble toy cars.

Tamiya’s annual production for export is currently valued at $30 million, 80 percent of which is produced in the Philippines.

“The fact that Tamiya has been operating in the country for about 30 years and is now moving forward with expansion plans despite the challenges of the pandemic, is testament to the enabling environment that President Duterte together with his economic managers have set up

for foreign direct investors,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said.

Tamiya’s models are patronized by hobbyists all over the globe for their exceptional quality and scale accuracy. The DTI noted that the Japanese firm has received numerous awards for their products including the prestigious Model of the Year award from Germany’s ModellFan. The DTI said Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V recently visited the headquarters of Tamiya in Shizuoka.

During his visit, the ambassador and the company’s chairman discussed their shared passion for models, both as toys and collectibles and how this hobbyist tradition has been passed on to the younger generations in their families.

Govt extends franchise of Air Philippines

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

A

ir Philippines Corp., a subsidiary of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), will be allowed to continue its domestic and international operations for another 25 years.

This after Republic Act (RA) 11682, which extended the franchise granted to Air Philippines Corp., popularly known as PAL Express, lapsed into law last April 11.

“This franchise shall be in effect for a period of 25 years from the effectivity of this Act, unless sooner revoked or cancelled.

This franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked in the event the Grantee fails to operate continu-

ously for two years,” the fourpage legislation read.

RA 11682 will allow the Tanowned airline carrier to “establish, operate and maintain transport services for the carriage of passengers, mail, goods and property by air both domestic and international.” It also granted PAL Express the right to maintain its terminal and landing fields, aircrafts and use of wireless communication.

The company, however, must secure from the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines the appropriate certificates, permits and licenses for its operations.

PAL Express is mandated to submit annual reports on its compliance with the terms and conditions of RA 11682 to Congress.

It will be penalized with a fine of P500 per working day for noncompliance with the reportorial requirement.

RA 11682 will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

mutual funds

April 26, 2022

NAV

One Year Three Year Five Year

per share Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

225.24

9.65%

-5.03%

-3.41%

-3.37%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.5037

18.94%

-1.92%

0.14%

-9.64%

-8.9%

-5.93%

-3.7%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7426 2.74%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1179

-7.18% n.a.

-1.84%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6862 1.55%

-7.62% n.a.

-10.99%

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

-2.78%

-1.05%

-2.62%

16.52%

-4.86%

-4.47%

-12.68% n.a.

-10.3%

5.047

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

10.68%

11.67% 0.7547

84.7

-12.24%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

46.2462

10.05%

-3.88%

-2%

-3.91%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

483.48

9.44%

-3.85%

-2.14%

-3.44%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.3507

24.86%

0.97%

1.06%

-0.41%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

35.6501

12.84%

-2.67%

-0.63%

-2.58%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9148

11.78%

-4.19% n.a.

-2.83%

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.7933

11.34%

-3.14%

-1.28%

-3.38% -3.79%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

797.06

10.7%

-3.26%

-1.38%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.7195

10.12%

-8.35%

-4.24%

-4.4%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.607

10.4%

-5.92%

-2.63%

-4.46%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.9077

10.36%

-3.57%

-1.63%

United Fund, Inc. -a

9.47%

-3.86%

-0.45%

-3.31%

3.3236

-3.65%

-3.9%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.1664

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

972.52 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

15.58% n.a. n.a.

0.32%

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

107.5479

11.32%

-2.98%

-0.93%

-3.52%

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

$0.958

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.6228

-24.1%

-2.44%

0.53%

-14.96%

-7.55%

7.72%

7.78%

-12.11%

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

1.6045

-0.94%

-2.34%

-1.83%

-5.17%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.2018

3.03%

-1.72%

-1.15%

-3.49%

0%

0.58%

-1.97%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6379

6.36%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.2049

9.87% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9698

4.66%

0.89%

0.91%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6515

3.83%

-0.22%

-0.29%

-3.02%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.3612

3.78%

-0.47%

-0.34%

-2.88%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0799

5.55%

-0.97%

-0.42%

-1.96%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5238 5.51%

-2.94%

-1.06%

-3.38%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

-2.02%

-0.56%

-3.22%

0.9235

12.13%

-1.96%

-2.33%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a

0.9402

-1.41%

-1.98% n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a

0.9001

5.41%

-3.32% n.a.

-5.01% -4.7%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a

0.8896

6.3%

-3.64% n.a.

-4.74%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03414 -10.58%

-1.82%

-0.81%

-10.02%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

-0.74%

0.71%

-8.59%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.2781 -8.38%

4.67%

5.2%

-10.91%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,2 $1.0775 -9.26%

0.81%

1.67%

-10.1%

$0.9754

-14.6%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

373.45

0.84%

2.39%

2.41%

-0.23%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.8863

-1.29%

0.04%

0.12%

0.08%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2358

0.47%

2.34%

3.53%

-0.25%

2.206

-2.02%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

-2.19%

0.71%

1.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4162 -0.61%

2.34%

1.76%

-0.4%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.2749

-4.15%

1.98%

1.07%

-2.75%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3155

-0.24%

3.2%

2.78%

-0.27%

3.919

-1.01%

2.79%

2.44%

-1.18%

1.0119

-1.45%

3.27%

1.82%

-1.59%

-0.8%

3.03%

2.96%

-0.96%

-1.36%

2.31%

2.29%

-1.03%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.1569 Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7128

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

$482.53

-0.2%

2.03%

1.98%

-1.44%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a

Є214.36

-2.5%

-0.28%

0.36%

-2.57%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0847

-7.88%

-9.9%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0247 -4.63% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b

-2.42%

-0.6%

-0.67%

-0.16%

-5% -10.08%

$0.9197

-13.1%

-4.7%

-2.99%

$2.2623

-8.97%

0.05%

0.49%

-9.71%

$0.0610318

-2.6%

1.6%

1.38%

-2.02%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.8039 -10.8%

-1.96%

-1.12%

-12.27%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a

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

131.67

1.32%

2.42%

2.53%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a

1.0615

1.05%

1.71% n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a,1 1.3221

1.54%

2.29%

2.5%

0.37% 0.36%

0.49%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0625

0.63%

1.24% n.a.

0.18%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

44.967 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.2914

4.54% n.a. n.a.

-6.62%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -a

$0.8849

-11.51% n.a. n.a.

-8.77%

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

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."

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PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

April 26, 2022

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS IREMIT PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

4,370 146,805,698 4,788,064 146,245,799 636,120 6,780 3,199,008 106,232,148.50 1,420,764 35,595 302,400 25,038,248 8,882,293 8,400 67,580 180,000 4,200 108,850 26,520

4,370 -39,111,202 4,069,532 -16,174,763 118,800 -2,003,917 -60,763,502.50 7,616 -19,890,179 -354,817.50 -180,000 94,472 13,260

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 8.2 8.25 8.17 8.26 8.11 8.25 4,954,400 40,633,650 ABOITIZ POWER 33.9 34 33.75 34.5 33.5 33.9 2,869,500 97,258,510 BASIC ENERGY 0.395 0.4 0.395 0.4 0.39 0.4 1,080,000 425,100 FIRST GEN 25 25.1 25 25.05 24.95 25 96,500 2,412,465 FIRST PHIL HLDG 70 70.3 70 70.4 70 70.3 1,260 88,312 MERALCO 347 347.4 340.4 349.6 340 347 194,300 67,168,100 MANILA WATER 19.08 19.1 19.2 19.28 18.9 19.1 2,048,500 39,228,376 PETRON 3.26 3.27 3.26 3.29 3.25 3.26 529,000 1,729,600 PETROENERGY 4.97 5 4.95 5 4.95 5 252,000 1,253,400 PHX PETROLEUM 9.91 10.2 9.81 10.2 9.81 10.2 13,400 134,380 SYNERGY GRID 12.52 12.54 12.58 12.6 12.52 12.52 523,300 6,570,294 PILIPINAS SHELL 17.5 17.6 17.5 17.64 17.5 17.6 203,800 3,572,952 SPC POWER 14.2 14.22 14.24 14.24 14.2 14.2 81,600 1,159,652 SOLAR PH 1.69 1.7 1.7 1.72 1.68 1.7 9,883,000 16,866,740 AGRINURTURE 4.49 4.53 4.5 4.69 4.46 4.56 2,115,000 9,689,690 AXELUM 2.51 2.59 2.59 2.59 2.59 2.59 25,000 64,750 CENTURY FOOD 22.25 22.55 22.55 22.65 22.05 22.25 3,522,900 78,968,205 DEL MONTE 14.3 14.4 14.22 14.48 14.22 14.3 13,000 187,660 DNL INDUS 7.2 7.3 7.25 7.3 7.14 7.3 376,500 2,709,980 EMPERADOR 19.04 19.2 19.1 19.36 19.02 19.2 4,275,800 82,101,626 SMC FOODANDBEV 62.05 62.35 62.75 62.75 62.05 62.35 9,370 583,432 FIGARO COFFEE 0.54 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.54 0.54 884,000 479,160 FRUITAS HLDG 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.1 1.11 4,007,000 4,430,220 GINEBRA 104.3 104.9 104.8 107.3 104.1 104.9 16,130 1,689,341 JOLLIBEE 219 220.2 217.6 222 217 220.2 498,540 109,727,308 KEEPERS HLDG 1.28 1.29 1.27 1.29 1.27 1.29 3,406,000 4,377,400 MAXS GROUP 6.2 6.22 6.2 6.35 6.2 6.2 16,600 103,407 MG HLDG 0.125 0.135 0.13 0.13 0.125 0.13 5,090,000 661,600 MONDE NISSIN 13.08 13.1 12.84 13.2 12.84 13.1 6,138,900 80,307,150 SHAKEYS PIZZA 8.4 8.45 8.41 8.47 8.41 8.45 1,400,100 11,835,654 ROXAS AND CO 0.56 0.59 0.58 0.59 0.58 0.59 7,000 4,070 RFM CORP 4.21 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4,000 17,200 ROXAS HLDG 1.2 1.25 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 2,000 2,400 SWIFT FOODS 0.101 0.106 0.101 0.101 0.101 0.101 100,000 10,100 UNIV ROBINA 107.1 108 109.9 111.6 107.1 107.1 942,770 101,964,297 VITARICH 0.66 0.67 0.65 0.67 0.63 0.66 270,000 173,250 VICTORIAS 2.89 3.01 3.05 3.1 3.01 3.01 64,000 197,400 CEMEX HLDG 0.82 0.83 0.82 0.83 0.82 0.82 248,000 203,670 EAGLE CEMENT 12.82 12.98 12.82 12.92 12.82 12.92 4,500 57,760 EEI CORP 4.48 4.49 4.5 4.51 4.48 4.48 946,000 4,250,210 HOLCIM 5.5 5.65 5.5 5.6 5.5 5.6 46,400 256,325 MEGAWIDE 5.08 5.09 5.1 5.1 5.05 5.09 69,800 353,928 PHINMA 19.74 19.76 19.74 19.74 19.74 19.74 38,200 754,068 VULCAN INDL 0.95 0.96 0.96 0.98 0.95 0.96 995,000 956,310 CROWN ASIA 1.8 1.83 1.82 1.83 1.82 1.82 48,000 87,620 EUROMED 1.1 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 1.14 5,000 5,700 MABUHAY VINYL 4.3 4.4 4.41 4.42 4.38 4.39 11,000 48,420 CONCEPCION 19.34 19.88 19.5 19.98 19.5 19.98 8,100 159,630 GREENERGY 1.53 1.55 1.53 1.55 1.5 1.55 4,708,000 7,255,070 INTEGRATED MICR 7.41 7.44 7.45 7.5 7.41 7.44 207,000 1,537,593 PANASONIC 6.08 6.2 6.12 6.12 6.08 6.08 11,100 67,609 SFA SEMICON 1.1 1.13 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 103,000 113,300 CIRTEK HLDG 3.02 3.06 3.08 3.1 3.01 3.06 154,000 467,540

-6,257,456 -1,445,770 -27,600 -480,030 -4,867 -13,529,918 420,968 39,120 220,618 -687,824 4,260 -8,710 -1,992,360 4,553,945 -237,757 11,763,190 120,252.50 165,000 244,457 -22,417,718 3,000,940 2,480 10,313,396 786,249 -4,300 -15,641,630 -51,660 -7,692 -1,012,600 153,450 4,581 -3,948.00 -2,354,650 -1,244,906 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL ASIABEST GROUP AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

43.7 131 12.2 97.7 26.7 6.79 8.07 54.1 19.04 56 20 105.5 77.5 1.97 3.7 0.6 0.84 205.2 2,650

1.12 4.22 758 55.9 12.12 9 0.89 0.55 0.55 4.89 8.45 7.01 520 58.2 6.63 0.51 2.96 8.78 0.315 3.85 2.6 1.22 0.86 859 107 114 0.28 0.153

43.8 132 12.22 98.3 27 8.44 8.08 54.3 19.28 56.5 20.5 105.9 77.6 2.1 3.8 0.68 0.88 210 2,652

1.13 4.9 765 56.1 12.18 9.21 0.95 0.56 0.57 4.9 8.53 7.12 521 58.9 7.24 0.54 2.98 8.79 0.365 3.86 2.94 1.25 0.93 860 107.4 117 0.3 0.16

43.7 132 12.16 98 26.7 6.78 8.18 55.35 19.2 56.5 19.5 105.1 81.25 2.1 3.61 0.6 0.84 205.4 2,652

1.12 5 775 56.3 12.36 9 0.9 0.55 0.57 4.9 8.45 7.01 515 57.4 6.62 0.54 2.96 8.85 0.365 3.83 2.7 1.23 0.93 870 107 114 0.28 0.151

43.7 132.9 12.2 98.85 27 6.78 8.18 55.35 19.2 56.5 20.1 106 81.25 2.1 3.8 0.6 0.84 205.4 2,652

1.13 5 775 56.7 12.36 9 0.9 0.56 0.58 4.9 8.54 7.14 522.5 59.25 7.24 0.54 2.96 8.85 0.365 3.87 2.94 1.26 0.93 871.5 107.5 117 0.28 0.152

43.7 131 12.16 97.7 26.7 6.78 8.03 54.1 19 56.5 19.5 105 77.6 2.1 3.61 0.6 0.84 205.2 2,652

1.12 4.46 757 55.65 12.1 9 0.9 0.55 0.55 4.88 8.32 7.01 515 57.3 6.62 0.54 2.96 8.76 0.365 3.81 2.7 1.22 0.93 858.5 106 114 0.28 0.151

43.7 131 12.2 97.7 27 6.78 8.08 54.1 19.04 56.5 20.1 105.6 77.6 2.1 3.8 0.6 0.84 205.2 2,652

1.13 4.46 758 56.1 12.12 9 0.9 0.55 0.57 4.9 8.53 7.14 521 58.9 7.24 0.54 2.96 8.79 0.365 3.86 2.94 1.22 0.93 860 107.4 117 0.28 0.152

100 1,115,510 393,000 1,494,970 23,700 1,000 395,000 1,955,420 74,500 630 15,200 237,320 112,700 4,000 18,000 300,000 5,000 530 10

2,682,000 13,000 186,760 641,620 864,800 2,000 62,000 922,000 210,000 936,000 3,007,500 3,000 54,790 1,260,240 3,000 50,000 240,000 3,919,600 40,000 12,927,000 3,000 64,000 11,000 245,420 294,080 800 510,000 50,000

3,017,660 60,130 142,185,780 35,944,278.50 10,481,324 18,000 55,800 510,360 117,330 4,586,290 25,380,545 21,160 28,486,910 73,676,857.50 21,658 27,000 710,400 34,471,114 14,600 49,690,620 8,340 78,730 10,230 211,596,840 31,410,725 93,000 142,800 7,590

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.55 0.58 0.55 0.58 0.55 0.58 9,000 5,100 AYALA LAND 34.7 35.2 34.7 35.2 34.7 35.2 4,693,000 164,442,975 AYALA LAND LOG 4.63 4.7 4.61 4.8 4.61 4.69 375,000 1,753,990 AREIT RT 42.45 42.7 42.8 43 41.85 42.7 2,203,100 93,571,565 A BROWN 0.82 0.89 0.85 0.85 0.83 0.83 221,000 185,850 CITYLAND DEVT 0.72 0.73 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.72 215,000 154,580 CROWN EQUITIES 0.092 0.095 0.094 0.095 0.092 0.095 560,000 53,000 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.79 2.8 2.83 2.83 2.79 2.8 780,000 2,187,700 CENTURY PROP 0.405 0.415 0.405 0.42 0.405 0.415 1,410,000 580,050 CITICORE RT 2.59 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.59 2.59 2,497,000 6,473,980 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.64 8.87 8.99 9.04 8.6 8.87 60,500 525,794 DDMP RT 1.53 1.54 1.54 1.55 1.53 1.53 1,689,000 2,588,610 DM WENCESLAO 6.9 6.93 6.9 6.91 6.9 6.9 24,300 167,690 EVER GOTESCO 0.244 0.248 0.242 0.244 0.242 0.244 690,000 168,000 FILINVEST RT 7.35 7.36 7.35 7.37 7.33 7.35 2,659,500 19,547,643 FILINVEST LAND 1.07 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.07 1.08 10,100,000 10,860,340 8990 HLDG 13.62 13.7 13.3 13.86 13.3 13.7 464,000 6,322,136 GOLDEN MV 634.5 675 677 677 677 677 20 13,540 PHIL INFRADEV 0.91 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 0.92 45,000 41,400 CITY AND LAND 0.83 0.87 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 9,000 7,470 MEGAWORLD 2.91 2.92 2.93 2.94 2.9 2.91 3,037,000 8,847,850 MRC ALLIED 0.212 0.215 0.212 0.215 0.209 0.213 3,930,000 829,490 MREIT RT 17.54 17.56 17.5 17.76 17.5 17.56 1,026,800 18,077,498 PHIL ESTATES 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 190,000 76,000 PRIMEX CORP 2.36 2.46 2.36 2.46 2.36 2.46 1,182,000 2,881,180 RL COMM RT 7.33 7.34 7.34 7.37 7.33 7.34 2,888,400 21,190,476 ROBINSONS LAND 19.52 19.82 19.9 19.9 19.52 19.82 3,821,700 75,531,046 PHIL REALTY 0.222 0.239 0.221 0.224 0.221 0.222 80,000 17,810 ROCKWELL 1.36 1.43 1.43 1.43 1.43 1.43 1,000 1,430 SHANG PROP 2.52 2.61 2.52 2.61 2.51 2.61 28,000 70,430 STA LUCIA LAND 2.78 2.92 2.78 2.92 2.78 2.92 1,016,000 2,846,160 SM PRIME HLDG 36.25 36.5 36.4 36.65 35.75 36.5 2,837,200 103,145,210 SOC RESOURCES 0.56 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 254,000 157,480 VISTA LAND 2.62 2.64 2.61 2.66 2.61 2.64 529,000 1,390,410

SERVICES ABS CBN 12.62 12.98 12.82 12.98 12.62 12.62 27,500 349,620 GMA NETWORK 13.16 13.18 13.3 13.3 13 13.16 2,073,700 27,192,250 MANILA BULLETIN 0.385 0.405 0.385 0.415 0.385 0.415 40,000 16,000 MLA BRDCASTING 7.53 9.68 9.8 9.8 9.8 9.8 100 980 GLOBE TELECOM 2,440 2,446 2,440 2,450 2,420 2,446 18,500 45,158,140 PLDT 1,910 1,914 1,905 1,914 1,888 1,914 74,695 142,664,215 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.043 0.044 0.042 0.044 0.042 0.043 258,200,000 10,999,700 CONVERGE 29.4 29.7 29.95 30.35 29.2 29.4 10,124,200 300,730,135 DFNN INC 2.9 2.95 2.99 3 2.87 2.9 137,000 402,760 DITO CME HLDG 4.98 5 5 5 4.95 5 1,892,000 9,430,700 NOW CORP 1.63 1.64 1.38 1.66 1.38 1.63 21,847,000 33,109,560 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.31 0.315 0.315 0.315 0.31 0.31 4,040,000 1,253,800 2GO GROUP 7.15 7.54 7.55 7.55 7 7.15 10,100 71,963 CHELSEA 1.47 1.49 1.5 1.5 1.45 1.48 444,000 655,720 CEBU AIR 45.95 46 46 46 45.05 45.95 87,400 3,974,520 INTL CONTAINER 222.2 223 225.8 225.8 222 223 1,359,110 303,226,370 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.85 0.9 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 17,000 14,450 MACROASIA 5.34 5.36 5.4 5.48 5.34 5.34 341,800 1,839,527 PAL HLDG 6.2 6.3 6.29 6.3 6.2 6.2 49,900 313,474 HARBOR STAR 0.65 0.67 0.65 0.65 0.64 0.64 16,000 10,340 GRAND PLAZA 10.9 15.96 11.5 13.44 11.5 13.44 700 8,438 WATERFRONT 0.43 0.44 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43 210,000 90,300 CENTRO ESCOLAR 6.85 6.86 6.85 6.85 6.85 6.85 1,200 8,220 FAR EASTERN U 530 540 531 531 531 531 3,000 1,593,000 IPEOPLE 7.7 8.9 9.03 9.03 7.7 7.7 600 4,753 STI HLDG 0.345 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 10,000 3,600 BELLE CORP 1.26 1.28 1.26 1.26 1.26 1.26 5,985,000 7,541,100 BLOOMBERRY 6.16 6.17 6.11 6.22 6.11 6.16 906,400 5,606,406 PACIFIC ONLINE 1.5 1.58 1.5 1.55 1.5 1.55 66,000 99,250 LEISURE AND RES 1.26 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.26 1.28 2,955,000 3,782,200 PH RESORTS GRP 0.97 0.98 0.96 1 0.96 0.98 228,000 221,100 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.44 0.455 0.44 0.455 0.44 0.455 920,000 408,050 PHILWEB 2.29 2.3 2.31 2.31 2.29 2.3 821,000 1,888,470 ALLDAY 0.44 0.445 0.455 0.46 0.44 0.445 5,230,000 2,349,100 BERJAYA 5.52 5.69 5.52 5.52 5.52 5.52 500 2,760 ALLHOME 7.95 8.1 8 8.1 7.9 8.1 94,600 760,844 METRO RETAIL 1.43 1.44 1.43 1.43 1.42 1.43 931,000 1,326,340 PUREGOLD 34.5 34.85 35.8 35.8 34.25 34.85 1,469,200 51,151,930 ROBINSONS RTL 54.75 54.85 55 55.5 54.55 54.75 294,530 16,126,042 PHIL SEVEN CORP 62.1 63 63.5 63.5 62 63 15,540 978,504 SSI GROUP 1.15 1.16 1.15 1.16 1.14 1.15 797,000 913,430 WILCON DEPOT 28.5 28.55 28.8 28.8 28.2 28.5 617,100 17,527,005 APC GROUP 0.236 0.24 0.239 0.24 0.236 0.24 270,000 64,660 MEDILINES 0.79 0.8 0.78 0.81 0.78 0.8 376,000 293,620 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.53 0.495 0.52 9,916,000 5,004,785

MINING & OIL ATOK 5.51 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.6 22,200 122,271 APEX MINING 1.6 1.62 1.64 1.66 1.6 1.6 4,966,000 8,000,170 ATLAS MINING 6.51 6.58 6.69 6.69 6.5 6.51 1,065,400 6,972,781 BENGUET A 7 7.04 6.98 7.04 6.73 7.04 45,000 304,734 BENGUET B 6.9 6.96 6.96 7 6.96 7 4,400 30,664 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.241 0.249 0.245 0.245 0.24 0.24 280,000 68,040 CENTURY PEAK 2.65 2.74 2.61 2.74 2.6 2.74 122,000 318,130 DIZON MINES 4.92 5.29 4.91 4.91 4.91 4.91 900 4,419 FERRONICKEL 2.67 2.69 2.69 2.73 2.67 2.67 5,656,000 15,211,340 LEPANTO A 0.139 0.14 0.138 0.14 0.138 0.14 3,910,000 545,180 LEPANTO B 0.138 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 40,000 5,600 MANILA MINING A 0.0099 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.0097 0.0097 1,900,000 19,120 MANILA MINING B 0.0098 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 1,100,000 11,000 MARCVENTURES 1.62 1.65 1.62 1.65 1.62 1.62 567,000 924,880 NICKEL ASIA 7.89 8 7.97 8.04 7.8 8 6,144,500 48,765,697 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.94 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 85,000 81,600 PX MINING 5.16 5.22 5.16 5.31 5.16 5.22 509,900 2,651,158 SEMIRARA MINING 27.85 28.3 29 29 27.7 28.3 8,381,500 235,260,530 UNITED PARAGON 0.0061 0.0063 0.0061 0.0062 0.0061 0.0062 12,000,000 73,500 ACE ENEXOR 17.2 17.28 16.5 17.38 16.5 17.28 357,700 6,095,684 ORNTL PETROL A 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 2,000,000 22,200 ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 400,000 4,400 PXP ENERGY 4.78 4.79 4.77 4.79 4.77 4.79 49,000 233,890

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 100 101 101 101 101 101 6,850 691,850 HOUSE PREF A 100 101 100 101 100 101 100 10,020 AC PREF B2R 500 509 500 500 500 500 1,000 500,000 BRN PREF A 103.1 105.8 104 104 104 104 2,000 208,000 CEB PREF 45.6 46.5 46.5 46.5 45.6 45.6 1,100 50,520 CPG PREF A 101.5 102.4 101.7 102.4 101.7 102.4 3,550 361,070 DD PREF 99.4 99.8 100 100 99.3 99.8 43,750 4,369,142 EEI PREF A 100.6 104 100.8 100.8 100.6 100.6 5,000 503,040 EEI PREF B 106.1 108.8 108.8 108.8 108.8 108.8 400 43,520 FGEN PREF G 102.7 105 102.7 102.7 102.7 102.7 7,500 770,250 JFC PREF B 970 999 999 999 999 999 10 9,990 MWIDE PREF 4 97.25 100 98 100 98 100 320 31,400 PNX PREF 4 975 987 985 987 974 987 10,020 9,770,055 PCOR PREF 3A 1,056 1,070 1,056 1,056 1,056 1,056 50 52,800 SMC PREF 2F 76.2 77.9 76.35 77.9 76.35 77.9 9,490 734,621 SMC PREF 2H 75.3 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 75.5 6,340 478,670 SMC PREF 2J 71.55 74.95 75.1 76 70.5 71.5 847,400 63,777,415 SMC PREF 2K 75.2 75.9 75.2 75.9 75.2 75.2 558,020 42,350,114 TECH PREF B2D 54.6 55 55 55 54.6 54.6 3,140 172,536

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.5 12.58 12.58 12.6 12.46 12.5 223,300 2,803,652 GMA HLDG PDR 12.72 12.74 12.7 12.72 12.7 12.72 119,300 1,516,488

WARRANTS TECH WARRANT 0.61 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.64 8,000 5,120

1,966,920.00 4,460 -56,790,240 -2,441,879.50 -946,362 18,000 10,800 -71,530 -141,990 2,244,104 -14,020 1,144,440 7,278,965.50 -680,800 21,996,109.00 24,814,710 -88,582,800 236,052 11,400 -7,236,540 -134,800 16,452,125 331,730 -57,000 -245,039.00 -76,590 -369,702 26,820 -157,498 -4,267,630 102,240 -2,164,704 -2,179,440 8,997,183 -35,378,226.00 6,723,165 -973,800 10,837,630 47,710,905 -23,011,385 2,551,880 464,170 8,490 724,330 6,602,700 8,500 8,544 -8,626 -26,065 9,600 -22,650 -1,821,650.00 230,106 -25,692,640 -13,696,282 -240,735 653,820.00 -6,985,060 1,560 -101,345 32,800 -103,579 0 70,730 5,713,710 1,400 10,000 14,276,507 361,232.00 -52,215,795 6,200 -123,188 9,580 -22,386 2,216,944 -385,780

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ALTUS PROP CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

16.18 0.99 1.11 0.94 1.76 0.31

16.66 1 1.16 0.96 1.78 0.315

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF

106.4

107

16.14 1 1.15 0.9 1.73 0.31

16.66 1.01 1.16 0.96 1.78 0.31

16.14 0.98 1.15 0.89 1.73 0.31

16.66 1 1.16 0.95 1.78 0.31

32,900 10,997,000 200,000 409,000 2,530,000 70,000

531,064 10,992,020 230,210 385,360 4,493,900 21,700

16,830 -52,390 -

106.5 107 106.1 107 12,650 1,348,758 167,115

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Entrepreneur

Lowly ‘putok’ bread propels CamSur co-op to biz success

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

A

ffected by the spread of the Covid-19 that led to the closure of shops, loss of jobs and livelihood, agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) belonging to the Tinangis Upland Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (TUFAC) in Upper Barangay of Tinangis in Pili, Camarines Sur were able to survive the challenging environment.

A group of 20 mostly female members led by TUFAC General Manager Maria Mercedita Violeta established a bakery business with assistance from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Convergence on Livelihood Assistance to ARBs Project (CLAAP) to make ends meet amid the economic impact of the pandemic.

“We had no idea what to do back then to start our own small business. We appear to be losing our courage, as nothing appears to be happening regardless of what we do. However, with the assistance of DAR, we were able to realize this bakery project,” Violeta narrated.

The group’s commitment and determination helped the co-operative overcome adversities that allowed their small business to grow, and earn a whopping P803,502.00 in one year and a half after its launch on July 8, 2020, which coincided with the pandemic’s onslaught.

The bakery’s average monthly sales were recorded at P44,639.00.

“While the bakery’s opening coincided with the Covid-19 crisis, which has been very unfavorable to many businesses, owing to the restrictions on both goods and people’s movements, TUFAC remained unaffected and it was business as usual for the co-operative,” said Violeta.

The bakery started delivering pastries such as pan de coco, spanish bread, pan Legaspi, pinagong, choco bread, halfmoon, sliced bread, chiffon cake, and cassava cake to Centro Tinangis and Zones 3 to 5 through three motorized transporters that were also awarded as part of the same project by DAR. The bread called “putok” is one of their best-sellers. Regular consumers uniquely buy this bread: they close and open their palms, then imitate the sound of an explosion, boom! rather than mentioning the bread’s name (putok).

Because their baked goods are delicious and reasonably priced at P2 for small sizes and P5 pesos for larger sizes, the coop ultimately began delivering to the nearby villages of Barangay Curry, Sitio Bungkaw, and relocation sites.

“We were able to deliver to these areas throughout sugarcane harvest season,” Violeta said. Even though we sold our products only locally, they quickly sold out. We were not obliged to seek new markets, as our loaves of bread were in such high demand.”

She disclosed that their secret to their tasty breads lies in the ingredients.

“All we can guarantee is that our recipes will not be changed, even if it means earning less profit; we will never, ever compromise on the quality of the items our customers have learned to appreciate,” she said.

She further stated that the bakery provided not only extra income for beneficiaries’ families but also opportunities for women’s empowerment.

Felicidad Buenafe, a 43-year-old farmer and baker, explained that each loaf is the result of TUFAC members’ cooperation. She said, she performs her regular errands to keep the bakery wellstocked with bread for sale.

“Every day I wake up early, about one o’clock in the morning, to prepare and start baking bread,” Nanay Felicidad narrated. I finished wrapping the products at 6:00 a.m. That is often how my day goes, she added.

Each TUFAC member, she said, has specific work assignments at the bakery to ensure its smooth and sustainable operation. “We need to strengthen our co-operative now so that when the government stops assisting us and focuses on other co-operatives, we can stand on our own,” she said.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Wednesday, April 27, 2022 B3

Philippines joins four-country pilot on MSME digitalization

By Roderick L. Abad

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@rodrik_28

Contributor

O bolster the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises’ (MSME) digitalization and ecommerce’s growth, Digital Pilipinas, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade Training Center (DTI-PTTC) signed on Tuesday a pact for the local launch of the Global SME Financial Education Program, paving the way for the country to be a part of a pilot on digitalization of small scale businesses that’s also happening in India, Ghana, and Singapore.

Digital technology is at the center of the e-commerce industry to run a successful business while allowing MSMEs to reap the benefits of the digital world. With digitization, these small-scale enterprises and the online marketplace have the chance to employ their astounding capabilities to allow sellers to link with their customers via the web and mobile platforms.

MSMEs play a significant role in most of the economies around the world. Because of their power

to create jobs, they contribute to many countries for around 150 percent growth of their national income.

To make them vibrant and enable them to grow further, access to finance is key, according to MAS Chief Fintech Officer Sopnendu Mohanty.

But many of times, however, this has been cited as a key constraint, he noted.

In most of the emerging markets, he said MSMEs continue to be underserved, struggling to get loans from

CLOCKWISE from right: Amor Maclang, convenor of Digital Pilipinas and World Fintech Festival, executive director and trustee of Fintech Philippines Association and cofounder of GeiserMaclang; Nelly Dillera, executive director of Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade Training Center; host Mimi Ong; and Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer of Monetary Authority of Singapore.

the banks and other financial institutions. Because of this, they mostly rely on in-the-mill cash flows and borrow from friends and families.

“That’s kind of limit their growth and they stay small and medium for rest of their lives,” he emphasized.

“So what we really want to do, as part of this journey, is to find the path for SMEs so that we focus on helping them to take their ideas, be it small or medium scale at this point of time, and find their part for them to become a bigger enterprise [and] a scalable enterprise in the future,” Mohanty said.

The way to do this is to find good technology, where such constraint can be removed. That is why the MAS is looking at how it can make business solutions and financing options available not only to a lot of corporates but also to MSMEs. Also, it is now working with the

Philippine government and the private sector to offer an international SME program which allows small businesses to go through the certification process on the foundational knowledge and a global financial certificate with a much more advanced understanding of how to access financial services and use this technology.

For its part, the DTI-PTTC is currently working with the Singapore government for the development of career pathways, job roles, functional and enabling skills, and competencies and corresponding proficiency level to prepare curriculum and modules guided by a skills framework.

“We’re very happy to report that we were able to complete, I think, more than 500 skills documents covering different positions for career pathway, skills documents

Potent tie up: BPI Foundation and Entrego Express empower Sinag social enterprises

The Asia Foundation launches 2nd devt entrepreneurship mentoring program

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PI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, recently sealed a partnership with Entrego Express Corp., a technology-driven business solutions provider, to provide logistic solutions to the top social enterprises that will emerge from this year’s implementation of the BPI Sinag business challenge.

BPI Sinag, a flagship program of BPI Foundation, aims to empower social entrepreneurs (SEs) in scaling up their businesses and boosting their impact on communities. At the same time, it seeks to grow the triple-bottom-line of people, planet, and profit through opportunities for technological, social, and market innovations.

Now on its eighth year, the program continues to elevate its mission from delivering capacity-building efforts that aim to develop social enterprises to lead systemic change that will put social entrepreneurship in the mainstream.

“Aligned with the BPI group’s commitment to Sustainability, we continue to champion our budding local social enterprises,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo.

“We are delighted to partner with En-

BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo and Entrego Express Corporation President Ismael Augusto S. Gozon signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the BPI Sinag program.

trego to empower our Sinag social enterprises in reaching more customers by providing reliable logistic solutions that ensure safe and timely delivery of their products.”

For this year’s BPI Sinag business challenge, Entrego is committed to providing service discounts to the Top 25 Sinag finalists. The Top 11 to 25 SEs will receive a one-time discount of 25 percent or a maximum of P600.00 off, while the Top 10 awardees will receive a 30 percent discount or a maximum of P1,000.00 off for their first four billings.

Entrego will also provide a cash prize of P30,000.00 for the best performing

which are actually defining also the job roles, the critical functions and the key tasks corresponding to the jobs identified in the career path and, of course, the skills competencies and enabling skills and competencies,” DTI-PTTC Executive Director Nelly Dillera said, while citing the sectoral skills framework that they have already prepared for the Philippines which include logistics and supply chain, digital animation, game development, as well as cross-sectoral skills framework applicable to different sectors, such as business development, marketing, sales and finance, and human capital development which will be launched in May. Looking forward, Digital Pilipinas hopes to share their collaborative initiative in two global platforms that the MAS are setting up. One is the Global Launch of the SME Financial Education Program in Ghana happening in June, where the Philippines is proudly one of the four countries supporting such undertaking initiative, and the realization of the European Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Hungary in charge of its digitalization program on how old Asean roads can lead to Europe, and vice versa.

“There has never been a better time to be an Asian and to be in technology. Let’s build a Digital Pilipinas in a digitally connected world one SME at a time,” said Amor Maclang, convenor of Digital Pilipinas and World Fintech Festival, executive director and trustee of Fintech Philippines Association, and cofounder of GeiserMaclang.

SE with excellent responsiveness and quality of customer service via the “Entrego Bizkarte Award.”

Entrego Express Corporation President Ismael Augusto S. Gozon expressed his excitement to empower the SE community through the partnership with BPI Sinag. “Entrego as the logistic partner of BPI Sinag is sharing its reliable and effective services such as Courier and Express Parcel (CEP) and Freight Forwarding to participating SEs for them to start over again and grow their business,” he said.

To know more about BPI Foundation, follow its Facebook and Instagram pages and visit www.bpifoundation.org.

he Asia Foundation, with the support of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, has formally launched the 2nd Development Entrepreneurship (DE) Mentoring Program for policy-reform leaders in the Indo-Pacific region.

The DE Mentoring Program aims to facilitate deeper learning and practice of policy reform. Mentees receive one-on-one mentoring sessions from veteran reform leaders for over six months. During the mentorship, they learn to identify, clarify, and pursue their reform ideas using Development Entrepreneurship principles.

“This mentorship program aims to support mentees as change agents in pursuing positive policy reforms in their sector or area of expertise.

It serves as a support mechanism as Development Entrepreneurship crosses the boundaries between traditional development work and other sectors,” said Mr. Sam Chittick, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation.

Mr. Paul Harrington, First Secretary of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, shared that the mentoring program demonstrates the Australian government’s continued commitment to work with

the Philippine government, stakeholders from civil society, business, and the academic community to strengthen governance and address development challenges.

This group comprises 20 individual mentees and is a mix of development professionals from the academe, faith-based organizations, NGOs, private corporations, and the government. One of the mentees is an official from BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao); three are from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, while two participants work on projects sponsored by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

“I was inspired to apply for the six-month DE mentoring program after attending the online course on Development Entrepreneurship and listening to the success stories of the various policy reform advocates,” said Keith Jablo, Project Associate of Ayala Foundation and University Lecturer of the University of the Philippines-Visayas, and one of the program’s mentees. “Through the mentoring program, I know that I can make the reform I envision for the communities I work with into reality,” Jablo added.

Malaysian start-ups widen Philippine network with market access program

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TART-UPS from Malaysia can now keep their connections with strategic partners, clients and investors in the Philippines following the success of the recently-concluded GAIN: EXPAND PH program with the renewed partnership of Launchgarage Innovation Hub and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corp. (MDEC).

According to Launchgarage Chief Operation Officer Jojo Flores, the hosting of this third cohort program formed part of their five-year exclusive deal with the lead agency in driving

the digital economy in Malaysia under The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia.

Initially inked in 2019, the strategic partnership enables seamless crossborder collaboration as the MDEC serves as their exclusive partner in running various market access programs.

“As we start to recuperate from the devastating effects of the pandemic, we are glad to once again collaborate with our Malaysian counterparts in MDEC to continue co-hosting these market access programs, which provides value

and accelerates their validation process when entering the Philippine market,” he said. With many businesses now transitioning from pandemic-related challenges, MDEC Senior Vice President for Ecosystem Development Division Gopi Ganesalingam shared that they are honored to have been given a chance to continue the start-ups’ expansion into the Philippines.

“Pre-pandemic, the cross-border collaboration between Launchgarage and MDEC has initially created market access opportunities for Malaysian

startups to expand their network and services to the Philippines and now, we aim to see greater success from our first two runs. We expect more deals to be closed and valuable partnerships to be forged through the program,” he added.

Designed to accommodate Malaysian companies virtually and enable them to better understand the country they want to expand in, the program offered webinar sessions by renowned industry experts on different topics such as introduction to the Philippine start-up ecosystem, legal and regula-

tory compliance, digital marketing, and investments.

Launchgarage founders Jay Fajardo and Jojo Flores led growth hacking and advisory sessions. Deal flow and exploratory meetings were also conducted throughout the program to jumpstart their growth and presence in the Philippines. A culmination event called a “demo day” held virtually last April 18 provided an avenue for the cohort to pitch their companies to invited partners, investors, media partners, and government agencies. Roderick L. Abad

B4

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 • Editor: Dennis D. Estopace

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Treasury partially awards reissued T-bonds

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By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of the Treasury partially awarded P17.56 billion in reissued 10-year Treasury Bonds (T-bonds) on Tuesday as investors demanded higher yields for securities with longer tenors.

With a term of nine years and eight months, the notes capped

an average yield of 6.313 percent, higher than secondary market

Breaking the Circle of Poverty

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless.

The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.

We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”—Mother Teresa, Missionary and Saint

W

E are in the third decade of this century, and what a century!

On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked unexpectedly in its own key business district and in a very humiliating manner: the World Trade Center was reduced to rubbles. In 2019 before the global pandemic, there were predictions on economic recession.

Then, the virus breakout led the World Health Organization (WHO) to officially recognize the pandemic in 2020.

Up to now, certain jurisdictions are still experiencing surges of the infection with varying types and/or variants necessitating corresponding lockdowns. Economic outlook points to much-lower global growth and emerging markets are forecasted to take more time to achieve pre-pandemic era performance.

This year, the adventurism of Russia President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine has added unwanted pressure and concerns to the “recovering economies” of the world with the price of oil spiraling. This impacts adversely on already fragile economies of the world. Inflation is felt in what the ordinary housewife’s challenging task of making both ends meet.

In the country, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened with the latter increasing to unparalleled level.

Loss of jobs, closure of micro-, small and medium enterprises, adaption of technology-driven modality and more, shifted a number of our countrymen from one level to a lower level in categories of income levels. Natural disasters due to climate change have exacerbated the state of affairs of the unprivileged.

In sum, those belonging to the edges of the society have increased rendering the circle of poverty bigger.

The government is expected to take care of the populace. “Ayuda” or dole outs have been adopted but that is not enough and not sustainable. The resources of the government are limited too. Growing poverty is in our midst

benchmark rates.

This is up by 26.3 basis points from the Bloomberg Valuation Service (BVAL) Reference Rate for the 10-year government securities at 6.05 percent.

Likewise, this is also above by 30.4 basis points than the BVAL Reference rate for the security at 6.009 percent.

Had the Treasury awarded in full the reissued T-bonds, the average yield would have gone up to 6.387 percent, which would be 29.5-basis points higher than the previous auction’s 6.092 percent.

Still, the auction was oversub-

scribed as total bids reached P56.4 billion, exceeding the P35 billion offering.

The Treasury programmed to raise P200 billion from the domestic debt market this month.

Since the start of the month, the Treasury has so far sold P164.4 billion.

Last month, the Treasury only raised P91.7 billion, more than one-third of its P250 billion programmed offering as investors continued to seek low-risk assets amid a low-interest rate regime and inflation’s upward crawl.

The Philippine Statistics Au-

T

Tweaking interest rates upward usually brings yields of bonds into the positive territory. However, this doesn’t bode well for government’s bond-issuance plans.

This is especially real as the government is set to borrow this year a total of P2.2 trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to come from domestic sources.

As of end-February this year, the national government’s outstanding debt rose to another recordhigh level of P12.09 trillion due to currency fluctuations and net financing from both domestic and foreign sources.

DOF, BIR prodded on tax perks for teachers on poll duty

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

Finex free enterprise Conchita L. Manabat and all are affected.

The organization of finance executives thru the Social Involvement Committee of the Finex (Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines) Research and Development Foundation has rolled out basic financial literacy, basic bookkeeping and livelihood projects via seminars and/or webinars in Filipino among the underprivileged through its partnerships with different like-minded nongovernment organizations.

Based on the recent past (pandemic era), the initiatives may have reached to about a thousand beneficiaries spread all over the country. Use of technology through the eponymous platform of the Zoom Video Communications Inc. has assisted in reaching out to more areas and populace without need of travel and face to face encounters. The mantra of the Committee is: “Not to hand out fish but to teach how to fish.” Partner organizations’ feedback to the initiatives has been encouraging and more modules are lined up for development.

If other professional organizations will join the campaign to share knowledge and skills to help alleviate the state of affairs of the underprivileged, the circle of poverty may give way.

Allow me to quote Pope Francis: “These days there is a lot of poverty in the world, and that’s a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.”

Conchita L. Manabat is the President of the Development Center for Finance. A past president of Finex and past chairman of the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes, she serves as the chairman of the IAFEI Advisory Council. Manabat is also a member of the Consultative Advisory Groups of the International Auditing & Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.

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HE Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were prodded Tuesday by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian to provide Congress their allocation proposals to ensure early passage of a funding bill to pay on time all poll workers serving overtime in the upcoming national elections.

Gatchalian aired the appeal primarily on behalf of public school teachers. He said he only intends to “ensure they [teachers] will receive on time the full amount for their service to help ensure orderly elections.”

“I am appealing to the DOF and to the BIR if they can give us a proposal on how we can give the full amount to our teachers,” the senator said.

He added he believes the DOF and

the BIR has the same sentiment of helping teachers. “Pareho naman yung ating sentimyento na dapat tulungan yung ating mga teachers.”

“So let’s just find a way to give them the full amount.”

Gatchalian triggered a Senate panel hearing last week on the proposed tax exemption on poll workers’ honoraria and other benefits embodied embodied in Senate Bill 1193 he earlier filed to “make the honoraria, travel allowance, and other benefits granted to poll workers exempt from tax.”

The Gatchalian bill also sought to exclude poll workers’ honoraria and allowances from gross income.

He recalled that the election honoraria and allowances of poll workers, including public school teachers, have never been subjected to tax until the 2018 Barangay and SK Elections and the 2019 midterm

said Yurie Suzuki, a market analyst at Mizuho Securities Co. in Tokyo.

“Given the BOJ is expected to leave policy unchanged this week, it’s not a big surprise that the central bank has extended the 0.25 percent fixed-rate operation.”

The central bank’s accommodative policy has widened the yield differentials between Japan and other developed economies, weighing on the yen and driving up import prices. Still, the BOJ is expected to leave policy unchanged this week, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists.

“The BOJ provided relief to the bond market with the announcement,” said Yuichi Kodama, chief economist at Meiji Yasuda Research Institute in Tokyo. The extension of the fixed-rate operation “indicates that current monetary easing will remain in place,” he said. Bloomberg News

elections when the BIR imposed a 5 percent withholding tax on their honoraria. For the upcoming 2022 national elections, they will be taxed 20 percent.

The lawmaker lamented that while he recognized the intent to help poll workers and public school teachers, “the DOF said that it does not support the proposal to grant tax exemption on their honoraria and other benefits.”

He cited a previous ruling from the BIR the DOF, which invoked that poll workers’ honoraria and other allowances, no matter the amount, are “wealth that flow into the hands of the recipients and should be subject to income tax.”

The senator added the DOF also claimed the proposed tax exemption runs counter to the principles of the Duterte-era Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law to

make the tax system more efficient and equitable. He notes the agency also added that the tax system is not the best way to provide additional benefits to sectors, noting that it could be difficult to implement and could be subject to abuse.

However, Gatchalian pointed out that the tax code already provided for different tax exemptions, citing for instance the 13th month pay that, he said is exempt from tax.

When he quizzed the DOF on how the proposed measure will cause inefficiencies in the tax system, the lawmaker also emphasized that elections are only held every three years.

Gatchalian asserts that “exempting them from 20 percent withholding tax is a small recognition for their sacrifice and a small recognition for the extra mile that they demonstrated for our country in terms of assuring democracy.”

LandBank issued 9.8M Pru Life offers accident, cash cards by end-Mar burial benefits coverage

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TATE-run bank Land Bank of the Philippines reported that it has distributed a total of 9.8 million cash cards as of endMarch 2022.

LandBank said it has successfully distributed cash cards to 4.4 million beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program and 5.4 million beneficiaries of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program covering the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) social pension and “listahanan” program.

CCT and UCT beneficiaries can use the LandBank cash cards to withdraw from LandBank ATMs (automated teller machines) and agent banking partners nationwide, as well as make cashless purchases in groceries and drugstores, among others.

“On top of ensuring the timely and safe disbursement of govern-

ment subsidies to the country’s most vulnerable sectors, the distribution of LandBank cash cards advances our efforts to bring more Filipinos into the formal banking system,” Landbank President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo said.

“This forms part of LandBank’s contribution to the National Government’s inclusive and sustainable development agenda,” she added.

The LandBank cash cards were recently upgraded into transaction accounts to provide beneficiaries with wider access to banking services, including cash card loading via LandBank branches, fund transfers through the state lender’s mobile banking application and cash-in via its cash deposit machines.

In 2021, the bank disbursed a total of P133.61 billion in cash grants to more than seven million CCT and UCT beneficiaries nationwide.

Bianca Cuaresma

BOJ extends unlimited bond buying into meeting this week

HE Bank of Japan (BOJ) added to its recent round of bond purchases in a bid to keep a lid on benchmark yields.

The central bank offered to buy an unlimited amount of 10-year government debt on Wednesday and Thursday, it said in a statement, extending its four-day operation that ended Tuesday. The new dates cover this week’s two-day policy meeting.

The benchmark 10-year bond yield fell 1.5 basis points to 0.23 percent after the move was announced, but still remains close to the 0.25 percent ceiling of the BOJ’s yield curve control policy. Tuesday’s fixedrate operation saw the BOJ purchase 921.5 billion yen ($7.2 billion) of 10year debt, the most since July 2018.

“The BOJ probably extended the operation because the 10-year yield hasn’t fallen and may rise above 0.25 percent in the coming days,”

thority (PSA) announced last April 6 that the growth of consumer prices hit the ceiling of the government’s annual target range of 2 percent to 4 percent in March on the back of higher price increases of food items combined with the continued rise in energy-related inflation.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno has said early this month that monetary authorities recognize the “need to take action” in terms of monetary policy as he sees inflation likely to remain elevated in the coming months.

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RU Life lnsurance Corp. of UK (Pru Life) announced the launch of its free personal-accident coverage that offers accidental death and disablement and/or dismemberment and burial benefits.

In a statement issued last Tuesday, the life insurer said they are offering free 1-year accident coverage in a bid to make financial security more accessible to the public through the firm’s health-management and wealth-management solution for consumers it calls “Pulse.”

“Protecting Filipinos and their families is one of Pru Life UK’s strongest advocacies,” Pru Life UK President and CEO Eng Teng Wong was quoted in the statement as saying.

Wong further said they launched the free personal accident coverage through Pulse “to show the public that having life protection doesn’t have to be complicated.”

“We strongly believe that through our inclusive efforts like offering this coverage, more Filipinos will

BSP: P1,000 banknote won’t be demonetized

By Bianca Cuaresma @BcuaresmaBM

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People pass by the Bank of Japan headquarters in Chūō, Tokyo, on April 25, 2022. Japan’s central bank continued its bond purchases to address yields. BloombeRg News

be inspired and encouraged to get started with their financial wellness journeys,” he added.

The limited offer provides an accidental death and disablement/ dismemberment benefit of P50,000, in the unfortunate event of the registered user’s death or injury due to an accident. It also offers a burial benefit of P10,000, which will be given in case of death due to natural causes.

The free personal accident plan is exclusive to new Pulse customers or registered Pulse users that have not purchased and/or availed of any product upon application of the free personal accident plan, the firm said.

The company said the plan will also be available from April 20 to June 30 or until 150,000 free personal accident plans have been availed, whichever comes first.

Filipinos aged 18 to 64 and who are in good health are eligible to register for this offer via Pulse, the company said. Bernadette D. Nicolas

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reiterated last Tuesday that the current 1000-piso banknote will not be demonetized despite the successful rollout of the polymer banknotes earlier this year.

In a statement, the BSP said the current 1000-piso paper bill will be circulated alongside the 10 million pieces of 1000piso polymer banknotes released to the public last week.

The total number of polymer 1000piso banknotes represents two percent of the total polymer banknotes to be circulated. This is equivalent to 0.7 percent of the estimated combined number of 1000-piso paper and polymer banknotes in circulation.

BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno has repeatedly stated that there will be no demonetization of currently circulating banknotes and coins during his term.

By 2023, a total of 500 million pieces of polymer banknotes are expected to be circulated alongside the 1000-Piso paper banknote.

The BSP has earlier bared the design of the 1000-Piso polymer banknote, featuring the Philippine Eagle and the Sampaguita on the obverse side; and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, South Sea Pearl and T’nalak weave design on the reverse side.

“This new banknote strengthens the BSP’s efforts to respond to pressing public health and safety concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, promote environmental sustainability, and deter counterfeiting,” the governor earlier said.

Image BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Summer comforts WITH temperatures rising as they do this season, SM Appliance Center has all the cool and innovative appliances that will make staying indoors fun, comfortable and convenient. Even better, exciting prizes are in store from the Summer FUNalo Raffle Promo.

There are state-of-the-art home entertainment centers for the family, like Skyworth 4K LED Smart TVs with exceptional performance. Consumers can also rock their favorite playlists with LG’s powerful audio systems with fabulous sound and exciting colorchanging lights.

Chill out with energy-saving inverter air conditioners. The Panasonic Split Type Aircons eliminate allergens, bacteria and viruses with its most advanced purification system, Nanoe Technology, which deodorizes and purifies the air in your room.

Give the kitchen an upgrade with LG Side by Side Inverter Refrigerators that help in creating excellent meals—including barbecues—for the summer, along with durable and versatile La Germania Ranges.

Be amazed as well by how inverter washing machines help save energy, time and money in taking on laundry chores. LG Inverter Washing Machines allow remote operation along with other smart conveniences via the Smart ThinQ features.

Beyond these summer offers, SM Appliance Center also has the ongoing Summer FUNalo promotion ongoing until April 30 (bit.ly/39jt2br), where consumers get a chance to win exciting prizes, including the KYMCO KRV 180i TCS Motorcycle for five winners, 40 Carrier Airconditioners and 200 Camel Electric Fans.

THE LG 24 Cu Ft Side By Side Inverter Refrigerator has SmartThinQ technology, which can be controlled and diagnosed via a smartphone.

FIVE lucky winners can drive home the KYMCO KRV 180i TCS Motorcycle in the promo.

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Benefits of team building PHOTO BY HILLARY UNGSON ON UNSPLASH

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NE of the effective tools that people managers can use to enhance their team’s working relationship is to hold a team building activity. The primary goal of team building is to enhance the current working environment and ensure that there is a smooth working relationship among your team members. It becomes necessary when the team is new, your team is reorganized, or most issues arise because of team members.

Most team building activities happen outside the work environment, but I have heard of people doing it in their offices or virtually, given the still ongoing pandemic. Others opt to do the activity as just an occasion for rest and relaxation, while others have a more structured approach. It all depends on how engaged your team is with each other, and what is needed to make them work together better.

But however you want to do it, team building is an invaluable tool in helping your team work more effectively and efficiently.

Team building can help your team get to know each other better so they can improve their communication with one another. A relaxing environment can help people let their guards down and just enjoy the venue together. Going out of the office could help your team look at each other from a non-work context, and help them understand their teammates personally. They get to know each other better which increases their confidence in their teammates, which then eventually increases their trust in each other. Of course, it could go the other way so you would have to design activities that help them become confident and trust their teammates.

One of the most effective team building activities I have experienced was during my high school. The facilitator grouped us into three teams and asked three people to lead each team. We did not know it during the activity, but he gave instructions for each of them to act in a certain way—one acted like an arrogant know-it-all leader, the second was timid and uninspiring, while the third was collaborative and helpful to everyone. That became the springboard for a discussion on what kind of leader we would like to be. Some were still angry at the arrogant leader even after the activity, but that was a good way to drive home a point. The activity was intentional because the facilitator also understood that it was a lesson all of us needed to learn.

Team building will also help you discover the strengths and weaknesses of your team, so you can fine tune your leadership to improve collaboration.

Your role as a people manager is to minimize your team’s weaknesses by highlighting the strengths of other team members. Activities in a non-work environment can help you understand your team’s motivations because they will act and behave as they usually are if the team building session is programmed properly.

I once attended a teambuilding session where

teams competed in a relay, and people who were normally timid in the office became so competitive, taking on leadership roles in the games. After that, it became easier to tap them for more responsibilities because their team members had a newfound respect for them, and they also realized that they could lead others. As a people manager, it will also help you lose your unrecognized bias and help you see your team differently.

A well-programmed and successful team building can enhance morale and increase motivation by creating a positive working environment. When people understand each other’s motivations and know each other better, it becomes easier for them to empathize and relate to one another. Improved communication and enhanced collaboration promote a positive working environment.

There are times when teambuilding can also be a venue for resolving issues with each other and finding a common ground where everyone can work together. A good people manager will have to expertly navigate personal issues and how they affect the work environment. A well-planned team building session can help your team resolve their differences and arrive at a place where they can work together professionally.

Your team building activities can also help encourage creativity among your team members.

There are common team building activities like creating the tallest tower using only sticks and

marshmallows, combination relays, and different variations of “Pass the Message.” There are also facilities that have an assortment of trust falls and obstacle courses. These are all designed to make teams think of out-of-the-box ideas so they can win.

Increased creativity can help your team find better ways of doing things together. This will not only affect the quality of ideas you have for office problems, but also help increase your team’s productivity.

When a team has been working together for a long time, team building can just be a rest and relaxation time where you appreciate your team for their hard work. When everyone has been pulling their weight and contributed significantly to the team’s success, team building can just be about enjoying each other’s company and catching up on each other’s lives. It can be a time of reinforcing the team’s commitment to quality and excellent work, or a venue for exploring future enterprises.

Team building does not stop after a scheduled outing or a planned out-of-office activity. Your role as a people manager is to understand your team’s motivations and encourage them to become the best versions of themselves.

A one-off activity can only show you a glimpse of how your team acts and behaves. You need to process all of these to create a leadership style that is responsive to their needs. Because it is only when you understand your team that you can lead them to where you want them to go. ■

Five reasons why you’re tearing up all the time WHEN looking for clues into the current state of your health, sometimes the answer could be staring right at you—literally.

“The eyes are not just the windows to our soul, they can also tell us that something is going on in our body,” says Dr. Joanna Rodriguez-Chan, MD, Section Chief of the Cornea and External Disease Section, Department of Ophthalmology of Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph).

“More often than not, the condition is not serious and resolves on its own. Still, it is also good to see your doctor before it gets worse or leads to further complications.”

Take watery eyes, for instance. While tears are necessary because they keep your eyes lubricated and wash away dust and other tiny particles, an uncontrollable overflow of tears merits some looking into. “We call it epiphora, or the overproduction of tears,” Rodriguez-Chan explains.

“The condition is due to a number of reasons, ranging from the benign to more complex diagnoses.

Again, if your watery eyes persist, aren’t triggered by anything in particular, and are accompanied by other symptoms, do have them checked by your doctor.”

Wondering why your tears can’t stop flowing?

Here are five likely causes: ■ ALLERGIES: “Exposure to harmless stimulants like dust, pet dander, fumes, or pollen makes your body react: you sneeze, you cough, and your eyes turn red, itchy, swollen, and watery,” says Dr. Rodriguez-

B5

Chan. “Over-the-counter antihistamines and eye drops usually address watery eyes, as does avoiding the stimulant.”

■ CONJUNCTIVITIS: “Otherwise known as sore eyes, it is often associated with uncontrollable tearing, pus and blurred vision. Conjunctivitis is caused by a bacteria or virus that is passed during close contact, or by touching a contaminated surface or object then touching your eyes,” she says. “This condition takes about 1 to 2 weeks to heal and can be treated with prescription eye drops in case of pain. Always wash or disinfect your hands before touching your eyes.”

■ BLOCKED TEAR DUCTS: In each of our eyes are tear ducts found in the inside corner. These ducts naturally drain our tears across our eyes and down a duct into our nose.

“When the ducts become narrow or blocked, the tears accumulate, causing an overflow as well as other symptoms: mucus, blurred vision, and even blood in your tears,” Dr. Rodriguez-Chan points out. “Your doctor can flush the ducts with saline and expand them with tiny tubes or balloons. In other cases, surgery is recommended to build a better duct.”

■ DRY EYES: When you do not produce enough tears or your tears do not have enough water, oil and mucus in them that they cannot lubricate your eyes adequately enough, you have what is known as dry eyes syndrome. “Dry eye disease has a stinging or scratchy sensation in the eyes,” says Dr. RodriguezChan. “It is also accompanied by other symptoms

like redness, a feeling that you have something in your eye, and sensitivity to light.” Ironically, dry eyes results in watery eyes, which is how the body responds to irritation.

Also caused by several factors (age, staring at a computer screen all day, chronic contact lens use, exposure to certain environmental conditions such as wind or sunlight, or taking certain medications), dry eyes are soothed with over-the-counter drops or “artificial tears.”

■ MEDICAL CONDITION: Sometimes, watery eyes can be one of many symptoms of a more concerning condition. “Bell’s palsy, or the sudden weakness of facial muscles, is marked by such signs and symptoms as a drooping of one side of your face, drooling, headache, a loss of taste, and changes in the amount of tears or saliva you produce,”she explains. “Dry eyes can also be a manifestation of Sjogren’s syndrome and other autoimmune diseases. This particular autoimmune disorder attacks the glands in charge of your tears and saliva, leaving you with constantly dry eyes and mouth.”

While watery eyes are not exactly a reason to panic, it should not be taken lightly either, especially when it is accompanied by other symptoms that interfere with your daily life. “There is no harm in consulting your health practitioner to rule out a condition or disease,” assures Dr. Rodriguez-Chan.

“Whatever is causing it, deal with it early to avoid complications.”

B6 Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Caritas Manila donates to Ukraine, spends over P2B on local programs As OCTA Research sees rising COVID cases, PA Concepcion warns of consequences

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S cases a re projected to r ise

by May and waning immunity threatens vulnerable sectors of the population, experts are raising concerns and emphasizing the urgency for booster vaccinations. This was the consensus among experts at Go Negosyo’s town hall meeting “Booster to the Max” held online last April 25.

“OCTA believes numbers will rise,” said OCTA Research’s Dr. Ranjit Rye. This rise in cases is feared to send the country back to more restrictive measures and disrupt the momentum in its economic recovery. “It’s going to be disastrous if we move back to Alert Level 3 status,” said Joey Concepcion, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, and founder of Go Negosyo, which organized the town hall meeting.

He explained that the Ukraine crisis has already made it more challenging for the economy to fully gain momentum, and that waning immunity may send Covid cases rising again. “We can’t afford two problems at the same time,” he said.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David presented data that might point to a rise in cases in the Philippines. “The increase in new Covid cases in South Africa, India and the US makes it likely that the Philippines will see an increase in cases soon,” he said.

He explained that the three countries have had the same pandemic trend in the past as the Philippines and are likely predictive of what may happen in the Philippines.

“How high and when, we don’t know yet,” he said, but added that the rise in cases may happen sometime soon. “Maybe May or June,” he said.

Department of Health Sec. Francisco Duque, who addressed the townhall meeting, confirmed that vaccines make a difference. “There is no question, vaccines are the game changer, lalo na sa matatanda,” he said. The elderly comprise a large share of the casualties, he said as he shared data showing

Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Anton CT Pascual distributes manna food bags during its Contra COVID-19 campaign.

Fr. Anton CT Pascual leads the Hapag-Asa feeding program that fed malnourished children in 26 feeding sites in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

C that 85 percent of those who had severe Covid were unvaccinated, while 93 percent of those who died were also unvaccinated.

Dr. Ted Herbosa of the government’s Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) warned that an outbreak can likely happen among the unvaccinated. “If we ever do get an outbreak, it will be in areas where vaccination rates are below 50 percent,” he said.

He reported that although 74.67 percent (or 67,209,612 million) of the country’s target population have been fully vaccinated, only 12.9 million have booster shots.

The VEP’s Dr. Nina Gloriani, meanwhile, said that the general finding is that antibodies wane after three to six months, and that boosters restore antibodies to as high as a hundred-fold. She also emphasized the importance of t-cells, whose activation are higher or sustained after booster vaccinations. “My message has always been, two doses are not enough.

You get the third dose and after three to four months get the fourth dose, because we don’t know how the virus will behave,” she said.

Infectious disease specialist and VEP member Dr. Rontgene Solante said that for many who had their primary vaccines last November to October might no longer be protected and need to get boostered. “We want to enhance the protection against a heavily mutated Omicron variant,” he said.

This is especially important, he said for the immunocompromised who will benefit most from a second booster shot.

“What I fear is that the fear is gone,” said Concepcion. “Early in the pandemic, it was not very hard to get people vaccinated. This sense of complacency can cause us harm. I think it’s important that we maintain this wall of immunity. We don’t want to break this momentum,” he said.

OCTA’s Dr. Rye, however, assured that there are things that can be done to avert the disaster.

“The way forward is vaccinations and boosters,” he said. “There are drivers for the increase in infections, but it will not be a concern if we are boostered. We can participate in the elections, we can enjoy these things for longer when the economy is open,” he said.

Take a day off on Mother’s Day, let Green Crew take charge of house cleaning chores

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OTHERS are probably the busiest people on this planet. After a long day at work, they have to cook dinner, look after the children, help them with their homework, and so much more. Stay at home mothers are as busy as their working counterparts, sometimes even busier. There will always be an endless list of work to be done.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, why don’t you mothers take a day off from your busy schedule and let the Green Crew take charge? Green Crew House Cleaning Service is an emerging professional cleaning business that can be found in the heart of Metro Manila.

Awarded as the most trusted house cleaning services in the market by Golden Globe annual awards for business excellence, Green Crew is making waves in the industry by understanding how businesses, corporate offices, leasing companies, and individuals can keep their place in pristine condition and make their living environment healthier while making their lives easier.

Green Crew specializes in providing cleaning services of hotelstandard experience through their exceptional and highly dependable cleaning experts. These cleaning experts have a thorough grasp of hotel experiences and makes use of environmentally friendly tools that transform an ordinary area into a stunning one.

The company specializes in general services, deep cleaning, post renovation cleaning and detailing services for your vehicle needs. Whether condominiums, homes and corporate offices, Green Crew can make everything happen at one glance. Green Crew House Cleaning Services can be reached at 09690562265 or through their Facebook and IG Accounts GreenCrewPH.

ARITAS Manila, the social services arm of the Archdiocese of Manila recently gave an initial $20,000 or the equivalent of over P1M as humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Caritas Ukraine accepted the donation from Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Anton CT Pascual. The money will go to helping the civilian population of Ukraine caught in the war.

“Caritas Manila is one with Caritas Ukraine for the swift resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

No one emerges victorious in a war. We support the holding of a dialogue to resolve the conflict. Let us pray for the restoration of peace in Ukraine knowing that nothing is impossible with God,” Fr. Pascual said.

The gesture is just one of the ongoing efforts of Caritas Manila which to date has contributed over P2B for the fight against Covid-19 and P47M for the victims of typhoon Odette which devastated parts of Visayas and Mindanao in December of last year.

At the start of the pandemic, Caritas Manila launched its Contra Covid-19 campaign that provided grocery gift checks, food packs, sanitation kits and other relief goods to the poorest of the poor. In partnership with business groups and donors, Caritas Manila distributed assistance worth P1.7B in 2020 that benefitted 1,909,153 families or 9,611,835 individuals and P418M in 2021which helped 205,398 families or a total of 1.4 million individuals.

DISCOVER KOPI, TEH, AND OTHER ASIAN DELIGHTS AT NANYANG.

Choose from menu items such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, homemade nasi lemak, cheesy chicken chop noodles among others.

Next time you’re looking for a quick meal or a coffee run, make your way to Nanyang and treat yourself to kopi, teh, and real Singaporeanstyle cuisine. Nanyang SM Mall Of Asia Main Mall is now open. For more information, visit http://nanyang.com.ph, www.facebook. com/NanyangPh or IG @nanyangph.

SMFI receives recognitions from social good partners

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M Foundation recently received plaques of recognition from its social good partners for its invaluable contribution on relief operations, Covid-19 response, and sustainable agriculture. The following are the organizations which recognized the efforts of SMFI: Philippine A rmy: Pagdamay at Pagbangon Plaque | Relief operations; Philippine Army: Command Plaque | Relief operations; City Government of Tuguegarao: Relief operations; Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region III & X:

Salamat Po Award | Sustainable agriculture and relief operations; Armed Forces of the Philippines: Support for AFP Civil Relations Service; and Armed Forces of the Philippines-Health Service Command: Covid-19 response.

These recognitions further fuel SM Foundation’s aspirations in improving the lives of its stakeholders, especially those in grassroot communities. SMFI expressed its gratitude for the continued support of its partners and vowed to further reach more Filipinos through its various social good programs.

FedEx Express introduces a new suite of ancillary services to enhance customer experience

PUEBLO DE ORO IS TOP 10 DEVELOPER IN SOUTH LUZON. Pueblo De Oro Development Corpora-

tion (PDO), the property development arm of the ICCP Group, was named among the Top 10 best performing developers in South Luzon (ranked ninth) by the Home Development Mutual Fund during the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report (StAR) for the year 2021. The StAR Awards is the annual recognition of the stakeholders, service partners, employers and top developers for their contributions to the continued growth of the Fund.

The PDO Batangas Team (in photo) was commended for significantly contributing to the Pag-IBIG Fund’s efforts of providing every Filipino worker the opportunity to own a home. Among the projects that formed part of the company’s outstanding performance are La Aldea del Monte and Park Place Batangas in Sto. Tomas. The projects combined for total loan take-outs of over P321 million for the period.

Hapag-Asa feeding program followed and fed 9,266 malnourished children for 120 days in 2021.

The nutritious meals of vegetables, protein, fruits and Manna Pack Fortified Rice were distributed daily by over 2,000 Caritas Manila servant leaders and volunteers in 26 feeding sites in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Eleven dioceses affected by typhoon Odette last December received a total of P47M for basic and emergency needs as well as rehabilitation efforts. Caritas Manila Project Damayan is still providing shelter and settlement assistance to the 36,966 families left homeless and are still staying in evacuation centers.

In 2021, Caritas Manila allotted P106 million to its Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP). The amount was able to support 2,766 students in NCR; 608 in Luzon; 654 in Visayas and 611 in Mindanao for a total of 4,639 scholars nationwide. YSLEP has provided scholarship as well as servant leadership training to thousands of poor but deserving students for over six decades.

Visit www.caritasmanila.org.ph and click on The Good Newspaper to know what Caritas Manila is doing. To support, call or text 0917595-5083, log on to www.caritasmanila.org.ph, visit www.facebook.com/OfficialCaritasManila, view Instagram@officialcaritasmanila, or check Twitter@CaritasManila.

T

HIS new suite of ancillary services from FedEx is uniquely designed to provide customers with end-to-end shipping support which can be personalized based on specific business needs.

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp.

(NYSE:FDX) and one of the world’s largest express

transportation companies, has recently introduced a new suite of ancillary services aimed at providing customers with complete, end-to-end shipping support – from palletizing, crating, and fumigation to transport services such as private truck use, dangerous goods handling, Sunday delivery, and special documents processing for bulk shipments.

Businesses of all sizes, particularly retail freight customers, can receive quotes, make bookings and track shipments in real time. To help customers streamline their logistics processes, FedEx held a special virtual Master Class on February 9th. The session outlined how these services can boost crossborder growth of businesses.

Reinforcing its commitment to help businesses tap into opportunities around the world, FedEx Express Philippines continues to innovate and formulate solutions and services to better serve customers through new supply chain technologies and customized solutions amid rapidly changing market conditions.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Tet Andolong

Wednesday, April 27, 2022 B7

Infra development a boon for property sector

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

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s the ambitious Build, Build, Build program is entering the final phase, property developers acknowledged that infrastructure development is a catalyst for growth of the sector.

Marko Sarmiento, chief operating officer of JEG Development Corp. (JDC) told reporters in a recent webinar that infrastructure development has made Cebu City more appealing to developers and locators as well. “Developers have become more conscious of Cebu which made it at the forefront of development in the Visayas,” Sarmiento said.

Sarmiento said the gradual loosening of restrictions and improving business climate has enabled JDC to launch JEG Tower @ One Acacia, the pioneer green, LEED Gold certified 22-story office and retail highrise development in Cebu City. JEG Tower @ One Acacia is JDC’s first venture into high-rise buildings.

The JEG Tower @ One Acacia is being positioned by JDC as a frontrunner in redefining the property industry in the Philippines by introducing a sustainable-centric

JEG Tower lobby promotes a healthy lifestyle among its future tenants.

lifestyle.

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is characterized by its energy-efficient features, reduced water usage, and efficient waste management. It is set to become Cebu’s first commercial development to use solar energy, as we have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with COREnergy for a zero cash-out solar photovoltaic plant,” Sarmiento explained.

JEG Tower @ One Acacia aims to be a game changer in the industry putting importance of work-life balance, putting a premium on the welfare of tenants, employees, and the people of Cebu.

As businesses are gearing back to office mode, JDC said it is addressing the evolving needs of the workplace, especially in the postlockdown work landscape where hybrid work arrangement is con-

sidered the “new normal.”

“JEG Tower @ One Acacia is committed to providing the best workplace that addresses the physiological, mental, and social needs of its employees and occupants. We continuously invest in the quality of the work environment, as well as the health and well-being of our tenants, in a bid to help our tenants achieve increased productivity,” Sarmiento said.

The new features will enable employees to experience green living such as the use of natural daylight, optimal indoor air quality, and the roof deck garden, that all together provide greater support for employees to their psychosocial needs.

Moreover, JEG Tower @ One Acacia features a green roof that can help reduce stress and encourage socialization, positively impacting the wellness of employees. These

PA Properties Hankyu Hanshin launches Idesia City

By Roderick L. Abad

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A Properties Hankyu Hanshin, the joint venture compa ny bet ween Fi l ipi no owned PA Alvarez Properties and Development Corp. (PA Properties) and Japan-based Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. (Hankyu Hanshin), announced the inauguration of Idesia City, an important milestone marking its transformation from a residential to a mixed-used development.

T he developers behind t he 37-hectare real-estate project in Cavite, previously known as Idesia Dasmariñas, also launched Idesia City Commercial, with 28 lots ranging from 529 square meters (sq m) to 2,606 sq m to house offices, start-up companies, business process outsourcing companies, banking institutions, fast food chains or restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centers.

“The pandemic has really thought us lot of lessons, and one of them is to bring in all services as much as possible within reach of our residents in the community that we are building not only in Idesia, but also in all other developments that we are doing. So the commercial units that will be opened soon, hopefully, will be able to provide the basic needs of the residents of Idesia,” PA Properties President Jonathan Lu told reporters in a webinar during the event last Saturday.

For the locators’ advantage, on the other hand, the commercial side will be properly zoned so that there will be no cutthroat competition that will happen among the businesses that will invest and locate in Idesia City Commercial, according to him.

Promoting the “Ideal Way of Living” and “Life at Every Turn,”

AERIAL view of Idesia City

this master-planned community is now more accessible with the completion of the 2-kilometer Idesia Avenue, the main road connecting the township between Emilio Aguinaldo Highway and Governor’s Drive which are “very heavy at any given time.”

“So residents as well as non-residents for that matter will have an easy access to and from Aguinaldo Highway to Governor’s Drive,” Lu said. “If we will open this access road, I think it will also benefit the project as we will open the eyes of the passersby that there is such thing as Idesia in this particular part of Dasmariñas.”

Idesia City also welcomed the opening of the Sakura Bridge within its location, which serves as an alternative route to Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.

“With the inauguration of Sakura Bridge, residents of Idesia City will have preferable passage going to the other highways of Dasmariñas City,” noted PA Properties Chairman Romarico “Bing” Alvarez.

“We believe Idesia City will provide all the need of homeowners in Idesia Dasmariñas and Idesia Heights. We believe the project can also contribute to the economy of the city since the commercial lot for

sale. We are also excited to know that Idesia City’s new Avenue and the bridge can contribute and lessen the traffic congestion of the two major highways which is Aguinaldo Highway and the Governor’s Drive in Dasmariñas City,” added Masahiko Toda, head of Housing Overseas Division at Hankyu Hanshin PA Properties Corp.

In 2017, Idesia City started with the launch of the 11-hectare Phase 1, which was then followed in 2019 by the groundbreaking of the 9.18-hectare Phase 2 and the 5.64-hectare Idesia Heights.

Amid construction delays at the start of the pandemic two years ago, Alvarez said that they are still on track to finish Phase 1 by end of this year, as well as Phases 2 and 3 in 2024, since their building pace has normalized again and delivery of materials has accelerated anew now that alert levels in most parts of the country have been downgraded.

“Given the benefits of having township programs, we will definitely look into adding more in the future,” he bared. “We will be launching Idesia Cabuyao and Idesia San Jose del Monte within this year.

Then, other projects [that] are still being discussed would be Tanauan, Batangas and Pampanga.”

Bria Homes models are designed to suit the needs of the working class.

spaces will allow for relaxing midday breaks and can be a venue for wellness activities or social gatherings.

“We’ve integrated intelligent technology into the building, utilizing thermal scanners, and automatic sliding doors have been installed in the main entrance. In place of manual contact tracing efforts, employees will use the freestanding scanners by the main entry point, while guests must get their temperature through a tabletop scanner available in the reception area,” explained Ayla Gomez, JDC’s Brand Manager.

On his part, Bria Homes division head Eduardo T. Aguilar said the “Build, Build, Build” program has served as an impetus to the development of the property sector.

For one, he pointed past infrastructure projects of the national gov-

ernment have drastically reduced travel time within the metropolis and between key cities and towns, making road trips fast, smooth, and easy for leisure and business travelers alike.

Infrastructure also consistently boosts value appreciation of properties, many with a robust infrastructure network, working class Filipinos now become confident to by their own dream homes outside the National Capital Region as they are guaranteed of a safe and comfortable travel. “We’d like to keep land appreciation constantly in mind and ensure a stable future for Bria homeowners,” Aguilar explained.

Aguilar said the idyllic locations and access to current and complemented by upcoming major government projects, Bria properties are attractive to buyers as it’s accessible to schools, churches, hospitals, com-

mercial establishments, banks, and pharmacies.

Aguilar said residents of Bria communities outside the National Capital Region will likewise save time and resources with shorter drives and commutes to and from the metropolis and other places.

He said Bria Homes meticulously study the locations of their developments to enable Filipinos to own their homes. He added that Bria projects’ proximity to continuous infrastructure growth has become part of the company’s vision.

“These infrastructure projects benefit real estate not just through value appreciation, but also by spurring economic activity and growth.

What this means for our residents are more opportunities for tourism, business, education, and manufacturing, among others,” Aguilar pointed out.

ArchiNEXT holds its 8th Young Designers’ Competition

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rchiNEXT: HCG Young Designers’ Competition (AYDC) is one of Hocheng Philippines Corporation’s impressive corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

I nt r o d u c e d 8 y e a r s a g o , ArchiNEXT is a student competition that challenges the ingenuity and proficiency of young architectural students in designing sound, yet sustainable architectural masterpieces.

ArchiNEXT is in joint partnership with United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Council of Deans and Heads of Architecture Schools in the Philippines (CODHASP)—providing a platform for young designers to showcase their limitless creativity.

This year, the ArchiNEXT2022 theme is Lulinghayaw: A Localized Sustainable Eco-tourism destination. The vision was to create an eco-tourism destination that promotes Philippine architecture and culture, community and nature, incorporating sustainable principles into the design and unique cultures that the chosen location offers. Lulinghayaw is a Visayan term for take a trip or go out for leisure or vacation. As the tourism and hospitality industries were badly hit, this is HCG’s response challenging the youth in terms of design.

Very much attuned to the call of the times, HCG Chairman Mr. Patrick Chiu, articulated “…we want to ensure sustainability and relevance in the next generations because we believe that if we take care of our environment, social and how we do things [governance] then ever ything will follow.”

Winners were announced at CONEX2022 held at the SMX Con-

The Grand Winners from Bulacan State University with their Dean, Arch. Godesil Lejarde, flocked with the runners up from: Don Honorio Ventura State University and Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (Second and third, respectively) with UAP National President, Arch. DonDon De Guzman; CODHASP President, Arch. Chona Ponce; with HCG Officers—VP David Chang, SVP Eugene Lin, Marketing Head Maeyeth Cayabyab-Cadungog, CPM and ArchiNEXT Consultant Arch. Ramon Mendoza.

The Grand Winners of this year’s ArchiNEXT 2022 arefrom Bulacan State University they are: Ivan Victor Mendoza, Clyde Manuel Amoranto, and Frances Abk Serebo with their Dean Arch. Godesil Lejarde and Program Coordinator. From left: HCG VP David Chang, CODHASP President Arch. Chona Ponce, UAP National President Don Don De Guzman and HCG SVP/OIC Eugene Lin.

vention Center in Pasay City during the HCG Hour and this year’s ArchiNEXT2022 Grand Winners are: Clyde Manuel C. Amoranto, Frances A. Serebo and Ivan Victor Mendoza—all from Bulacan State University.

Hocheng Philippines Corpo-

ration makes the high-quality and world-renowned household brand HCG bathroom fixtures, celebrating its 25 years in the Philippines.

Web site: https://hcg.com.ph/ Social-media accounts: https:// www.facebook.com/hcg.com.ph

Sports

LADON WORTHY REPLACEMENT

BusinessMirror

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| Wednesday, April 27, 2022 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

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BREMERTON assistant football coach Joe Kennedy (obscured at center in blue) is surrounded by Centralia High School players as they kneel and pray with him on the field after their game against Bremerton in October 2015 in Bremerton, Washington. AP

TO PRAY OR NOT TO PRAY W

ASHINGTON—A coach who crosses himself before a game. A teacher who reads the Bible aloud before the bell rings.

A coach who hosts an after-school Christian youth group in his home.

Supreme Court justices discussed all those hypothetical scenarios Monday while hearing arguments about a former public high school football coach from Washington state who wanted to kneel and pray on the field after games.

The justices were wrestling with how to balance the religious and free speech rights of teachers and coaches with the rights of students not to feel pressured into participating in religious practices.

The court’s conservative majority seemed sympathetic to the coach while its three liberals seemed more skeptical. The outcome could strengthen the acceptability of some religious practices in the public school setting.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who played basketball in high school himself and has coached his daughters’ teams, suggested that there’s a difference between a coach praying in a huddle with students or in the locker room and “when players

are disbursing after the game.”

“This wasn’t, you know, ‘Huddle up, team,’” Kavauagh said at one point, suggesting the coach’s practice was acceptable.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked what if the coach had instead run an after-school religious youth group at his home, with students free to join or not. Would the school have been able to object to that, she asked.

Arguments at the high court lasted nearly two hours, despite being scheduled for just one. The justices and the lawyers arguing the case at various points discussed teachers and coaches who might wear ashes on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday, oppose racism by kneeling during the national anthem or express a political opinion by putting signs in their home’s yard.

Former National Football League (NFL) player Tim Tebow, who was known for kneeling in prayer on the field, and Egyptian soccer star Mohamed Salah, a Muslim who kneels and touches his forehead to the ground after a goal, also came up.

Justice Samuel Alito, borrowing from the news, asked about protesting the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what if the coach had, instead of praying, gone out to the center of the field and “all he did was

to wave a Ukranian flag.” Would he have been disciplined? Yes, a lawyer for the school district said, because the district “doesn’t want its event taken over for political speech.”

The Supreme Court previously declined to get involved in the case at an earlier stage in 2019. At that time Alito wrote for himself and three other conservatives—Kavanaugh and Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas—that a lower court decision in favor of the school district was “troubling” for its “understanding of the free speech rights of public school teachers.”

But they agreed with the decision not to take the case up at the time.

The case has returned to the court at a time when the court’s conservative majority has been sympathetic to the concerns of religious individuals and groups, such as groups that brought challenges to coronavirus restrictions that applied to houses of worship. But cases involving religion can also unite the court. Already this term in an 8-1 decision the justices ruled for a Texas death row inmate who sought to have his pastor pray aloud and touch him while his execution was carried out.

The case before the justices on Monday involves Joseph Kennedy, a Christian and former football

coach at Bremerton High School in Bremerton, Washington. Kennedy started coaching at the school in 2008 and initially prayed alone on the 50yard line at the end of games.

But students started joining him, and over time he began to deliver a short, inspirational talk with religious references. Kennedy did that for years and also led students in locker room prayers. The school district learned what he was doing in 2015 and asked him to stop.

Kennedy stopped leading students in prayer in the locker room and on the field but wanted to continue praying on the field himself, with students free to join if they wished.

Concerned about being sued for violating students’ religious freedom rights, the school asked him to stop his practice of kneeling and praying while still “on duty” as a coach after the game. The school tried to work out a solution so Kennedy could pray privately before or after the game.

When he continued to kneel and pray on the field, the school put him on paid leave.

Kennedy’s lawyer, Paul Clement, told the justices that the Constitution’s freedom of speech and freedom of religion guarantees protect his “private religious expression.”

UP Maroons earn twice-to-beat advantage in UAAP playoff stage

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NIVERSITY of the Philippines secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs after tripping University of the East (UE), 81-68, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 84 men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Fighting Maroons clinched their second consecutive victory to improve to 10-2 won-lost to keep

their solo grip of second spot.

Far Eastern University (FEU), meanwhile, grabbed the No. 4 seed after beating De La Salle University, 67-62.

The Tamaraws are now half a game ahead of Adamson University at fourth at 6-6, while pulling the Green Archers down to 7-5, still at third.

UP zoomed to an 18-8 first quarter lead before even stretching the gap to 18 at the half, 44-26.

But the Red Warriors slashed

Meaning of Ginebra win SHEER rivalry recalled recently in the Barangay Ginebra triumph.

After the Gin Kings punched a 103-92 win over the Meralco Bolts on Friday, it did not only make Ginebra a four-time champion in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup. Likewise, the crowd darling’s 4-2 victory in the best-ofseven affair overemphasized its mastery of Meralco: All four of Ginebra’s Governors’ Cup crowns had come at the expense of the Bolts in the last five editions of the conference.

And there’s one more—which is the most important, I believe.

With the Gin Kings’ victory, gloriously avenged somewhat was the loss of Magnolia, Ginebra’s sister team, to the TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Cup preceding the Governors’ Cup. “For me, that’s the most important thing,” said Alfrancis Chua, the Ginebra governor to the PBA board.

The Philippine Cup had brought bitter memories to Chua

the once 19-point deficit down to nine, 52-61, four minutes into the fourth quarter.

UP, however, countered with a 12-4 run capped by Ricci Rivero’s alley-oop slam off a JD Cagulangan assist for a 73-56 breather with 4:20 to go.

“We work as a team—how to get our rhythm, how to execute as a team which we did the whole game,” Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde said.

as TNT, Meralco’s sister team as well, bulldozed its way past San Miguel Corp. teams en route to capturing the AllFilipino title.

“Tropang Giga ran over all of us at San Miguel (in the Philippine Cup),” rued Chua, also SMC’s sports director.

“This Ginebra victory (over Meralco) is payback time.”

It is an open book that the corporate rivalry between RSA’s SMC teams (Ginebra, Magnolia and San Miguel Beer) and MVP’s squads (TNT, Meralco and NLEX) has always been a favorite clubhouse conversation piece for the longest time.

Their duel for PBA supremacy always takes center stage, almost rivaling that of the Crispa-Toyota match-up in another glorious era of the league’s storied existence.

What made Ginebra’s title-clincher sweeter was the fact that Gin King Stanley Pringle, a mainstay in coach Tim Cone’s rotation, was out on injury. And Japeth Aguilar, the 6-foot-9 Ginebra center, was not 100 percent healthy.

“Our enemies were all at full strength,” Chua told Inquirer’s Denison Rey A. Dalupang. “We showed heart. We showed how Ginebra fights. Truly, we are the ‘never say die’ team.”

Chua paid tribute to RSA (Ramon S. Ang), the SMC patriarch who, unlike MVP (Manuel V. Pangilinan), loves watching the games in the comfort of his home.

“With RSA’s full support—he loves talking to the players individually to motivate them—our teams are primed for hi-octane action at all times,” said Chua.

Indeed, there’s no substitute for heart-to-heart communication—a much-treasured trait that RSA keeps close to his chest.

THAT’S IT Olympic weightlifting queen Hidilyn Diaz proved she is a true sport once more when she willingly gave way to pole-vaulter EJ Obiena as our flag-bearer in Hanoi SEA Games set in May. Real champs do it right at all times—almost. Cheers!

By Josef Ramos

OKYO Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam harbors no hard feelings on his exclusion from the national boxing team to the 31st Southeast Asian Games set next month in Hanoi “It’s give and take between me and Rogen [Ladon],” Paalam told BusinessMirror from the team’s training camp in Muak Lek, Thailand, on Tuesday. “When I was in Tokyo for the Olympics, he was my sparring partner and he helped a lot. Now that he’s in top form for the SEA Games, it’s my turn to help him.

With a left shoulder injury bothering him, Paalam gave way to Ladon as the country’s bet in men’s flyweight of boxing at the SEA Games. But the 23-year-old pride of Cagayan De Oro remained part of the training camp to keep tab on the Hanoi-bound boxers.

“Rogen’s a worthy replacement, he’s good, and he proved to everybody that he’s ready for the SEA Games,” Paalam said. “We fight in the same weight class so we’re helping each other.”

Ladon, 28, won a flyweight gold at the recent Thailand Open, along with fellow members of the national team to the SEA Games women’s lightweight Risa Pasuit and middleweight Hergie Bacyadan.

Paalam will instead focus on the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games that are set this September and another potential shot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

CARLO PAALAM takes a “groufie” with his fellow boxers at the Thailand training camp.

SBP: WE CAN’T LOSE IN HANOI

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HE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will bring its 16-member men’s pool for the 31st Southeast Asian Games to Hanoi as it meticulously crafts a strategy to guarantee a gold medal campaign in Vietnam.

“We just want to make sure of the final lineup,” SBP deputy executive director Butch Antonio told Tuesday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “This is not a walk in the park. If you are the defending champion, you’re a target with a big bullseye on your back. The expectation is nothing but the gold.

We just cannot lose.”

Multi-titled Chot Reyes is the head coach of the 5x5 team, which is the favorite for the gold like the women’s 5x5 and 3x3 squads for both genders.

Antonio said the 5x5 team has been training “full steam ahead” along with the women’s team of coach Pat Aquino. The 3x3 squads are also geared up for the title drive.

The deadline for the submission of entries by names past last March

PSC-University of Mindanao pact on

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez (fourth from left) and University of Mindanao President Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr. (third from left) seal the partnership with PSC Commissioners (from left) Charles Raymond Maxey, Celia Kiram and Arnold Agustin (right) and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. witnessing the ceremony.

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HILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and University of Mindanao President Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) of cooperation on the creation and implementation of grassroots sports development in Mindanao through the University of Mindanao on Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“I’m very happy with such a visionary leader like Dr. Torres. He’s an educator, racer, and former track and field athlete. I think we must

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary General Marcus Jarwin Manalo and Australian training director Don Abnett said that it will be Ladon’s time to shine in Hanoi.

“Carlo [Paalam] is not ready to compete yet while Rogen Ladon is in good form,” Abnett said.

Paalam won the light flyweight gold medal at the Philippines 2019 SEA Games while Ladon lorded over the flyweight class.

“Rogen has been performing well in training and sparring since the start of the year,” Manalo said. “He also won gold in the Thailand Open while Carlo is still catching up with his conditioning.”

Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial (middleweight), Ian Clark Bautista (featherweight), James Palicte (light welterweight) and Marjon Piañar (welterweight) are also bound for Hanoi.

The women’s team is composed of light flyweight Josie Gabuco, flyweight Olympian Irish Magno, featherweight Nesthy Petecio, Pasuit and Bacyadan.

respond to his vision.” Ramirez said.

“This is historic for us to partner with the Philippine Sports Commission. We initiated the grassroots development track and field oval,” Torres said. “In fact, we already had several small meets for elementary and high school even before the pandemic and we had support from the PSC.” “We just want to expand it on a wider scale so that one of these days, it’ll be a track and field of champions and superstars from Davao and Mindanao” Torres added.

but Antonio said the SBP, led by its president Al Panlilio, wanted the team to be complete for the SEA Games.

Three players in the pool—Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos and William Navarro—still have commitments in the Japan B.League, while Japeth Aguilar has yet to fully recover from an ankle injury.

Six-time Philippine Basketball Association MVP June Mar Fajardo heads the pool that includes Poy Erram, Kib Montalbo, Isaac Go, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Matthew Wright, Kevin Alas and Robert Bolick and young guns Caelum Harris and LeBron Lopez. Mo Tautuaa is the team’s naturalized player.

“We (as a team) reiterate that there’s no other route and no other way except toward the gold medals—it’s a must,” Antonio 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.

Under the agreement, the PSC will provide the necessary technical and financial support for the creation and implementation of grassroots sports development policies, programs, projects, and activities for the University of Mindanao, and take necessary steps to ensure the sustainability of projects.

The University of Mindanao, on the other hand, will develop, in collaboration and coordination with the PSC, policies, programs, projects and activities for the school.

The school will also provide the training center and venues for the development and implementation of joint programs, projects and activities to be undertaken and make resources available such as venues, local transportation and other necessary assistance to accomplish said purposes.

Ramirez and Torres also announced the holding of the Mindanao Invitational Athletics Tournament, a joint project set on May 30 at the school’s newly refurbished track facility.

Also present during the MOA signing were PSC Commissioners Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin and Charles Raymond Maxey and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., Deputy Executive Director Merlita Ibay, Director Christine Abellana and Chief of Staff and National Training Director Marc Edward Velasco.