BusinessMirror December 29, 2023

Fil-Chinese biz honors Ms. Universe PHL Dee

Dr. Cecilio Pedro, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), presents a plaque of recognition to Miss Universe 2023 top 10 finalist Michelle Marquez Dee, in a ceremony held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the FFCCCII office in Binondo, Manila. Michelle, according to the business alliance, personifies the essence of “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy” (Chinese blood, Filipino heart). NONOY LACZA

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

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HE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) sees the accomplishments of Ms. Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Daniela Dee as a powerful tool to inspire the Filipino-Chinese community and a larger Philippine society and motivate them to excel in their chosen endeavor.

“More importantly, I am sure it will inspire our Filipino youth to shine in their respective fields.

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Once again, welcome to this celebration...to encourage excellence and public service in recognition of her achievements as Miss Universe 2023,” said FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro as the business network held recognition rites for Dee at the organization’s head office in Binondo.

Earlier, the federation also honored Filipino-Chinese Asian Games pole vault gold medalist Ernest John Obiena for bringing honor to the country by his accomplishments in international competitions.

“I was so thrilled to receive the

invite as I’ve always known my grandfather was the vice president for whatever we’ve done and this is consistent for all the days. Whatever we do, we really aim to serve; [we] purely aim to give back and do whatever we can to make sure that the Philippines becomes a better place whether in our small or big endeavors,” said Dee, the daughter of businessman Derek Dee and 1979 Ms. International Melanie Marquez, in her acceptance speech.

Dee is the granddaughter of the former FFCCCII vice president and the late Chinabank chairman Dee K.Chiong. Her great-great grand-

uncle Dy Han Kia was also a 19th century Philippine lumber industry pioneer and philanthropist.

Michelle recalled that her stint in the Ms. Universe pageant in El Salvador was to ensure every Filipino would be proud in everything she does, while embodying the Pusong Pinoy mindset integrated into her whole story, from her national costume to the people covered by her advocacy efforts. “I do my very best to utlize any platform to create a positive impact on many people,” she said.

See “Fil-Chinese,” A2

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Friday, December 29, 2023 Vol. 19 No. 79

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24.75% TO P93.3B–BTR

FROM CATCH TO MARKET Fishport helpers, locally known as “Batilyo” at Talim Island Fishport in Pritil, Binangonan, expertly segregate fresh fish based on sizes and types, ensuring a well-organized display for vendors and dealers. This crucial step occurs just before the final catch and batch make their journey to the bustling wet markets of Metro Manila. BERNARD TESTA

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

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@jearcalas

HE state’s budget deficit in November declined by almost a quarter on an annual basis to P93.3 billion on the back of better revenue collection amid lower public spending, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

Latest BTr data showed that the national government’s budget deficit was 24.75 percent lower than the P123.9-billion deficit recorded in November of last year.

The BTr attributed the smaller budget deficit to the 2.82-percent growth in the state’s revenue collection during the reference month coupled with the almost 5-percent drop in the state’s public spending.

“This narrowed the YTD [yearto-date] budget deficit to P1.111 trillion, 10.09 percent or P124.6 billion lower compared to the JanNov 2022 level,” the Treasury said on Thursday.

The Treasury noted that the state’s year-to-date budget deficit is about 74.1 percent of the P1.499trillion ceiling it set for 2023.

The Treasury said the spike in non-tax revenues lifted the state’s overall revenue collection in November, allowing it to grow by 2.82 percent year-on-year to P340.4 billion from P331.1 bil-

lion last year.

The tripling of the non-tax revenues on an annual basis offset the almost 9 percent decline in tax revenues during the reference month, based on BTr data.

Non-tax revenues, led by the Treasury, rose by 218.1 percent to P54.4 billion from P17.1 billion last year. Meanwhile, state tax earnings fell by P27.9 billion to P286 billion from P314 billion in November of last year.

“As a result, the cumulative collection for the 11-month period rose by 8.75 percent [P286.7 billion] to P3.564 trillion [year-on-year] while representing 95.58 percent of the P3.729 trillion full-year target,” the Treasury said.

“Of the YTD collection, 89.28 percent [P3.182 trillion] was generated through taxes with the remaining 10.72 percent coming from non-tax sources,” it added.

PUJ BLOC GETS NO IMMEDIATE RELIEF VS. DEC. 31 DEADLINE

By Joel R. San Juan

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@jrsanjuan1573

UBLIC utilit y jeepney ( PUJ ) o p e r ator s a nd transport groups have failed to get immediate relief from the Supreme Court against the December 31 deadline imposed by the government for the full implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Instead, the SC has given the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) an opportunity to justify the constitutionality of their various administrative issuances that would pave the way for the eventual phaseout of jeepneys from the roads.

In an order issued Thursday, the Court ordered respondents DOTr and LTFRB to comment within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice on the petition for certiorari and prohibition with urgent application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary injunction. The petition was filed against them by PUJ operators and transport groups, led by PISTON. The petitioners

have asked the SC to immediately enjoin the respondents from implementing DOTr Order No. 207-011 (Omnibus Guidelines on the Planning and Identification of Public Road Transportation Services and Franchise Issuance; LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2018-008 (Consolidation of Franchise Holders in Compliance with DO No. 20711); LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2020-084 (Extension of Time to File Application for Consolidation Pursuant to Industry Consolidation of PUVMP); LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2021021 (Guidelines for the Issuance of Provisional Authority to Units of Individual Operators with Pending Application for Consolidation and those that Failed to File an Application for Consolidation pursuant to DO No. 207-11; LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2023-047 (Guidelines for the Acceptance of Application for Consolidations); and LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2023051 (Allowing Operations of Consolidated Transport Services Entities in All Routes with Filed Applications for Consolidation on or before December 31, 2023).

DOTr eyeing Feb. 15 for ₧171-B Naia deal award

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

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@lorenzmarasigan

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to award the P170.6-billion Naia Privatization deal by February 15, according to a ranking government official.

Tra nspor t at ion Spokesma n

Timothy Batan said following Wednesday’s opening of bids, from which all four offers were found to be “complete,” the agency will now undertake the detailed evaluation of the qualification documents for a period of no longer than 10 days from bid submission date.

See “DOTr,” A2

See “PUJ,” A2

See “Budget,” A2

PESO exchange rates n US 55.6550 n japan 0.3924 n UK 71.2328 n HK 7.1262 n CHINA 7.7905 n singapore 42.1661 n australia 38.0847 n EU 61.8160 n KOREA 0.0431 n SAUDI arabia 14.8414 Source: BSP (December 28, 2023)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, December 29, 2023

PHL voters moving toward neutrality–PAHAYAG poll

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HE Philippine electorate is moving towards political neutrality, as gleaned from the results of the PAHAYAG End of Year (P-EOY2023) Survey, which shed light on the evolving political sentiments in the Philippines.

The trend was noted as PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. unveiled the results of its survey conducted nationwide from November 29-December 4, 2023. This indicated a noteworthy shift in proadministration sentiment, which has declined from 50 percent in PQ3-2022 to 46 percent in PQ4-2023.

At the same time, anti-administration sentiment remained stable at 18 percent, while those adopting a neutral stance increased from 30 percent to 36 percent during the same period.

“Economic concerns, including price inflation, joblessness, low wages, and a perceived lack of productivity,

emerge as driving factors behind the changing political landscape. These issues, left unaddressed by the administration, have prompted a notable migration of pro-administration voters towards neutrality,” explained Publicus Asia in its press report shared with media outlets on Thursday.

“In regional breakdowns, the National Capital Region [NCR] witnessed a significant drop in pro-administration sentiment from 49 percent to 33 percent, while Mindanao and North-Central Luzon [NCL] experienced declines of 51 percent and 49 percent, respectively. Notably, neutral sentiments increased across regions, indicating a shift towards non-partisanship,” it added.

The survey “also illustrated the stability of the overall pro-opposition sentiment at 21 percent from PQ32022 to PQ4-2023. In contrast, antiopposition sentiment has decreased

from 40 percent to 32 percent, with a notable increase in neutral sentiments from 42 percent to 47 percent.

The Duterte effect persists, with the Opposition Party grappling with discreditation from the previous administration.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Publicus shared results of its PAHAYAG survey focusing on leading names in the next senatorial race, with former President Rodrigo Duterte topping it, followed by ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo.

In the part of the survey focusing on political sentiments, as released Thursday, it showed that “regionally, pro-opposition support remained relatively stable, experiencing marginal increases in NCR, NCL, and Mindanao.

Anti-opposition sentiment declined across all regions, showcasing a shift towards neutrality, according to Publicus. “The proportion of Filipino voters adopting a neutral stance

towards the opposition has notably increased in NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao.”

PAHAYAG 2023 End of the Year Survey (P-EOY2023), conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., is an independent and non-commissioned survey. The survey period was from 29 November to 04 December 2023 using purposive sampling composed of 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with multinational presence.

T he sample was restr icted to registered Filipino voters maintained by PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence.

Butch Fernandez

Budget…

cor income.

“This pushed BTr cumulative revenue to P216.3 billion, surpassing the level registered in the equivalent period last year by 45.96 percent [P68.1 billion],” the Treasury said.

“Moreover, BTr’s YTD performance has more than tripled the P58.3 billion 2023 full-year program fueled by higher dividend remittances, interest income from BTr’s managed funds and

NG [national government] deposits, NG share from Pagcor [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.] and Miaa [Manila International Airport Authority] profit, and government service income,” the Treasury added.

Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) declined on an annual basis in November.

The BIR’s earnings dropped 11.34 percent to P210.2 billion from P237.1 billion, while BOC’s revenue collection fell 2.69 percent to P73.7 billion from P75.7 billion, based on BTr data.

Despite the declines in November, the year-to-date revenue collections of both bureaus remained higher compared to the amount they posted last year.

The BIR’s January to November collection performance reached P2.342 trillion, 8.64 percent over last year's P2.156 trillion. Meanwhile, the BOC has posted P812 billion in revenues during the 11-month period, 2.88 percent higher than last year's P789.2 billion.

The Treasury said the BIR's yearto-date revenue collection is already 88.77 percent of its programmed collection of P2.639 trillion this year.

The BOC's performance, meanwhile, is already 92.89 percent of its P874.2 billion revenue target for the year, the Treasury added.

BTr data also showed that the national government's expenditures in November fell by 4.69 percent to P433.6 billion from P455 billion last year.

The Treasury attributed the decline to “lower National Tax Allotment shares of LGUs, lower direct payments made by development partners for the foreign-assisted rail transport projects of the Department of Transportation.”

The Treasury added that “different timing or schedule of big-ticket disbursements” in the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Social Welfare and Development contributed to the lower public spending.

“On the other hand, the total disbursements as of the end of November grew by 3.59 percent or P162.1 billion to P4.675 trillion and is at 89.42 percent of the 2023 program,” it said.

The Treasury said the state's primary expenditures [net of interest payments] stood at P385.1 billion in November, about 10.21 percent lower than the P428.9 billion recorded in the same month of last year.

“Meanwhile, the cumulative primary spending of P4.108 trillion as of the end of November notched a 1.32-percent or P53.7-billion improvement from a year ago,” it added.

In terms of interest payments, the state tallied P48.5 billion in November, 86.06 percent higher than the P26.1 billion recorded a year ago, based on BTr data.

“Net of interest payments, NG’s primary deficit for November stood at P44.7 billion, posting a [year-on-year] decrease of 54.31 percent or P53.1 billion,” the Treasury said.

“The YTD primary deficit consequently declined to P543.5 billion, 30.01 percent [P233.0 billion] lower than the P776.5 billion primary deficit incurred in the previous year,” it added.

Continued from A1

The surge in the Treasury’s income to P41.5 billion in November from P5.3 billion last year was driven by higher dividend remittances and national government’s share from Pag-

BIR, BOC collections dip

Meanwhile, Treasury data showed that both revenue collections by the Bureau of Internal

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PUJ… Continued from A1

The said issuances lay down the processes for the mandatory consolidation of individual operators under transport cooperatives and corporations and the issuance of new franchises in favor of such entities as part of the PUVMP. The LTFRB has announced that PUVMP will be enforced starting January 1, 2024, and that all existing franchises of PUJs would be cancelled.

It added that it has started working with local government units (LGUs) to assist commuters as the government shifts to the next phase of the PUVMP after December 31, 2023.

“The respondents DOTr and LTFRB were ordered to personally file with the Court and personally serve on the petitioners their respective comments.

The Court also directed the Process Serving Unit of the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc to personally serve the Court’s Order on the parties,” the SC said in a statement issued through its Public Information Office (PIO).

Aside from PISTON, the other petitioners in the case are Bayan Muna Partylist Coordinator Gaylord Despuez, PARA-Advocates for Inclusive Transport member Edrich Samonte, No to PUV Phaseout Coalition of Panay member Elmer Forro, and Kmyut spokesperson Ma. Flora Cerna.

Overly broad, unconstitutional The petitioners stressed that the orders and circulars are overly broad and

DOTr… Continued from A1

He noted that the bids and awards committee “reserves the right to seek clarification from any bidder on the form and contents of the qualification documents.”

Five days later, Batan explained, the agency will announce the “results of the detailed qualification documents evaluation” and will also reveal the “opening date of the technical proposals of the qualified bidders.”

The technical proposals will then be opened on January 15.

“We will be inviting all of the bidders to attend and witness the opening of the technical proposals,” he said.

The agency will then evaluate the proposals for 20 days to February 4. A day after, it will announce the technical proposals that pass the evaluation.

“We will also announce the opening date for the financial proposals which is currently scheduled on February 7, tentatively,” Batan said.

By Valentine’s Day, the results of the financial evaluation will be announced.

“On February 15, we are targeting to issue the notice of award,” Batan said, adding that the government will require the winning bidder to submit post-award requirements by March 6.

The agency will then evaluate the compliance with the post-award requirements.

It targets to sign the concession agreement on March 15.

“There [are] up to 180 days to complete the conditions precedent to O&M start date and that is September 11,” Batan said.

Four consortia joined Wednesday’s bidding for the Naia deal: Manila International Airport Consortium, Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airports Consortium and SMC-SAP and Co. Consortium.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista explained that “today completeness of documentary requirements submitted by the bidders will be reviewed by BAC. After 10 days, the technical qualifications will be reviewed.”

Manila International Airport Consortium

Fil-Chinese…

Continued from A1

As a young girl, Michelle recalled she thought that being a beauty queen just required walking in gowns. Later, she realized that a beauty contest is an effective platform that can make a difference.

The De La Salle University alumna added that she could take advantage of it to support her advocacies such as autism awareness and inclusivity, pointing out that her two siblings are on the autism spectrum. “I knew I could take advantage of support for my lifetime advocacy on the autism spectrum since my two siblings belong

infringe the constitutional freedom of association as these issuances force the drivers and operators to join an organization or cooperative.

They added that the circulars are oppressive, overreaching and confiscatory as it will have a damaging impact on the livelihood of the drivers and operators, and even the commuters.

The petitioners also argued that the orders and circulars were issued in excess of DOTr and LTFRB’s authority considering that the implementation of PUVMP is not backed by a law passed

by Congress.

On the other hand, commuters argued that prohibiting about 68,000 jeepneys from plying their route next year will result in longer lines, longer wait and even inability of commuters to get transport to their work.

This developed as the National Union of People’s Lawyers and Bayan Muna on Thursday filed a similar petition calling for the SC to immediately issue an injunction to enjoin the implementation of the assailed issuances of the respondents.

“This unreasonable and baseless policy is the respondents’ desperate attempt to cover up [their] haphazard and botched implementation of the subject department order and circulars, just so it can stand by its deadline for consolidation on December 31, 2023.

This is simply arbitrary and capricious thereby violating the equal protection clause,” the petitioners said.

As this developed, two groups were reported to be filing at about 4 p.m. also on Thursday, December 28, a motion reiterating the plea for TRO in the PUVMP.

is composed of GIP EM MIAC Pte. Ltd, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Inc., Alliance Global Infracorp Development Inc., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Holdings Corp.

Meanwhile, Asian Infrastructure and Management Corp., Cosco Capital Inc., Philippine Skylanders International Inc., and PT Angkasa Pura II make up the Asian Airport Consortium.

GMR Airports Consortium is a partnership among GMR Airports International BV, Cavitex Holdings Inc., and House of Investments Inc. Lastly, SMC-SAP and Co. Consortium consists of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp.

The government stuck to its December 27 deadline for the submission of bids despite the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) recommendation to extend the auction by a month.

The Naia Privatization Project is a Rehabilitate-Operate-Expand-Transfer (ROET) deal led by the DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa).

Under the terms of reference for the deal, the winning consortium shall provide an upfront payment of P30 billion to the government as premium and another P2 billion in annuity payments.

It is also required to remit a certain percentage of the revenues to the government. This will be the main bid parameter for the auction—the higher the proposed share of the government in the Naia’s revenues are, the better.

The concession was initially set for 15 years with an option to extend by 10 years as long as the concessionaire is “not in flagrant violation of the concession agreement.”

The Naia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project seeks to rehabilitate and expand the current three-terminal gateway in Manila.

Once completed, its capacity shall be expanded from 35 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 62 MMPA. Reportedly, some industry stakeholders are questioning the law that will govern the bidding, as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code took effect on December 23, overriding the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) Law. to that group,” she said.

Michelle credited her personal growth to the Chinese upbringing courtesy of her her grandmother Regina Dee, from whom she learned the value of giving back and making sure that she can bring positive change to many people by establishing the Inner Peace Foundation. Meanwhile, Derek her father is active in promoting his advocacy on Hepatitis C. “What I see them doing with the platforms that they have, and that's something that I believe resonates throughout the whole Filipino-Chinese community—that we should be able to use what we have to create a better environment not just for those around us but for a greater community,” Michelle said.

Friday, December 29, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Public told: Watch out for falling debris from China space rocket

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HE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed the launch of the Long March 3B rocket of the People’s Republic of China and advised the public about potential risks it may incur to ships, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through Rozul Reef and Ayungin Shoal, the identified drop zone of the debris.

In its website, PhilSA reported that the expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones, approximately 68 nautical miles (NM) away from Rozul Reef and 116 NM away from Ayungin Shoal.

According to PhilSA, Long March 3B was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China around 11:26 a.m. on December 26, 2023.

The details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a notice to airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.”

PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities before the launch.

Aside from the falling debris, PhilSA also advised the public that there is still the possibility that the remaining rocket debris may float around the area and may wash toward the nearby coasts in the future, appealing to the public to contact local authorities if suspected debris is sighted.

Moreover, PhilSA also warned the public against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials as they may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. Jonathan L. Mayuga

AFP chief Brawner among ‘Gawad Pilipino’ awardees

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RMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. was lauded for his “exceptional sense of bravery, love, and service” to the country and people and hailed as one of the Heroes of the Year awardee in the 2023 “Gawad Pilipino” held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday, December 27.

Gawad Pilipino recognizes individuals for their excellence, passion, and work ethic that affect Philippine culture, tradition, and society.

“It is an honor to be bestowed this distinction among these remarkable individuals. The ‘Gawad Pilipino’ award’s Hero of the Year celebrates these individuals’ bravery, resilience, selflessness, unwavering commitment, and dedication to a cause larger than oneself—the welfare of our countrymen and the security of our nation,” Brawner said.

This year’s “Duyan ka ng Magiting” event hallmarks the awardees’ positive impact to Filipinos amid challenges and crises.

Rex Anthony Naval

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LGUs reminded to strictly enforce ordinances vs harmful firecrackers

By Rex Anthony Naval & Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

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ITH the New Year’s Eve revelry just a few days, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos on Wednesday urged all local government units (LGU) to strictly enforce their ordinances concerning the use of harmful firecrackers in their respective communities.

Abalos said that this is to ensure the safety of their communities, and lessen if not totally eliminate, pyrotechnics-related injuries prior to and during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Based on DILG data, there were at least 1,210 LGUs that already have ordinances banning the use of harmful firecrackers in their respective localities.

“Let us see to it that these ordinances [regarding harmful firecrackers] be implemented properly. Let us put teeth into these ordinances,” Abalos said in Filipino.

This, as he commended the 35 LGUs that have complied with his recent call to pass ordinances on

the same, saying that this will ensure a safe and injury-free celebrations for their constituents.

Abalos said to attain their target of safe and injury-free festivities, LGUs must see to it that the provisions of the said ordinances are implemented down to the grassroots level.

Of the 1,210 LGUs that already have firecracker ordinances, Region 1 has 94; Region 2 with 84; Cordillera Administrative Region with 56; and Region 3 with 108.

Also, National Capital Region has 17; Calabarzon with 126; Mimaropa with 67; Region 5 with 63; Region 6 with 102; Region 7 with 91; Region 8 with 127; Region 9 with 66; Region 10 with 86; Region 11 with 23; Region 12 with 37; and Region 13 with 63.

According to the Philippine National Police, the list of prohibited firecrackers includes, among others, five Star, pla-pla, piccolo, goodbye Philippines, goodbye bading, giant bawang, watusi, atomic triangle, Judas’ belt, super Yolanda, super Lolo, and coke-in-can.

Latest injury figures

THE Department of Health (DOH)

on Thursday reported 13 new fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) as of Thursday, December 28, which include the first firework ingestion case involving a four-yearold boy from Calabarzon, who accidentally swallowed watusi at home.

Of the new cases, with age ranging from 5 to 49 years old, only five (42 percent) were due to illegal fireworks. Twelve of these new cases occurred at home and in the streets.

There are now 88 FWRI overall, with three out of every 10 cases coming from National Capital Region (NCR) (31, 35 percent).

Following NCR in rank as to the number of cases are Central Luzon (11, 12 percent), Ilocos Region (10, 11 percent), Bicol Region (5, 6 percent), Davao Region (5, 6 percent), and Soccsksargen (5, 6 percent).

Ninety-6 percent happened at home and in the streets, mostly by males with active involvement.

The top-ranking identified f i rework s t h at c au se a l most seven out of every 10 (68 percent) FWRIs are boga, five-star, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla, whistle bomb, and luces.

Illegal fireworks like boga,

kwitis, 5-Star, piccolo, and pla-pla are to blame for about six out of every 10 cases (52, 59 percent).

Ingestion leads to death

THE DOH noted that children often mistake watusi for candy due to their size and color.

“Do not buy or allow any watusi to be at your home,” the DOH reminded, as the released first aid remedies in cases when watusi is ingested: n Do not induce vomiting; n Children may be given 6 to 8 raw egg whites; for adults, 8 to 12 raw egg whites. n Bring the patient immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room. n If caught in the eye: Immediately wash with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Seek immediate medical assistance; n If skin is affected: Immediately wash affected areas with plenty of clean water; n Remove contaminated clothing (make sure it is washed before re-use); n If inhaled: Let the patient breathe in clean and fresh air; keep him/her comfortable. Seek urgent medical assistance.

A4

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, December 29, 2023

PPA chief vows port improvements as PHL bounces back on global cruise tourism map

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

A

@lorenzmarasigan

FTER a challenging period caused by the pandemic, the Philippines is back on the international cruise tourism map, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said with the country recently being named “Best Cruise Destination in Asia,” more international cruise ships have returned to the picturesque shores of the Philippine islands.

He said during this holiday season, the Port of Coron in Palawan witnessed a visit by the MV AidaBella, a cruise ship operated

by Aida Cruises from Germany.

On Christmas Day, MV AidaBella carried 1,994 German tourists and over 600 Filipino, Indian, and German crewmembers, visiting world renowned attractions

such as Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, the Twin Lagoons, and other captivating island destinations.

The Port of Coron has undergone substantial renovations, and it is now capable of accommodating up to 900 individuals in its passenger terminal area, a significant increase from the previous capacity of 250 passengers.

“It is good that the passengers can now experience again the warmth of the Filipino culture and the hospitality of the people receiving them. From the ports upon arrival, we make sure they are given the proper treatment

and we make sure that they are welcomed warmly in our newly improved passenger terminals,” Santiago said.

For 2023, the PPA recorded “more than 80,000 cruise ship passengers” visiting the Philippines.

Santiago noted that recent experience of mishandling cruise passengers at the Port of Manila had led to more stringent qualification requirements and training for tourism frontliners and service providers at ports.

Earlier this month, the PPA suspended the ship MV Norwegian Jewel and cruise agents, Ben Line Agencies and TravelPeople Ltd., of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), following the reported chaotic disembarkation of the liner’s cruise passengers who arrived last November 30 in Manila.

Cruise passenger Nelson Terible detailed on Facebook his account of their arrival at Pier 15, South Harbor aboard the MV Norwegian Jewel on November 30.

He noted the lack of porters, cramped conditions at the passenger terminal, and disorderly checking of travel documents by

government authorities, including unscrupulous individuals preying on foreign tourists trying to get a ride from the port’s parking area.

“Our recent painful experience in the mishandling of cruise passengers at the Port of Manila has taught us that the training and selection of tourism frontliners together with private service providers, especially at our ports have to be made with very stringent qualification requirements and experience since they are the first Filipinos which foreign tourists encounter upon their arrival. The successful reception of MV AidaBella has brought us back on track in spite of the recent distraction at the Port of Manila,” Santiago explained.

The PPA chief pledged to develop additional cruise terminals in strategic locations near popular tourism destinations, including Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, Palawan, and Puerto Galera.

These developments are expected to complement existing cruise terminals in ports such as Currimao in Ilocos Norte, Salomague in Ilocos Sur, Manila, Bohol, and El Nido, Palawan.

PBBM upgrades two state colleges, adds five new medicine programs

By Patrick V. Miguel

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RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law seven legislative measures directed to improve seven higher education institutions (HEI) in different provinces in the Philippines.

Both the San Isidro Satellite campus of Leyte Normal University (LNU) and the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU)-Bagac Extension Campus are converted

into regular campuses, now known as LNU-San Isidro Campus and BPSU-Bagac Campus, respectively.

The conversion of both campuses was granted by Republic Act No. 11968 and 11969 in the San Isidro and Bataan campuses, respectively.

Marcos also signed laws establishing colleges of medicine in Benguet State University and Southern Luzon State University through RA 11970 and 11971, in that order.

Moreover, the President also signed RA 11972 for the University of Eastern Philippines-College of Medicine, and RA 11974 for the Visayas State University-College of Medicine.

This means that the universities can now offer a Doctor of Medicine program, including an Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program.

The recent laws are also a response to the human resource development needs of their respective provinces.

Go seeks to bridge PHL health-care gaps with newly signed Regional Specialty Centers law

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ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of the newly enacted Republic Act No. 11959, a critical measure signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last August.

RA 11959 mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers throughout the country to enhance the accessibility of specialized medical services for Filipinos.

Go, in a statement, emphasized the need for the law, stating, “As the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the measure together with no less than Senate President Migz Zubiri, I have long recognized the need to bring specialized medical services to more poor and indigent Filipino patients, most of them living outside Metro Manila where

most, if not all, of our national specialty centers are found.”

The law also seeks to decentralize the availability of specialized medical services, traditionally concentrated in the capital city, and distribute them to Department of Health (DOH) hospitals in every region.

Highlighting the urgency and the expected benefits of this move, Go remarked, “In doing so, we will be bringing essential specialty medical services closer to our people, particularly the hopeless, helpless, and those who have no one to turn to except the government.”

“The Regional Specialty Centers will also help decongest our existing national specialty centers, such as the National Center for Mental

Health in Mandaluyong City, the Philippine Heart Center, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City,” he added.

This initiative is part of a multiyear plan, with the government planning to set up Regional Specialty Centers across various regions within the next five years. While there are already existing specialty centers in select major hospitals across the country, this law aims to ensure that each region has its own specialty centers tailored to meet the specific healthcare needs of its local population.

These Regional Specialty Centers will provide a wide range of services including cardiovascular care, renal care and transplant services, lung care, cancer treatment, brain and

Marcos also signed into law R A 11973, establishing the Bicol University-College of Veterinary Medicine in Ligao City, Albay to produce professional veterinary physicians who are adept in the treatment of animal diseases, including terrestrial and aquatic animals.

Marcos signed the new laws on December 20, which will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation.

spine care, neonatal care, burn treatment, geriatric care, trauma care, eye care, mental health services, dermatological care, toxicology, an orthopedic center, physical rehabilitation medicine, and treatment for infectious diseases and tropical medicine.

For many Filipinos, especially the indigent, seeking specialized medical care often means traveling long distances to major cities like Manila, incurring significant travel and living expenses.

The new law promises to alleviate these burdens by bringing medical services closer to those in need.

One of the concerns raised about the new law was whether it would face challenges in funding and implementation.

Addressing this, Go emphasized the importance of sustainable and adequate funding to ensure that the Regional Specialty Centers law will be properly implemented.

Govt urged to provide youth access to training, education

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H E chairman of the House of Representatives’ labor and employment committee urged the government to provide accessible avenues for the youth to equip themselves with extra skills amid an increasingly competitive labor market.

“As we commemorate Rizal Day, I hope we will be reminded of the power of education, and how it can help our youth tackle the challenges of the future,” Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles said in a news statement.

“On the part of the government, I hope that we provide more accessible avenues for our youth so they can avail of extra training and constantly improve themselves so their chances of being hired for jobs can also increase,” he added.

The Rizal lawmaker highlighted how critical the national hero’s education was in his empowerment, and how the government can step in to create “new Rizals for the

new generation.”

“If we want more of our youth to be like Rizal, we must provide the opportunities for them to be able to harness their skills and discover new ones,” Nograles said.

Amid the challenges presented by the climate crisis and artificial intelligence on employment trends, the Harvard-trained lawyer emphasized the need to make the youth “future-ready.”

“Kailangang handa ang kabataan hindi lang sa mga hamon ng kasalukuyan, kundi pati sa hinaharap. Kaya mahalaga na tulungan sila ng pamahalaan na maging ‘future-proof ’ ang mga kaalaman at kahusayan nila,” he said.

“Umaasa tayo na magkaroon ng mga partnership sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at mga institusyon at pribadong sektor para mabigyan ng kinakailangang training at kalinangan ang kabataan,” Nograles added.

House okays bill raising teachers’ supplies allowance–Villafuerte

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HE Congress is near writing a new l aw bu mping up the teaching supplies’ a l lo w a nc e of s ome 8 0 0,0 0 0 public school teachers, according to Camarines Sur Rep. LR ay Vi l l a f uer te.

This developed as the House of Represent at ives approved on third and final reading earlier this December the proposed Teaching Supplies Allowance Act, which seeks to raise the supplies allowance of public elementary and secondary teachers from the current P5,000 to P10,000, said the lawmker.

Villafuerte added the Senate passed its version of this measure earlier this year.

Before going on their fiveweek yearend break starting December 14, lawmakers passed by a 247-0 vote House Bill (HB) 9682, which Speaker Martin Romualdez said was in recognition of the “selfless service of our educators” and to “advance the welfare of public school teachers.”

From the annual P5,000 allowance, the House-approved bill will raise it to P7,500 for School Year (SY) 2024-2025, and to P10,000 later.

The higher allowance will be included in the outlay of the Department of Education (DepEd) under the annual General Appropriations Act (GA A).

Last May 2023, the Senate approved its counterpart measure, Senate Bill (SB) No. 1964, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which proposes the same amount of supplies allowance for teachers.

The allowance can be used to acquire tangible or intangible teaching supplies and materials, pay incidental expenses, and implement various learning delivery modes.

HB 9682 had consolidated 17 measures, including HB 1849

that Villafuerte had authored w it h Representat ives Mig uel Luis Villafuerte and Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata.

Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan also co-authored the consolidated bill.

In their version of the bill, the CamSur solons noted that one of the sectors that have severely suffered during the pandemic is education, and that “with the closure of schools, students and teachers were forced to resort to alternative learning methods to ensure continuity of learners’ education. This predicament has compelled our teachers, especially those in public basic education, to shoulder additional expenses for internet connectivity, electronic gadgets, and other necessary materials, among other concerns.”

T hey recalled that recognizing this teachers’ predicament, t he D e pE d a nd DBM i s s ue d Joi nt C i rc u l a r No. 2 i mple ment ing Specia l Prov ision No. 11 in t he 2021 GA A on c a sh a l lowa nce for sc hoolteac hers in ba sic educ at ion.

Joint Circular 2 entitled teachers to each get a maximum P5,000 cash allowance for the purchase of teaching materials and supplies as well as for the expenses they incur on internet connection, communications and their annual medical examination.

However, the said circular only covered an allowance for a limited duration for public school teachers who were still enduring the continued effects of the pandemic, according to the bill authors.

Hence, their proposal to provide added financial relief to public school teachers by making this temporary allowance a permanent one, and with a provision for a steady increase in amount over the succeeding SYs.

DOH-Davao aims to activate HIV treatment center in every province

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox

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AVAO CITY—The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here said it would be putting up a treatment facility for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in each province in the Davao Region, a Philippine Information Agency news dispatch said.

Maria Theresa Requillo, the HIV and AIDS regional program coordinator, said the plan was to ensure that more people with HIV would be able to access the antiretroviral drugs that delay the onset of the dreaded Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The Davao Region has enough stocks of the free antiretroviral drugs but so far only Davao City and Tagum City has the HIV treatment facilities from which the drugs are dispensed with.

“Our dr ugs are ver y much enough. We have no problem as our HIV treatment facilities are dynamic,” the PIA report said, quoting Requillo.

She said the stocks are adequate despite the increasing number of patients. “There is monthly inventory for as long as there is regular communication with the central office,” she said “The antiretroviral drugs are free and coming from the Department of Health and only available at the HIV treatment facilities,” she added.

She said the facilities are located in the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City and the Davao Region Medical Center in Tagum City in Davao del Norte. Two more facilities are the designated treatment centers and

all are in Davao City. These are City Health Office through its Reproduction Health and Wellness Center and Davao Doctors Hospital.

She said the DOH would open new facilities in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro “so the drugs can be more accessible for people with HIV and AIDS.” The DOH said the region has 700 people diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS from January to August this year alone, with 85 new cases in August. Since the national monitoring registry was started in 1993, the region has listed 6,736 HIV/AIDS cases already.

The PIA also quoted Nemfa C. Adorable, member of the SPMC HIV and AIDS Core Team, as saying the Philippines registered the fastest growth of HIV-AIDS reactive cases in Asia.

“In the entire Asia, we are the highest and the fastest. We rose up 411 percentage. In the past, 22 would be reactive; now it’s 50 a day,” Adorable said.

Health authorities estimated the actual number of infected persons to be higher by as much as ten-fold due to the hesitance of infected persons to seek treatment for fear of social stigma.

However, the DOH would advise patients to register and assuring them of confidentiality of their identity.

She said there are many kinds of antiretroviral drugs now and their efficacy may be determined only after the doctors would have taken the baseline health information of the patient. “That is why newly diagnosed patients must undergo baseline laboratory tests.”

The drug is taken orally once daily, the DOH said.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph | Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Friday, December 29, 2023

200 ‘mujahideen scholars’ complete tech-voc courses

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

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AVAO CITY—The Bangsamoro technical skills agency graduated last week 200 former fighters of both Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to help the former combatants adapt to the mainstream society.

The two revolutionary fronts have separately signed peace treaties with government, the MNLF in 1996 and the MILF in 2014.

The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) announced it has graduated the “mujahideen scholars” from various short vocational and technical courses.

The scholars received P10,000 worth of tool kits, a training allowance of between P7,000 and P8,000, and a sole proprietorship grant of P20,000.

Samra Abdullah, 25, from Libutan, Mamasapano Maguindanao Del Sur, and a cookery graduate, said the training opened an avenue to start a business.

“I learned a lot in this program that I can apply at work. It was a privilege to be part of these

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

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SIDE from causing air and noise pollution and threatening life and limb, loud firecracker explosions during the New Year Eve revelry traumatize your beloved cats and dogs.

As such, the groups EcoWaste Coalition and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) urged the general public to welcome the New Year without lighting hazardous firecrackers and fireworks.

In an “Iwas Paputoxic” event held at the premises of SM North in Quezon City, the two groups put the spotlight on the adverse effects of lighting firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to humans’ feline and canine friends, and on humans themselves, including the environment.

As part of the event, fur parents together with their pets paraded through the mall with placards carrying messages exhorting the public to celebrate responsibly without the loud bangs and flashes of light from exploding firecrackers and fireworks, which can be very frightening and stressful for cats and dogs.

“The exploding noise from firecrackers and other pyrotechnics is torture to animals like cats and dogs who have a very keen sense of hearing. It brings about a terrified response from many dogs and they could sustain serious and even fatal injuries just trying to

After drawing flak, Neda insists lower food tariffs help Filipinos Continued from A14 “Ang mga taga-Neda na lang ang naniniwala sa biyayang dulot ng unlimited imports at benevolence ng importers [It is only those in Neda who still believe in the benefits of unlimited imports and the benevolence of importers],” it said.

“It is this mindset of ‘importation as the only solution’ that has put us in this dire situation,” it added.

The group challenged the administration on the benefits of extending the lower tariff rates, arguing that prices of commodities did not drop in the past three years under the reduced tariff regime.

Citing its own price monitoring, Sinag said the price of well-milled rice in 2021 ranged between P40 and P42 per kilogram while it is now ranging from P48 to P54 per kilogram.

Sinag added that prices of pork liempo were between P230 and P250 per kilogram last 2021, but are now at P360 to P400 per kilogram.

“Who really benefited from the lower tariffs? Worse, we’ve lost billions in foregone revenues, further crippling the capacity of the government to provide public support to the agriculture sector,” it said.

“Countries that have relied on their own capacity to produce food have not been impacted by any new developments in the global market,” it added.

PHOTO shows some of the 200 “mujahidin scholars” during graduation rites at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

achievements because it gives me knowledge and skills as needed in cookery,” Abdullah said.

“We’ve seen the unwavering efforts of the current government, they still prioritize the needs of youth and are vulnerable in grassroots

areas, especially for those who have been at the forefront of the conflict,” she added.

The scholars were either stationed or reside in the 10 camps of the MILF and MNLF and had been members of the Bangsa Moro Army, the armed

wing of the MNLF or the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Force, the armed wing of the MILF. The camps were supposed to be transformed into active economic zones or areas under their separate peace agreements.

Their vocational and technical trainings were wrapped up on December 19 during their graduation at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in Cotabato City.

The graduates underwent training under the flagship program of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) called Positive Peace Project (3Peace), the MBHTE-TESD said in a statement.

It said the 3Peace program “aims to produce former young combatants who are trained and capacitated in socioeconomic aspects ensuring their positive reintegration to become productive members of society.”

BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong said the project would transform the lives of mujahideen along with their families and become part of lasting peace and development.

“Our aim is not merely to reintegrate 200 young individuals into society, but to empower them as catalysts for positive change. We are focusing on viable socioeconomic opportunities, leadership development, technical-vocational skills, and entrepreneurship across 10 camps of MILF and MNLF in the region,” Macasalong said.

Firecrackers and fireworks harmful to pets, too–groups get away from the deafening noise. There is usually an increase in reports of lost pets during the first week of January due precisely to pets escaping from the confines of their homes during New Year’s Eve after being spooked by firecrackers,” said Anna Cabrera, Executive Director, PAWS. “The situation is even worse for strays who often find themselves with no safe space to hide in.”

“Aside from the ear-splitting noise, smoke inhaled from detonated firecrackers may cause anxiety, disorientation, loss of appetite, and an upset stomach for our furry companions. What is worse is if they accidentally eat remnants of the firecrackers as this will result in gastrointestinal problems—symptoms of which could be abdominal pain, blood diarrhea and vomiting,” she added.

The “Iwas Paputoxic” event also raised concern over the toxic pollution brought about by exploding firecrackers and fireworks, especially on New Year’s Eve. “The air quality can reach hazardous levels due to the massive use of firecrackers and fireworks before and during the revelry. This can put the health of children, senior citizens and those with pre-existing medical conditions at grave risk as exposure to particulate matter and other toxic environmental pollutants can trigger or

worsen respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, and sinusitis,” said Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, environmental health specialist, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.

Among these pollutants are greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide, which contribute to global warming and climate change.

“Cats and dogs, humans, and the ecosystems would be better off without injurious and polluting firecrackers and fireworks,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We therefore encourage everyone to think twice before spending hard-earned money for toxic firecrackers and fireworks, which are better used for essential needs like food on the table. Pera para sa paputok ay sa pagkain na lang itutok.”

PAWS and the EcoWaste Coalition provided fur parents with these practical tips to make the New Year celebrations safe for their pet cats and dogs: 1. Walk or take your pets for a run or physical activity before it gets dark so they will be tired by night time and will be soundly sleeping by the time the revelry begins.

2. Keep pets inside to avoid them becoming

stressed or exposed to loud explosions and toxic fumes.

Never chain or tie them outside your home.

3. Escape-proof your home to prevent pets from going out during the revelry. Make sure they have a collar with a tag indicating the pet owner’s details.

4. Make pets pee or poo before the revelry starts, and give them ready access to water.

5. Provide a quiet and safe spot where pets can stay during the revelry; shut the windows, pull the curtains

A5

BI agents arrest Israeli man for using fake PHL passport

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N overstaying Israeli man attempting to leave the country by presenting a spurious Philippine passport was intercepted in Pasay City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Thursday.

Citing a report from the BI Border Control and Intelligence Unit (BCIU), Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the 28-year-old Israeli national of Philippine descent, was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 where he was supposed to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Denpasar, Indonesia on December 27.

BI-BCIU overall Deputy Chief Joseph Cueto said after presenting himself to the immigration officer at the BI counter for departure formalities, the man handed over a Philippine passport, which turned out to be fake as evidenced by the glaring irregularities immediately noticeable on the passport’s bio-page.

“When asked by the immigration officer how and where he obtained the said passport, the passenger readily admitted that he procured it from a fixer for a fee of P10,000,” Cueto said.

Upon verification with the BI’s forensic documents laboratory, it was confirmed that the document is counterfeit.

Tansingco warned would-be travelers not to accept offers from fixers.

“The use of these spurious passports will no longer work as immigration officers are trained and adept in detecting fraudulent travel documents,” the BI chief said.

The man is currently detained at the BI’s facility in Bicutan, Taguig. PNA

down, and play soft music inside your home.

6. Turn on the television if this will help mask the noise of the firecrackers outside and if you think your pet prefers the sound of the TV over other loud noises.

7. Act as normal and as calm as possible even while the explosions are at their worst so that your pets will take a cue from your behavior—that there is nothing to be alarmed about. Fussing over your pet may have the effect of increasing their tendency to panic.

8. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your pet drops of “rescue remedy” or calming edible drops on their favorite treat (available in organic pet supply stores) ahead of time. Buy or make an anxiety vest for dogs that have an extreme fear or trauma response to firecrackers.

9. Keep alcoholic drinks, chocolate, fruitcake, nuts, shopping bags, tobacco products, and cleaning agents out of the pet’s reach to prevent choking and poisoning incidents.

10. Give stray animals a haven in your garage if you have the space—provide temporary shelter, food, and water, especially during the revelry.

Friday, December 29, 2023

A6

TheWorld BusinessMirror

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

US announces new weapons package for Ukraine, as funds dwindle and Congress stalled on aid bill

By Lolita C. Baldor

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The Associated Press

ASHINGTON—The US on Wednesday announced what officials say could be the final package of military aid to Ukraine unless Congress approves supplemental funding legislation that is stalled on Capitol Hill.

The weapons, worth up to $250 million, include an array of air munitions and other missiles, artillery, anti-armor systems, ammunition, demolition and medical equipment and parts. The aid, provided through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, will be pulled from Pentagon stockpiles.

In a statement, Marine Lt. Col. Garron Garn, a Pentagon spokes-

man said there is no more funding to replace the weapons taken from department stocks. And the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides long-term funding for future weapons contracts, is also out of money.

As a result, Garn said Wednesday, “Without the supplemental funding, there will be a shortfall in replenishing US military

UKRAINIAN servicemen carry national flags and photos of their comrade Vasyl Boichuk who was killed in Mykolayiv in March 2022, during his funeral ceremony at the cemetery in Iltsi village, Ukraine on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. AP/EVGENIY MALOLETKA

stocks, affecting American military readiness.”

President Joe Biden is urging Congress to pass a $110 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs. It includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, with about half to replenish Pen-

On foot or donkey cart, thousands flee widening Israeli assault in central Gaza

By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy & Lee Keath The Associated Press

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EIR A L -B A L A H, Ga z a Strip—Thousands of Palest inia n fa m i l ies f led Wednesday from the brunt of Israel’s expanding ground offensive into Gaza’s few remaining, overcrowded refuges, as the military launched heavy strikes across the center and south of the territory, killing dozens, Palestinian health officials said.

On foot or riding donkey carts loaded with belongings, a stream of people f lowed into Deir alBalah—a town that normally has a population of around 75,000. It has been overwhelmed by several hundred thousand people driven from northern Gaza as the region was pounded to rubble.

Because UN shelters are packed many times over capacity, the new arrivals set up tents on sidewalks for the cold winter night. Most crowded onto streets around the town’s main hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs, hoping it would be safer from Israeli strikes.

Still, no place is safe in Gaza.

Israeli offensives are crowding most of the population into Deir alBalah and Rafah at the territory’s southern edge as well as a tiny rural area by the southern coastline.

Those areas continue to be hit by Israeli strikes that regularly crush homes full of people.

Israel has said its campaign in Gaza is likely to last for months, vowing to dismantle Hamas across the territory and prevent a repeat of its October 7 attack into southern Israel. Benny Gantz, a member of the country’s three-man War Cabinet, said the fighting “will be expanded, according to need, to additional centers and additional fronts.”

He and other Israeli officials also threatened greater military action against Lebanon’s Hezbollah, hiking fears of an all-out war on that front.

The two sides have exchanged fire almost daily across the border.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen warned Wednesday that “all options are on the table” if Hezbollah does not withdraw from the border area, as called for under a

PALESTINIANS flee the Israeli ground offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. AP/MOHAMMED DAHMAN

2006 UN cease-fire.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah “must understand that he’s next,” Cohen said.

Death, displacement and starvation

ISRAEL’S offensive in Gaza has already been one of the most devastating military campaigns in recent history. More than 21,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. The count doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Some 85 percent of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have fled their homes. UN officials say a quarter of Gaza’s population is starving under Israel’s siege, which allows in only a trickle of food, water, fuel and other supplies.

The latest people to be displaced fled from several built-up refugee camps in central Gaza targeted in the latest phase of Israel’s ground assault. One of the camps, Bureij, came under heavy bombardment throughout the night as Israeli troops moved in.

“It was a night of hell. We haven’t seen such bombing since the start of the war,” said Rami Abu Mosab, speaking from Bureij, where he has sheltered since fleeing his home in northern Gaza.

The Israeli militar y issued evacuation orders for Bureij and neighboring areas Tuesday. The area was home to nearly 90,000 people before the war and now shelters more than 61,000 displaced people, mostly from the north, according to the UN Bureij camp, like others in Gaza, houses refugees from the 1948

war surrounding Israel’s creation and their descendants and now resembles other densely populated neighborhoods.

It was not known how many were evacuating. In Deir al-Balah over the past two days, empty lots have filled up with families in tents or sleeping on blankets on the ground.

This was the third move further south for Ibrahim al-Zatari, a daily laborer. First he, his wife and four children moved in with relatives in Gaza City after a strike flattened their home in northern Gaza.

Later, they fled to Bureij to escape fighting in the city. On Wednesday morning, they made an hourslong journey on foot to Deir al-Balah, where—like many others—they wandered the streets looking for an empty spot to lie down.

“There is no foothold here,” he said. “Where should we go?”

With much of northern Gaza leveled, Palestinians fear a similar fate awaits other areas, including Khan Younis, where Israeli forces launched ground operations in early December. The Israeli military said Wednesday it deployed another brigade in the city, a sign of the tough fighting.

Israeli shelling Wednesday struck a residential building in Khan Younis next to Al-Amal Hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, which runs the facility.

Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said at least 20 people were killed and dozens more wounded. Footage from the scene showed several torn bodies lying in the street as rescue workers loaded a man whose legs had been severed onto a stretcher.

tagon stocks. It also includes about $14 billion for Israel as it fights Hamas and $14 billion for US border security. Other funds would go for security needs in the Asia-Pacific.

Due to an accounting error that overvalued some of the weapons Despite US calls for Israel to shift to a more precise assault, the military so far appears to be following the same pattern used in earlier phases of the ground offensive in northern Gaza and Khan Younis. Before troops move in, heavy bombardment targets what Israel says is Hamas’ tunnels and military infrastructure.

Fierce urban fighting follows as troops move block to block, backed by airstrikes and shelling that the military says aim to force out pockets of militants. The resulting devastation has been massive.

Israel has said Hamas must be destroyed after its October 7 attack in which militants broke through Israel’s formidable defenses and killed some 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducted around 240. An estimated 129 remain in captivity after dozens were freed.

Israel blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll in Gaza because the militants operate in residential areas. Late Wednesday, the army said it destroyed a network of tunnels that stretched for several kilometers in Gaza City and served as a command and control center. Part of it ran under a hospital and had an exit inside a neighboring school, it said.

The military says it has killed thousands of militants, without presenting evidence, and that 164 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive.

Warning over Lebanon

CROSS-BORDER exchanges of fire have escalated between Hezbollah and the Israeli military.

An Israeli strike on a family home in Lebanon overnight killed a Hezbollah fighter, his brother and his sister-in-law, local officials and state media said Wednesday. A day earlier, a Hezbollah strike wounded 11 people in northern Israel.

Since the Gaza war began, the near daily battles have forced tens of thousands of Israelis to evacuate their homes from nearby communities. At least nine soldiers and four civilians have been killed on the Israeli side, and around 150 people on the Lebanese side, mostly fighters from Hezbollah and other groups, but also 17 civilians.

Gantz warned that time for diplomatic pressure was “running out.”

Magdy and Keath reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Najib Jobain contributed from Rafah, Gaza Strip.

sent to Ukraine over the past year or more, there is still about $4.2 billion in restored drawdown authority. But since the Pentagon has no money to replenish inventory sent to Kyiv, the department will have to “rigorously assess” any future aid and its implications on the US military’s ability to protect America, Garn said.

This is the 54th tranche of military aid taken from department shelves and sent to Ukraine, and it is similar in size and contents to many of the other recent packages.

US defense and government leaders have argued that the weapons are critical for Ukraine to maintain its defense and continue efforts to mount an offensive against Russian forces during the winter months.

In a Pentagon briefing last week, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted the recent letter that the Defense Department comptroller sent to Congress warning that the US will be using up the last of its

replenishment funds by the end of the year.

“Once those funds are obligated, we will have exhausted the funding available for us to provide security assistance to Ukraine,” said Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary. “We would, again, continue to urge the passage of the supplemental that we’ve submitted.... It is imperative that we have the funds needed to ensure that they get the most urgent battlefield capabilities that they require.”

The latest aid package comes as the war in Ukraine drags on into its 22nd month. Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station in the southern city of Kherson where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv. And a day earlier, Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as soldiers on both sides are struggling to make much progress along the front lines.

ANTI-GOVERNMENT protesters rally against the economic reforms of President Javier Milei outside the Supreme Court, as labor unions legally challenge the measures in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. AP/GUSTAVO GARELLO

Argentina’s unions take to the streets to protest president’s cutbacks, deregulation and austerity

By Almudena Calatrava The Associated Press

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UENOS AIRES, Argentina— Thousands of union members and activists took to the streets of Argentina’s capital Wednesday to protest a decree from President Javier Milei that imposes sweeping deregulation and austerity measures meant to revive the country’s struggling economy.

Unions had asked a court for a prior injunction to block measures lifting some labor protections, but a judge rejected the appeal, noting the decree had not yet entered into effect. It does so on Friday.

Argentine labor activists question whether Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist who has long railed against the country’s “political caste,” can impose the measures by way of an emergency decree bypassing the legislature where his party has few seats.

“We do not question the president’s legitimacy ... but we want a president who respects the division of powers, who understands that workers have the need to defend themselves individually and within the framework of justice when there is unconstitutionality,” said Gerardo Martínez, general secretary of Argentina’s construction workers’ union.

The protest went off peacefully, except for a confrontation between a small group of protesters and police. Journalists were caught up in the scuffle as police broke up the group of protesters, and some were beaten by police.

“The country is not for sale!” some protesters chanted, apparently referring to proposals that would allow the privatization of state-run industries.

Since taking office on December

10 following a landslide election victory, Milei has devalued the country’s currency by 50 percent, cut transport and energy subsidies, said his government won’t renew contracts for more than 5,000 recently hired state employees and proposed repealing or modifying about 300 laws.

He says he wants to transform Argentina’s economy and reduce the size of its state to address rising poverty and annual inflation expected to reach 200 percent by the end of the year.

The General Labor Confederation read a statement at the march on Wednesday saying Milei’s decree “introduces a ferocious, regressive labor reform whose only purpose is to hamstring union activity, punish workers and benefit business interests.”

Milei ’s administration has quickly faced protest. The government had said it will allow demonstrations, but threatened to cut off public aid payments to anyone who blocks thoroughfares. Marchers were also forbidden to carry sticks, cover their faces or bring children to the protest.

Milei, a 53-year-old economist who rose to fame on television with profanity-laden tirades against the political establishment, became president with the support of Argentines disillusioned with the economic crisis.

In a media interview ahead of the protest, he accused those who oppose his reforms of “not being aware of the seriousness of the situation.”

His initiatives have the support of Argentina’s Business Association which called them a “historic opportunity” to fight the “excessive size of the state” and the negative consequences of decades of budget deficits.

TheWorld BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Stigma against gay, bisexual men could worsen Congo’s biggest mpox outbreak, scientists warn

By Jean-Yves Kamale & Maria Cheng The Associated Press

K

INSHASA, Congo—As Congo copes with its biggest outbreak of mpox, scientists warn discrimination against gay and bisexual men on the continent could make it worse.

In November, the World Health Organization reported that mpox, also known as monkeypox, was being spread via sex in Congo for the first time. That is a significant departure from previous flare-ups, where the virus mainly sickened people in contact with diseased animals.

Mpox has been in parts of Central and West Africa for decades, but it was not until 2022 that it was documented to spread via sex; most of the 91,00 people infected in approximately 100 countries that year were gay or bisexual men.

In Africa, unwillingness to repor t symptoms could drive the outbreak underground, said Dimie Ogoina, an infectious diseases specialist at the Niger Delta University in Nigeria.

“It could be that because homosexuality is prohibited by law in most parts of Africa, many people do not come forward if they think they have been infected with mpox,” Ogoina said.

WHO officials said they identified the first sexually transmitted cases of the more severe type of mpox in Congo last spring, shortly after a resident of Belgium who “identified himself as a man who has sexual relations with other men” arrived in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital. The UN health agency said five other people who had sexual contact with the man later became infected with mpox.

“We have been underestimating the

potential of sexual transmission of mpox in Africa for years,” said Ogoina, who with his colleagues, first reported in 2019 that mpox might be spreading via sex.

Gaps in monitoring make it a challenge to estimate how many mpox cases are linked to sex, he said. Still, most cases of mpox in Nigeria involve people with no known contact with animals, he noted.

In Congo, there have been about 13,350 suspected cases of mpox, including 607 deaths through the end of November with only about 10 percent of cases confirmed by laboratories. But how many infections were spread through sex isn’t clear. WHO said about 70 percent of cases are in children under 15.

During a recent trip to Congo to assess the outbreak, WHO officials found there was “no awareness” among health workers that mpox could be spread sexually, resulting in missed cases.

WHO said health authorities had confirmed sexual transmission of mpox “between male partners and simultaneously through heterosexual transmission” in different parts of the country.

Mpox t ypically causes symptoms including a fever, skin rash, lesions and muscle soreness for up to one month.

It is spread via close contact and most people recover without needing medical treatment.

During the 2022 major international outbreak, mass vaccination programs were undertaken in some countries, including Canada, Britain and the US, and targeted those at highest risk—gay and bisexual men. But experts say that’s not likely to work in Africa for several reasons, including the stigma against gay communities.

Cheng reported from Toronto.

Friday, December 29, 2023

A7

Russian drone and artillery attack kills 6 in Ukraine, knocks out power in major city

By Hanna Arhirova The Associated Press

K

YIV, Ukraine—Russia fired almost 50 Shahed drones at targets in Ukraine and shelled a train station where more than 100 civilians were gathered to catch a train to Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday. The barrages killed at least five people and knocked out power in most of the southern city of Kherson.

The aerial barrage came a day after Ukrainian warplanes damaged a Russian ship moored in the Black Sea off Crimea as both sides’ soldiers struggle to make much progress along the front line of the 22-month war.

Overnight, the Kremlin’s forces launched an artillery and drone bombardment of the Kherson region just as some 140 civilians were waiting for a train at the region’s capital city of the same name, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

The shelling killed one policeman and injured two other police officers, as well as two civilians.

More than 100 people who were waiting for the train at the time of the attack arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday morning, national rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said.

The attack on the Kherson region and its capital hit residential areas and a mall as well as striking the power grid, leaving around 70 percent of

IN this photo provided by the Odesa Regional Administration, firemen examine the site of the Russian rocket attack in the Odesa region, Ukraine on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. ODESA REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION VIA AP households in Kherson city without electricity during the winter cold, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said.

It was not immediately possible to estimate when power might be restored, he said.

Targeting energy infrastructure was also a Russian tactic last winter, when it tried to break Ukrainians’ spirit by denying them heating and running water.

In Odesa, another major city in southern Ukraine, the drone assault killed two people and wounded three, including a 17-year-old man, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 32 out of the 46 drones that Russia fired overnight.

A Western military assessment, meanwhile, reckoned that Russia’s capture this week of a city in eastern Ukraine would not provide it with a springboard for major battlefield gains.

Ukrainian commander-in-chief Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi said Tuesday that his troops had retreated to the northern outskirts of the city of Marinka, which sits about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Donetsk, the largest city in Russian-held territory.

Zaluzhnyi said his troops had held Marinka for almost two years but Russians “were destroying it street by street, house by house.”

The Institute for the Study of War, a think tank, said, “Russian forces are

highly unlikely to make rapid operational advances from Marinka.”

But it noted that “localized Russian offensive operations are still placing pressure on Ukrainian forces in many places along the front in eastern Ukraine.”

Amid concerns that weapons supplies from abroad could diminish as allies become fatigued with the war, Ukraine’s minister of strategic industries told a briefing on Wednesday that the defense sector aims to increase production significantly next year and that production was three times higher in 2023 than in the previous year.

Oleksandr Kamyshin said Ukraine is now producing six Bohdana selfpropelled artillery units per month.

Bohdanas are a strategically important weapon for the Ukrainian defense industry as they are the only Ukrainian-produced self-propelled gun using Nato-standard 155mm rounds instead of the 152mm rounds used by artillery based on Soviet technology.

Kamyshin also said the country next year aims to produce up to 1,000 long-range strike drones—which have a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles)—an increase from only a few dozen a month currently. It is also targeting production of 10,000 middle-range and 1,000 long-range strike drones.

Illia Novikov in Kyiv contributed to this report.

A8

BusinessMirror

Friday, December 29, 2023 Republic of the Philippines

7

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

KYONG-HO ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTS CO., LTD. Block 12, Lot 1, Grand Centennial Homes, Magdalo, Kawit, Cavite

December 29, 2023

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

ESTABLISHMENT

1

CYBER POWER SYSTEMS MANUFACTURING INC. Unit A & B, Lot 6, Block 1, Phase II, Golden Gate Business Park, Buenavista II, City of General Trias, Cavite

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification:

Engineering Manager

Graduate of any Bachelor’s degree; must be fluent in Mandarin or Taiwanese language; with ability to work with cross functional teams

Responsible for leading and Supervising Engineers as they develop, test, modify, and create solutions to technical problems

Basic Qualification:

Project Coordinator

Must have Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Brief Job Description:

8

MARUICHI PHILIPPINES STEEL TUBE INC. Phase 2B, Block 3, Lot 2-B, Lima Technology Center, Bugtong Na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

Basic Qualification:

Plant Manager

Fluently speak Japanese language, must have experience in manufacturing industry

Brief Job Description: Over-all in-charge of production

Salary Range: Php150,000 Php499,999

Php60,000 Php89,999

D AND S INDUSTRIES (PHILIPPINES) CORPORATION Unit 1-5, Orient Goldcrest Suntrust Ecotown Bldg. 2, Lot 8, Block 8, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

WANG, DONGSHENG

Basic Qualification:

PMC Manager

College graduate and can speak Chinese and English language

Brief Job Description: Formulate reasonable production plan and material plan

9

NHK SPRING PHILIPPINES, INC. Phase 3-109, East Main Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Malamig, City of Biñan, Laguna

DYSON ELECTRONICS PTE. LTD.-PHILIPPINE BRANCH Lot C3-13, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Km 54 National Highway, Punta, City of Calamba, Laguna

BRISCOE, ROCH LEANDER FRANCOIS WILSON Design Associate

Basic Qualification:

10

Must have a degree in Engineering or Science discipline or equivalent

Salary Range: Php150,000 Php499,999

11 4

HUADING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION Block 7, Lot 3, Suntrust Ecotown, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

YANG, MENGHAN

Basic Qualification:

Batching/Molding Manager

Must have Bachelor’s degree and have knowledge in Computer Software

Brief Job Description: Develop and conduct research plans, test and experiment to gather data on new or existing products and services

5

HUADING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION Block 7, Lot 3, Suntrust Ecotown, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

Pressing Manager

Must have Bachelor’s degree and have experience in industrial or manufacturing industry

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

6

HUADING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION Block 7, Lot 3, Suntrust Ecotown, Sahud Ulan, Tanza, Cavite

ZHENG, KEXUAN

Basic Qualification:

Research and Development Manager

Must have Bachelor’s degree and have extensive experience in stone quartz manufacturing industry

Brief Job Description: Liaise with other Managers to formulate objectives and understand requirements, supervise and evaluate performance of production personnel

Lot 15, Road 3, Carmelray Industrial Park, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

Basic Qualification:

Finance & Accounting Coordinator

Must have Bachelor’s degree and experience in accounting and auditing

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range: Php150,000 Php499,999

KOJIMA, TAKAYUKI

Basic Qualification:

Production Manager

Must have at least 5 years managerial experience in production and manufacturing field

Brief Job Description: Supervise and evaluate performance of production personnel, line quality inspectors, workers and other production members

Salary Range:

ZHANG, HONGWEI

Basic Qualification:

Engineering Manager

Must be fluent in writing and speaking English and Mandarin language. With strong leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills

Brief Job Description: Lead and coordinate various engineering functions and operations including quality assurance, testing, production and research and development of new existing product lines

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Oversee mold tooling operations in a factory or similar facility to ensure that daily schedule, production and quality goals are met

SERCOMM PHILIPPINES INC.

Salary Range:

XIANG, YING

Brief Job Description:

NIPPON PULSE TEC PHILIPPINES INC. Road J Corner Road 7, Block 17, Phase IV, Cavite Economic Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

Brief Job Description: Lead of a group of multidiscipline engineers from different geographical sites working across different technical problems and solutions

OBATA, HIROKI

Achieve and accurate, timely review and recording of all financial transactions and disbursement of funds

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

3

Php500,000 and above

TACHIBANA, TOSHIHITO

Salary Range:

2

Salary Range:

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

WANG, YOUXI

Brief Job Description:

HONG, SUK KEE

Assist Project Managers in organizing and controlling project activities through communicating risk, opportunities and current state of projects

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

NO.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Php150,000 Php499,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

12

SERCOMM PHILIPPINES INC. Lot 15, Road 3, Carmelray Industrial Park, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

LIN, JR-GANG

Basic Qualification:

Software Development Team Leader

Must have the ability to analyze the quantitative insights in a precise actionable manner

Brief Job Description: Assist in leading and conducting activities and identify and solve complex technical problems through ground breaking research

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

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 Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

21TH CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Ground Floor, No.28 Lot 12 Blk 94, R. Papa Ave. Cor. P. Garcia St. Phase 6, Afpovai, Western Bicutan, City Of Taguig LI, ZUN Supply Chain Manager 1.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese Mandarin fluently.

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

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza, 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City KWAN TONE LAN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 2.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format.

MYINT AUNG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

3.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format.

PYAE PHYO AUNG Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking

4.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format.

10.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

POTASH (KUZNETSOV), POLINA Hebrew Sales and Marketing Representative 11.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

Brief Job Description: Developing and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customers. Preparing, reviewing, and finalizing sales proposals. Utilizing social media platforms to garner customer interest and create brand awareness.

POTASH, DANIEL Hebrew Sales and Marketing Representative

12.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

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

Brief Job Description: Understand customer requirements and business objectives. Provide strategic advice on using technology to achieve goals. Manage IT initiatives and collaborate with in-house technical staff.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Holder of a degree in Information Technology.

With at least 2 years of work related experience in customer support, client services, sales or any related field.

Brief Job Description: Developing and sustaining long-lasting relationships with customers. Preparing, reviewing, and finalizing sales proposals. Utilizing social media platforms to garner customer interest and create brand awareness.

Preparing sales forecast reports and submitting them to management. Developing effective sales strategies to increase company sales. Collaborating with the marketing design and content marketing teams to produce quality adv.

No.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing or related field. Experience in sales, marketing or related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing or related field. Experience in sales, marketing, or related field. Strong communication skills and fluency.

Ability to manage complex projects and multi-task.

Ability to flourish with minimal guidance be proactive and handle uncertainty Hebrew speaker, English speaker.

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

18.

5.

SUE KWAL CHIN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking Brief Job Description: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

13.

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

TIN TUN WIN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 6.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

ZHENG, YUCHEN Director for Strategy and Innovation 19.

GE, YULING Support Specialist

14.

KANG, DAEWOON Korean Speaking Customer Service Officer 7.

Brief Job Description: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

20.

XIE, SIRUI Support Specialist

15.

8.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in Mandarin format.

ZHANG, LIBO Support Specialist

16.

786 RABIA TRADING INC. L 14 & 16 B18 Unit E, Bf Resort Drive Bf Resort Village, Talon Dos, City Of Las Piñas

FAIZ-UR-REHMAN Pakistani Systems Engineer 9.

Brief Job Description: Speaking and collaborating with clients, vendors, management and the IT staff during creation and maintenance of a system. Creating control features to ensure systems effectively meet the organization’s quality standards.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of an Information Technology course. With proven working experience in the field of Information Technology. Fluent in Urdu and English languages.

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

AIG BUSINESS CONSULTING OPC Unit 1406 Trade And Financial Tower, 7th Ave Cor 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring hardware and software.

Talking coworkers through the process of fixing technical issues. Prioritizing your workload to ensure the most critical issues are resolved first.

Documenting common support procedures that coworkers can follow. Providing support remotely when necessary.

17.

Brief Job Description: Develop site program.

Brief Job Description: Identifies & communicate heightened regulatory compliance risks.

CHEN, ZUANYAN Senior Marketing Specialist 22.

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

CLICKPLAY SOLUTIONS CORP. 11 Ab Cyberzone Plaza Bldg., Eastwood Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City

Basic Qualification: Strong analytical skills and & understanding of legal and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

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

EXCELLENT JNGR RESTO FOOD CORP. (ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE) G/f-5/f, 5345 Gen. Luna St., Poblacion, City Of Makati

Brief Job Description: Recruiting, training and supervising staff. Managing budget. Planning menus.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar capacity.

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

GIGA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT INC. 2/f Lipam’s Building, 40 Presidents Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque

HONG, YANNI Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Manage large amount of calls, handle customer concerns.

YOO, HOKYUNG Korean It Support Specialist 25.

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

Basic Qualification: Construction management experience.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin Language.

Technical skills as stated below.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation.

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503, Nueva St., Barangay 289, Binondo, City Of Manila

SINGH, ABHINAV Restaurant Operation Manager

CHINA INTERNATIONAL WATER AND ELECTRIC CORP. (BRANCH OFFICE) 5/f, Two E-com Mall Of Asia Complex Bldg., Harbor Drive St., District 1, Barangay 76, Pasay City

ZHANG, DONGFEI Camp Administrator

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

CHUAH ENG HUN Consultant

24.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in spoken & written Mandarin and other dialect spoken in other parts of china.

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

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring hardware and software.

Talking coworkers through the process of fixing technical issues. Prioritizing your workload to ensure the most critical issues are resolved first.

Documenting common support procedures that coworkers can follow. Providing support remotely when necessary.

SU, SANLI Chinese Cargo Office Agent

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin Language.

Technical skills as stated below.

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

DIGIPLUS INTERACTIVE INC. 36th Floor Upper & Lower Ecoprime Bldg., 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

23.

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

LEE, KANGHEE Korean Speaking Customer Service Officer

Brief Job Description: Installing and configuring hardware and software.

Talking coworkers through the process of fixing technical issues. Prioritizing your workload to ensure the most critical issues are resolved first.

Documenting common support procedures that coworkers can follow. Providing support remotely when necessary.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, type in Mandarin Language.

Technical skills as stated below.

Brief Job Description: Lead high priority cross functional and innovation projects to identify, develop, and launch new products and services that can expand DAVI’s offerings and growth trajectory.

Basic Qualification: With relative work experience.

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534, Tomas Mapua St., Barangay 298, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

BZC IT SERVICES INC. 3f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in mandarin format.

Brief Job Description: Review of project design, technical authoring of rail operations documents and plans, concept and system definition for rail, Operations, drafting and revising standards, rules, and instructions for rail operations, developing briefing and Training materials for operational staff and their tasks

Basic Qualification: Over 10 years proven rail industry experience with past exposure on driverless networks.

Prior experience leading high performing multidisciplinary teams.

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

DATA ANALYTICS VENTURES, INC. 30th Flr. Robinsons Cyberscape Gamma, Topaz & Ruby Roads, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

BIPO SERVICE PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 1002-1004, 10th Floor, The Mega Tower Edsa Corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

HARRISON, MICHAEL JAMES Team Lead - Operational Planning & Train Operations

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

They’re the front line of support for clients and customers.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

21.

Basic Qualification: Attracts potential customers by answering products and service questions; suggesting information About other products and services. Maintains customer records by updating account information in mandarin format.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZENG, WENJIN Chinese Customer Service Representative

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

BEST RELIABLE RESOURCES CORP. Unit 201 Waterfun Residences, 4575 A Sampaloc St. Zone 3, Central Signal Village, City Of Taguig

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

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

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZOU, ZHONGHUA It Consultant

Friday, December 29, 2023

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

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

IBM SOLUTIONS DELIVERY, INC. 2nd And 3rd Floor Building J, Up Science & Technology Park North Commonwealth Avenue, U.p. Campus, Quezon City NA, RISU Technical Architect-red Hat Open Shift VirtualizationJapanese Bilingual 26.

Brief Job Description: • Deliver deep technical and industry expertise to a wide range of public and private sector clients around the world • Hands on migrating VM-s and Virtualized environments to cloud platforms.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Japanese language (speaking, as well as reading and writing kanji), Able to translate English to Japanese and vice versa.

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

IDNPLAY CORPORATION 8/f Burgundy Corporate Tower, 252 Sen. Gil J.puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

A9

BusinessMirror

A10 A6 Friday, December 29, 2023

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NA, YUNG Korean-speaking Customer Service

27.

Brief Job Description: Serves customer by providing product service information and resolving product service problem.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Serves customer by providing product service information and resolving product service problem.

No.

40.

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

INDIPHIL FAMILY ORGANIZATION INC. Unit 308 Building, Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro, City Of Parañaque KIM, MIN GEON Fundraising Specialist 28.

Brief Job Description: Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials.

41.

Basic Qualification: College Graduate. With previous work experience in a related industry.

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

JIHEHANG INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 16/f Boracay Palm Beach Villas, Metropolitan Park, Barangay 76, Pasay City

WANG, LIJIE Mandarin Business Marketing Officer 29.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Business Marketing Officer are responsible for maintaining and improving marketing systems for the organization and its client.

WU, LIANGLIANG Mandarin Business Marketing Officer 30.

Brief Job Description: The Mandarin Business Marketing Officer are responsible for maintaining and improving marketing systems for the organization and its client.

Basic Qualification: Business marketing, critical thinking ability, strong solving problem capacity, knowledge of data modelling and data visualization tools.

31.

32.

33.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for analyzing the organization’s operational processes and management control plans by evaluating company documents.

NGUYEN MINH HOANG Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Addressing queries, complaints and recommendations furnished by customers.

NGUYEN TIEN VINH Customer Service Representative - Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Addressing queries, complaints and recommendations furnished by customers.

43.

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

Basic Qualification: Business marketing, critical thinking ability, strong solving problem capacity, knowledge of data modelling and data visualization tools.

44.

TIAN, ZHIGUO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

WANG, PENG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

XING, SHUCAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

YANG, JUNQIU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

YANG, ZHENNAN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

KNW TECHNOLOGY INC. 103 Equinox Plaza, Sierra Madre, Highway Hills, City Of Mandaluyong

TRAN, QUANG VINH Control Specialist

42.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

45.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as business or accounting course.

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

46.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish).

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

47.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in written and verbal communication skills (VietnameseEnglish).

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

48.

YU, CHENGHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ZHANG, TING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

ZHANG, XINGYANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

ZHAO, WEN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

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

HUANG, HSUAN-TING Customer Service Representative 34.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

XING, ZHEN Customer Service Representative 35.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese and Fluent in Mandarin.

49.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese and Fluent in Mandarin.

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

50.

ZHONG, WEIGUO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHARLES Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, City Of Parañaque 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., 133 Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque

36.

37.

38.

39.

GUAN, SHUANG Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

HUANG, SHIXING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services..

HUANG, XIN Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

QIN, ZHILEI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

51.

DESY YANTI Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

52.

FITRI YUSNITA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

No.

55.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

56.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

57.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

58.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

59.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

60.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

61.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

62.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

63.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

64.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

65.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

66.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

67.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LUSIANA Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

SURBENDI Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

KOOK, NAMGEUN Korean Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

LEE CHEE KIN Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LOI CHEE EN Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

TING HENG PING Malaysian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

KYAW THET MOE Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

SAN MAE Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHANG, CHI-HUNG Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHANG, CHING-I Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHEN, YI-JUNG Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHIU, SHU-TING Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LEE, PO-CHUN Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

53.

JACKSON Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

54.

JOHAN Indonesian Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

68.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

69.

LI, CHIH-CHI Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

LIAO, YEN-CHEN Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

LO, KUO-HUI Taiwanese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

BUI VU HOANG PHUONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

CHIENG SIU CONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

COONG MY LINH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

HUYNH KIM TRAN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

No.

75.

76.

77.

78.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

LY PHAT LIN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

MA SON HA Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

PHAM TRINH HOAI AN Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

79.

80.

81.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VO NGUYEN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services.

VO THI HUYNH NHU Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and database services.

YU, TONG Mandarin Speaking Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Maintain customer records by updating account info.

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

84.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills

SOCIALATEMYIND INC. 9/f Platinum Tower, Aseana Avenue Corner Fuentes Street Aseana City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

CHUNG, YU-CHU Chinese Speaking Customer Service 85.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiry, opens customer accounts by recording account information, prepares service report and analyzing customer information.

LINDA Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 86.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiry, opens customer accounts by recording account information, prepares service report and analyzing customer information.

WONG CHEE XI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiry, opens customer accounts by recording account information, prepares service report and analyzing customer information.

WONG, SIO CHON Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative 88.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiry, opens customer accounts by recording account information, prepares service report and analyzing customer information.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

BANH THUY BINH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 89.

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

Brief Job Description: Maintains data base by entering new and updated customer and account information prepares source of data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

CIPTO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Maintains data base by entering new and updated customer and account information prepares source of data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information

82.

Brief Job Description: Identifying and addressing problems. Collecting and interpreting relevant information and data.

Reporting to the management.

83.

Brief Job Description: Conceptualize, implement and oversee marketing strategy for product launches and campaigns.

Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

LIN, CIAO-SYUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 91.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Vietnamese and ChineseMandarin languages.

Brief Job Description: Maintains data base by entering new and updated customer and account information prepares source of data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information

WEN, YING-CHAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 92.

Brief Job Description: Maintains data base by entering new and updated customer and account information prepares source of data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information.

WU, YEN-CHENG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 93.

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

Basic Qualification: Leading a capable marketing team and delegating tasks fairly.

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

97.

98.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Managing customer satisfaction within the project transition period.

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

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

Brief Job Description: Organize workflow and ensure that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks.

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

ZHANG, TAO Mandarin System Developer Specialist

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin.

Brief Job Description: Manage network servers and technology tools.

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

BU, WENJUN Mandarin Web Developer

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Create website layout/user interface by using standard html/CSS practices.

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

LI, LISONG Mandarin Web Developer 100.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Create website layout/user interface by using standard html/CSS practices

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

YANG, YUDI Mandarin Web Developer 101.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Create website layout/user interface by using standard html/CSS practices.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

SUMITOMO METAL MINING PHILIPPINE HOLDINGS CORPORATION 24th & 25th Floor Nac Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: International Liberal Arts graduate. Capable in handling and supervising cash management and disbursement. With at least 1 year of work experience in a similar field.

NIWA, HATEF Advisor for Finance 102.

Brief Job Description: Guidance and supervision in the execution of IFRS transaction for parent company. Validate financial accounting. Provide support and advisory in the implementation of the SAP system and new accounting system.

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

TELFA OUTSOURCING SERVICES INC. 21/f Tower 2 The Enterprise Center, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

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

Brief Job Description: Maintains data base by entering new and updated customer and account information prepares source of data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information.

Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

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

SOLIDLEISURE SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 1803a, 1803b, 1804a, 1804b & 1805a West Tower, Psec Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

RAN, LINGXIA Mandarin Human Resource (hr) Specialist 94.

Brief Job Description: Policy & procedures implementation of new HR policies, procedures and processes

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

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

Brief Job Description: Develop company strategy, maintain and drive program knowledge and provide feedback to the organization.

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

KIM, JONGJUN Korean Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Korean language.

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

U-HUAT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, INC. 1034 G, Masangkay St., 028, Barangay 294, Binondo, City Of Manila

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language.

TOTAL CREST BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 26/f & 27/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

104.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborating with the development team and product manager

HU, ZHE Mandarin Supervisor

103.

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

RUNTO TECHNOLOGY INC. Unit 2601, And 2602 26th Floor One World Place, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

CHEN, PIN-YU Assistant to VP of Marketing

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

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

96.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

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

SHEN, XIN Mandarin Project Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent Mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

WANG, CHIEN-FANG Mandarin Team Leader

RRA ONE GLOBAL CONSULTANCY CORP Blk 1 Lot 6 Progressive St.,, Lucky Homes Subd,, Barangay 168, City Of Caloocan

PAN, JIAJI Mandarin Speaking Consultant

Basic Qualification: Excellent mandarin verbal communication skills, proficiency in handling customer questions patience and ability to remain calm in stressful situation.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION CAI, YONGHUA Mandarin Product Specialist

99.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good oral and written communication skills.

No.

95.

90.

UNG LU SANG Vietnamese Customer Service

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

SEAGULL-WORLD INC. 24/f Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

87.

LE, THI HOA Vietnamese Customer Service

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

A11

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in computer application with good verbal and written communication skills.

Friday, December 29, 2023

CHEN, LIYA Chinese Operation Manager 105.

Brief Job Description: Analyzing market needs and public demands that would generate more revenue sources and increase the company’s profitability. Negotiate with potential clients for partnerships, respond to their inquiries and concerns, and address their requests.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin language. Computer literate and with good organizational skills.

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

*Date Generated: Dec 28, 2023 In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on DECEMBER 20, 2023, the Name of KINGHORN, PATRICK JSOPEH, under VESTICOM, INC. should have been read as KINGHORN, PATRICK JOSEPH and not as published.

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE National Capital Region located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE National Capital Region if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

A12 Friday, December 29, 2023 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

editorial

How govt can empower tomorrow’s workforce

G

erman companies operating in the Philippines have the highest optimism in terms of business and hiring outlook for 2024 compared to their peers in other Southeast Asian countries, according to the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI).

Based on the results of the AHK World Business Outlook Fall 2023, which compared survey results from other Asean members, GPCCI said that German companies in the Philippines are more optimistic in their current business.

In the global landscape, GPCCI said the Philippines also garnered “significant” attention of improved local economic expectations in the next 12 months.

The Philippines also secured the leading position in employment intentions, with 63 percent of participants planning to hire more in the next 12 months, the German chamber said.

GPCCI also said the Philippines established dominance in the services sector, claiming the highest ranking at 47 percent as a “pivotal factor” for investment, as well as maintaining a competitive edge in sales and marketing at 50 percent.

With this, GPCCI underscored the importance of the proposed changes to the Apprenticeship Law, which was highlighted among President Marcos’s priority bills, as it aims to eliminate the cap on apprenticeship duration.

“This amendment acknowledges that the necessary length of training should be determined based on the specific skill or curriculum requirements,” GPCCI said in a statement.

Like many other countries, the Philippines recognizes the importance of apprenticeship programs in fostering skill development and bridging the gap between education and employment. However, with the fast-paced changes in technology, evolving labor market demands, and the need for a more inclusive workforce, it would do well for the government to heed the GPCCI’s call to amend the country’s apprenticeship system.

By modernizing this system, the Philippines can better equip its workforce for the demands of the 21st century and create a brighter future for both our workers and the nation as a whole.

The country’s current apprenticeship system suffers from several outdated practices that hinder its effectiveness. One of the main issues is the lack of flexibility in program design. The apprenticeship structure often adheres to traditional models that fail to adapt to emerging industries and technological advancements. As a result, many apprenticeships focus on skills that are no longer in high demand, leading to a mismatch between training and job opportunities.

The current system lacks inclusivity, limiting access to apprenticeship programs for certain groups. For one, there is still gender imbalance, with women being underrepresented in technical fields. Additionally, apprenticeships primarily cater to younger individuals, neglecting the potential of reskilling and upskilling opportunities for older workers who may need to adapt to changing industries or acquire new skills.

Amending the country’s apprenticeship system is essential for several reasons.

First, it will enable our workers to keep pace with the rapidly evolving job market. By aligning apprenticeship programs with emerging industries, such as renewable energy, information technology, and artificial intelligence, our workers can acquire the skills needed to succeed in these sectors. This adjustment will not only benefit the apprentices themselves but also contribute to economic growth and competitiveness.

To revitalize the apprenticeship system, several key amendments should be considered. Firstly, there is a need to establish a comprehensive framework that allows for the regular review and updating of apprenticeship programs. This will ensure that they remain relevant to the evolving demands of the job market. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government agencies is vital in achieving this objective.

Secondly, it is crucial to provide financial incentives and support to both apprentices and participating companies. Financial assistance in the form of stipends and tax incentives will encourage more companies to engage in apprenticeship programs and enable individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds to participate without undue financial burden.

Lastly, the apprenticeship system should be expanded to include lifelong learning opportunities. By accommodating individuals of all ages, the system can facilitate career transitions and help our workers adapt to changing industries. This will not only improve the employability of older workers but also contribute to a more skilled and adaptable workforce overall.

The Philippine Apprenticeship Law has been instrumental in addressing unemployment and skills gaps. However, as the GPCCI pointed out, it is crucial to update the law to ensure that it remains relevant. By aligning apprenticeship programs with emerging skill requirements, fostering industry-academe collaboration, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing monitoring mechanisms, an updated law can empower the workforce of tomorrow. Updating the Philippine Apprenticeship Law is an investment in the future of the nation, enabling a more dynamic, skilled, and resilient workforce capable of driving economic growth and prosperity.

Since 2005

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business ✝ Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder Publisher Editor in Chief Associate Editor News Editor Senior Editors

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Sonny M. Angara

Better Days

E

very year priority is given to our education sector when it comes to the crafting of the national budget. There can be no argument as to the need to spend on education. It is a fundamental human right and the return on investments made here are significant and farreaching. As in previous years, the 2024 General Appropriations Act is no different when it comes to education spending. Close to P980 billion is allocated for the education sector in 2024 from P895 billion in 2023.

Under the 2024 National Expenditure Program or the original budget proposal submitted by the President to Congress, a total of P924.7 billion was earmarked for education.

There was unanimity among the members of the Senate’s Committee on Finance when it came to providing increases for education spending.

The release of the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the continued dismal showing of our students here only reinforced the importance of investing more in education. In the 2022 PISA, it was revealed that Filipino students were five to six years behind in learning competencies. The Philippines scored 120 points less than the average scores for math, reading and science. The performance of the Philippines remained low and was about the same as 2018 when it first took part in the PISA. We have some of the strongest advocates for education in the Senate—Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the chairman of the committee on

basic education; Senator Francis Escudero, the chairman of the committee on higher, technical and vocational education; Senator Pia Cayetano, who as senior vice chairperson of the finance committee handled many of the education budgets; our Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, whose tenure at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority earned him the moniker “Tesdaman”; and yours truly are all members of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) that has been digging deep into our country’s education system to introduce immediate solutions and long-term reforms to address the weaknesses, including the learning crisis that we are experiencing.

Education has always been close to my heart. My father, the late former Senate President Edgardo An-

A healthy nutrition system

Under the 2024 GAA, increases were introduced in the budget for education to support the ongoing efforts to make educational opportunities more available and accessible to our people.

gara, spearheaded the first EDCOM way back in 1991, which came out with a report entitled Making Education Work, An Agenda for Reform that paved the way for the implementation of critical reforms in the country’s education sector. Among the highlights of the EDCOM report was the “trifocalization” of the education system, with the Department of Education having oversight over basic education; the Commission on Higher Education for higher education; and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

With EDCOM 2, we are reevaluating our education system, including our performance in the PISA. We need strong investments in education now and in the coming years if we want to produce concrete and meaningful results. Under the 2024 GAA, increases were introduced in the budget for education to support the ongoing efforts to make educational opportunities more available and accessible to our people. These went to programs such as the government assistance and subsidies to implement the senior high school voucher program; scholarships in state universities and colleges; the Tulong Dunong Program of the Commission on Higher Education;

faced a health challenge this year that required me to significantly modify my diet. After presenting my options, the doctor recommended that I see a nutritionist specializing in my condition. We had a difficult time getting an appointment with this nutritionist, as she was tied up with several patients. We had to do video call for our meeting.

The challenge is simply too broad and too wide to address immediately. Nonetheless, we can begin through a better communication system and an integrated nutrition program in schools. Raising national consciousness and awareness on the importance of nutrition can help change the food consumption attitudes of people and avoid potential future health problems.

While reviewing the list of what I could eat, my economist mindset started to estimate the cost of time to look for the food, the time to prepare them, and the prices of these products. If I will be practical about it, I say I will not be able to eat anything that is not prepared at home, and that is very, very expensive. I thought maybe I should just follow the intermittent fasting that many

could have. She nicely explained the whys and the benefits it will give me later. Of course, I hardly heeded any of her advice since I was young and was not feeling anything wrong in my body. Now, many years later, I wonder if I would be in my situation now had I seriously taken her advice. Now my wife need to look at the nutrition content of every food product that we buy. Fresh, as much as possible.

Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso

Online Editor

Chairman of the Board President Advertising Sales Manager Group Circulation Manager

Focusing on education under the 2024 GAA

Dr. Alvin P. Ang

EAGLE WATCH

I

people I know are doing. They did not see any nutritionist to do that!

But my doctor told me that I have a condition that needs to be addressed, so that might worsen my condition instead of helping me.

This is not the first time that I encountered a nutritionist. In one of my executive checkups years ago, a nutritionist counseled me on what I should eat and the servings that I

Tulong Trabaho Fund; training for work scholarship program; and the Special Training for Employment Program.

For the Department of Education, we increased funding for the Human Resource Development Program for school and learning center personnel; teacher and school leader training for the new MATATAG Curriculum; the teaching overload pay; special hardship allowances for teachers; P5,000 cash allowance for teachers or what is commonly known as the “Chalk Allowance”; child protection program; learner support program, particularly for mental health; and the school-based feeding programs.

These are just some of the programs under the 2024 GAA in support of our education sector. We in Congress, together with EDCOM 2, will continue to work hand-in-hand with our education stakeholders to bring about the necessary reforms and budgetary support to bring our education system up to par with global standards and improve the capabilities of our learners. If we are to achieve the economic growth that we aspire for and the availability of better opportunities for our people, then we must start with the basics and that is strengthening the foundation that is education.

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 19 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 10 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.

E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com| Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

But the fresher they are, the more expensive they will be. What if I do not have the purchasing power? My problem is much simpler than the worries of someone who can’t afford to buy something to eat. Addressing hunger should be accompanied by a well-organized and nationally coordinated nutrition program!

I know that to achieve this, the whole of society must work together from what our agriculture sector is producing, what we are importing (especially with the continuation of lower tariffs on certain food products), our food manufacturing, the school system, our health agencies, the nutrition training program, and more importantly our communication system. Our stunting problem has already been brought to national consciousness. But then it takes a healthy and nutritionconscious parents with the income to prevent the onset of stunting since we need to arrest it before a See “Eagle Watch,” A13

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Opinion

Friday, December 29, 2023 A13

New York Times sues Where does the New Year come from?

Microsoft and OpenAI for copyright infringement Tito Genova Valiente annotations

By Mark Bergen

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he New York Times Co. sued Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI Inc. for using its content to help develop artificial intelligence services, in a sign of the increasingly fraught relationship between the media and a technology that could upend the news industry.

The technology firms relied on millions of copyrighted articles to train chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other AI features, allegedly causing billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages, according to a lawsuit filed in New York on Wednesday. The Times didn’t specify its monetary demands.

OpenAI has faced criticism for scraping text widely from the web to train its popular chatbot since it debuted a year ago. While it has been sued by prominent authors, this is the first challenge to its practices by a major media organization. The startup has sought licensing deals with publishers, much like Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Meta Platforms Inc.’s Facebook have done in recent years. The Times’ lawsuit said the publisher reached out to Microsoft and OpenAI in April and couldn’t reach an amicable solution.

“We respect the rights of content creators and owners and are committed to working with them to ensure they benefit from AI technology and new revenue models,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement.

“Our ongoing conversations with the New York Times have been productive and moving forward constructively, so we are surprised and disappointed with this development.”

Microsoft declined to comment.

In July, OpenAI signed an agreement with the Associated Press to access some of the news agency’s archives. OpenAI cut a three-year deal in December with Axel Springer SE to use the German media company’s work for an undisclosed sum.

“We’re hopeful that we will find a mutually beneficial way to work together, as we are doing with many other publishers,” OpenAI’s spokesperson said Wednesday.

OpenAI has been the target of multiple lawsuits from content producers complaining that their work has been improperly used for AI training. The company faces class actions from cultural figures including comedian Sarah Silverman,

Eagle Watch . . . continued from A12

child reaches five years old. Even if we have an army of nutrition scholars all around the country, the situation won’t change if what they recommend is not available or unaffordable. Without the means, families will not change their food consumption habits.

The challenge is simply too broad and too wide to address immediately.

Nonetheless, we can begin through a better communication system and an integrated nutrition program in schools. Raising national consciousness and awareness on the importance of nutrition can help change the food consumption attitudes of people and avoid potential future health problems.

According to the PSA, the top sources of mortality in the country are heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and hypertensive diseases. These are considered lifestyle diseases and can be avoided with the right diet and nutrition. For a country with still about 20 percent living in poverty, such results may be due to the food intake.

But we will be too late if we are not going to address them early on. When I was a PhD student in Japan decades ago, there was a national campaign to eat fish. The campaign included a jingle that is played in the supermarket, radio and television stations. I believe the campaign was a success because it became a last song syndrome (LSS) to many, including me.

OpenAI has been the target of multiple lawsuits from content producers complaining that their work has been improperly used for AI training. The company faces class actions from cultural figures including comedian Sarah Silverman, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, and Pulitzer-winning author Michael Chabon.

Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, and Pulitzer-winning author Michael Chabon.

The cases are still in their early stages and could take years to fully resolve. A judge in San Francisco earlier this month hinted at trimming Silverman’s copyright lawsuit against OpenAI. The judge had already narrowed a similar Silverman suit against Meta.

New financing

OpenAI is currently in talks with investors for new financing at a $100 billion valuation that would make it the second-most valuable US startup, Bloomberg News reported last week.

Microsoft is OpenAI’s largest backer and has deployed the startup’s AI tools in several of its products.

In the lawsuit, the New York Times alleged Microsoft copied the newspaper’s articles verbatim for its Bing search engine and used OpenAI’s tech to boost its value by a trillion dollars.

Microsoft’s share price has risen 55 percent since ChatGPT debuted in November 2022, increasing its market capitalization to $2.8 trillion.

Shares were little changed Wednesday, closing at $374.07 in New York.

“If Microsoft and OpenAI want to use our work for commercial purposes, the law requires that they first obtain our permission,” a New York Times spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement. “They have not done so.” With assistance from Isaiah Poritz and Brody Ford /Bloomberg

Just like Christmas, it made me frequent the fish section often. The song talks about the nutritional value of fish and how it helps prevent certain diseases. It is an effective communication campaign. I wonder how our advertising and media people can help government craft one for, say, eating kamote or cassava. Also, when my kids went to the Japanese public schools, they only ate food that they themselves help to prepare and serve to their classmates, teaching them both the importance of nutrition and service to others. These foods were carefully selected by school nutritionists. There were no canteens in the school, and we were charged at the end of the school year a lump sum lunch fee. This is something our DepEd can think about.

Alas, we are faced with another challenge though. This is altogether another issue that we will write about next time. But to be able to work out a whole of society national nutrition program, we need to understand that there are only less than 10,000 nutritionists in the country representing 0.1 percent per 1,000 population. That is why it is difficult to get a second opinion about your nutrition options.

Well, as we celebrate the New Year, I am sure that you are aware of what you should eat! Here’s wishing everyone a healthy 2024 and beyond!

Dr. Alvin P. Ang is Chairperson of the Department of Economics at Ateneo de Manila University and Senior Research Fellow at the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development.

T

he question is not philosophical. It is a simple one; in fact, it’s a question that can qualify as dumb.

All questions are dumb when one reads a book that is simply titled Creation. Artists Gods & Origins. The author is Peter Conrad who looks into varied sources and stories of creation. But the book does not end there, in creation, but also pursues the notion of creativity.

To create is to be creative.

Conrad would quote Vasari, who wrote Lives of the Artists, deifying the artist: “Michaelangelo’s Adam seems to have been fashioned at that very moment by the first and supreme creator rather than by the drawing and brush of a mortal man.”

Art is there from the beginning.

Then Conrad parades us through the scenes of Genesis and describes how this God who was strong when He was dividing the land from the air and the sea began to grow weaker when He reached the moment he created the first Man and Woman: “The finger he points at Adam is tense, almost erectile, charged with a will and energy that he wants to transmit to his recumbent, semi-conscious offspring, and the effort channeled into that thin point is terrifying…”

Conrad continues: “To create Eve, he descends to earth and raises one hand to beckon her out of her hidingplace inside Adam. He clasps his robe with his other hand, as if protecting his own nakedness or protecting her from it; he looks older and wearier than the potentate who gave order to the elements.” Then the perspective is twisted: “Eve joins her own hands as she reaches out to him. Perhaps, she is praying, though she may also be asking one of those inconvenient

questions about the purpose of our own existence…”

There is so much to talk about the origin of the world. What about the origin of a year? Or the beginning of a year?

Who paints the beginning of the year?

The media of yore had a template for the story of the New Year. Newspapers in particular and also magazines would always have an infant in swaddling clothes crawling to the middle of the stage and it represented the coming new year; another figure, that of an Old Man, his back bent and his demeanor sad, leaving the space for he stood for the Old Year.

Our sense of time has changed so much that Father Time himself has his image already overhauled. Time has ceased being a personification but a motion. Everything is moving and it is moving fast. The rituals of avoidance and taboos significantly present during the previous generations have been

dissipated. Who observes about quieting the kitchen? Who still believes in the religion of stopping all activities in the kitchen so that for, at least, one day or two days, in a year, the labor force, which is generally female, is given a time to rest?

The question is moot because there are already homes where the works in the kitchen and other areas have already been degendered. Or think of homes where the kitchens are not anymore functional given the convenience stores around us and the technologies to use for reheating or repurposing ingredients.

I still remember the many proscriptions we observed just so the New Year could be ushered in warmly

and most appropriately. Two days before the 31st of December, there was already a flurry of preparations

and cooking in the living room of homes. Then the feast began. By the time the dinner was over, there was minimal movement in the kitchen again—washing of dishes, cleaning of table surfaces, etc.—works that practically caused no sound. As the women (generally) retreat back into the living room or their respective rooms, that whole rear of the house quiets down.

That night and till the next day, the fire has rested at home.

At breakfast, nothing is cooked anew. Reheating is done. Breads are served. The rice cake and other delicacies survive for another day and take the center stage.

Has anyone forgotten to buy posporo? No one should have forgotten but if there is nothing in the kitchen, then the guilty party is either scolded or partly ignored at the dining table. But of course happiness prevails— should prevail.

These taboos are gone.

We have become 24-7. Midnights have lost their allure and magic. When before it was not easy to find teenagers having coffee at 1 in the morning, this is already common. Before we were like knights keeping vigil for the ringing of the bells for midnight; presently, people are awake till midnight, working.

There is no new midnight. There is no rite for a special hour or an enchanting space. Unless you consider the how-many-roundfruits scheme perpetuated by commerce, or the belief that we have the longest Christmas celebration and we participate to keep the record.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Goldman, Morgan Stanley expect China’s housing slump to persist

By Tom Hancock

T

he slump in China’s housing construction will continue in 2024, dragging down economic growth and suggesting that government efforts to stabilize the sector haven’t been enough to reverse the downturn.

That’s the consensus from 10 investment banks and securities brokerages, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Morgan Stanley an d UBS Group AG. If they’re right, that leaves China on track to post three straight years of contractions in property construction, a record streak. The country’s main measure of real estate investment fell 8 percent on year in the first 11 months of 2023. For all of last year, the measure dropped 8.4 percent.

The outlook signals the downturn in the property market is far from over, despite the government’s rollout of measures mostly aimed at stoking demand for homes. The prolonged slump means the sector’s

role as a driver of demand for goods and services has shrunk. Real estaterelated demand accounts for about 20 percent of GDP now, down from 24 percent in 2018, Bloomberg Economics estimates.

Goldman economists led by Hui Shan have one of the most bearish forecasts, expecting a “double digit” contraction in real estate fixed-asset investment next year. The ongoing property slump will reduce real GDP growth by one percentage point, they added.

Other forecasts are less gloomy.

Morgan Stanley sees the gauge dropping 7 percent, while UBS expects a 5 percent decline. Chinese economists are bearish, too, with China Mer-

chants Bank International expecting real estate investment to fall 7 percent. The key reason for pessimism is a sharp decline in newly started real estate projects in 2023, according to Ming Ming of Citic Securities Co. Ltd. and other economists. That suggests the area of completed projects has room to fall.

Another reason is the decline in real estate sales, which leaves developers with less incentive to start construction. Both Goldman and UBS see real estate sales dropping 5 percent next year.

The property downturn has wider reaching effects. Given the large size of the sector, falling construction activity is a major cause of weak domestic demand, which in turn is one of the main reasons China has seen deflation this year.

Many economists still see Beijing setting an ambitious GDP growth target for 2024 of around 5 percent, meaning that large fiscal stimulus would be required to offset the drag

on growth from housing.

One analyst bucking the consensus for a deeper housing construction slump is Logan Wright, director of China market research at Rhodium Group. He sees low single-digit growth in both real estate construction and sales next year.

There are already signs of a stronger outlook for consumption in improving government land sales, Wright said. He also pointed to a pickup in the usage of equipment in China made by Japanese firm Komatsu Ltd. That’s widely seen as one of the most reliable high-frequency construction measures.

“The worst of the industry’s correction is already behind us,” Wright said. Some economists argue that China’s government will inject further stimulus in an attempt to stabilize the market. Those measures could include further use of central bank or fiscal funds to directly buyup excess housing. With assistance from Fran Wang /Bloomberg

Texas has arrested thousands on trespassing charges at the border; illegal crossings are still high

By Acacia Coronado The Associated Press

E

AGLE PASS, Texas—Before settling in New York City like thousands of other migrants this year, Abdoul, a 32-year-old from West Africa, took an unexpected detour: Weeks in a remote Texas jail on local trespassing charges after crossing the US-Mexico border.

“I spent a lot of hours without sleeping, sitting on the floor,” said Abdoul, a political activist who fled Mauritania, fearing persecution. He spoke on the condition that his last name not be published for fear of jeopardizing his request for asylum.

Starting in March, Texas will allow police to arrest migrants who enter the state illegally and give

local judges the authority to order them out of the country. The new law comes two years after Texas launched a smaller-scale operation to arrest migrants for trespassing.

But although that operation was also intended to stem illegal crossings, there is little indication that it has done so.

The results raise questions about the impact arrests have on deterring immigration as Texas readies to give police even broader powers to apprehend migrants on charges of illegal entry. Civil rights organizations have already sued to stop the new law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, calling it an unconstitutional overreach that encroaches on the US government’s immigration authority.

Since 2021, Texas authorities have arrested nearly 10,000 migrants on misdemeanor trespassing charges under what Abbott has called a “arrest and jail” operation: Border landowners enter agreements with the state authorizing trespassing arrests, clearing the way for law enforcement to apprehend migrants who enter the US through those properties.

The arrests have drawn constitutional challenges in courts, including claims of due process violations.

More recently, one landowner asked officials to stop the trespassing arrests on their property, claiming authorities never had permission in the first place.

Abbott had predicted the trespassing arrests would produce swift results. “When people start learning

about this, they’re going to stop coming across the Texas border,” he told Fox News in July 2021, when TexasMexico border crossings reached 1.2 million that fiscal year.

That number has ticked up even higher over the past fiscal year, topping 1.5 million.

“They’re still coming through here,” said Sheriff Tom Schmerber of Maverick County, where Abdoul crossed the border and was quickly arrested in July. Abbott suggested this month Texas may soon phase out the trespassing arrests as it moves forward with illegal entry charges that can be enforced most anywhere in the state, including hundreds of miles from the border. Associated Press video journalist Ted Shaffrey reported from New York.

A14 Friday, December 29, 2023

After drawing flak, Neda insists lower food tariffs help Filipinos

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) on Thursday maintained that lower tariff rates benefit Filipino consumers, citing lower inflation rates for meat and other commodities this year.

In a statement, Neda reiterated that extending the reduced most favored nation (MFN) tariff rates on pork, corn and rice would help “ensure” sufficient and affordable food supply for Filipinos next year.

Neda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said it is critical that the country “diversifies” its market sources “to ensure sufficient and affordable food supply in the Philippines.”

“This will help reduce the risks and alleviate the inflationary pressures caused by the onset of El Niño, the worsening effects of African Swine Fever (ASF), and external pressures such as geopolitical tensions and export bans imposed by some countries,” Balisacan said.

Neda argued that additional meat imports this year “played a crucial role” in slashing the country’s meat inflation to -1.2 percent in September from 21 percent in 2021 amid a production shortfall in corn and challenges in domestic pork production due to ASF. “In addition, the reduction on

tariff rates had pulled down corn inflation and broadened market sources for rice, mitigating the impact of elevated inflation in September of this year,” it said.

Nonetheless, Balisacan emphasized that the extended reduced tariff rates on key commodities must be complemented with “crucial” strategies and programs that would boost local food production.

“These crucial strategies include sustained investments in irrigation, flood control, supply chain logistics, and climate change adaptation,” he said.

“Short-term and long-term interventions need to work together to protect the purchasing power of Filipino households and boost the productivity and income of local producers. Doing so will ensure equitable and sustainable development for the country,” he added.

Sinag assails Neda stand

NEDA’s and Balisacan’s comments

HOLIDAY BLOOMS Atok, a fourth-class upland municipality in Benguet province north of Baguio City, transforms into a holiday haven, showcasing breathtaking landscapes adorned with vibrant flower farms. JOEL C. PAREDES

came a day after the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) took a swipe at the socioeconomic planning agency for being one of the prime movers in extending the lower tariff rates on the three commodities.

Sinag argued that local food producers are being “penalized” by the Marcos Jr. administration with its decision to extend lower tariff rates on key food items until the end of 2024. (Related story: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2023/12/28/low-tariffs-punishing-local-food-producers-without-cutting-prices/)

“It is very unfortunate that the economic team led by Secretaries Ben Diokno and Arsenio Balisacan had succeeded in the issuance of EO [Executive Order] 50; penalizing local producers while promoting the interests of a few privileged importers and favored traders,” the group said in a statement.

Sinag, led by Engr. Rosendo So, emphasized that local producers are “penalized” while importers are “rewarded” and “pampered” with four straight years of reduced tariffs on rice, pork and corn.

Continued on A5

SWS POLL: JUST 3% OF PINOYS WILL WELCOME NEW YEAR WITH FEAR

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HE number of Filipinos who will enter the coming new year with fear is down to just 3 percent, the lowest on record, according to Social Weather Station’s (SWS) latest national survey.

In its latest survey, the SWS said only 3 percent of Filipinos would welcome the new year with “fear,” down by 2 percentage points from last year’s 5 percent.

SWS data showed that this is now the least number of Filipinos who would welcome the upcoming year with “fear” since the pollster started conducting the same survey in December 2000.

On the other hand, about 96 percent of adult Filipinos will enter 2024 with hope rather than fear, a percentage point higher than the 95 percent recorded last year, according to SWS. This is now the highest level since 2019 or before the Covid-19 pandemic struck the Philippines, the SWS explained.

“Hope for the New Year was 87 percent when first surveyed by SWS at the end of 2000. It was in the 80s at the end of 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, and 2009. It was in the 90s at the end of 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and from 2010 to 2023,” it said.

“The percentage of those who are entering the New Year with hope rather than fear is higher among those who expected a happy Christmas (98 percent) and those who

expected neither a happy nor sad Christmas (95 percent) than those who expected a sad Christmas (84 percent),” the SWS added.

The SWS noted that Filipinos’ hope for the coming New Year has always been higher among those who expected a happy Christmas than those who expected a sad one.

The SWS said hope for 2024 rose slightly to 97 percent from 93 percent among Filipino adults in Metro Manila.

About 96 percent of Filipino adults residing in Mindanao expressed optimism in the coming new year, up from 93 percent last year, based on SWS data.

“It stayed at 97 percent in Balance Luzon, while it fell slightly from 95 percent to 93 percent in the Visayas,” the SWS said.

The SWS survey showed that Filipino college graduates were the most hopeful in the upcoming year. About 98 percent of Filipino adults with college diplomas expressed hope.

“Compared to the end of 2022, New Year hope rose slightly across educational levels: from 92 percent to 93 percent among non-elementary graduates,from95percentto97percent among elementary graduates, from 95 percentto96percentamongjuniorhigh school graduates,” the SWS said.

The survey was conducted by the SWS last December 8 to 11 through face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, December 29, 2023

B1

SM stimulates Laguna’s economic Globe Telecom paints ‘rosy’ outlook for 2024 progress with latest mall opening

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

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THE 84th SM mall and fourth in Laguna Province, SM Center San Pedro spurs local growth, especially within the community of Barangay United Bayanihan.

S

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

M Prime Holdings Inc. said it is spurring Laguna’s economic growth with the mall operator’s recent expansion in local communities.

This was after the inauguration of a 23,000-square meter SM shopping mall in San Pedro—the fourth one in Laguna after those in the cities of Santa Rosa, Calamba and San Pablo—all of which have much larger retail footprint.

News of the mall opening was well received by local residents, said Jhe-Rico Sam Colina who is the chief information officer (CIO) of San Pedro City, as the new development is seen to invigorate more local activity.

Colina shared that with the city’s hilly geography, access to goods can be quite challenging to navigate around.

“We have a lower [area] or the town proper, and then the Upper Villages here in San Pedro,” he described. “[Traveling from the latter, it would take] 30 to 40 minutes by jeepney to reach the public market.”

The San Pedro City CIO disclosed that residents usually go to the city center, which is quite far away: “For

leisure, grocery, and whatnot, sometimes they even [have to go to Biñan City, or as far as Muntinlupa City, just] to buy what they need.”

Some of the group’s retail affiliates in SM Center San Pedro, including SM Appliance Center, said that 86 percent of its employees are residents of the city. Watsons Phils., another SM company, has 60 percent of its team members coming from the city.

In the mall’s administration office, half of the work force is locally hired.

Beyond staple offerings from anchor-tenants like SM Hypermarket and SM Appliance Center, among others, it is also a partner for sustainable initiatives.

The mall utilizes low-emissivity glass for windows and skylights which are most evident in SM Center San Pedro’s Event Center. For a more responsible management of natural

resources, the mall’s water-treatment plant and LED light fixtures complement one another in ensuring energy consumption efficiency.

It also has a designated electric vehicle-charging station located in the basement parking lot, which is also open to all mall-goers.

SM Center-San Pedro assistant mall manager Christian Liston said they strive to empower homegrown community brands and provide a space that will create opportunities for the local community.

“With the opening of SM’s 84th mall, we further strengthen our support to communities in the south by bringing convenience and our distinct brand of service to San Pedro,” Liston said. “We believe in the potential of the community, and are eager to help bring opportunities to the city.”

Cebu Pacific cited for ‘exemplary support’ in natl govt’s relief efforts

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EBU PACIFIC (PSE: CEB) was recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its significant contribution in providing logistical support during calamities and disasters).

During its “Volunteers and Partners’ Recognition Day,” the DSWD— particularly its National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB)—commended CEB, alongside other government agencies, private organizations, and dedicated volunteers, for delivering humanitarian assistance and relief to communities in need.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to our valued partners and volunteers who extended their support to the [NRLMB] in delivering immediate responses to families affected by various calamities,” said Diana Rose Cajipe, who is the undersecretary of DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group. “We are grateful to have you as our volunteers and partners, [as well as commend all of you for your outstanding contributions in] alleviating the suffering of vulnerable and disadvantaged people during crisis situations.”

PRESENT during the awarding are Department of Social Welfare and Development: National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau-Chief Administrative Office’s Irish Flor Yaranon (from left), Disaster Response Management Group undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe, Cebu Pacific’s Corporate Communications specialist Roxanne Gochuico and manager Marga Lera, as well as DSWD’s NRLMB officer in charge Leo Quintilla and Resource Management division chief Mark Poul Agner.

In 2023, the budget carrier airlifted over 258 metric tons of humanitarian cargo, which manifested the airline’s dedication in supporting communities during crises.

“We’re honored to contribute to the government’s noble efforts in making a difference in

the lives of those in need,” said CEB’s chief corporate affairs officer Michael Ivan Shau. “[Our] purpose goes beyond flying—it’s about connecting and supporting communities, especially during challenging times.”

Looking ahead to 2024, CEB is

steadfast in its commitment to social responsibility and advancing humanitarian causes.

The airline also envisions fostering collaborative initiatives that provide sustainable and impactful change for every “Juan,” according to a company statement.

ROJECTIONS point to positives for the Globe Group in 2024, as it cited on Thursday key developments in its datacenter operations and the introduction of its electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary.

According to Globe Group president Ernest Cu, the company is “very confident” about the country’s business climate next year, as it strengthens the operations of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) Phils. and Gogoro Phils. “ We remain optimistic for 2024,” Cu remarked. “We are hopeful that inflation and interest rates have already reached peak levels. We are very confident that, given the state of competition in the market, our people’s continued efforts and our market position, we’ll be able to sustain a lot of what has happened in our mobile and fixed-line side of our telco business this year.”

The Globe chief said STT GDC is gearing up to “respond to the growing demand for hyperscale quality locations in the Philippines,” after holding the 6-megawatt data center groundbreaking in Cavite. This is expected to complement the 124-MW facility in Fairview.

He noted that these “next generation data centers” are designed to cater to the increasing needs of enterprise businesses and hyperscalers for reliable, high-quality data offerings that mark a sig-

nificant step in Globe’s expansion strategy. The facilities are expected to generate revenues for the telco and its partners by 2025.

Aside from the data center projects, Globe is set to beef up Gogoro, which offers batteryswapping technology for the latter’s EVs or “Smartscooters.”

Cu added that the company is positive it can maintain its business trajectory in 2024, following an all-time high in consolidated service revenues for the first nine months at P121.1 billion, notwithstanding challenging macroeconomic conditions.

It also posted P60.7 billion in Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization or EBITDA during the said period.

He emphasized that “despite the current high interest rate environment and elevated inflation, strategic initiatives and [a strong market position will ensure Globe’s] continued success.”

The Ayala-led telco firm saw its profits dwindle by almost a third in the first nine months of the year despite posting all-time high consolidated service revenues— no thanks to higher depreciation costs and a non-operate charge versus last year.

T he company’s net income “dropped by 27 percent” in January to September 2023 “due to the increased depreciation expense, as well as this period’s non-operating charges versus last year’s non-operating income, which included the partial sale of Globe’s data-center business.”

Its core net income also plunged by 8 percent to P14.8 billion.

Figaro opens coffee shop with Kitchen City in WTC

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UBLICLY-LISTED restaurant operator Figaro Coffee Group Inc (FGC). and Kitchen City have just opened a joint coffee chain at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay.

Ricardo Abelardo Jr., who is Kitchen City’s president, said the opening of Lobby Café is a celebration of long-term planning of a vision, consistent offering of good service, and providing an option for WTC clients.

“As you can see in the Philippines, Kitchen City and FCG are very strong partners,” Abelardo affirmed. “I’m glad that Figaro Coffee is a well-known brand owned by a Filipino.”

Ace Azarraga, who is Figaro’s Brand and Partnership director, said the company and Kitchen City have been partners even before the pandemic.

“Kitchen City selected FCG as its coffee provider due to our commitment to delivering quality and affordable products,” Azarraga said. “With more than 13 outlets distributed across Kitchen City concessionaires, schools, offices and manufacturing companies, FCG has successfully established a

strong presence in various sectors.”

Figaro said it continues to expand not only by opening stores, but also partnering with other major companies like Kitchen City. It shared that “from a humble beginning to becoming a global success, [we remain] committed to providing exceptional coffee experiences and supporting local communities.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Chair Emeritus Guillermo Luchangco of the ICCP Group of Companies; Chair and CEO Pamela Pascual of Manila Exposition Complex Inc., as well as Kitchen City’s owner and chair Alfredo Yao. The WTC-Metro Manila is the venue of major exhibitions and trade shows participated by foreign delegations and buyers from different parts of the world. It offers a fully equipped facility in a strategic location, with excellent visitor mileage and accessibility to international airports, seaports, entertainment and cultural facilities, five-star hotel accommodations, as well as proximity to the Makati City Central Business District. VG Cabuag

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Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, December 29, 2023

ACEN investments to top ₧12B for subsidiaries all over PHL

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By Lorenz S. Marasigan

be installed in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon.

Meanwhile, further investments are in store for Giga Ace 8 involving P2.40 billion in Common A, RPS A, and RPS C shares. Proceeds of this transaction will be used for the proposed 300.011MWp/237MW AC Palauig Solar 2 Project.

The transaction with Santa Cruz Solar Energy involves the subscription to additional Common A Shares and RPSA for P1.31 billion. This will be used to fund continuing works for the construction of the San Marcelino Solar Energy Power Plant Project-Phases 1 and 2 in San Marcelino, Zambales.

ACEN also subscribed to additional RPS A in Sinocalan Solar Power for P708 million. The subsidiary will utilize the investment for the proposed

@lorenzmarasigan

HE Ayala Group’s renewable energy (RE) arm ACEN Corp. is injecting some P12.87 billion in six different subsidiaries to fund power projects across the Philippines.

In separate disclosures to the stock exchange, ACEN said it has acquired additional redeemable preferred and common shares in Giga Ace 6 Inc., Giga Ace 8 Inc., Santa Cruz Solar Energy Inc., Sinocalan Solar Power Corp., SolarAce2 Energy Corp., and Gigasol1 Inc. For its transaction with Giga Ace

6, ACEN subscribed to an additional 799.48 million Common A Shares and 7.16 million Redeemable Preferred A Shares (RPS A) for P7.96 billion.

The additional investments will be used by Giga Ace 6 for the proposed 335-megawatt (MW) onshore wind-power project development to

60MWp solar power facility development in San Manuel, Pangasinan.

Ayala’s additional investments in SolarAce 2 and Gigasol1 involve a RPS subscription for P250 million and P240 million, respectively.

Currently, ACEN has about 4,500 MW of attributable capacity from owned facilities in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Indonesia and India, with a renewable share of 98 percent, which is among the highest in the region.

The company’s goal is to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of reaching 20 GW of renewables capacity by 2030. It is committed to transition its generation portfolio to 100-percent renewable energy by 2025, and to become a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions firm by 2050.

Mreit moves acquisition closing date of Megaworld properties to May 2024

P

ROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp’s. real estate investment trust Mreit Inc. has extended the closing date of its acquisition of its sponsor’s seven assets to next May, exactly a year when it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

T he Megaworld proper t ies are located in McKinley, Taguig

City as well as those in Iloilo and Davao.

“By mutual agreement of the parties, and in accordance with Paragraphs B and F of the MOU, the conduct of the company’s financial, legal and technical due diligence [as well as the execution of the definitive agreements are mutually extended to May 31,]

2024,” Mreit said.

The company earlier eyed the third quarter this year as its closing date.

The potential additions include Two West Campus (9,500 square meters) and Ten West Campus (36,400 sq m) which are both in McKinley Hill; Science Hub-Tower 3 (20,500 sq m) and

Science Hub-Tower 4 (20,700 sq m) in McKinley West; One Fintech Place (18,200 sq m) and Two Fintech Place (18,100 sq m) in Iloilo Business Park; and Davao Finance Center (27,100 sq m) in Davao Park District.

In aggregate, these assets generated rental income of P1.2 billion in 2022. VG Cabuag

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

December 28, 2023

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

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

661,145 165,418,433 38,714 168,083,414 996,490 1,274,270 82,947,264.50 1,467,004 4,790 107,495 9,562,805 6,581,240 32,430 58,620 900 22,600 7,700 892,512 217,600

-132,525 23,807,147.00 -4,108,950 -6,160 932,392 -41,740,410 -8,266,208 -1,439,055 7,980 22,600 14,016 217,600

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.24 4.28 4.2 4.31 4.16 4.28 16,439,000 69,837,210 ALSONS CONS 0.53 0.56 0.55 0.56 0.53 0.56 22,000 12,060 ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.73 0.74 0.72 0.74 0.72 0.74 1,618,000 1,182,100 ABOITIZ POWER 37.05 37.5 37 37.5 36.8 37.5 587,500 21,815,345 RASLAG 1.16 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 3,000 3,600 BASIC ENERGY 0.175 0.176 0.178 0.178 0.175 0.175 1,340,000 235,990 FIRST GEN 17.42 17.44 17 17.46 17 17.42 318,100 5,523,712 FIRST PHIL HLDG 62.5 62.95 62.5 63 62.5 63 2,920 182,650 JOLLIVILLE HLDG 4.42 6.73 6.28 6.74 6.28 6.74 6,000 37,772 MERALCO 396 398 393 398 390.6 398 290,820 115,170,610 MANILA WATER 18.42 18.48 18.2 18.58 18.2 18.42 113,800 2,099,940 PETRON 3.49 3.5 3.49 3.5 3.45 3.5 317,000 1,103,150 PETROENERGY 4.51 4.84 4.61 4.89 4.6 4.89 11,000 51,350 PHX PETROLEUM 4.41 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.9 1,000 4,900 REPOWER ENERGY 6.86 6.99 6.99 6.99 6.86 6.86 100,800 694,193 SEMIRARA MINING 29.85 29.9 29.5 29.95 28.9 29.9 2,763,600 81,998,350 SYNERGY GRID 6.39 6.4 6.32 6.45 6.25 6.4 544,200 3,485,211 SHELL PILIPINAS 10.92 10.96 10.94 10.94 10.8 10.94 145,300 1,577,888 SPC POWER 6.9 7 6.9 7 6.88 7 12,700 88,093 SP NEW ENERGY 1.34 1.35 1.3 1.39 1.3 1.35 39,474,000 53,320,740 AGRINURTURE 0.7 0.72 0.69 0.76 0.69 0.72 15,915,000 11,443,190 AXELUM 2.28 2.35 2.35 2.35 2.3 2.3 180,000 414,050 CENTURY FOOD 31 31.05 31 31.05 30.5 31.05 1,139,200 35,329,475 DEL MONTE 6.35 6.49 6.46 6.54 6.4 6.49 27,000 174,737 DNL INDUS 6.17 6.25 6.17 6.25 6.17 6.25 312,000 1,937,352 EMPERADOR 20.8 20.85 20.75 21 20.75 20.8 558,700 11,606,900 SMC FOODANDBEV 49.95 50 50.2 50.6 50 50 45,910 2,298,562 FIGARO COFFEE 0.6 0.61 0.59 0.61 0.59 0.61 2,366,000 1,416,600 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.46 0.5 0.46 0.46 0.46 0.46 60,000 27,600 FRUITAS HLDG 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.97 0.96 0.97 176,000 169,110 GINEBRA 166 168.7 169.9 169.9 165.7 168.7 6,090 1,016,658 JOLLIBEE 249.4 249.8 246 249.8 245.8 249.8 343,830 85,453,462 KEEPERS HLDG 1.46 1.48 1.45 1.48 1.45 1.48 135,000 197,420 MAXS GROUP 3.22 3.49 3.32 3.33 3.17 3.33 243,000 792,230 MG HLDG 0.09 0.095 0.09 0.091 0.09 0.09 400,000 36,060 MONDE NISSIN 8.3 8.32 8.16 8.35 8.16 8.32 3,361,200 27,883,653 SHAKEYS PIZZA 9.75 9.88 9.8 9.8 9.75 9.75 43,100 422,330 ROXAS AND CO 0.455 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.455 0.455 20,000 9,250 RFM CORP 2.96 2.99 2.96 2.99 2.96 2.99 85,000 253,630 ROXAS HLDG 0.54 0.65 0.6 0.65 0.6 0.65 21,000 12,650 UNIV ROBINA 116 116.7 116.3 117.8 115.6 116.7 586,710 68,457,764 VITARICH 0.49 0.51 0.49 0.53 0.49 0.51 140,000 70,900 VICTORIAS 3.01 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 2,000 6,600 CONCRETE B 38.75 67.8 67.9 67.9 67.9 67.9 200 13,580 CEMEX HLDG 0.9 0.91 0.94 0.94 0.9 0.9 100,000 90,290 EC VULCAN CORP 0.6 0.63 0.61 0.63 0.6 0.63 123,000 73,840 EEI CORP 5.6 5.78 5.69 5.78 5.5 5.78 611,100 3,416,746 MEGAWIDE 3.08 3.09 3.09 3.09 3.02 3.08 121,000 370,830 PHINMA 20 20.25 20.1 20.3 20 20.25 247,700 4,967,245 TKC METALS 0.405 0.51 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 20,000 8,200 CROWN ASIA 1.52 1.55 1.5 1.55 1.5 1.55 63,000 96,770 EUROMED 0.72 0.74 0.7 0.75 0.7 0.75 30,000 21,100 MABUHAY VINYL 5.7 5.87 5.71 5.89 5.71 5.89 5,000 28,806 PRYCE CORP 5.2 5.29 5.35 5.35 5.13 5.19 42,500 219,884 GREENERGY 0.228 0.23 0.23 0.239 0.228 0.23 1,960,000 454,370 INTEGRATED MICR 3.05 3.14 3.05 3.15 3.04 3.05 72,000 220,220 IONICS 1.01 1.02 1 1.03 0.98 1.02 640,000 643,550 PANASONIC 4.89 5.63 5.8 5.8 5.63 5.63 12,100 69,249 SFA SEMICON 2.08 2.18 2.06 2.19 2.06 2.19 440,000 931,160 CIRTEK HLDG 1.55 1.57 1.55 1.57 1.51 1.57 171,000 263,400

-6,261,730 1,100 32,120 -2,124,225.00 611,172 18,750 79,438,158 372,158 -4,900 -28,491,810 -1,320,895 -1,117,714 700 3,375,980 -415,090 -17,029,225 -69,547 -709,737 -10,333,540 -2,020,840 300,000 27,600 16,890 10,474,294 13,050 -136,840 -6,841,276 401,750 -247,690 -32,345,379 3,300 -4,500 21,150 -230,050 2,980 -140,720 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LT GROUP PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

33.1 129.1 6.9 104.5 30.7 8.5 51.5 18.48 53 22.2 71.4 49.2 1.4 2.66 0.086 1,130 0.36 174 2,720

0.77 698.5 49.45 10.8 11.5 4.81 9.59 576 39.85 0.39 8.89 2.76 0.89 894 110.5 96.05 0.23 0.071

33.15 129.4 7.26 104.8 31 8.51 51.6 18.5 55 22.4 71.8 49.95 1.41 2.67 0.112 1,300 0.38 175.5 2,730

0.79 705 50 10.82 11.64 4.89 9.6 578.5 40 0.43 8.9 2.83 0.94 895 111 100 0.249 0.073

33.1 130.5 6.9 104 30.5 8.46 51.3 18.42 55 21.4 71.4 49.55 1.41 2.66 0.09 1,130 0.385 175.4 2,720

0.8 693.5 49.3 10.1 11.62 4.9 9.4 575 40.3 0.4 8.86 2.8 0.94 891 109.9 96.05 0.249 0.072

33.15 130.5 7.29 105 31 8.51 51.8 18.48 55 22.45 72.8 49.95 1.42 2.67 0.09 1,130 0.385 175.4 2,720

0.8 705 50 10.9 11.62 4.94 9.64 579 40.8 0.44 8.98 2.87 0.94 899 111 100.9 0.249 0.072

33 128.6 6.9 103.5 30.5 8.42 50.9 18.42 53 21.4 71.4 48.5 1.4 2.66 0.09 1,130 0.385 174.8 2,720

0.77 687 49.3 10.02 11.62 4.77 9.38 566.5 39.7 0.4 8.86 2.8 0.94 887 109.9 96 0.249 0.072

33.1 129.1 7.29 104.5 30.7 8.5 51.6 18.48 53 22.45 71.4 49.95 1.41 2.66 0.09 1,130 0.385 175.4 2,720

0.79 705 50 10.8 11.62 4.81 9.6 576 40 0.44 8.9 2.87 0.94 894 111 96.05 0.249 0.072

20,000 1,277,760 5,600 1,607,910 32,400 150,400 1,608,940 79,500 90 5,000 133,660 133,100 23,000 22,000 10,000 20 20,000 5,100 80

1,575,000 73,030 383,300 4,519,300 800 550,000 2,692,300 139,570 913,300 30,000 455,600 15,000 1,000 128,600 792,250 1,490,300 10,000 100,000

1,230,150 51,204,715 19,126,950 47,640,312 9,296 2,688,840 25,565,701 80,089,820 36,594,650 12,400 4,054,983 42,450 940 114,726,570 87,550,417 143,218,232.50 2,490 7,200

PROPERTY

MUTUAL FUNDS

December 28, 2023

NAV

One Year Three Year

Five Year

Y-T-D

per share Return*

Return

Stock Funds 1.52%

-2.69%

-3.47%

-0.31%

1.4562

9.9%

3.18%

0.42%

1.78%

8.33%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.9555

ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

211.26

1.65%

-2.3%

-5.42%

-2.14%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.6949

1.05%

-5.05%

First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a

-6.11%

-5.44% n.a

-4.09%

-2.5%

-2.56%

-0.55%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

0.6221

-4.17%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.6247-0.36%

1.31%

-4.85% n.a -0.22%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.691-1.47%

-3.47% n.a n.a

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

84.36

12.18%

-5.84%

-6.49% n.a

-3.11%

-2.71% n.a

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 43.0022

-0.43%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

448.75

1.12%

-3.1%

-2.72%

-0.23%

0.98%

1.1968

3.84%

0.61%

-0.97% n.a

1.85%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

1.38%

-1.23%

-1.69%

1.56%

1.19%

-1.83% n.a n.a

2.43%

Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a

-2.23%

0.55%

0.57%

-1.88%

1.39%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

752.04

0.43%

-2.4%

-1.96%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.6878

2.64%

-1.92%

-4.39% n.a

2.03%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.3621

-0.08%

-2.81%

-0.34%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8528 0.12%

-2.72%

-2.27% n.a

United Fund, Inc. -a

0.75%

-0.09%

3.0911

0.03%

-2.63%

-2.46%

-1.44%

-0.43%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.86942.64% 4.5204

-0.63%

12.01%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 33.6909

1.39%

1.41% -3.72%

0.42% -0.33% 0.11%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.05770.16% n.a n.a n.a

0.14%

COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,2 1.0045 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.0085

-2.76%

-2.52% n.a n.a

-3.62%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

912.92

0.38% n.a n.a n.a

0.37%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c102.13751.02% -2.01%

-1.65%

2.09%

1.01%

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

$0.8033

-5.55%

-11.9%

-2.79%

-1.71%

-5.72%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a

$1.6514

16.36%

-0.32%

8.66% n.a

15.97%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.5217 ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.222

3.1%

-3.07%

-1.65%

-1.32%

2.49%

6.42%

-1.09%

0.11%

0.58%

5.54%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.4953

-0.34%

-1.89%

-0.37%

-0.68%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1893

-0.99%

-1.78% n.a n.a

-0.4%

-2.17% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9363

-0.59%

-0.62%

0.98%

1.69%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.5638

3.39%

-2.18%

0.16%

0.9%

3.6%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

15.5927

2.7%

-2.88%

-0.41%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0316

2.24%

-1.19%

0.53%

2.61%

2.99%

-0.39%

1.24%

2.27%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.4068

2.31%

-1.78%

-1.39%

0.12%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9034

0.28%

-0.39% n.a

2.79%

2.81%

2.32%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.9412.85%

-2.85% n.a n.a

2.82%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.84761.48%

-3.96% n.a n.a

1.44%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.82630.57%

-4.24% n.a n.a

0.46%

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

$0.0332

2.72%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b$0.8933 -0.55%

-7.67%

-5.35% -0.7%

-1.16%

0.23%

2.47%

-1.02%

6.35%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.2688

10.98%

-1.73%

5.31%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.0371

6.39%

-3.76%

1.71% n.a

2.93%

11% 6.74%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 390.49

3.39%

1.7%

2.6%

2.23%

3.3%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9077

1.73%

0.14%

0.54%

0.02%

1.75%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.3261

3.12%

1.16%

2.29%

3.76%

3.65%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2843

4.84%

-0.18%

4.53%

1.41%

1.38%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4586

2.63%

0.09%

2.17%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.3041

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.23%

3.04%

-2.44%

1.89%

0.91%

3.96%

1.374

3.89%

1.34%

3.06%

1.78%

4.13%

2.82%

1.64%

4.35%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.037

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.24%

0.38%

0.29%

3.29% n.a

3.24%

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

3.17%

3.3137

5.05%

1.16%

3.69%

2.2%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

4.27%

0.34%

2.84%

1.53%

4.39%

1.0495

1.7702

2.82%

5.34%

Corporate Debt Vehicle (units) ATRAM Unitized Corporate Debt Vehicle, Inc. -a,3

1.007 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $494.89

3.09%

0.77%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є213.94

1.97%

-0.81%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b$1.04072.79%

2.53%

3.08%

0.12%

0.85%

2.04%

-6.66%

2%

-1.55%

0.16%

3.1%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0248

4.2%

-2.31%

-0.08% n.a

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b$0.8561

-1.23%

-7.82%

-3.7%

-3.04%

-4.88%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.3119

5.9%

-3.02%

1.27%

1.96%

6.05%

1.5%

-0.79%

1.34%

1.6%

2.02%

3.26%

-4.34%

-0.34%

0.66%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0609087

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.8231

4.64%

3.73%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 136.84

2.71%

1.78%

2.52%

2.04%

2.69%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1081 3.24%

1.88% n.a n.a

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.37522.78%

2.45%

1.99%

2.02%

3.21%

2.75%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 104.55

4.1% n.a n.a n.a

4.06%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a

$1.097

2.54%

1.4%

1.55% n.a

2.6%

Feeder Funds

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS 1.8%

ABS HLDG PDR GMA HLDG PDR

9.47% n.a n.a

WARRANTS

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 43.44670.58% n.a n.a n.a Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a

1.4576

18.14%

TECH WARRANT

18.3% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1

0.9977 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.80641.31% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day.

1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023.

-6.29% n.a n.a

b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

2.08%

c - Listed in the PSE.

3 - Launch date is May 25, 2023.

“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.”

ARTHALAND CORP 0.42 0.45 0.435 0.46 0.435 0.46 100,000 44,100 AYALA LAND 34.4 34.45 34.3 34.4 34.05 34.4 6,478,900 222,223,200 AYALA LAND LOG 1.72 1.74 1.79 1.79 1.72 1.74 222,000 386,420 ALTUS PROP 8.98 9.3 9.35 9.35 9.35 9.35 1,000 9,350 ARANETA PROP 0.97 0.98 0.98 1 0.96 0.98 274,000 268,520 AREIT RT 33.2 33.25 33.15 33.4 33 33.25 486,300 16,148,450 A BROWN 0.62 0.65 0.62 0.65 0.62 0.65 73,000 45,650 CROWN EQUITIES 0.06 0.067 0.068 0.068 0.068 0.068 10,000 680 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.48 2.53 2.53 2.53 2.53 2.53 43,000 108,790 CENTURY PROP 0.27 0.28 0.285 0.285 0.27 0.28 1,190,000 332,600 CITICORE RT 2.56 2.57 2.55 2.57 2.55 2.56 6,664,000 17,060,330 DOUBLEDRAGON 7.6 7.68 7.62 7.7 7.54 7.68 24,900 189,751 DDMP RT 1.19 1.2 1.19 1.2 1.18 1.2 746,000 886,570 DM WENCESLAO 4.8 5.24 5.85 5.85 4.2 5.24 457,300 1,997,634 EMPIRE EAST 0.122 0.126 0.122 0.127 0.122 0.122 1,190,000 145,630 FILINVEST RT 2.57 2.58 2.6 2.62 2.57 2.58 7,501,000 19,428,160 FILINVEST LAND 0.57 0.58 0.57 0.58 0.56 0.57 2,591,000 1,476,460 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.74 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1,000 800 8990 HLDG 8.37 8.58 8.56 8.69 8.31 8.58 428,200 3,576,332 PHIL INFRADEV 0.51 0.57 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 72,000 38,160 CITY AND LAND 0.72 0.75 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.76 57,000 43,000 MEGAWORLD 1.95 1.96 1.95 1.97 1.94 1.96 13,928,000 27,179,290 MRC ALLIED 1.3 1.35 1.38 1.38 1.3 1.35 213,000 279,110 MREIT RT 12.28 12.4 12.44 12.44 12.2 12.3 203,300 2,500,484 PREMIERE RT 1.53 1.54 1.54 1.54 1.51 1.53 35,000 53,430 RL COMM RT 4.86 4.87 4.86 4.89 4.82 4.88 1,095,000 5,328,550 ROBINSONS LAND 15.8 15.84 15.86 15.88 15.78 15.8 1,165,300 18,426,296 ROCKWELL 1.38 1.41 1.36 1.4 1.36 1.38 2,263,000 3,079,640 SHANG PROP 3.65 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66 3.66 47,000 172,020 STA LUCIA LAND 3.35 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.4 1,621,000 5,351,400 SM PRIME HLDG 33.5 33.6 33.4 33.6 33.1 33.6 2,726,900 91,144,915 VISTAMALLS 2.26 2.41 2.41 2.41 2.41 2.41 1,000 2,410 SUNTRUST RESORT 0.76 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 4,000 3,400 VISTA LAND 1.64 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.6 1.66 854,000 1,386,890 VISTAREIT RT 1.68 1.69 1.67 1.69 1.67 1.68 584,000 980,130

SERVICES ABS CBN 4.59 4.6 4.61 4.75 4.6 4.6 326,000 1,506,380 GMA NETWORK 8.31 8.32 8.29 8.32 8.29 8.32 266,600 2,214,658 MANILA BULLETIN 0.231 0.237 0.231 0.231 0.231 0.231 30,000 6,930 GLOBE TELECOM 1,708 1,715 1,730 1,730 1,706 1,708 11,595 19,835,875 PLDT 1,279 1,280 1,285 1,288 1,273 1,280 38,305 49,017,520 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 104,200,000 1,310,200 CONVERGE 8.5 8.51 8.49 8.66 8.48 8.51 3,744,300 31,971,393 DITO CME HLDG 2.37 2.38 2.35 2.39 2.31 2.38 1,978,000 4,630,360 NOW CORP 1.09 1.11 1.1 1.13 1.08 1.13 255,000 284,710 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.136 0.14 0.137 0.137 0.136 0.136 30,000 4,100 ASIAN TERMINALS 14.92 15.48 15 15.06 14.92 15.06 30,100 451,778 CHELSEA 1.49 1.52 1.47 1.53 1.47 1.49 320,000 479,430 CEBU AIR 32.5 32.65 32.75 32.8 32.5 32.5 64,000 2,086,610 INTL CONTAINER 241.2 242.2 239.2 243.8 238.6 242.2 441,920 106,577,802 MACROASIA 3.95 4.05 3.97 4.05 3.95 4.05 240,000 963,430 HARBOR STAR 0.73 0.76 0.78 0.78 0.72 0.72 161,000 116,900 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.061 0.062 0.06 0.062 0.06 0.061 12,060,000 725,270 WATERFRONT 0.375 0.39 0.375 0.38 0.375 0.375 120,000 45,050 CENTRO ESCOLAR 8.02 8.5 8.49 8.5 8.48 8.5 1,500 12,731 FAR EASTERN U 567 590 590 590 590 590 100 59,000 IPEOPLE 7 7.01 7.3 7.3 7.01 7.01 3,700 26,372 STI HLDG 0.485 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.485 0.49 3,150,000 1,543,300 BELLE CORP 1.16 1.17 1.17 1.17 1.16 1.17 120,000 140,130 BLOOMBERRY 9.79 9.8 9.79 9.89 9.72 9.8 4,932,900 48,327,729 PACIFIC ONLINE 4.6 4.75 4.89 4.92 4.51 4.74 1,671,000 7,804,450 PH RESORTS GRP 0.9 0.92 0.91 0.92 0.9 0.92 37,000 33,600 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.6 0.61 0.6 0.61 0.59 0.6 3,256,000 1,948,290 DIGIPLUS 7.89 7.9 7.78 7.97 7.77 7.9 4,764,000 37,572,494 PHILWEB 1.69 1.71 1.68 1.73 1.68 1.69 53,000 89,510 ALLDAY 0.157 0.158 0.156 0.16 0.155 0.158 1,370,000 214,300 ALLHOME 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.15 1.1 1.12 1,649,000 1,861,410 METRO RETAIL 1.25 1.27 1.27 1.27 1.26 1.27 213,000 270,490 PUREGOLD 27 27.5 27 27.5 26.9 27.5 304,200 8,316,595 ROBINSONS RTL 39.4 39.95 39.45 39.9 39.05 39.4 71,400 2,811,030 PHIL SEVEN CORP 75 76.25 76.25 76.25 76.25 76.25 200 15,250 SSI GROUP 2.42 2.44 2.44 2.49 2.44 2.44 204,000 498,260 WILCON DEPOT 20.95 21.2 20.6 21.2 20.6 21.2 76,100 1,597,000 APC GROUP 0.216 0.237 0.221 0.238 0.216 0.216 900,000 208,600 MEDILINES 0.32 0.33 0.335 0.335 0.33 0.33 230,000 76,950 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.162 0.163 0.164 0.164 0.16 0.162 1,700,000 275,380 SBS PHIL CORP 4.26 4.45 4.15 4.46 4.1 4.45 96,000 411,520

MINING & OIL ATOK 4.68 5.4 4.94 5.4 4.68 4.68 5,000 25,060 APEX MINING 3.04 3.05 3.1 3.13 3.04 3.04 4,360,000 13,375,950 ATLAS MINING 3.5 3.53 3.47 3.54 3.42 3.5 999,000 3,493,680 BENGUET A 4.72 4.79 4.74 4.79 4.7 4.79 274,000 1,293,930 BENGUET B 4.69 4.9 4.71 4.9 4.7 4.9 44,000 208,080 CENTURY PEAK 3.38 3.48 3.45 3.48 3.45 3.48 350,000 1,215,000 FERRONICKEL 2.01 2.03 2.04 2.04 2 2.03 384,000 772,310 GEOGRACE 0.026 0.029 0.027 0.027 0.026 0.027 1,100,000 29,000 LEPANTO A 0.079 0.08 0.082 0.082 0.08 0.08 5,510,000 442,850 LEPANTO B 0.076 0.078 0.08 0.08 0.077 0.078 5,200,000 402,670 MANILA MINING A 0.0043 0.0044 0.0044 0.0044 0.0044 0.0044 12,000,000 52,800 MARCVENTURES 1.05 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.05 1.07 682,000 727,380 NIHAO 0.445 0.54 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 40,000 18,800 NICKEL ASIA 5.16 5.21 5.14 5.22 5.09 5.21 2,139,100 11,038,646 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.64 0.65 0.62 0.65 0.62 0.65 74,000 46,000 PX MINING 3.23 3.25 3.25 3.35 3.23 3.23 3,096,000 10,160,960 ENEX ENERGY 5 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 6,000 32,400 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0079 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.0079 0.008 14,000,000 111,600 ORNTL PETROL B 0.0081 0.0082 0.0082 0.0082 0.0082 0.0082 1,000,000 8,200 PHILODRILL 0.0076 0.0082 0.0075 0.0076 0.0075 0.0076 13,000,000 97,600 PXP ENERGY 4.05 4.1 3.95 4.15 3.94 4.1 404,000 1,637,020

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 94.05 95 94 94 94 94 2,000 188,000 ACEN PREF B 1,052 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 430 464,400 AC PREF AR 2,470 2,510 2,510 2,510 2,480 2,480 45 111,750 BRN PREF A 96.1 97.95 96.15 96.15 96.15 96.15 2,840 273,066 CEB PREF 32.45 33 32.45 32.45 32.45 32.45 15,300 496,485 DD PREF 93 93.95 94.55 94.55 92.15 93 28,800 2,658,375.50 MWIDE PREF 4 87.55 91.95 87.1 91.95 87.1 91.95 620 54,584 PNX PREF 3B 23.3 25.55 25.6 25.6 25.6 25.6 100 2,560 PNX PREF 4 206.2 232.8 211 234 204 234 50 10,790 PCOR PREF 3B 978 980 980 980 980 980 100 98,000 SMC PREF 2F 72.5 72.95 72.95 72.95 72.95 72.95 280 20,426 SMC PREF 2I 70.5 72.85 71 71 70.5 70.5 40,430 2,851,530 SMC PREF 2K 65.3 69 65.2 69 65.2 69 25,000 1,687,000 SMC PREF 2L 77 79 78 78 78 78 940 73,320 SMC PREF 2N 77.5 78 78 78 78 78 3,640 283,920 SMC PREF 2O 77.6 78.5 77.5 78.5 77.5 78.5 3,700 287,450 TECH PREF B2D 48.05 48.7 48.05 48.7 48.05 48.7 4,700 228,500

4.26 4.5 4.24 4.5 4.24 4.5 77,000 7.61 8.3 0.28

0.295

0.295

0.295

0.295

0.295

10,000

-7,900 8,564,195 5,214,050 -3,030,222 -750,100 -1,477,760 -22,915,445 1,816,710.00 8,000 321,482 23,169,895 1,231,932 192,230.50 114,293,505 19,600 -127,130 -91,080 -39,420 -172,550 5,296,430 -177,190.00 -15,071,290 5,200 -1,143,256 -2,102,300 -620,084 -117,120 -71,400 22,767,305 -1,304,930 -914,940 29,606,865 -846,768 84,870.00 -2,740 -433,794 -869,425 15,768,760 31,150 5,110 -4,250 4,900 -140,130 -37,819,644.00 6,380 4,180,650 -1,019,600 767,405 -1,316,300 -15,250 -295,290 550,705 -1,383,210 870,000 -411,450 18,200 -18,800 -977,615 630,490 -188,000 -12,550 -37,810 -34,500 -

327,000 -

-318,000 -

2,950

-

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.395 0.4 0.38 0.385 100,000 38,850 7,700 0.74 0.79 0.74 0.78 18,000 13,460 0.98 1.01 0.97 1.01 230,000 227,090 0.69 0.69 0.66 0.68 36,000 23,910 -1,360 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 100,000 6,000 1 1.02 1 1.02 567,000 573,510 -

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

102.1 103 101.9 103 14,630 1,501,330 14,280

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS LFM PROP MERRYMART

FIRST METRO ETF

0.385 0.74 0.97 0.66 0.053 1.01 103

0.395 0.78 1.01 0.68 0.06 1.02 103.2

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, December 29, 2023

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Investment inflow outpaces gross outflow BOC hunts tankers it linked to smugglers

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HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced last Thursday it hasn’t found the four tankers the agency links to smugglers of hundreds of thousands of unmarked fuel in Bataan.

A statement issued by the BOC said that these tankers are on the loose and are involved in the smuggling of 158,000 liters of unmarked liters in Mariveles, Bataan, last December 16.

According to the BOC, it has already seized a total of 16 trucks and one ship involved in the smuggling off a private port in Bataan.

The smuggling operations yielded P7.807 million (around $140,619) worth of 154,000 liters of unmarked diesel and about P188,760 (around $3,400) worth of 4,000 liters of unmarked gasoline.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio was quoted in the statement as saying that “despite the holiday season, the bureau is working double time to pursue the whereabouts of the four other tankers.”

“We will get to the bottom of this affront to our laws,” Rubio added.

The BOC said the Office of the Collector of Customs in the District Port of Limay, Bataan, issued a warrant of seizure and detention last December 20 against the 16 lorries with attached tanker trailers and one tanker vessel for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act (RA) 10963, otherwise known as The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion, or “Train” law (Section 80).

According to the BOC, the seized vessels and their conveyances were turned over to the custody of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division of the Port of Limay.

It added that the total appraised amount for the unmarked fuel found inside the vessels and the lorry trucks and tanker vessel is around P142 million (about $2.6 million).

The BOC believes the Motor Tanker (MT) Lorna 2 as the source of diesel fuel on the trucks and trailers, which was estimated to be worth P73.993 million. Meanwhile, the tractor head is valued at P41.52 million and the lorry at P18.467 million.

BOC-CIIS Director Verne Y. Enciso said a Mission Order (MO) was immediately issued upon verification of the “derogatory information that there were several vessels carrying alleged smuggled fuel and attempting to discharge the same.”

“Initial and confirmatory tests yielded a failed result on the lorry trucks and the tanker vessel. This means that the fuel is lacking the markings, indicating the lack of necessary duties and taxes,” Enciso said.

Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax R. Uy added that inquest proceedings were already conducted against the alleged drivers and helpers of the lorry trucks and tanker trailers in violation of pertinent sections of the CMTA and the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended by the Train Law. The preliminary investigation is set on January 8, 2024, at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Bataan, according to the BOC. “Our smuggled fuel interdiction mission is vital to the health of our economy. We will leave no stone unturned in running after the perpetrators behind this operation.

Smuggling unmarked fuel does not only hurt our economy, but it is also unsafe and it causes harmful auto emissions,” Uy said.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Philippines posted a $672.86-million net inflow of foreign investments registered with the central bank through authorized agent banks (AABs) in November—snapping two months of consecutive net outflows—as gross inflows outpaced outflows.

The investments, also considered as hot money, reached a gross inflow of $1.6 billion and a $902 million gross outflow for the reference month, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

“The recorded net inflows are a reversal of the net outflows posted in October 2023 ($328 million),” the BSP said in a statement released last

Thursday.

Despite the reversal foreign portfolio investments, the country’s January to November hot money still posted net outflows amounting to $42 million, a huge turnaround compared to the $794 million net inflow recorded during the same 11-month period.

On a year-on-year basis, regis-

Feed your focus

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APPY New Year! As we usher in 2024, the phrase “feed your focus” seems like a timely theme for this post. I thought this could be useful for associations to start the new year.

The phrase is a self-improvement concept that encourages individuals to prioritize and nurture their concentration and attention on a particular goal, task, or objective. To achieve success or make progress in a specific area, you should dedicate your time, energy, and resources to that pursuit while minimizing distractions and diversions. In essence, “feeding your focus” involves “5Cs,” as follows: 1. Concentration. Focusing your attention on the task or goal at hand. This means eliminating or reducing distractions that can divert your focus.

2. Commitment. Making a dedicated and unwavering effort to achieve a particular goal or objective, often through sustained hard work and perseverance.

3. Continuous learning. Seeking to improve and expand your knowledge and skills in the area of your focus. This might involve reading, training, or gaining experience.

4. Conscious prioritization.

Allocating your time and resources according to the importance of your goal. This may require sacrificing less

Association World Octavio Peralta important or distracting activities.

5. Consistency. Repeatedly working on your focus area over time rather than sporadic efforts.

Consistency is often key to making meaningful progress.

Within associations, feeding your focus revolves around the idea that concentrated effort and dedication directed towards the organization’s mission, objectives, and member needs lead to success. It’s not just about being busy; it’s about actively and intentionally directing energy and resources towards what truly matters.

To benefit from the “feed your focus” philosophy effectively, associations can adopt the following strategies: 1. Define and refine objectives. Regularly assess and refine the association’s goals to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with members’ needs and interests.

2. Constantly assess member engagement. Systematically gauge the level of member engagement and adjust strategies to boost involve-

tered investments in November 2023 are higher by $520 million (or by 49.4 percent) than the $1.1 billion recorded in November 2022, according to the BSP. The central bank added: “Similarly, gross outflows increased by $336 million (or by 59.4 percent) vis-à-vis the gross outflows posted in November 2022 ($566 million).”

According to the BSP, the $673 million net inflows in November 2023 were also larger by 184 million (or by 37.7 percent) than the $489 million net inflows recorded for the same period a year ago.

The central bank said the gross outflows in November was lower by 29.7 percent ($381 million) compared to the $1.3 billion recorded gross outflows in October with the US remaining as the country’s top destination of outflows. The BSP added that the US received $529 million of the total outward remittances from the Philippines.

On a monthly basis, the $1.6 billion registered investments in No-

ment in priority areas.

3. Streamline resource allocation. Evaluate and optimize resource allocation to direct efforts toward focus areas and maximize impact.

4. Enhance communication.

Improve communication channels and methods to keep members informed and engaged with the association’s goals and activities.

5. Foster a culture of unity.

Encourage a culture of unity and collaboration by recognizing and appreciating members’ contributions, fostering a sense of belonging, and celebrating shared achievements.

In the dynamic world of associations, “feeding your focus” serves as a guiding principle for achieving unity, success, and impact. By channeling efforts, resources, and member engagement towards the association’s core objectives, associations can realize their full potential and make a lasting impact on their respective professions, industries, and communities. This philosophy reinforces the idea that by nurturing their focus, associations not only nourish their growth but also their ability to drive meaningful change and collective progress.

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.”

E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

vember were higher by $620 million than the $954 million recorded in October, according to the BSP. The BSP said that during the month, 71.4 percent or $1.1 billion of registered investments were in peso government securities while the remaining 28.6 percent were in securities listed in the local bourse.

“Investments for the month mostly came from the United Kingdom, Singapore, United States, Luxembourg, and Hongkong with combined share to total at 91.9 percent,” the BSP said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

(RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the country’s November hot money performance was the highest in four months which was driven by the “sharp decline in global crude oil prices.”

“Net foreign portfolio investments data improved to net inflows amid the gains in the local fixed income/bond markets, peso exchange rate, and stock markets; bargainhunting/bottom-fishing activities

in line with the gains in the U.S. stock and bond/Treasuries markets,” Ricafort said.

The RCBC executive noted that the country’s net foreign portfolio investment “could still improve” in December “amid the continued global and local financial market gains” driven by market expectations of a US Federal Reserve cut as early as March 2024.

Registration of inward foreign investments delegated to AABs by the BSP is optional under the rules on foreign exchange (FX) transactions.

It is required only if the investor or its representative will purchase FX from AABs and/or their subsidiary/ affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment.

Without registration, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on its investments but the FX will have to be sourced outside the banking system.

Pru Life UK Nbape rises 15.8% YOY in third qtr

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HE Pru Life Insurance Corp. of U.K. (Pru Life UK) announced that the payment it received for new policies in the third quarter rose by 15.8 percent year-on-year to nearly P8 billion; owing to “innovative” products.

Citing the Insurance Commission data, Pru Life UK said it recorded a total new business annual premium equivalent (Nbape) of P7.99 billion as of third quarter, about P1.09 billion higher than the P6.9 billion total Nbape it registered in the same period of last year.

Pru Life UK said the Nbape is the “standard” global metric to evaluate an insurance firm’s sales performance.

“Owing to the company’s constant innovative offerings, Pru Life UK was also able to maintain its leadership position in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over P34 billion in the first nine months of 2023,” read a statement the insurer issued last Thursday.

Pru Life UK said its 40,000strong “digitally empowered” agency forced contributed to the higher Nbape of the firm.

Pru Life UK Executive Vice President and CFO Francis P. Ortega was quoted in the statement as saying they are “blessed to continue leading the industry and being the top choice of our customers.” Ortega expressed gratitude to the firm’s clients, employees, agency force, and partners.

He added the firm vows top “further strengthen” its commitment “to being the most trusted partners for every life, and protectors for every future of many Filipinos and families today and in the years to come.”

Last month, Pru Life UK launched a new insurance product that provides clients with lifetime coverage up to 100 years old with flexible payment terms between 5 to 20 years. The product, dubbed as PRULove for Life, starts at just P87 per day under a 10-year plan for a 20-year-old female, according to the firm.

“The plan offers a unique combination of living and death benefits at an affordable cost, providing policyholders with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are protected for life,” it said.

Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Credit Suisse penalized PNB donates repurposed PCs to Cavite State Univ. $3M after SG probe A

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REDIT Suisse has been penalized S$3.9 million ($3 million)

by Singapore’s authorities after a probe found the lender failed to prevent or detect misconduct by its relationship managers.

The bankers had provided clients with inaccurate or incomplete post-trade disclosures, resulting in customers being charged spreads which were above bilaterally agreed rates for 39 over-the-counter bond transactions, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in a statement on Thursday.

It added that the bank has paid the penalty and separately compensated its affected clients. The firm, which has been taken over by Swiss rival UBS Group AG, has since strengthened its internal controls, the MAS said.

The action on Credit Suisse follows its review of pricing and disclosure practices in the private banking industry, according to the MAS. The regulator said that its investigations revealed that Credit Suisse had failed to put in place adequate controls, such as post-trade monitoring, to prevent or detect the bankers’ misconduct.

“We are pleased to resolve this past matter with the MAS following a series of independent reviews,” Credit Suisse said in an emailed statement.

“We have since reimbursed affected clients, which are limited to a very small percentage of the bank’s order processing system,” the bank said. “We have taken steps to enhance our policies, procedures and controls to mitigate any recurrence.”

The penalty in Singapore is the latest headache UBS has to deal with as it focuses on integrating thousands of employees from its former rival across the world, with the episode casting questions over the acquired firm’s internal controls.

Earlier this year, the MAS planned to conduct an on-site inspection of Credit Suisse, among other banks, after at least one of its customers was charged for money laundering in the city-state, Bloomberg News reported in October. A few years ago, the firm was fined S$700,000 by the MAS for its role in the 1MDB saga, Malaysia’s biggest corruption case. That was the smallest penalty the regulator imposed on banks in Singapore at the time. Bloomberg News

in Cavite State University’s LIGNED with its thrust “transformative efforts in in corporate social reproviding additional computsponsibility to help ing devices for students as students gain access to a qualthey navigate a world that is ity learning environment, the increasingly reliant on techPhilippine National Bank (PSE: nology.”

PNB) turned over computer Morallos was quoted in units to Cavite State University the statement as saying the last December 1, the lender andonation is PNB’s “way of ennounced last Thursday. suring that its resources are The activity was led by PNB efficiently used and managed President Florido P. Casuela, as part of its commitment to Information Technology Group the environment.”

(ITG) Head and First Senior “ [T h e] I T G i s o n e Vice President (FSVP) Michael with PNB in ensuring that M. Morallos and Special Assiswe reduce our environmental tant to the President and CEO footprint to help protect the on IT matters SVP Constantino planet and to be good stewT. Yap. A total of 10 repurposed ards of the bank’s resources,” desktop computers and two he added. laptops were donated by the Yap was quoted in the statebank to the beneficiary school, ment as saying that he has the lender’s statement read. been supportive of PNB ITG’s Since 2019, PNB has been This December 1, 2023, photo shows PNB President Florido P. Casuela donating repurposed comput- (left) together with Cavite State University’s Department of Informa- corporate social responsibility projects since 2015. ers to nongovernment organi- tion Technology Head Professor Alma G. De Fiesta.

During the ceremony, zations and public schools. By CREDIT: Philippine National Bank Cavite State University’s Deadvocating the reuse of compartment of Information Technology Head Professor Alma puters, the bank continuously sustains its environmental, G. De Fiesta expressed her gratitude for the Bank’s support. social and educational programs, according to the lender.

De Fiesta said she sees digital technology supporting “Our role as responsible corporate citizen is to help online teaching and learning. uplift our communities,” Casuela was quoted in the state“We can’t deny that we live in a competitive world where ment as saying. “Providing quality education is a structural we have to make sure we do not fall behind. It is essential foundation for building a nation’s future.” that we stay up-to-date,” she added.

He added the bank expects the donation will help

B4

Relationships

Friday, December 29, 2023 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

CLOCKWISE: Transportation secretary Jaime J. Bautista; Piolo Pascual with sister, Patricia FROM PIOLO

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jude Law, 50; Ted Danson, 75; Diego Luna, 43; Jon Voight, 84; Alison Brie, 40; Perdison Fontaine, 33.

PASCUAL’S INSTAGRAM PAGE; Eric Jan

Buenaflor, Benedicta Du-Baladad, Cleofe C. Albiso, and Nancy Binay with father Jojo FROM NANCY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Take pride in what you do for others, and you will be offered the same courtesy in return. Step outside your comfort zone if it will help you bring about positive change. Charm and hands-on help will result in a successful transition to what you want to do next. Emotional confusion is likely; ask questions and avoid drama. Your numbers are 9, 15, 22, 28, 32, 37, 45.

BINAY’S FACEBOOK PAGE

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Play to win. The more beguiling you are, the more interest you’ll receive. A chance to up your game or meet someone who can help you get ahead is in the stars.

Set up meetings and attend reunions, and something extraordinary will unfold. ★★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t make promises until you understand what you will have to deliver and that it’s in your power to do so. Letting what someone says intimidate you will weaken your position. Being observant, direct and knowledgeable will help you gain trust and respect. ★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put your plans in motion. Think matters through, precisely execute what you want to achieve and pull in experts to ensure things get done right the first time.

Reconnect with someone you miss. A romantic gesture will help you decide what’s next. ★★★

What was your most memorable Christmas gi�t as a child?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone will try to charm you into something you probably shouldn’t consider. When in doubt, ask an expert in order to avoid a mistake or loss. Pay attention to the changes others make, and counter anything that might jeopardize your goal. ★★★

S

O, how was everyone’s Christmas Eve celebration? I hope yours was as crazy and joyful as mine. We celebrated with my niece’s homecoming, the first time she has been home during the festive season in 11 years. She had been working all that time in the UAE in a hotel, where Christmas is usually among the busiest times of the year. She had brought home with her a new addition to the family...a super cute darling Yorkshire Terrier named Cookie.

But the air travel, heat and long wait at the airport due to the traffic around Naia-3, along with unfamiliar people around, took its toll on Cookie who started her yuletide vacation yappy and snarling at everyone who tried to approach her. It’s been a major life change for the pup and she was not liking it one bit. So she refused to eat.

Cookie managed to settle down after three days and now shows her belly to me so I could rub it, and allows herself to be carried, and played with.

Her appetite has slightly returned, but still barks at unfamiliar sounds (even the neighbors talking next door), or at her newfound Kuya Jethro, a Chow owned

by Big Sister’s family. Can’t blame Cookie though; her Kuya Jethro is gigantic compared to her small frame, and can sit on her if he wanted. But the gentle Chow is chill and just likes to relax and sleep the days away, having finally gotten over the little intruder and having marked his territory with his pee.

Meanwhile, the little boy in our family, my grandnephew Ponggoy, was slightly feverish over Christmas, so he was in not such a great mood, and

demanded to be carried by his mama. (His favorite word these days is “No!”, he being in the Terrible Two’s stage.) But being the youngest in the family carries a lot of advantage—he gets the most gifts from all the adults, even distant relatives, especially during Christmas. At his age, he will most likely choose a favorite toy and move on to the next as quickly as his mama changes his nappies.

Here, more friends reminisce over holiday presents received as children: ■ Transportation secretary Jaime J. Bautista: My family was poor—my father was a farmer, and my mother was a public school teacher—so it was rare for me to receive any presents as a child. When I was about 10 years old, I asked for a bicycle, but I didn’t pin my hopes on getting it. So I was extremely surprised when my father gave me one; it was just a simple bike with a cute horn. My father was equally surprised when I excitedly got on the bike and started pedaling around. I couldn’t tell him that I often borrowed the bikes of a friend or a neighbor to play with. That was a significant gift to me.

■ Sen. Nancy Binay: When we were growing up, it was not really a tradition for our parents to gift-wrap our presents. It’s probably because they were always so busy then. They would bring us to Shoemart, and let us choose the toys we wanted as our Christmas gifts. I also remember our parents would bring us to Cubao to buy clothes and shoes. If you remember, in those days, families would always make sure they had new outfits to wear during Christmas. Then afterwards, we would watch the annual Christmas display at COD Department Store.

As a child I also had a collection of Monchhici (stuffed toys based on the Japanese animé Monchhichi Twins), so I would get those, and also Cabbage Patch dolls.

Another favorite gift, when I was seven or eight years old, was a life-size doll which could dance with me. It was like having my very own playmate.

■ Karabella Dairy managing partner Eric Jan Buenaflor: I’m not sure how old I was when I received a Pajero-inspired toy car, but it was one of the best gifts I ever got. Looking back, I used to play with it inside the house and even outside on

bumpy and uneven roads to pretend driving through rocks, or ascending on a tiny pile of soil shaped like a mountain. I’m not a supercar fan, but if I could just pour water and poof the car.... These days, I like to relax and enjoy some off-roading or light trail events up in the mountains with my family and friends.

■ Management Association of the Philippines president Benedicta Du-Baladad: I fondly remember receiving a beautiful and trendy bike as a Christmas present when I was 10. I was so happy that I went around town showing it off and declaring to be the first female biker in town. At the time, riding a bike was a no-no for women, especially young girls.

According to the elders, riding a bike was not only unladylike, but it could break the hymen, causing one to lose her virginity. But who cares about virginity?

I was just a 10-year-old girl trying to do what the boys could, and then beating them. At that age, I was fascinated being with boys and doing what they did. I climbed trees including coconut trees, dove in rivers, had fist fights with them, then biking and racing. But soon after, I became the favorite errand girl of my mother, to my dislike. Her gifting me with that bike had a [hidden] purpose, after all.

■ Megaworld Hotels managing director Cleofe Albiso: My unforgettable Christmas gift as a child was a blue Smurfette of about 1.5 inches in height that skipped rope mechanically, going round and round, while two Smurfs held each side of the rope. It was one of the best gifts I got when I was a kid from an ever-generous and life-long benefactor, Auntie Lilia, who never fails to send boxes and boxes of holiday surprises from the US to the family here, in the country. Without initially knowing what the female gnome was called, I was so hooked on the experience of owning something unique and something fun!

Because of this, I ended up playing Smurfs Village a decade ago when the game became popular.

■ Actor and BDO Remit brand ambassador Piolo Pascual: When I was a kid I would always look forward to a new set of clothes from my mom and dad, which we get during Christmas.

Here’s wishing everyone a great New Year of love and peace in your lives. ■

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Get together with someone you enjoy working alongside.

You’ll find it easy to pick up where you left off and drum up interest regarding something you want to pursue. With the right people, success will follow. Lead the way and reap the rewards. ★★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Change begins with you. Do not wait or depend on others when you want things done a certain way.

Take care of what’s important to you before anyone can interfere. Working alone will allow you to be a perfectionist. ★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get out, explore what life can offer and discover something that excites you. Gather information and follow your heart. Finding the path that brings you joy and pays for your desired lifestyle is crucial to achieving peace of mind. ★★★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Offering embellished information will put you in a precarious position when it comes time to deliver. Make sure you can live up to your promises or debt before you pledge. Handle your finances carefully and find ways to cut corners. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Someone colorful and charming will take advantage of you if you are naive or too trusting. Do your homework, ask pertinent questions and verify facts before you say yes to someone or something that can squander your time, money or freedom. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Have fun with your peers. By mixing business with pleasure, you’ll win over someone who is strategically beneficial when you need a favor. Keep your money safe, and prepare to declutter and sell what you no longer need. ★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Spend more time at home, and you’ll accomplish more than anticipated. Work diligently to get your house in order and lower your overhead. Once you feel comfortable with your surroundings and financial situation, everything else will fall into place. ★★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Don’t share secrets or gossip. Focus on improvements and applying your skills to something that makes you feel good. Don’t fold under pressure or let someone take advantage of you. Dump what drags you down and replace it with what brings you joy. ★★ BIRTHDAY BABY: You are creative, fashionable and resourceful.

You are flexible and responsible.

‘before and after’ BY EMMA OXFORD

The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Jared Goudsmit/Andrian Johnson ACROSS 1 Help illegally 5 Outback bird 8 “Your work is amazing!”

14 Actor Auberjonois 15 Jay-Z’s genre 16 Manage somehow 17 King or queen, e.g.

19 COVID vaccine producer 20 Scent 21 “It’s open!”

23 Color on 74 percent of world flags 24 Sgt., e.g.

26 Actress Stubbs of Sherlock 27 See 36-Across 30 One of many in the Sistine Chapel 32 A fitted one is hard to fold 34 Personal preferences 36 27-Across addresses 37 Midwestern clock setting...and a hint to what can follow the start and precede the end of each starred clue’s answer 40 Release, as a song 42 Parmesan relative 43 Occasion to hire a babysitter

46 Bit of progress 50 Muscles worked by crunches 51 Run smoothly 52 “Mr. Blue Sky” grp.

53 TSA ___Check 54 Enduring aspect of one’s life 56 Baptism and others 58 Like Stephen Sondheim and Ira Gershwin 61 Assist on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?

63 Response to “Look at that!”

64 Prefix meaning “one” 65 Claudius : Hamlet :: ___ : The Lion King 66 Gorgon defeated by Perseus 67 ___ roll (Asian food) 68 Aide: Abbr.

DOWN 1 Dog’s repetitive bark 2 “I hate to be the ___ of bad news...”

3 Put into a cipher 4 Overflow (with) 5 Clinton ___ (1993-2001) 6 Word shouted in a pool game 7 Bridal hairstyle, perhaps

8 Loom 9 Some crime families 10 Similar (to) 11 Tasseled cap 12 Summer drink suffix 13 “...___ do I” 18 Dance associated with the Moulin Rouge 22 Alternative to oatmeal 25 $200, for the world’s most expensive fries 27 “When We ___ Young” 28 Slippery swimmer 29 “Dynamite” group 31 NBA star Curry 32 Beauty’s counterpart 33 Funny business?

35 Therapy topic 37 Pieces of a machine 38 Turn ___ (flee) 39 Pay no mind 40 Evidence at some trials 41 Tease 44 Postgraduate’s project 45 Should, informally 47 PR team’s concern

48 Game sites 49 Painted or Mojave 52 Looking at 54 Stead 55 Detective’s lead 57 Ingrid’s Casablanca role 58 Captain Kirk, to Dr. McCoy 59 Opposite of WNW 60 Marry 62 Seedy fruit Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Friday, December 29, 2023

B5

‘Maestro’: Managing musical expectations DEMANDING FAMILY

ON the surface, the young actor seems like a nice guy. He is soft-spoken and respectful. However, he is a nightmare to work with, primarily because of his family. The young actor’s family likes to meddle in his endorsements and work shoots. For instance, the mother once went straight to the brand even when the young actor was hired by an advertising agency. She also wanted her other kids to get into the picture as brand ambassadors or influencers. When the young actor is hired for a personal appearance, part of the package are three hotel rooms for his parents and siblings. The family is not ill-mannered but pushy and passive aggressive, and since the young actor is hot right now, the agencies and brands have no choice but to comply with their demands.

ODD RIDERS

THE young actress is a professional and relatively easy to work with but she and her team have some strange riders. Riders are requests made by the artists or their management. These riders are intended to make the artist more comfortable. Well, the young actress’ management has made some unusual requests on her behalf. These include having the makeup table face a certain direction or allowing only a certain number (usually odd) of people inside her dressing room at any one time. What makes these riders odd is that the young actress doesn’t seem to be the demanding type. Aside from these unusual riders, she always arrives on time and gets along with everyone.

HE IS THE FATHER

AND the plot thickens. According to the grapevine, the wife of a handsome actor is the one who cheated and that’s why their marriage crumbled. Allegedly, she cheated with a girl and not a guy. The couple is much talked-about on social media right now, with a lot of speculations about what happened between them and why they supposedly called it quits. There’s even a rumor that the actor’s family doubt whether one of the couple’s children is their kin or the wife had an affair with another man. This is despite the child looking so much like his father.

THE BREAST REVENGE

MANY women get haircuts when a relationship end.

Others get a new wardrobe after a break-up. Well, this actress is unique because she got breast augmentation and her much fuller chest is proof that there is life after a relationship that ended badly. So why did the actress have breast augmentation? She allegedly has always been conscious that she’s flat-chested. When she was younger, she thought that it was just a matter of time before her breasts grew bigger. But that didn’t happen. She’s always wanted to have the procedure done but her boyfriend never gave her permission.

Now that she’s free, she did what she always wanted to do.

BRADLEY COOPER as the legendary Leonard Bernstein in Maestro.

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HE first time I encountered Leonard Bernstein was back in the 1970s through one of those rare recordings where he was lecturing on music. He was not talking about classical music; he was propounding on jazz.

The most wonderful thing about that experience was how Bernstein stayed in front of the piano, playing passages, pressing on one key to indicate notes, as he articulated certain points about jazz. Then, he explained the “blue” note.

By the 1980s, Bernstein’s Mass was being performed to great acclaim in our country.

Every now and then in the late 1980s and 1990s, I would stumble upon recordings of West Side Story.

And when YouTube burst onto the scene, I would be amused (I felt bad for the tenor) with the scene of the charismatic tenor, Jose Carreras, fumbling with the rhythm of the song in relation to the accompaniment as conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

In all of these encounters, Leonard Bernstein was the common element. But it took a long time for me to match the face and genius of Bernstein with the music he was fastidiously familiar with: Was he a jazz artist or a classical artist? At the time, the phenomenon of the crossover had not yet caught on.

When it was announced that a film about this prodigious talent (he subbed for the titan Bruno Walter when this conductor fell ill) was coming out, I surely panicked. Of excitement. I was thinking of a bio that would dwell on that musical genius. Lush music. A profusion of sounds magnified even more because cinema is taking over the performative. I was ready for the intrepid re-interpretations of classics with the use of cinematic elements. Of course, I was also rooting for some salacious tidbits not only about Bernstein. By this time, press releases had been out and I could see some of the characters that would be portrayed on screen: Serge Koussevitzky, the great Russian conductor; Betty Comden and Adolph Green, the legendary names behind such musicals, like Singin’ in the Rain and On the Town, among many others; and, Jerome Robbins, the choreographer of the radical (during the time of its release) dances in West Side Story.

I was raring to have a musical excursion. There was in me a desire to see something that approached Ken Russell and his criminally delicious take on the lovely life of Peter Tchaikovsky.

However, the blurb was circulated: the film would really be about the romance between Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre.

Immediately, the question that came up was: How crucial was this woman to the golden career of Bernstein? In focusing on human relationships, where would art be?

The film opens in black and white with Bernstein meeting at a party with this young up-and-coming actress named Felicia Montealegre. Before their meeting, Bernstein’s sexual relationship—or dalliances—with men were presented as “given,” a crucial aspect of his artistic persona. The conductor was carrying on a romance with a clarinetist, Oppenheim, who is played by a major actor with a minor exposure, Matt Bomer. We sensed the character of Bernstein, who could move from a relationship with a man to be with a woman. Or stay with such a male-to-male relationship seemingly with the assumption that no one or no third party would mind.

This is where, I believe, the audience’s frustration with Maestro begins. A comparison with a recently shown film about a conductor, the film Tár with the brilliant Cate Blanchett, is in order. Here in this 2022 film, the film explores the psychology and sociology of a woman musician.

And while the conductor in the said film has no real biography, the film managed to interest us in the social realities of the dark, elegant world of music. There was a more vivid incursion into the world of conducting and composing in Tár than in Maestro, where the main character is known for such a compelling methodology as a mentor/raconteur—a legacy preserved in many footage on YouTube and other online platforms. We have a slight look into this skill of Bernstein but what follows a session on conducting with a young artist is followed by him

and that good-looking boy in a sensual session on the dance floor. This is not editing; this is commentary.

Should we be still interested in Maestro? Yes, we should. And the reasons are quite odd.

The characters are solid. Credit goes to the performances of the lead actors—Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre and Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein. As the wife who, at first, exhibited a nearly artistic understanding of her would-be-husband’s sexual proclivity and later a dead-end frustration at the same character she used to understand, Mulligan is a grand actress in the tradition of Geraldine Page/ Ingrid Bergman. Her heartbreaks are so lovely to watch, one wonders if she is conscious that she is breaking into pieces in front of us.

As Bernstein, Cooper, for all the numerous images we are familiar with the man he is playing, becomes the great conductor, mannerisms and monstrosity and all. We believe him as he guides the musicians through the labyrinth of Mahler’s music. But it is in those long pauses mediated by camera that we recognize this wonderful actor’s craft. Take note of that scene where his daughter is there, bothered by the “rumors” of her dad and his relationship with young men. Will he confess to his daughter? He gives a reason and waits for the daughter to respond. In the space between the daughter listening and Bernstein proposing a theory about rumors is that face of Cooper staring into the camera, and we reading his doubts, sadness, guilt and jadedness.

Maestro is directed by Bradley Cooper from a screenplay he wrote with Josh Singer. It is produced

by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg and streams on Netflix beginning this December. n

❶ BORN to Be

Wild hosts Doc Nielsen Donato and Doc Ferds Recio with executive producer Atty. Richelle Figueroa

❷ FROM left: ❶

❷

❸

GMA programs, personalities recognized anew at Anak TV Seal Awards FOR consistently producing innovative, groundbreaking, child-friendly content, and honing exceptional homegrown talent, the country’s leading broadcast company GMA Network won big at the Anak TV Seal Awards 2023 on December 8 at the Iglesia ni Cristo Museum in Quezon City.

A total of 34 programs from the network, including five GTV programs plus a slew of network personalities, were given recognition at this year’s Anak TV Seal Awards.

Accolades in the television category were given to GMA Integrated News flagship newscast 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend. Winning in the same category were One North Central Luzon, Balitang Southern Tagalog, Balitang Bicolandia, One Western Visayas, and One Mindanao. Many other GMA Regional TV programs and special coverages also received the Anak TV Seal Award.

The Philippines’ longest-running morning show, Unang Hirit produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Integrated News received the award, as well. Further

earning Anak TV Seal Awards for Television were GMA Public Affairs programs AHA!, Born to be Wild, and Pinoy M.D. GMA Entertainment Group also emerged victorious in the same category for the critically acclaimed Maria Clara at Ibarra, educational TV gems Ibilib and Amazing Earth, children’s favorite Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, talk-variety show Sarap ‘Di Ba?, reality talent show The Clash, fun-filled TiktoClock, and GMA afternoon drama Abot-Kamay na Pangarap.

Popular GMA programs 24 Oras, Maria Clara at Ibarra, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho; Abot-Kamay na Pangarap, Amazing Earth, and Biyahe ni Drew won in the Household Favorite Programs Television Category.

GMA talents shone bright at the event’s Makabata Stars Awards: Alden Richards, Sparkle U actor Allen Ansay, TV host Drew Arellano, Bubble Gang’s Michael V., David Licauco, and Unang Hirit host Matteo Guidicelli won in the Makabata Stars Male Television Category.

Triumphing in the Makabata Stars Female

BEA ALONZO is Makabata Stars Female Television Category award winner.

UNANG Hirit host and Black Rider actor Matteo Guidicelli accepts his Makabata Star Award (Male Television Category).

Television Category were Bea Alonzo, Julie Anne San Jose, Jillian Ward, Sofia Pablo of Sparkle U, and Barbie Forteza. Alden Richards clinched another honor in the Net Makabata Star Male Online category, where netizens vote for the artist they believe possesses the characteristics of a Makabata Star awardee. Fellow winners were Richard Yap and Ken Chan.

Atom Araullo, State of the Nation anchor and I-Witness host, was given the Anak TV Makabata Star Award.

A special tribute was posthumously given to 24 Oras anchor and GMA Integrated News icon Mike Enriquez. For his consistent excellence in the industry, he was honored as the first-ever inductee to the Anak TV Makabata TV Personality Hall of Fame.

The awards given to GMA Network by Anak TV are a recognition not only of its exemplary programs but also of the network’s commitment to providing the responsible delivery of accurate and timely information and child-sensitive, family-friendly content.

GMA Network SVP and head, GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, Julie Anne San Jose, Elvira Yap Go

❸ FROM leftt:

Anak TV Seal Net Makabata Star 2023 awardee (Male Online Category) Ken Chan, Anak TV president Elvira Yap Go, and GMA Network vice president and head for corporate affairs and communications Angela Javier Cruz

Friday, December 29, 2023

B6

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PPA TO END THE YEAR WITH RECORD BREAKING NUMBERS

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HE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is ending 2023 with a bang as major reforms paired with good fiscal management and governance continue to churn out record breaking numbers for the second straight year.

For one, the revenue booked by PPA from January to October this year jumped by 30.2 percent hitting an all-time high of P21.06 billion, already breaking the previous record high of P20.53 billion recorded last year.

After contracting by 9.3 percent to P16.64 billion in 2020 from P18.35 billion in 2019 as global trade ground to a halt due to Covid-19 restrictions, the revenue of PPA picked up to P17.67 billion in 2021 and P20.53 billion in 2022 as the global economy gained traction.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the agency continues to maximize all revenue fronts in order to collect the correct amount and reap the benefits of several measures implemented to be more efficient and effective.

“You will see that our numbers are very high. We at the PPA have been consistent in increasing our revenue as we continue to shift gears during this rebound of the economy from the effects of the pandemic.

These increasing figures are actually the fruits of the past years policy changes, planning, and strategic management,” Santiago said.

Santiago has been championing major reforms as well as good fiscal management and governance since he was appointed in 2016. He is now serving his second term follow ing his reappointment by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in October of 2022.

From January to October this year, a notable increase in revenues and profit has been generated by PPA with a total

revenue of P21.06 billion or 30.19 percent growth over the same 10-month period during the previous year due to higher volumes of cargo and vessel income. For the month of October 2023, the actual revenue is P2.25 billion or 3.19 percent over the target of P2.18 billion and higher than the revenue last year of the same month by 71.55 percent. Service and Business Income accounted for 41.33 percent or P8.70 billion of total revenues while Regulatory Income is at 40.86 percent or P8.60 billion while recorded Interest and Gains was at 17.91 percent or P3.75 billion. Net Income amounted to P9.76 billion which is 15.41 percent or P1.30 billion higher compared to the net income for the same period in 2022.

The agency continues to ramp up major infrastructure projects to further expand and improve port operations nationwide.

PPA is implementing a total of 74 locally funded projects as of October this year with 36 ongoing projects in Luzon, 19 in Visayas, and 19 in Mindanao.

These include the P902.09 million upgrading of the general cargo berth by the Port Management Office of Davao in Sasa, Davao City; the P886.7-million port expansion and restoration project of the PMO Northern Luzon in Currimao, Ilocos Norte; the P818.59 million Capinpin port expansion project by the PMO Bataan/Aurora in Orion, Bataan; and the construction of wharf and port operational area with continuous Roro ramp by PMO Bohol in Catagbacan worth P693.56 million.

Other projects are the P663.6 million project to construct a cruise ship port in Surigao del Norte by PMO Surigao; the construction of wharf with breakwater piles worth P635.03 million in Claveria, Cagayan by PMO Northern Luzon; the P37.74million port expansion and improvement

in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental by PMO Ozamiz; the P627.6-million Balogo port development project in Camarines Sur by PMO Bicol; and the construction of a cruise ship port in Surigao del Norte.

PPA is implementing a total of 74 locally funded projects as of October 2023 with 36 ongoing projects in Luzon, 19 in Visayas, and 19 in Mindanao. This resulted in a 46.4 percent jump in total expenses to P7.71 billion from January to October this year versus last year’s P3.58 billion.

As part of operational improvements, the PPA was able to service more passengers and cargoes in the first 10 months of 2023. Santiago reported a 19 percent increase in total passengers to 9.19 million, including 46,657 cruise passengers with the revival of global and domestic tourism, trade and regular travel activities, as well as the continued #PPAsyalTayo travel campaign of PPA. “We are going back to pre-pandemic levels as restrictions have been lifted. While we are renovating our ports we continue to promote our local destinations which is why we have the #PPAsyalTayo campaign this year as the Philippines has been voted as the ‘Best Cruise destination in Asia,’” he said.

During the period, total ship calls went up by 11.6 percent to 437,250, driven by the improvement in the number of domestic vessels as well as additional routes and vessel trips that offset the 1.7 percent decline in calls by foreign vessels. Likewise, PPA reported a 4.5 percent increase in cargo volume handled to 227.2 million metric tons from a year-ago level of 227.1 million amid the increase in both domestic and foreign cargo.

Santiago vowed to maintain the strong momentum to 2024 by pursuing reforms and completing quality projects.

SUN Life President Alex Narciso (left) and Sun Life CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison (right) cheerfully showcase the two awards recently garnered at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards held at Kuala Lumpur.

Sun Life, Executives Receive Honors from Regional Award-Giving Bodies

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UN Life Philippines and its executives are closing the year on a high note, receiving accolades from prestigious award-giving bodies from local and regional organizations.

Sun Life scored a double win in the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards, held recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The company was recognized as one of the Industry Champions of The Year for demonstrating an ability to evolve the focus of the business along with the dynamic changes in its industry to sustain market leadership.

Meanwhile, Sun Life CEO and Country Head, Benedict Sison was named as one of Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives in honor of his leadership, which brings the company to unparalleled business productivity and organizational efficiency.

Sun Life was likewise recognized in the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA), where it was once again bestowed with the Corporate Excellence Award for

demonstrating effective talent mobilization and organizational capability that deliver consistent business results while remaining aligned to the organization’s purpose. Sun Life’s Chief HR Officer Michelle Cordero -Garcia personally received the award during the ceremony held recently in Singapore.

Locally, Garcia herself was honored in the Philippine HR Awards with the Platinum HR Leader of the Year Award. This is in recognition of her achievements in driving workforce initiatives through innovation while demonstrating excellence in different facets of human resources.

“It is truly a great honor to receive these awards for our efforts to be the number one in the hearts of our clients, advisors, and employees,” says Sison.

“We are determined to uphold the essence of these recognitions as we strive to make life brighter for all of our stakeholders.”

PUEBLO DE ORO, ABS-CBN GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation

Anton Mari G. Perdices (holding the award in the center), Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AboitizPower Distribution Utilities, alongside Anthony Noel (third from the left), AEV’s Vice President - Corporate External Relations, accepting the prestigious “Captain of Industry: High Impact in Cebu” award from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Aboitiz Group Honored as Captain of Industry at CCCI’s 120-Year Gala Night

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N a night of celebration and recognition, the Aboitiz Group stood tall among Cebu’s business trailblazers at the 120year Gala Night hosted by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). The event, themed “Recognizing Cebu’s Business Trailblazers,” acknowledged Aboitiz as one of the Captains of Industry: High Impact in Cebu.

The distinction was bestowed upon the Aboitiz Group in acknowledgment of its extraordinar y jour ney from a humble family enterprise to one of the Philippines’ largest and most diverse conglomerates. Originating from Cebu, the Aboitiz Group has been a pioneer in the inter-island shipping industry, nurturing homegrown businesses, and assuming a captain of industry role in sectors ranging from power, shipbuilding, banking and

financial services, food, infrastructure, construction, to real estate development.

Anton Perdices, who sits as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AboitizPower Distribution Utilities, as well as Director, President and Chairman of Aboitiz Construction, accepted the award on behalf of the Aboitiz Group during the ceremony. The honor is a testament to the indomitable spirit, ingenuity, and resilience of the business leaders within the Aboitiz Group, who have played a pivotal role in propelling Cebu into a more competitive and dynamic player in the global economic landscape.

“The Cebu Chamber award is a testament that the Aboitiz Group has roots that are deeply embedded in Cebu. The accolade recognizes the conglomerate’s significant

contributions to various industries, making it a symbol of innovation, resilience, and leadership,” Perdices said.

CCCI, celebrating its 120th year, stands as the oldest and most esteemed local business membership organization in the Philippines, with close to a thousand member companies from various sectors, including Industry, Trade, Service, ICT, and Sectoral Business Associations. CCCI has consistently held its vision as “the Engine of Cebu’s Business Growth and Competitiveness in the global economy.” Serving as the voice of Cebu’s business communities, the chamber remains committed to fostering growth and sustainability.

The recognition of the Aboitiz Group as a Captain of Industry aligns perfectly with CCCI’s mission to honor those whose pioneering pursuits have propelled Cebu, establishing it as an investment gateway in the Asia Pacific. As both entities continue their respective journeys, this acknowledgment serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Aboitiz in shaping Cebu’s economic landscape for over a century.

(PDO), the residential development arm of the ICCP Group, has signed a marketing agreement with ABS-CBN Global Ltd. to fortify its presence in the rapidly expanding Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) market. Commencing in January 2024, this strategic partnership empowers Pueblo de Oro to leverage ABS-CBN Global’s diverse channels and platforms, enhancing its visibility in the OFW markets across the United States, Canada, and the broader Asia Pacific region. Recognizing the significant contribution of OFWs to its residential product sales in key areas like Cagayan de Oro, Pampanga, Cebu, and Batangas, Pueblo de Oro aims to amplify its reach with ABS-CBN Global’s support. The company is eager to connect with more overseas Filipinos, emphasizing its commitment to providing the trademark “gold standard of community living.” Pueblo de Oro’s latest developments and residences not only provide a place to call home but also represent a promising investment opportunity perfectly suited to the desires and aspirations of our dedicated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These projects are Pueblo de Oro Townscapes Malvar in Batangas, Westwoods Storeys in Cagayan de Oro, Park Place II in Lapu-Lapu Cebu, and La Aldea Fernandina in San Fernando, Pampanga. In the photo signing the agreement are, from left, PDO Vice President for Sales and Marketing Lemuel Branal; PDO President and COO Prim Nolido; ABS-CBN Global Managing Director for Asia Pacific Maribel Hernaez; and ABS-CBN Global Sales Head Gia Ramos.

Rizal Park Hotel to host Manila’s most spectacular countdown party

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ET ready to ring in 2024 with a BANG in the heart of Manila as Rizal Park Hotel invites guests to an exceptional New Year’s Eve Countdown at its rooftop bar, The Deck on December 31, 2023, from 9 pm to 1 am. The hotel has prepared an immersive experience and activities for all ages ensuring a memorable start to 2024.

Guests can choose from the Upper Deck at P2,500 and Lower Deck at P2,000. Each ticket includes access to the vibrant New Year’s Eve party and countdown, a welcome drink, lively party favors, complimentary sparklers, a raffle entry for exciting prizes, and a delectable Media Noche buffet to satisfy culinary cravings.

Ticket for kids, priced at P2,000, offers access to the lively party and countdown, a welcome drink with a choice of chocolate shake, strawberry shake, or orange juice, and a special access to kids’ corner

for added fun. They are also entitled to a raffle entry and Media Buffet dinner.

Entertainment highlights for the night include a live band, countdown, and a breathtaking fireworks display featuring the Manila skyline.

As the year transitions, Rizal Park Hotel presents the New Year’s Eve Room Package, from December 31, 2023, to January 01, 2024. The package includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at The Deck, and a New Year’s Brunch buffet for two, priced at P18,000.

Guests are invited to join Rizal Park Hotel for an evening of celebration, live entertainment, and culinary delights as they usher in a promising New Year.

For New Year’s Countdown tickets, call or message on Viber at 09276687839. For room inquiries and reservations, call 09176571334.

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Sports BusinessMirror

Naomi, Osaka on comeback trail; Djokovic wants to do a Tom Brady

Yuka inspires, Yuka motivates

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YUKA SASO shares a light moment with junior campaigners in a snapshot that captures the blend of camaraderie and the serious pursuit of golfing excellence at The Country Club Wednesday.

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UKA SASO conducted a one-day clinic for top Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) campaigners at The Country Club Wednesday and recognized the wealth of golf talent in the country and lauded the program for boosting junior golf.

The 2021 US Women’s Open champion, who emerged from the junior ranks, expressed her belief in the effectiveness of the program put up by long-time golf patron International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), which added the junior circuit to its extensive golf portfolio this year.

Having observed the tournaments and initiatives supporting junior golfers, she emphasized the significance of ICTSI’s role in providing valuable experience through a series of competitions.

“It’s great,” said Saso of the JPGT program. “I believe there’s so much talent here in the Philippines. With ICTSI supporting our junior golfers and helping them gain experience through a series of tournaments, I think, it’s a great way to train junior golfers.”

The JPGT, a season-long circuit held at various championship courses, culminated in the National Finals at the TCC last October. It featured a drive-chip-putt format and 18-hole tournament play where eight players shared top honors across four age categories for both boys and girls.

“I believe the program works because I played a lot of events as a junior [golfer]. I’ve been watching the JPGT and have seen what they’ve been doing, giving the kids the best experience. I think it’s a great opportunity playing in the JPGT,” said the Tokyo Olympics veteran.

Saso highlighted the importance of enjoying the game and accumulating experiences. Following a clinic that included a three-hole demonstration, she exhorted the young participants to practice diligently and find joy in the process.

“What I’m trying to say is that they should have fun, and try to get experience as much as possible,” said Saso, who also addressed the perceived gap between junior players and professionals, expressing her desire for the youngsters not to feel distant from players like herself.

“I just hope they don’t feel that gap between us. As I always say ‘gusto ko lagi, parang malapit sila at ‘di ’yung nararamdaman nila na malayo ako [I always wanted for them to be close to me and for them not to feel there’s a distance between us],” said Saso, who reached a career-best No. 6 in the world rankings in 2021.

She concluded the 2023 season at No. 27.

The clinic, which featured driving, chipping and putting sessions, left a positive impact on the 27 young participants.

“My experience [with Yuka] was filled with fun,” said Quincy Pilac, who bagged the girls’ 9-10 trophy in the JPGT National Finals. “I got to learn so much more, especially in pitching and bunker shots. I hope I can see her soon again and get to learn more from her.”

Saso pledged her full support to the JPGT program, committing to conduct clinics whenever her schedule allows. She acknowledged the support she received as a junior golfer and underlined the importance of giving back to nurture the next generation of talent.

“I’ve been supported by ICTSI

and without the Ladies PGT, I won’t be a person where I am right now,” she said. “Just trying to give back as much as possible because that’s what I received as a junior golfer.

I’ve looked up to a lot of pro golfers, including [Kuya] Miguel [Tabuena], Princess [Superal] and [Ate] Dottie [Ardina]. I just want to do what they’ve been doing.”

Participants like Maurysse Abalos, Javy Bautista and siblings Mona and Lisa Sarines were eager to implement the lessons learned from Saso. They also praised her expertise in chipping and expressed their excitement to showcase their improved skills in the upcoming JPGT season.

“It was fun, Yuka taught me how to be confident and powerful,” said Abalos, who also vied in the girls’ 9-10 category.

“Make sure you’re not pressured, don’t think of anything, just focus on your game,” added Abalos of a valuable piece of advice from Saso.

“I got to learn lots of things from her especially in chipping, about using the bounce of the club [wedges],” said Bautista, who campaigned in the boys’ 11-12 division. “I hope to get this opportunity again.”

The Sarines, who both competed in girls’ 11-12 class, also enjoyed every single moment with Saso.

“My experience was really fun, I learned so much things and it was so nice to see Ate Yuka play,” Mona Sarines said. “The way she acts on the course, she taught us some tips and gave us some advice and a lot of things. They’re added information and

44 PHL swimmers vie in Asian championships

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HE Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) will field 44 swimmers—22 boys and 22 girls—all of whom are qualified to compete in the 11th Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships set February 26 to March 9 at the New Clark Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

PAI secretary-general Batangas First District Rep. Eric Buhain said the swimmers earned World Aquatics qualifying points from the national tryouts last October at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Around 2,000 young swimmers from 45 countries across Asia are expected to participate in the championships that were originally scheduled this December.

Each country can only field a maximum of 44 swimmers.

“In addition to our formal request to the World Aquatics to recognize this championships as an official qualifying competition for the 2024 Paris Olympics, we anticipate a fierce and spirited competition among the 45 participating countries of Asia Aquatics,” said Buhain, a two-time Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer.

The women’s 18-over squad includes world championships veteran and Southeast Asian

Games medalists Chloe Isleta of One Ilocos Sur and Xiandi Chua of TopSwim Club—they qualified for the 200-meter individual medley and 50m freestyle with 762 and 749 World Aquatics points, respectively.

Joining them are Thanya Dela Cruz of Ayala Harpoons (50m breast, 31.83), Erin Castrillo of Rising Atlantis (50m back, 30.80), Alyssa Ng of Waver Runners (50m breast, 33.97) and 2023 Philippine National Games six gold medal winner and University Athletic Association of the Phiolippines Most Outstanding Athlete Quendy Fernandez of Palawan Swim Club (100m back, 1:05.49).

The men’s 18-above squad is composed of Joshua Gabriel Ang of Golden Sea Eagles (100m fly, 54.63), Jemmuel Booh De Leon of Aklan Swimming Club (50m fly, 25.00), Raymund Vera Paloma of Nautilus (400m free, 4:07.61), Rian Marco Tirol (50m breast, 29.49) and brothers Miguel (100m free, 51.79) and Rafael Barreto (100m fly, 55.44) of Ayala Harpoons.

Friday, December 29, 2023 B7

knowledge for me and my golf.”

Lisa Sarines said: “It’s really good to have extra tools like in your head, just knowing what she said, it’s a confidence-booster. She’s really good and it’s nice to see a pro play, someone you look up to.”

“She’s very confident, I watched her so close and asked her so many questions,” added Lisa.

They also both learned the importance of staying focused.

“Focus on yourself, you can’t control your opponents,” Mona said.

“Think about the bad shots and mistakes and learn from them.”

“Don’t be nervous,” Lisa said.

“Because you practice and prepared for it, so what’s the point of doubting.”

Unquestionably, these youngsters can’t wait to hit the first shot for the next JPGT campaign, carrying with them the inspiration and knowledge imparted by one of LPGA Tour’s biggest stars.

RISBANE, Australia— Former No. 1 and new mom Naomi Osaka hit the practice court Wednesday ahead of the Brisbane International as she prepared for her much anticipated return to tennis.

Osaka will make her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) comeback at the tournament which begins Sunday at Pat Rafter Arena.

A two-time Australian and US Open champion, Osaka pulled out of last year’s Australian Open in Melbourne before later revealing she was pregnant.

The US-based Japanese player and her American rapper boyfriend Cordae became parents to daughter Shai in Los Angeles in July.

Osaka has only played one game since the 2021 US Open in New York.

She was leading Daria Gavrilova 1-0 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September 2021, before the Australian suffered a serious knee injury and had to retire in the match.

“She’s really pumped, excited to be back in Brisbane,” tournament director Cameron Pearson said Wednesday. “She arrived Christmas morning and was out practicing a few hours later. No Christmas pudding for her, she was straight into it.”

Rafael Nadal is also set to return from injury in Brisbane in a 32-man Association of Tennis Professionals field so strong that Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem will have to qualify to feature in it.

Nadal held his first practice session Thursday in Brisbane.

Thiem made the Australian Open final in 2020 and Berrettini was a semifinalist two years later. Both are currently sitting outside the top-60 cutoff mark which received automatic entry into the season-opening event.

Holger Rune, at No. 8, is the highest-ranked male in the tournament. American Ben Shelton and three-time Grand Slam singles

champion Andy Murray are also entered.

Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens are in the 54-player women’s draw.

DJOKOVIC WANTS TO PLAY EVEN BEYOND HIS 40S

NOVAK DJOKOVIC has already learned a lot from National Football League (NFL) great Tom Brady. And having seen Brady play well into his 40s, the 36-year-old Djokovic now hopes he can do the same.

Djokovic holds the men’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles but isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, as he prepares to compete for a record 11th Australian Open title next month. And while Roger Federer has retired and Rafael Nadal missed nearly all of 2023 with injuries, Djokovic is hoping he has several more years left at the top.

After all, Brady—who was on hand in Djokovic’s box to watch the Serbian star win this year’s French Open final—won his seventh Super Bowl ring at the age of 43.

“Tom Brady is a great example of a champion in his sport and someone that has had such a great career and longevity,” Djokovic said at an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.

“He has put a lot of hours and a lot of time into self-care, into recovery, into making sure that in a way every aspect of his body and mind is covered so that he can have a longlasting, successful career.

“I know him personally as well, and I learned a lot from him, from his example, and hopefully I can have a career that goes up to 40 or maybe even beyond—let’s see.”

Djokovic is coming off a season where he won three of the four Grand Slam titles but lost the Wimbledon final in five sets to his latest great rival—Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic lost again to Alcaraz on Wednesday in Riyadh, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, but said before that exhibition match that he has similarly high expectations for next year.

“I feel great in my own body right now and I’ve been playing some really high-quality tennis,” the top-ranked Serb said, adding that “2023 was one of the best seasons I’ve had in my life.

And why stop while you’re still playing great? So I’ll keep going and take it one year [at a time], one by one, and see how far I go.” AP

NAOMI OSAKA and Rafael Nadal are returning to action down under as Novak Djokovic is looking beyond 40. AP

Morant immediately gets Grizzlies rolling and oozing with optimism

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EW ORLEANS—Ja Morant’s return to National Basketball Association (NBA) play has the Memphis Grizzlies facing a new set of questions.

Namely, could they have reasonably expected their All-Star guard to be so productive, so soon?

Or, did they suspect that having Morant back in the lineup would make winning—and contending— look so achievable for a club that managed just six victories in its first 25 games?

“You have a player like that, he makes everybody better, from our top guys to our role-playing guys,” Grizzlies shooting guard Desmond Bane said. “So you can’t overestimate how good he is and how much impact he has.”

Morant has averaged 28.8 points through his first four games since returning from an NBA suspension that stemmed from his antics with guns on social media. Memphis has won all four of those games to improve to 10-19, leaving them just 4 1/2 games out of a Western Conference play-in spot with 53 games to play.

“I don’t really look at where we’re at in the standings right now with all these games left,” Memphis coach

Taylor Jenkins said. “I’m just focused on all the momentum that we’ve built up over the last week or so.”

There’s no denying that momentum, or who’s primarily responsible for it.

Hours before his 31-point performance in a 116-115 overtime victory in New Orleans on Tuesday night, Morant had been named Western Conference Player of the Week—for his first week back on the court.

“It’s awesome that he got recognized for his stellar play, for the team’s stellar play over the past week,” Jenkins said. “But he didn’t come back focused on trying to win Player of the Week. He just wanted to be back out there with his teammates and compete in the game that he loves.

“Obviously I think he’s been having tons of fun throughout this process, as difficult as it was when he was sidelined for 25 games,” Jenkins added. “But then you saw the joy that he was playing with that first game back...and we expect nothing less.”

However, given the reason for his suspension Morant’s choice of celebratory dance moves after an alleyoop dunk in overtime in New Orleans

THE Grizzlies’ All-Star guard has become so productive so soon. AP

has led to some criticism of him on social media. While facing his father, who was sitting courtside, a smiling Morant executed a move which vaguely resembled firing guns and holding a bazooka over his shoulder.

A performing artist from New Orleans who goes by the stage name Subtweet Shawn has posted on social media that the dance is his creation and has nothing to do with guns.

Morant has not commented on the significance of the dance move after the dunk, and the Grizzlies did not appear bothered by it, posting clips of the play and celebration on social media.

In his first game back on December 19, also played in New Orleans, Morant scored 34 points, capped by a game-winning basket as time expired.

He scored 20 in a home victory over Indiana and then had 30 points and 11 assists in a victory at Atlanta.

“The biggest thing is that he brings a level of confidence to their team that they were waiting for and a swagger to the team,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green, whose club won in Memphis back in October, when Morant’s suspension was just beginning.

“That’s what makes them dangerous, is now that they have their leader, best player, on the floor, they’re playing much more confident,” Green continued. “They’re a better defensive team. They’re getting in the paint and they’re attacking. He allows everybody to kind of get to their rightful spots on the floor, so that makes them better.” AP

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Motoring BusinessMirror

Friday, December 29, 2023

Editor: Tet Andolong

GAC Motor Philippines previews the M8 and M6 Pro

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Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

AC Motor Philippines ended 2023 on a solid note by giving media members an exclusive preview of the two highly anticipated MPV models, the M8 and M6 Pro. According to Astara Philippines, the official distributor of GAC vehicles in the country, these upcoming models will debut in early 2024. Further, these new Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) are the first installment of six cars the company plans to launch in the coming year.

“We are proud to offer a preview into our upcoming releases for early 2024 – the M8, the flagship of GAC’s new generation premium MPV line, and the M6 Pro, a true seven-seater family SUV designed for optimal comfort and abundant space. These two models will set a new benchmark in travel, especially among Filipinos who love to travel with family and friends,” said Franz Decloedt, Astara Philippines brand head for GAC Motor.

The luxurious M8

GAC claims the M8 is a meticulously crafted MPV, set to redefine the premium MPV segment with its advanced technology, opulent configuration, and unparalleled comfort. Its design presents a sleek and pure body profile, accented by striking elements such as the multifunction LED Headlights, wide chrome grille, and 18inch wheels.

This seven-seater luxe MPV follows a 2-2-3 configuration. Interior amenities offer a relaxing and comfortable zone, with features like second-row captain chairs, three-zone automatic air conditioning, and power-adjustable seats with massage functions. It also comes equipped with a 14.6-inch multifunctional touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay and CarLife, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, two table trays, and multiple USB and charging ports, to name a few.

Motivation comes from a 2.0-liter TGDI engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 248hp and 400N-m of torque. Safety-wise, it has multiple airbags, an electronic stability program, a Hill-start

hold, and control, plus a host of advanced driving assistance systems.

M6 Pro MPV

According to GAC, the M6 Pro is a genuine seven-seater MPV featuring a frontier design, generous space, the latest safety and security technology, and a comfortable cabin. Designed for families on the go, the M6 Pro combines practicality with style, featuring 18” wheels, multifunction automatic LED headlights, and a surround-view camera system (GL variant). Some available cabin features are second-row captain’s chairs, two-zone automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.25-inch multifunctional touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay and CarLife.

Motivation comes from a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, generating 174hp and 270N-m of torque. As for safety and security, some features are front dual and curtain airbags, a suite of ADAS systems, a tire pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX seats for children.

As for pricing, GAC Motor Philippines shared indicative figures representing each model and variant. The M8 GL will be priced from P3 million to P3.1 million, while the higher-spec M8 GX Master will be from P4 million to P4.1 million. On the other hand, the M6 Pro GS will retail between P1.2 million to P1.3 million, while the M6 Pro GL will be at P1.5 million to P1.6 million. According to GAC, final pricing will be announced closer to the launch date in early 2024.

Solid sales and new dealers

Meanwhile, GAC Motor Philippines is concluding the year with an optimistic outlook, expressing confidence in achieving its target of 2,000 units in retail sales by the year’s end. This remarkable projection reflects a substantial year-over-year growth of 378%,

The luxurious M8

underscoring the brand’s growing popularity among car buyers in the Philippine market.

The notable increase in sales can be attributed to the increasing demand for its product lineup, which includes the Empow, Emkoo, Emzoom, and GS8. The company’s network expansion has reinforced the record sales growth, setting up 20 dealer outlets in strategic locations nationwide.

“We express our gratitude to everyone actively contributing to the growth of the GAC brand in the Philippines — customers, dealer partners, and friends in the media. Our confidence in the outstanding products offered by GAC remains steadfast, and we firmly believe in the brand’s substantial potential in this market,” said Raoul Picello, Managing Director of Astara Philippines.

In a recently concluded Year-End Business Review and 2024 Kick-Off convention for dealer partners, seven new partners signed on as new dealer partners with GAC Motor Philippines. This development contributes to advancing Astara towards its objective of expanding the GAC network to 35 locations in the Philippines by 2024.

The M6 Pro MPV

more Filipinos can contribute to the fight against carbon emissions, TODAY.

COVID made us stronger–AVT

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TILL in observance of the season of hope, peace, love, good health and prosperity, let’s cut to the chase. Here’s another inspiring speech from no less than Alfred V. Ty (AVT), the youthful chairman of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).

“Welcome to our annual Toyota and Lexus Christmas Media Lunch at Grand Hyatt.

“It makes us happy that we can continue with this tradition every year - a tradition that gives us a welcome breather in the middle of the holiday rush to just sit down, catch up with each other, look back on the year’s special moments, and celebrate our friendship for another year.

“This time, though, we thought we would take our thanksgiving tradition to the next level— literally and figuratively. Today, we decided to welcome all of you to the Penthouse—the highest event space here in the Grand Hyatt—as we honor you for your past and continuing support to TMP and the auto industry.

Recovered

“I am very encouraged that the Philippine automotive market will finally break through preCOVID levels. Estimates place the market at 420,000 units versus 410,035 in 2019. This is a very significant growth of 20.6 percent versus sales in 2022. Just as the World Health Organization officially declared the COVID global health emergency to be over this year, so, too, can we declare that the auto industry is now fully recovered from the pandemic.

“I would like to take a moment to thank and honor all of you for standing with us through the most difficult times that the auto industry, the country and the world has seen in recent history.

Indeed, COVID took us into the unknown but rather than break us, it made us stronger. Today, we celebrate our new beginning and resume our

path to better days ahead.

“We thank you, too, for helping chronicle our progress in the pursuit of providing mobility for all. I would like to specially thank you for helping us celebrate our 35th anniversary and helping spread the happiness of our first ever GR Festival that was attended by Akio Toyoda himself. I look forward to our continuing partnership.

“As we move forward, there is much that we have to be excited about. In particular, our preparations to produce and introduce our Next Generation Tamaraw are well underway.

IMV-O

“THIS will be a game changer for us in 2024 and it will signal a new era in mobility for Filipinos, especially our MSME’s. It is also a very significant step for us in our mission of strengthening local manufacturing and helping in nation building.

“We are very encouraged that the Philippines was designated by Toyota to be a production base for the IMV-0. It is a vote of confidence in the quality of our local production and the competitiveness of our Sta. Rosa operations.

“Additionally, we are stepping up our efforts at expanding our footprint in electrified mobility. Our big win is the rapidly growing awareness for our electrified models, particularly our Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). This is resulting to increased traction for Toyota and Lexus. We continue to provide multi pathways towards carbon neutrality, introducing more affordable Toyota HEV models, such as the Yaris Cross.

“But, frankly, we believe there is an even bigger upside to our drive to electrification. As committed by NEDA, they will be reviewing their program suspending the collection of ad valorem tax on full electric vehicles in 2024. We are expecting that Hybrid Electric Vehicles will FINALLY be included in the exemption so that

Pathways

“FOR Lexus, we now offer one full battery electric model and 7 Hybrid Electric Vehicles that puts us well on our way to achieving 100% electrification by 2035.

“In our journey to electrification, the enemy is carbon. Any technology that contributes to the lessening of emissions TODAY matters. Taking this opportunity, I would like to request you to help us enhance public awareness about the different pathways available towards carbon neutrality.

Together, let us build that better tomorrow for all.

“Finally, I look forward to gains in our transition to a mobility company. We are making steady progress in our initiatives to elevate car usership in the Philippines. Recently, we launched our Toyota Community Shuttle Program in Santa Rosa and Pasay City as a pilot program. Called “Libreng Sakay”, this will run for a period of one year.

“Through a downloadable ‘myTOYOTA Shuttle PH’ app, it allows an efficient on-demand shuttle management which streamlines route planning and seat booking process. Commuters can easily book their ride using a personal device, monitor the real-time location of vehicle, and check arrival time.

Partnership

“WE expect that this will help unlock new mobility opportunities that will benefit Filipinos everywhere. I am quite excited with the positive feedback we are receiving so far.

“Of course, all these achievements and exciting new developments are inspired by our customers.

We thank them for standing with us, through good times and bad. We will never waiver in our goal of moving lives and moving the world.

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends in media, there is much that has been accomplished and there is more to look forward to. We are counting on our partnership so together we can continuously produce happiness, win smiles and create mobility for all.

“Again, thank you all for coming to our little celebration. We wish you the best of the Christmas season. May you all enjoy the holidays with your family and loved ones.”

PEE STOP Happy New Year!!!