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Friday, December 11, 2020 Vol. 16 No. 64

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SHRINKING 8.5% IN ‘20 NEDA PUSHES REFORMS VS BIZ ‘OBSTACLES’ AS EXPORTS CONTRACT 2.2% IN OCTOBER

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MPLEMENTING reforms to “remove obstacles” to investments are needed to boost the country's external trade performance, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday showed exports contracted 2.2 percent in October 2020 after posting growth of 2.9 percent in September 2020.

Imports also posted a deeper contraction of 19.5 percent in October 2020 from the decline of 15.3 percent in September 2020. Imports have been contracting since May 2019.

“Improving communication infrastructure to encourage investments in digital solutions and services as well as logistics reforms, such as rationalizing the freight system, establishing strategic warehousing, and cold chain systems to bring down costs and improve the competitiveness of manufacturers and exporters, will play a key role in ensuring a rebound of the country’s trade sector,” Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said in a statement.

Chua said Neda continues to partner with relevant agencies and the legislative branch to push forward proposed amendments to the Public Service Act to open opportunities and spur investments in critical infrastructure that can increase the productivity and competitiveness of exporters, as well as enhance access to online platforms for businesses and government services.

These reforms, Chua said, include the calibrated and gradual resumption of businesses with strict implementation of health and safety protocols remaining crucial in reinvigorating the economy.

He added that improving the overall climate for businesses to foster entrepreneurship and competitiveness through the recent passage of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) bill will accelerate economic recovery by reducing our Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate and restructuring the country’s fiscal incentives system.

Chua said a critical feature of the law is for investment promotion agencies (IPA) to continue to promote and facilitate trade and investments under the supervision of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB), ensuring alignment with a single fiscal incentives regime.

The bill also gives the government flexibility in granting fiscal and nonfiscal incentives that are performance-based, targeted, timebound and transparent to attract investments resulting in significant job generation.

Neda said it continues to pursue legislative reforms such as amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Public Service Act.

RESIDENTS affected by the recent floods caused by Typhoon Ulysses hold up relief stamps as they receive cash aid from the Tzu Chi Foundation in Malanday, Marikina City, on Thursday, December 10, 2020. NONOY LACZA

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By Cai U. Ordinario

Performance

IVEN the recent performance of the economy, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cut its GDP growth forecasts for the Philippines this year.

Based on the Asian Development Outlook Supplement, ADB now projects that a GDP contraction of 8.5 percent is likely by yearend. This is a deeper decline compared to the 7.3 percent it forecast in September.

This is also consistent with the low-end GDP estimate of the Development Budget Coordination

THE country's total export earnings reached $6.2 billion, while import receipts amounted to $7.98 billion in October 2020.

Export earnings from January to October 2020 was estimated at $52.11 billion, a 12.5-percent contraction from last year’s $59.55 billion.

For imports, the total in the January to October 2020 period amounted to $70.04 billion, representing a decline of -25.2 percent compared with the import value of $93.61 billion posted in the same period of 2019.

Based on data from the PSA, the country’s total external trade contracted 12.8 percent in October 2020, worse than the declines of 8.2 percent in September 2020 and 4.6 percent in October last year.

With both exports and imports performing worse than the previous month, the country’s trade deficit declined 50.3 percent in October.

Committee (DBCC), which is a contraction of 8.5 percent to as much as 9.5 percent this year.

“The GDP forecast for 2020 is downgraded to an 8.5-percent contraction because household consumption and investment have fallen more than expected,” the ADB said.

Continued on A2

See “ADB,” A2

New lockdowns spook FDI flows in Sept

By Bianca Cuaresma

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HE reimposition of lockdowns in the country’s capital made foreign investors jittery about the economic recovery prospects, resulting in lower long-term investments in September, the Bangko Sentral ng Piipinas (BSP) reported on Thursday.

According to BSP data, foreign direct investments (FDIs) to the Philippines declined 12.3 percent in September this year to hit $523 million for the month. In comparison, the previous month’s FDI inflow hit $637 million while the previous year’s FDI inflow in September was at $596 million.

FDIs are investments made by foreign players to the Philippines looking for long-term return. Since these are in the country for a longer-term compared to their short-term counterpart, the foreign portfolio investments (FPIs), FDIs usually creates jobs for Filipinos and have a multiplier effect on the economy.

The September FDI decline snapped the four consecutive months of FDI inflow growth to the country despite the pandemic.

“The two-week Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila and surrounding areas in the first half of August may have dampened investor sentiment on prospects of the economy’s reopening,” the BSP said in a statement.

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 48.0810

Broken down, the decline in FDI net inflows during the month was largely due to the 14.3-percent drop in foreign players’ net investments in debt instruments, which amounted to $362 million from $423 million in September 2019.

These net investments in debt instruments consist mainly of intercompany borrowing/lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries/affiliates in the Philippines.

Reinvestment of earnings, meanwhile, also dipped by 19.7 percent to $62 million from $77 million in the same month in 2019.

The decline in FDI net inflows could have been larger, if not mitigated partly

by the 2.5- percent growth in foreign investors’ net investments in equity capital, which reached $99 million from $96 million in September last year.

Equity capital infusions during the month emanated mainly from investors from Japan, the United States and Singapore. These placements were channeled largely to the manufacturing, real estate and financial and insurance industries.

Overall, the decline in FDIs in September brought the country’s total FDI inflows in the first nine months of the year to $4.8 billion, down 8.6 percent from the $5.3 billion in the same period last year.

The BSP expects the FDIs to hit $5.6 billion by the end of the year.

n JAPAN 0.4614 n UK 64.4285 n HK 6.2028 n CHINA 7.3462 n SINGAPORE 35.9618 n AUSTRALIA 35.7963 n EU 58.1011 n SAUDI ARABIA 12.8171

Source: BSP (December 10, 2020)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, December 11, 2020

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PHL banks could see higher NPL as pandemic-relief impact eases

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By Bianca Cuaresma

HILIPPINE banks are being warned of potentially higher non-performing loans (NPLs) in the coming months, especially after loan payment moratoriums and other pandemic-related relief measures taper off.

In a recent sector analysis, Moody’s Investors Service said their recent review shows that the Philippines is the only country in the Association of Southeast Asian

Nations (Asean) that saw a significant rise in NPL levels in the midst of the pandemic.

Non-performing loans (NPL) are more popularly known as “bad”

or “soured” loans as they are unpaid loans way beyond their due date.

“Gross NPL ratios have held steady in 2020 at most Asean and India banks, helped by loan moratoria. Despite moratoria and the clarification of rules for asset classification by regulators, Philippine banks are an exception, with the asset-weighted average NPL ratio rising to 3.4 percent as of 30 September 2020 from 2 percent a year earlier,” Moody’s said.

This is despite the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’s (BSP) recent efforts to mandate banks to help borrowers in the time of the pandemic.

Moody’s noted that the Philippines’s loan moratorium—which

is still in effect—has the broadest scope in Asean.

In October 2020, all banks in the country were required to implement a one-time, 60-day moratorium for all performing loans with principal, interest or both coming due on or before 31 December 2020.

In Malaysia and Thailand, where loan payment moratoriums are also still in effect, the relief measure has been reduced. In Malaysia, loan moratoriums are now limited to selected groups of retail borrowers and microenterprises. In Thailand, banks offer loan moratorium only on a case-bycase basis.

Despite this, gross loans in the country have been declining and NPLs

still rose the fastest in the region.

Moody’s said the NPLs arose mostly from the retail and small and medium enterprise (SME) segments, which were hit hard by the pandemic.

“Given borrowers in the Philippines are still benefiting from loan moratoria, we expect asset quality will further deteriorate in 2021 when the payment forbearance ends. It also remains to be seen how the Philippines will transition borrowers back to full loan repayments,” the credit watcher said.

Earlier, BSP officials said they project the country’s bad loans to rise to about 4.6 percent of their total loan portfolio by the end of the year.

Neda pushes reforms vs biz ‘obstacles’ as exports contract 2.2% in October Continued from A1

The country’s top export market is the United States amounting to $1.01 billion or a share of 16.3 percent to the total exports during the month.

Other top export markets are Japan with $965.28 million or 15.6 percent of the total; China, $944.78 million, 15.2 percent; Hong Kong, $753.34 million, 12.1

percent; and Singapore, $398.07 million, 6.4 percent.

Chua noted that regional trading partners such as China and Asean posted double-digit growth in October. However, Chua said more could be done to help accelerate our recovery.

“As traditional means of connecting buyers to suppliers are limited at the moment, the government and the private sector need to work together to harness digital platforms and alter-

native means to source from, and supply to, the country,” said Chua.

In terms of imports, China was the country’s biggest supplier of imported goods valued at $1.95 billion or 24.4 percent of the total imports in October 2020.

The country’s top import sources also include Japan with $876.46 million or 11 percent of the total; the US, $639.76 million, 8 percent; the Republic of Korea, $580.83 million,

7.3 percent; and Indonesia, $513.36 million, 6.4 percent.

Medical imports

THE country’s total import value for personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies in October 2020 grew 27.3 percent to $20.55 million.

The import value for these medical items contracted 8.2 percent in September and 25.4 percent in October 2019.

“The annual increments noted in the following PPEs and medical supplies pushed up the total import value for these items during the period,” the PSA said.

The items are surgical facemasks at 1,112.5 percent; protective clothing, 562.5 percent; other facemasks, 180.5 percent; faceshields, 73.5 percent;

and testing kits, 24.9 percent.

Month-on-month, the PSA said the import value for PPEs and medical supplies contracted 13.2 percent in October 2020, and 22.2 percent in the previous month.

Contributing to the monthly decrease in the import value of PPEs and medical supplies were: face shields which declined 74.8 percent; surgical facemasks, 48.8 percent; surgical gloves, 17.2 percent; and other facemasks, 8.2 percent.

However, it was observed that import values for some commodities increased month-on-month in October 2020.

These are protective clothing at 27.5 percent; testing kits, 3.7 percent; and safety headgear, 2 percent.

Cai U. Ordinario

DUQUE PITCHES ‘7 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS’ FOR HEALTHY ’21

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EALTH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on Thursday encouraged Filipinos to commit to the “7 New Year Resolutions” for a healthy 2021 amid the threat of Covid-19.

The exhortation was made by Duque in a video message at the webinar organized by the Philippines Graphic, in partnership with the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), on “Health and Economic Prospects 2021—Sparking Hope: Can a vaccine see an end to the Covid-19 pandemic?”

As the new year brings hope, Duque stressed that it is better to take notice of the seven priority areas to achieve a healthier life:

1. Diet and Physical Activity

2. Environmental Health

3. Immunization

4. Substance Use

5. Mental Health

6. Sexual and Reproductive Health

7. Violence and Injury Prevention

“Move more, eat right; Nurture our nature and reduce waste; Get your shots, follow through and complete your vaccines; Don’t smoke, lessen alcohol, and say ‘no’ to drugs; Care for yourself, care for others; Make informed choices; Practice safe sex and family planning; and do no harm, safety first,” Duque advised the public.

He said these “7 Healthy Pilipinas Behaviors”—hand in hand with the “BIDA” solution—“will surely help boost your physical and mental resilience not only against Covid-19 but from other diseases and [health] conditions].”

BIDA stands for B—Bawal walang mask, I—I-sanitize ang mga kamay, D—Dumistansya ng isang metro, A—Alamin ang totoong impormasyon.

“The DOH remains committed to its mandate to strengthen our health systems’ capacity and realize the promise of Universal Healthcare,” the health chief said.

Christmas gifts

IN a related development, the

DOH also counseled, “If you love your family, keep them safe and healthy.”

It suggested ways to help prevent Covid-19 transmissions such as giving face masks and face shields and other creative ways as alternatives to traditional Christmas gifts.

“The number of daily new Covid-19 cases may be on the downward trend but we should not let our guard down, especially now that the holidays are upon us,” Duque said.

He added that even if the government is now looking at several vaccine candidates and talking to several bilateral and multilateral partners, the country is far from being safe.

“When planning for the holiday gift-giving, think of ligtas na regalo—which gifts can make them safe. One thing we recommend are face masks which may serve as a constant reminder to the recipient to wear one,” Duque said.

Aside from face masks and face shields, healthy food and fruits, exercise gadgets/equipment that promote physical activity and help improve body resistance against diseases may also be given as holiday presents. Moreover, DOH also encourages doit-yourself gifts to limit in-store shopping.

“This Christmas, let us be creative by providing our loved ones with gifts that promote a healthy lifestyle or can help improve their health condition. When giving gifts to kids, always ensure that it is safe for them and check the warning label on kids’ toys. We can also give DIY gifts that will not require us to go shopping, like handmade cards, arts and crafts, or a video. Such gifts make it more personal and also keep you from going to crowded places, thus reducing the risk of acquiring or transmitting the virus. After all, a safer holiday celebration is the best gift we can give to our loved ones,” Duque concluded.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

ADB… Continued from A1

“The forecast for 2021 is maintained at 6.5-percent growth, assuming that public investment picks up and the global economy recovers,” it added.

The ADB said other contributors to the downgrade in forecast were the unemployment rate, which is at 10 percent in July and 8.7 percent in October.

The Manila-based multilateral development bank also noted the decline in household consumption.

Further, fixed investment fell 36.5 percent in the second quarter and 37.1 percent in the third quarter.

The ADB said government consumption continued to increase but at a decelerated pace while exports contracted less than imports.

This would likely mitigate the contraction in the country’s GDP. “A prolonged pandemic remains the primary risk, but recent developments on the vaccine front are tempering this. Safe, effective and timely vaccine delivery in developing economies will be critical to support the reopening of economies and the recovery of growth in the region,” ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada said.

In terms of inflation, the ADB raised its estimates for 2020 to 2.5 percent from its 2.4-percent forecast in September. However, inflation for next year was maintained at 2.6 percent.

The ADB said it raised inflation expectations for seven Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines. The other countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

However, the ADB said it lowered inflation expectations for the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and maintained forecasts for Indonesia, Myanmar and Singapore.

Overall, the ADB said economic activity in developing Asia is forecast to contract by 0.4 percent this year before rebounding to 6.8 percent in 2021.

The new growth forecast is an improvement from the -0.7 percent GDP growth forecast for the region in September, while the outlook for 2021 remains unchanged.

“The outlook for developing Asia is showing improvement.

Growth projections have been upgraded for the People’s Republic of China and India, the region’s two largest economies,” Sawada also said.

Apart from projections for this year, the DBCC disclosed that it expects the GDP growth to be at 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2021 and 8 percent to 10 percent in 2022.

The DBCC also expects “further improvement” in the GDP numbers for the fourth quarter. “As we carefully and proactively manage the risks, a strong economic recovery and solid growth remains within our reach,” it added.

To boost economic recovery, the DBCC proposes a 2022 cash budget of P5.024 trillion, equivalent to 22.2 percent of GDP. It is also higher by 11.5 percent than the 2021 national expenditure program.

DBCC trimmed its forecast for budget deficit this year to 7.6 percent of GDP from 9.6 percent of GDP. In 2021 and 2022, the deficit is estimated at 8.9 percent of GDP and 7.3 percent of GDP, respectively.

The economic managers expect to collect more state revenues this year, or P2.85 trillion from the old estimate of P2.52 trillion. The new figure is equivalent to 15.7 percent of GDP. For 2021 and 2022, revenue projections were revised upward to P2.88 trillion and P3.31 trillion, respectively, despite factoring in the impact of the Senate’s version of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE).

CREATE cuts the corporate tax income (CIT) immediately to 25 percent from 30 percent upon effectivity; and subsequently reduces it further by 1 percentage point every year from 2023 to 2027 until it reaches 20 percent.

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Palace seeks ‘balanced’ solution to settle Nlex, Valenzuela tollway row

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ALACAÑANG has called for a “balanced” resolution to settle the ongoing dispute between the Valenzuela City local government and the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) Corp.

In an online news briefing on Thursday, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said they recognize the discretion of the local government unit (LGU) of Valenzuela City to demand better service from Nlex Corp. in its jurisdiction.

“We cannot deprive the local government their jurisdiction on the issue of business permits because that is within the Local Government Code and the concept of local autonomy of the Constitution,” Roque said.

He noted the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) also recommended for expressway operators such as Nlex Corp. to improve their services, especially as the government pushed for cashless payments during the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Among the proposals of the TRB is the repositioning of radio frequency identification (RFID) and reloading lanes;

maintenance, improvement, upgrade of system software; enhanced public traffic management and improved customer service assistance.

“So we adopt of course, the recommendation of the TRB en toto,” Roque said.

However, the Palace official pointed out such policies should be implemented with the concerns of expressway operators also in mind to avoid turning away future investors.

Roque issued the statement after Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian suspended on Monday the business permit of Nlex Corp., when it failed to comply with his demands for the expressway operator to address the “glitches” in its RFID system, which has caused heavy traffic.

While its business permit was suspended, Nlex Corp. was barred by the LGU from collecting toll within Valenzuela City.

On Wednesday, Gatchalian deferred his talks with Nlex Corp. to address the issue after learning the company is planning to file a temporary restraining order on the suspension of its business permit. Samuel P. Medenilla

DOLE in talks with 3 European nations for deployment of OFWs

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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ESPITE the pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has revealed that three Central European countries are interested to open their doors to overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

In an online news briefing on Wednesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said they are currently in talks with Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Poland on the possible deployment of OFWs in their countries.

He said Romania is now considering to employ 500 to 1,000 Filipino nurses in its health-care system.

By Rene Acosta @reneacostaBM

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HILE it has barely gotten hold of six of the 16 Sikorsky S70i Black Hawk helicopters that it has ordered from a Polish subsidiary of American defense behemoth Lockheed Martin, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has indicated it may be in need of another 16 pieces of the combat utility rotary-wing aircraft.

The six of the 16 helicopters, five of them arrived last month aboard a Russian-made Antonov plane, were formally accepted and christened into service on Thursday by defense and military officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who was also the guest of honor during the event at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

“The Air Force commander has intimated to me that the Air Force want another 16 units of these Black Hawk. The chances of that being fulfilled is very big actually, so we’ll see,” the defense chief said in his speech.

At an interview later, Lorenzana revealed that the defense department still has the money to procure helicopters from other suppliers.

But Lorenzana added that they

may have stick to the Black Hawk helicopter model as recommended by the PAF. “[I was told] it is better to have the same type [of helicopter for the purpose of]…maintenance and the pilot would no longer need to study and train, even with the supply of spare parts are just the same,” Lorenzana said, adding, “It’s easier to maintain a fleet if they are all Black Hawks rather than of various types.”

The 16 helicopters, the last 10 pieces are expected to be delivered next year by Polish contractors, were acquired by the PAF under the overall modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which has also already given the Air Force with a squadron of South Korean-made FA-50 fighter jets and Brazilian Super Tucano planes.

“These brand-new combat utility helicopters will be used for missions such as transport of cargoes and personnel, medical evacuation, casualty evacuation, aerial reconnaissance, disaster relief operations, troop insertion and extrication, combat resupply, combat search and rescue and limited close air support,” Lorenzana said.

“These aircraft would greatly help the Armed Forces operational

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Bernard P. Olalia said Poland is also currently negotiating for a bilateral labor agreement for the employment of Filipino healthcare workers (HCW).

Large pool

THE ongoing talks, Bello said, is timely after POEA already lifted its temporary deployment ban for Filipino nurses and nurse assistants allowing them to work abroad.

He noted they made the decision since the country will still be left with a large pool of nurses for its response on the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic even if they start

deploying some of them abroad.

“About 90 to 95 percent of our deployment [for HCWs] are nurses.

Only 5 percent are from other categories,” Bello said.

Olalia said POEA opted to maintain the ban for 12 other occupational categories of HCWs until they could determine the country has a sufficient pool of the said workers to respond to the pandemic.

Existing market

BELLO said traditional markets for OFWs such as Canada, Israel and China are currently awaiting for the resumption of the normal deployment of OFWs. Both Israel and Canada are

seeking to employ more Filipino caregivers, while China will be employing Filipino teachers and other skilled workers.

“We just want to ensure our OFWs will be deployed [in areas] where there is no danger of contamination from Covid-19. But the opportunities [for employment] are there,” Bello said. The said vacancies await the thousands of OFWs, who were displaced by Covid-19.

Since the onset of the pandemic earlier this year, Bello said they already repatriated over 353,000 Covid-affected OFWs. Bello said they expect to bring home another 20,000 OFWs before the end of the year.

Metro Manila truck ban resumes on Monday–MMDA official

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EEDING the clamor of Metro Manila mayors, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that the truck ban will be implemented on December 14.

MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia said the resumption of the truck ban seeks to alleviate heavy traffic in major city streets this holiday season.

DND may acquire a new batch of 16 Black Hawk combat choppers in 2021

DEFENSE Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana boards one of the six S70i Black Hawk helicopters following the aircraft’s blessing and christening ceremony in Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DND

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Friday, December 11, 2020 A3

readiness. Equipped with the Black Hawk, our Air Force can now provide prompt and sustained day and night tactical lift, as well as combat and non-combat search and rescue operations,” he added.

The Air Force was supposed to have acquired Bell helicopters, but the contract was scuttled at the last minute by the Canadian government due to its concerns on the country’s human-rights record, a decision Lorenzana, which described as a “blessing in disguise” for the government.

“That the Bell 412 was canceled was a blessing in disguise. We got a better deal with these aircraft.

Not only it’s Black Hawk, more powerful, there is more payload and has longer range, but we also got them at the price with the Bell 412 which is a cheaper aircraft,” he said.

“They are also being delivered ahead of time. For this acquisition, the procurement process proceeded very fast and smooth as well. I signed the contract in March 2019, or 20 months ago, and now our pilots are ready to fly them here, these six helicopters,” he added.

Lorenzana said the arrival of the American combat utility helicopters forms part of the defense equipment that the Trump administration wanted to give to the Philippines before it will leave office, noting that the US has successively given billions worth of assets and equipment during the past days, including unmanned aerial systems, precision guided munitions and missiles and much-needed counterterrorism equipment.

China has viewed the successive visits of US officials into the country, wherein the equipment were turned over, as fomenting regional chaos since the officials also visited other parts of Southeast Asia, but Lorenzana dismissed the views of Chinese officials.

“That is their opinion. For us, we don’t see it that way. They are here to maintain their relationship with the Philippines because we have the Mutual Defense Treaty and they have been our ally for long,” the defense chief said.

“Vehicles traveling on the streets of Metro Manila increase as Christmas approaches so we will return the implementation of the truck ban beginning Monday to help ease traffic,” said Garcia.

Garcia said large trucks are banned from traversing along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila managed by the MMDA from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.,

Monday to Saturday.

Under MMDA’s existing truck ban policy, no truck ban is enforced on Sundays and holidays on major thoroughfares except on Edsa.

A total truck ban is enforced along Edsa from Magallanes Interchange in Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City, 24 hours from Monday to Sunday.

Previously, the MMDA

suspended the truck ban policy on major thoroughfares in the metropolis in March this year to ensure unhampered movement of the essential goods amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The 17 Metro Manila mayors comprising the Metro Manila Council is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.

Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

A4 Friday, December 11, 2020 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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bill seeks extension Group assures availability of ULT freezers House of validity of Bayanihan 2 to implement govt’s mass vaccination plan L

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) on Thursday said its membercompanies are willing to ramp up their ultra-low temperature freezer (ULT) capacities if the government is keen on procuring vaccines that need a storage temperature of -80°C. CCAP member and Royal Cargo Inc. President Elmer Sarmiento disclosed this during a webinar organized by the Philippines Graphic and the BusinessMirror entitled “Sparking Hope: Will a Vaccine See An End to the Pandemic?” in partnership with the Pharmaceu-

tical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP).

Sarmiento explained that some CCAP member-companies have ULT freezers that could store vaccines such as that of Pfizer that requires a temperature of as low as -80°C, which is as cold as win-

ter in Antarctica.

“Some of our own members have ULTs that can also [store these vaccines] but please note we have only limited capacities. And right now, if we have the clear direction as far as this requirement is concerned, some members are ready to commit such requirements,” he said.

Sarmiento also expressed support toward the government’s vaccine road map, noting that CCAP would “align” their actions according to the government’s action plans in the procurement and distribution of the much-awaited Covid-19 vaccines.

“We in the private sector, in the cold chain association, will confor m and a lig n ourselves with regards to the road map and depending on the actions plans and procurement procedures. We are ready to support the government in its quest to distribute and put the vaccines

to everybody,” he said.

The CCAP earlier told the BusinessMirror that the industry has more than enough capacity to store Covid-19 vaccines like AstraZeneca and Moderna. (Related story: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2020/11/25/cold-chain-firmscan-host-covid-vaccines/) CCAP President Anthony S. Dizon said storing vials needed to vaccinate 60 million Filipinos or even 100 million, would require fewer than 1,000 pallets as against the group’s cumulative capacity of 500,000 pallets.

The Philippines needs to vaccinate at least 60 million Filipinos to develop herd immunity against Covid-19.

However, Dizon explained that this capacity is applicable to vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca, which require a 2°C to 8°C storage temperature and Moderna’s that needs -20°C temperature.

AWMAKERS at the House of Representatives have filed a bill that seeks to extend the validity of the Bayanihan 2 funds until March 2021 to ensure that Filipinos would receive assistance amid the Covid-19 pandemic and help economic recovery.

In a news statement, AAMBISOWA Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin and Deputy Speaker Weslie Gatchalian said they have filed House Bill 8099 that seeks to extend the validity of Republic Act 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. The lawmakers said the extension would “ensure consistent and efficient delivery of assistance to the Filipino people and help aid economic recovery.”

The lawmakers filed the bill following a presentation by the Executive Department to Congress that the first two Bayanihan packages have faced “substantial delays” in the “release of funds” for programs and projects aimed at boosting domestic economic activity.

“These programs and projects are vital in the recovery path envisioned by Congress and the measures necessary

to avert economic collapse,” Garin said.

Upon the enactment of the bill, the availability of the appropriations provided under Section 10 of RA 11494 and Republic Act (RA) 11465, otherwise known as the General Appropriations Act of 2020, including interventions and the automatic appropriations of new programs, projects and activity under Section 4 (rr) of RA 11494, shall be extended until the next adjournment of the 18th Congress on March 27, 2021.

The bill also prescribes the extension applicability to local government units (LGUs) and Government Financial institutions (GFIs) to allow the completion of disbursements intended for Covid-19 response and recovery interventions.

The bill is currently pending with the House Committee on Appropriations since December 1.

“The delay in the release of these funds will adversely affect and hinder the implementation of the projects and programs meant to combat the effects of Covid-19 and alleviate the plight of the affected Filipinos and businesses,” the lawmakers said.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Palace assures thorough scrutiny of proposed ₧4.5-T 2021 GAA

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

M

ALACAÑANG on Wednesday said the P4.5-trillion 2021 national budget will still be scrutinized by President Duterte even if he is already pressed for time to sign it into law to prevent a reenacted national budget next year.

“We will take all steps necessary to make sure this become a law on time,

but without the President sacrificing his power to study the budget to ensure it will not contain any provision, which he should veto,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in an online news briefing.

Roque issued the clarification after the bicameral conference of Congress ratified the final version of the 2021 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Wednesday.

As of noon of Thursday, Roque noted the Office of the Pres-

ident has yet to receive a copy of the said legislation.

The Palace earlier said it is targeting to have the 2021 GAA signed into law on or before December 15, 2020 in compliance with the 15-day publication requirement for such legislation to take effect.

In case it is passed later than the said date, a reenacted 2020 national budget will become effective by January 1, 2021.

Roque said the government is doing its best to avoid the said scenario since the 2020 budget will not have any funding for the government’s ongoing efforts

against the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Under the bicameral conference version of the 2021 national budget, the biggest allocations will go the following sectors: Education (P708.1 billion); Public Works and Highways (P694.8 billion); Health (P287.4 billion); Interior and Local Government (P247.5 billion); National Defense (P205.5 billion); Social Welfare and Development (P176.7 billion); Transportation (P87.4 billion); Agriculture (P68.6 billion); Judiciary (P44.1 billion); and Labor and Employment (P36.6 billion).

CDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS WELCOMES GMA Newly appointed Presidential

Adviser on Clark Programs and Projects and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (first row, third from left) and Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda (first row, second from left) were guests during the recent meeting of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Board of Directors (BOD). Also in photo are (first row, from left) CDC Director Manuel R. Gaerlan, Vice Chairman Benjamin Defensor Jr., Director Ana Liza Peralta, (second row, from left) Dir. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Dir. Nestor Villaroman Jr., CDC Officer in Charge for Office of the Chairman and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Vivencio Dizon, Director Arturo Ortiz, and Director Jon Castro. CDC-CD PHOTO

Infraspend down 18.4% in Jan-Oct on quarantine curbs continued from a12

“Allotment and capital transfers to LGUs also increased as a result of the one-time Covid-19 Bayanihan Grant to the Provinces, Cities, and Municipalities, higher internal revenue shares of LGUs, and the releases for the annual block grant to the BARMM,” it added.

In October, disbursements declined 6.8 percent to P289.6 billion. This was P21.2 billion lower than the P310.8 billion spent in October 2019.

DBM said the decline was largely due to the 30.6-percent contraction in infrastructure and other capital outlay spending.

Total spending for infrastructure and capital outlay reached P57.1 billion, around P25.1 billion lower than the P82.2 billion in 2019.

DBM explained that the imposition of community quarantine measures caused delays in the government’s infrastructure initiative this year.

“Although an increase was recorded in the disbursements for capital outlay (CO) projects of the Department of National Defense (DND) under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, it only tempered the decline in infrastructure spending of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr),” DBM added.

However, DBM said, the decline in disbursements in October “was partially offset” by higher allotment and capital transfers to LGUs which reached P47.7 billion and P19.3 billion, respectively.

The combined amount of LGU allotment and capital transfers reached P67 billion in October 2020. It was higher by P13.2 billion or 24.4 percent year-on-year.

The DBM traced this to a higher Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the proceeds of internal revenue collections and the annual block grant to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) pursuant to RA 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The agency also said releases for the Conditional Matching Grant for Road and Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement under the Local Government Support Fund increased the spending for LGUs.

LandBank LGU lending window hiked to P80B continued from a12

Interest rate subsidy

IN a separate statement last Thursday, the Development Bank of the Philippines said it will also be providing interest rate subsidy for LGU loans, in accordance with government mandate.

The DBP, along with LandBank, has been allotted P1 billion each by the government for their interest subsidy programs.

“DBP recognizes that LGUs are the fulcrum of countrywide development,” DBP President and CEO Emmanuel G. Herbosa said. “We are one with them in implementing responsive actions that would hasten Covid-19 response and recovery efforts despite prevailing challenges.”

Herbosa said that the funds coming from RA 11494 would allow the bank to have longer repayment terms for LGUs of up to 15 years. The loans will be offered at a lower interest rate of 4 percent per annum, half of which will be subsidized.

Just like with LandBank, the DBP is capping the interest-rate subsidy at P10 million for the provincial government and city government and P5 million for municipalities.

Herbosa added that the grant of the subsidy would be on a “first come, first serve” basis.

“DBP shall continue to work with the National Government in coming up with these types of interventions that would greatly benefit lower-tier LGUs, as they scale up social and economic interventions for their constituents and boost their resiliency against future economic downturns,” the DBF chief said.

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DENR taps two firms to dredge Cagayan River

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is tapping two companies to undertake the massive rehabilitation of the Cagayan River, the country’s largest river.

In a news statement, the DENR announced that Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan and Great River North Consortium Managing Head Antonio Talaue, and President Feng Li of Riverfront Construction Inc. recently signed the Cagayan River Restoration Project.

To recall, in 2017, President Duterte directed the dredging of heavily silted rivers in the Philippines, including the Cagayan River, the country’s longest and biggest river.

On February 27, 2020, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu issued DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2020-07 rationalizing dredging activities in the heavily silted river channels in the country to help restore their natural state and water flow and reduce flooding, as well as to protect and properly manage the disposition of sand.

The DAO also requires a holder of an approved dredging clearance to apply for an authority to dispose of the extracted material from the River Dredging Zone through a memorandum of agreement with the DENR Regional Office. It further states that in order to open up heavily silted river channels, areas starting from the coastline of river deltas extending all the way upstream, in accordance with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Dredging Master Plan, shall be designated as exclusive River Dredging Zones by the Interagency Committee (IAC).

For Cagayan River, the IAC has approved the River Dredging Plan covering 30.8 kilometers as River Dredging Zone. Director Bambalan, vice chair of the IAC on the Restoration of the Cagayan River, assured that the dredging activities to be undertaken will be at no cost on the part of the government.

“The proponents will be shouldering all the expenses related to the dredging activities,” she said.

The regional environment chief said Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba on June 8, 2020 submitted to Cimatu his intent to undertake river resto-

ration through dredging activities and the same was approved by the DENR on June 16.

“The Interagency Committee ensures that all activities pertaining to dredging will be as compliant as possible to all the requirements imposed by the government particularly in ensuring environmental consideration in terms of dredging,” Director Bambalan said adding that all the requirements were met such as the issuance of Dredging Clearance by the DPWH and the Environmental Compliance Certificate by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). In his message, Gov. Mamba, IAC chair, said the project “is a dream come true” for the province of Cagayan.

“Matagal na nating pangarap ito…

We should dredge the Cagayan River to mitigate flooding in the region. We should also dredge the River to open our port, port of Aparri, which closed because of the heavy siltation of the Cagayan River,” he said. “Napakalaking tulong at napakalaking oportunidad nito para sa ating lahat.”

“We can be connected to our neighbors up north who are economic tigers of Asia. We need them and they need us,” Gov. Mamba added.

In the MOA, the DENR shall conduct survey of non-metallic and metallic resources in the River Dredging Zone to determine metallic and other valuable materials in economic quantities. It shall also monitor the operation of the operator-dredger to ensure faithful compliance with applicable environmental laws, rules and regulations.

The Great River North Consortium and the Riverfront Construction Inc. shall undertake the project without any funding from the government and bear the full cost of the project, including the disposal of the dredged materials; and shall not process dredged materials and shall dispose the same outside of the Philippine territorial jurisdiction.

They shall also report to the DENR any and all findings of precious metals or objects which they may inadvertently come across with, which may be of local or national interest. During the MOA signing, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Mario Ancheta issued the certificate of accreditation to the two companies as dealer, trader and/ or retailer of minerals/mineral products and/or by-products.

NHA projects ₧36.98-B spending to rebuild homes of storm victims

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

B

UILDING homes for victims of recent typhoons would likely cost the government P36.98 billion, according to data obtained from National Housing Authority (NHA).

NHA data also showed that this amount would cover the construction and relocation of homes for 69,769 families whose houses were totally damaged. This represents 15 percent of the victims of recent typhoons.

Data further showed that Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses damaged 454,234 houses in Regions 2, 4A, 4B, and Marikina City.

Only 15 percent of these houses were totally damaged.

“The NHA will be relocating families living in unbuildable areas whose houses have been totally damaged,” NHA said.

“However, if we are to consider constructing a total of 69,769 housing units, then an estimated budget of about P36.98 billion is needed,” NHA added.

However, NHA said these figures are still subject to further validation with data from the local government units (LGUs).

In a recent briefing, NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. said the homes of around 150,000 families were partially and completely damaged by the typhoons.

If all these families will require new homes, the NHA estimated that this would cost P79.5 billion.

Initially, Escalada said, the NHA has provided P5,000 cash assistance to families whose houses were partially damaged and P10,000 to those whose houses were completely damaged.

“Ito iyong commitment natin, iyong ating financial assistance for both iyong sa Marikina na naapektuhan, iyong sa Ulysses natin in Metro Manila, sa Catanduanes and Isabela, the NHA together with DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] we have divided our forces. Kasi given the resources available, we said that Region 5 will be handled by DSWD and Regions 4A and 4B will be handled by NHA,” Escalada explained.

Better designs

APART from providing cash as-

Deadline for filing of HCW hazard pay expires today after extension

T

HE Department of Health (DOH) on T hu rsd ay a nnounced that the deadline for health-care workers (HCW) applying for hazard pay has been extended until today, December 11.

“Following recent reports that some health-care workers in the National Capital Region [NCR] were only given one day to pass requirements for their hazard pay, the DOH extended the deadline in question to December 11, 2020 at 5 p.m.,” the DOH said.

On Wednesday, the DOH Center for Health Development (CHD) in the NCR participated in a dialogue

with HCW union leaders and the Hospital Industry Tripartite Council facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment.

“Acknowledging the limited number of working days left in the year to process the HCW benefits, parties have agreed to move the deadline to the end of the week,” the DOH said.

Department of Budget and Management-DOH Joint Circulars 1 and 2, Series of 2020, which provides guidelines on the grant of Active Hazard Duty Pay (AHDP) and Special Risk Allowance (SRA), sought to streamline the requirements for the

Friday, December 11, 2020 A5

provision of the benefit to our HCWs. “CHDs nationwide are ready to assist hospitals and other health facilities in their compliance with these guidelines,” it added.

The DOH has reminded implementing units, including hospitals and health facilities, to facilitate the processing of these benefits.

“While hospitals and other health facilities may request additional requirements and impose deadlines with a view to expediting the release of AHDP or SRA, these impositions should not unduly burden our HCWs,” the DOH said. ClaudethMocon-Ciriaco

A MAN in Bacoor, Cavite, fixes his roof after it was damaged by Typhoon Quinta in October. NONIE REYES

sistance to victims of recent typhoons, Escalada said the government has taken stock of the lessons of previous disasters in its housing policies.

Escalada said part of these lessons is the improvement in the housing designs of homes that NHA is building, especially in places that are frequented by typhoons.

In provinces of Bicol, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Marinduque, and Masbate, Escalada said the houses to be built will not have exposed roofing systems and will be built with anchors to keep the structure stable to withstand strong winds during typhoons.

“We will take the lessons, the lessons of Yolanda in 2013, the lessons of Pablo, the lessons of Sendong in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro corridor, [and] the lessons of Zamboanga,” Escalada said.

“The number one na lesson is there is a need for us to redesign our housing, kasi iyong housing natin is something that is very ordinary, something that is very normal na design,” he added.

Escalada said other lessons that they have taken into consideration is the implementation of housing projects.

He admitted that in the case of the Yolanda corridor, housing projects have not yet been completed even after 7 years. The total number

of houses to be constructed stands at 205,000.

New housing

MEANWHILE, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said it has unveiled two new housing projects in Laguna this week.

DHSUD Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said the housing projects are located in the municipalities of Pila and Bay in Laguna.

The projects are in line with DHSU D’s BA L A I Prog ra m or Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive Filipino communities in close collaboration with local government units and partner-developers.

“Based on statistics conducted in 2015, 81 percent of Filipino families would like to have a dream house of their own. ’Yun po ang sector na ina-address ng DHSUD,” del Rosario said.

DHSUD said Pila Mayor Edgardo Ramos said the project will benefit local informal settler families (ISFs). Several private developers, including Belle Corp., ACM Landholding Inc. and Cathay Land Inc., will be involved in the project.

The housing project in Bay, meanwhile, will be an early Christmas gift for residents according to Laguna Second District Rep. Ruth Hernandez and Bay Mayor Jose

Padrid.

The department and the two municipalities are also slated to finalize another agreement on the construction of common facilities such as a public auditorium and sports complexes. “’Yung sector na walang kakayahan na magkaroon ng sariling bahay at matugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan. We give them the capability, the opportunity to have decent and affordable housing units,” del Rosario said.

The projects came into fruition through the efforts and coordination of the LGUs and the DHSUD Regional Office 4A under the SIK AT project headed by OIC-Regional Director Atty. Jann Roby Otero.

Following the memorandum of agreement signing, del Rosario said that coordination between the national government, through DHSUD, and LGUs is pivotal to realizing the department’s mandate of assisting the “poorest of the poor” owning their dream homes.

He, likewise, stated that although the DHSUD is the youngest department in the whole bureaucracy and is still reeling from some birth pains, the housing agency is more than ready to face the challenges and fulfill its goal of promoting a vibrant housing sector.

QC waives tax penalties until March next year

Q

UEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has signed an ordinance waiving surcharges, penalties, and interests incurred for late, or non-payment of business taxes from second to fourth quarter of 2020 to provide economic relief to business owners amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under Ordinance SP-2982, business owners who have earlier paid surcharges and interest for their delayed payment of the second and third

quarters will also be given tax credit, which will be applied as their payment for 2021 tax obligations.

The ordinance was introduced

by Majority Floor Leader Councilor Franz Pumaren and Councilor Victor Ferrer Jr. Belmonte said the city government recognizes the financial difficulties the Covid-19 pandemic brought to all sectors, especially businesses.

“We will continue to look

for ways to ease the impact of the pandemic on our local economy and to ensure uninterrupted business continuity,” said Belmonte.

The city council also passed an ordinance recently extending the deadline for payment of business taxes from January to April next year.

The three-month extension was granted to give businesses reprieve and support as they try to jump-start their operations after months of losses.

BusinessMirror

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ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Para単aque City

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EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila 134.

HUANG, WENBIN Chinese

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135.

LIU, CHAOJUN Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

136.

QI, LIANLIAN Chinese

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

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LIN, JINZE Chinese

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ASIAN TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. 11/f Tower 2 Double Dragon, Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 119.

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151.

FU, JINGTIAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

152.

KIM, YOUMIN South Korean

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

153.

LIN, ZHENYU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

154.

LIU, MENGDI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

155.

LIU, XIAOBIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

156.

NOH, JAEYUN South Korean

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

157.

SUN, MENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

158.

WANG, HUI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

159.

XU, PAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

YANG, ZHIYUAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

ZHENG, BINGBING Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

125.

LI, JINJI Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

160.

126.

LUO, XIOAFENG Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

ZHOU, HUI Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

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

84.

YU, WANSHUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

85.

YUE, HAIJUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

127.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

86.

ZENG, LINGMIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

BILLION DRAGON OUTSOURCE PHILS., INC. 3/f Ayala Mall Southpark National Road Alabang Muntinlupa City

HUANG, WEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

87.

ZHANG, HAIYANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

128.

38.

HUANG, ZILI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

88.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

39.

HUYNH ANH Vietnamese

ZHANG, CHUANQING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

89.

40.

JACQUELINE BONG SIAW JIUN Malaysian

ZHANG, LI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

90.

41.

JIANG, YA Chinese

ZHENG, JIANHE Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

42.

JIAO, YUBAO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

91.

ZHONG, GUANGFA Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

43.

JIN, PENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

92.

ZUO, ZHEN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

44.

JOSHUA LIM JING HUA Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

45.

KUANG, SHAOBO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

46.

KUANG, XIAOHU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE OFFICER

SALES MANAGER

124.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MAHBUBANI, GHANSHYAM Indian

WU, ZHIDA Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

YANG, FUZHE Chinese

93.

143.

CHEN, LIN Chinese

123.

83.

AKMB INTERNATIONAL CORP. 1a 01 G/f Qq Mall 725 Quezon Blvd. 030, Bgy 308 Santa Cruz Manila

GAMANIA TECHNOLOGY CORP. Unit 1708 High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 1 26th St. Cor. 9th Ave. Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

QI, CHENGMING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

BOUTIQUE OUTSOURCE SOLUTIONS PTY LTD-PHILIPPINE BRANCH Units C & D, 21/f Wynsum Corporate Plaza Don F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City 129.

FORD, JASON RODNEY Australian

HEAD OF LENDING OPERATIONS - PHILIPPINES

CASPO INCORPORATED 43f, 45f, 49f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue Corner V.a. Rufino Street Bel-air Makati City 130.

TAN CHEN VOON Malaysian

MARKETING OFFICER

COLLABERA TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED, INC. U-40 A-d 40/f Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City 131.

MBIESSET TAKA, BILL ANDERSON, Cameroonian

FRENCH SERVICE DESK SPECIALIST

CRISMER INCORPORATED 2 Pio Alvarez St. Bambang Pasig City 132.

DEVNANI, MOHAN SUGNOMAL Indian

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

161.

LI, JIAO Chinese

ACCOUNTING MANAGER FOR HUAWEI PHILIPPINES TELECOMMUNICATION PROJECTS

162.

TIOU CHIN ENG Malaysian

SMART LTE OVERALL PROJECT MANAGER

JT INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) INC. Penthouse, W Office Building 28th St. Cor. 11th Avenue Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 163.

SERENE TAN HUI JUAN Singaporean

BUSINESS ANALYTICS MANAGER

LOGICALSOURCE1 CALL CENTER INC. 8/f Sultan Cityland Central Brgy. Highway Hills Mandaluyong City 164.

ZHENG, GUOYIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 165.

BAI, XIAOFAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

166.

CHENG, QIN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

167.

LAN, WENBIN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

168.

LU, SHOUSHAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

169.

QIU, YUHENG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

170.

XIAO, MI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

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

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

Friday, December 11, 2020 A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY ZOU, XINGCHI Chinese

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

226.

LAN, QIAOZHEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

287.

227.

LAN, YUTIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg. Quirino Ave. Tambo Parañaque City

228.

LE THI NHI Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

229.

LI, CHENYANG Chinese

230.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

288.

FANG, SHAOHUI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

289.

FENG, YONGCHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

LI, WENTAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

290.

FENG, ZHENGWEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

231.

LI, FENGYANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

291.

GAO, PENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

232.

LI, ZONGMEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

292.

GUO, XU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

233.

LI, HUIRONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

293.

HAN, YUXIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

234.

LI, WUZHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

294.

LI, XIAOGANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

341.

LIN, BIHUI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

342.

LIU, CHENYU Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

343.

LYU, FANGJUN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

344.

NGUYEN THI HONG NHUNG Vietnamese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

345.

WANG, XIAOYU Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

346.

YANG, HONGCHENG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

347.

YUAN, ZHIXIN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

348.

ZHAO, HANG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

349.

ZHENG, LINGJIE Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

350.

ZHOU, QIPING Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ZONG, ZIYUAN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

171.

AN, GUIFU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

172.

AZIZULHAFIZ BIN AZIZAINI Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

173.

BAI, LINDONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

235.

LIANG, XILI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

295.

LI, LANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

174.

BAO, XIAOMEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

236.

LIAO, CHUNLIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

296.

LI, BIAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

175.

CAO THI BAO TRAN Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

237.

LIAO, LILI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

297.

LI, RUIFEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

176.

CHAI, YULONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

238.

LIAO, HONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

298.

LIU, BIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

177.

CHAU VAN VIET Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

239.

LIM HAN GUO Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

299.

LIU, ZHENGYAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

178.

CHEN, MENGYING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

240.

LIU, PENGTAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

300.

LIU, YAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

351.

179.

CHEN, ZHENNI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

241.

LIU, JIAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

301.

NIE, XINJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

180.

CHEN, ZHILIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

242.

LIU, CHUNGEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

302.

NIU, WEICHENG Chinese

SHERATONE INDUSTRIES, INC. 1426 F Agoncillo St. 073 Bgy. 676 Ermita Manila

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

181.

CHEN, ZHIKAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

243.

LIU, JINXING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

303.

PAN, ZHIWEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

182.

CHEN, JIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

244.

LIU, JINHUI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

304.

PENG, LIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SIEGREICH SOLUTIONS INC. 34/f Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City

183.

CHEN, JINGTAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

245.

LOW YONG CHEN Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

305.

REN, JINGCHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

353.

184.

CHEN, JINKE Chinese

TRINH HONG HANH Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

246.

LU, FENGLAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

306.

SONG, ZHONGXIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE-BILINGUAL SPEAKING

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

185.

CHEN, SHIHE Chinese

354.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

307.

SU, HONGMEI Chinese

TELESALES REPRESENTATIVEBILINGUAL SPEAKING

247.

LUAN, CONGXIA Chinese

CUNG LE THANH Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

186.

CHEN, XINGLEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

248.

MA, XIAOYING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

308.

WANG, TIANYI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

187.

CHEN, CHENGPEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

249.

MENG, ZHIHAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

309.

WANG, JINXING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

188.

CHEN, JIANPING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

250.

MO, HAISEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

310.

WU, WENLIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

189.

CHEN, JINGHE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

251.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

311.

YAN, HONGCHEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

190.

CHEN, ZHENGXIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

NANG NOOM HLAING SAING Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

191.

NGUYEN NGOC THUY KHANH Vietnamese

312.

CHEN, JUN Chinese

252.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

YAN, HANBING Chinese

313.

YU, DONGCHUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

314.

ZHENG, JUNHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

315.

ZHOU, MING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

316.

FENDY Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE

317.

FONG CHING FAI Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE

318.

SITHU AUNG Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE

319.

NGUYEN VAN TAI Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

192.

CHEN, GUANGPING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

253.

NGUYEN THI DIEM Vietnamese

193.

CHENG, YUHANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

254.

NGUYEN THI HOA Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

194.

CHIN CHUN SIANG Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

255.

NIU, HUAXIONG Chinese

195.

CHNG HONG WEI Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

256.

PAN, HONGWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

257.

PAN, HAOYANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

258.

QU, ZUJIA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

259.

REN, KAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

260.

REN, FANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

261.

SUN, YUNLIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

262.

TIAN, ZHICHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

263.

TRAN THI MAI LOAN Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

VO NGOC DIEP Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

WANG, LINGFEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

WANG, GUODONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

WANG, JIANJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

WANG, ZHENYU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

XIE, FANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

270.

XING, ZHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

271.

YE, CANYI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

272.

YUN, TONGTONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

273.

ZENG, SHUSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

274.

ZENG, JIANBAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

275.

ZHAI, JUNJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

276.

ZHANG, JIANLONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

277.

ZHANG, BAOWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

278.

ZHANG, CHANGXIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

279.

ZHANG, WENFENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

280.

ZHANG, MANLI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

281.

ZHANG, ZHENLEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

282.

ZHAO, YULONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

283.

ZHONG, HAIFEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

284.

ZHOU, LONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

285.

ZHOU, YUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

286.

ZOU, HENGXIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

196.

DANIEL HOUNG NAI WEI Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

197.

DENG, XIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

198.

DENG, SHUAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

199.

DONG, CHANGQING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

200.

DU, JUNCHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

ERMAN Indonesian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

202.

FAN, QINGLONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

203.

FAN, CONGCONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

204.

FU, HAILAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

205.

FU, JIABING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

206.

GAN, KUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

207.

GAN, ZHONGCHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

208.

GUAN, YUANJIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

209.

GUO, XIZU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

HAN, JUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

201.

210.

264.

265.

266.

267.

268.

269.

HE, JINGHUANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

HE, TIANLEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

HOU, HUITAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

214.

HU, ZHUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

215.

HU, CHAOCHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

216.

HUANG, YAQI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

217.

HUANG, GUANHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

218.

HUANG, JIANLING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

JESTIEN Indonesian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

220.

JI, BAOZHANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

221.

JIANG, MING Chinese

222.

JIANG, ZHANGYI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

JING, WANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

211.

212.

213.

219.

223.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

224.

KEVIN TING HENG KHAI Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

225.

LA VAN CUONG Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

NOCMAKATI, INC. 8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16,17,18 & 19 Floors Century Diamond Center Kalayaan Ave. Cor. Salamanca St. Poblacion Makati City

352.

ELECTRONIC SALES CONSULTANT FOR HITECH CIRCUITS CO. LTD. PRODUCTS

HE, ZUXIN Chinese

SNPDRI PHILIPPINES CORP. Unit 622 Bsa Twin Tower Bldg. J. Vargas Brgy. Wack-wack Mandaluyong City 355.

ZHANG, SHIYUAN Chinese

MANDARIN PURCHASING MANAGER

SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION - MANILA BRANCH 21/f Tower One & Exchange Plaza Ayala Ave., Cor. Paseo De Roxas Bel-air Makati City 356.

OTANI, TAKANORI Japanese

JOINT GENERAL MANAGER

357.

FUNABA, TAKAFUMI Japanese

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE BANKING - NONJAPANESE DEPARTMENT

SUMMER SNOW MOBILE INC. Unit 708, 7th Flr. Prime Land Tower 2218 Market St. Mbp Ayala Alabang Muntinlupa City 358.

FARAH BINTE KOSNAN Singaporean

CUSTOMER SUPPORT & TRAINING SPECIALIST

TAISEI PHILIPPINE CONSTRUCTION, INC. Equitable Bank Tower 23/f P. De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City 359.

KANAI, NOBORU Japanese

PROJECT MANAGER

TOTAL NUTRITION CORP. Tao Tech Group Bldg. J. Cruz St. Ugong Pasig City 360.

VASANTH RAJ CHINNATHAMBY Malaysian

GENERAL MANAGER

361.

IRENE HOE WAI HARR Malaysian

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER, PHILIPPINES

320.

AUNG THURA NGWE Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

321.

CAO, YANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

322.

GONG, XIAORONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

323.

HUANG, JIACHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

324.

LI, SAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

325.

LIN, I-FEI Taiwanese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

326.

SUN, HONGWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

327.

SYROVA, ANASTASIIA Russian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

328.

WANG, LU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

329.

WANG, QING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

YARA FERTILIZERS PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 1605 16th Floor One Global Place 5th Ave. Cor. 25th St. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

330.

WANG, WENJUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

368.

331.

WANG, YUFENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

332.

WEN, YI-CHIA Taiwanese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

333.

YEH, PO-SSU Taiwanese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

PEAK STRENGTH TELEMARKETING INC. Unit Gh, 10th Flr. Cyber One Bldg. Eastwood City Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City 334.

NISSEN, RASMUS STOUGAARD Danish

OPERATION MANAGER

RAPOO PRO TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Unit 8 Robinsons Cybergate Plaza Pioneer Brgy. Barangka Mandaluyong City 335.

CHU, CHIEN-CHUN Taiwanese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

336.

DENG, WENCHENG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

337.

GAO, XINGWANG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

338.

JIANG, WEIWEI Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

339.

LI, JUN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

340.

LI, HUANGZHU Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

TRIVES TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Tower 4 Bayport West Naia Garden Residence, Naia Road Tambo Parañaque City 362.

CAI, ZHIQIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

363.

CHEN, JINGBO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

364.

LI, JIANYUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

365.

LIU, ZUSHUAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

366.

SHEN, GUIFENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

367.

WANG, CHANGZAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GOODROAD, TOBY ALLEN American

COUNTRY MANAGER

ZTE PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 1201 & 1202 12th Floor Fort Legend Towers 3rd Ave. Corner 31st St. Bgc, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 369.

WANG, BIN Chinese

HR MANAGER

*Date Generated: Dec 10, 2020 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on December 4, 2020, the position of SONG, FEI under CAPSLOCK INC., should have been read as CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on December 8, 2020, the name of CHANG, YU-AN under SOMI UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS, INC., should have been read as CHANG, YU-AN a.k.a. STEVEN CHANG and not as published.

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on December 8, 2020, the position of EVTENKO, ANDREY under JT INTERNATIONAL (PHILIPPINES) INC., should have been read as STRATEGIC INSIGHT AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE (SIBI) DIRECTOR 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-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

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

ATTY. SARAH BUENA S. MIRASOL REGIONAL DIRECTOR

A8

Friday, December 11, 2020

The World BusinessMirror

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

US Covid deaths above 3,000 a day for first time D

eaths in the US from Covid-19 exceeded 3,000 a day for the first time, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

That surpasses record fatalities set last week, and is more than the number of lives lost in the US during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Coronavirus is infecting Americans at an ever-increasing clip in

the final weeks of 2020. And that trajectory is beginning to show in fatalities: In just over a week of December, deaths were more than double the rate of the same week in November, according to Covid Tracking Project data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention forecasts the US will rise above 300,000 deaths by Christmas.

California reported 30,851 new virus cases, topping the record of 30,075 set over the weekend. The average rate of positive tests over 14 days reached 8.8 percent, the highest since the spring.

Hospitalizations jumped 3.8 percent in the past 24 hours to a record to 11,965 patients. With cases soaring, much of the state is now in lockdown as

officials warn of intensive-care units becoming overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, less than half of the available 6.4 million doses of Pfizer Inc.’s Covid-19 vaccine will be initially sent out to states, and 500,000 will be held separately in reserve by the government, according to a top official at Operation Warp Speed.

Gustave Perna, the army general

who serves as Warp Speed’s chief operating officer, said on a call with reporters Wednesday that the US plans to distribute 2.9 million doses in the first round of shipments following authorization of Pfizer’s still-experimental vaccine. The rest will be held back to be distributed to states and other jurisdictions when the first people vaccinated are due

for their second dose 21 days later.

T he h a l f a m i l l ion shot s i n re ser ve w i l l be ready for u nforeseen c i rc u m st a nces, Pe r n a s a id , c a l l i ng t he mo ve “go o d a r my ge ne r a l of f ice r pl a n n i ng.”

US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar warned Americans to avoid crowded indoor social gatherings. Bloomberg News

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The World BusinessMirror

Friday, December 11, 2020

A9

U.K. investigates whether Covid-19 vaccine caused allergic reactions L

ONDON—Britain’s medical regulator warned on Wednesday that people with a history of serious allergic reactions shouldn’t get the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech, and investigators looked into whether two reactions on the first day of the UK’s vaccination program were linked to the shot.

The advice was issued on a “precautionary basis,” and the people who had the reactions had recovered, said professor Stephen Powis, medical director for National Health Service in England.

Pfizer and BioNTech said they were working with investigators “to better understand each case and its causes.”

Also on Wednesday, Canada’s health regulator approved the vaccine, with Dr. Supriya Sharma, chief medical adviser at Heath Canada, calling it “a momentous occasion.”

Canada is set to receive up to 249,000 doses this month and Canadian officials expect to start administering them next week as soon after they are shipped from Belgium on Friday.

Britain’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has said people should not receive the shot if they have had a significant allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food, such as those who have been told to carry an adrenaline

shot—such as an EpiPen or other similar devices—or others who have had potentially fatal allergic reactions. The medical regulator also said vaccinations should be carried out only in facilities that have resuscitation equipment.

Such advice isn’t uncommon; several vaccines already on the market carry warnings about allergic reactions, and doctors know to watch for them when people who’ve had reactions to drugs or vaccines in the past are given new products.

The two people who reported reactions were NHS staff members who had a history of significant allergies and carried adrenaline shots. Both had

serious reactions but recovered after treatment, the NHS said.

Stephen Evans, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the regulator had done the right thing, but the general public shouldn’t be worried about getting the vaccine.

“For the general population, this does not mean that they would need to be anxious about receiving the vaccination. One has to remember that even things like Marmite can cause unexpected severe allergic reactions,” he said, referring to the food spread that is made from brewer’s yeast.

Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the school of public health at Brown University, said he would advise patients who have had severe allergic reactions to other medicines or foods to delay vaccination if they can while the two cases in the UK are investigated. He would extend that advice to people who carry EpiPens.

“The cautionary approach is to say to people who have had severe reactions to other things, ‘just hold’,” Jha said, adding: “There is going to be a deep dive into these two people who got an allergic reaction” to the vaccine.

He added that because the vaccine is so high-profile, “every little thing that happens all

the time is going to get magnified. We should talk about it, we should be honest with people, but we should put it into context and help people understand...there is a small propor tion of people who have an allergic reaction to almost any medicine.”

The comments came a day after Britain rolled out its mass vaccination program amid efforts to control a pandemic that has killed more than 62,000 people across the country. The MHRA gave an emergency authorization to the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine last week, making Britain the first country to approve its widespread use. AP

A10 Friday, December 11, 2020 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

Covid vaccine: Be prepared

A

N illness from a virus—as opposed to bacteria— is a tricky beast. We have been trying to discover the cause of illness and effective treatments since ancient times. Even when we did not know what we were doing, sometimes humans got lucky.

The ancient Egyptians applied moldy bread to infected wounds. Paul Ehrlich, a German physician noted that certain dyes colored some bacterial cells but not others. He concluded that it must be possible to create substances that can kill certain bacteria selectively. In 1909, he discovered that a chemical called arsphenamine was an effective treatment for syphilis. This became the first modern antibiotic.

Throughout the 20th century we have marveled about the almost miraculous healing from antibiotics.

But antibiotics do not work on viruses. As harsh as it may seem, the human body fights back against the virus by making its own antibodies or you die.

We are constantly being attacked by viruses and often are not “sick.”

The body has a storehouse of weapons both occurring naturally and a result of past “wars” against various illnesses. Children are often constantly sick with the common cold until they build defenses against the more than 200 different viruses known to cause cold symptoms.

Sometimes, though, a virus comes along that overwhelms the body’s immune system, which cannot build its defenses quickly enough.

Edward Jenner created the world’s first vaccine for smallpox in the 1790s. By introducing a sample of a “dead” virus or “live” virus, the body starts producing a weapon specifically designed against that specific threat.

The development, production, and distribution of vaccines are inherently complicated and potentially dangerous regardless of the literally countless lives they have saved. In April 1955, the Salk polio vaccine was ready for distribution. Three weeks later a doctor reported a case of paralytic polio in a recently vaccinated girl. Other cases were found and all involved a disturbing detail: paralysis began in the vaccinated arm, rather than more common in the legs.

Most of the cases of paralytic polio occurred in children inoculated with vaccine produced by Cutter Laboratories in California. The vaccination program was suspended. The full review concluded that 11 people died from the vaccine and hundreds were paralyzed.

It is likely that certain production methods (which, it turns out, did not follow Salk’s instructions) resulted in a failure to completely kill the poliovirus in the vaccine.

While it is commendable that the President and Vice President both intend to be first in line for the Covid vaccine to allay public concerns, there are risks. And anti-vaxxers have been around since the 1830s.

“People with a history of significant allergic reactions should not have the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid jab, British regulators say. It came after two National Health Service workers had allergic reactions. Both workers have a history of serious allergies.”

In a statement the Russian Deputy Prime Minister said that Russians will need to take heightened precautions during the 42 days that the “Sputnik V” coronavirus vaccine requires to reach maximum effectiveness. “Russians will have to minimize contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol.”

The vaccine is a critical and welcomed development in the fight against Covid. But we all need to use common sense and discuss the vaccine with our physician.

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Put an end to the intimidation and silencing Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual

SERVANT LEADER

B

rothers and sisters, one discussion heating up these past few days is in regards to naming several personalities that are members of progressive groups accused of being part of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed force, the New People’s Army (NPA). The President himself named one Party List representative as a member of the Communist Party, and said the Party List group this representative comes from is just a front organization. This kind of accusation called red tagging—“red” being the color incorporated with communists—is not only destructive in words. This places the lives of those accused in danger.

In the past few days, two incidents occurred involving activists the government accused of being members of the Communist Party. One of these incidents involved the death of Jevilyn Campos Cullamat, the child of one lawmaker who was also a member of the Bayan Muna party as well as the Manobo Tribe. Jevilyn was said to be a medic for the NPA. She was killed in an encounter between the soldiers and the NPA of Surigao del Sur. After being slain, a picture of her corpse was taken holding a firearm in front of a line of soldiers.

The second incident is the capturing of Amanda Echanis, daughter of the peasant leader Randy Echanis who also recently perished. Amanda, who had a one month-old baby, was captured last Wednesday in Baggao, Cagayan, for being suspected of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The Anakpawis group, where her father was a member, emphatically stood up against the suspicion that firearms were found in Amanda’s home by those who arrested her.

These events are truly worrisome.

It seems that the clear message these events convey, especially in the context of ongoing protests by students of universities in Manila, is to sow fear. The intimidation is more severe if the youth is the target.

First, the individuals accused are part of the youth and women sector. They are also children of known activists.

Second, they are helping communities and the sectors in need, like the indigenous people and farmers.

Third, it became prominent that what happened to Jevilyn is a loss of respect to the dignity and humanity of victims at the hands of those in power.

It seems that the clear message these events convey, especially in the context of ongoing protests by students of universities in Manila, is to sow fear. Surely these students, as well as their parents, will worry in fear. What parent wouldn’t want to sacrifice their lives just to save their children? The intimidation is more severe if the youth is the target.

Amid all the great problems the country is facing now, does fear mongering and giving pursuit to those who are accused of being enemies help or incite worry and suffering for the people? Does the government

wish to silence our youth even if they see faults that must be corrected in our society?

In addressing our problems and the loss of justice in society, it is propagated in the Catholic social teaching what is called “active nonviolence” or the peaceful yet active movement and encouraging a humane society, not keeping silent amid the cruelty and neglect of justice for the poor. This is what many of our youth have been doing. This is seen through their partiality and unity with the poor, organizing and serving the communities, and participating in peaceful protests and making the government accountable. They study in order to serve the country someday. Our country needs the youth.

They should not be intimidated, they should not be silenced.

Brothers and sisters, like what is said in the book of Matthew 25:31-46, even Christ reminds us of the final judgment, and His basis is how we show our love, compassion and unity for the hungry, the ill, the suffering, and the homeless.

Make it a habit to listen to Radio Veritas 846 Ang Radyo ng Simbahan in the AM band, or through live streaming at www.veritas846.ph, and follow its Twitter and Instagram accounts @veritasph, and YouTube at veritas846.ph. For your comments, e-mail veritas846pr@gmail.com.

Google’s ethics effort is looking rather evil

By Cathy O’Neil | Bloomberg Opinion

G

oogle used to have a simple motto: Don’t be evil. Now, with the firing of a data scientist whose job was to identify and mitigate the harm that the company’s technology could do, it has yet again demonstrated how far it has strayed from that laudable goal.

Timnit Gebru was one of Google’s brightest stars, part of a group hired to work on accountability and ethics in artificial intelligence — that is, to develop fairness guidelines for the algorithms that increasingly decide everything from who gets credit to who goes to prison. She was a lead researcher on the Gender Shades project, which demonstrated the flaws of facial recognition software developed by IBM, Amazon, Microsoft and others, particularly in identifying dark female faces. As far as I can ascertain, she was fired for doing her job: specifically, for critically assessing models that allow computers to converse with people—an area in which Google is active.

Full disclosure: It’s hard for me to untangle my opinion on this from my personal and professional loyalties.

I’m not acquainted with Gebru, but we have quite a few friends in common and I’ve admired her work for

some time. I signed a letter supporting her. I also run an independent company that specializes in auditing algorithms for bias, so I have an interest in getting big tech firms to use my services rather than do their vetting in-house.

All that said, I genuinely believe that Gebru’s story illustrates a broader issue: You can’t trust companies to check their own work, particularly where the result might conflict with their financial interests. My favorite example is Theranos, which insisted that its research into a novel blood test was so amazing and valuable that it couldn’t be shown to outsiders—until it proved to be a dangerous fraud. The warning applies no less to tech companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft and Facebook, which have created internal ethics groups and external tools in an effort to display responsibility and keep their algorithms unregulated.

Aside from turning the paper viral, the incident offered a shocking indication of how little Google can tolerate even mild pushback, and how easily it can shed all pretense of scientific independence. The fact that Gebru was one of the company’s only Black female researchers makes it a particularly egregious example of punching down in the same old tired way.

I’ll admit that to some extent, I envy the people who work on the accountability teams. They have fascinating jobs, with access to tons of data that they’d never be able to play with in academia. At the same time, though, they have little or no influence to push their employers to actually implement the fairness frameworks that they so carefully develop. Their scientific papers are often heavily edited or even censored, as I learned when I once tried to co-author one (I quit the project).

I often wondered about Gebru and others working at Google: How could they stand the bureaucracy, or express their very real concerns in that environment? As it turns out,

they couldn’t.

Gebru, along with co-authors from academia as well as Google, was trying to get the company’s approval to submit a paper on some unintended consequences of large language models. One problem is that their energy consumption and carbon footprint have been rapidly expanding along with their use of computing power. Another is that, after ingesting a large chunk of the entire history of all written text, they’re troublingly likely to use nasty, racist or otherwise inappropriate language.

The findings, while perfectly good and interesting, were not particularly new. Which makes it all the more bizarre that someone higher up at Google decided, with no explanation, that Gebru had to back out of publishing the paper. When she demanded to know what the actual complaints were so she could address them, she was fired (with her boss informed only after the fact).

Aside from turning the paper viral, the incident offered a shocking indication of how little Google can tolerate even mild pushback, and how easily it can shed all pretense of scientific independence. The fact See “Google’s,” A11

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Opinion

FPJ–Da King

My Nipa Hut: Deconstructed, reconstructed

BusinessMirror

Manny F. Dooc

Tito Genova Valiente

TELLTALES

T

he Philippine political landscape would have been entirely different had the people’s will respected in the presidential elections of 2004. If FPJ did not meet his untimely death on December 14, 2004 and his election protest against PGMA had succeeded, we would have different occupants in Malacañang after FPJ. Most likely, his bosom friend Erap would have captured the presidency in the 2010 presidential derby with the full backing of FPJ. As it was, former President Erap Estrada still clinched the second spot next only to the eventual winner, President Noynoy Aquino. The “Hello Garci” was the most infamous call that was never answered.

The die-hard supporters of FPJ still believe to this day that he was the duly elected president of the country in 2004 and they remember FPJ in prayers as his 16th death anniversary next Monday approaches. He failed to occupy Malacañang but he permanently occupies a place in the hearts of his adoring countrymen.

Ronald Alan Kelley Poe had many names—FPJ, Ronwaldo Reyes, Ronnie and Ang Panday—but there was no mistaking to his avid fans that there was only one of his kind in the movie world. During his Lo’ Waist Gang movies in the 1950s, he was I think called Nanding by his gang mates like Zaldy Zhornack, Berting Labra, Corazon Rivas, Boy Sta. Romana, Boy Francisco, Butch Bautista and others, but it did not stick because the name Fernando which he appropriated to capitalize on his late father’s popularity actually belonged to his younger brother Andy Poe. Behind the camera, his fellow actors referred to him as Ronnie, the official nickname given to him by his family. However, to his legions of fans, he was simply regarded as “Da King”—the undisputed king of Philippine movies during his time. And it was a long reign which saw his male fans discarded their low waist pants to high waist, closeted their tightly fit trousers in favor of bell bottoms, and gave up their corduroy for denims. The fashion fads had changed but his ardent followers remained.

Only FPJ remained in the imagination of the moviegoers, with the possible exception of Zaldy. The rest of the gang banished from the movie firmament after the Lo’ Waist Gang movies ran out of sequels and the low-waist pants ran out of fashion.

When his father, a top actor at that time, died at the age of 35, FPJ became the family breadwinner. He had to drop out from school and started as a stuntman for Everlasting Pictures. He was given his first starring role at the age of 14 in the movie Anak ni Palaris but the Lo’ Waist Gang film series made his name a by-word among the moviegoers. He became the top action star and the highest paid actor during his time. He depicted roles that portrayed him as the protector of the poor and the defenseless. The masses idolized him and he commanded a strong following all over the country. It was once reported that when FPJ was being mauled by the goons in an action movie, one moviegoer inside the theater in Mindanao drew his automatic weapon and fired at the movie screen. He formed his own movie outfits and produced his own films, which broke box-office records. He was a much sought-after commercial endorser, which netted him substantial earnings. His endorsement deal of San Miguel products remains unmatched to this day.

Together with his close friend Erap Estrada and other colleagues from the industry, he resisted the notorious criminal gang, Big Four, which victimized the film industry and its players. They exposed their

Google’s. . .

continued from A10

that Gebru was one of the company’s only Black female researchers makes it a particularly egregious example of punching down in the same old tired way.

Embarrassing as this episode should be for Google—the company’s

Together with his close friend Erap Estrada and other colleagues from the industry, he resisted the notorious criminal gang, Big Four, which victimized the film industry and its players.

They exposed their extortion activities without regard to their own safety. extortion activities without regard to their own safety. They were warned of disfigurement and death but the two who played toughie roles and defenders of the oppressed in their films, stocked powerful arms and prepared for battle. A task force was created by the government and investigated the matter.

FPJ’s acts of charity were well known and he extended help to the needy, particularly his colleagues in the movie industry, without any fanfare or publicity. He paid for their medical treatments, supported the education of their kids and even spent for their mortuary expenses.

By producing numerous movies, he had assisted thousands of his fellow actors, bit players and allied workers in the movie world. When he died, his movie studio in del Monte was found to be overflowing with bags of goodies for distribution as Christmas gifts to the poor despite losing the immediately preceding election.

He was an actor, director, writer, and producer. He produced and directed the movie, Ang Padrino in 1984, which hauled the awards in the FAMAS that year—Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture. He received the Order of National Artist of the Philippines for Film posthumously on May 23, 2006 by former President Gloria M. Arroyo, but his family did not receive this. However, President Benigno Aquino III confirmed it during his presidency and the award was presented to his family on August 16, 2012. He was a FAMAS Hall of Famer after having won several acting and directorial awards from FAMAS. He first won the Best Actor Award trophy for his role in Mga Alabok sa Lupa in 1968. This was followed by his portrayal as leading actor in Asedillo in 1971, Durugin si Totoy Bato in 1979, Umpisahan Mo, Tatapusin Ko in 1983 and Muslim .357 in 1986.

FAMAS also recognized him as Best Director a couple of times.

In 2000, he received the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award. The only missing achievement is the highest award within the power of the Filipino people to give—the Presidency of the Philippines. For all we know, it was bestowed—but it was not duly counted.

CEO has apologized—I’m hoping policy makers grasp the larger lesson. The artificial intelligence that plays a growing role in our lives requires outside scrutiny, from people who have the proper incentives to be independent and the power to compel meaningful reform. Otherwise, algorithms will be doomed to repeat and amplify the flaws of the humans who made them.

annotations

I

T takes an anthropologist, a good one, to restore “my nipa hut” into its proper place in the cultures of the land. Romanticized as a poor but “authentic” symbol of the country and simplified as the most basic of vernacular architecture, the nipa hut has always remained a tiny element, a nonessential part of the quest for Filipino identity.

The main reason for this restoration is a small book called Bahay Kubo, A Filipino Children’s Song. Excavated by the archaeologist, Stephen Acabado, the small house is not merely a structure but a space full of other things. These are vegetables that are considered the most ordinary in the universe of the average Filipinos. When we are asked therefore to come up with an image that approximates the everyday life of everyone, the Bahay Kubo is the purest of this anthem, the song that children understand and the verses adults can tell children.

Purity in the sense of a race is the claim of those who point to the song about the small nipa hut.

What indeed is more Pinoy than the politics of smallness in a hut that, however limited, is surrounded by varied plants or resources? Those plants, our teachers in grade school have told us, are all native to the Philippines and we should be proud of them. Our bragging right is how in the demarcated ground so much local wealth is there for the taking and picking.

But for Stephen Acabado, the case of the bahay kubo is an example of what is called, in archaeology, as a homogenocene, the “widespread expansion of plants [and animals] brought about by the maritime exchanges which began with Columbus.” From this knowledge then we are taught new lessons—the fruits and vegetables around the humble abode have less humble origins. They have travelled complexly through times, their journey a struggle over periods of colonization and migrations.

Acabado’s first lesson is this: Of the plants and vegetables around the hut only upo (wax gourd), bawang (garlic), and labanos (radish) “appear to be the only potentially local species.” The rest of the plants mentioned in the song, Acabado would tell us, come from the Americas, Africa, or mainland Asia.

There is another essay in the book and it comes from Kristian Sendon Cordero, writer and owner of the nearly legendary Savage Mind, a cultural hub and bookstore in Naga City. In his exegesis of a what must really be a complex song, Cordero brings us into the

Friday, December 11, 2020 A11

discourses of two other writers: Albert Alejo, SJ ( the poet, anthropologist and political activist) and Allan Derain (writer, academic and curator par-excellence of everything about Aswang.

In Alejo’s reading, the bahay kubo enables the persona to enter first the dwelling before he can view and introspect on the flora outside, blurring in effect the discord between the outside and inside. Derain’s thought resides on the verb “doon” and references an observer long gone from the field, the garden and its plant kingdom a memory.

Cordero muses how nostalgia plays a role in the reckoning of the “native” land of the hut.

Working with Acabado, Cordero sought the artistry of Aldrin A. Camacho, a teacher and artist, and Mavreen Anne E. Romero, a graduate of Digital Illustration and Animation at the Ateneo de Naga University, to rework the song about the hut and the vegetables into a rhapsody on the Filipino, his natural and social universe, and the identities spawned by them.

Ultimately, however, the lesson that this small book offers comes from Acabado who speaks how “the idea of pure Filipino, dis-

covered and civilized only by the Western colonizers, must now be laid to rest.” For Acabado, an archaeologist who heads the Bikol Archaeological Project in the Department of Anthropology in the University of California-Los Angeles, the book should bring us to embrace our identities that, like the mga halaman (the plants) in the munting bahay kubo (the little hut) are results of long history of living interactions, resulting to a sari-sari (a variety) layered and diverse cultural groups of people who continue to evolve, enrich, and emancipate.

The book is lavishly illustrated in the charmingly archaic and dense style of an almanac. Bahay Kubo, A Filipino Children’s Song, will be used by the Savage Mind as an instructional material leading to an even more ambitious project on decolonization.

As of this writing, 100 copies of the book was acquired for distribution to teachers and students in Pangasinan by Foad Manshadi.

Twenty books were also donated to Abra by Narra Studio, a US-based cultural gift shop.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Facebook has only itself to blame for drastic remedy

By Joe Nocera | Bloomberg Opinion

M

ark Zuckerberg always knew.

In 2012, when Instagram was two years old, with 13 employees and no obvious path to profitability, Zuckerberg knew that the fast-growing photo app was a potential threat to Facebook Inc.’s social media dominance. “Instagram can hurt us,” he wrote in an e-mail. In an internal discussion about whether to buy Instagram—and other startups that might one day pose a threat to Facebook’s social media monopoly—he added, “The basic plan would be to buy these companies and leave their products running while over time incorporating the social dynamics they’ve invented into our core products.”

Kevin Systrom, Instagram’s cofounder, knew something, too. He knew that angering Zuckerberg might cause the “wrath of Mark” to come down on his still-fragile company and cause Facebook’s founder to go into “destroy mode,” as he put it in a text message to one of Instagram’s early investors. Yes, Instagram might one day become a significant competitor to Facebook—but it was also possible that Facebook would clone Instagram’s technology and put the startup out of business. So in April 2012, when Zuckerberg offered to pay $1 billion for the company, Systrom and the Instagram board said yes.

But when it sought to get the deal approved by the Federal Trade Commission in the US and the Office of Fair Trading in the UK, Facebook argued with a straight face that there was plenty of competition from other photo apps like Camera Awesome.

And the two government agencies were also convinced that because Instagram had no revenue, a merger with Facebook wouldn’t meaningfully add to its market share. The two regulators took only four months to

approve the deal. But of course they didn’t know what Zuckerberg and Systrom knew.

On Wednesday afternoon, the FTC and 48 attorneys general filed dual antitrust suits designed to undo the merger of Facebook and Instagram—as well as Facebook’s takeover of WhatsApp, another potential rival that it bought in 2014 for a staggering $19 billion. (WhatsApp also had no revenue and 55 employees at the time Facebook bought it.)

This is a radical proposition — the US government hasn’t contemplated breaking up a company since the Justice Department sued Microsoft in 1998. But I’ve long believed that there is simply no other way to curb Facebook’s immense monopoly power.

In the attorneys general complaint, the plaintiffs contend that Facebook employs a “buy-or-bury strategy that thwarts competition and harms both users and advertisers.” One would be hard pressed to disagree. Venture capitalists are so fearful of Facebook’s ruthless tactics they simply won’t fund startups that Zuckerberg might view as competition, no matter how insignificant.

Thus is innovation stifled, as is competition itself.

As a result, the plaintiffs contend, social media consumers don’t have legitimate choices. If they don’t like Facebook’s privacy policies, or if they want fewer ads, or are offended by Facebook’s unwillingness to face squarely the amount of disinformation on its platform, what are their options? Move to Instagram? Or WhatsApp? They are still in Facebook’s universe, which can still use their data to make oodles of money.

Zuckerberg has apologized a dozen times or more for some Facebook missteps and promised to do better.

Nothing much changes. Facebook agreed to a settlement with the FTC in 2012 over what the agency called “privacy-related violations”—and then had to pay a $5 billion fine seven years later for violating the terms of that settlement. One reason to break up Facebook is that less onerous remedies have simply failed to make a difference. Facebook has proved again and again that it doesn’t take government mandates seriously.

As the economist Hal Singer put it in a tweet soon after the complaint was filed, “There is no injunctive or behavioral cure that can remedy this mess. Facebook’s anticompetitive conduct defies traditional (regulatory) approaches.”

The second reason to break up Facebook is that it is the only way to create competition in the social media business—and to create it instantly. Instagram now has more than 1 billion monthly active users.

WhatsApp has more than 1.6 billion. What’s more, before Facebook

bought them, the two companies had much different approaches to matters such as privacy and even profitability.

For instance, WhatsApp’s chief executive officer, Jan Koum, left Facebook in 2018 after a “clash over data,” as the Washington Post put it at the time. Koum had long kept the data of WhatsApp users private, but Zuckerberg had decided the time had come for Facebook to start monetizing it. A WhatsApp that was divorced from Facebook might well establish itself as an alternative to Facebook’s data practices. Indeed, that’s what it was before it was acquired in 2014.

The same could be true of Instagram.

They wouldn’t compete with Facebook on price, obviously, but on all the other things social media users care about.

It’s no secret that government antitrust cases are difficult to win in court, where judges have heavily favored consolidation in recent decades. Facebook will argue—as it already has—that it won government approval of the deals fair and square. “Years after the FTC cleared our acquisitions, the government now wants a do-over,” the company said in a tweet.

But reducing Facebook’s power is one of the few issues that Republicans and Democrats agree on, and as my colleague Tae Kim notes, David Cicilline, the chair of the House antitrust subcommittee, would be well served to craft a bill that would make it easier to curb the power of the big technology companies, starting with Facebook.

As for the antitrust suits, breaking up Facebook isn’t just the right solution, it’s the only solution.

A12 Friday, December 11, 2020

Infra spend down 18.4% in Jan-Oct on quarantine curbs

I

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

NFRASTRUCTURE spending declined by 18.4 percent in the January to October period due to quarantine restrictions aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19, according to government data.

Based on data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), infrastructure and capital outlays reached P508.5 billion in January to October 2020, P114.3 billion lower than the P622.9 billion posted in the

same period last year.

In March, the government imposed strict community quarantines nationwide to avert the spread of Covid-19. The move limited mobility and halted construction projects, including the government’s

“Build, Build, Build” program.

“Infrastructure spending was lower year-on-year [18.4 percent] to P508.5 billion owing mainly to the delays encountered in the implementation of public works and the discontinuance of some projects due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” DBM said.

Despite this, national spending in the January to October period this year grew 12.7 percent to P3.31 billion. This was P374.5 billion more than the P2.94 billion posted in the same period last year.

This was largely due to the increase in spending for governmentowned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs) allocated for the country’s Covid-19 response.

DBM reported the allotment

for LGUs increased 35.4 percent to P520.6 billion in the 10-month period. This represented an increase of P136 billion from the P384.6 billion in 2019.

Data also showed that subsidies disbursed by the national government grew 25.3 percent to P205.9 billion in the January- to-October 2020 period. This was P41.6 billion higher than the P164.3-billion allotment for LGUs last year.

“Spending grew mainly on account of higher maintenance spending and subsidy support to government corporations for the Covid-19 measures under R A No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act [Bayanihan I],” DBM said.

Continued on A4

LANDBANK LGU LENDING WINDOW HIKED TO P80B

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

S

@Tyronepiad

TATE-owned Land Bank of the Philippines announced it has increased the amount it can lend to local government units (LGUs) to P80 billion.

In an e-mail to the Business Mirror, the state-run bank confirmed that its board approved on November 11 the upsizing of funds for its lending window it calls “Restoration and Invigoration package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards Upgrowth for LGUs.” The additional amount was sourced from the bank’s own funds, according to LandBank. A person familiar with the matter said LandBank will be releasing “further updates on the matter.”

This is the second time the state-run bank hiked the fund allocation for the said lending program. In October, LandBank added P10 billion to the program, bringing the total funding at the time to P20 billion.

The LandBank introduced the loan program in July, initially with a P10-billion funding, to boost the recovery efforts of the LGUs amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Fixed interest rate

The loans will be available to eligible LGUs provided that the total loan exposure is less than their net-borrowing capacity

according to a computation by the Bureau of Local Government Finance. The amount of borrowings to be granted is relative to the LGU’s project requirements.

The LandBank set the fixed interest rate on these loans at 4 percent until end-2022.

However, the loan is subject to annual re-pricing according to the benchmark rate and the applicable credit spread.

Proceeds of the loans can be used to fund acquisition of agricultural produce and equipment and construction of facilities linking products to market.

LGUs could also tap the lending facility to fund programs and projects for basic and support services, social welfare and health care, and other infrastructure activities seen spurring the economic activities.

As of end-November, LandBank approved P52.27-billion worth of loans under this program, benefiting 156 LGUs. Of this amount, the bank has released P383.5 million to three LGUs. This week, the bank announced it was providing an annual interest rate subsidy of 2 percent on new and existing loans extended to LGUs for their Covid-19 response, following the provisions under the Republic Act (RA) 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2).

Continued on A4

RCEP’s quick ratification to bring down vaccine cost

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

L

@alyasjah

AWMAKERS are expected to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) without delay, as the trade deal will bring down the cost of Covid-19 vaccines and facilitate their transfer into the Philippines.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez on Thursday said his agency is now briefing legislators about RCEP and its provisions. He asserted that Congress should ratify the trade deal as soon as it can, as it will allow the Philippines to enjoy the benefit of duty free trading with the 14 other Asia-Pacific parties.

“We don’t expect a big challenge to this. We are giving them a briefing earlier than scheduled so that we can inform them of what RCEP is all about, explain to them its benefits and its features. Hopefully, we can have an early ratification by the President in concurrence with Senate,” Lopez said in a webinar on “Health and Economic outlook for 2021— Sparking Hope: will a Vaccine See An End to the Pandemic?” organized by Philippines Graphic magazine.

Lopez explained that the Philippines can maximize its membership in RCEP in reducing the cost of vaccines manufactured by parties to the trade deal, particularly China. He said tariffs for medical supplies are trimmed, if not eliminated, under RCEP, as agreed by upon by negotiators in view of the health crisis.

Last week, Carlito G. Galvez Jr., chief implementer at the National Task Force Against Covid-19, announced the Philippines may receive the first batch of vaccines made by China’s Sinovac and Russia’s Gamaleya around the first quarter of next year.

Galvez said Sinovac and Gamaleya will conduct clinical trials in the country within the month, if not in January. As such, the Philippines will get its initial supply

of vaccines from China, a party to RCEP, and Russia between 60 days and 90 days from when the government signs a contract with the developers.

CREATE exemption

Lopez also said the approval of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) bill will help cut the cost of Covid-19 vaccines.

According to the trade chief, legislators inserted critical products needed to combat the virus in the measure’s list of goods exempted from any taxes. The CREATE bill then paves the way for the duty free importation of pandemic essentials, including vaccines, he added.

“From what I remember in CREATE bill—hopefully it will be signed—it includes also critical and medical devices, and vaccines will be included. Even without RCEP, it is specified that zero duty will be applied to products like this. I’m confident this will be given that concession as it’s already in the CREATE bill,” Lopez said.

In November senators ap proved on third and final reading the CREATE bill. On one hand, it will bring down corporate income tax to 25 percent, from 30 percent—the highest among Southeast Asian economies—but on the other will lift fiscal incentives granted to investors.

As much as the development of a vaccine sparks hope, doubts on the safety and efficacy of the Chinese and Russian variants spoil this optimism.

Last week The Washington Post, citing court documents, exposed Sinovac’s history of paying off health regulators to expedite the approval of its products. Likewise, the Chinese pharmaceutical has yet to release the efficacy data for its Covid-19 vaccine for buyers to compare it with the 90-percent effectiveness of those made by Moderna and Pfizer.

Companies BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Dito tempers expectations

D

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

ITO Telecommunity Corp. is taking a pragmatic stance on its maiden launch, expecting not to attract as many subscribers as the incumbent telcos given that its coverage will still be limited to certain areas.

Rodolfo Santiago, the chief technology officer of Dito, admitted that while Dito may provide better services to Filipinos, its coverage will still be limited during its first year of operations.

“We will not be so attractive yet in our initial launch. We’re quite practical, we may be providing better service but in terms of coverage, talo pa rin kami,” he said during a media briefing.

Dito is investing P150 billion for its foray into the telecommunications industry. The amount is being used to build telco infrastructure, of which 1,900 towers have already been constructed, 12,000 kilometers of cable laid, and 1,500 base stations deployed.

For its maiden launch, it committed to cover 37 percent of the population with 27 Mbps of minimum average Internet speed.

Nex year, Dito has programmed over P50 billion in capital expenditures to further expand its network and meet the commitments it made during the bidding for the third telco license.

The Dennis A. Uy-led company has committed to spend P257 billion in capital outlays within the first 5 years of its operations to deliver an average speed of 55 Mbps to 84 percent of the country’s population.

Dito is expected to launch its commercial services on March 8, but Dito Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano said that “there’s a chance that it could be earlier.”

The government has tapped an independent auditor to conduct a review of Dito’s services on January 7. The audit will run for roughly 45 days.

On Thursday, Dito introduced its new network operations center and security operations center, which are

going to be manned by ex-military officials.

Dito is putting great premium on cybersecurity to allay fears of Chinese hacking, which critics said is possible as its minority shareholder, China Telecoms, is a Chinese stateowned corporation. China has been in tussle with the Philippines as regards the ownership of the West Philippine Sea. The US has also noted supposed security risks linked to Chinese made equipment and infrastructure.

Dito is seeking the approval of its 25-year franchise from the Senate, after the House of Representatives approved its franchise bill in August. Its current franchise, which was awarded to Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel), will expire on April 24, 2023.

Tamano said his group hopes that lawmakers will soon approve its franchise to help the company comply with its five-year roll out plan.

Friday, December 11, 2020

B1

Axelum projects higher coco milk powder sales

By VG Cabuag @villygc

A

XELUM Resources Corp., a fully-integrated manufacturer and exporter of coconut products, on Thursday said it expects its coconut milk power segment to expand after the company secured orders from big collagenbased brands.

“The continued demand for coconut milk powder for traditional and new applications presents an exciting growth opportunity for Axelum. Organic coconut milk powder remains one of our most profitable products given its unique characteristics and premium pricing,” Henry J. Raperoga, the company’s president and COO, said.

In January to September, the coconut milk powder segment accounted for 15 percent of Axelum’s revenue.

In response to growing demand, Axelum said it has increased its production capacity of organic coconut milk powder to up to 1,500 metric tons

annually. It said part of the increase in capacity is also for specific customer needs.

Axelum said the company will supply one of the largest and fastest-growing American collagen brands, which is penetrating into Asia and Europe. The said company has sought Axelum’s support in adding capacity to be able to service their organic coconut milk powder requirements.

Organic coconut milk powder, is a fine, creamy white meat substance squeezed from fresh coconut milk that is dairy-free and made from all-organic components. It is primarily used as a culinary ingredient for baked goods, curry dishes, packed food sauces and confectioneries.

Organic coconut milk powder is also utilized as a raw input for collagen-based products, which is forecasted to have a global market size of $7.5 billion by 2027, expanding at a pace of 6 percent at a compounded annual growth rate.

For the three quarters of the year, Axelum’s net income fell 37 percent to P383.09 million from last year’s P608.98 million.

PetroEnergy vows to finish all power projects

A

S some of its power projects have been put on hold due to the pandemic, the Yuchengco-led listed firm PetroEnergy Resources Corp. (PetroEnergy) said Monday it would pursue to complete all of its projects in the pipeline to boost its power portfolio to 400megawatts (MW) by 2023 or 2024.

During a virtual forum, PetroEnergy president Milagros Reyes said the pandemic has pushed back expansion programs to 12 months.

These include the 20MW Puerto Princesa solar hybrid power project and the San Vicente

wind hybrid power project. “What we were not able to remedy was the big slow down in almost all aspects of development work from government permitting to site acquisition.

This has pushed our expansion program to 12 months,” she said.

Still, the company is optimistic that expansion plans would soon be implemented. “And into the future, we will continue to work according to our model of one solid step at a time as we have taken to building at least one power plant each year since 2014, until we attain our

goal of 400 MW in 3-4 years’ time, after which we shall take a big step into the Philippine offshore areas,” said Reyes.

PetroEnergy’s renewable energy (RE) projects include the 32MW-Maibarara geothermal power plant, 36MW Nabas wind power project and the 70MW Tarlac solar power plant.

The company also holds 4 petroleum exploration contracts in Africa and 2 in the Philippines.

RE, she said, will play an important role in achieving the country’s energy needs because it is less susceptible to supply chain disruptions

and promotes clean environment. Reyes said PetroEnergy will make sure that it does its role in promoting RE to help the country achieve its goal of 35 percent RE in the energy mix by 2030.

“It is time to have a long term focus that will not be easily dislocated nor disrupted by serious challenges—we are pointing in particular at definitive forward-looking government policies, aggressive research and development programs, transformative and resilient partnerships, and the development of the RE support industries.” Lenie Lectura

SHARE SALE San Miguel Corp. (SMC) listed its Series 2-K Preferred Shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) after the conclusion of its P13.79 billion preferred shares offering. Photo shows (from left, by row) SMC Treasury Manager Doris J. Ong and PSE COO Roel A. Refran; SMC Senior Vice President and Head of Treasury, Sergio G. Edeza, PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon and PSE Issuer Regulation Division OIC Marigel B. Garcia; Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines COO Renee D. Rubio and PSE General Counsel Veronica V. Del Rosario. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, December 11, 2020

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

December 10, 2020

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FIRST ABACUS FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG MANULIFE NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

44 44.5 43.9 44.5 43.9 44.1 3,800 168,170 108.2 108.3 107 108.6 107 108.3 3,532,970 381,490,107 38,309,339 82.95 83 83 83.55 82.1 83 1,431,430 118,986,714 -6,841,188.50 25.7 25.75 25.85 25.85 25.7 25.7 154,700 3,980,110 1,038,905 11.36 11.38 11.4 11.5 11.32 11.38 473,000 5,376,198 -181,738 50.35 50.4 51 51.15 50.15 50.4 11,528,530 585,126,654 -68,709,444.50 9.7 9.79 9.72 9.79 9.72 9.79 400 3,909 21.4 21.95 20.9 21.95 20.15 21.4 4,000 83,470 30.15 30.25 30.35 30.45 30.1 30.15 250,300 7,569,490 -1,539,750 53.55 53.6 53.5 53.6 53.5 53.55 3,360 179,988.50 19.08 19.34 19.4 19.4 19 19.08 41,000 783,338 -29,080 136.7 136.8 137.8 138.5 136 136.8 1,031,960 141,480,206 10,539,617 67.1 68.2 67.25 69 67 67.1 128,180 8,669,518 -443,819.50 0.91 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 0.96 1,000 960 28.95 29 28.9 29 28 28.95 42,300 1,191,715 0.62 0.68 0.67 0.68 0.67 0.68 175,000 118,960 4.5 4.6 3.69 4.8 3.68 4.5 2,094,000 8,906,500 367,500 1.29 1.32 1.29 1.32 1.29 1.3 106,000 137,830 0.345 0.355 0.345 0.365 0.335 0.34 1,670,000 592,750 7,100 790 800 790 790 790 790 4,680 3,697,200 3,689,300 0.65 0.66 0.67 0.67 0.65 0.65 130,000 84,900 -6,500 155 156 156.1 156.5 155 155 18,510 2,876,624 -1,728,786 1,991 2,048 2,000 2,050 2,000 2,050 10 20,250 -

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 6.38 6.39 6.29 6.44 6.18 6.39 20,560,100 130,983,510 8,290,976 1.39 1.4 1.41 1.41 1.38 1.39 2,960,000 4,120,520 21,000 ALSONS CONS 27.2 27.35 27 27.4 26.95 27.35 1,156,400 31,420,130 -1,123,945 ABOITIZ POWER 0.32 0.325 0.305 0.32 0.295 0.32 75,160,000 23,060,900 -251,350 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 27.95 28 27.85 28.35 27.85 28 692,300 19,395,135 -3,137,355 FIRST PHIL HLDG 77.7 78.2 77 78 77 77.7 115,650 9,004,849 -655,395.50 MERALCO 295.4 299 300 300 295.4 295.4 287,910 85,241,628 -51,121,542 MANILA WATER 16 16.08 16.12 16.12 15.9 16 2,164,400 34,586,716 2,711,824 4.1 4.15 4.08 4.15 4.03 4.15 4,233,000 17,425,500 -419,950 PETRON 3.41 3.52 3.4 3.52 3.4 3.52 115,000 399,000 PETROENERGY 12.68 12.7 12.8 12.84 12.66 12.7 76,500 972,142 133,330 PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL 22.85 22.95 23.05 23.15 22.5 22.95 783,000 17,935,890 5,661,620 SPC POWER 11.04 11.06 11.18 11.18 11.02 11.06 670,900 7,428,584 2,206 VIVANT 13.82 14.14 13.82 13.82 13.82 13.82 600 8,292 8.39 8.55 8.36 8.63 8.21 8.39 780,500 6,517,603 -536,247 AGRINURTURE 3.69 3.7 3.64 3.72 3.64 3.7 1,533,000 5,628,450 -3,700 AXELUM 14.56 14.86 14.36 14.56 14.34 14.56 7,400 106,746 CNTRL AZUCARERA 17.62 17.9 17.9 17.98 17.62 17.62 1,155,000 20,645,328 -4,255,280.00 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 6.34 6.37 6.14 6.4 6.12 6.34 588,900 3,686,688 312,400 DNL INDUS 7.37 7.38 7.45 7.6 7.36 7.37 1,816,800 13,602,735 285,119 EMPERADOR 10.02 10.08 10.08 10.08 10.02 10.02 5,525,600 55,475,688 1,143,090 SMC FOODANDBEV 68.8 69 69.95 69.95 68.6 69 289,000 19,933,811 -374,013 0.68 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.68 0.7 716,000 496,180 210,000 ALLIANCE SELECT 1.68 1.7 1.68 1.75 1.66 1.7 43,034,000 72,855,040 -353,140 FRUITAS HLDG 51.05 51.1 53.2 53.2 51 51.1 24,060 1,237,781.50 -239,116 GINEBRA 207.6 207.8 210.8 210.8 207.8 207.8 676,190 140,873,444 -33,601,856 JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR 52.4 54.4 57 57 52 54.5 101,570 5,573,551.50 21,150 MACAY HLDG 8.57 8.58 8.22 8.58 8.22 8.57 7,400 63,258 8.24 8.27 8.32 8.32 8.15 8.27 486,500 4,019,090 158,716 MAXS GROUP 0.175 0.18 0.18 0.181 0.172 0.175 810,000 142,370 -9,000 MG HLDG 8.34 8.35 8.3 8.35 8.3 8.35 97,700 813,203 8,350 SHAKEYS PIZZA 1.3 1.31 1.29 1.33 1.26 1.3 6,283,000 8,147,070 258,420 ROXAS AND CO 1.85 1.86 1.79 1.86 1.79 1.86 13,000 24,010 ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS 0.116 0.118 0.118 0.118 0.116 0.116 240,000 28,000 -5,900 UNIV ROBINA 147.9 148 149.5 149.5 147 148 706,320 104,534,519 3,438,513 VITARICH 1.04 1.05 1.07 1.08 1.03 1.04 8,104,000 8,501,010 537,440 2.48 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 15,000 37,500 VICTORIAS 53.85 55.9 55.2 55.9 53.2 55.9 3,020 162,886.50 CONCRETE A 55.05 57.9 55 58.9 54.35 58.1 910 49,878 CONCRETE B 1.67 1.68 1.67 1.68 1.66 1.67 6,154,000 10,268,430 -725,080 CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.1 5.2 5.06 5.1 5.05 5.1 45,100 229,070 14.8 15.02 15.02 15.02 14.78 15.02 768,300 11,381,320 EAGLE CEMENT 7.81 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.72 7.9 194,600 1,520,287 -72,283 EEI CORP 7.1 7.12 7.16 7.17 7 7.1 1,020,500 7,223,094 -575,115 HOLCIM 8.95 8.98 9.23 9.38 8.89 8.95 9,707,700 88,669,168 -15,122,360 MEGAWIDE 9.05 9.2 9.18 9.2 9.18 9.2 88,900 817,714 -919.9999 PHINMA 0.84 0.85 0.84 0.86 0.82 0.85 530,000 439,540 8,300 TKC METALS VULCAN INDL 1.34 1.35 1.33 1.38 1.33 1.34 8,700,000 11,737,990 -14,860 CROWN ASIA 1.86 1.93 1.89 1.9 1.87 1.87 218,000 409,330 2.8 2.81 2.64 2.81 2.62 2.8 4,936,000 13,592,160 44,600 EUROMED LMG CORP 4.43 4.59 4.45 4.45 4.45 4.45 1,000 4,450 4.6 4.7 4.69 4.7 4.69 4.7 13,000 61,020 -14,070 MABUHAY VINYL 5.3 5.36 5.35 5.38 5.2 5.36 323,600 1,722,548 -1,086,616 PRYCE CORP 22.75 22.85 23 23 22.8 22.85 497,600 11,372,635 -1,060,495 CONCEPCION GREENERGY 2.66 2.67 2.68 2.68 2.62 2.67 6,235,000 16,602,260 -1,450,160 INTEGRATED MICR 7.09 7.1 7.27 7.27 7.06 7.1 739,300 5,249,324 5,680 IONICS 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.09 1.13 2,108,000 2,337,060 5.21 5.37 5.21 5.37 5.21 5.37 600 3,142 PANASONIC 1.61 1.62 1.54 1.63 1.53 1.62 4,767,000 7,622,850 105,580 SFA SEMICON 7.02 7.03 7.15 7.21 6.96 7.02 6,162,800 43,714,241 684,807 CIRTEK HLDG

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.62 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.61 0.63 26,258,000 16,143,340 110,800 8.3 8.45 8.59 8.59 8.26 8.44 5,100 42,979 ASIABEST GROUP 839.5 840 836 840 830.5 840 177,150 148,530,305 26,431,430 AYALA CORP 45.75 45.95 45.8 46.25 45.75 45.95 1,089,700 50,149,650 -16,250,515 ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL 10.38 10.4 10.68 10.7 10.38 10.38 6,586,700 69,205,370 -22,168,240 AYALA LAND LOG 3.13 3.14 3.18 3.19 3.11 3.14 2,157,000 6,788,630 50,890 ANSCOR 6.4 6.78 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 7,000 44,800 0.77 0.78 0.75 0.78 0.74 0.77 2,336,000 1,782,890 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.97 0.98 0.97 0.98 0.95 0.97 6,270,000 6,057,910 ATN HLDG A 0.96 0.97 0.96 1 0.96 0.96 1,196,000 1,150,370 -929,360 ATN HLDG B 5.72 5.75 5.8 5.8 5.68 5.72 1,259,000 7,202,115 -3,811,864 COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG 6.03 6.05 6.14 6.16 6.03 6.03 7,772,500 47,263,844 3,997,597 FILINVEST DEV 9.46 9.7 9.54 9.79 9.4 9.7 40,200 386,590 -20,454 FJ PRINCE B 3.2 5.74 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 1,000 3,700 0.211 0.217 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.21 1,870,000 392,700 FORUM PACIFIC 656.5 657 668 668 651 656.5 313,480 205,614,250 -28,238,475 GT CAPITAL 4.18 4.25 4.18 4.18 4.18 4.18 26,000 108,680 HOUSE OF INV 68.55 68.7 68.1 68.9 68.1 68.55 2,040,460 139,871,765 21,189,385.00 JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG 5.1 5.3 5.2 5.3 5.2 5.3 1,100 5,810 -1,040 KEPPEL HLDG A 4.95 5.3 4.94 4.94 4.94 4.94 1,000 4,940 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.84 0.81 0.83 69,000 56,660 LODESTAR 3.71 3.72 3.71 3.72 3.7 3.72 1,451,000 5,381,030 -191,650 LOPEZ HLDG 13.22 13.28 13.34 13.44 13.18 13.28 2,755,300 36,561,448 2,971,634 LT GROUP 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.52 165,000 85,820 MABUHAY HLDG 1.83 1.92 1.82 1.82 1.82 1.82 1,000 1,820 MJC INVESTMENTS METRO PAC INV 4.33 4.34 4.39 4.39 4.33 4.33 28,573,000 124,512,350 -52,157,520.00 PACIFICA HLDG 3.85 3.86 3.86 3.86 3.85 3.86 32,000 123,500 0.85 0.87 0.85 0.87 0.85 0.87 144,000 124,330 PRIME MEDIA 2.81 3.05 2.99 3 2.99 3 128,000 383,970 REPUBLIC GLASS 1.17 1.22 1.17 1.17 1.16 1.17 52,000 60,690 SOLID GROUP 260 266.8 260 266.8 260 266.8 640 168,026 SYNERGY GRID 1,050 1,053 1,040 1,054 1,040 1,050 236,250 248,191,245 41,072,360 SM INVESTMENTS 135 135.2 135.8 135.8 134.1 135 210,870 28,461,776 -1,217,256.00 SAN MIGUEL CORP SOC RESOURCES 0.78 0.79 0.75 0.8 0.74 0.78 1,408,000 1,081,720 -13,250 SEAFRONT RES 1.9 1.96 1.86 1.86 1.86 1.86 3,000 5,580 144.8 146 144.6 144.6 144.6 144.6 270 39,042 TOP FRONTIER 0.224 0.229 0.223 0.229 0.223 0.229 130,000 29,070 WELLEX INDUS 0.182 0.183 0.171 0.185 0.168 0.182 13,170,000 2,382,780 183,620 ZEUS HLDG

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.69 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.69 0.71 2,703,000 1,915,640 -14,000 39.95 40.05 38.75 40.05 38.75 40.05 10,014,600 398,647,770 165,878,130 AYALA LAND 1.31 1.33 1.28 1.33 1.25 1.31 804,000 1,022,520 -22,270 ARANETA PROP 28.1 28.15 27.75 28.15 27.7 28.1 2,547,100 71,066,240 -23,507,400 AREIT RT BELLE CORP 1.66 1.67 1.68 1.68 1.66 1.66 440,000 731,970 -620,510 A BROWN 0.84 0.85 0.87 0.87 0.83 0.85 6,390,000 5,383,240 117,700 CITYLAND DEVT 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.81 0.82 91,000 74,590 0.151 0.154 0.151 0.155 0.149 0.154 1,940,000 292,670 CROWN EQUITIES 6.02 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 600 3,648 CEBU HLDG 4.97 4.98 496,300 2,475,064 -21,906 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.98 5 5 5 0.475 0.48 0.485 0.49 0.475 0.48 4,320,000 2,078,200 28,900 CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY 0.365 0.37 0.385 0.39 0.355 0.365 24,960,000 9,199,700 36,500 DOUBLEDRAGON 14.9 14.94 15.22 15.3 14.84 14.9 2,561,100 38,374,328 -2,323,860 DM WENCESLAO 6.95 6.96 6.65 6.99 6.63 6.95 440,500 3,029,642 719,208 EMPIRE EAST 0.33 0.335 0.325 0.345 0.315 0.33 3,910,000 1,290,250 -24,550 0.089 0.09 0.083 0.091 0.083 0.089 17,170,000 1,516,300 -9,020 EVER GOTESCO 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.15 1.16 22,858,000 26,393,450 241,620 FILINVEST LAND 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.97 0.95 0.96 296,000 283,100 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 8.63 8.73 8.61 8.63 8.6 8.63 67,000 577,197 1.6 1.61 1.56 1.62 1.52 1.6 5,006,000 7,837,860 20,040 PHIL INFRADEV CITY AND LAND 0.73 0.75 0.74 0.75 0.72 0.75 172,000 126,560 3.94 3.95 3.94 4 3.93 3.94 18,364,000 72,719,590 -28,834,180 MEGAWORLD 0.39 0.395 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 50,000 19,500 PHIL ESTATES 1.39 1.4 1.35 1.44 1.34 1.39 1,806,000 2,512,220 -1,390 PRIMEX CORP 19.68 19.7 19.8 19.86 19.4 19.7 8,282,000 162,937,102 21,649,734 ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY 0.29 0.295 0.28 0.295 0.28 0.295 1,140,000 329,700 1.7 1.71 1.65 1.79 1.65 1.71 2,619,000 4,496,190 22,600 ROCKWELL SHANG PROP 2.69 2.71 2.71 2.71 2.7 2.71 72,000 194,660 59,500 STA LUCIA LAND 2.13 2.18 2.14 2.21 2.11 2.18 880,000 1,876,930 38.4 38.5 37.8 38.75 37.8 38.4 5,970,700 229,487,040 72,558,970.00 SM PRIME HLDG 4.67 4.75 4.67 4.75 4.67 4.75 82,000 385,350 VISTAMALLS 1.84 1.86 1.85 1.87 1.81 1.86 3,283,000 6,071,340 143,400 SUNTRUST HOME 4.96 4.97 5.08 5.1 4.94 4.96 3,548,900 17,748,554 -2,139,492.00 VISTA LAND

SERVICES ABS CBN 12.1 12.12 12.3 12.3 12.1 12.12 289,100 3,510,990 6.03 6.04 6.09 6.1 6 6.03 906,600 5,481,562 GMA NETWORK 0.43 0.44 0.415 0.445 0.415 0.43 670,000 293,400 MANILA BULLETIN 12 12.42 12.5 12.5 11.98 12.46 13,400 161,100 MLA BRDCASTING GLOBE TELECOM 2,038 2,042 2,046 2,050 2,030 2,042 60,180 122,947,360 33,643,200 PLDT 1,329 1,330 1,339 1,340 1,325 1,330 155,920 207,552,865 36,504,730 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.076 0.077 0.069 0.078 0.069 0.076 1,525,730,000 113,632,670 7,680,390 CONVERGE 15.5 15.52 15.7 15.7 15.46 15.5 3,711,800 57,599,920 -6,164,998 5.5 5.55 6.26 6.26 5.5 5.5 1,257,200 7,309,332 -49,229 DFNN INC 7.15 7.17 7.25 7.25 7.07 7.17 43,615,500 312,810,608 6,496,922 DITO CME HLDG 1.39 1.44 1.39 1.44 1.39 1.44 16,000 22,590 IMPERIAL ISLAND INFO 0.124 0.125 0.115 0.125 0.115 0.124 10,700,000 1,305,180 62,830 JACKSTONES 1.84 1.89 1.88 1.9 1.84 1.89 68,000 127,650 4.7 4.71 4.8 4.82 4.6 4.7 9,647,000 45,177,440 231,590 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.295 0.3 0.305 0.305 0.295 0.3 14,740,000 4,423,000 246,100 3.06 3.09 3.12 3.15 3.03 3.09 2,398,000 7,415,490 -327,070 PHILWEB 9.15 9.16 9.2 9.2 9.12 9.16 111,700 1,022,944 -625,468 2GO GROUP 5.41 5.42 5.52 5.52 5.32 5.41 3,298,100 17,799,314 773,005 CHELSEA CEBU AIR 50.8 50.9 51.3 51.3 50.65 50.8 487,600 24,801,954 -5,830,425 INTL CONTAINER 122.2 123.2 120 124.8 120 123.2 1,702,470 209,745,149 -64,985,473 LBC EXPRESS 16.1 16.52 16.9 16.9 16 16.52 20,000 327,428 1 1.03 1.02 1.02 1 1.02 49,000 49,860 LORENZO SHIPPNG 7.85 7.87 7.89 8.18 7.82 7.85 5,412,600 43,076,278 -15,475,919 MACROASIA 2.12 2.15 2.1 2.15 2.03 2.15 1,705,000 3,570,890 METROALLIANCE A 1.99 2.11 1.98 2 1.98 2 9,000 17,900 -9,900 METROALLIANCE B PAL HLDG 7.09 7.1 7.1 7.15 7.06 7.09 175,800 1,245,186 28,792 HARBOR STAR 1.64 1.65 1.68 1.68 1.64 1.65 2,004,000 3,313,740 202,900 ACESITE HOTEL 1.35 1.44 1.4 1.4 1.38 1.38 16,000 22,180 0.047 0.048 0.035 0.049 0.034 0.047 1,404,300,000 60,760,200 146,700 BOULEVARD HLDG 2 2.04 2.04 2.04 1.98 2 62,000 123,880 DISCOVERY WORLD 0.61 0.62 0.61 0.63 0.6 0.62 9,933,000 6,132,260 21,350 WATERFRONT 9.62 10.3 9.6 10.46 9.5 10.3 52,000 494,502 475,950 IPEOPLE 0.42 0.425 0.41 0.42 0.405 0.42 8,610,000 3,576,650 -323,700 STI HLDG BERJAYA 5 5.08 5 5.08 4.92 5.08 354,200 1,766,515 8.4 8.41 8.5 8.54 8.35 8.4 4,938,500 41,519,211 -23,936,187 BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE 2.1 2.12 2.18 2.18 2.08 2.1 149,000 317,960 1.88 1.9 1.92 1.92 1.88 1.88 284,000 535,500 LEISURE AND RES 2.4 2.46 2.27 2.46 2.27 2.4 32,000 76,360 MANILA JOCKEY 2.99 3 2.99 3.05 2.94 3 8,812,000 26,461,180 -1,622,000 PH RESORTS GRP 127,100 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.405 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.4 0.41 7,730,000 3,139,800 PHIL RACING 6.7 6.9 6.8 6.9 6.8 6.9 1,200 8,170 8.58 8.59 8.52 8.64 8.52 8.59 971,700 8,352,278 2,032,536 ALLHOME METRO RETAIL 1.61 1.62 1.65 1.65 1.61 1.62 2,718,000 4,406,410 -1,895,490 42.4 42.45 42.95 42.95 42.2 42.45 1,428,700 60,651,755 -36,879,320 PUREGOLD 66.7 67.1 67.75 67.85 66.5 66.7 733,680 49,137,170.50 -28,289,156 ROBINSONS RTL 111 111.1 110 111 110 111 236,980 26,190,019 500,346 PHIL SEVEN CORP 1.65 1.66 1.72 1.72 1.6 1.66 19,053,000 31,703,990 -8,670,750 SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT 17.72 17.74 18 18 17.7 17.74 667,000 11,886,224 8,766,562 APC GROUP 0.4 0.41 0.395 0.41 0.395 0.41 2,490,000 995,250 7.95 8.1 8.14 8.14 7.85 7.91 111,400 886,759 3,140 EASYCALL GOLDEN BRIA 439.8 450 439.6 450 439.6 450 900 397,836 4.56 4.85 4.94 4.94 4.84 4.85 6,000 29,160 IPM HLDG 0.84 0.85 0.75 0.84 0.74 0.84 200,029,000 161,409,030 -1,128,770 PRMIERE HORIZON 5.54 5.74 5.39 5.79 5.35 5.71 83,000 469,287 SBS PHIL CORP

MINING & OIL ATOK 9.14 9.3 8.61 9.38 8.5 9.3 586,000 5,328,641 -46,300 1.78 1.79 1.77 1.81 1.74 1.79 10,494,000 18,586,270 2,959,500 APEX MINING 0.0026 0.0027 0.0022 0.0031 0.0022 0.0026 144,702,000,000 381,213,200 1,124,400.00 ABRA MINING ATLAS MINING 6.48 6.49 6.46 6.49 6.41 6.48 594,400 3,838,121 -162,738 BENGUET A 3.04 3.14 3.14 3.14 3.04 3.14 17,000 52,400 0.295 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.295 0.3 2,040,000 605,800 -12,000 COAL ASIA HLDG CENTURY PEAK 2.44 2.45 2.36 2.45 2.32 2.45 852,000 2,058,970 356,410 8.49 8.5 8.4 8.5 8.24 8.49 18,300 153,871 DIZON MINES 2.46 2.48 2.4 2.49 2.4 2.48 18,438,000 45,431,210 4,896,190 FERRONICKEL 0.26 0.265 0.255 0.26 0.25 0.26 1,060,000 268,700 -176,000 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.153 0.154 0.158 0.159 0.152 0.153 27,580,000 4,283,360 0.153 0.158 0.158 0.158 0.158 0.158 20,000 3,160 LEPANTO B 0.01 0.011 0.0099 0.011 0.0097 0.01 147,000,000 1,485,600 MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 25,800,000 282,800 MANILA MINING B 1.3 1.32 1.3 1.38 1.3 1.3 8,936,000 11,821,870 MARCVENTURES 3.04 3.05 2.98 3.14 2.98 3.04 1,481,000 4,483,450 -56,320 NIHAO 5.03 5.04 5.07 5.24 4.91 5.04 16,149,000 82,493,115 4,152,629 NICKEL ASIA OMICO CORP 0.375 0.39 0.37 0.375 0.37 0.375 550,000 204,850 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.78 0.74 0.74 4,815,000 3,662,950 -34,320 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 4.94 4.95 5.04 5.08 4.71 4.95 4,527,600 22,269,487 1,477,653 SEMIRARA MINING 13.32 13.44 13.5 13.74 13.2 13.32 4,664,000 62,920,418 -9,099,272 0.0068 0.007 0.0062 0.0072 0.0062 0.0067 503,000,000 3,406,700 -13,100 UNITED PARAGON 11.36 11.5 11.1 11.9 11.1 11.5 486,600 5,564,724 -4,920 ACE ENEXOR 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 247,400,000 2,760,100 ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 58,900,000 687,000 0.01 0.011 0.0093 0.011 0.0093 0.01 357,000,000 3,598,000 -48,600 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 13.04 13.14 13.5 13.5 12.92 13.04 2,713,400 35,526,752 1,687,358

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF A 100.1 101.9 101.9 101.9 101.9 101.9 270 27,513 512 515 513 515 513 515 1,010 518,550 AC PREF B1 102 110 110 110 110 110 300 33,000 ALCO PREF C 101.9 102 102 102 102 102 660 67,320 CPG PREF A DD PREF 100.3 101 100.4 101 100.2 101 12,760 1,280,003 110.2 113 113 113 113 113 80 9,040 FGEN PREF G 511 515 511 511 511 511 280 143,080 -81,760 GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF B 1,029 1,032 1,029 1,032 1,029 1,032 40 41,220 100.5 100.6 100.6 100.6 100.5 100.5 2,660 267,446 2,012 MWIDE PREF 98 99.8 99.8 99.8 98.05 99.8 400 39,745 MWIDE PREF 2A 99.4 99.7 99.4 99.7 99.4 99.7 380 37,816 MWIDE PREF 2B PNX PREF 3A 100 100.5 100.5 100.5 100.5 100.5 130 13,065 1,000 1,001 1,000 1,000 999 1,000 610 609,960 PNX PREF 4 1,005 1,027 1,029 1,029 1,029 1,029 15 15,435 PCOR PREF 2B 1,070 1,071 1,070 1,071 1,070 1,071 1,030 1,102,130 PCOR PREF 3A 1,110 1,115 1,111 1,115 1,110 1,110 1,230 1,365,850 PCOR PREF 3B 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.7 1.78 32,000 56,670 -7,120 SFI PREF 78.55 78.75 78.75 78.75 78.45 78.75 62,970 4,941,201 -233,887.50 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E 76.1 76.85 76.85 76.85 76.85 76.85 340 26,129 77.5 77.75 78 78 78 78 60 4,680 -4,680 SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G 76 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 43,210 3,305,565 76 76.95 76.05 76.05 76 76 31,150 2,368,200 SMC PREF 2H 77.5 78.6 77.8 77.8 77.8 77.8 5,000 389,000 SMC PREF 2I 75.2 76 76 76 75 75.2 105,680 7,956,998 SMC PREF 2J 74.95 75 75 75.05 75 75 132,470 9,935,256 SMC PREF 2K

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.3 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 1,500 18,750 5.69 5.74 5.78 5.8 5.63 5.69 595,600 3,405,811 572,868 GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS LR WARRANT 1 1.01 1.02 1.02 0.95 1 310,000 303,090 -

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 14.62 14.7 14.5 14.9 14.44 14.7 190,700 2,798,640 -21,750 3.07 3.08 2.95 3.07 2.93 3.07 2,894,000 8,665,400 58,700 ITALPINAS 6.18 6.3 6.19 6.2 6.13 6.18 63,200 390,545 7,969 KEPWEALTH 5.9 5.91 5.78 5.98 5.65 5.9 17,698,300 103,278,924 516,37205,266 MERRYMART -43,654,234

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF 108.4 108.5 108.2 108.5 107 108.4 9,410 1,014,980 37,853

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Petron workers urge govt to avert closure of refinery

T

By Lenie Lectura

@llectura

HE workers at Petron Bataan refinery have asked the local government to help avert the impending closure of the country’s largest and only remaining oil refiner scheduled in January next year.

Thom de Villa, a shift supervisor, led some 50 Petron Refinery employees in formally calling on Limay, Bataan Mayor Nelson David’s help to save the flagging refinery, which has been in operation for the last 60 years.

In a statement, de Villa said he is hoping that the employees’ appeal would make a difference and eventually save their jobs.

“Sama-sama kaming humihingi ng tulong sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Limay na tulungan ang Petron.

Kung magtulungan sila at ang pa-

munuan ng kompanya, may paraan pa para maisalba ang refinery. Saksi ang bawat Bataeno sa naging kontribusyon ng Petron sa bayan ng Limay at sa buong Bataan. Bahagi na ng Bataan ang Petron Refinery,” De Villa and his group said.

The employees also expressed their support for a proposal to reclassify the refinery as part of the Freeport Area of Bataan.

Petron president Ramon S. Ang said early this week that the company is set to close its 180,000 barrel-perday refinery “starting January,” cit-

ing uneven playing field between oil importers and refiners.

He lamented that the refiner is taxed upon importation of crude oil while importers are charged at the finished products level putting the refiner at a significant disadvantage due to much higher taxes.

In addition, illegal importers have also been a persistent issue as they sell at much lower prices, further eroding margins and market share from the Philippine refiner.

Volatility in world crude prices, which ultimately result to huge inventory losses, coupled with the prolonged decline in demand due to the continuing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on transportation and industries, has further worsened the refinery’s financial woes.

The employees said they are not the only ones who will be affected by the closure.

“Marami sa amin ag may mga pamilyang kailangan buhayin, may mga mabibigat ng responsibilidad at may matitinding pangangailangan. Lahat ng ito ay malalagay sa

alanganin sa oras na magsara ang refinery. Hindi lang kaming mga empleyado ng Petron and tatamaan sakaling matuloy ito, ngunit pati and mga taong sa amin lang umaasa, lalo na’t panahon ng pandemya,” they added.

The employees believe that the move would help stop the refiner’s financial bleeding, as it will partially address some of the company’s major woes, which include what the company has described as an uncompetitive playing field in terms of taxes paid.

Ang said the shutdown is not permanent, saying the refinery would resume commercial operations if and when the economy improves.

The Department of Energy has been informed about Petron’s plans.

The agency is closely looking into the taxation concerns raised by Petron in coordination with the Department of Finance.

“We are also evaluating how a closure scenario would impact pricing, as well as the country’s energy security,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

Nlex crafting plans to solve RFID mess

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

N

LEX Corp. is creating several action plans to comply with the requirements set by Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian to lift the suspension of its business permit in the city, including the transfer of its sticker installation and account reloading lanes to improve traffic.

In a statement, the company said it has committed to create specific solutions to “various traffic-causing problems such as RFID stickers that easily wear out, sensors that cannot promptly read RFID stickers, and missing load.”

“Nlex Corp. also commits to transfer the existing RFID sticker installation and account reloading in the Karuhatan and Mindanao toll plazas effective immediately in order to improve traffic flow in the nearby areas,” the statement read.

To recall, Valenzuela Mayor Rex T. Gatchalian on Monday temporarily suspended the business permit of Nlex Corp. to operate within his jurisdiction due to the heavy traffic that was caused by the glitches in its digital toll collection system.

Earlier, Nlex Corp. said the glitches in the cashless toll collections system were “birthing pains” that was exacerbated by the long holi-

day, the lifting of the truck ban and number coding scheme, and seasonal build up.

“We wish to assure our customers that we will continue working hard to improve their daily expressway journey. We aim to ensure a more hasslefree implementation of the cashless toll payment system, and to give the best possible travel experience to our customers,” the statement read.

All expressway operators were required to implement full cashless toll collections schemes on their tollways to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The policy was implemented on December 1.

The government is currently giving leeway to motorists who failed to have RFID stickers installed on their vehicles by allowing operators to convert all toll plazas into so-called “stickering lanes.”

By January 11, only select toll plazas will remain as stickering lanes.

On the same day, motorists passing through expressways without RFID stickers will be apprehended.

“Nlex management is one with the Valenzuela City government and other Metro Manila LGUs [local government units] and the MMDA [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] in taking concrete steps to alleviate the daily heavy traffic congestion in the metropolis, especially as we approach the Christmas season,” the statement read.

SMC gives ₧20-M cash aid to Skyway mishap victims

R

AMON S. ANG, president and COO of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), has extended cash assistance of P20 million for the lone fatality and 8 injured during the recent accident at the Skyway Extension project site in Cupang, Muntinlupa.

The amount is on top of the medical and other expenses shouldered by its Skyway project contractor EEI Corp.

“I’ve been deeply affected by the pain this has caused them and have been assessing different ways to assist the victims of this unfortunate accident, apart from what our contractor EEI has been providing them. I hope this amount would be a step towards helping them rebuild their lives,” Ang said.

Even as EEI Corp. is the one handling the project’s construction, Ang himself issued a public apology and promised to provide for the needs of the victims following the mis-

hap—which involved an EEI subcontractor’s crane losing balance and hitting a steel girder, causing it to fall on vehicles.

Ang said a significant portion of the package will go towards long-term support for the family of the deceased, Edison Paquibot.

Ang had also committed to take care of all of the family’s needs, including shouldering the education of Mr. Paquibot’s four-year old daughter. “Following the accident, I was able to speak directly to the wife. It’s very painful to suddenly lose a loved one. I promised her that I would take care of them, especially their child’s education, until she graduates from college. It will be as if they still have family supporting them,” Ang vowed.

Apart from the financial assistance for their monthly needs and providing for the education of the child, Ang also said the company would be providing the wife with livelihood support.

MUTUAL FUNDS

December 10, 2020

NAV ONE YEAR THREE YEAR FIVE YEAR Y-T-D

PER SHARE RETURN* RETURN STOCK FUNDS ALFM GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 226.12 -9.84% -6.98% -1.51% -10.21% ATRAM ALPHA OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 1.3224 -5.33% -5.56% 2.25% -4.31% ATRAM PHILIPPINE EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND, INC. -A 3.129 -15.19% -10.71% -2.97% -14.93% CLIMBS SHARE CAPITAL EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND CORP. -A 0.8114 - 9.66% -7% N.A. -9.64% FIRST METRO CONSUMER FUND ON MSCI PHILS. IMI, INC. -A 0.7649 - 9.98% N.A. N.A. -9.94% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN EQUITY FUND,INC. -A 4.9335 -6.86% -5.37% -1.27% -7.41% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A,4 0.76 -10.65% -8.03% N.A. -10.97% MBG EQUITY INVESTMENT FUND, INC. -A 99.52 -6.27% N.A. N.A. -3.59% PAMI EQUITY INDEX FUND, INC. -A 46.6326 -8.72% -4.67% 0.18% -9.07% PHILAM STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 486.49 -8.49% -4.78% -0.58% -8.69% PHILEQUITY ALPHA ONE FUND, INC. -A,D,5 1.0886 8.86% N.A. N.A. 5.68% PHILEQUITY DIVIDEND YIELD FUND, INC. -A 1.1598 -9.81% -5.03% -0.05% -9.88% PHILEQUITY FUND, INC. -A 34.495 -8.78% -4.47% 0.64% -8.98% PHILEQUITY MSCI PHILIPPINE INDEX FUND, INC. -A 0.9063 -10.81% N.A. N.A. -10.98% PHILEQUITY PSE INDEX FUND INC. -A

4.7682 -8.34% -4.18% 0.96% -8.72% PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND CORP. -A 797.58 -8.11% -4.07% 0.87% -8.53% SOLDIVO STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND, INC. -A 0.7215 -15.61% -8.06% -3.22% -15.26% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE EQUITY FUND, INC. -A 3.592 -14.5% -6.51% -0.99% -14.66% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY PHILIPPINE STOCK INDEX FUND, INC. -A 0.913 -8.39% -4.41% 0.73% -8.77% UNITED FUND, INC. -A 3.3121 -9.25% -3.81% 1.23% -9.34% EXCHANGE TRADED FUND FIRST METRO PHIL. EQUITY EXCHANGE TRADED FUND, INC. -A,C 106.9862 -8.1% -3.84% 1.63% -8.52% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ATRAM ASIAPLUS EQUITY FUND, INC. -B $1.1928 21.45% 3.73% 6.17% 15.99% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD VOYAGER FUND, INC. -A $1.6414 21.96% 9.88% N.A. 19.05% BALANCED FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ATRAM DYNAMIC ALLOCATION FUND, INC. -A 1.6624 6.76% -2.68% -0.63% 6.37% ATRAM PHILIPPINE BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 2.2721 3.69% -1.69% 1.34% 4.17% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN BALANCED FUND INC. -A 2.6249 0.3% -1.03% -0.56% -0.25% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN F.O.C.C.U.S. DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A,1 0.1982 -12.84% N.A. N.A. -13.26% NCM MUTUAL FUND OF THE PHILS., INC. -A 1.9636 0.32% 0.56% 2.02% 0.1% PAMI HORIZON FUND, INC. -A 3.7685 -0.15% -0.25% 1.29% -0.54% PHILAM FUND, INC. -A 16.8512 -0.21% -0.37% 1.21% -0.65% SOLIDARITAS FUND, INC. -A 2.0844 -1.75% -1.61% 0.96% -1.78% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BALANCED FUND, INC. -A 3.5527 -7.65% -2.97% -0.03% -8.04% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2028, INC. -A,D 1.0174 0.75% N.A. N.A. 0.17% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2038, INC. -A,D 0.9471 -4.39% N.A. N.A. -4.95% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY ACHIEVER FUND 2048, INC. -A,D 0.9305 -5.79% N.A. N.A. -6.31% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DYNAMIC FUND, INC. -A 0.8812 -9.33% -3.8% -0.85% -9.6% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES 2.59% 1.95% 2.2% COCOLIFE DOLLAR FUND BUILDER, INC. -A $0.03904 2.28% PAMI ASIA BALANCED FUND, INC. -B $1.1375 13.3% 3.53% 5.23% 12.4% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ADVANTAGE FUND, INC. -A $4.4395 15.49% 7.29% 7.3% 13.52% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR WELLSPRING FUND, INC. -A,3 $1.1907 6.68% 3.41% N.A. 5.49% BOND FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 370.2 3.76% 3.24% 2.79% 3.43% ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. -A 1.8981 -1.59% 0.33% 0.01% -0.21% COCOLIFE FIXED INCOME FUND, INC. -A

3.2105 3.15% 4.56% 4.84% 2.97% EKKLESIA MUTUAL FUND INC. -A 2.2921 3.45% 2.94% 2.43% 3.09% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN FIXED INCOME FUND,INC. -A 2.4485 4.22% 3.47% 2.11% 3.79% PHILAM BOND FUND, INC. -A 4.6258 6.46% 4.64% 3.12% 5.78% PHILAM MANAGED INCOME FUND, INC. -A,6 1.3178 5.27% 4.43% 2.6% 4.86% PHILEQUITY PESO BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.9727 5.8% 4.44% 2.87% 4.87% SOLDIVO BOND FUND, INC. -A 1.0369 8.46% 4.07% 2.57% 7.53% SUN LIFE OF CANADA PROSPERITY BOND FUND, INC. -A 3.191 4.65% 4.71% 3.51% 3.75% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY GS FUND, INC. -A 1.745 3.51% 4.02% 2.84% 2.58% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $482.76 3.34% 2.71% 2.92% 3.07% ALFM EURO BOND FUND, INC. -A Є218.9 -0.3% 0.75% 1.18% -0.4% ATRAM TOTAL RETURN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -B $1.2705 5.47% 3.85% 3.02% 5.24% 1.75% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $0.0265 2.71% 1.96% 2.71% PAMI GLOBAL BOND FUND, INC -B $1.0895 -0.35% 0.33% 0.69% -0.37% PHILAM DOLLAR BOND FUND, INC. -A $2.5243 5.44% 3.93% 3.61% 5.03% PHILEQUITY DOLLAR INCOME FUND INC. -A $0.0622406 3.27% 2.71% 2.32% 3.22% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR ABUNDANCE FUND, INC. -A $3.1954 1.01% 1.96% 2.39% 0.64% MONEY MARKET FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 129.67 3.27% 3.37% 2.57% 3.05% FIRST METRO SAVE AND LEARN MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.0473 1.7% N.A. N.A. 2.05% SUN LIFE PROSPERITY MONEY MARKET FUND, INC. -A 1.2952 2.6% 2.99% 2.61% 2.39% PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY DOLLAR STARTER FUND, INC. -A $1.0518 1.51% 1.73% N.A. 1.3% FEEDER FUNDS PRIMARILY INVESTED IN PESO SECURITIES SUN LIFE PROSPERITY WORLD EQUITY INDEX FEEDER FUND, INC. -A,D,7 1.1117 N.A. N.A. N.A. N.A. PRIMARILY INVESTED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SECURITIES ALFM GLOBAL MULTI-ASSET INCOME FUND INC. -B,D,2 $0.98 -1.01% N.A. N.A. -1.01%

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 - LAUNCH DATE IS SEPTEMBER 28, 2019. 2 - LAUNCH DATE IS NOVEMBER 15, 2019. 3 - ADJUSTED DUE TO STOCK DIVIDEND ISSUANCE LAST OCTOBER 9, 2019.

4 - RENAMING WAS APPROVED BY THE SEC LAST OCTOBER 12, 2018 (FORMERLY, ONE WEALTHY NATION FUND, INC.). 5 - LAUNCH DATE IS DECEMBER 09, 2019.

6 - RE-CLASSIFIED INTO A BOND FUND STARTING FEBRUARY 21, 2020 (FORMERLY A MONEY MARKET FUND). 7 - LAUNCH DATE IS JULY 6, 2020.

"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."

Banking & Finance BusinessMirror

Friday, December 11, 2020 B3

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Slump to slash bank revenues, RCBC exec says

W

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

@Tyronepiad

ITH the economy still slow to recover from the lockdown measures against an infectious virus, a bank executive believes financial intermediaries will continue to face challenges in the coming years, including revenue cuts.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) President and CEO Eugene S. Acevedo said that the current economic slump will still affect operations and financial position of banks in the months after the country bid farewell to 2020.

“This is what I see in the next few years,” he said in a webinar last Thursday. “First, the banking community will have to learn to live with lower revenues, narrower margins and higher credit costs.”

The Philippine banking system saw net earnings in the first nine months of the year plunge by 26 percent to P126.78 billion from P171.16 billion year-on-year as financial intermediaries scrambled to increase provisions for credit losses.

Acevedo also noted that the monetary authorities’ decision to put an interest-rate cap on credit card transactions as a “major challenge.” Nonetheless, he said the banking sector has “accepted” the regulator’s decision.

Effective November 3, the annual interest rate cap on credit card transactions was capped to 24 percent, which is lower than the average of 47 percent previously. Economists have told the Business Mirror that putting a ceiling on credit card interest rates can affect the net interest margin and profitability of

the banking sector.

Acevedo believes this regulatory move would lead to a slowdown in consumer loans and to clients keeping cash in their pockets and borrowing less.

“Customers, especially those whose incomes are adversely affected, have started to become more conservative; understandably so,” he said.

In general, banks have observed a decline in lending growth. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported in October that the growth of outstanding loans of big banks slumped further at 1.9 percent from 2.6 percent in September because of “muted” business confidence and tighter lending standards.

“A number of our corporate and industry clients will take longer to recover to pre-Covid levels,” he added. “Some economists are saying late 2021 and even 2022.”

For its part, Acevedo said that RCBC intends on remaining competitive to stay afloat amid an economic meltdown.

“One, we got to differentiate ourselves from other banks and from fintechs [financial technology firms],” he explained. “We need to provide the best customer experience by reengineering our traditional products and eliminating unnecessary steps.”

Notable notes from Associations Summit 8 others, and (7) continuous learning.

Christopher Nelson, trustn last week’s column, ee and executive director, I shared some notable British Chamber of Comnotes from the speeches Association World merce of the Philippines: and presentations at the “Associations today need to recent Associations Summit Octavio Peralta stay active, to be more en(AS8) of my organization, the gaged, to get support from Philippine Council of Assoas many stakeholders, to be relevant, and to ciations and Association Executives (PCAAE). look at the future.”

Here are additional takeaways: Rizchelle S. Manaog, program director, CFA Dot Miller, CEO, The Solution and Co-founder, Society Philippines; Bea Almero, executive direcNational Credentialing Institute (USA), on plantor, iHome Greater Metro Manila; Anna Pasetes, ning: “At this time of the pandemic, consider executive director, Shareholders Association of doing 4-hour virtual ‘sprint strategy sessions’ the Philippines; and Ria Lu, executive director, (rather than a full day in-person retreat) with Game Developers Association of the Philippines: the Board by focusing on one or two topics of “Agile associations provide members connecimportant concern.” tion, communication, and service commitment On reserve funds: “Your reserves are meant through use of technology, collaboration and for crisis situations such as this time, so use it common actions, no matter the size of the orbut start building it again as soon as possible.” ganization.”

On hybrid events: “Try to avoid having two Lloyd Luna and Jesse N. Rebustillo, founder different ‘silos’ of attendees. Employ a hybrid and president, respectively, Philippine Associa‘event concierge’ to manage and enliven audition of Professional Speakers; Fe Marie Cabantac, ence interaction.”

2019 president, Philippine Society for Talent On metrics for sponsors: “When a company Development; and, Roberto Policarpio, 2015 sponsors an event, (it) wants to measure (its) represident, People Management Association of turn on investment. The most common metrics the Philippines: “Leader skills needed now reused to measure sponsorship ROI is to evaluate volve around empathy, concern (for) others, and the amount of exposure the sponsor received sharpening the ability to see and not to look.” throughout the campaign.”

Cora Conde, group head, ADFIAP Consulting; Toni Brearley, CEO, Australasian Society of Charlie Villasenor, chairman, Procurement and Association Executives: “Member-centric assoSupply Institute of Asia; Evelyn Salire, secretary ciations focus on providing member experience general, Philippine Retailers Association; Ritzi as a top priority. Doing so means: (1) being clear Ronquillo, board adviser, International Associaon your ‘why’; (2) starting where you are; (3) intion of Business Communicators; and Octavio volving your members; (4) starting small (think ‘Bobby’ Peralta, founder and CEO, PCAAE: “Agevolution and not revolution); and (5) making ile leadership traits center around adaptability, member experience everyone’s job. genuineness, insightfulness, leapfrogging abilMa. Alegria S. Limjoco, vice chairman, Phility, and entrepreneurial spirit.” ippine Retailers Association:“Agile associations need to leverage on: (1) exponential technologies (for Industry 4.0); (2) community collaboraThe column contributor, Octavio ‘Bobby’ Peralta, is concurtion; (3) asset outsourcing; and (4) social media rently the secretary-general of the Association of Development platforms.

Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, founder & CEO of Maria Victoria C. Españo, governor, Managethe Philippine Council of Associations and Association Execument Association of the Philippines (MAP):“Agiltives and president of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association ity in the MAP Board is about: (1) commitment, Organizations. The purpose of PCAAE—the “association of as(2) flexibility to use alternative communication sociations”—is to advance the association management profession and to make associations well-governed and sustainable. channels, (3) work with many different commitPCAAE enjoys the support of ADFIAP, the Tourism Promotions tees, (4) financial strength, (5) (having) efficient Board (TPB), and the Philippine International Convention Center. and reliable secretariat, (6) collaboration with Part Two

I

B4

Relationships BusinessMirror

Friday, December 11, 2020 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Mo’Nique, 53; Gary Dourdan, 54; Jermaine Jackson, 66; Bess Armstrong, 67.

Happy Birthday: Keep an open mind this year, but don’t be too eager to share sensitive information.

Protect your rights, beliefs and reputation. Take nothing for granted, and do for yourself. Be aggressive in your pursuits, but not when dealing with opposition. Distance yourself from negativity, and stay focused on what will bring you the highest return. Your numbers are 5, 16, 19, 28, 33, 41, 47.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stop worrying about what others think, and do what’s best for you. A lifestyle change will boost your morale and prompt you to pursue knowledge and skills that are engaging and will help you reach your long-term goals.

HHH

❶ ❶ THE culinary

staff at Seda Vertis North’s Misto are now separated from diners with an acrylic barrier as part of the restaurant’s health and safety protocols. Diners are also not allowed to touch the food, instead they just point to the dishes of their choice which the chefs will then plate and hand to them. PHOTOS:

SEDA VERTIS NORTH

❷ SKEWERS

of beef, chicken, pork and seafood at Misto’s Brazilianstyle Churrascaria.

❸ SWEET treats at Misto’s dessert station.

❷

Bringing the buffet back

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Spend time with people who share your interests and goals.

Whether it’s through a virtual connection or someone you share space with, the outcome will ease stress and encourage you to make positive changes together. Romance is favored. HHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be careful who you trust. The information or help offered will not turn out well. Clarify what you need and want before you include others in your plans. Be resourceful, and rely on your ability to get things done by yourself. HHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let your imagination lead the way. Try something new and exciting, and you will be happy you did. A show of affection will encourage a positive change in a meaningful relationship. HHHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Rely on intelligence.

If you let your emotions take over, you will find it challenging to deal with what others do or say. Stay on track, and concentrate on what others expect of you. Take care of responsibilities, and move on to pleasurable pursuits. HH

T

HROUGHOUT this entire lockdown, I’ve rarely been out except to replenish my food baskets with fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, or stock up on pharmaceuticals to treat certain medical conditions I inherited from the parents.

Almost everything I need is delivered— supermarket items, meals when I’m too lazy to cook, and stuff I realized I needed for the house such as organizers, shelving, a plant rack, and, just recently, a robot vacuum cleaner, all thanks to sales on Lazada.

(The Lazada rabbit hole makes for a pretty strong pull, and you don’t want to fall in there. But their 12.12 sale is coming, so..tee-hee.)

Get-togethers in public with friends are very few and far between, and almost nil for the family except via Viber. A lunch invite from Seda Vertis North’s Cinty Yniguez, however, was too good to pass up.

Misto, the main dining outlet of the Ayala Hotels and Resorts Corp.-owned establishment, was relaunching its lunch buffet, and Cinty asked me if I wanted to bring along a few friends to see how they were doing this under the so-called new normal. Why, yes please!

(Seda Vertis North is just a hop and skip away from my residence, and in pre-Covid times it was part of my, ahem, “walk-ercise” routine, to get to the desired 10,000 steps on my fitness tracker. Plus, I would pop up there, unbeknownst to Cinty, for the lunch buffet, or for a massage at their spa.)

Prior to entering the hotel and also at Misto, I got a temperature check, and using my mobile phone, I scanned the Seda’s QR code to fill in my details of the online health declaration form. I appreciated this, since I don’t like using the ballpens previously used by others to fill out paper health declaration forms. There was also an alcohol dispenser at the entrance as well as in other strategic places at the restaurant.

At our table, there were clearly marked spaces so our dining party would not be seated too close to each other, nor across each other. There was an envelope where one could slip in one’s mask once you remove it before eating. Of course, I had my trusty disinfectant

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A change you make will lead to personal growth as well as compliments. Tie up loose ends, and put the past behind you. Don’t get into a dispute; just walk away. Romance is favored. HHHH

g

❸ spray on the table for my frequent (and, yes, almost obsessive) hand-sanitizing.

“With the implementation of social distancing, Misto Restaurant can accommodate up to a maximum of 90 persons in the dining area,” said Cinty.

Misto now offers a “serviced buffet” at lunchtime, she added, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One has to line up, stepping on markers on the floor to ensure physical distancing, at the various food stations. While the food is laid out for the diners to see, we could only tell the chefs on hand what dishes we wanted, which they then plated to hand over to us.

(Or you can ask one of the friendly waitstaff to bring those dishes to you, when your two hands are full of plates.)

The hotel’s new general manager, Christian Pirodon, stopped by to exchange a few pleasantries with us. He has been living in the Philippines for decades, and had been part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group before he retired. Now plucked out of retirement, he has been overseeing Seda Vertis North’s operations amid this pandemic and difficult lockdowns. At present, the hotel hosts returning Filipinos, but Pirodon said they are now “considering” to apply as a staycation hotel.

I must admit, the new system had me a bit disoriented, so I was unable to check other dishes in the different stations. Their carving that day was Roast Beef, which I forgot to return to, after hitting the Brazilian-style churrascaria or grill station. I had a seafood skewer with a tasty chimichurri sauce, which I told Cinty should be bottled and sold by Seda.

I also had the Caesar salad, a crunchy crispy pata

(boom!), ebi tempura, and kare-kare—which my dining companions pronounced as the best dish of the lot.

Joyce also extremely enjoyed the laksa, which Cinty said was one of Misto’s specialties.

According to Chef Kerpatrick Boiser, they serve about 35 dishes during the lunch buffet, which costs only P1,000+ per person, or P1,189 net per pax with unlimited coffee and tea. “We have a total of five stations [Grill Station, Dessert Station, Salads and Tempura Station, Carving and Main Course Station, and Noodles Station],” he added.

Misto also offers an unlimited assortment of nonalcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, chilled juices and iced tea, priced at P250 person. What I miss though from the restaurant’s current spread is the salmon sashimi, which used to be a main feature pre-Covid days. Cinty explained that the hotel would rather be responsible and protect their guests’s health by avoiding serving raw food.

Chef Boiser, who is Filipino by the way, despite his apparent European surname, underscored that he and his culinary staff adhere to strict health protocols, with temperature checks and frequent hand-washing in the kitchen.

The Misto private dining room is also available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a consumable rate of P6,000 net for four hours use, and an additional P1,000 net for every succeeding hour. And, yes, diners may also order from the a la carte menu.

Would-be guests are recommended to make a reservation prior to dining at Misto via the online platforms (Seda Hotel web site and Eat App), call 09178339117, or e-mail misto.vertis@sedahotels.com. n

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Verify information, and use your intelligence to deter someone from putting demands on you or your time. Be bold, say what’s on your mind and align yourself with people who have something valuable to offer in return.

HHH

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your mind will wander, making it difficult for you to focus on one thing. Take care of emotional matters, and it will help you get back on track. A change may not be welcome, but it will be necessary to fulfill an obligation. HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Tunnel vision will help you reach your objective. Refuse to let anyone interrupt what you are trying to accomplish or entice you with something that sounds exciting but risky. Control your emotions, and maintain honesty and integrity. HHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Trust your judgment, and do what’s right. Be a good listener, and you will gain insight into what others want. A positive change at home will bring you closer to someone you love and set the stage for a brighter future. HHHH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your emotions in check, and put your effort into something concrete. A dynamic approach to what you do will help you improve your skills, knowledge and ability to advance. HH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Personal improvement will make you feel good about who you are and what you have to offer.

Address uncertainty that is building with time. It’s best to find out where you stand if you want to ease stress.

Make a romantic gesture. HHHHH Birthday Baby: You are resourceful, entertaining and charming.

You are original and upbeat.

‘promises to pay’ by fritz light The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Trending direction 7 Role, metaphorically 10 Depressing 13 Less distant 14 Swimmers that may be electric 15 Many years ___ 16 Dull lecture?

18 Actress Banks, informally 19 Unrefined metals 20 “Forward,” for Wisconsin 21 Far from ruddy 22 Emma Stone film partly inspired by The Scarlet Letter 24 Like some clogs 26 Mottled horses 28 They might strike in Egypt 29 Cook, Rice or Curry 30 Move like a promotional tube man 32 Like Gothic castle ruins, maybe 36 People who read up on what they discover?

39 Word before “plane” or “plate” 40 Podiatric concerns 41 Maple syrup source

2 ___ Royale National Park 4 44 Makes a pick 46 Small cave 49 Da 5 Bloods actor Whitlock Jr. 50 With 46-Down, spirit in some believers 51 Odyssey femme fatale 53 Queen in Frozen 57 Not divisible by two 58 Marine mammal that won’t stop barking?

60 “___ below” (“Details follow”) 61 Invites on a date, with “out” 62 Fuel rating 63 32,000 ounces 64 Motor oil amts.

65 Does some sole searching?

DOWN 1 “Do ___ others...”

2 One might apply pressure 3 Cross a shallow stream, perhaps 4 Gotten up 5 ___ Speedwagon 6 Song part with no guitarists or singers

7 Make warmer 8 Gives permission 9 Shaming syllable 10 Green lunch 11 Like tightrope walkers 12 Apt answer for clue number 12 14 Singer Jones or James 17 Sushi roll dip 21 Sat for a photographer 23 Initially 25 Maritime law area 26 Greek bread 27 Late riser’s grumble 28 Popular kind of dining in 2020 29 Chef’s meas.

31 Prefix for “propyl” 33 Take a break 34 401(k) alternatives 35 Supposed supernatural gift, briefly 37 Being such as Aphrodite 38 Rather than 43 Insect in a plague 45 Gorillas beat theirs 46 See 50-Across 47 Competition with bull riding

8 Like days of yore 4 49 What helps a pupil grow?

52 Annoys 54 Second Act costar Remini 55 Rational 56 Bass beverages 58 Help page title 59 Botany, for one: Abbr.

Solution to yesterday’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, December 11, 2020

The latest on Kim and other Star Magic talents KIM CHIU

TM brings joys of Pinoy Christmas traditions online A typical Pinoy Christmas is not complete without two things: family and traditions. While this year’s celebration may be different from what we are used to, as long as the family is together, Christmas can’t be diminished among Filipinos. Traditions such as yearly gift-giving, caroling, and movie marathons, on the other hand, have to be done in new ways due to current limitations.

To help keep the holiday spirit and bring families and friends together, TM is spreading good vibes during the Christmas season with its FunPasko celebration featuring virtual holiday events, delighters, activities, and its catchy jingle that will surely get you LSS-ed! Performed by SB19, The Juans, and Donnalyn Bartolome, it showcases the unique ways Pinoys can celebrate this year’s Christmas together even when apart with the help of TM. Awesome surprises are in store for all TM subscribers with the TM FunPasko celebration, ongoing until December 31. Win exciting prizes such as 5G phones, laptops, noche buena packages, and P50,000 cash via the TM FunPasko Monito Monita Raffle. To join, subscribers can text TMFUNPASKO to 8080.

Christmas traditions are also made more fun and special for everyone. With the FunPasko Grand Pakain, TM subscribers can win free Christmas baskets and Chooks-To-Go Chicken until December 11, and P30 off on Chooks-To-Go Oven Roasted Chicken from December 16 to 20 to complete the Noche Buena table. Also leveling up the caroling experience are TM Ambassadors: SB19, The Juans, Silent Sanctuary, and Matthaios for a Christmas concert on December 15 via the TM Tambayan Facebook page.

Families can also continue the tradition of watching the Metro Manila Film Festival from home, as Globe Telecom partners with MMDA to be the exclusive presenter of MMFF 2020. The partnership brings this year’s festival onto Upstream, the newest video streaming platform, to allow you to enjoy the official MMFF entries from wherever you may be.

Tickets will be affordably priced and can be purchased on GMovies, the country’s largest aggregator for online cinema ticketing platform. TM subscribers can also win free tickets during the FunPasko Monita raffle.

“Given that this year’s Christmas celebration will be different from what we are used to, TM is finding ways to delight subscribers in the spirit of Christmas to help make this season an enjoyable one for everyone. By bringing beloved holiday traditions online, we aim to spread the holiday cheer and bring Filipinos together despite being apart,” said KD Dizon, VP for Consumer Mobile Business, Globe Telecom Inc. More information is available at www.tmtambayan. ph and on TM Tambayan’s Facebook page.

K

im Chiu apparently has a new title. In the press release for the Star Magic contractsigning, she was dubbed as the “Millennial Multimedia Idol.”

My right eyebrow began to raise upon coming across the title but the left side of my brain made it stop and analyzed for me the title. “Millennial”— uhm, yes, obviously she is one as she just turned 30 last April. “Multimedia” is a check too as she is into TV, film, digital and even recording. “Idol”—well, she really has a ton of rabid fans ready to defend her and gobble up everything she does. And her fans are scattered from Manila to Myanmar. Yes, I Googled and there is a Kim Chiu Myanmar fans club.

And why not? Kim is a lovable person. She has greatly improved on her acting and what’s charming about her is that she knows she’s the last person to feel that she is a “Millennial Multimedia Idol.” She’s very humble and down-to-earth.

Kim, who led Star Cinema’s horror offering U-Turn, will star in a new series, titled Bawal Lumabas, under Dreamscape Entertainment set to be released on December 14. She is currently hosting It’s Showtime and can be seen regularly on ASAP Natin ’To. Anyway, Kim is not the only Star Magic artist who signed a contract with the talent management arm of ABS-CBN. Leading men Enchong Dee, JM de Guzman, and Joseph Marco, MYX VJ and host Robi Domingo, plus teen actresses Andrea Brillantes and Kira Balinger and Star Hunt’s newest P-Pop groups BINI and SHA Boys all inked a contract with them.

Pinoy Big Brother Connect host, Netflix film Alter Me top-biller, and “Enrich” other half Enchong will star in an upcoming inspirational series, titled Huwag Kang Mangamba, with Gold Squad member Andrea.

Joining them are the other Gold Squad artists namely Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri and Seth Fedelin.

JM, who last starred in Pamilya Ko, is geared to be back on television with a new series, titled Init sa Magdamag, with Gerald Anderson and Yam Concepcion. The teleserye will fire up the TV landscape this 2021. Fans can also watch him in an upcoming Star Cinema movie.

Meanwhile, Joseph, who recently joined the Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin cast (for me, it is one of the most compelling programs on TV now), will be part of two Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries this year.

Robi is currently hosting Pinoy Big Brother Connect, which was launched recently on Kapamilya Online Live, Kapamilya Channel, A2Z Channel 11, and the streaming app Kumu. Aside from PBB, he is also the host of Game KNB which streams worldwide across multiple platforms including TFC, TFC IPTV and Kumu through the @gknb account.

Kira, who plays Hope in Ang sa Iyo ay Akin, also

signed up with Star Magic. Fans of Kira and Grae Fernandez can expect to watch the KiRae love team in a teleserye and an online project to be announced soon.

Meanwhile, comprising BINI are Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena; while the SHA Boys include Gelo, Mikki, Akira, Nate and JL. BINI recently wowed the madlang pipol with its “Da Coconut Nut” video number on the It’s Showtime Facebook page that has garnered almost 3 million views. The official music video of their single is now available on the BINI TV YouTube channel.

On the other hand, the SHA Boys recently made waves online as they performed their energetic and electrifying version of some of Sarah Geronimo’s hit songs, including “Tala” and “Kilometro” on the ASAP Natin ’To stage.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Chairman Mark Lopez thanked the artists for their trust and expressed optimism for the coming year.

“As a new year is about to begin, we remain hopeful and positive with our artists, our ABS-CBN leaders, our employees, and most especially our loyal followers. We know we will be able to soar to new heights as we continue to serve the Filipinos worldwide,” he said.

ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, on

Tone deaf? Prince William’s tour criticized amid pandemic

By Sylvia Hui The Associated Press LONDON—A national train tour by Prince William and his wife Kate has received a frosty welcome from leaders in Wales and Scotland, with one Welsh official saying he would rather “no one was having unnecessary visits” during the coronavirus pandemic.

William and Kate arrived in the Welsh capital of Cardiff on Tuesday for the final day of their three-day royal train tour, meant to spread Christmas cheer and thank medical staff and other frontline employees for their hard, dangerous work during the pandemic.

But Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said he wasn’t “particularly bothered or interested” when asked on BBC radio if he thought the couple should travel to Wales when the region has been seeing high Covid-19 infections.

Gething said on Monday that Wales was the only part of the UK where infections were not falling at the end of November, and warned that further

Britain’s Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, toast marshmallows during a visit to meet students at the “Christmas at the Castle” event held at Cardiff Castle, Wales, on December 8, to hear how they have been supported with their mental health during lockdown, on the final day of a three-day tour across the country. AP

restrictions may be needed.

Asked if it was the right moment for the royal couple to visit, Gething said on Tuesday: “I’d rather that no one was having unnecessary visits. And people always have divisive views about the monarchy, but their visit isn’t an excuse for people to say that they are confused about what they are being

asked to do.”

On Monday, Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon suggested that William and Kate traveled to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh despite their office being made aware of coronavirus restrictions for those wanting to cross the border.

Royal officials have said the visits

were planned in consultation with the Scottish and Welsh governments, and that William and Kate were allowed to travel across the border because they were working.

Officials at No. 10 Downing Street initially declined to address the matter, saying the tour was “a matter for the palace.” But later on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson backed the tour when his office issued a statement calling the trip “highly valuable.”

“The tour will be a welcome morale boost to frontline workers who have done so much during the pandemic,” the statement said.

Wales and Scotland have their own devolved governments and different sets of coronavirus restrictions from England even though they are all part of the United Kingdom. Welsh and Scottish officials have discouraged people from the rest of the UK from traveling to their regions without a reasonable excuse in a bid to reduce the virus’s spread.

Britain has Europe’s deadliest Covid-19 outbreak, with more than 61,000 reported dead.

the other hand, emphasized that being a Kapamilya is not just a job but a calling to serve. He thanked the Star Magic artists for standing by the network despite the challenges it is currently facing.

“Today, I want to thank the stars who represent ABS-CBN to the world outside. Kayo ang nagbibigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa ating mga Kapamilya. Thank you for choosing to be part of our mission, thank you for believing in our company, and thank you for supporting us in our most difficult moments,” Katigbak said.

Katigbak ended his speech by introducing Laurenti Dyogi as the new head of Star Magic who also expressed his gratitude to the Kapamilya artists who stayed and signed up with the talent agency.

“Star Magic is known to produce, hone and manage the brightest and most talented stars in Philippine show business, and today we continue this legacy and tradition,” said Dyogi, who assumes his new role in Star Magic starting January 2021 concurrent to his current position as head of TV Production.

“As we welcome new artists to the Star Magic family, we also want to express our deepest gratitude to the Star Magic artists who chose to stay with us as we continue to rebuild and explore new opportunities,” he added. n

Shaira, Joyce try to save parents’ relationship in ‘Wish Ko Lang!’

Shaira Diaz and Joyce Ching play sisters who try to save their parents’ marriage yet end up being the ones who need rescuing in the upcoming fresh episode of Wish Ko Lang! on December 12 on GMA. In the story, their parents Miyot (Gardo Versoza) and Vilma (Lovely Rivero) consider Mei (Shaira) and Maggie (Joyce) their treasures in life. Miyot works hard as a boatman so that they can have their house fixed. Miyot’s quiet family life is turned upside down when Karla (Coleen Perez) spreads rumor that she is having Miyot’s child. The scandal tears the family apart, and Miyot and Vilma separate.

Wanting to save their parent’s relationship, Mei and Maggie try to find out the truth about this rumor. But as they search for answers, their lives are put on the line. Sailing into the waters, a storm suddenly comes up and they find themselves in a boat accident.

Will Mei and Maggie survive the storm? Wish Ko Lang! is hosted by the award-winning Vicky Morales.

B5

B6 Friday, December 11, 2020

Globe Telecom doubles support for victims, affected families of recent typhoons

Oman Air recognized for best service to the Middle East, world’s best First Class

O

MAN Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has earned two more 2020 World Travel Awards, for providing the world’s best service to the Middle East and the world’s best First Class experience.

Oman Air CEO Abdulaziz Al Raisi said achieving these awards from an internationally acclaimed organization is a tremendous honor which shows once again that the airline’s people make a difference.

“Standing out among all the excellent airlines in this region and across the globe reflects that everyone works with

dedication to providing exceptional service to all our guests”, he said. “I am particularly proud of the fact that we have won major awards for our service in First, Business and Economy Class, which makes it clear that we provide worldleading service to all our guests.

“Additionally, there is intense competition among carriers which provide service to our region; Oman Air being named the best airline for service to the Middle East is something that says a lot”.

Earlier this month, Oman Air was recognized by the World Travel Awards

as the Middle East’s leading airline for Business Class and Economy Class service. The airline’s in-flight magazine, Wings of Oman, was also honoured as the Middle East’s leading in-flight magazine.

Additionally, Oman Air recently received recognition from thepointsguy.com, a globally popular travel site, for providing the world’s best Economy Class service.

“These accomplishments are more important than eve”, said Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards.

In spite of ongoing travel-related challenges, “this year’s World Travel Awards program saw record voting numbers from the all-important tourism consumer”, said Cooke, who noted that his organization’s website “continues to receive more search traffic than in any previous year”.

These developments reflect that as people around the world plan and look forward to enjoying business and leisure travel, they “will want to know that they will be booking with only the very best,” Cooke said.

PLDT Home’s latest video tackles digital opportunities for home-based businesses

H

OMEBASED businesses are booming as a movement, led mostly by resourceful mothers who are taking opportunities to earn extra income while they take care of their families.

As more people stay at home to keep safe, ordering online has become the norm.

Having an online presence helps move goods to more people and a growing community of online sellers enjoy the ease of transactions through many digital platforms that are already available. All it takes is a strong connection via a reliable provider such as PLDT Home and a willingness to work hard at building a business from home.

The power of connections

TWO inventive, yet practical or madiskarte moms who are harnessing the power of strong connections are Vanna Reyes, an entrepreneur and online influencer who also helps other businesses boost their sales, and Vania Edralin, a talent manager who launched her baking business during the community quarantine. Both are moms who are balancing home life and their side hustles that are supported by the strong connections provided by PLDT at Home.

“The pandemic has had a big impact on mommies,” Vanna Reyes, an entrepreneur and online influencer, notes. Aside from the fact that they now have to contend with their children’s online classes on top of managing the household, there is also an uncertainty over the future as many households are affected by loss of income.

This is why Vanna supports many moms in the community that she joins, not only by highlighting the products that she likes but also through giving moral support.

An 'accidental seller', with her business starting out as a way to help entrepreneur friends. “I just promote things that I

personally use, and moms who watch my videos start asking where they can buy the product as well,” she says.

Among the items Vanna sold were face masks, salt lamps, designer bags, and even children’s toys. “My story with the children’s toys is a funny one. A friend with a physical store in Divisoria told me that their stocks weren’t moving. To help out, I started posting their items online and they made huge sales even out of season. My friend who was so old-school has now started to migrate their business on selling platforms after realizing the importance of having an online presence.”

For her part, Vania Edralin, a talent manager who launched her baking business during the community quarantine, was actually doing baking as a hobby. “My sister was the one who was really into baking, using our mom’s recipe for cinnamon buns. I tweaked that recipe to make smaller Cinnabites, and gave it away to family and friends, until I realized that there was no one doing the same thing. I offered it on an online selling group and it really took off,” she shares. From an initial capital of P10,000 that went to bulk procurement of ingredients, she was able to recover her investment within two months from baking only three times a week.

Online advantages

THERE are many opportunities to earn from a side hustle even through the pandemic, both Vanna and Vania attest. “There may be other sellers out there, offering the same thing or something similar to what you have, but there are also so many customers out there,” Vanna encourages. “The main differentiation would be how you reach your market. Some moms will have live selling programs, some will offer their products on

different platforms. What is important is that you find your niche.”

Vania, who tried selling clothes at a bazaar notes the difference. “You don’t need to spend so much on a space, and there is no need to transport all your goods to a certain location. It is easier to do business online.

You can even target your audience by choosing a location for your ads or by simply joining a neighborhood group.” She likewise encourages budding homepreneurs to learn new skills such as taking videos or editing photos, and making ad layouts that would attract more customers.

Reliable, powerful internet connection

TO support all these transactions, one should have a stable internet connection such as PLDT Home. Both moms say this is crucial and enables businesses to provide good customer service, responding to queries and making transactions easy for customers, and having reliable payment and delivery options. “If you don’t answer inquiries right away, that would mean loss of business,” Vanna advises.

It all boils down to “sipag at tiyaga” (diligence and perseverance), both moms say. There many side hustles that are available to home-based moms, from creating your own products, to drop shipping or being a reseller. “Diskarte ng mgaPinoy, walang katulad (there’s nothing like the resourcefulness and strategy of Pinoys),” Vanna says. Vania agrees and adds, “If you’re a mom, you’ll do anything and everything for your family. That is the driving force of madiskarte moms: love for their family.”Know more about how you can rediscover opportunities in home business, watch this video from PLDT Home.

O

VER the past weeks, Globe has been providing assistance to victims and affected families of the recent Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. The Dyip Sagip: Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng Wifi has been providing free services to customers in more than 80 affected areas.

The telco also has been providing meal packs to more than 16,000 families since the aftermath of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses. Meal boxes from Rise Against Hunger were provided to 1,800 families in Cainta and Rodriguez in Rizal and the City of Marikina. In its earlier efforts, the company has also distributed meals to 420 affected families in Baseco barangay hall through the assistance of Ayala Foundation, and 316 families in evacuation centers in Marikina via Manila Water Foundation. In partnership with Puregold, a total of 6,000

families have received meal packs, with 3,000 in Cagayan, 2,000 in Isabela and 1,000 in Catanduanes. Puregold is the exclusive partner of Globe for prepaid products.

The company, through GCash, has also raised P20.8 million allotted for #TulongCagayan and #UlyssesPHAid via customer donations through its GCash bills payment channel. On the other hand, a total of P1,575,826 Globe Rewards points have been raised for beneficiaries ABS-CBN Foundation and Ayala Foundation, Inc. Globe ensures the safety of both the volunteers and the public by strictly following government health protocols of observing social distancing and using face masks.

For more details and the latest on Globe’s sustainability efforts, visit their FB page at: https://www. facebook.com/GlobeBridgeCom.

Fil-Can Christmas Songfest for All to aid COVID-19 patients and frontliners in the Philippines

T

HE Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham) has announced it will stream its firstever Fil-Can Christmas Songfest for All simultaneously on 12 December 2020, at 9:00 AM in the Philippines and 11 December 2020 at 9:00 pm EST in Canada on CanCham's Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/ CANCHAMPhilippines with replay on YouTube.

The event is a private sector initiative supported by sponsorships and contributions.

Fifty percent of gross receipts to be donated to charities registered in the Philippines that will go towards aiding COVID-19 patients and/or frontliners. The balance will be used for events to promote Canada-Philippines business that will support economic recovery.

Members of nine leading FilipinoCanadian business and community groups in eight provinces and one territory in Canada will compete in a friendly challenge of musical talent of their members. The winning group will have Php 50,000 donated to its chosen charity registered in the Philippines.

The competing groups in Canada are: Filipino Chamber of Commerce Alberta, Philippine Canada Trade Council, Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatchewan, Manitoba Filipino Business Council, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Toronto, Federation of Filipino Canadian Associations of Quebec, Filipino Canadian Community of New Brunswick, Filipino Association of Nova Scotia, and Canadian Filipino Association of the Yukon.

The winner will be determined by voting through likes on Facebook. The individual

videos will also be uploaded to CanCham’s official Facebook page as separate videos for voting. The video receiving most likes by 19 December 2020, 9:00 am Philippine Time will be declared the winner.

Julian Payne, President of CanCham said: “We hope this great Christmas song contest will spread joy in these challenging times.

With this event, CanCham, its members and partners, as well as the cooperating Fil-Can associations will reach out to the public with heartfelt Christmas songs in the Filipino and Canadian traditions of getting together and happily singing. We also expect it to strengthen the links between our associations and make them all known all across both Canada and the Philippines.“ This event is made possible and presented by CanCham with Title Sponsor Taft Property Venture Development Corporation and with support of our Major Sponsors BDO Unibank, SPDS, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., Techrep Inc., and Tim Hortons Philippines Inc., as well as our Support Sponsors PressReaderPH, RCG Information Technology (Philippines) Inc., Sagrex Foods Inc. To sponsor or send a contribution, contact Abi Tizon at CanCham at axtizon@ cancham.com.ph.

Megaworld malls to hold 2020 Simbang Gabi

I

N observance of the upcoming Holiday to ensure that its safety measures are upseason, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls to-date especially on time for the holidays. announces its Simbang Gabi, Christmas StaffSimbang and employees Megaworld Lifestyle Malls announces 2020 Gabiparticipated Schedule in online and New Year's Holy Mass schedule. Check and on-site technical training to ensure that In observance Megaworld Malls announces its them out below. of the upcoming Holiday season,they correctlyLifestyle and consistently implement Megaworld conducted and Holy mall disinfection infection Simbang Gabi,has Christmas andmedical New Year's Masssanitation, schedule. Check them and out below. technical consultation with The Medical City control guidelines.

PROPERTY

1

2

St. John Paul II Parish Eastwood City

St. Gabriel The Archangel Chapel 4F Uptown Mall

3

St. Raphael's Church 3F Venice Grand Canal

4

Garden Wing 2F Newport Mall

5

6

DAY

TIME

Simbang Gabi

Dec 15 - 23

6:00 PM

Christmas Novena

Dec 16 - 24

12:15 PM, 10:30 AM (Sunday)

Christmas and New Year's Eve

Dec 24 & 31

6:00 PM

Christmas and New Year's Day

Dec 25 & Jan 1

10:30 AM

Simbang Gabi

Dec 15 - 23

7:30 PM

Regular Mass

Dec 16 - 20, 23

12:15 PM

Christmas and New Year's Eve

Dec 24 & 31

12:15 PM, 6:30 PM

Christmas and New Year's Day

Dec 25 & Jan 1

12:00 NN, 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM

Simbang Gabi

Dec 15 - 23

6:00 PM

Simbang Gabi

Dec 15 - 23

6:00 PM

Christmas Day

Dec 25

11:00 AM

Simbang Gabi

Dec 15 - 23

5:00 PM

Dec 24

12: 00 NN

New Year's Day

Jan 1

12:00 NN

Simbang Gabi

Dec 15 - 23

6:00 PM

Christmas and New Year's Day

Dec 25 & Jan 1

6:00 PM

Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary Chapel Christmas Eve 3F Lucky Chinatown Annex B

St. Joseph Chapel 3F Festive Walk Iloilo

DATE

Sports BusinessMirror

Editor: Jun Lomibao

Y

PHL dancers get break

B

PAULINE DEL ROSARIO: I really just focused on playing my own game, given the strong rain which affected my club selections.

P

AULINE DEL ROSARIO beat Princess Superal in a tense, rainy backside duel, pulling off a clutch par-save on the 17th and pouncing on her rival’s mishap to snare the ICTSI Riviera Championship

A

DAY after being sworn into office in Malacañang, re-elected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino buckled down to work and settled a grappling issue between the country’s wrestling and jiujitsu associations.

Tolentino on Wednesday persuaded wrestling’s Alvin Aguilar and jiu jitsu’s Choy Cojuangco to settle the issue not on the mat but on a table over lunch at the Makati Shangri-La and with a ceremonial firm handshake to boot.

“Both federations have their own grappling [events], but harmonious and united they are now.”

Tolentino said. “This is good for the athletes.”

With the issue settled, Tolentino said both PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino leads a pact between wrestling chief Alvin Aguilar and jiu jitsu head Choy Cojuangco.

Donaire tests negative twice, pursues fight

F

ORMER world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. wants to pursue his world title fight with Puerto Rican Emmanuel Rodriguez on December 19 after yielding a negative result for Covid-19 in his latest test, his father Nonito Sr. said on Thursday.

“He [Nonito Jr.] had himself checked twice and tested negative twice,” Donaire Sr. said.

Donaire was initially positive of the virus in a test administered last Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of the fight for the vacant World Boxing Council bantamweight title at the at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Donaire Sr. said that his son asked Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions and Showtime to push through with the fight because of the negative results.

“I am just a little bit relieved that he’s no

By Josef Ramos

“Twenty, 30 years from now, maybe when we look back and they say, that bubble championship, they will remember our team because we had the most unique championship in the history of the PBA,” said Cone, who hugged his 23rd PBA crown.

“It’s a little bit surreal,” he added.

Ginebra kept its winning tradition in the last four seasons by snatching three Governors’s Cup and one Commissioner’s Cup crowns. It was only on Wednesday night that the Gin Kings topped the all-Filipino conference since beating San Miguel Beer in the 2006-2007 season.

Japeth Aguilar was outstanding in Game 5 with 32 points to equal his previous career-

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in the ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge at the adjacent Couples layout three weeks where Del Rosario struggled and finished a distant third.

But the 22-year-old shotmaker, who marked her rookie pro career with four victories and ran away with the LPGT Order of Merit diadem in 2017, worked on her short game and putting during the break and fine-tuned every aspect of her game.

The first Filipina to win on the LPGA of Taiwan Tour, also in 2017, fired a 70 in the first round of the P400,000 event and trailed Superal by one then scrambled for a 73 in harsh condition to force a tie after 36 holes, sealing a mano-a-mano with last year’s OOM champion as the rest of the compact field failed to catch up.

In an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation, del Rosario blinked and bogeyed No. 3 and fell by one at the turn against Superal’s par-game.

But she hit a solid drive on the par-5 10th and hacked a superb shot from 135 yards for a tap-in eagle against her rival’s birdie to tie again, only to yield two strokes on the next, which Superal

crown by one in Silang, Cavite, on Thursday.

Tied for the last time heading to Langer’s course signature hole, both players missed the overlooking green but Del Rosario made a clutch chip and tapped in for par and reclaimed the lead as Superal failed to get up-and-down from the left rough and needed two putts to hole out for bogey.

Del Rosario closed out with a routine par on the difficult finishing hole for a 72 and Superal saved hers off the bunker for a 73, capping a thrilling finish that served as a fitting ending to a two-tournament Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) bubble put up by ICTSI in pandemic-hit season.

“I didn’t think about the scores the whole round. I really just focused on playing my own game, given the strong rain which affected my club selections,” said Del Rosario, who assembled a 215 total and pocketed the top P72,000 purse.

Superal wound up with a 216 and received P52,000.

Del Rosario’s victory was in stark contrast to Superal’s five-shot romp over Abby Arevalo

bogeyed before forcing another draw as the latter dropped a stroke on No. 12.

Superal reclaimed the lead with another birdie on the 13th but fell into a tie again with a bogey on the next before Del Rosario rammed in a sevenfooter for birdie on No. 15 to surge ahead.

But it didn’t last long as she bogeyed the par-5 16th, giving Superal another crack at the crown for a sweep of the twin tournaments organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Superal, however, blew it as she failed to match Del Rosario’s clutch par-save on the 17th.

Daniella Uy skied to a 77 and placed third with a 226 while Chanelle Avaricio carded a 75 and tied Chihiro Ikeda, who fumbled with a 78, at fourth at 227 followed by Gretchen Villacencio (80-232), Arevalo (78-233), Cyna Rodriguez (82-238), Marvi Monsalve (84-241) and amateur Monica Mandario (86-260).

Ira Alido, meanwhile, put up a spectacular round rarely seen from a young campaigner twice foiled in his breakthrough drive, firing a

Tolentino settles grappling issue between wrestling, jiu jitsu bodies

REAKDANCING’S inclusion as a medal sport in the Paris 2024 Olympics provided the Philippines another potential source of winning a gold medal in the Games.

But this early, breakdancing officials said more focus should be given to the sport considering the Filipinos’ natural ability as dancers.

“The support is there, but it’s usually delayed. Usually the funds come right after the event,” Melvin Jansen Ang told the BusinessMirror.

Ang, head of the breakdancing of the Dancesports Congress of the Philippines Inc., said the federation needs more funding and support from government, particularly from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Breakdancing was in the 30th Southeast Asian Games program the country hosted last year, but because only two athletes joined the girls’ event, it was reduced to a demonstration event with the Philippines’ Debbie Mahinay settling for second place behind an Indonesian.

Breakdancing broke into the sport scene in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina.

“Dancing is one of the Filipinos favorite past times. But like I said, we really need support from the government to help our breakdancers excel in this field,” Ang said. Annie Abad

ARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel wrapped up the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals series on Wednesday night and in the words of the Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone, it’s a championship to remember.

“Hopefully, there’s only going to be one bubble championship. This one that is going to be remembered,” said Cone after Ginebra beat TNT Katropa, 82-78, at the Angeles University Foundation gym.

“And if there’s only one bubble championship, we got it. And that’s so cool,” he added.

The Gin Kings ended the series at 4-1 and were bound for home after 72 days in the Clark bubble that in two instances teetered when a referee and a player tested positive for Covid-19.

But other than that, all went well in the bubble where a 400-striong PBA contingent of players, officials, media and staff were housed with the entire country—and even the world—was watching developments in the controlled environment on an hourly basis.

“The bubble was a testament of success for the PBA, the board and the teams,” Commissioner Willie Marcial said.

There were no fans inside the bubble that every players’ scream—and of course the coaches—were eerily audible. On Wednesday night, the legions of Ginebra fans were nowhere in sight and only the Gin Kings themselves had to do the cheering.

B7

DEL ROSARIO PREVAILS

Yuka, Bianca start US Open bid in Houston UKA SASO and Bianca Pagdanganan start their bid to plant the Philippine flag on US soil as they open their campaign on Friday in the US Women’s Open in Houston, Texas.

But it won’t be easy for the two who won gold medals at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games.

They will be up against world No. 1 Jin Young Ko and defending champion Jeongeun Lee6 and the rest of the top 10 in the world rankings in the tournament considered as women’s pro golf premier championship.

And the organizing US Golf Association couldn’t have put up a captivating storyline to an unfolding epic Pagdanganan, the Tour’s Ladies Professional Golf Association driving leader with a 284.7-yard average, banners the featured threesome that includes Dutch Anne Van Dam (281.8 yards) and Maria Fassi of Mexico (280.4 yards) that tees off from the backside of the 6558-yard Jackrabbit course of the Champions Golf Club.

The long-hitting group tackles the Cypress Creek, which measures up to 6,731 yards in the second round on Friday.

Saso, also a certified power-hitter like her fellow International Container Terminal Services Inc.-backed compatriot, hopes to make an impact in her maiden major LPGA Tour appearance she anchored on two victories in her rookie season in the LPGA Japan Tour.

The 19-year-old Filipino-Japanese is set to start at Cypress Creek with Korean Hee Young Park and top amateur Allisen Corpuz of the US. Pagdanganan has said she wants to be the first player in Tour history to average over 300 yards during a tournament and she barely hit the mark with a 299.5-yard norm in the LPGA Drive One Championship at the Reynolds Lake Ocone in Georgia last October where she finished tied for 34th.

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph / Friday, December 11, 2020

longer positive. He self-quarantined before undergoing two more tests,” Donaire Sr. said.

Donaire’s wife Rachel and two sons tested negative of the virus, the elder Donaire said.

Donaire (40-6 win-loss record with 26 knockouts) is hoping Showtime or the Premier Boxing Champions will go on with the fight.

His original foe—undefeated French Nordine Oubaali (17-0 record with 12 knockouts) who was declared champion in recess by the WBC—tested positive of the virus and was replaced by Rodriguez (19-1 record with 12 knockouts) last month.

Donaire last fought in November 2019 and lost his World Boxing Association bantamweight belt to unbeaten International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue of Japan. Josef Ramos

CHAMPIONSHIP TO REMEMBER

high and nine rebounds against the Tropang Giga, who missed the services of Jayson Castro and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. in the series.

Lewis Alfred Tenorio finally won his first Philippine Cup title and he did it with a flourish by hoisting the Finals Most Valuable Player trophy with averages of 14.5 points and 6.2 assists in the series.

Cone’s wish while savoring his latest achievement?

“We are hoping to get Greg [Slaughter] back. He will be a huge for us. I would like the team to comeback intact and find a way to get Greg back,” he said.

Slaughter responded and congratulated the Gin Kings in Twitter.

THE all-Filipino conference crown has been elusive for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, but the Gin Kings find a way to end the drought on Wednesday night.

federations could now concentrate now on honing their athletes for next year’s Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games set from May 21 to 30 in Bangkok.

Both sports employ grappling as one of the most effective technics but because they belong to different international federations with respective regulations, they didn’t meet halfway. Until Wednesday when the differences were settled.

“As Filipinos and part of the same POC family, we must all find mutually beneficial grounds regarding our sports,” Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Aguilar said. “The goal here is to make all of the sports under our banners as strong as possible.”

“Jiujitsu under the JJIF [Jiu-jitsu International Federation] and Grappling under the UWW [United

solid seven-under 64 to storm away by eight strokes over Zanieboy Gialon and Michael Bibat in the third round of the ICTSI Riviera Championship also on Thursday.

While majority of the bidders groped for form in wet conditions and scrambled just to salvage par, the 19-year-old Alido made it look quite easy taming the dreaded Langer layout, shooting four birdies at the front then running off three straight from No. 15 to produce a 31-33 card.

What was impressive is that Alido, who succumbed to final round pressure twice after leading in the third round, the last in the PGT Asia Tour at Wack Wack last year, finished without a bogey on a course that punishes even the slightest of mistakes.

With a 9-under 204 total, Alido stood eight shots ahead of Gialon and Bibat and 18 holes away from recording his first championship in three years, ironically in the last of two bubble tournaments in new normal. He went winless in 2018-2019 with full Philippine Golf Tour calendars.

World Wrestling] will co-exist in our country the way it does all over the world,” Aguilar added. “Our respective NSAs each have their own athletes and different programs.”

Cojuangco, the Jiu-jitsu Federation of the Philippines president, clarified that the issue wasn’t that deep because his sport has its own international federation.

“We’re happy we already settled what we needed to be settled. Our federation is open to any clubs and we’re not barring our members to participate with them or their members to join us including those who want to qualify for the national team,” said the hotel and restaurant businessman Cojuangco.

“At the end of the day, it’s our international federation who has the final say on our respective events,” Cojuangco added.

Motoring BusinessMirror

Henry Ford Awards Best Motoring Section 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 2011 Hall of Fame

Editor: Tet Andolong

B8 Friday, December 11, 2020

Honda rolls out the all-new City and refreshed CR-V

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Story & photos

by Randy S. Peregrino

Refreshed CR-V gets Honda SENSING

The all-new City 1.5 RS CVT variant

ONDA Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) finally brought in one of its best-selling models in the country—highly-anticipated 5th generation City. Donning a fresh design inside and out, along with the myriad of tech features, the brand asserts its 2030 vision of leading the advancement of mobility and enabling people around the world to improve their daily lives.

The online launch also reaffirms HCPI’s commitment to providing mobility to Filipinos, especially on its 30th year in the Philippines and continues to expand its presence in the market.

Developed under the grand concept of “Ambitious Sedan,” the latest generation is 111mm longer, 54mm wider, and 10mm lower, compared to its predecessor. Highlighted upfront is the new pronounced chrome grille design united with stretched keen-looking headlights (High Gloss Black front grille with RS emblem for the 1.5 RS CVT), bumper, and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

The flanks now have sharp horizontal character lines inspired by the Katana Blade in Motion. Retained are Power adjustable door mirrors across all variants (power-folding door mirrors with Integrated Side Turn Signals for the 1.5 RS CVT and 1.5 V CVT variants). Other exclusive trims to the RS version are the sporty front bumper/grille, full LED headlights with DRL, LED fog lamps, gloss black trunk spoiler with RS logo, and a newly designed sporty 16-inch Alloy Wheels.

Inside is a cocoon of plush materials, accents with a functional approach. There’s One Push Start System across all variants now, specifically Smart Entry Keyless Entry

System for 1.5 RS CVT and 1.5 V CVT (Keyless Entry for 1.5 S CVT and 1.5 S MT). Further, there’s an 8-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto & WebLink (1.5 RS CVT, 1.5 V CVT and 1.5 S CVT). Other fresh designs are the aircon vents, rotary knobs, digital display, and illumination. The 1.5 V CVT gets a posh and sophisticated Ivory accent (high quality full black interior for the1.5 S CVT variant).

What is more, the 1.5 RS and 1.5 V CVT variants now have rear aircon vents with two 12-volt power outlets.

Motivation comes from a new 1.5-liter 4 Cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 119hp and 145 N-m of maximum torque mated to Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). There’s also an optional sixspeed manual gearbox for the 1.5 S MT variant. As for safety, there are standard front driver/passenger and side air bags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Power

The updated CR-V SX Diesel 9AT AWD with Honda Sensing

Door Locks with Speed-Sensing AutoLock, both 1.5 RS CVT and 1.5 V CVT variants received a multi-view rear camera with dynamic guidelines and of course the Honda’s G-force Control (G-CON) Collision Safety Body.

Available colors are Ignite Red Metallic (1.5 RS CVT, 1.5 V CVT, and 1.5 S CVT), Platinum White Pearl (1.5 RS CVT and 1.5 V CVT plus P20,000), Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White (1.5 S CVT and 1.5 S MT), Lunar Silver Metallic (1.5 V CVT and 1.5 S CVT), Crystal Black Pearl. Special introductory price points until the end of this year are P1.048 million (1.5 RS CVT), P968,000 (1.5 V CVT), P878,000 (1.5 S CVT), and P838,000 (1.5 S MT).

Redesigned interior

Public servant Rex Gatchalian deserves praise

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F there’s one thing that stood out in Rex Gatchalian’s move to suspend RFID operations beginning this week at NLEX, it’s his decisiveness as a public servant. If all leaders of this country, elected or otherwise, are like the gallant mayor of Valenzuela City, then yes we can.

We can be as great as the other nations that are being led by upright leaders.

We can achieve changes that only redound to the benefit of the toiling masses.

We can move on happily, assured by the thought that those sworn to be our servants are courageous enough to lead us unflinchingly, without fear or favor.

In short, Rex Gatchalian is one solid star rising in the horizon to take up the cudgels for the suffering folk that are subjected almost daily to a seemingly compartmentalized incompetence and inefficienc y of RFID operations at the Valenzuela NLEX. But I give it to NLEX management, too, for humbly admitting its fault.

Bravo to Romulo “Junji” Quimbo, the senior vice president and NLEX spokesman, who bravely

met the volley of criticisms with tons of patience and humility.

“We will do the best we can to fix the problem,” Quimbo told Ted Failon of TV5. “We offer our sincerest apology for the inconvenience caused by glitches on our RFID system.”

Junji, a lawyer, also agreed to heed Ted’s suggestion to stop the practice of advancing-backing a vehicle when the RFID sticker isn’t working and let the supplementary card be the final arbiter.

When service providers think and respond that way, there is hope for this blighted nation of ours.

BMW beep-beep

I give way to Enrico Antonio D. Ylanan, the energetic point-man of SMC-BMW Philippines’s President Spencer “ASY” Yu. “In the Philippines, the brand’s most attainable models, the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, are both powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that’s boosted by a BMW TwinPower turbocharger.

“The small displacement allows for extremely efficient driving, while the turbocharger provides

the extra kick needed when spirited driving is needed.

“Stepping up to the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series grants bigger 2.0-liter gasoline engines equipped with the same BMW TwinPower Turbo, offering a sizable increase in horsepower and torque, without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

“BMW’s range of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) offers versatility to meet any road condition, and come locally equipped with potent 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engines.

“From the famed 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo six—Page 2 of 2 cylinder gasoline engines found in the BMW M2 Competition to the 4.4-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 in the BMW X5 M Competition, these high output engines are combined with redesigned chassis and handling improvements for awesome driving experience.

“The eight-speed automatic torque converter transmission from ZF is fitted on all rear-wheel drive BMWs. This has a wide range of adaptability, especially for high horsepower and torque applications.

“Handling and driving feel are hallmarks of any BMW, ensuring that, no matter which BMW model a customer chooses, he gets to enjoy a vehicle that provides an ultimately enjoyable driving experience.”

Lexus space luxury

And finally, Jade B. Sison, Lexus Manila president Raymond T. Rodriguez’s prolific weaver of words.

“Imagine being ferried to your destination in a vehicle that was built and engineered to be the most comfortable and luxurious in its segment. A vehicle that was designed to not just take advantage of the available interior space, but was also a canvas

where designers and engineers were given free rein to elevate the passenger-riding experience.

“Finally, the legendary Takumi experience is here, starting off with the fully adjustable captain seats with built-in automatic ottoman punctuated by a 26-inch high-definition screen paired with a Mark Levinson audio system. The clarity, definition, and full-bodied sound stage will surely isolate you from the hectic outside world.

“Yes, the Lexus LM 350 is easily one of the most in-demand models in the Lexus lineup because it redefines the meaning of the words ‘best seat in the house.’

“Priced from P5,408,000, the LM 350 has been luxuriously crafted in anticipation of your every need for exceptional comfort, performance and safety.

“It has reclining massage seats with seven massage options and five levels of pressure. Each seat is equipped with a unique AdaptiPedic foam that absorbs road vibration. While seated, gaze up at the sky through twin power moonroofs and revel in the airy and spacious greenhouse.

“The heart of the LM 350 is a 296hp 3.5-liter V6 engine that accelerates to 100kph in 7sec. It utilizes the Adaptive High-Beam System; Pre-Collision System; Lane-Tracing Assist; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Blind-Spot Monitor; Parking Support Brake; and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

“With the LM 350, the Lexus Takumi craftsmanship is at full speed.”

PEE STOP Reserve your dream Toyota and win

P100k, if not P1 million. Hurry! Toyota’s P10-M blowout is up to December 13 only...MG has also discounts from P100k to P180k to its models ZS, MG5, MG6 and MG RX5...Happy birthday to Toyota SVP Elijah-won Sue Marcial! Cheers!

HCPI also rolled out the updated version of the current generation CR-V. Exterior-wise, there’s a redesigned front bumper, chrome grille wing, and chrome bumper accents.

LED headlights and fog lights are now standard while the SX Diesel 9AT AWD received a front sequential turn signal. Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted in the SX Diesel 9AT AWD, S Diesel 9AT, and 2.0S CVT variants. Another standard fitting is the new roof rails. At the rear, dark-tinted rear taillights, and a redesigned rear bumper. Both S and SX Diesel variants now have Power Tailgate with the top-spec SX Diesel featuring a new Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate operated with kick sensor.

Panoramic Sunroof and Auto Rain Sensing Wipers are exclusive to the SX Diesel 9AT AWD. Inside, the SX Diesel 9AT AWD is fitted with an eight-way poweradjustable driver seat with fourway power lumbar support while the passenger seat has a four-way power-adjust. USB ports are now located on the center console and now equipped with a wireless mobile charger.

Along with the myriad of safety features, both the SX Diesel 9AT AWD and S Diesel 9AT variants are now equipped with Honda SENSING suite of driver-assistive functions. Through a monocular camera and wave millimeter radar, both devices work simultaneously to monitor and assess various road conditions ahead. These functions are Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and the Auto High Beam.

Available colors are Cosmic Blue Metallic (SX Diesel 9AT AWD and S Diesel 9AT), Ignite Red Metallic (New Color), Platinum White Pearl (plus P20,000), Modern Steel Metallic.

Price points per variant are P2.158 million (SX Diesel 9AT AWD with Honda SENSING), P1.888 million (S Diesel 9AT with Honda SENSING), P1.713 (V Diesel 9AT), and P1.678 (2.0 S CVT).

Pilipinas Shell, Boy Scouts of the PHL teach youth road safety

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ITH the objective of educating the Filipino youth on road safety, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. partnered with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), and Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) in mounting the Road Safety Virtual Camp where hundreds of attendees acquired ample knowledge on pedestrian and commuter safety, motorcycle and bicycle safety, and traffic management and emergency response.

Launched in 2019, Shell’s BiyaHero—a wordplay on “Be A Hero”—campaign’s primary goal is to bring together the private and public sectors towards making the nation’s roads safer for Filipinos. In its initial efforts, Shell has already introduced safer driving practices and road safety for children in communities within Batangas; pinpointed Mandaluyong City as the campaign’s pilot city receiving Shell’s road safety efforts; and partnered with a private driving school to teach its customers defensive driving skills as well as to impart a better understanding on the signs, symbols, and tips mounted at the retail stations.

Meanwhile, National President of BSP Roberto Pagdanganan underscores the need for information dissemination on road safety due to the alarming mortality rates caused by road accidents. “About 1.3 million people die around the world due to road mishaps.

It is the biggest killer of people in their most productive years, from ages 15-29,” Pagdanganan remarked. He encouraged the virtual camp’s attendees to take the matter seriously as this is a world-wide concern.

Pilipinas Shell Country HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) Manager OIiver Ortega praised BSP for its ingenious strategy of virtually gathering hundreds of boy scouts all over the country to extensively convey the significance of road safety.

Ortega aspires every boy scout in the country to become a “hero” in his own way, exhibiting the proper traits an individual must possess whenever he is out on the roads: “Whether you’d be driving, commuting, cycling, or even just walking, you must be a ‘BiyaHero’ who is looked up to by your peers for possessing safety knowledge and displaying proper behavior.”

The roster of experts who provided information on road safety is composed of Cynthia Reyes, Advocacy Manager of Automobile Association of the Philippines, who gave useful pointers about road safety in the Philippines; Marte Perez, Consultant of Automobile Association of the Philippines, who discussed pedestrian and commuters’ safety; Marvin Sayurin, Chief Instructor of Safety Riders Training Center, who generously gave information on motorcycle and bicycle safety, and Antonio Pagulayan, Traffic Operations Officer of Metro politan Manila Development Authority, who discussed traffic management and emergency response.

During the sessions, the boy scouts were able to raise their smart questions to the speakers who then gave clarity in topics the boys were immensely curious about.

Apart from this initiative geared towards the youth, Shell has also commenced its BiyaHero engagement with the NLEX management team, field staff, and enforcers last November 20 with the intent to promote road safety in major thoroughfares, and work on solutions in order to achieve reduction of road incidents along NLEX. The engagement is a series of eight sessions that will be participated in by 300 NLEX team members.

Shell’s BiyaHero campaign will continuously implement initiatives that advocate road safety in the Philippines.