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Friday, February 12, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 124

By Bianca Cuaresma

FDI DECLINE BY 16.5% IN NOV, BUT EXPERT SEES UPTAKE AHEAD

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) decided to keep all monetary policy levers steady in its first policy meeting for 2021, as inflation is now expected to reach the ceiling of the government’s target band for the year.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno announced to the press on Thursday that the Monetary Board decided to maintain the interest rate on the BSP’s overnight reverse repurchase facility at 2 percent. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were likewise kept at 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

This marks the second consecutive meeting that the BSP decided to hold its monetary policy easing measures. Since the start of the pandemic, the BSP has been on an aggressive cutting mode to support the economy through the crisis brought about by pandemic-induced movement restrictions.

Several economists had forecast a pause in the BSP’s cutting in the Central Bank’s first monetary policy meeting of 2021, after inflation accelerated faster than expected at 4.2 percent in January.

In his press briefing on Thursday, Diokno said inflation will likely remain elevated in the coming months due to the impact of supply constraints on domestic prices of key food commodities such as meat and vegetables, as well as the recent uptick in international oil prices.

See “BSP,” A2

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RED Chinese lanterns hang over the main hall of the Gateway Mall area, as the “City of Firsts,” Araneta City, marks both the Chinese Lunar Year and Valentine’s Day, happening this Friday and Sunday. A Chinese Zodiac Sign Exhibit graces this area, as well as two other malls in Araneta City, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza, until February 20. On Friday, a Lion and Dragon Dance activity will be held; a New Year and Valentine’s Bazaar, al fresco dining with acoustic performances are also part of the celebration. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

House panel tackles bill partially lifting bank secrecy

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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HE House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries will follow the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendation to amend the Philippine bank secrecy law and grant the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) super-

visory powers to examine deposits by the stockholder, owner, director, trustee, officer or employee of an entity under Central Bank-supervised financial institutions.

The committee on Thursday started deliberating on House Bill 8634 filed by its chairman Quirino Rep. Junie Cua, amending Republic

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 48.0400

P25.00 nationwide | 3 sections 24 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

Act 1405 or the Secrecy of Bank Deposits Law. During the hearing, BSP Senior Assistant Governor and General Counsel Elmore O. Capule said the Philippines is the only country which prevents its central bank from looking into deposits, after Lebanon already passed a law lifting its bank

secrecy against its central bank for one year.

He said Lebanon is also looking to totally repeal its bank secrecy law against its banking regulator.

“The bankers hold on people’s money, you are the trustee, you are accountable, so we are looking at a

ONG-TERM investments made by foreign players to the Philippines continued to decline in November 2020, but a local economist said more of these job-creating investments are expected to come to the country in the next few months.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that foreign direct investments (FDIs) hit $537 million in November 2020, declining by 16.5 percent from the $643-million FDI recorded in November 2019.

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

The November FDI inflow to the country brought the 11-month total direct investments to the Philippines at $5.8 billion, 10.8 percent lower than the $6.5 billion seen in the same 11-month period in 2019.

Despite the decline, November’s FDI contraction was slower than the 24.5-percent contraction posted in October 2020.

The BSP attributed this improvement to news of positive developments in Covid-19 vaccines. The BSP also said the recent contractions in net FDI inflows were largely affected by “concerns over the resurgence of Covid-19 cases” and “re-imposition of quarantine measures in some advanced and emerging markets.”

Broken down, foreign players’ net investments to the Philippines through equity capital declined by 57.3 percent to hit $66 million in November 2020 from the $155 million seen in November 2019.

Equity capital placements came mainly from the Netherlands, Japan and the United States, and were invested mostly in the financial sector, insurance, real estate and manufacturing industries.

The drop could have been larger, if not partially mitigated by the increase in foreign investors’ net investments in debt instruments, which grew by 3.8 percent to $415 million from the $400 million seen in the same period in 2019.

Reinvestment of earnings, however, fell by 36.5 percent to $56 million from $88 million in November 2019.

November is the third consecutive month that FDIs declined compared to their monthly inflows in 2019.

‘Resiliency manifested’

DESPITE this, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) economist Michael Ricafort said the FDI data of the country in recent months “still manifested resiliency” as it is “consistently among or near preCovid-19 levels.”

Ricafort also said the Philippines could attract more FDIs in the coming months as economies reopen and investors look for places to put their money in.

“The improved economic and credit fundamentals of the Philippines in recent years, amid attractive demographics, with the 12th largest population in the world at about 110 million, would make the Philippines a compelling investment destination and additional hedge for the global supply chain of various global/multinational companies looking for increased growth/sales, thereby making the country as an attractive production and marketing hub, as well as an attractive entry point to the other free-trade agreement (FTA) partner countries of the Philippines,” Ricafort said.

“The worst for the FDI data and other major economic data could have been seen already at the height of the lockdowns in April 2020 up to early May 2020, in view of the gradual reopening of the local and global economies since the latter part of May 2020,” he added.

For the coming months, the economist said more FDIs into the Philippines would be sustained by major developments in the economy, including increased government spending, especially on infrastructure, that will generate more jobs, as well as the passage of reform measures, such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Bill, the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act and the Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) bill, among others.

Ricafort, however, warned of offsetting risk factors to the FDI inflows, such as new coronavirus strains or variants that are more contagious and which could lead to more travel restrictions and renewed lockdowns. Bianca Cuaresma

Continued on A2

n JAPAN 0.4594 n UK 66.4729 n HK 6.1970 n CHINA 7.4663 n SINGAPORE 36.2183 n AUSTRALIA 37.0917 n EU 58.2245 n SAUDI ARABIA 12.8083

Source: BSP (February 11, 2021)

News BusinessMirror

A2 Friday, February 12, 2021

PHL Covid deaths show steady dip, says DOH Continued from A12

Although over 10,000 deaths were recorded in the country, the WHO official noted, if there was no lockdown “it [the number of deaths] could have been more than that].”

Taguig

THE City of Taguig is eyeing two more venues as 24-hour vaccination hubs: one in BGC in Barangay Fort Bonifacio and another near Vista Mall in Barangay Calzada-Tipas, to further expand the local government’s reach once the rollout of its comprehensive vaccination plan commences.

Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said the two hubs are on top of the estimated 40 community vaccination centers in the city.

“Our target here is not only speed but safety, efficiency and accessibility. Our 24-hour hubs and our community vaccine centers will help us hit our objectives, This will open the opportunity for more citizens to get vaccinated and not have them worry about time,” said Cayetano.

The two hubs and the one in Lakeshore Vaccine Training and Information Center, which the national government hailed as a “model” facility, Cayetano said, are capable of 24-hour operations and will be part of a lineup of 40 vaccine centers across Taguig.

The target is to establish 200 vaccination teams to vaccinate 630,000 Taguigeños in 60 to 90 days.

The 24-hour vaccination hubs will not only be more convenient but will also allow a faster turnaround.

These vaccination hubs are also strategically positioned in Taguig and are easily accessible to residents. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘No proof yet of variant, but Cebu Covid spike alarming’

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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

MEMBER of the OCTA Research group on Thursday said there is still no “evidence” that the sudden rise in Covid-19 cases in Cebu City can be attributed to the B117 or the new UK variant.

In a media forum of the Department of Health (DOH), Professor Guido David said the rising incidence in Cebu “does not have evidence support” of links to the new variant.

Although there might be a “possibility” this is, at this moment “it is not yet confirmed” pending results of the samples sent to Philippine Genome Center.

He noted that the cases in

Cebu City per day are averaging at 123 with a daily attack rate of 11.11 per 100,000 population.

The other cities in Cebu province are also recording high numbers of cases per day, like in Lapu- Lapu with 34, and Mandaue with 28.

The average cases in Cebu City per month also soared to 129 in February from 51 in January.

Just on February 10, Cebu City recorded more than 200 cas-

THIS May 31, 2020, file photo shows Gabriel Berendo, a businessman and car enthusiast, driving a casket converted into a car in Cebu City, as he goes around reminding residents to stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. AP

es, Guido said.

“The trend is upward, the trend has not stopped increasing. This is worrisome,” he said.

“We have to be vigilant in

Cebu for cases are increasing,” Guido said, adding that if the trend will continue, there is a possibility that the daily cases may even reach 300.

ADB: SOCIAL BONDS USEFUL FOR FILLING COVID FUND GAPS Continued from A12

In June 2020, the SEC approved the BPI’s application to issue Covid-19 Action Response Bonds under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations social bond label.

“Every actor in the ecosystem has a role to play. Governments, supranationals and philanthropic institutions can all support the development of this market, offering technical assistance, guarantees of capital, education, thought leadership, and a supportive regulatory environment,” ADB said.

“Issuers can seek out social investment opportunities and put into place the scaffolding for social bond issues that can be quickly erected and

completed in accordance with ICMA [International Capital Market Association] and Asean guidelines,” it added.

In the United Nations Common Country Assessment Update for the Philippines, the country’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) suffered under the weight of the pandemic and could lead to a regression in the country’s performance in the global goals.

Based on a simulation, Covid-19 could increase poverty incidence among families and population to 18 percent and 23.8 percent, respectively. With the same, poverty incidence could go down to 13.8 percent for families and 19.4 percent for population, regardless of whether 14 million or 18 million received the subsidy.

This is one factor that could cause the country’s regression in achieving SDG 1 on eradicating poverty, the authors said. Prior to the pandemic, the country had already cut its poverty incidence.

The country is in danger of regressing in its efforts to achieve SDGs 4 on quality education; 5 on gender equality; 8 on decent work and economic growth; 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; and 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

Prior to the pandemic, the country was off-track in meeting SDGs 2 on hunger; 3 on health; 6 on access to water and sanitation; 10 on reducing inequality; 12 on sustainable consumption and production; and 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

House panel tackles bill partially lifting bank secrecy Continued from A1

very, very narrow lifting of the bank secrecy law. We are not lifting the whole law, just lifting it to allow the BSP, as a banking regulator, to look into deposits of bankers to ensure that they are complying with their duties,” Capule said.

For the last three years, Capule said there were around 1,419 incidents relating to deposit crimes and losses.

“Around 2,200 personnel of banks [were] involved and it amounts to P6.3 billion from 2017 to 2020. So we are looking at alarm that there are insider abuses being done in the banks, and we don’t have the proper legal weapon to ensure that the these kinds of abuses are not used, utilizing bank deposit secrecy as a shield,” he added.

Moreover, Cua said his bill provides that BSP, in the exercise of its supervisory powers, as one of the exceptions to the prohibition to examine, may inquire or look into deposits, provided that there is reasonable ground to believe that a fraud, serious irregularity or unlawful activity has been or is being committed by the stockholder, owner, director, trustee, officer or employee of an entity that is subject to the supervision or regulatory power of BSP, his representative or agent, or any individual in conspiracy with the aforementioned persons.

“The basic objective [of this proposal is] to empower the BSP to look into accounts of bank owners, stockholders, officials, or their dummies in order to be able to investigate their wrongdoings,” he said.

“I want this bill to be a response

to IMF and World Bank—their recommendation seems to me is plausible [to protect depositors],” Cua added.

Cua said it is also necessary to look into the deposit to establish such fraud, irregularity or unlawful activity. He said it is also suggested that the authority of BSP to inquire or examine deposit shall apply in the course of its investigation of closed banks.

The bill, however, provides that the results of such inquiry and examination shall be for BSP’s exclusive use and shall not be made available to any person or entity, whether public or private, except to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Department of Justice, and the courts.

The bill seeks to amend the 66-year-old Republic Act 1405 or the law prohibiting disclosure of or inquiry into deposits with any banking institution, which was enacted primarily to deter private hoarding, boost the economy, and enhance state protection of privacy rights.

RA 1405 was amended by Presidential Decree 1792, which expanded the exceptions to the absolute confidentiality rule, including instances when the special or general examination of a bank is made in the course of a specifically authorized by the Monetary Board after being satisfied that there is reasonable ground to believe that a bank fraud or serious irregularity has been or is being committed, and that it is necessary to look into the deposit to establish such fraud or irregularity. However, PD 1792 was later expressly repealed by RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act.

“Existing secrecy of bank deposit laws of the Philippines are more constraining for prudential supervision than similar laws in other jurisdictions. The limitation impedes transparent governance and anticorruption mechanisms,” Cua said in his explanatory note.

According to Cua, other jurisdictions with strong bank secrecy arrangements have provided their prudential authority with unrestricted access to all bank records.

“In well-known international financial centers like Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong, the prudential supervisors have the power to access all bank records, including depositor information. This power is, however, combined with clear and strong professional secrecy arrangements,” he added.

To address the unintended consequences of the secrecy of bank deposit laws, and heed the call of the global community for a more transparent financial system environment, Cua said RA 1405 should be amended, which will be limited only within the very narrow confines of banking supervision. This will effectively restore the authority of BSP to examine bank deposits under PD 1792.

Earlier, the IMF said BSP should be granted unimpaired access to information on all customer accounts, and the ability, without constraints, to employ and share depositor information for any prudential purpose in order to fulfill its supervisory mandate to address safety and soundness concerns.

It said bank secrecy law in the country restricts the BSP’s ability to undertake effective supervision.

BSP… Continued from A1

Inflation forecasts revised

ACCORDING to BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila, the BSP now expects inflation to hit an average of 4 percent for 2021, up from their previous forecast of 3.2 percent.

This means that inflation is expected to hit the ceiling of the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range in 2021.

Dakila, however, insisted that the drivers of the relatively elevated inflation forecasts largely emanate from the supply side and are thereby deemed “transitory” by the BSP.

For 2022, the BSP revised its inflation forecast downward from 2.9 percent to 2.7 percent as supply-side inflation influences will start to subside.

“As I have already noted for the next few months, inflation can remain elevated, but we do emphasize that this is of a transitory nature and inflation is expected to go back to within-target range towards the latter part of the year. So by 2022, the outlook for inflation has actually been revised downwards in line with base effects. So that meant that the monetary policy stance, in the judgment of the board, remains appropriate,” Dakila said.

Asked about the implication of a “transitory elevated inflation” on monetary policy, Dakila said a supply-side-induced inflation acceleration is best dealt with direct and non-monetary policy measures from other government agencies.

“On the implications of this for monetary policy decisions. Well, that is already demonstrated in the action of the board for this meeting.

We know that supply-side shocks on inflation are more appropriately met by direct measures that do address the causes of supply limitations.

Therefore, we are also coordinating with other government agencies. In this case, those measures should be targeted at normalizing the supply of meat in the market. They need not be met by monetary policy actions,” Dakila said.

In a commentary on the BSP’s latest move to maintain all monetary policy levers, ING Bank economist Nicholas Mapa said the BSP’s move is “optimal” to continue supporting the economy without stoking any more inflationary pressures.

“BSP officials are cognizant of the ills of high inflation, but they are also fully aware that any rate hike would have little to no impact on the price of pork or vegetables—the two main sources of the breach. Furthermore, a rate hike at this junction would snuff out what little growth momentum is left in the economy and torpedo the recovery. Thus, resisting the knee-jerk reaction to hike in response to the inflation breach was likely the optimal decision at this point,” Mapa said.

“This ‘non-move move’ allows BSP to support growth for a bit longer but at the same time set up a possible reversal in stance but only should second-round effects become apparent.

We expect BSP to retain its accommodative stance in the medium term to support the recovery and only consider a reversal should second-round effects surface,” he added.

On balance, Diokno maintained confidence that inflation will remain manageable on the policy horizon.

“The Monetary Board is of the view that the manageable inflation outlook continues to allow the BSP to maintain an accommodative policy stance and thus complement crucial fiscal policy measures in supporting economic activity and market confidence,” Diokno said.

“The Monetary Board likewise reiterates its support for urgent and coordinated efforts with government agencies in implementing nonmonetary interventions to enable all Filipinos access to internationally competitively priced food and thereby mitigate the impact of supply-side factors on inflation,” he added.

Diokno also reiterated his readiness for further policy action, saying that the BSP “remains firm in its intent to take appropriate measures to ensure that the monetary policy stance continues to support the recovery of the economy, consistent with its price and financial stability mandate.”

The Nation BusinessMirror

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

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Friday, February 12, 2021

Defense treaty with US takes effect at 1st shot against any Pinoy vessel in WPS, Lorenzana says

By Rene Acosta

@reneacostaBM

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NY Filipino vessel that may be fired upon Chinese Coast Guard ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will automatically trigger the Philippines’s defense agreement with the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said on Thursday. “[If] it is a vessel from Philippines, the Mutual Defense Treaty is activated,” the defense secretary told ANC, as he also revealed the preference by the defense and military establishment for the continuation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a separate security agreement with the US. Lorenzana and other top military officials have earlier raised concerns over the Chinese government’s authorization for its Coast Guard to fire at vessels even in maritime waters that it disputes, including in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese military and paramilitary ships abound.

Following the operation of China’s Coast Guard law, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said that the military will increase its deployment of Navy ships in the territory that Beijing is claiming to protect Filipino fishermen, some of whom have experienced intimidations and harassments from Chinese Coast Guard ships in the past, especially in the Scarborough Shoal.

On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III affirmed the US commitment, both to the MDT and the VFA during his conversation with Lorenzana wherein both leaders also discussed wide ranging security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea. Lorenzana said that even Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. who recently talked to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, has declared that the MDT will automatically come into operation once any Filipino is fired

upon in the WPS. “Even Secretary Locsin said that,” Lorenzana said, who made a point to even describe as “cordial” and “friendly” the country’s relations with China even before Beijing empowered its Coast Guard to shoot at vessels in maritime territories that it is claiming.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said that if the defense and the Armed Forces would have their way, they would prefer that the VFA, which increased interactions between US and Filipino troops and allow them to train together, would be continued.

“Well, we at the defense department and the Armed Forces, the general feeling in the Armed Forces is for the VFA to continue,” he said.

The government moved for the termination of the agreement in February last year, but it has since been extended twice, with the agreement ending in August this year, according to Lorenzana.

“It was not terminated. There was only a notice of termination because there is a provision in the agreement that a 60-day notice is required for one party to tell the other that the agreement is terminated, so it was just a notice,” the defense secretary said.

“It was suspended by the President twice already, and the second suspension will end, I think, August 6, 2021. So we have less than six months to go,” he added.

Lorenzana said the VFA has allowed militaries from both countries to work together, to hold joint exercises and “develop doctrines and joint operations and interoperability.”

“Our men also in the military are able to see some of the new equipment. They also familiarize [themselves] with the new equipment and in the process the military also decides on the basis of their experience with the new equipment if they will buy or not so it actually improves our capabilities as well by exercises and by having experience on the new weapons,” he said.

Solon to House panel: Secure evidence prior to any inquiry

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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DEPUTY speaker on Thursday cautioned the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability before it resumes the probe on issues surrounding the alleged loan condonation or write-off by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in favor of companies controlled by the Lopez family.

In a news statement, Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza said all the alleged loan condonation by the DBP all remain unvalidated until now.

According to Atienza, lawmakers should protect the integrity of the House and not allow the institution to be used for allegations that have no basis.

“I strongly caution the committee against pursuing this issue, especially if it does not have any evidence to prove the said loan condonation. We asked chairman Michael Aglipay if they have any evidence that the Philippine government lost money in this transaction, estimated at P1.6 billion?” Atienza said.

“Did the DBP, being the depository of public funds, lose money? And he admitted that they had none, which is why the committee is filing a motion to compel the concerned agency to submit any documents through a subpoena duces tecum. Why call for a hearing when you have yet to get hold of any evidence to prove such claims? This is clearly a fishing expedition. And I, for one, will not be a part of it!” Atienza said.

Earlier, the state-owned bank denied allegations that the DBP wrote off loans from the Lopez Group of companies, saying no law was broken following the sale of several loans under Lopez Holdings.

During a special meeting of the com-

mittee, Atienza was the only dissenting vote on the motion to issue a subpoena for any such documents. All of the other members present, all 17 of them, voted yes. The alleged loan was purchased by investment company Lehman Brothers, which was covered by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) allowing banks to sell papers of indebtedness for non-performing assets of the government.

“This [alleged] particular transaction [of the Lopez group] took place almost 20 years ago. There is always a presumption of regularity, and it is up to the accuser to prove otherwise. And if there is proof, then let the proper agency such as the Ombudsman investigate and pursue the case. This is not Congress’ job,” Atienza added.

Next Congress

MEANWHILE, Speaker Lord A llan Velasco said calls to revive the franchise of ABS-CBN will have to wait until the next Congress.

“With a little over a year until the 2022 elections, the House of Representatives is bent on finishing the remaining priority measures of this administration to ensure that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte fulfills his campaign promise to the Filipino people,” he said.

Velasco said the lower chamber will focus its time for the passage of pending economic bills to help the country’s economic recovery.

“On top of these priority legislation, we would like to see the passage of Bayanihan 3, as well as other economic bills, geared toward rebuilding the Philippine economy shattered by the devastating impact of the global pandemic and rebuilding the lives of every Filipino disrupted by the health crisis,” said Velasco.

A4 Friday, February 12, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

DOLE execs: 2-million workers get cash aid under Bayanihan 2

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By Samuel P. Medenilla

@sam_medenilla

VER 2 million workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic received their assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as agency nears the completion of its cash aid programs under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2).

Of t he sa id recipients, 1,025,547 were from the formal sector, who got a one-time P5,000 cash aid under the “regular” Covid Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).

It also includes the 118,416 overseas Filipino workers (OFW), who got a one-time P10,000, or $200 financial assistance through the Abot Kamay Ang Pagtulong for OFWs (AKAP).

The remaining 936,865 benef iciar ies were g iven tempora r y emergenc y employ ment b y t he gover n me nt t h rou g h t he Tu long Pa ngh a n apbu h ay sa Ating Disadvantaged /Displaced Workers (TUPA D).

DOLE had disbursed P1.19 bil-

lion for AKAP, P5.2 billion for its regular CAMP, and P5.18 billion for TUPAD.

On track

W ITH the latest accomplishment report, Labor Secretar y Silvestre H. Bello III said they expect to complete the implementation of the said programs on June before the expiration of the Bayanihan 2.

“We are very much on track [in the disbursement of the Bayanihan 2 funds]. We are almost through with TUPAD and CAMP and we are accelerating payouts of AKAP,” Bello said via SMS. In a Viber message, on the other hand, Labor Assistant Secretary

Dominique R. Tutay told the BusinessMirror they are now 99 percent complete in the implementation of the “regular” CAMP after they successfully disbursed P5.2 billion of its budget.

Last month, she said, they already had completed the disbursement of CAMP benefits for workers in the education sector, which benefited over 150,000 teachers.

The labor official said they are now coordinating with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to disburse the funds for the CAMP benefits of those employed in tourism establishments.

“We are currently 33 percent to 36 percent [complete in utilizing the fund for CAMP tourism],” Tutay said.

Likewise, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla said they are wrapping up the implementation of TUPAD for Covid-affected workers.

“Out of the allocation of P5.6 billion as of 29 December, 2021, DOLE Regional/Provincial/Field Offices were able to disburse P5.2 billion or almost 93 percent,” Trayvilla told the BusinessMirror in text message.

Passage considerations

LABOR officials issued the statements after Malacañang said the

utilization of concerned agencies of its Bayanihan 2 will be among the considerations of Congress, together with finding the necessary fund source, for the passage of the P420-billion Bayanihan 3.

DOLE has an allocated P16.4billion budget under Bayanihan 2.

Of the amount, P4.1 billion was allotted under C AMP for for ma l sector workers, P300 million under CAMP for private educational institution workers, and P3.1 billion under CAMP for tourism sector workers; P6.2 billion for TUPAD for informal sector workers; P239 million for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program or DOLE Kabuhayan Program; P2 billion for AK AP; and P500 million for Emergency Repatriation Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

DOLE is supporting the passage of the Bayanihan 3, which will contain additional funding for programs to help Covid-hit workers and employers through wage subsidy scheme.

The wage subsidy scheme was supposed to be included in the National Employment Recovery Strategy (NERS) for Covid-19, but was scrapped since it got no budget allocation in the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PHL to secure addl $425-M ADB loan for Covid vaccines

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco Correspondent

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HE Ph i l ippi nes is st i l l processing an additional $425 -million loan from the Asian Development Bank (A DB) to bankrol l the country’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

At a Department of Health (DOH) media forum, Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Y.C. Joven said that the Philippines is currently in the process of securing the loan from ADB for vaccinations, including logistics and manufacturing.

Joven also clarified that loans should not “always be seen in a bad light” because “borrowing allows us to fund expenditures without having to impose additional taxes in the short run.”

He emphasized that borrowing also enables the government to fund priority initiatives which are in line with the strategies identified under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, which is geared toward laying a stronger foundation for inclusive economic growth, reduction of poverty, and a globally competitive economy like the Covid-19 response, the “Build, Build, Build” program, and social welfare projects.

Joven further clarified that borrowing will not collateralize government assets, emphasizing that the DOF will not tolerate any violations of our law such as security interests imposed on governmentowned assets.

“When we negotiate loans, we always take into consideration

debt service payments. We do not borrow money that we do not intend to pay. We want to make it clear that there is no provision in any of the loan agreements signed by the Philippine government under the present administration that includes any form of direct collateral or security interest on any government-owned assets,” he said.

Meanwhi le, A DB Pr incipa l Health Specialist Dr. Eduardo Banzon reported that ADB was able to mobilize about $20 billion as part of its Covid-19 pandemic response financing efforts to help countries address the health aspect of Covid-19 and manage its adverse economic impact by building the health systems’ capacity to test, isolate, and treat virus patients.

“What we’re trying to do is work with countries to make sure that these interventions and plans are actually being implemented and to provide any added support like technical advice that they would need,” Banzon said.

For his part, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that in this time of crisis, every support that they receive from the public and private sectors to help augment the country’s Covid-19 response is “greatly valued and shall be lauded for the Bayanihan spirit they demonstrate.”

“Through our whole-of-government and whole-of-nation initiatives, through our collaborative efforts like this, we will successfully defeat this pandemic,” he said.

Employers press further reopening of Philippine economy T

HE country should further reopen its economy to prevent job losses, resulting from downsizing or closure of a number of businesses, according to the head of the employers’ group.

“Hindi na kaya ng ekonomiya [our economy cannot bear it anymore].

Before, our worry was the micro and small industries. Now, our worry is the big ones are beginning to really downsize or close.

’Yun ang dapat iwasan [We should avoid that from happening],” Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said in a radio interview.

He said the reported 10,000 deaths related to the coronavirus pandemic “is a small number” compared to those who die from hunger, while the crime rate can increase due to job losses.

To further reopen the economy, Ortiz-Luis said, there should be sufficient mass transportation as many companies cannot provide shuttle services for their employees.

He added businesses should be given the opportunity to prosper so more can get hired.

“Reopen and implement the minimum public health protocols. Catch protocol offenders

but let all reopen,” Ortiz-Luis said in Filipino in another radio interview.

He added the Philippines can learn from its neighbors on how they were able to reopen their economies amid the pandemic.

Ortiz-Luis also president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), cited the result of the group’s survey on the status of firms for 2021. Findings

showed that majority, or 57.6 percent, of the respondents reported no lay-offs, while 42.4 percent laid off employees either temporarily or permanently.

About 70 percent of the respondent firms cited difficulties in coordinating with supply/value chains as the top factor why they experienced operational slowdown or shutdown last year, followed by difficulty in transporta-

tion (48.5 percent).

He added that the majority, or 81.8 percent, of the survey respondents said they are undertaking measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus in their respective companies.

These are through strictly following the minimum public health protocols, which include wearing masks, hand hygiene, and physical distancing, he said.

Housing project for 960 Cagayan Realty devt firm CitiGlobal shrugs de Oro families breaks ground off fraud allegations

C

S

OCIAL Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) and the local government of Cagayan de Oro City broke ground on a socialized housing project that will provide decent, resilient, and affordable homes to 960 families in Barangay Balubal on February 3.

The ceremony, which signaled the construction of 40 two-story buildings, was led by SHFC President Atty. Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling and Mayor Oscar Moreno. SHFC will finance the construction of the more than P500-million project through its flagship housing initiative, the Community Mortgage Program. The loan by members of the Balubal Heights Subdivision Federation Homeowners’ Association Inc. is payable in 30 years with an interest rate of 2 percent to 4.5 percent per annum, depending on the family’s monthly income.

The project is the fruition of a memorandum of agreement signed by SHFC, the Cagayan de Oro city government, the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Vista Land, and Bria Homes

in March 2019. Vista Land and Bria Homes are undertaking the site development as compliance to Republic Act 10884, or the Balanced Housing Program Amendment Act, which requires subdivision developers to build socialized housing equivalent to at least 15 percent of their total subdivision area or total cost and at least 5 percent of a condominium area of project cost.

In the light of the pandemic, SHFC continues with the provision of adequate housing, which has become even more crucial now given that viruses spread fast in congested informal settlements. To date, it has provided secured homes to about 420,000 families through more than P24.4 billion in loan assistance. SHFC is the lead agency assisting underprivileged communities in securing land tenure through shelter financing and development solutions by Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable, and Inclusive (BALAI) Filipino communities.

For more info, call (+632) 7750-6337 or visit www.facebook.com/shfcph.

ITIGLOBAL, a premium land and real-estate developer, clarified reports implicating, or insinuating that they are engaged in fraudulent activities.

T hey assured the public that the de ve lopment a nd t he con st r uc t ion phase of their Tagay tay project, the Tagay tay Clifton Resort Suites (TCR S) in A lfonso, Cav ite, Metro Tagay tay, is f u l ly under way.

In fact, the added in a news statement, the turnover of Units in TCRS has already started. Buyers and investors alike may schedule a site visit to check on the development of these projects.

They are currently reaching out to the concerned investors to address the issue. Those who may have concerns or questions over their projects, CitiGlobal is open and will address their concerns, accordingly.

CitiGlobal Realty and Development Inc. is a duly organized and registered corporation before the Securities and Exchange Commission and have complied with all pertinent laws and secured all the necessary licenses and permits from the Housing Land Use Regulatory Board and the local government or from any regulatory bodies to engage in the business of real estate development, the statement read.

“We would like to thank our valued investors for their continued support. Rest assured that we will deliver our promise to give our investors a rewarding investment and work toward providing them the delightful client experience they deserve,” the CitiGlobal statement assured.

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

The World BusinessMirror

Friday, February 12, 2021

A5

Biden orders sanctions against Myanmar after coup

W

ASHINGTON—President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered new sanctions against the military regime in Myanmar, taking action after the military this month staged a coup in the Southeast Asian country and arrested de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior politicians.

Biden sa id he wa s i ssu i ng a n e xec ut ive order t h at w i l l pre vent Mya n m a r ’s genera l s f rom access i ng $1 bi l l ion i n a sset s i n t he Un ited St ates. Biden added t h at more mea su res a re to come.

“ The military must relinquish power it seized and demonstrate respect for the will of the people of Burma,” Biden said.

Biden said the new sanctions will allow his administration to freeze US

assets that benefit Myanmar’s military leaders while maintaining support for health-care programs, civil society groups and other areas that benefit the country’s people. He said the administration planned to identify specific targets of the sanctions later this week.

“The people of Burma are making their voices heard, and the world is watching,” Biden said, using an alternate name for Myanmar. “We’ll be ready to impose additional measures and we’ll continue to work with our international partners to urge other nations to join us in these efforts.”

Before Biden spoke f rom t he White House, large crowds demonstrating against the military takeover again took to the streets in Myanmar, even after security forces ratcheted up the use of force against them and raided the headquarters of Suu Kyi’s political party.

Biden in call with China’s Xi raises human rights, trade J

oe Biden on Wednesday held his first call as president with Xi Jinping, pressing the Chinese leader about trade and Beijing’s crackdown on democracy activists in Hong Kong as well as other human rights concerns.

The two leaders spoke just hours after Biden announced plans for a Pentagon task force to review US national security strategy in China and after the new US president announced he was levying sanctions against Myanmar’s military regime following this month’s coup in the Southeast Asian country.

A White House statement said Biden raised concerns about Beijing’s “coercive and unfair economic practices.”

Biden also pressed Xi on Hong Kong, human rights abuses against Uighur and ethnic minorities in the western Xinjiang province, and its actions toward Taiwan.

“I told him I will work with China when it benefits the American people,” Biden posted on Twitter after the call.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV said Xi and Biden “exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, and had an in-depth exchange of views on the bilateral relationship and major international and regional issues.”

Biden, who had dealt with the Chinese leader when he served as Barack Obama’s vice president, used his first three weeks in the White House to make several calls with other leaders in the Indo-Pacific region. He has tried to send the message that he would take a radically different approach to China than former President Donald Trump, who placed trade and economic issues above all else in the US-China relationship.

With Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga late last month, Biden underscored the US commitment to protecting the Senkaku Islands, a group of uninhabited islets administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing. In his call with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Biden emphasized the need for “close cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.” And in his call with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison last week, the president highlighted that the two nations’ alliance was essential to stability in the region, the White House said.

Top aides to Biden have repeatedly heard from AsiaPacific counterparts who had become discouraged by Trump’s frequently sharp rhetoric aimed at allies, talk of reducing troop levels in South Korea and odd interactions with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private calls.

Allies in the region have made clear they want a more purposeful and steady approach to engagements going forward, according to the official.

To that end, Biden and other top administration

officials have taken care in their initial interactions with their counterparts to look to the long game in resetting the relationships.

Biden used Wednesday’s call to raise concerns about Beijing’s crackdown on activists in Hong Kong and about its policies affecting Muslims and ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. In the final hours of the Trump administration, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that the Chinese Communist Party had committed crimes against humanity against the predominantly Muslim Uighurs and other minority groups.

The White House also said Biden made clear his concern about Beijing’s increasingly “assertive” action with Taiwan.

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan, even as the two sides have been governed separately for more than seven decades.

Days into Biden’s presidency, China dispatched warplanes close to the island. The US Navy, in turn, last week sent a guided-missile destroyer through the waterway that separates China and Taiwan.

One area that Biden doesn’t appear ready to move quickly on is discontinuing Trump’s trade war with China, which led to tariffs on their steel, aluminum and other goods.

Biden plans to leave the tariffs in place as his administration conducts a top-to-bottom review of trade policy. Administration officials note that the president is still awaiting confirmation of his US trade representative nominee, Katherine Tai, and his pick for commerce secretary, Gina Raimondo. Both are expected to play key roles in helping shape China trade policy.

Administration officials say Biden also wants to consult with allies in Asia and Europe before making decisions on tariffs.

Biden and Xi know each other well and have had frank exchanges.

Biden played host to then-Chinese vice president Xi during his 2012 visit to the United States. Biden used that visit to get a read of Xi and was blunt at moments, even raising concerns about Chinese theft of intellectual property and human rights abuses during a luncheon toast.

The following year, when Biden visited China, he publicly criticized Beijing for refusing to affirm that it would renew the visas of American journalists and for blocking the websites of American-based news media sites.

Biden has said he believes there are areas where the US and China can work closely, such as addressing climate change and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. But ultimately, Biden said recently, he expects the US-China relationship to be one of “extreme competition” in coming years. AP

WHO expert group recommends use of AstraZeneca vaccine

G

ENEVA—Independent experts advising the World Health Organization about immunization on Wednesday recommended the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine even in countries that turned up worr ying coronavirus variants in their populations.

The WHO experts’ advice is used by health-care officials worldwide, but doesn’t amount to a green light for the United Nations and its partners to ship the vaccine to countries that have signed up to receive the shots through a global initiative. That approval could come after separate WHO group meetings on Friday and Monday to assess whether an emergency-use listing for the AstraZeneca vaccine is warranted.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is important because it forms the bulk of the stockpile acquired so far by the UN-backed effort known as COVAX, which aims to deploy coronavirus vaccines to people globally. COVAX plans to start shipping hundreds of millions of doses of the vaccine worldwide later this month, but that is contingent on WHO approval for the shot, vaccine stocks and countries’ readiness to receive it.

But the vaccine has faced rising concerns. After an early study suggested that it might be less effective against a variant first seen in South Africa, the South African government scrambled to tweak its Covid-19 vaccination program.

“Even if there is a reduction in the possibility of this vaccine having a full impact in its protection capacity, especially against severe disease, there is no reason not to recommend its use even in countries that have the circulation of the variants,” said Dr. Alejandro Cravioto, chair of the WHO’s expert group.

Instead of rolling out 1 million AstraZeneca doses as planned, South Africa’s health minister said Wednesday that the government would start immunizing health workers with the still-unlicensed shot from Johnson & Johnson.

The expert group’s recommendations about the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was developed at Oxford University in Britain, largely mirror those issued earlier by the European Medicines Agency and Britain’s drug regulator.

Cravioto said the AstraZeneca vaccine should be used in older age groups despite the lack of solid data, similar to advice from the EMA and Britain.

“That means people over 65 years of age should be given the vaccination,” he said.

Countries including Germany, France and Belgium, however, have said the AstraZeneca vaccine should not be used in older people, citing insufficient evidence.

The WHO’s chief scientist, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, noted that the AstraZeneca shot requires storage at refrigerator temperatures—not the far colder temperatures required of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that the group has already recommended for use.

So far, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only one to receive a WHO emergency use listing.

The expert group noted that “preliminary analyses” showed the AstraZeneca vaccine had a reduced effectiveness against coronavirus variants that have emerged in Britain and South Africa. Still, the studies were too small to produce definitive results and scientists think the vaccines might still be helpful in reducing severe disease, which would greatly slow the pandemic. AP

It remains to be seen what, if any, impact the US action will have on Myanmar’s military regime. Many of the military leaders are already under sanctions because of attacks against the Muslim Rohingya minority.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a supporter of Suu Kyi, said he appreciated Biden’s “ongoing engagement with Congress on prompt and practical steps to restore democracy in Burma. I hope all nations that respect democracy and the rule of law will join the US in imposing meaningful costs and accountability on the junta.”

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters shortly before Biden’s announcement that “there’s certainly a recognition that this will need to be a coordinated effort” with the international community to press change in Myanmar.

The UN Human Rights Council

was set to hold a special session on Myanmar on Thursday.

The protesters in Myanmar are demanding that power be restored to Suu Kyi’s deposed civilian government. They’re also seeking freedom for her and other governing party members detained by the military after it blocked the new session of Parliament on February 1.

Witnesses estimated that tens of thousands of protesters, if not more, turned out Wednesday in Yangon and Mandalay, the country’s biggest cities.

Rallies also took place in the capital, Naypyitaw, and elsewhere.

The military cited the government’s failure to act on unsubstantiated allegations of widespread voter fraud as part of the reason for the takeover and declaration of a oneyear state of emergency. The generals maintain the actions are legally justified, and have cited an article in the

constitution that allows the military to take over in times of emergency.

Suu Kyi’s party has said it’s effectively a coup. The Biden administration also was quick to officially determine the takeover was a coup, setting the stage for Wednesday’s announcement.

The US first imposed sanctions in 1998 after the military there violently suppressed a protest. These were tightened over the following decades because of what Washington deemed human rights violations by the ruling military regime.

The restrictions were gradually eased in response to reforms and after the release of Suu Kyi from house arrest in 2010.

But in 2019, President Donald Trump introduced new sanctions against Myanmar’s military leaders over the killings of Rohingya Muslims. AP

BusinessMirror

Friday, February 12, 2021

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

3D ANALYZER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 7-8/f Double Dragon Plaza 255 Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City HAN, JUNMEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

LIANG, JIANHUA Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

3.

LIANG, JIANYI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

4.

LIU, XIAO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

5.

MENG, FANZHI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

6.

PAN, WEIZE Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

7.

PENG, CHENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

WONG HUEY SAN Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

1.

2.

8.

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5th-10th/f Tower 3, Pitx #1 Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

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NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

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39.

HOU, CHIA-FANG Taiwanese

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

80.

TANG, FENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. 8/f Edsa Cor. Sultan Brgy. Highway Hills Mandaluyong City

40.

TANG, YUQING Chinese

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

81.

WANG, JIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

123.

CHEN, HAIHONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

41.

TANGTONGPETCH, KITTIMA Thai

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

82.

WANG, PEIPEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

124.

LEE, ESTHER South Korean

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

42.

HACHISUKA, MASATO Japanese

RISK AND COMPLIANCE EXECUTIVE

83.

WANG, WENCHUAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

125.

SHI, YAXIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

84.

YANG, CHENCHENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GENX SPORTS & MEDIA PRODUCTION CORP. 11/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Ave. Aseana City Tambo Parañaque City

BETCONSULT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INC. Office #01 20a/b Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City 43.

LI, JIAYU Chinese

HR GENERALIST (MANDARIN SPEAKING)

44.

MIN, QIWEI Chinese

IT SPECIALIST (MANDARIN SPEAKING)

45.

ZHANG, ZHIXIONG Chinese

IT SPECIALIST (MANDARIN SPEAKING)

BIG EMPEROR TECHNOLOGY CORP. Eastfield Center Cbp1, Macapagal Blvd. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

CONSULTING SUPERIORS INC. Unit No. 2c, Flr. No. 4/f, One E-com Center Bldg. Ocean Drive Mall Of Asia Complex St. Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1 Pasay City 85.

YU, JIAYU Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

COUNTRYGARDEN CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 1502 15th Floor The Trade And Financial Tower 7th Ave. Cor. 32nd Street Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 86.

LI, LEI Chinese

BUDGET ANALYST

87.

ZHENG, QI Chinese

BUDGET ANALYST CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

126.

DAI, JUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

127.

SHEN, YUDONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City 128.

HUANG, NANA Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

129.

LONG, GUANGHUI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

46.

AYE AYE HTWE Myanmari

47.

THANDAR KYAW Myanmari

COMPUTER SYSTEM ANALYST

88.

WU, DONGYANG Chinese

48.

DENG, WENJING Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

89.

LI, QINGCUO Chinese

PROJECT MANAGER

130.

LUO, WEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

WEI, HAIJUN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

COMPUTER SYSTEM ANALYST

9.

CHIN TECK YU Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

49.

HUANG, LICHUN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

90.

YANG, BINQIANG Chinese

PROJECT PURCHASER

131.

10.

GAO, DONGMING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

50.

JIANG, XIONGJUN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

91.

LIANG, CHUNHUI Chinese

SITE MANAGER

11.

HU, YONGLIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

51.

LI, YAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

92.

WANG, LIANG Chinese

SITE MANAGER

GRANDSERVICES INC. 10/f Newport Entertainment & C Newport City Manlunas Brgy. 183 Pasay City

12.

LI, ZHEN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

52.

LIN, RONGKUN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

EASTERN GOLD CORPORATION 503 Nueva St Binondo Manila

13.

LIN, QINGWAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

53.

LIU, DAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

14.

WEI, MINGQING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

54.

LU, XIANWEI Chinese

15.

YU, YANAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

55.

GUO, WEIWEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

17.

18.

132.

93.

LIU, DONGMAN Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

94.

ZHAO, GANG Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

LUO, XINYU Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

95.

ZHOU, YUANYU Chinese

MARKETING AND SALES AGENT

56.

TIAN, XINRUI Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

FAREAST OUTSOURCE PROCESSING INC. 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Nu Tower Moa Coral Way Brgy. 076 Pasay City

HE, QING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

57.

WANG, JIAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

HUANG, HU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

58.

WANG, YAO Chinese

19.

JIANG, SHILIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

59.

20.

LI, FAGUO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

21.

LIU, ZHENZHEN Chinese

22.

16.

DU, WENBO Chinese

DIMSUM CHEF

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City 133.

CHEN, LIPING Chinese

MARKETING CAMPAIGN MANAGER FOR HUAWEI PHILIPPINES DEVICE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

IN-TOUCH COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. 2/f 48 Mckinley Road Forbes Park Makati City 134.

ERIVYNN, AURELIA N American

COUNSELOR CONSULTANT

96.

NGUYEN THI THU THUY Vietnamese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

97.

VO VAN BINH Vietnamese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

XI, XUEMEI Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

98.

YANG, GENWANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

135.

CAO, BO Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

60.

YAO, LIQIU Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE

99.

YANG, SHIFU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

136.

CHAN HE REN Malaysian

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

61.

BAO, LINGTONG Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

137.

CHEN, JIAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

62.

REN, XIAOYING Chinese

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal Tambo Parañaque City 100.

138.

63.

CHEN, XIAOYU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

101.

102.

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

23.

65.

XU, FUXING Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHIA RU WEI Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

CHEN, LINGXIAO Chinese

139.

ZHANG, YONG Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

64.

WU, ALIAN Chinese

CHEN, CHUANPING Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

WEI, NING Chinese

WANG, XIAOTAO Chinese

CHEN, HAIKUN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

103.

DAI, JUNQIN Chinese

JIANG, XIUYU Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

66.

ZHANG, HUI Chinese

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

140.

24.

CHEN, CHAOXIONG Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

67.

MANDARIN LANGUAGE SPECIALIST

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

DING, WENKE Chinese

ZHAO, GUANGMING Chinese

DENG, LONGHUI Chinese

141.

25.

LIAO, ZHIPING Chinese

104.

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

105.

26.

LUO, SHIWANG Chinese

GUO, YANFEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

142.

DONG, PEICHEN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

106.

27.

MARIANA Indonesian

HU, CHENYANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

28.

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

HUANG, CHENGYANG Chinese

ZHANG, JUNXIAN Chinese

107.

HUANG, DAZHONG Chinese

143.

144.

JI, SHENGLAN Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

29.

ZHAO, PENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

30.

ZHENG, JINJING Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

145.

KANG, JIN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

146.

LI, YONGQUAN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

147.

LIM YI YUN Malaysian

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1 Pioneer St Mandaluyong City 31.

SUKHMEET SINGH Indian

SECURITY DELIVERY SENIOR ANALYST

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City 32.

CHEN, XIUWU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

33.

LI, WENTENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

34.

WANG, LIHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower Ayala Ave. Bel-air Makati City SEET KONG KHEONG, BERNARD a.k.a.

XUE GUANGQIANG, BERNARD Singaporean

DEPUTY HR DIRECTOR

36.

SESILIA Indonesian

INDONESIAN MARKETING EXECUTIVE

37.

BUDI YANTO Indonesian

38.

HAO, QINGXUE Chinese

35.

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg. Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy.

076 Pasay City

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy.

076 Pasay City

68.

HU, HONG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

69.

LI, JIALIN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

108.

KUANG, RENQIANG Chinese

70.

LIANG, SHAOHUI Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

109.

LIN, XIA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

71.

LIU, YI Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

110.

LIN, CHAOYU Chinese

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72.

YE, YIHAN Chinese

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111.

LIU, QI Chinese

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YING, ZHIJIA Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

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TANG, RENLONG Chinese

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113.

WANG, JIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

148.

LIN, LIN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

114.

WANG, RUPING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

149.

LIN, QUANFENG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 5th And 6th Floors, 8/10 Upper Mckinley Building Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

115.

WANG, XIANGLIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

150.

LIU, ZHIAN Chinese

116.

WANG, XINHUA Chinese

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117.

WU, FEI Chinese

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151.

SONG, YUQI Chinese

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118.

YANG, JUNJIE Chinese

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152.

WANG, YACHAO Chinese

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153.

WILSON Indonesian

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154.

WONG QI ZHI Malaysian

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

155.

WU, BIN Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

73.

CHINA ONLINE INNOVATIONS INC. 8th/f Robinsons Cyberscape Alpha Garnet & Saphire Rds., Ortigas Ctr. San Antonio Pasig City 74.

75.

HUO, YU Chinese

SARMIENTO GALINDO, MARIA FERNANDA Colombian

SENIOR PROCESS EXECUTIVE

COLDSTREAM MARKETING SOLUTION INC. 603-4 Eastfield Ctr. Moa Comp. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 76.

FU, LULU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

119.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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77.

JI, YI Chinese

YUAN, QINWEN Chinese

120.

78.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

LIANG, JUNJIAN Chinese

ZHANG, YUJING Chinese

121.

ZHANG, ZHIGANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

79.

LIU, ZHANQIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

122.

KUSDI YANTO Indonesian

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YANG, BO Chinese

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MIND AND BODY TRAVEL AND TOURS INC. 7/f Finman Centre 131 Tordesillas St. Bel-air Makati City

157.

YANG, CHONGBIN Chinese

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CAI, CHANGGUI Chinese

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YIN, LIYU Chinese

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ZHU, GUANGLIANG Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

160.

ZOU, MINGSHUANG Chinese

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INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

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FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

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POSITION

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LI, XIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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YAN WON PHYINT Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

308.

LI, HANGYU Chinese

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YANG, RUI Chinese

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LIANG, YONGKANG Chinese

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YANG, BO Chinese

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ZHU, JIA Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 202.

AH SEE Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

258.

CHEN, JIAAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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LIU, XINJUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HUANG, YANPING Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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AUNG AUNG Myanmari

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MYAT MIN OO Myanmari

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

261.

LIU, ZHIPENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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LUO, LIANGEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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PAUL LEONG MUNG EN Malaysian

COMPUTER SYSTEM ANALYST

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CUI, YINGXI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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LOU, XIAODONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

317.

LYU, FUCAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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LI, CHENG Chinese

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207.

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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SUN, MOHAN Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WANG, YOUHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WU, YUFENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

320.

MIN, WENHUI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 165.

ZHANG, HAO Chinese

IT TECHNICAL MANDARIN

166.

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QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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YANG, YUNYU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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QA(QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

ITECHNO SPECIALIST INC. 10/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Avenue Aseana Business Park Tambo Parañaque City

212.

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QU, WENBIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

324.

REN, JIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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SHE, JIANXIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

215.

HU, YUANYUAN Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SPECIALIST

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HUANG, CHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg. Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Tambo Parañaque City

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

219.

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WANG, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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JIAO, LONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WANG, CHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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KWAE CHAN Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

KYAW YE AUNG Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WANG, WEI Chinese

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LEI, JINHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WANG, YANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

LI, QING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WANG, XIAOTIAN Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WU, HAIMING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

LI MYIN LI Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

LIU, YAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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YANG, LIN Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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PENG, FENG Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

QIN, LINLIN Chinese

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YU, YANWEN Chinese

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SHAW KHWAN Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SHI, XIAOTIAN Chinese

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355.

ZENG, CHENGLONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SHI, WENQIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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ZENG, ZHI Chinese

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SUN, SHANSHAN Chinese

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CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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ZHANG, SHUANGSHUANG Chinese

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ZHANG, BING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

249.

VONG HANG DI Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

360.

ZHANG, JINCAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

168.

CHEN, MINGHONG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

169.

DONG, SIPAN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

170.

LIN, YUZE Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

171.

LIU, CAIMING Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

172.

OU, SHENGCONG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

173.

WU, HAIWEN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

174.

ZHANG, ZIFAN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

J-NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. 3/f Lipams Bldg. #48 President Avenue Bf Homes Parañaque City 175.

LIU, XUNAN Chinese

CHINESE MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

176.

WANG, XINYAN Chinese

CHINESE MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT

177.

LEE, ILNO South Korean

PRODUCT CONSULTANT

JINDINGYUAN BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 3-9/f Filinvest Cyberzone Bldg. A, Bay City Brgy. 076 Pasay City 178.

WU, SHAOHONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Units 1, 5, 6, 7 & 8, 30/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City 179.

SAIFUDDIN Indian

VICE PRESIDENT

JUNGLE IN THE WEST INC. U-101/102 Le Domaine Condo 104 Tordesillas Bel-air Makati City 180.

AI, XIAOBO Chinese

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. 48/f Lower Ground Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City 181.

182.

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YANG, YANG Chinese

CHINESE IT SPECIALIST

185.

ZHANG, CHENG Chinese

CHINESE IT SPECIALIST

186.

ZHU, HONGYUAN Chinese

CHINESE IT SPECIALIST

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

192.

227.

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184.

191.

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SOEWANDY POA Indonesian

CHINESE IT SPECIALIST

190.

225.

233.

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189.

224.

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

183.

188.

223.

ABDUL HAMID Indonesian

LAN TIAN ZI XUN INC. Rm. 2510 25/f Zen Tower 1111 N.lopez St., 071 Bgy. 659 Ermita Manila

187.

222.

CHEN, ZHI Chinese CHEN, WEI Chinese HUANG, YUE Chinese HUANG, ZHENYE Chinese LIU, JIE Chinese LU, JING Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

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276.

CAI, YUWEI Chinese

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277.

CHAI, FANGYUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

278.

CHEN, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

279.

CHEN, TIANSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

280.

CHEN, YANGXIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

281.

CHENG, LONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

282.

CHU, YAOGUO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

283.

DAI, ZHIWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

284.

FU, YINGBING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

285.

FU, YINGJUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

286.

GAO, ZHIMEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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GUAN, XIAOJIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

288.

GUO, PENGBO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

289.

HAN, ZHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HAN, BINGBING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HAN, ZHOUJIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HAN, XIAOLONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HE, WEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HU, ZAOSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

295.

HUANG, HAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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HUI, ZHIFEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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JIANG, ZHIWEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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JIN, HUAN Chinese

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KANG, LIANG Chinese

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CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

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CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

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VONG NI VANH Vietnamese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

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WANG, JIE Chinese

CHINESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

250.

WANG, QIANRUI Chinese

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LI, MIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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ZHANG, YAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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WU, YONG Chinese

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LI, GUI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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ZHANG, TONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

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A8

The World Friday, February 12, 2021

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Chilling insurrection video footage becomes key exhibit in Trump trial

W

A SHINGTON— Chilling security video of last month’s deadly insurrection at the US Capitol, including of rioters searching menacingly for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence, has become a key exhibit in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial as lawmakers prosecuting the case wrap up their opening arguments for why Trump should be convicted of inciting the siege.

The House will continue with its case Thursday, with Trump’s lawyers set to launch their defense by week’s end.

The footage shown at trial, much of it never before seen, has included video of the mob smashing into the building, distraught members of Congress receiving comfort, rioters engaging in hand-to-hand combat with police and audio of Capitol police officers pleading for back-up. It underscored how dangerously close the rioters came to the nation’s leaders, shifting the focus of the trial from an academic debate about the Constitution to a raw retelling of the January 6 assault.

Videos of the siege have been circulating since the day of the riot, but the graphic compilation shown to senators Wednesday amounted to a more complete narrative, a moment-by-moment retelling of one of the nation’s most alarming days. It offered fresh details into the attackers, scenes of police heroism and staff whispers of despair.

The footage included rioters roaming the halls chanting “Hang Mike Pence,” some equipped with combat gear. Outside, the mob had set up a makeshift gallows. And in one wrenching moment, police were shown shooting and killing a San Diego woman, Ashli Babbitt, as the mob tried to break through doors near the House Chamber.

Pence, who had been presiding over a session to certify Joe Biden’s election victory over Trump—thus ear ning Tr ump’s censure—was shown being rushed to safety, where he sheltered in an office with his family just 100 feet from the rioters.

Pelosi was seen being evacuated from the complex as her staff hid behind doors in her suite of offices.

Though most of the Senate jurors seem to have made up their minds, making Trump’s acquittal likely, they sat riveted as the jarring video played in the chamber. Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma bent his head at one point, another GOP colleague putting his hand on his arm in comfort.

“They did it because Donald Trump sent them on this mission,” said House

prosecutor Stacey Plaskett, the Democratic delegate representing the Virgin Islands, told them.

“President Trump put a target on their backs and his mob broke into the Capitol to hunt them down.”

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, saw himself in the footage, dashing down a hallway to avoid the mob. Romney said he hadn’t realized that officer Eugene Goodman, who has been praised as a hero for luring rioters away from the Senate doors, had been the one to direct him to safety.

“That was overwhelmingly distressing and emotional,” he said.

Earlier in the day, prosecutors laid out their case by methodically linking Trump’s verbal attacks on the election to the violence that resulted when hundreds of loyalists stormed the building. Trump did nothing to stem the violence and watched with “glee,” the Democrats said, as the mob ransacked the building. Five people died.

The goal of the presentation was to cast Trump not as an innocent bystander but rather as the “inciter in chief” who spent months spreading falsehoods about the election. Using evocative language meant to match the horror of the day, they compared Trump to a fire chief who delights in seeing fires spread, not extinguished, and they compared his supporters to a cavalry in war.

“This attack never would have happened, but for Donald Trump,” Rep. Madeleine Dean, one of the impeachment managers, said as she choked back emotion. “And so they came, draped in Trump’s flag, and used our flag, the American flag, to batter and to bludgeon.”

Thursday brings the second and final full day of House arguments, with the Trump legal team taking the lectern Friday and Saturday for up to 16 hours to lay out their defense.

The difficulty facing Trump’s defense team became apparent at the start as they leaned on the process of the trial, unlike any other, rather than the substance of the case against the former president.

The prosecutors on Wednesday aimed to pre-emptively rebut arguments that Trump’s lawyers have foreshadowed as central to their defense, arguing for instance that there was no First Amendment protection for the president’s role in directly inciting the insurrection. Defense lawyers are likely to blame the rioters themselves for the violence, but the Democrats’ presentation made clear that—despite the vivid videos of the event—they view Trump as

ultimately responsible.

Trump is the first president to face an impeachment trial after leaving office and the first to be twice impeached. He is charged with “incitement of insurrection,” words his defense lawyers say are protected by the Constitution’s First Amendment and just a figure of speech. The prosecutors are arguing that Trump’s words weren’t just free speech but part of “the big lie”—his relentless efforts to sow doubts about the election results. Those began long before the votes were tabulated, revving up his followers to “stop the steal” though there was no evidence of substantial fraud.

As the House impeachment managers make the case for holding Trump to account, the defense has countered that the Constitution doesn’t allow impeachment of an official who is out of office. Even though the Senate rejected that argument in Tuesday’s vote to proceed to the trial, the legal issue could resonate with Senate Republicans eager to acquit Trump without being seen as condoning his behavior.

Trump attorney David Schoen added starkly partisan tones to the argument, saying the Democrats were fueled by a “base hatred” of the former president.

While six Republicans joined with Democrats to vote to proceed with the trial on Tuesday, the 56-44 vote was far from the two-thirds threshold of 67 votes needed for conviction.

Minds did not seem to be changing Wednesday, even after senators watched the graphic video.

“I’ve said many times that the President’s rhetoric is at time overheated, but this is not a referendum on whether you agree with everything the president says or tweets,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who was among those leading the effort to challenge the Electoral College tally certifying the election. “This is instead a legal proceeding.”

It appears unlikely that the House prosecutors will call witnesses, and Trump has declined a request to testify. The trial is expected to continue into the weekend.

Trump’s second impeachment trial is expected to diverge from the lengthy, complicated affair of a year ago. In that case, Trump was charged with having privately pressured Ukraine to dig up dirt on Biden, then a Democratic rival for the presidency. It could be over in half the time.

The Democratic-led House impeached the president swiftly, one week after the attack. AP

In rural Myanmar, residents protect police who reject coup

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ANGON, Myanmar—Civil servants, even police officers, are risking their jobs to protest the military takeover in Myanmar, and one of the more dramatic examples of crossing that line also illustrates the deep roots of the country’s ethnic conflicts.

In a small village in the eastern state of Kayah, 42 local police officers stood as one to declare their support for the protesters and refuse entreaties from a senior officer to return to duty. Residents streamed to the scene to protect the defiant police from arrest.

A video shot by a local man of Wednesday’s drama showed how as the officer tried to cajole the group to return to the fold, a young policeman stepped forward to argue with him.

“If we go back with you it will be so different from what we desire,” said the younger man. “That’s why we have decided not to go with you.”

“Do you all agree?” he asked his fellow resisters, who shouted back: “We agree.”

While The Associated Press did not independently witness the incident in Bardo village, the cameraman who filmed it provided a detailed and extensive descrip-

tion of what happened.

The group stood behind banners, one of which read: “We don’t want dictatorship.” In the course of the full video, they frequently repeated chants popular with the protest movement, calling for democracy.

T he officer paced dow n the line of the recalcitrant men and women. “We are a team, a troop,” he retorted. “We cannot stay like this for long.”

He was met w ith three-fingered sa lutes in response, the symbol of resistance adopted from the pro-democracy movement in neighboring Thailand.

Then, as the two sides were at an impasse, local people arrived to prevent any attempt to force the police group into leaving in the custody of their officer.

A separate video posted on Facebook by the Progressive Karenni People Force—a network of local civil society organizations—showed how more than 100 people trudged along a dirt road to make their way to the isolated police unit.

The incident took place the same day an anti-coup march was held in the nearby state capital of Loikaw.

By Wednesday night, reports from the area suggested the defiant

police officers were in hiding.

The trigger for their mutiny was the military coup last week that ousted the elected government of national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but its roots were in Myanmar’s tangled history of ethnic discord.

The defiant police are mostly, if not all, local recruits from the Kayah ethnic minority, also known as the Karenni, while the senior officer is an outsider representing the central government and military, which are both dominated by the country’s Burman majority.

Ethnic minorities have resented Burman control and struggled for greater autonomy at least since Myanmar became independent from British colonial rule. Kayah activists tangled bitterly with Suu Kyi’s government in 2019, when they sought the removal of an unwanted statue of Myanmar’s independence leader, Gen. Aung San, Suu Kyi’s father.

T he protests against the statue were re por ted ly put dow n by police using water cannons, r ubber bullets and tear gas—the same weapons police began to use this week against protesters opposed to the coup that ousted Suu Ky i. AP

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600K Sinovac jabs expected to arrive on Feb. 23–Palace

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

A

MID “slight delays” in the delivery of 117,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines, Malacañang said China’s donation of 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines is already set to arrive on February 23.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Thursday said Beijing will be donating an additional 100,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines from Sinovac to the Department of National Defense on top of the half a million doses that it earlier pledged for the country’s frontliners.

“Bagamat hindi pa natin alam ang eksaktong petsa ng pagdating galing sa Covax facility, ang bakuna po na Sinovac na galing naman po sa Tsina ay nakaukit na sa bato ang pagdating,” Roque said at a virtual news briefing.

Despite the delay, Roque said, they are now expecting that the initial doses of vaccines under the World Health Organization-led facility to arrive in the country by third or fourth week of this month.

In the same briefing, Deputy Chief Implementer of the government’s response against Covid-19 Vince Dizon said there are “slight delays” in the delivery of initial 117,000 Covid-19 doses from Pfizer as the national government is still processing documents with the Covax facility and World Health Organization.

“Pero kampante po tayo na darating ito sa mga susunod na linggo, within the month of February,” Dizon said.

Roque also said the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has been granted a “compassionate use license” by the country’s Food and Drug Administration for 10,000 Covid jabs from Chinese manufacturer Sinopharm.

Sought to clarify who decided that the PSG be inoculated with Sinopharm vaccine, Roque said: “It was a decision from PSG.” Roque was also quick to defend the PSG that they are not skipping the line since uniformed personnel are on the priority list of the government’s vaccination program.

To recall, the PSG was in hot water for having been inoculated with Covid-19 vaccine although the FDA has yet to authorize the use of any

vaccine at that time.

Roque also said the President already has a decision on whether he would agree to being vaccinated in public. However, Roque stopped short of revealing the President’s decision, saying he is not authorized to do so.

At Camp Crame, National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas said police teams will be deployed to monitor “black market” activities for counterfeit and unauthorized Covid-19 vaccines that may have been smuggled into the country.

Sinas directed the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Intelligence Group and other National Operational Support Units to form operating teams that will carry out operations against the entry, distribution and sale of Covid-19 vaccines without proper authorization from concerned government agencies.

As emphasized by the Department of Health, National Task Force and the Food and Drug Administration, no particular brand of Covid-19 vaccine is authorized to be marketed commercially in the country.

“The PNP will strictly implement this official policy, and take appropriate police action in accordance with existing laws,” Sinas stressed.

“The national vaccination program against Covid-19 is the real game changer in this global health crisis. The PNP is honored to be a key player in making this national initiative possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP said Vaccination Plan “Caduceus” is now in the pre-implementation phase of operations in support to the Philippine National Covid-19 Deployment and Vaccination Plan.

This phase involves threat assessment, contingency planning and simulation exercises in pilot areas, as well as organization of the medical reserve forces, inter-agency coordination and operational planning by Police Regional Offices.

The National Police is a member of the Task Group Vaccine Cold Chain and Logistics Management, Task Group Immunization Program and Task Group Demand Generation and Communication of the National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19.

With Rene Acosta

BI agents bar entry of 7 Vietnamese at Naia for ‘travel misrepresentation’

By Recto Mercene @rectomercene

T

HE Bureau of Immigration has barred the entry of seven Vietnamese nationals found to be misrepresenting the purpose of their travel.

In a report submitted by BI Port Operations Division Chief Atty.

Candy Tan, the seven Vietnamese were intercepted on separate occasions at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 arrival area after flying in from Saigon and Singapore.

“We intercepted the first batch of three passengers on February 9, and denied their entry to the country,” said Tan. “However, we found out that another four Vietnamese arrived the following day,” she added.

Tan shared that when interviewed, the group showed that they were endorsed by an IT and

business solutions company in the Philippines. However, when asked how they are connected to the said company, all seven gave conflicting answers and admitted they only met at the Vietnam International Airport.

“When asked, they had no knowledge of IT or the workings of their alleged company. They were unable to establish their purpose of travel, hence they were excluded and boarded on the next available flight back to their port of origin,” said Tan. The seven were excluded under Section 29(a) 5 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reminded port personnel to strictly monitor arriving passengers despite the easing of travel restrictions in the country.

“All immigration officers must strictly assess arriving passengers to ensure the legitimacy of their purpose of travel,” said Morente.

DA forms panel to oversee ASF vax development, manufacturing program

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By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

@jearcalas

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a technical working committee (TWC) that would oversee the African swine fever (ASF) vaccine development and manufacturing in the country.

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar issued Special Order (SO) 125 on February 5, 2021 that formalized the creation of the TWC. The DA, meanwhile, has confirmed the outbreak of the ASF in Masbate, marking the presence of the fatal hog virus in all provinces of Bicol region.

In a letter addressed to Aroroy, Masbate Mayor Arturo Virtucio, DA Regional Field Office V Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla said hog organs and whole blood specimens submitted by Virtucio tested positive for ASF. The letter was dated February 9, the same day the samples were tested. Tornilla has informed Virtucio of the government’s “new protocols” on swine depopulation.

In a webinar on Thursday, Eugene P. Mende, Philippine Veterinary Drug Association president, said the incursion of ASF in Masbate could have been caused by “viajeros” who easily penetrated the province’s port.

“The viajeroes easily enter the

port of Masbate without proper accountability in terms of audit and disinfection. They easily travel anywhere,” Mende, who is also a member of the government’s ASF Crisis Management Task Force, said in Filipino.

Based on the government’s latest zoning plan, Masbate was the lone province in the Bicol region without a reported ASF outbreak prior to the February 9 confirmation.

Under the SO, the TWC is responsible for coordinating with the United States Department of Agriculture, United Kingdom’s Pirbright Institute and other international research institutions “regarding the licensing, material transfer, development and manufacture of ASF vaccine.”

The TWC would also “facilitate the clinical trials of ASF vaccines that will be made available to ensure safety and efficacy and the eventual registration of such.”

The group would also be responsible for fast-tracking the procurement of commercially available ASF vaccines to kick-start the country’s

ly it was a bit of a surprise to us,” he said. “The losses will be considerable but we trust in the leadership of this administration.”

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary-General Edgar Galvante noted that his office will be studying the possibility of providing subsidies to keep inspection centers afloat.

He noted, however, that as of this time, the agency has no budget to provide monetary subsidies.

“Maybe we can evaluate if we can fund it.

nationwide vaccination program.

Dar also instructed the TWC to “formulate national policies and guidelines for ASF vaccine development, trial and manufacturing.”

The TWC would be chaired by Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Director Reildrin G. Morales and National Livestock Program (NLP) Director Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco.

The members of the TWC are: Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) OIC-Deputy Executive Director Claro N. Mingala; UP Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor Remil L. Galay; Central Luzon State University College of Veterinary Science and Medicine Dean Virginia M. Venturina and National Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency Chair Edna Zenaida V. Villacorte.

The TWC would also include representatives and leaders from the private sector: National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. President Chester Warren Y. Tan, Robina Farms Inc. Director Dante J. Palabrica, Philippine Veterinary Medical Association President Corazon P. Occidental and Philippine College of Swine Practitioners President Zoilo M. Lapuz.

Former BAI Director Ronnie Domingo, who is now the head of the PCC, earlier told the BusinessMirror that the country is being cautious about ASF vaccine rollout by undertaking necessary technical consultations regarding the matter.

“Unlike the Philippines, China went into rapid development and deployment of ASF vaccines. The

new strain issue can be considered as part of the unwanted consequence of inadequate vaccine efficacy and biosafety testing,” Domingo said via SMS. “[The Philippines] has not yet approved any ASF vaccine. DA is arranging vaccine development research with several foreign institutions. Technical consultations are being made to prevent such adverse effects,” he added.

Reuters reported last month that a new strain of the fatal ASF virus has been detected in China that was reportedly caused by illegal vaccines.

The new ASF strain discovered in China is missing one or two key genes present in the wild ASF virus and doesn’t kill pigs, according to the Reuters report. However, the new strain causes reduction in the number of healthy piglets, the report added.

In a virtual press briefing last Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar disclosed that they have been in talks with the United Kingdom and now with Vietnam for possible trials of their respective ASF vaccines in the Philippines.

“We have coordinated with the United Kingdom and they are positive in our efforts to also have these vaccines introduced properly and massively used in the country,” Dar said.

The ASF, which is fatal to pigs but not harmful to humans, has resulted in the culling of about 500,000 pigs, based on latest figures disclosed by Dar.

Dragon dance ban saddens Manila’s poor residents

R

AUCOUS dragon dance shows have been banned in Manila’s Chinatown due to the pandemic, casting aside a crowd-drawing Lunar New Year tradition many believe helps drive misfortunes away.

The Philippine government’s ban on large public gatherings and street parties to fight the coronavirus dealt a big blow to hundreds of dragon dancers and production crews who are struggling to find other sources of income.

“There would have been large crowds wanting to drive away the misery and bad luck, but our street dance shows were prohibited this year,” said Therry Sicat, a Filipino slum-dweller who with his siblings manages one of several dragon dance troupes in Chinatown.

“If we had 100 percent fun in the past, I only feel 30 percent of that this time around. It’s really depressing,” said the 31-year-old, whose wife is pregnant with their fourth child.

The absence of the dragon dances is a palpable sign for many Manila residents that the pandemic crisis that shut down much of Manila’s economy and locked down millions of Filipinos in their homes is spilling over well into this year. But Sicat, his siblings and their families are fighting to keep the Chinese tradition— and their livelihood—alive.

After the dragon dances were banned by Manila’s mayor, Sicat and his family used their Styrofoam, paint and other dragon costumemaking materials to craft decorative miniature Chinese-style lion heads instead. The colorful items have be-

FRIENDS and relatives work on finishing Lion and Dragon projects as their group seek other ways to earn a living at a creekside slum at Manila’s Chinatown, Binondo, on February 3, 2021. The Dragon and Lion dancers won’t be performing this year after the Manila city government banned the dragon dance, street parties, stage shows or any other similar activities during celebrations for Chinese New Year due to Covid-19 restrictions leaving several businesses without income as the country grapples to start vaccination this month. AP/AARON FAVILA

come a hit online and fill their small creekside home with hope and joy.

About 200 have been sold so far, priced at P1,500 each, he said.

Other members of his dragon dance troupe, which employs about 50 dancers, have set up online food businesses, or are working as motorcycle food deliverymen to make ends meet, Sicat said.

Vehicle inspection centers cut fees during pandemic “In the same way that we responded to the first call of the government about roadworthiness and made the investment without hesitation, we continue to believe that this is a good and worthy program. Working closely with Congress and the DOTr, we have agreed to operate at a loss and lower our fees,” he said.

Re-inspection fees have also been waived for a year. The losses, Larrazabal said, would be “considerable.”

“Things are still quite new to us and frank-

Friday, February 12, 2021 A9

But as we speak now, we can’t. We can probably provide non-monetary means that can help to lessen their losses,” Galvante said.

Lopez added that the DOTr will be checking if “there are enough legal parameters for the subsidies.”

“We will check our books and budget, and if there is, we will be ready to help,” he said.

Larrazabal noted that his group will not seek a single centavo of subsidy from the government.

“What we are seeking for is the under-

Sicat’s profits from the decorative lion heads are just a fraction of the income generated by their dragon dance shows in the past. During the busy Lunar New Year season in past years, a Chinatown business establishment would pay P35,000 for a session of dragon and lion dancing accompanied by drummers and merrymakers for good luck.

Sicat still brims with optimism despite the dire economic times in one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic in Southeast Asia. He said he looks forward to the return of the hope-inspiring dragon dances and to hearing the drums again.

“There’s no Chinese New Year, but we are all healthy. We can survive this pandemic,” Sicat said. AP

continued from a12

standing of the congressmen and senators. We are willing to work for transparency. We urge them to check and inspect us. We are not going to ask a single peso from this government.

Our only appeal as investors, that soon we will be given attention as well and be remembered as worthy partners for this program,” he said.

Clean Air Phil Movement Inc. President Leo Olarte, meanwhile, appealed to lawmakers to craft a law that can help subsidize the inspection centers, as operating at a loss is not economically viable.

“If our sincere criticisms against the PMVIC program is based on the true welfare of our country and people, then we ask Congress to sponsor a bill instead, similar to the Bayahinan Covid Act, which will authorize the government to pay or subsidize the PMVIC during the period of the pandemic and not stop the implementation of the PMVIC,” he said.

Senators have been vocal about suspending the MVIC operations, citing issues on readiness, transparency and corrupt practices.

The Palace has also announced the suspension of the motor vehicle inspection system, heeding to calls for its suspension.

However, Lopez explained that the Palace statement refers to the “choice” of motorists between having their vehicles checked via PET or an MVIC. Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran noted the advantages of MVICs, which check 73 indicators as opposed to PETs only evaluating the emissions of vehicles.

A10 Friday, February 12, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

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editorial

The genuine job market outlook

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rothers James W. Packard and William D. Packard founded the Packard Motor Car Company in 1899. Henry Ford began his company in 1903. Introduced in 1904, the Ford Model ‘C’ sold for $850 and was known as the “Doctor’s Car.” By contrast, Packard’s “Gray Wolf,” also released in 1904, sold for over $2,000. Packard was the dominant luxury car manufacturer for decades.

Around the same time, the company adopted an advertising slogan that lasted until its demise in 1958. This was, “Ask the man who owns one.”

Since then, this phrase has in the advertising world come to embody the power of “personal testimony” to sell goods and services. But on another level it has come to illustrate a person or company that has a vested interest in a project or idea.

The PageGroup was founded in 1976 in the UK, first placing accountants in permanent jobs. It is a recruitment agency that was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1988 and now has annual revenues of over $2 billion.

The reason we mention this company’s credentials is that it opened its first “Michael Page” office in the Philippines last August 2020.

When it comes to investing in the Philippines, perhaps someone should, “Ask the man who owns one.”

This week the company released its “Talent Trends 2021” report with a general overview of the Asia-Pacific region and specifically the Philippines. In the foreward, the Managing Director for the Indonesia and the Philippines, Olly Riches, writes: “We are seeing positivity increase across the board.”

“We’ve seen a noticeable shift with some of the top talent working overseas being attracted back to the Philippines during the past nine months— invariably linked to job security concerns. Interestingly, we’ve had success with businesses where we’ve sourced and recruited an increasing number of senior level Filipino returnees from Japan, Europe and Singapore.”

The company has its own recruitment program for Filipino professionals working abroad called “Bayanihan: Tulay sa Tagumpay.” The purpose is to “connect overseas or returnee Filipinos with the Philippines’ largest companies and brands.”

Mr. Riches also writes, “On the whole, the market sentiment for the Philippines is positive. Confidence is undoubtedly present with an expectation that the economy will bounce back in 2021. I remain cautiously optimistic, as we continue to see hiring activities steadily increase across the board.”

If you are actually in the “jobs business”—unlike the local “experts”— then you need to know and understand the genuine situation. The first takeaway from “Talent Trends 2021” is this: According to a survey conducted

by Michael Page Philippines, 80 percent of the companies surveyed intend to maintain or increase their employee headcount in 2021.

The breakdown is that 35 percent are looking to increase their number of employees and 45 percent are planning to maintain the status quo in 2021. Even 33 percent of Industrial & Manufacturing companies in the Philippines expect headcount to increase by 15 percent on average in 2021.

This is all excellent news and we certainly hope it holds true.

Obviously adjusting to current conditions, the sector with the highest hiring activity will be E-commerce. This is followed by Financial Services, Healthcare, Tech and Telecoms, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods.

Another question in the survey that stood out was: “Does your company anticipate having an annual salary increase for your employees in 2021?”

Sixty-three percent of those surveyed said “Yes” with only 14 percent answering “No.” Life is not easy in the Age of the Pandemic. But maybe we are beginning to see a glimmer of positive light at the end of the tunnel.

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The youth made even more vulnerable Sonny M. Angara

Better Days

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arlier this year, one of our Senate seatmates, Sen. Win Gatchalian, called attention to disturbing reports of school children selling sexually exploitative material of themselves to pay for distance-learning expenses, such as gadgets and Internet connectivity.

The apparent catalyst was a December 30, 2020 report in the web site Philippine Online Student Tambayan (POST) on an alleged “Christmas Sale” where students used social media and digital payment platforms to sell bundles of photos and videos for as low as P150.

For years, international groups have monitored the Philippines as an epicenter of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). But while local and foreign law enforcement continue to save many children and convict perpetrators, the Department of Justice recorded a nearly threefold increase of cyber tips on OSEC between March and May 2020. Driving this spike appears to be a confluence of factors emanating

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from the community quarantines, including the economic desperation of families, the stoppage of face-toface instruction in schools, and the youth’s extended exposure to the Internet.

OSEC is not the only problem involving young people that could be—or already has been—exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recently, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) reported that teenage pregnancies (15 years old and below) have risen by 7 percent between 2018 and 2019—continuing an alarming trend that has been tracked since 2011. POPCOM officials expressed worry that the pandemic may have intensified the problem, as the

B

rothers and sisters, two weeks have passed since the Transparency International released the Corruption Perceptions Index of almost 200 countries. The CPI measures the perspectives of the public and certain experts regarding the corruption within their respective countries. In 2020, we got a score of 34; a 100 score means being the “cleanest” and zero means being the most “corrupt.” In conclusion, we didn’t pass. We didn’t even reach the international average score of 43.

Although we maintained this score since 2019, our ranking dropped from 113th down to 115th out of the 180 countries included in this survey. In 2018, we ranked 99th.

This means the perspective of the public and experts in our country has not improved and that rampant corruption has spread in the Philippines. According to Transparency International, the Covid-19 pandemic isn’t only a health and economic crisis but also a corruption crisis we failed to suppress. This is because of those in power and oversee the national treasury who prioritize their own interests, instead of the needs of the people, especially those

marginalized in society.

A great aspect of ending corruption is having a government promoting transparency, a government that informs the public of all their actions and transactions. This includes informing the public of our shortage of funds to purchase Covid-19 vaccines. The people eventually asked questions regarding the true price of the vaccines that the government intends to buy with our taxes. There was also the P15 billion allegedly stolen by PhilHealth officials. After the former anti-fraud legal officer of the agency disclosed the issue of corruption involving those who lead PhilHealth, our leaders are still insisting

To be clear, the Philippines is not the only country facing this huge challenge. A 2020 report by Save the Children International estimated that the pandemic may lead to more than 1 million more adolescent pregnancies worldwide. If left unaddressed, the futures of so many girls would be imperiled.

lockdowns have restricted access to family planning services or sex education and counseling.

To be clear, the Philippines is not the only country facing this huge challenge. A 2020 report by Save the Children International estimated that the pandemic may lead to more than 1 million more adolescent pregnancies worldwide. If left unaddressed, the futures of so many girls would be imperiled. Motherhood at such a young age not only comes with many attendant health risks, it also reduces the opportunity for girls to get an education and realize their fullest potential.

In fact, the pandemic itself has caused a sharp drop in enrollment. As of August last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported that close to 4 million students were not able to enroll for the current school

A great aspect of ending corruption is having a government promoting transparency, a government that informs the public of all their actions and transactions. This includes informing the public of our shortage of funds to purchase Covid-19 vaccines. that no theft occurred in the agency.

The administration was said to be taking action in suppressing corruption, through public shaming and establishing agencies mandated to apprehend the corrupt. Nevertheless, there are people claiming that even if the administration prioritizes programs that seek to end corruption in government, the administration is not serious enough to implement these programs. Simply put, only words without action.

In the Catholic social teaching, corruption is one of the worst threats to democracy. Corruption betrays not only the morals of incumbency but also the standards of social justice. This breaks down the trust of the people toward public institutions and results in the loss of political participation by the people. In the end, these institutions responsible for addressing the needs of the people will weaken. Corruption bends the good nature of politics in order to move forward to achieve common good.

year, with more than half of this number coming from private schools.

Such data is alarming not only because these students are already facing delays in their education. There is also the real danger of them being forced to drop out altogether, for one reason or another. This would only lead to ballooning numbers of out-ofschool youths (OSYs), which in turn would make it even more difficult for the country to recover.

But the pandemic has also brought challenges even to the youth who are continuing their schooling. Even though our education officials have extended as much flexibility as they can for schools to continue classes amid the pandemic, one cannot deny the inherent difficulties in the almost-overnight shift in the way our students are taught.

There are reports of students having hardships with Internet connectivity, and with keeping themselves motivated to study without actual social contact with their teachers and classmates. A forthcoming FundLife International study of young people in Tacloban, Leyte even found that 81 percent of the youths interviewed said they find it challenging to find a place to study, while 76 percent responded that it was tough for them to concentrate on learning while at See “Angara,” A11

Because of corruption, politics only becomes a place of exchanging favors for those with personal interests. The people who have power are benefiting, while the public, especially the marginalized, are set aside.

This is why, even if the CPI only shows perspectives, it bears great significance as far as the trust of our people in the government is concerned. This has an effect in their participation in politics and active engagement toward progress. It is severely distasteful that corruption is rampant in the middle of a crisis; at a time when many lost their jobs, homes, and are without food. Corruption is the root of losing justice because it steals whatever is righteously meant for the people.

Brothers and sisters, in the book of Hosea 9:9, it says: “They have sunk deep into corruption, as in the days of Gibeah. God will remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.” God is not blind and oblivious to the deviance of those in power. May we become His voice in taking the corrupt accountable, and suppress corruption.

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

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Opinion

The shadow work week

In 1945 Manila, there was no love in the month of Feb

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Harald Eustachius A. Tomintz

Tito Genova Valiente

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annotations

hat is a normal work week these days? Is it still a 40hour work week? It might be hard to tell.

The 40-hour work week is traditionally built on the assumption that a person works eight hours a day and for five days a week. Whether this includes lunch break or not can depend on the work culture, such as the idea of “working nine to five,” but in many cases lunch break may be excluded from the count of hours. This then raises the question of what exactly counts as work hours.

young girl, thin as a reed, looks out of a photograph.

Where and when was this taken? Without the book title, your mind would bring you to Vietnam in the 1970s, or Cambodia. But the photo was taken in Manila.

W

In the last quarter of 2020, the Philippines considered a House Bill that would allow for a 35-hour work week, which prompted interesting discussions if it is a good idea to do so. Would that mean less or more wages for employees? Decreased or increased productivity? In these times of pandemic, these are valid queries regarding labor and the economics of time as a resource.

One thing to consider is the logic of why we even put a cap to the number of hours to begin with.

Why not work for 50, 60, or even 80 hours a week? Why not have a 12-hour work day? One reason is the natural problem of limitations of the human body. Regardless of subjective preferences, productivity inevitably decreases at some point, and it eventually makes no sense to continue with work past a certain time horizon.

When the enjoyment and productivity of work decreases to the point where it is more economic to rest than to push oneself, it applies a version of marginal utility known as the “disutility of labor.”

After sufficient rest and leisure, the body should be ready and fit to work once more. Because of this, it is understandable that a work day needs to eventually end. However, this doesn’t always stop people from doing overtime work to complete their tasks.

On the topic of the relation of time to labor, we can also talk about the time not considered as work. Ivan Illich, an Austrian philosopher, coined a concept known as “shadow work,” which is compatible with economic theory. The idea is that shadow work is unpaid labor, the kind that often needs to be done in order for paid work to be completed.

Shadow work is a form of labor that is not traditionally considered in measures such as Gross Domestic Product. In fact, people might not even think of it: the time people spend to personally maintain their home, clean their clothes, drive to work, and so on, are actually forms of labor that are ultimately also necessary for jobs if you think about it, and yet are not usually seen as a reason to merit additional compensation for the one performing these tasks.

In a work from home setup, or a flexible work arrangement, how much time do we now spend on shadow work? Or on working before the disutility of labor starts going against us? The commute might be less or eliminated completely, but consider

Angara. . .

continued from A10

home. More importantly, 86 percent admitted that it was very hard for them to learn without a teacher’s help.

Recent studies have also suggested that the mental health issues among the youth have intensified because of the pandemic. An August 2020 survey conducted by researchers from the University of the Philippines, the National University of Singapore, and the South East Asia One Health University Network found that respondents in the young age group (12-21.4 years) had significantly high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression—as compared to other age brackets.

These are just some of the ways the

We must think about how time is used in the current circumstances. Then we have to look at how phenomena such as feeling fatigue, working overtime from home, and the blurring of work-life balance affect us. Thus we revisit the ideas and policies regarding the hours of labor we impose on ourselves. Perhaps then we can redefine what counts as time spent on the job using a more contextually appropriate idea of the work week. the time spent on disinfection and house cleanliness or getting used to new technology for work-related matters. Consider how tempting it is to believe that working from home is convenient while pushing oneself to be more productive despite human physical and mental limitations, or even the limitations of the setup.

The subjective choices we make and the trade-offs related to how we spend our time affect our experience of work and productivity in any context, but a reflection on how we spend our time at home—all while work continues in this difficult situation—can be particularly thoughtprovoking.

We might yet need to consider alternatives to the 40-hour work week relative to the contexts of specific industries. Time is a valuable resource, often taken for granted, and rethinking how it is used is a necessary discourse. Nearly a year into adjusting to the setup, we can ask ourselves, is the industry or sector we work in conducive to a work from home, flexible work, or modal setup? Are the personal costs we deal with at home—as private life and work overlap—still bearable? What can we change in the policies related to these issues?

We must think about how time is used in the current circumstances.

Then we have to look at how phenomena such as feeling fatigue, working overtime from home, and the blurring of work-life balance affect us. Thus we revisit the ideas and policies regarding the hours of labor we impose on ourselves. Perhaps then we can redefine what counts as time spent on the job using a more contextually appropriate idea of the work week.

Harald Eustachius A. Tomintz teaches at the Department of Economics of the Ateneo De Manila University in the Philippines.

pandemic has rendered our young people even more vulnerable than before. We haven’t even discussed the challenges of the expected rise in youth unemployment.

Leaving these issues unattended would be akin to sabotaging all our efforts to jump-start our economic recovery. This is why we filed Senate Resolution 424 urging the appropriate committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our youth. But wherever action can already be taken, we implore all those who can to do so.

Sen. Sonny Angara has been in public service for 16 years. He has authored and sponsored more than 200 laws. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.

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

A

It was 1945. The jeep behind the girl shows an American soldier. This was Liberation of Manila. This was February. There must had been great celebrations everywhere although peace would come to the rest of the country months after this month.

Just a few days before, perhaps even hours—we are not really sure— February in Manila was the coldest month in Hell.

Manila of 1945 was the Rape of Manila. The book from where I got the photograph is the Special Commemorative Edition of the Liberation of Manila, with the title Manila 1945. The Rest of the Story.

The book, and its executive editors, Lucky Guillermo and Peter C. Parsons, gifted us not only with accounts but also a book with photographs to aid us not so much in remembering those days—October 1944 to September 1945 as the book states—but, more, in not forgetting.

The accounts in the book are priceless, written by luminaries, intellectuals and historians. Varying in perspectives, the narratives, nevertheless, are one in their stories of epic violence. The editor’s note of Lucky Guillermo puts the events of those days succinctly: The Japanese Army in February, 1945, in response to the arrival of US liberating forces, unleashed a preplanned demolition and killing spree that resulted in over 100,000 civilians dead and countless others wounded, burnt and otherwise mutilated. And an entire city left in ruins.

For every essay, the book has rare photographs of those days. The mention of the rape of Manila is supported by several pages spread, which show Manila in ruins. As far as the eye can see, buildings are without roofs, trees are standing leafless and burnt.

There is a shot of American soldiers walking beneath the magnificent facade of the Post Office Building, with some of the pillars displaying holes and cracks. Look closely: The liberating force is headed by a small man. Was he a guerilla?

Listen to Peter C. Parsons: They began rounding up civilians in Fort Santiago on February 4th. On the 6th they start killing off these people. They also begin rounding up civilians along Singalong Street and beheading them—this went on for a long time.

In the same chapter, a photograph shows a young man with hat in his hand looking around at the five or six dead people on the ground, the corpses’ faces flat on the ground. Were they running away?

The number of those who died in the last World War is deemed arbitrary. There were those whose bodies were never found or those who were, according to Parsons, “burned beyond recovery.” There were those who died of hunger and they may

Friday, February 12, 2021 A11

not have been counted.

Dr. Benito J. Legarda, Jr., in his essay, calls the sacking of Manila the “most vicious crime in Philippine history.” Legarda puts that gross events of February in context: The Japanese did their utmost to make the city unlivable, dynamiting the bridges across the Pasig, destroying utilities like electric power, telephones and public transportation (and for three weeks succeeding) in cutting off the water supply.

Continuing, Legarda writes: Of all Allied Cities in World War II, only Warsaw suffered more…. If Manila was second to Warsaw in terms of destruction, it was second to Nanking (or Nanjing) in the number of casualties in Asia.

Legarda has more to remember: The killings in Manila took many forms. Sometimes there were individual murders with shots to the head, or by bayoneting or beheading. Sometimes, there were massacres of whole families, or groups

Aung San Suu Kyi Agonistes Manny F. Dooc

TELLTALES

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he life and saga of Aung San Suu Kyi are undoubtedly stuff where legends are made. She was a revered daughter of the most colorful figure in Burmese history, Aung San, whose legacy she proudly or tragically carries through her name. Aung San is acknowledged by both his friends and foes alike as the Father of Modern Burma. He founded Burma’s armed forces, which he organized and led to fight foreign colonizers. During the 2nd World War, Aung San initially took side with Japan in an effort to wrest independence from the British rule.

A true nationalist and revolutionary, Aung San witnessed the atrocities committed by the Japanese against his own people and when the tide of war shifted in favor of the Allies, he turned his army against the Japanese invaders. After the war, Aung San led his country’s negotiation for independence from Britain, which culminated in the so-called Aung San-Attlee Agreement, which granted independence to Burma.

During this period, Aung San was a well-loved living hero of his people.

These were heady days for Aung San’s family including, Suu Kyi who was a toddler at that time. Her vastly popular father was adored by the Burmese and the family was treated like a royalty. Aung San bannered his political party, the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League in a landslide election victory in the first general election held in 1947. But it did not last. He and his fellow government officials were assassinated by their political enemies before Burma’s independence was proclaimed. He died at the age of 32 without enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Khin Kyi, Suu Kyi’s activist

mother, served the newly formed government as her country’s Ambassador to India and Nepal. It was the formative years of India, which had just won its independence from Britain. India became the largest democracy in the world led by an inspiring leader, Mahatma Gandhi, whose non-violent resistance vanquished a mighty imperialist empire. It was an ideal model for passive resistance against tyrants which seed was planted in Suu Kyi’s young mind. Suu Kyi studied in New Delhi and graduated with a degree in politics in 1964. She pursued further studies in Oxford, England and earned a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics in 1967 and a Master’s Degree later. She worked at the UN and got married to a foreigner, Michael Aris, in 1972 and got two children. She returned to Burma and captured the imagination of the Burmese when she led the 8888 Uprising, so-called because it was held on August 8, 1988 to protest against military dictatorship. She founded and headed the National League for Democracy (NLD), and later as its President. NLD was the lead-

ing opposition group against the authoritarian regime in Myanmar.

Her party overwhelmingly won the 2015 elections by getting 86 percent of the seats of the national assembly and took control of the government.

Until her arrest last week by the Myanmar military junta, Suu Kyi was the State Counselor. By capturing more than 2/3 of the seats, she was assured of the presidency of her country. However, under Myanmar’s constitution that disallows a citizen from becoming the president if the spouse and children are foreign nationals, she was instead given a newly created role as State Counselor equivalent to a prime minister and concurrent Minister of Foreign Affairs. After defeating the military junta’s political party, she led her country’s partial transition from authoritarianism into a democratic state. Suu Kyi is a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 1991 and a winner of several international decorations such as the Sakharov Prize in 1990, Bhagwan Mahavir World Peace, Olof Palme Prize in 2005, Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1993, and Simon Bolivar Prize in 1992. She failed to receive most of these decorations as she was under detention by Burma’s autocratic leaders. These were her shining moments despite her incarceration inside her dark cell.

As the head of the Myanmar government, she drew strong criticisms over her inaction on the serious human rights abuses against the Rohingya in Rakhine State and the massacres committed by the Burmese military. The world that had adored her in the past while she was imprisoned for years for opposing Myanmar’s dictatorial regime and exposing their abuses assailed her for turning her eyes blind against such crimes. She fell from her pedestal when she appeared before the

of people, confined in buildings and blasted with hand grenades.

Women were raped, then sliced with bayonets from groin to throat and left to bleed to death under the hot sun. Children were seized by the legs and had their heads bashed against the wall. Babies were tossed into the air. Unborn fetuses were gouged out with bayonets from pregnant women.

There are more accounts in the book, more photographs. The deaths are horrifying enough until you come across a photograph of a big number of Makapili, or collaborators. In one photograph, two of these collaborators (we seldom call them traitors) are seen huddled against a wall while an old man seemingly confronts them. In two other photos, men identified as collaborators and Makapilis are escorted by American MPs along Rizal Avenue going to Bilibid detention center. Another photo has the pro-Japanese collaborators seated on the ground with Filipino guerillas guarding them.

These Makapilis, many could recall, would guide the Japanese to certain homes and leave as the Japanese started setting the house on fire. These collaborators though were our kin, their photographs part of the dearest and saddest memories of Filipino families.

As were the so-called comfort women.

What happened to that young girl standing all alone?

Did she lose her parents? How long did she live on? What is that small box she presses tight under her armpit? Milk? Stateside chocolate? Looking back at the image of that girl by the lonesome road, we should be happy we are looking at a survivor, with lots of memories to share about that February in Manila, many tortured and sorrowful years ago.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

International Court of Justice in 2019 and defended the Burmese military against the charges of genocide and human rights violations of the Rohingya.

Stung by the defeat of their political party at the hands of the NLD in the elections held last year and the threat of losing their pelp and power, the military led by Min Aung Hlaing grabbed political power and detained Aung San Suu Kyi, together with the civilian leadership, on charges of election fraud.

Just like her father, Suu Kyi was removed from power, although not by bullet, before she could deliver genuine freedom to her people. But her fall from power was partly of her own doing. One cannot invite them inside the tent to prevent them from pissing inside from the outside. Her father before his death, confided to his close friend, the British Governor of India, in the last year of the British administration of Burma, Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith, that he felt he had alienated his powerful old friends in the Burmese military. Before midnight of July 19, 1947, armed gunmen in military uniform barged into a meeting presided by Aung San and sprayed the room with bullets, instantly killing Aung San and the members of his cabinet. Strange that despite her father’s prominent role in the Burmese military, both father and daughter suffered the most from their hands. One cannot comport with the enemy and clink glasses with the evil forces whose designs are anathema to the rule of law and civil liberties. One should not forget that young lady from Niger whose misadventure ended up in tragedy: “There was a young lady of Niger Who smiled as she rode on a tiger; They returned from the ride With the lady inside, And the smile on the face of the tiger.”

A12 Friday, February 12, 2021

Vehicle inspection centers cut fees during pandemic

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By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan & Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

RIVATE Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) owners have agreed to operate at a loss throughout the course of the pandemic, and were lowering inspection fees by more than half just to temper the negative calls for their closure.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez said the owners of inspection centers have started to reduce their fees from as much as P1,800 to as low as P300, or similar to the charge of private emission testing (PET) centers.

“We would like to announce after a long discussion and meetings MVIC owners have agreed to liken their charges to PET owners.

This means that from the previous P1,500 to P1,800, fees will be around P600 to inspect the roadworthiness of vehicles,” he said.

The announcement, however, comes as Malacañang announced on Thursday that President Duterte had declared motor vehicle inspection by privately-run centers as no longer mandatory for motor vehicle registration by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said, “our President has decided… MVIS [motor vehicle inspection system] is no longer mandatory.

This means that there should be no new or additional fee for the registration of motor vehicles.”

On Wednesday, the House committee on transportation, acting

on a resolution filed by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, called for suspending the MVIS requirement. He welcomed the Palace announcement on Thursday.

Senators led by Grace Poe, Public Services committee head, had made similar moves and held marathon hearings on the LTO new requirements and fees, which some senators branded illegal as they were arbitrarily imposed without basis in existing statutes.

Reacting to the latest developments, Sen. Bong Go welcomed the PMVIC groups’ move in a statement, “So, despite improving mechanisms to ensure road worthiness of vehicles through this enhanced inspection system, they will push for a ‘pandemic special rate’ that will ensure that no unnecessary burden is imposed on ordinary Filipinos at this time.”

Gaps, anomalies

In House Resolution No. 1518, Rodriguez said the new private motor vehicle inspection centers, which were to replace private emission testing centers, were supposed to check a vehicle’s compliance with standards not only on emission but

on roadworthiness as well.

He said the LTO qualified and accredited at least 138 motor vehicle inspection facilities near its field offices throughout the country.

“However, there are already numerous reports of inconsistencies and anomalies regarding these private inspection centers,” he said.

“These complaints prove that PMVICs do not have people with enough training and knowledge, and the right and reliable equipment to do the task the LTO has assigned them, and for which service they are allowed to collect excessive fees from motor vehicle owners,” Rodriguez said.

He said it seems that some inspection centers “intentionally fail certain vehicles to be tested a second time after payment of another fee.”

Lower fees

Inigo Larrazabal, the president of the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (Vicoap), said his group of over 80 inspection center owners are lowering fees to as follows: P600 for light vehicles, P500 for motorcycles, and P300 for jeepneys.

Continued on A9

DUTERTE ORDERS CHILD CAR SEAT LAW DEFERRED

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

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RESIDENT Duterte ordered the deferment of the implementation of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act as well as the halt in mandatory compliance to the Motor Vehicles Inspection System (MVIS).

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque announced these on Thursday following calls from critics to suspend these measures.

“The President has decided; implementation of the child car seats law is deferred.

Meantime, MVIS is no longer mandatory.

This means, there should be no new fees, no additional charges for registering vehicles,” Roque said, partly in Filipino, in a virtual press briefing. See related story at left.

The presidential spokesman explained that Duterte came up with these decisions after considering the plight of Filipinos during the pandemic.

The President, he said, sought to strike a “balance” between the people’s travails —not just in the country but all over the world, because of Covid-19 and African Swine [Fever] or ASF. However, House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez said a new legislation must first be enacted before the Child Car Seat Law could be deferred.

“It’s Congress that passed the law requiringchildcarseats,andit’sCongressthat can suspend its implementation,” he said.

He said a joint House-Senate resolution would not suffice because the Supreme Court had ruled in a case involving government nurses’ basic pay that a resolution cannot prevail over a law.

Sought on the President’s legal basis to defer the implementation of Child Car Seat Law, Roque said: “His [President’s] decision not to implement will be basis to amend the law.”

In February 2019, President Duterte signed into law the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act and it was supposed to take effect on February 2 this year but the Department of Transportation decided to defer its full implementation given the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the law, children 12 years and below who are shorter than 4’11 are no longer allowed to sit in the front seat of vehicle. It also requires the mandatory use of child restraint system or child car seats that are appropriate for child’s age, height and weight.

On Tuesday, a Senate panel also recommended the suspension of operations private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVICs), saying this lacked legal basis.

In 2018, the Land Transportation Office issued a memorandum circular back in 2018 authorizing PMVICs to collect an inspection fee of P1,800 from motor vehicles weighing 4,500 kilograms or less, according to a Senate Resolution No. 634 earlier filed by Senator Grace Poe to look into the operations of PMVICs. If the vehicle fails the test, it will be required to undergo necessary repairs and taken back to the PMVIC where the motorist is charged an additional P900 reinspection fee to obtain clearance.

On the other hand, motorcycles and tricycles are charged P600 for the inspection fee and P300 for the reinspection fee, if necessary. With Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

PHL Covid deaths show steady dip, says DOH

T Interbank automated teller machine (ATM) fees are set to increase beginning April as banks are adopting an “acquirer-based ATM fee charging” mandated by the CentralB. The Bankers Association of the Philippines said it supports the acquirer-based ATM fee principle of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. In photo, bank clients use ATMs at a BDO branch in Quezon City.

NONOY LACZA

ADB: Social bonds useful for filling Covid fund gaps

By Cai U. Ordinario

T

@caiordinario

APPING additional financing through the issuance of social bonds has helped countries like the Philippines finance their Covid-19 efforts, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In its Primer on Social Bonds and Recent Development in Asia, ADB said while the pandemic will fade, the need to finance other social needs will remain.

This is particularly the case in financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Investing in the SDGs makes business and economic sense since it could open $12 trillion in market opportunities and create 380 million new jobs by 2030.

“There is undoubtedly an urgent and compelling case for the development of a robust social bond market in Asia. Harnessing the power of private capital to meet critical social needs is an opportunity for both issuers and investors to address these needs in a financial

context,” the report said.

“While the Covid-19 pandemic will eventually fade away, one lasting impact may well be its catalytic effect on the development of social bonds worldwide,” it added.

ADB said the global social bond issuances surged to $149.4 billion in 2020, an eightfold increase from 2019. In 2018, the social bond market increased 28 percent and in 2019, it grew 44 percent.

In Asia, ADB said the social bond market grew 22.3 times between 2017 and 2020. This is faster than the growth of the social bond market in Europe at 9.8 times and the world, excluding Asia, at 14.3 times.

In the Philippines, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) issued social bonds worth $438 million.

This is the only social bond issuance included in the report.

However, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urged banks and firms to ramp up their social and sustainability bond issuance to help the country recover from the pandemic.

Continued on A2

HE number of Covid-19 deaths in the country declined from the month of November 2020 up to January 2021, a Department of Health (DOH) official reported on Thursday.

Director Althea De Guzman of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau also noted the department has been recording a low average number of deaths per day since September last year up to January of this year.

In a chart she presented at the online Kapihan of the DOH, De Guzman showed that from November last year, the number of recorded deaths was 978. This was lower compared to the recorded fatalities in October 2020, when deaths stood at 1,295. In December 2020, the number of deaths was 750; in January 2021 there were 516 deaths; and 58 persons succumbed to the disease from February 1 to 10.

De Guzman said the trend in average number of deaths per day is also declining. From 59 in September last year, the average number of deaths in October has declined to 42, November (33), December (24), January (17), and 6 from February 1-10.

To maintain the low number of deaths, De Guzman stressed the need to ensure that the heath-care capacity can manage well and boost the referral system from One Hospital Command Center. “[Our goal is] to have less patients with severe cases and prevent death,” she explained.

Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the implementation of lockdown measures did not only contribute to slowing the rates of transmission but prevented the increase in the number of deaths in the country.

“All of these showed that you have prepared and use the lockdowns wisely to deal with the pandemic.

The reflection of that is, you have [prevented] a large number of deaths —seen in several other countries, from happening [here],” he added.

Continued on A2

Companies BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Pandemic, safeguard duty dampen demand for cars’

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By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

he automotive industry has failed to sustain its momentum from the holidays, as it opened the year with a sales dip in anticipation of additional taxes on imported models.

In a joint report on Thursday, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association disclosed January sales slipped 1.4 percent to 23,380 units, from 23,732 units during the same month last year.

Sales in January dropped more than 15 percent from the 27,596 units sold last December.

Broken down, sales of passenger cars jumped over 11 percent to 7,295 units, from 6,543 units. However, those of commercial vehicles, which

accounted for the bulk of the total, declined by above 6 percent to 16,085 units, from 17,180 units.

Campi President Rommel R. Gutierrez said vehicle assemblers are dealing with issues from all fronts, not just from operating in the time of Covid-19, but coping with the safeguard placed by the government on car imports.

“The pandemic still poses a challenge to the automotive industry,” Gutierrez said. “We are also monitoring how the market will react to the imposition of provisional safeguard

duties starting in February, which could potentially impact on the prices of imported motor vehicles.”

In January the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) heeded the petition of a trade union and slapped an extra duty per unit of P70,000 on passenger cars and P110,000 on light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

The DTI issued the decision in favor of the Philippine Metalworkers Alliance, which filed a petition before the agency to employ a safeguard measure on vehicle imports.

The trade union argued the influx of car imports into the Philippines is making it less viable for investors to manufacture units here and reduces job opportunities for Filipino workers.

Based on the DTI’s report, imports of passenger cars increased an average of 35 percent during the period of investigation from 2014 to 2018. The share of imported vehicles when compared to domestic production jumped to 349 percent in 2018, from 295 percent in 2014.

Imports of LCVs tripled to 51,969 in 2018, from 17,273 in 2014, to signify an increase in its share relative to domestic manufacturing to 1,364 percent in 2018, from 645 percent in 2015.

As for those made here, the market share of locally made passenger cars declined to a range of 22 percent to 25 percent, while the share of imports captured more than 70 percent. Likewise, the market share of LCVs made in the Philippines dipped to 7 percent in 2018, while that of imports improved to 93 percent.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the DTI said in its report employment in the manufacturing sector for motor vehicles went down by 8 percent in 2018, from a total of 90,275 workers in 2017.

The Tariff Commission will start this month its investigation on whether to uphold and, in effect, extend the safeguard measure slapped by the DTI.

Cebu Air prices stock rights offer

By VG Cabuag @villygc

C

ebu Air Inc. on Thursday said it has set the price range for its $250-million stock rights offering, which it will conduct early next month.

The company that operates budget carrier Cebu Pacific said it will offer convertible preferred shares which will be priced between P38 to P45 per entitlement right. The said price was a discount from Thursday's closing price of P50.40 per share.

The said price was based on the company’s 30-day volume weighted average price from August 26 to October 7.

The company has redominated its offer from US dollars to Philippine peso to allow wider participation by all potential eligible shareholders, particularly retail shareholders.

The offer will now be up to P12.5 billion in convertible preferred shares, the company said.

“Adjustments to the indicative timetable of the offer have also been made to accommodate the completion of the necessary regulatory requirements to implement the redenomination,” it said.

A stock rights offer is a measure that allows a shareholder to buy the preferred shares depending on the amount of shares that he holds.

Proceeds of the offer will be used

to transform its business felled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some P4.8 billion will be allocated for the repayment of an advance by JG Summit Philippines Ltd., P3.91 billion for aircraft operating lease payments due in 2021, P3.32 billion for principal debt repayments due in 2021 and P384 million will be for general corporate purposes, which are primarily for passenger refunds in case cash inflows from operations become insufficient as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on health and travel related concerns.

The offer period is scheduled on March 3 through March 9 and will be listed at the Philippine Stock Ex-

change on March 29.

“The airline industry faces significant challenges as a result of unprecedented events outside the control of the corporation brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions imposed by various governments, both local and abroad, have led to abrupt reduction in passenger traffic for the corporation and casts uncertainty over the near term prospects of the corporation despite its market leadership,” the company said earlier.

“Due to this exceptional change in market conditions and industry dynamics, the corporation saw the urgent need to fast-track its transformation.”

Philexport seeks delay of mandatory container weighing amid Covid crisis

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he leader of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) is calling for the suspension of the proposed mandatory weighing of export containers, questioning whether the policy can be implemented properly amid the pandemic and other urgent issues facing exporters and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Philexport president Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. made the appeal in a January 26, 2021 position letter addressed to Atty. Hiyasmin Delos Santos, manager of the Port Operations and Services Department of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The call is supported by the Export Development Council-Networking Committee on Transport and Logistics (EDC-NCTL), which sent its own position letter to Delos Santos on February 2, 2021.

In its letter, Philexport asked that issues surrounding the proposed policy on mandatory weighing of export containers be addressed first so that it can be efficiently and effectively carried out. This, Ortiz-Luis further said, is also to make sure the measure does not inflict further economic damage or undermine the survival and competitiveness of exporters and MSMEs. Both Philexport and EDC said they back the mandatory weighing of export containers as it is consistent with the principles of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea-Verified Gross Mass (SOLASVGM) requirement.

SOLAS already has safety regulations that require shippers to declare the gross weight of the container to ensure the safety of people, ships and cargo, but the introduction of VGM in 2016 added a level of security and safety to the procedure.

But Ortiz-Luis pointed out that there are still concerns that have to be resolved before the policy on mandatory weighing can be implemented.

He said that, for one, the cost of mandatory weighing should not be shouldered by exporters and MSMEs, who continue to struggle to survive the impact of the pandemic.

He suggested that the additional procedure “be fully subsidized by government” or “serve as additional complimentary service of the port operators.”

Philexport also pushed for calibrated and certified weighing facilities to be designated in strategic areas, especially outside the ports, to help avoid congestion

and delays that can negatively affect shipment schedules and export costs. “For MSMEs, a delay or cancellation of an order is enough to close their companies especially in this pandemic where we continue to struggle with many other issues,” explained Ortiz-Luis.

The policy could also make the traffic situation in Metro Manila worse, leading to delays and penalties for MSMEs and exporters, he continued.

Implementation of the mandatory weighing of export containers could also affect production schedules, especially for fresh food and produce where timeliness is a major concern. Philexport also opposes leaving to the Master of the Ship the discretion on which vehicles to load or not in the absence of weighing facilities.

PPA Administrative Order (AO) 05-2020 states that “in the absence of other weighbridge facilities in the area or port and in the interest of safety, the Master of the Ship shall exercise his/her authority to have final decision on what vehicles to load or not.”

The Philexport letter also asked for a 10-percent tolerable margin on the weight of the containers and for PPA AO 05-2020 to be amended to include provisions that will clearly address issues on providing allowance for discrepancy.

For her part, Elsa Dela Paz Valenzuela, EDC deputy executive director, noted in the council’s position letter that the proposed mandatory weighing of export containers is a “redundant and costly process” since certified operators are already weighing the containers at the port for a fee.

“Moreover, this new policy will entail an additional cost burden on the part of the shippers (especially MSMEs) who will be required to invest in VGM calibrated/certified equipment to comply with this proposed regulation,” she added.

Valenzuela agreed that the policy will also cause undue delays for shippers, who will have to undertake this additional step that will just lengthen the process.

To improve the proposed policy, EDC-NCTL pushed for the automation or online submission of the VGM, “without incurring additional costs to the exporters’ current fees,” in order to minimize person-to-person transactions amid the pandemic.

It also sought streamlining of the process in compliance with Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act and Administrative Order No. 23, also

known as “Eliminating Overregulation to Promote Efficiency of Government Processes.”

Moreover, Valenzuela cited the importance of clear and specific guidelines such as the cut-off time for VG submission and the standard format for communicating the VGM information and method to avoid

port disruptions.

Said Ortiz-Luis Jr., “While the issues are not addressed, it will be most prudent and practical to suspend the implementation of this policy so as not to create further damage to the economy, particularly to the MSMEs and their stakeholders.”

Friday, February 12, 2021

B1

Ang: SMC to open more Skyway 3 ramps soon

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

S

an Miguel Corp. (SMC) opened on Thursday two new ramps of the Skyway Stage 3, providing better accessibility on the 18-kilometer expressway that runs through major cities in Metro Manila.

The company opened the A. Bonifacio northbound off-ramp, just before the Cloverleaf Mall in Balintawak, and the E. Rodriguez southbound off-ramp on Araneta Ave., which also provides access to España.

“Our Skyway 3 engineers and construction personnel worked double time to be able to open these two new ramps, better serve motorists, and provide them seamless and convenient travel,” SMC President Ramon S. Ang said.

He added that with the opening of these ramps, those who are coming from Alabang, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Pasay, or Makati will no longer have to take Edsa in order to get to Balintawak.

Those coming from the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) may also opt to take the E. Rodriguez ramp to get to Quezon City.

Ang said his group is awaiting the full completion of the right-of-way delivery to deliver the other access ramps.

“Despite delays, we’re excited for the next access points to be opened soon. For northbound motorists, next to be opened will be the Quirino Entry, Nagtahan Entry, Nagtahan Exit, E. Rodriguez Entry, and C3 Exit.

For southbound, we will soon open the C3 Entry, C3 Exit, A. Bonifacio Entry, Plaza Dilao Exit, and Nagtahan Exit,” Ang said.

Once all of these access points are opened, he claimed, traffic in many parts of Metro Manila “will be virtually a thing of the past.”

“People will be able to get from one place to another within the city much faster and easier, without the stress. And because of this, our main thoroughfares and city streets will also be decongested, making travel for those not using the expressway better as well,” Ang said.

Skyway Stage 3, which officially opened last January 14, was built and fully-funded by SMC. With Skyway 3, motorists are now able to bypass Edsa and other busy streets and enjoy travel time from Buendia to Balintawak in just 20 minutes, and Alabang to Balintawak in only 30 minutes.

PayMaya unveils virtual mall

F

inancial technology (fintech) player PayMaya launched on Thursday a virtual mall experience called PayMaya Mall, a feature that allows users to buy from over 100 merchants in the mobile app.

PayMaya users may buy from brands in the food, retail, pharmacy, grocery, and fashion industries, including Jollibee, McDonald's, Goldilocks, Rustans, Park Outlet, Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, Landers, All Home, and Boozy.

“Mall shopping is so ingrained in Filipino popular culture and the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically affected not just consumers but also, the growth of retail merchants. With the PayMaya Mall feature embedded in our app, we aim to reinforce our commitment to boost e-commerce and digital payments in the Philippines, supported by the full

force and strength of our unique ecosystem,” PayMaya President Shailesh Baidwan said.

He noted that more brands are coming soon as PayMaya taps into its network of over 116,000 merchant touchpoints.

"With this initiative, we are bringing our partner merchants closer to our more than 28 million customers nationwide. Consumers, on the other hand, can get their regular shopping done from the convenience and safety of their own homes while enjoying exclusive perks and rewards—all through the PayMaya app."

Mark Jason Dee, Head of Growth Marketing and Partnerships of PayMaya, noted that the service is free for its merchant partners. This, he said, is PayMaya’s way of “helping businesses bounce back from the pandemic.” Lorenz S. Marasigan

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, February 12, 2021

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

February 11, 2021

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

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

43.7 107 86.05 24.15 7.81 10.08 48.7 11 26.25 54.5 17.52 126.2 71.5 0.99 3.98 0.56 3.78 1.54 0.41 820 0.69 151

44.5 108 86.25 24.35 8.35 10.1 48.8 11.12 26.45 55.6 17.8 127.8 72 1 4 0.6 3.8 1.58 0.44 850 0.71 152

44 107.8 85 24.1 8.34 10.2 49 11.12 26.6 55.7 17.4 128.1 72 1 3.98 0.56 3.66 1.59 0.42 850 0.67 153.5

44 108.6 86.95 24.4 8.35 10.22 49 11.12 26.7 55.7 17.86 129.5 72.9 1.01 4 0.56 3.8 1.65 0.445 850 0.7 153.5

44 107 85 24.1 8.34 10.06 48.2 11 26.25 55.7 17.4 126 71.5 1 3.97 0.56 3.66 1.53 0.42 850 0.67 151.5

44 107 86.25 24.35 8.35 10.08 48.7 11 26.25 55.7 17.8 126.2 72 1 3.98 0.56 3.78 1.54 0.44 850 0.7 151.5

1,200 2,651,980 1,176,590 15,300 2,000 184,600 2,831,000 3,800 196,000 10 4,600 1,853,710 9,500 199,000 261,000 44,000 71,000 505,000 320,000 30 76,000 7,640

52,800 285,268,185 101,430,344 371,585 16,692 1,871,994 137,585,360 42,028 5,179,750 557 80,462 234,736,256 682,451 200,070 1,041,030 24,640 267,980 795,900 141,950 25,500 52,810 1,160,097

INDUSTRIAL

AC ENERGY ALSONS CONS ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO MANILA WATER PETRON PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER VIVANT AGRINURTURE AXELUM CNTRL AZUCARERA CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EMPERADOR SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG MAXS GROUP MG HLDG SHAKEYS PIZZA ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VICTORIAS CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP HOLCIM MEGAWIDE PHINMA TKC METALS VULCAN INDL CROWN ASIA EUROMED LMG CORP MABUHAY VINYL PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION GREENERGY INTEGRATED MICR IONICS PANASONIC SFA SEMICON CIRTEK HLDG

7.86 1.34 26.3 1.14 29.95 75.4 289.2 16.14 3.77 3.86 12.44 21.9 10.28 13.88 7.13 3.5 14 18 9.01 7.34 9.91 68.2 0.62 1.59 51.5 178.7 34.1 7.8 6.72 0.425 7.53 1.19 4.63 1.74 0.155 138.5 0.91 2.25 52.4 55.25 1.37 8.7 13.42 8.08 6.42 7.34 10.4 1.45 3.52 1.78 2.3 4.98 4.4 5.61 21.5 3.22 13.34 1.2 6 1.48 6.85

7.87 1.36 26.35 1.15 30 75.5 289.6 16.18 3.78 3.98 12.76 22 10.3 14.64 7.3 3.55 14.48 18.04 9.07 7.35 9.95 68.45 0.64 1.6 51.7 182 34.9 8.14 6.75 0.43 7.55 1.21 4.74 1.76 0.157 141.5 0.92 2.3 53.95 56 1.38 8.98 13.86 8.09 6.43 7.35 10.5 1.46 3.53 1.8 2.32 5.06 4.61 5.7 21.7 3.23 13.4 1.22 6.1 1.5 6.86

7.96 1.38 26.45 1.21 30 76.5 294.8 15.7 3.73 3.98 12.7 22.1 10.34 14.58 7.16 3.55 14 18.1 9 7.32 9.94 68.45 0.62 1.52 51.5 185.6 35 7.81 6.91 0.425 7.5 1.17 4.73 1.67 0.16 142 0.92 2.24 54.3 55.4 1.38 7 13.88 8.14 6.41 7.5 10.4 1.39 2.81 1.78 2.29 4.98 4.5 5.71 22.35 3.15 12.7 1.23 6 1.5 6.98

8.02 1.39 26.65 1.24 30 76.5 294.8 16.28 3.78 3.98 12.9 22.1 10.44 14.6 7.38 3.55 14.3 18.28 9.06 7.36 10 68.7 0.62 1.62 51.8 186.8 35 8.14 6.91 0.455 7.65 1.22 4.73 1.84 0.163 142.9 0.94 2.31 54.3 55.4 1.38 10.34 13.88 8.14 6.47 7.5 10.5 1.57 3.79 1.8 2.35 5 4.62 5.71 22.35 3.27 13.48 1.23 6 1.53 7.04

7.82 1.3 26.25 1.14 29.75 75.4 289.2 15.7 3.73 3.85 12.44 21.9 10.3 14.5 7.08 3.46 14 17.82 8.95 7.22 9.91 68.05 0.62 1.5 51.5 178.7 34.1 7.8 6.7 0.415 7.5 1.15 4.73 1.66 0.156 138.5 0.91 2.21 52.3 55 1.36 6.84 13.24 8.02 6.27 7.33 10.3 1.35 2.8 1.78 2.27 4.94 4.32 5.6 21.4 3.12 12.5 1.19 6 1.47 6.76

7.87 1.34 26.3 1.15 29.95 75.4 289.2 16.18 3.77 3.86 12.76 22 10.3 14.5 7.3 3.55 14.2 18 9.06 7.34 9.91 68.2 0.62 1.6 51.7 178.7 34.2 8.14 6.75 0.43 7.55 1.2 4.73 1.76 0.156 138.5 0.92 2.31 52.3 55 1.37 8.98 13.86 8.08 6.42 7.35 10.5 1.46 3.53 1.8 2.29 5 4.62 5.6 21.5 3.23 13.4 1.22 6 1.48 6.86

42,474,800 1,793,000 1,297,500 189,599,000 378,100 42,320 120,270 3,381,600 2,066,000 22,000 63,100 601,900 265,000 11,800 1,143,100 580,000 2,000 89,700 372,800 691,100 558,900 281,070 227,000 48,949,000 41,580 581,650 5,100 1,900 143,900 63,550,000 263,000 6,890,000 3,000 198,000 29,910,000 691,260 9,048,000 34,000 110 360 4,288,000 6,370,000 62,900 286,400 376,000 1,563,200 146,700 9,331,000 86,137,000 421,000 374,000 233,000 11,000 105,500 70,600 26,911,000 2,544,800 983,000 17,700 1,897,000 15,877,300

28,199,533 63,124,817 -299,072.00 -28,376,055 -2,124,575 -89,817,173 95,095 -119,980 17,000 68,344

336,336,082 2,420,550 34,246,965 224,690,180 11,320,280 3,194,479.50 34,903,012 54,319,658 7,769,390 84,950 802,716 13,238,985 2,740,442 172,090 8,147,040 2,040,110 28,270 1,614,604 3,372,276 5,047,678 5,544,250 19,256,016 140,740 76,535,310 2,147,925 105,659,306 176,910 14,869 973,113 27,781,800 1,987,328 8,182,210 14,190 341,080 4,743,460 97,062,532 8,323,730 77,560 5,793 19,884 5,890,930 55,282,923 865,888 2,311,212 2,385,357 11,538,178 1,526,950 13,624,310 272,906,370 752,300 856,980 1,164,510 48,410 594,266 1,532,695 85,277,150 33,480,526 1,183,230 106,200 2,826,630 109,015,938

61,759,548 65,500 1,469,505 -3,552,830 -2,815,155 -1,647,277 -9,580,120 -14,026,116 -97,440 8,504,045 -82,880 -662,645 0 -60,846 -830,954 1,094,163 -145,576 -1,129,140 868,710.50 15,133,784 -113,464 -1,061,300 -1,620,169 -607,430 775,540 19,552,182 96,970 -609,100.00 69,710 -186,400 1,157,785 296,553 -6,667,664 -1,274,090 3,419,560 -120.0002 -1,005,285 -4,203,590 4,524,888 -612,800 42,990 953,252

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.23 1.25 1.36 1.36 1.23 1.23 101,696,000 130,298,720 8.9 9 9.2 9.26 8.9 9 22,000 200,535 ASIABEST GROUP 802 806 807 815.5 802 802 257,370 207,683,060 AYALA CORP 43.1 43.15 44.15 44.15 43.15 43.15 1,088,000 47,109,015 ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL 10.84 10.9 10.76 11.08 10.6 10.9 57,961,300 632,767,742 AYALA LAND LOG 3.14 3.15 3.1 3.16 3.09 3.15 1,262,000 3,951,270 ANSCOR 6.73 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.73 6.73 19,400 130,940 ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.84 0.85 0.89 0.89 0.83 0.84 8,145,000 6,939,510 0.89 0.9 0.92 0.92 0.88 0.9 5,972,000 5,371,330 ATN HLDG A 0.89 0.91 0.9 0.91 0.89 0.91 255,000 227,650 ATN HLDG B 5.39 5.4 5.46 5.47 5.38 5.39 381,800 2,062,385 COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG 5.44 5.45 5.54 5.6 5.45 5.45 2,843,500 15,677,178 FILINVEST DEV 8.79 8.9 8.91 8.91 8.9 8.9 11,100 98,846 3.09 3.28 3.28 3.28 3.28 3.28 3,000 9,840 FJ PRINCE A 0.226 0.243 0.226 0.226 0.226 0.226 200,000 45,200 FORUM PACIFIC 550 555 566 566 550 550 90,780 50,287,995 GT CAPITAL 3.75 3.8 3.74 3.8 3.74 3.8 28,000 106,340 HOUSE OF INV 64.6 65.3 68.7 68.7 64.6 64.6 2,133,750 141,108,261 JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG 4.74 4.9 4.7 5.11 4.7 5.05 500 2,502 1.44 1.45 1.4 1.52 1.36 1.45 16,840,000 24,305,240 LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG 3.75 3.82 3.77 3.8 3.75 3.75 134,000 504,800 14.8 14.82 14.94 14.94 14.7 14.8 1,598,800 23,707,506 LT GROUP 0.51 0.53 0.53 0.54 0.51 0.53 78,000 40,460 MABUHAY HLDG 4.2 4.27 4.26 4.3 4.2 4.2 21,487,000 91,158,310 METRO PAC INV 5.1 5.38 5.45 5.45 5.1 5.1 96,600 501,462 PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA 1.25 1.26 1.19 1.28 1.17 1.25 2,717,000 3,344,590 2.81 2.92 2.85 2.85 2.83 2.83 6,000 17,040 REPUBLIC GLASS 1.2 1.25 1.23 1.25 1.19 1.25 130,000 161,920 SOLID GROUP 315 324 311 315 311 315 800 250,620 SYNERGY GRID 1,063 1,068 1,060 1,078 1,059 1,068 557,330 595,050,545 SM INVESTMENTS 126.6 126.7 126.1 129.9 126 126.7 126,450 16,089,795 SAN MIGUEL CORP 0.79 0.82 0.8 0.85 0.78 0.82 265,000 210,820 SOC RESOURCES 135.6 139 137 139 137 139 90 12,370 TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS 0.228 0.24 0.227 0.24 0.227 0.227 90,000 20,690 0.229 0.23 0.23 0.248 0.229 0.23 1,380,000 319,540 ZEUS HLDG

159,740 73,600 -44,353,855 2,941,450 -119,431,946 519,030 4,711 -160 777,122 2,752,430 16,700,645 37,459,464.50 -25,300 -9,210,994 24,289,730.00 -7,800 188,618,455 2,771,569 14,000

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP ANCHOR LAND AYALA LAND ARANETA PROP AREIT RT BELLE CORP A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CEBU HLDG CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG PHIL INFRADEV CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.67 7.77 40.35 1.27 33.1 1.64 0.94 0.77 0.151 5.8 5.13 0.425 0.35 14.4 6.9 0.3 0.092 1.2 0.9 7.45 1.41 0.72 3.8 0.55 0.405 1.51 19.14 0.29 1.4 2.6 2.18 37.15 4.02 1.74 4.41

0.68 8.35 40.4 1.3 33.15 1.65 0.95 0.78 0.152 5.88 5.14 0.435 0.36 14.44 6.95 0.305 0.094 1.21 0.91 7.69 1.42 0.74 3.82 0.56 0.41 1.52 19.3 0.3 1.43 2.63 2.22 37.2 4.03 1.77 4.42

0.67 8.34 40.5 1.3 33 1.64 0.96 0.78 0.155 5.89 5.13 0.435 0.35 14.5 6.75 0.3 0.091 1.22 0.9 7.6 1.43 0.74 3.91 0.57 0.41 1.43 19.28 0.3 1.48 2.6 2.17 37.8 4.03 1.78 4.45

0.68 8.39 40.6 1.3 33.15 1.64 0.97 0.8 0.156 5.89 5.14 0.44 0.36 14.5 6.95 0.305 0.095 1.22 0.91 7.7 1.43 0.74 3.92 0.59 0.41 1.51 19.4 0.3 1.48 2.64 2.24 38.1 4.05 1.8 4.45

0.66 7.73 39.95 1.27 32.95 1.63 0.93 0.78 0.151 5.7 5.06 0.405 0.35 14.2 6.75 0.3 0.091 1.2 0.9 7.45 1.4 0.74 3.8 0.55 0.41 1.4 19.14 0.3 1.4 2.6 2.15 37.2 4 1.75 4.35

0.68 7.77 40.35 1.27 33.1 1.64 0.95 0.78 0.152 5.89 5.14 0.435 0.36 14.44 6.95 0.3 0.094 1.21 0.9 7.45 1.41 0.74 3.8 0.55 0.41 1.51 19.14 0.3 1.43 2.63 2.22 37.2 4.05 1.75 4.42

1,500,000 2,200 3,698,200 23,000 604,500 247,000 2,077,000 99,000 790,000 19,700 545,700 31,730,000 750,000 2,366,400 43,300 660,000 6,570,000 6,402,000 481,000 422,000 2,029,000 2,000 13,478,000 111,378,000 10,000 2,301,000 1,165,900 50,000 1,934,000 516,000 2,751,000 5,755,200 78,000 849,000 2,088,000

1,000,220 18,175 149,187,985 29,240 19,961,070 403,910 1,959,610 77,340 120,470 115,995 2,783,669 13,366,850 268,100 33,889,968 297,610 198,050 600,960 7,755,910 433,330 3,166,937 2,859,400 1,480 51,697,230 62,616,140 4,100 3,362,090 22,424,704 15,000 2,739,950 1,359,110 5,994,490 215,509,900 313,190 1,496,230 9,180,980

SERVICES ABS CBN GMA NETWORK MANILA BULLETIN MLA BRDCASTING GLOBE TELECOM PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL CONVERGE DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG IMPERIAL ISLAND INFO JACKSTONES NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR PHILWEB 2GO GROUP ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG HARBOR STAR ACESITE HOTEL DISCOVERY WORLD GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT CENTRO ESCOLAR IPEOPLE STI HLDG BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES MANILA JOCKEY PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE PHIL RACING ALLHOME METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP EASYCALL GOLDEN MV IPM HLDG PAXYS PRMIERE HORIZON SBS PHIL CORP

12.5 6.78 0.48 11.12 2,038 1,350 0.238 17.74 5.64 17.68 1.9 0.197 2.04 3.43 0.46 2.66 8.6 14.74 4.65 50.3 125 16.5 0.97 6 3.16 6.45 1.43 1.43 6.8 10.08 0.53 6.68 8.12 0.41 4.4 7.77 2.05 1.73 2.12 2.71 0.46 6.3 8.5 1.42 38.8 56.55 103 1.36 17.96 0.45 6.88 437 5 2.2 2.97 4.61

12.58 6.8 0.5 11.8 2,040 1,387 0.239 17.76 5.65 17.7 1.95 0.198 2.13 3.44 0.465 2.68 8.88 15 4.7 50.4 125.4 16.6 1.04 6.01 3.18 6.46 1.44 1.5 6.81 11.2 0.54 7.03 8.69 0.42 4.59 7.8 2.1 1.74 2.18 2.73 0.47 6.5 8.57 1.43 38.9 56.8 104.5 1.37 17.98 0.46 7.13 449 5.3 2.38 2.98 4.76

12.6 6.9 0.495 11.2 2,038 1,380 0.238 17.7 5.7 17.36 2.06 0.195 2.07 3.47 0.43 2.67 8.4 15.04 4.64 50 124.2 16.2 0.97 6 3.2 6.7 1.43 1.44 6.2 11.3 0.55 6.64 8.2 0.42 4.4 7.65 2.05 1.75 2.12 2.77 0.47 6.5 8.63 1.42 39 58.25 102 1.39 18 0.47 6.87 437.6 5.05 2.38 3.15 4.79

12.7 6.9 0.53 11.4 2,050 1,389 0.246 18.3 5.88 17.88 2.06 0.202 2.15 3.57 0.465 2.77 9.1 15.06 4.7 51 125 16.58 1.04 6.05 3.25 6.7 1.43 1.51 7.2 11.3 0.57 6.64 8.7 0.42 4.41 7.85 2.05 1.77 2.12 2.77 0.47 6.5 8.63 1.44 39.15 58.4 103 1.41 18 0.475 7.15 449 5.05 2.38 3.2 4.79

12.32 6.71 0.46 11.2 2,038 1,350 0.228 17.7 5.64 17.12 1.75 0.191 2 3.4 0.425 2.66 8.3 15 4.64 49.9 123.2 16.2 0.97 5.8 3.07 6.45 1.41 1.42 6.2 11.3 0.53 6.64 8.13 0.405 4.4 7.65 2.04 1.73 2.12 2.66 0.46 6.5 8.45 1.41 38.8 56.55 101 1.36 17.9 0.445 6.87 437.6 5.02 2.38 2.92 4.76

12.5 6.78 0.5 11.2 2,040 1,350 0.239 17.74 5.64 17.7 1.9 0.197 2.15 3.44 0.46 2.68 8.6 15 4.7 50.4 125 16.58 1.04 6.01 3.16 6.46 1.43 1.51 6.81 11.3 0.54 6.64 8.13 0.41 4.4 7.77 2.04 1.73 2.12 2.73 0.46 6.5 8.6 1.42 38.8 56.55 103 1.37 17.98 0.45 6.88 449 5.02 2.38 2.97 4.76

156,300 1,948,044 1,177,400 7,988,285 2,703,000 1,332,650 1,200 13,460 18,850 38,460,700 87,395 119,127,700 1,656,280,000 392,866,840 11,923,000 213,307,226 2,388,000 13,685,355 70,354,600 1,237,244,740 147,000 270,800 30,180,000 5,914,070 116,000 239,180 4,720,000 16,264,170 114,350,000 51,418,250 735,000 2,004,900 160,600 1,394,290 8,900,600 133,954,010 1,616,000 7,540,670 558,040 28,050,491 1,132,800 141,136,682 4,600 76,198 31,000 30,140 1,298,100 7,717,043 1,739,000 5,487,390 49,300 319,357 681,000 970,420 28,000 39,910 12,139,500 83,009,924 200 2,260 4,964,000 2,753,680 100 664 2,000 16,413 1,980,000 814,550 85,000 374,030 1,930,000 15,001,613 40,000 81,900 285,000 496,330 3,000 6,360 10,404,000 28,106,710 3,130,000 1,448,150 100 650 89,100 757,966 1,174,000 1,665,640 597,400 23,209,585 4,039,600 230,216,802.50 47,890 4,863,402 3,623,000 4,994,880 71,100 1,275,670 12,440,000 5,640,700 8,200 56,482 590 261,696 6,000 30,225 7,000 16,660 199,211,000 613,345,400 8,000 38,200

MINING & OIL

-20,300 68,605,000 13,175 315,380 -57,720 -1,026 557,300 -4,928,566 -127,200 -24,300 30,080 32,610 -2,574,980 -3,967,810.00 545,780 -2,622,400 213,380 23,400 -44,600 -16,890,125 47,420 -1,398,110 -13,837,950 -37,906,195 -34,145,780 -113,985,146 87,638 10,740,952.00 10,000 -2,133,420 5,656,100 -22,030 -1,778 -6,000 -196,710 10,093,084 -21,470,374 1,040 231,933 11,006 1,340,620 932,870 -307,600 -4,400 2,824,610 -2,491,580 290,450 31,076 -469,620 8,644,670 -124,305,897.50 -308,042 56,800 230,118 759,100 2,380 17,927,240 -

ATOK 7.02 7.16 7.28 7.5 6.99 7.16 1,270,600 9,060,662 87,588 1.55 1.57 1.58 1.58 1.55 1.55 2,368,000 3,696,130 -1,154,050 APEX MINING 0.0051 0.0052 0.005 0.0054 0.005 0.0051 15,790,000,000 82,409,800 -513,800 ABRA MINING ATLAS MINING 6.15 6.18 6.2 6.21 6.1 6.18 477,600 2,941,078 12,340 BENGUET A 3.18 3.19 3.1 3.19 3.1 3.19 161,000 500,840 2.91 2.95 2.98 3 2.95 2.95 129,000 385,060 -106,750 BENGUET B COAL ASIA HLDG 0.325 0.33 0.3 0.35 0.29 0.325 5,590,000 1,828,900 99,200 2.75 2.8 2.72 2.8 2.7 2.8 198,000 536,600 73,120 CENTURY PEAK 10.38 10.4 9.52 11.38 9.39 10.38 452,700 4,620,420 DIZON MINES 2.66 2.67 2.64 2.78 2.56 2.67 17,867,000 47,639,740 -2,402,370 FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE 0.51 0.52 0.55 0.6 0.51 0.52 29,178,000 15,703,190 -48,900 LEPANTO A 0.155 0.156 0.154 0.158 0.153 0.156 21,510,000 3,350,610 0.156 0.157 0.157 0.159 0.156 0.157 2,480,000 388,720 -1,570 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 109,000,000 1,096,100 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 8,200,000 82,000 MANILA MINING B 1.46 1.5 1.46 1.52 1.43 1.46 1,782,000 2,632,720 -132,180 MARCVENTURES 2.98 3 2.8 3.35 2.8 2.98 1,691,000 5,095,370 12,360 NIHAO NICKEL ASIA 5.69 5.7 5.71 5.77 5.68 5.7 6,289,000 36,019,459 13,881,079 OMICO CORP 0.435 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.435 0.44 310,000 136,050 1.11 1.13 1.14 1.17 1.1 1.13 4,856,000 5,508,860 ORNTL PENINSULA 4.4 4.42 4.56 4.56 4.4 4.42 307,000 1,370,810 -112,950 PX MINING 12.8 12.82 12.92 13.14 12.8 12.8 743,500 9,575,198 -3,559,168.00 SEMIRARA MINING 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.0099 0.01 589,800,000 5,907,860 -230,000 UNITED PARAGON 21.65 21.95 22.5 22.9 21.6 21.65 515,700 11,322,995 762,035 ACE ENEXOR ORNTL PETROL A 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.013 174,300,000 2,307,600 0.013 0.015 0.013 0.015 0.013 0.014 2,211,600,000 30,962,600 7,800 ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.015 0.013 0.014 669,600,000 9,336,900 687,000 PXP ENERGY 9.5 9.52 9.31 9.6 9.2 9.5 942,000 8,918,752 -294,794

PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 100 101 100 101 100 101 7,270 727,270 100 102 102 102 102 102 80 8,160 8,160 HOUSE PREF A 527 528 528 528 528 528 10 5,280 AC PREF B1 101.1 104.4 101.1 101.1 101 101 1,280 129,300 ALCO PREF B AC PREF B2R 510.5 522 510 510.5 510 510.5 420 214,210 100.7 101 100.8 101 100.6 101 145,340 14,672,446 -11,953,957 DD PREF FGEN PREF G 110 110.9 108 111.3 108 110.9 51,585,130 5,571,301,013 501.5 504 504 504 504 504 1,880 947,520 GLO PREF P 1,030 1,032 1,032 1,032 1,032 1,032 5 5,160 GTCAP PREF B 100.5 101 100.5 101 100.5 101 6,330 636,265 MWIDE PREF 100.7 101 101 101 101 101 1,900 191,900 50,500 MWIDE PREF 2B PNX PREF 3B 106.5 106.7 106.7 106.7 106.3 106.5 1,570 167,207 1,017 1,019 1,020 1,020 1,014 1,017 705 715,785 PNX PREF 4 1,094 1,095 1,093 1,095 1,093 1,094 2,040 2,232,730 PCOR PREF 3A 1,111 1,129 1,129 1,129 1,129 1,129 100 112,900 PCOR PREF 3B 1.6 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.53 1.65 17,000 27,690 SFI PREF 79.05 80.4 79.05 80.4 79.05 80.4 2,720 218,332.50 SMC PREF 2C 76.5 77 76.5 77 76.5 77 2,700 207,300 SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F 79.3 79.35 77.65 79.3 77.65 79.3 15,530 1,231,452.50 77 77.5 77 77.5 77 77.5 976,260 75,172,650 77,500 SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I 78.9 79 78.7 78.9 78.7 78.9 23,460 1,850,694 76.75 76.8 76.75 76.75 76.75 76.75 11,100 851,925 SMC PREF 2J 76.25 76.45 76.45 76.45 76.25 76.25 3,730 284,563.50 SMC PREF 2K

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.34 12.5 12.34 12.5 12.34 12.5 257,800 3,221,252 322,498 6.65 6.67 6.65 6.67 6.5 6.67 168,800 1,123,106 229,625 GMA HLDG PDR

WARRANTS LR WARRANT 0.89 0.9 0.91 0.91 0.9 0.9 60,000 54,440 8,190

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 23.1 23.2 23.4 23.55 22.3 23.2 423,400 9,740,970 116,000 3.06 3.07 3.09 3.09 3.03 3.07 1,049,000 3,205,620 -27,830 ITALPINAS 6 6.08 6.1 6.1 6 6 10,600 64,168 KEPWEALTH 3.04 3.05 3 3.19 2.8 3.05 1,830,000 5,369,950 MAKATI FINANCE MERRYMART 7.05 7.06 7.01 7.13 6.95 7.06 15,519,800 109,022,239 -3,612,792

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF 105.5 106.7 106.7 106.8 105.5 105.5 16,790 1,784,963 149,694

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Subic Freeport gains ₧1.22B in fresh investments last year

By Henry Empeño Correspondent

S

ubic Bay Freeport—Even with the Covid-19 pandemic raging and the economic slowdown in 2020, new investments and expansion projects continued to pour into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, netting a total of P1.38 billion in project commitments last year.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma, 63 new projects were put up here by business locators, mostly in the fields of construction, health and wellness, logistics, and infor-

mation and communication technology (ICT).

The new projects, which yielded committed investments totaling P1.22 billion, also generated 682 new jobs.

Expansion projects by exist-

ing business locators in the Subic Freeport reached 16 in 2020, with a total of P163 million in new investments, Eisma said.

The expansion projects, which were concentrated in construction, leisure, real estate, logistics, and petroleum trading, generated 264 additional jobs.

“Apparently, there emerged some winners and some losers in Subic ever since the Covid-19 pandemic drastically changed how business is done globally. But the SBMA has done its best to help the businesses survive,” Eisma said.

She said of the more than 3,300 companies operating in Subic when the pandemic broke out early last year, a total of 83 had since opted for non-renewal or pre-termination of their contracts with the SBMA. “As of last month, there are still more than 200 companies that are not operating, including a few which are not yet allowed to oper-

ate under Covid-19 restrictions."

She said most, or about 70 percent, of these are in the leisure industry, followed by manufacturing with 22 percent, and ICT at 6 percent.

Aa a result, a total of 8,129 workers were also affected by the business slowdown, she said. A total of 4,138 workers were put on forced leave; 2,265 were retrenched; and 3,642 entered into work arrangements with irregular work hours.

Eisma said Subic had since gradually eased Covid-19 restrictions, but there is strict compliance with protocols laid down by the InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Aside from giving business locators various forms of economic relief assistance during the pandemic, she said the SBMA will also continue to be proactive in managing the Covid-19 situation in the Subic Bay Freeport.

JG Summit, NielsenIQ forge data partnership

By VG Cabuag @villygc

G

okongwei-led Data Analytics Ventures Inc. (DAVI) said on Thursday that it is forging an alliance with NielsenIQ, a multinational data analytics firm, to tap big data analytics in providing customized and relevant to Robinsons Rewards loyalty members.

The company said their collaboration introduces an advanced analytics platform that will give insights about market demands and transactions.

Through data-driven decisions, the platform will lead to identifying the right price, promotional campaigns and product assortment to provide better value for its card members. Robinsons is the shopping mall brand owned by the Gokongweis.

“Through loyalty data, we are able to understand the spending habits of our shoppers and connect the dots to identify new programs to enrich our customer’s lives. These insights can immediately be acted upon through personalized campaigns tailored for specific individuals,” Jojo Malolos, DAVI's CEO, said.

“Through data analytics, Robin-

sons is able to go beyond giving rewards points; it will be able to provide customized and relevant offers to its shoppers.”

In addition, the use of new data analysis tools allows retailers like Robinsons Supermarket to work with manufacturers and brands in growing fast-moving consumer goods categories in its stores.

“The advanced analytics platform is being rolled out with clients around the region including Thailand and Hong Kong. The AAP provides deep insights into shopper behavior over time—all calculated over time. We are thrilled to be able to introduce the platform to the Philippines with DAVI, and to put shoppers at the heart of decision making to drive growth for Robinsons and brands alike,” Alex Morgan, Executive Director of NielsenIQ Consumer Intelligence in Asia, said.

“We are very excited that NielsenIQ’s best-in-class and robust analytics platform will equip us to make stronger, relevant and more responsive marketing and merchandising recommendations to our network of partner suppliers,” Robina Gokongwei Pe, president and CEO of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., said.

Aboitiz leaders embrace innovation to achieve goals in the new normal

A

boitiz executives must take a long-term view and further champion innovative strategies to succeed amid and beyond the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the company chief said.

Speaking virtually to 516 team leaders at the 2021 Aboitiz Leaders Conference (LeadCon) last February 4 and 5, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sabin M. Aboitiz underscored that innovation (one of the Aboitiz Group’s core values alongside integrity, teamwork, and responsibility) must be “instilled,” and not merely “lived.”

“An instilled value of innovation will help carry us through these disruptive times. The way we lead our organization will determine the future of everyone who depends on us,” Sabin said.

The Aboitiz LeadCon this year carried the theme “The Aboitiz Way: Driving Resiliency and In-

novation.” Sabin elaborated that “instilling” innovation will lead to deep-rooted value and the resilience needed for the future.

“Instilling the value of innovation is establishing that belief within ourselves for the long term and influencing others to do the same, every single day. When people are talking about innovation and doing it moment by moment without being told, that is the true measure of success in instilling this value."

During the Aboitiz LeadCon, CEOs of the Group’s various businesses (AboitizPower, UnionBank, Pilmico, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Republic Cement, AboitizLand, and Aboitiz Construction) also delivered their respective performance updates and directions, specifically their companies’ collective efforts in applying and incorporating innovation in their operations to provide better service, achieve optimum results, and further improve efficiency.

“Through this collaboration, we will be able to enhance the development of products and services to meet the needs of Robinsons Rewards members. The partnership

mutual funds

also strengthens collaboration and our relationship with our supplier partners, so we succeed and grow together while we serve our shoppers better."

February 11, 2021

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 224.84 -6.71% -8.43% -0.95% -1.05% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.3136 4.83% -6.94% 4.64% 0.05% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1048 -8.01% -12.38% -2.2% -0.9% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7852 -6.5% -7.67% n.a.

-2.33% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7102 -12.79% n.a. n.a.

-4.23% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.8821 -3.85% -6.64% -0.22% -1.2% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.7294 -9.79% -9.64% -5.67% -4% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 99.62 4.9% -5.29% n.a.

-2.28% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 46.3904 -4.68% -6.54% 0.76% -0.98% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 483.82 -4.82% -6.52% -0.04% -1.06% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 1.0729 8.16% n.a. n.a.

-2.22% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.1641 -5.33% -6.01% 0.77% -0.35% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 34.4664 -4.62% -5.91% 1.45% -0.87% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9019 -7.39% n.a. n.a.

-1.22% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.746 -4.31% -6.04% 1.52% -0.94% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 794.15 -4.1% -5.91% 1.46% -0.94% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.7136 -9.22% -9.91% -2.62% -0.74% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5864 -9.41% -8.11% -0.13% -1.03% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9088 -4.38% -6.22% 1.28% -0.97% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.301 -5.63% -5.15% 2.08% -0.54% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 106.5844 -4.08% -5.69% 2.19% -0.9% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $1.34 34.69% 6.74% 11.53% 11.4% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7812 26% 11.73% n.a.

6.48% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.6684 8.87% -3.47% -0.1% -0.01% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2665 8.09% -2.63% 1.76% -0.83% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.6037 1.66% -2.15% 0.49% -0.89% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1965 -10.03% n.a. n.a. -1.06% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9668 1.84% -0.42% 2.31% 0.14% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.7653 1.84% -1.3% 1.53% -0.6% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.8412 1.81% -1.36% 1.48% -0.56% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.085 0.18% -2.45% 1.25% -0.43% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5578 -4.43% -4.09% 0.35% -0.43% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 1.0154 2.5% n.a. n.a.

-0.7% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.941 -1.71% n.a. n.a.

-0.86% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.9245 -2.91% n.a. n.a.

-0.92% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8862 -4.81% -4.7% -0.21% -0.17% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03881 -0.18% 3.12% 1.87% -0.79% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.1942 16.31% 4.22% 7.38% 3.83% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7321 18.63% 8.76% 10.46% 4.86% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2257 9.07% 4.66% n.a.

1.96% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 371.65 3.64% 3.29% 2.77% 0.16% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9046 -0.13% 0.42% 0.19% 0.23% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.2186 2.72% 4.34% 4.7% 0.12% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.2963 2.68% 2.91% 2.25% 0.01% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4481 3.64% 3.38% 2.12% -0.21% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.6335 5.66% 4.92% 2.88% -0.02% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.3234 5.53% 4.48% 2.74% 0.17% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9841 5.41% 4.5% 2.71% -0.42% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0387 7.34% 4.4% 2.36% -0.32% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2045 3.88% 4.7% 3.29% -0.05% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.7491 2.94% 3.95% 2.67% -0.34% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $485.16 2.99% 3.06% 2.77% 0.27% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.5 -0.49% 0.99% 1.3% 0.15% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.267 4.43% 4.1% 2.8% -1.05% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0264 1.54% 2.11% 1.67% -0.75% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0896 -1.55% 1.12% -0.02% -0.28% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5284 3.43% 4.81% 3.17% -0.28% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0625848 2.99% 3.27% 2.38% 0.43% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2113 -1.15% 2.73% 1.99% -0.38% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 130.02 2.97% 3.34% 2.57% 0.16% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.049 2.24% n.a. n.a.

0.09% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2986 2.36% 2.94% 2.6% 0.15% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0537 1.38% 1.78% n.a.

0.12% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.1822 n.a. n.a. n.a. 4.66% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99 0% n.a. n.a.

1.02%

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

1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019.

4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019.

6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

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

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, February 12, 2021 B3

₧3.19-B of Bayanihan-2 ₧165.5-B fund remains unreleased–DBM

T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said there is now only P3.19 billion left unreleased under the P165.5 billion Republic Act (RA) 11494 (Bayanihan to Recover as One Act) or Bayanihan (solidarity) 2.

The DBM issued the statement on the funds after 37 lawmakers urged the House Committee on Public Accounts to conduct an inquiry into the unreleased and unutilized appropriations under Bayanihan 2. These lawmakers “expressed concern” that delays in the releases forego the opportunity to rescue the ailing economy.

Budget Assistant Secretary and spokesman Rolando U. Toledo told the BusinessMirror that the DBM has already released to several government agencies 97.7 percent or P136.81 billion out of the P140 billion allocation authorized under Bayanihan 2.

“For the remaining balance of the P140.0 billion allocation, which amounts to P3.19 billion, we would like to note that the release of these funds

will depend on the submission of the requests of the implementing agencies with complete supporting documents,” Toledo told the BusinessMirror late Wednesday. “The DBM, likewise, assures that all requests will be immediately evaluated and processed within 24 hours upon receipt thereof.”

Moreover, Toledo said the budget department has already fully released the P25.53 billion standby fund also authorized under Bayanihan 2.

On top of this, the DBM said another P6.3 billion in releases classified under Bayanihan 2 was charged from the 2019 and 2020 national budgets.

Overall, Toledo said the DBM has already released a total of P168.65 billion under Bayanihan 2.

To cushion the impact of the pan-

To go hybrid or not?

T

HIS is the question many associations are now pondering on: whether to organize this year’s events—meetings, training programs, conferences and Association World exhibitions—on a hybrid format or not, as the pandemic shows no let Octavio Peralta up. The other question, of course, is, “Are associations hybrid-ready?”

This is the gist of the webinar of the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Belgium Chapter at the Brussels European Association Forum that I attended recently. It was organized by the Brussels-based membership organization, Association World.

MPI said a hybrid event comes in three types: 1) hybrid light, where a small group of speakers are in-person in one venue similar to a news broadcast program with anchor persons while participants attend virtually; 2) single-venue hybrid, where a small group of participants and speakers attend face-to-face in one venue and the others virtually; and, 3) multi-venue hybrid, where groups of participants and speakers attend virtually in different locations.

Last year, most associations organized their events mainly in virtual format through video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Webex, Skype and Microsoft Teams. But as technologies improved and with their members expecting new event experiences, a hybrid format is now getting more attention.

There are many considerations in organizing a 2-in-1 hybrid event such as content design and formatting, speaker sourcing, event management system, broadcast and virtual event platform, venue selection and safety and security.

A hybrid event brings forth advantages, e.g., flexibility in terms of time and location, broader audience and programming options, as well as less travel thus reducing carbon footprints. However, it has its challenges, too, such as planning for two events rather than one, technology vendor identification and selection and cost implications.

In terms of cost, add-ons will be on equipment, e.g., filming and broadcasting, technical support, staff resource, and event management platform with additional functionalities like registration, polling, virtual booths, oneon-one networking, streaming system and video on demand.

However, a hybrid event need not be complicated. MPI suggests some entry-level considerations like: (a) doing away with interaction between the in-person and virtual audiences; (b) broadcasting presentations only; (c) limiting the venue where cameras are set up; (d) using single camera setups thus reducing technical support; and, (e) using a simple meeting software.

Certain factors, as follows, need to be considered in organizing hybrid events: (a) in selecting speakers, doing the session flow, and laying out the venue, think of the virtual attendees first as their situation differs in terms of location and attention span; (b) in promoting the event, ensure that expectations are met and potential attendees are afforded the option of joining in-person or online; (c) in making the event last for a longer time, record the sessions for those who were unable to attend as well as for those who attended but may wish to watch the sessions again; and (d) in selecting a venue, work closely with the venue people to make sure that all necessary equipment, systems, safety and health protocols, and other logistics are in place.

So, are you ready to join the bandwagon and go hybrid for your event this year?

The column contributor, Octavio ‘Bobby’ Peralta, is concurrently the secretary-general of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, Founder & CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives and President of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organizations. The purpose of PCAAE—the “association of associations”—is to advance the association management profession and to make associations well-governed and sustainable. PCAAE enjoys the support of Adfiap, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine International Convention Center. E-mail: obp@adfiap.org

demic, President Duterte signed into law RA 11494 providing for a P165.5 billion fund for emergency relief and spending, including a P25.5-billion standby fund.

Under the standby fund, P10 billion was allocated for Covid-19 testing and procurement of medicines and vaccines.

About P15.5 billion is to support wholesale banking and equity infusion into Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines for industries affected by the pandemic.

Last Monday, lawmakers filed House Resolution 1558 wherein they pointed out that the “economy cannot afford slow implementation of government relief programs that have already been approved and authorized, especially as the World Bank and other international institutions warn that the country will recover more slowly than its peers in the East Asia and the Pacific Region.”

In 2020, the Philippines recorded its worst post-war economic performance with a decline in gross domestic product (GDP) of 9.5 percent.

Citing an an Executive report on Bayanihan 2 issued last January 6, the resolution said 73.74 percent of the authorized appropriations have been released by the DBM, while the remaining unreleased items primarily composed of equity infusion to government financial institutions and excluding standby

funds, are still pending for approval by the Office of the President.

Moreover, while the releases have been recorded by the DBM, the resolution added that the corresponding utilization rates of these releases have not been reported by the implementing agencies in a manner that will provide Congress the opportunity to appreciate how much of these releases have actually already benefited the public.

Lawmakers said the release and implementation of assistance authorized under Bayanihan 2 remain crucial and urgent with the persisting impact of poor governance of the pandemic on employment, hunger, poverty and business.

They also argued the country is missing its opportunity to provide more secure employment to 420,000 workers. This is the number of people the Department of Labor and Employment said lost employment last year.

The lawmakers said about 4.5 million other working Filipinos are in danger of losing their jobs.

In response to the delays in implementation and to allow the government the opportunity to fulfill its commitments with Bayanihan 2, lawmakers said Congress approved RA 11519, which extends the availability of funds appropriated in RA 11494 until June 30, 2021.

Tepid investor appetite saps loan demand–SCB

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

B

ANK lending is not expected to pick up anytime soon as corporates press pause on investment and expansion plans amid uncertainties in governance of the pandemic, a British financial services firm said.

Chidu Narayanan, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Economist for Asia, said during a virtual event last Thursday that “credit growth will remain subdued for a few months at least.”

Bank lending will only see “good pickup” by the second half of the year at the earliest, he said, despite aggressive measures by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to beef up liquidity.

“There is no appetite to invest,” Narayanan explained. “Corporates are running below capacity because of the big contraction last year.”

With soft domestic demand last year, the StanChart economist explained that businesses are rethinking their investment strategy and adapting to the current situation. With the lockdown measures imposed, some businesses have implemented a hiring freeze while some laid off employees, the economist noted.

“You don’t need to invest in further capacity unless you see a pickup in demand going above of what it was before,” he said.

Narayanan said that corporates have no incentive to invest for now because consumer sentiment remains bleak amid the pandemic, which is affecting the demand as a result.

“Without sentiment improving, consumers are not going out and spending,” he added.

The BSP reported that the outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks declined by 0.7 percent in December 2020—the first contraction in 14 years. Last year, bank lending growth slowed down in nine consecutive months beginning April when BSP registered 12.7-percent growth, lower than 13.6 percent in March.

Consumer loans slowed down to 4.4-percent increase in December from 7.1 percent in the previous month. BSP noted there was a decline in credit card loans, motor vehicle loans and salary-based consumption borrowings.

Meanwhile, outstanding loans to key sectors contracted: wholesale and retail trade and report of motor vehicles and motorcycles, manufacturing and financial and insurance activities.

No policy rate cut

WITH inflation expected to be “fairly elevated” this year, Narayanan said that the Central Bank is not likely to cut key policy rates this year.

He is projecting inflation to average at 3.8 percent in 2021—higher than last year’s 2.6-percent average. This is also little higher than his earlier forecast of 3.5 percent.

Nevertheless, he expects consumer price growth to go down to 3 percent next year.

The basis for its inflation forecast is the low base from last year and the rising oil prices, which are also seen to drive up transport cost as a result.

In January, inflation surged to a twoyear high of 4.2 percent, which is above the government target band of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent. The uptick in consumer price growth was driven by higher pork prices.

Rules for Lapulapu note out soon

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced last Thursday that it will release the guidelines for the public purchase of the 5,000-peso Lapulapu Commemorative Banknote and Medal in March.

“The BSP is pleased about the public interest being generated by the Lapulapu banknote and medal. We see this as an expression of the public’s appreciation of the numismatic, artistic, and historical value woven into the commemorative items,” BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said in a virtual news briefing.

The Lapulapu banknote was launched last month to kick off the 99-day countdown to the 500th anniversary of the “Victory at Mactan.”

Diokno said the Lapulapu Commemorative Banknote can be purchased for P5,500 while the Lapulapu Commemorative Medal is priced at P3,500 per piece.

“The guidelines for ordering, paying for and claiming the limited commemorative items will be posted on the BSP website,” Diokno said.

On its obverse, the banknote depicts a young Lapulapu, an image of the battle of Mactan, the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) logo, and the karaoka—the large outrigger warships used by Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the reverse shows the Philippine eagle, or the Manaol, “which symbolizes clear vision, freedom and strength; and which embodies the ancient Visayan belief that all living creatures originated from an eagle.”

Also featured are a coconut tree—food the people of Samar provided to Ferdinand Magellan and his crew—and Mount Apo, the mountain where the circumnavigators found directional clues to their intended destination of Maluku or the Spice Island.

The medal, on the other hand, features the markings “Lapulapu” above an image of the Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Cebu and the logos of the QCP and the BSP on the obverse. Its reverse shows the markings “Battle of Mactan,” a rendition of the said battle and the date “27 April 1521.” Bianca Cuaresma

B4

Relationships BusinessMirror

Friday, February 12, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Evidence of an impending breakup may exist in everyday conversation— months before either partner realizes their relationship is tanking

By Sarah Seraj The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts

W

HEN doubts about a relationship start to creep in, people don’t just blurt them out. They might not want to worry their partner and figure they’ll ride out what could just be a rough patch. They probably think they can hide their feelings pretty easily. But it turns out, hidden signs of their turmoil appear in the way they communicate.

In our recently published study, we were able to show that people’s language subtly changes in the months and weeks leading up to a breakup—well before they’ve made a conscious decision to end things. Breakups are difficult to research. They unfold over weeks, months—even years. To truly understand the dynamics of a breakup, researchers should, ideally, be able to track people’s lives before, during and after the breakup takes place.

Historically, this hasn’t been feasible. But the study of long-term relationships is beginning to change with the advent of social-media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Reddit. An increasing number of people are now chronicling their daily lives on these platforms, which allows researchers to look at how people cope with upheavals such as breakups both before and after the event. The analysis of people’s daily language can reveal information about their shifting emotions, thinking styles and connections with others.

One popular social-media platform, Reddit, has designed an online infrastructure that mirrors the way we socialize in real life.

There are hundreds of thousands of communities, known as subreddits, geared to different interests, from tennis and politics, to gaming and knitting. This allows like-minded people to hang out, chat about

their interests and ask for advice.

We studied a community called r/BreakUps/, where people discuss the dissolution of their relationships. We identified a group of 6,803 people who had posted about their breakups and tracked their posts up to a year before and after they ended things. But we didn’t just look at their posts on the r/ Breakups subreddit. We tracked their words across all the subreddits they posted in during this time frame. We wanted to see if there were signs of their impending breakup even when they weren’t directly talking about it.

After analyzing over 1 million posts, we identified language markers that could detect an impending breakup up to three months before it actually took place. And we detected changes in people’s language that lasted up to six months after the event.

These changes were detectable even when people weren’t talking about their relationship. It could appear when the poster was discussing sports, cooking or travel. Even though these people didn’t necessarily know the end of the relationship was coming, it was already subtly influencing the way they communicated with others.

So how, exactly, does language change?

One big takeaway is that people tend to focus more on themselves, with increased use of “I”-words, as the breakup nears. This is common during a stressful life event, and other studies have shown an increase of self-referential language in people who are depressed or anxious.

At the same time, people’s language shows drops in analytic thinking processes, which are often associated with formal and logical thinking. Their language becomes more informal and personal. They make fewer references to concepts, which causes drops in the use of articles such as “the” and “a.”

They’re more likely to talk about other people than

ideas. Around the time of the breakup, people also tend to reference their partner quite a bit, perhaps because they have yet to separate their identity from their partner. Afterwards—as people process their heartbreak—they begin to shift their focus to people who are supporting them during a difficult time.

People’s thought processes also experience drastic changes during the breakup. They begin to probe their understanding of the relationship as they try to figure out why it fell apart. This is typical of people trying to make sense of challenging life events, whether it’s trauma or bereavement.

As time moves on, people begin to craft a coherent narrative about their breakup, which causes other more logical processes—the ones that deteriorate around the time of the breakup—to reactivate. When this happens, they’re ready to move on with the next chapter of their lives.

For most people in our study, it took about six months for their language to return to normal. Of course, grief is a lengthy process and it’s natural to feel pangs and mourn for the loss of the relationship occasionally, even after that.

The fact that language analysis can detect subtle signs of a relationship being on the rocks means that clinicians—whether they’re mental health professionals, therapists or psychologists—could have a powerful tool at their disposal. For example, some people use phone apps to journal regularly.

An app could automatically alert a user when their language is showing signs of extreme emotional distress and suggest resources or professional help.

This type of analysis is already being developed to detect and map other shifts in people’s lives, whether it’s their participation in a protest movement or the early stages of a health condition, and will only keep getting better as technology advances.

the CONVERSATION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Christina Ricci, 41; Darren Aronofsky, 52; Josh Brolin, 53; Arsenio Hall, 65.

Happy Birthday: Stick to your plans. Taking unnecessary risks will set you back. Stay focused on what you can accomplish and how best to use your skills, attributes and intellect to get ahead. Keep temptation at bay, and you’ll overcome a setback due to indulgent behavior. Your personal life will improve if you are attentive and live up to your promises. Your numbers are 6, 14, 23, 32, 37, 39, 47.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be secretive about the changes you want to make. Get involved in conversations or projects that will broaden your scope about something you’d like to pursue. The connections you make while researching will help you excel. Romance will brighten your day. HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t take anything or anyone for granted. If you want to get things done, work alone. Expect to be contradicted if you get into a debate with a colleague or someone who doesn’t share your beliefs or concerns; be amicable. HHHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Expect a mixup due to misinterpretation. You’ll have to be articulate to ensure you get your point across and your requests handled adequately. Leave nothing to chance, and you’ll avoid scrutiny. HH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take your time, look at every angle and make changes based on what’s best for you. How you go about your responsibilities will tie into an opportunity that comes your way. Patience and preparation will make differences to the outcome. HHHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be sure that the changes you want to make are financially sound and doable. Don’t jeopardize your position or reputation to impress someone putting you on the spot. Opportunities exist, but picking the right one will be crucial. HHH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll have plenty of innovative ideas and attract interest in what you want to pursue. Consider who offers the most extraordinary insight, then develop a partnership that will make it easier for you to reach your goal. HHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Overspending will be tempting. Crunch the numbers before you decide to take on debt. Look for a way to get what you want for less, and you will avoid an argument with someone who shares expenses with you. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You’ll be faced with opposition, discord and uncertainty if you have neglected to take care of personal matters. Stop procrastinating; start taking care of unfinished business before someone backs you into a corner and jeopardizes your freedom.

HHHHH

❶ MAKE it a date

with your loved one in a glass house amid ornamental plants at The Glass Garden.

❷ Amici’s Al

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t let someone get in your way or mislead you.

Focus on your goal, and surround yourself with people who share your concerns. An opportunity to earn your living doing something you enjoy will give you a new lease on life. HH

Quattro Formaggi pizza

❶

❷

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Put time and effort into home, family and making positive adjustments that will bring you closer to those you love. Fixing up your surroundings and adding to your comfort and convenience are favored as long as you don’t go over budget. HHHH

Dining in the new normal Romance is on the menu at SM Megamall’s The Glass Garden. Make it a date with your loved one in a glass house amid lush greens until February 14 at the Mega Atrium.

A joint project with Smart and Respira Plants, SM Megamall’s The Glass Garden has four glass houses decorated with premium ornamental plants, which also serve as natural air purifiers. The area is an environmentalist’s dream: a high ceiling for good ventilation, air pockets in each glasshouse, and—of course—glass houses amid abundant greens.

Each glass house can accommodate a maximum of two persons to practice safe distancing. And of course, safety protocols are in place—alcohol dispensers and the accessibility of Trace Together QR code for

touchless contact tracing. Each set of customers is allotted two hours for sanitation of the glass house before and after every use. Likewise, all participating restaurants follow health and safety protocols.

Dine at The Glass Garden with specialties from your favorite SM Megamall restaurants. These include Amici, Gumbo, Gringo, Bag O’ Shrimps, Chili’s, Yabu, Kichitora of Tokyo, Genki Sushi, Superbowl of China, Mesa, and The French Baker.

Reserve a table online at bit.ly/DineAtTheGlass Garden to experience a unique dining experience at The Glass Garden at SM Megamall.

The mall is open from 10 am to 9 pm daily, with The Glass Garden’s available slots at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm.

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make your point clear when dealing with a friend or relative, but don’t let your temper escalate.

How well you deal with controversy will determine the outcome. Diplomacy and mindfulness will pay off. HHH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Consider what makes you happy, and head in that direction.

The effort you put in to improve your lifestyle, handling of money and going after a job you enjoy will help you achieve your goal. HHH

Kichitora of Tokyo’s Black Garlic Paitan Ramen

Birthday Baby: You are benevolent, charming and impulsive.

You are fair and proud.

‘party refreshments’ by rob gonsalves and jennifer lim The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 URL starter 5 Opposite of remove 8 Former Israeli PM Yitzhak 13 2021 or 2022 14 Copacabana’s Brazilian city, informally 15 Like 1937’s A Star is Born, four times 16 Chicken piece that’s simple to cook?

18 “Just watch me!”

19 Singer ___ King Cole 20 Cheese in red wax 21 Snitch 22 ___ Express (fastest train in North America) 24 Small portion of macaroni?

28 Place emphasis on 30 Manipulate 31 “Dear” 32 Muscle-bone connector 35 Dubuque’s state 36 Glass of ale, after being knocked over?

39 “Right on!”

41 Synonym and partner of “cease”

42 Fish-and-chips fish 43 Greek T 45 Halloween goodies 49 Autobiography for a competitive dessert eater?

53 Give the OK for 54 For fear that 55 Like a shoppe 57 Quoth the Raven ‘Nevermore’ writer 58 Croaky 60 Pregame festivity site, and a hint to the inserted letters at the starred answers’ ends 62 More avant-garde 63 Off-road ride, briefly 64 Law & Order: SVU costar 65 Words of acceptance 66 Source of gourmet salt 67 Tamagotchi and planking, once DOWN 1 “Laughing” carnivores 2 Cause of a 1773 Boston revolt 3 Food sampler 4 Be too nosy 5 Dry as dust

6 Blues great Washington 7 Religious doctrine 8 Cookbook entry 9 Electric range maker 10 One hits the backboard 11 Bouncers check them 12 The Matrix hero 15 Guitar phrases 17 Animal in a pop song?

23 Divulge 25 Pulmonary pair 26 Roadside rescue 27 Santa ___, California 29 Sketch show on NBC 33 Decorated 34 Number of capital letters in this clue 35 Maker of expensive chips 36 Warning signs 37 Cherry center 38 Tel Aviv’s land 39 Often-injured knee part, for short 40 Me, in Marseille 43 Coin flips 44 Caption for a diet ad’s second photo 46 Llama kin

7 Sounded, like a horn 4 48 Halloween goodies 50 Like the movie Get Out 51 Minute amounts 52 Fill with great joy 56 Prima donna 58 Casual e-mail opener 59 It may be addressed to someone 61 Animated pic Solution to Wednesday’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Friday, February 12, 2021

Locked down in ‘Memories of Forgetting’ ALDEN RICHARDS

WATCH TV ON-THE-GO FOR FREE WITH EXCLUSIVE INTERACTIVE FEATURES

WATCH TV on-the-go for free and enjoy exclusive interactive features with GMA Network’s game-changing device: GMA Now. Innovating Filipinos’ viewing experience anew via this plug-and-play dongle, GMA Now is a mobile digital TV receiver that allows Android smartphone users to watch the live broadcast of GMA, GMA News TV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop and, soon, DepEd TV, as well as other free-to-air channels available in their area.

Consumers can download the GMA Now app from Google Play Store to register for free and attach the GMA Now dongle to your smartphone.

Moreover, the technology also allows users to enjoy exclusive interactive features while connected to the Internet.

On the GMA Videos-On-Demand tab, the user can catch up or binge-watch past episodes of their favorite GMA shows, plus stream exclusive content whenever they want.

GMA Now also comes with its exclusive messaging service Groupee Chat, which allows viewers to create groups and chat with family and friends while watching GMA programs. Soon, they can also get the latest updates on their favorite shows via this feature.

Bringing entertainment to a whole new level are GMA Now’s Interactive Promos where users can join fun quizzes and polls for a chance to win prizes weekly.

The network’s white-hot star Alden Richards is the face of GMA Now, and the actor shares how much he enjoys using the network’s latest digital TV product.

“Bilib ako sa portability and the convenience GMA Now offers. Kahit saan ako mag-punta, as long as within the coverage area, I get to watch GMA shows. May feature rin na pwede mong balikan ’yung previous episodes through video-on-demand, so it will really keep you entertained while you’re on standby or commuting. Not only that, it also has features where you can chat and watch the shows along with your friends, or even join exclusive promos and win prizes,” said Alden.

For only P649 with no monthly fees, GMA Now is available in portions of Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao and Cagayan de Oro. It works with any Android smartphone that runs on Android OS Marshmallow (Android 6.0) or higher, Dual Core 1Ghz CPU, and USB OTG support. GMA Now is also set to be available soon for iPhone users.

“As the country’s leading broadcast network, it is only fitting that we continue to improve our content and innovate our digital TV products. This is our way of expressing gratitude to our loyal followers for their unceasing support.

We are proud to say that GMA Now is the first mobile DTT receiver to combine traditional TV with the advantages of interactivity via the Internet. This product was developed by our digital media and technology arm GMA New Media Inc. with the Filipino viewers in mind as we adapt to their evolving needs and interests,” shared GMA Network Inc. Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.

Viewers also have the chance to win GMA Now devices while watching All-Out Sundays. They must submit their photo along with full name, address, e-mail address, mobile number, and birth date to www.gmanetwork.com/AOS_ GMA_. The promo runs every Sunday until February 21.

GMA Now is available online via the official GMA Store on Lazada and Shopee, or tech and gadget stores.

More information is available at www.gmanow.tv.

A

YOUNG man wakes up to the sound of coffee. He walks to a mother combing her hair in front of her mirror. The young man tells her mother how lovely she is.

The room where they are is as cozy and welcoming as good memories. The woman stands near the windows, their shutters half-closed. The young man chomps mindlessly on a banana. This is domestic life, where the world is alive and everything is alright.

This safe life, however, does not open the film, Joselito Altarejos’s Memories of Forgetting. There is an epilogue at the start, in black and white—the low, low angle of a man’s feet threatening to engulf us immediately with the sensation of being a captive, framed. This man in the film within a film, a smaller frame within the bigger frame of the current cinema, will start to paint. He is trying to draw a figure of the diwata—the elusive Enchanted Woman of folklore.

The film rendered in black and white is taken from Altarejos’s old film, Ang Lalaki sa Parola.

We see next a man running after another man.

They meet and go home together. Is this the past? The lovemaking that follows is violent. It is no more sex than a bout. When the passion and the heat are over, the two talk about their past. But, like the sex, this is no more recalling than confronting each other. Guilt and goading follow. Recriminations and explanations are wild footnotes to the two men trying to make sense of the chapter of love—and lust—between them.

My straight (oh, please, allow me this pun!) narration of Altarejos’s latest work is not doing any justice to the sensations and bravura of the film.

As with any memory, Altarejos makes sure there are no time markers to guide us in tracking the lives of two men, or a man with his own memories. Images after images swarm and we simply need to live in them, feel them, and not even understand them.

Some of the pictures can overwhelm because they do not fit the world that we are anticipating to form.

Remembering is ruled by the mind and the mind in this case is that of a young man.

In memories, places blur, geographies are at times altered. In memories, this young man trying to recover the past forgets one thing—that a person shifts in the alter narrative.

An image collapses what seems like a series of objects, persons and landscapes into meanings. The meanings, of course, like in memories, are furtive and fast. They disappear as soon as they appear. I am tempted to re-call the Japanese aesthetics of mono-noaware, the ultimate principles in ephemerality: things are beautiful because they do not last. Turn it around for assurance: it will not last and, thus, its beauty.

But what are memories if they do not last?

Altarejos, thank goodness, allows us at least to have a core in what could have been just a collection of tactile and moving surroundings. The core of the story is in this man, locked down and locked in at home. It is not a choice and we are not surprised, for in many works of Altarejos human beings are at the mercy of forbidding structures. There is the society—and its

new technologies—not ever ready about boys loving each other, as in Unfriend. There is the couple not allowed to be with each other forever, as in Kasal. Then there is the boy experimenting with his sexuality but violently abused by the very person who should celebrate the experimentation, which is the way to discovery of true self and sexuality, in Ang Lihim ni Antonio.

Then, of course, like in Pink Halo-Halo, the noble ancestor of this long line of cinema about men loving other men, there are the women—the mothers and aunts—who understand in silence sometimes, or in their own griefs, why men who love men suffer.

This motif of the mother (in Ang Lihim ni Antonio, Antonio’s mother kills the abuser of her son) finds an embodiment in the mother of the young man in this film about forgetting. And as the mother, Dexter Doria is an arresting presence: she is flamboyant in gestures while recalling her years away from home but nobly refined with her love for the son. In a magical scene, music arises from a player somewhere.

It is an old kundiman, called “Babalik Ka Rin,” by Constancio de Guzman. The young man stands up and interrupts a mundane act of forgetting (the mother can’t recall where she has placed her ATM card and has already blamed the whole world for it). The young man puts his left hand behind his back, stretches the right hand to the mother, who accepts the hand.

They dance. As they move around the tight space, the son rests his head closer to his mother as the latter embraces him tight. She moves her lips, uttering words of assurance. Like in memories, words and conversations get muffled but the scenario from any past is as clear as the love on that day.

As the young man, Noel Escondo has the raw energy to keep on asking what went wrong in the past. It is the same rawness that manifests through the vulnerability that makes him the man of memory par-excellence. He is as blameless as any man with a gift to remember, and yet he is also the person we

wish would stop remembering for his own sake.

We know, however, he would succeed in forgetting because as his Young Man says, we add many things in our memories, details that were not there, because this leads to forgetting.

Altarejos’s Memories of Forgetting is particularly significant because the events being remembered are all triggered by the conditions of the pandemic.

In dialogues, we overhear the quarantines—all kinds of it. We also see the two young men discussing the absence of the government. But what makes this film extraordinary is its employ of the production design and the camera, which indulges us with a terrifically imagistic cinema. We have shots of stairwells and staircases that do not appear to allow exits and entrances. Lines of walls crisscross and shoot up to tiny apertures letting in the blue sky or, maybe, some artificial light. Hallways are photographed in blistering red and pus yellow, a menacing backdrop to a man with a bouquet of flowers looking up to a sweet but nevertheless scary phantasm of the past.

The last frame, the one that puts closure to this film, is again taken from the old film. The scene happens in front of the grave. Is Death the only end to memories? The film fortunately does not subscribe to that. It accesses the strength of human agency, where the old man tells the young artist—the one who tries to imagine the Diwata—that our existence does not depend on the understanding of the others... pang-unawa ng iba. What matters is the freedom of our selves, ang kalayaan ng sarili. What saves Memories of Forgetting from being didactic is how the last scene is taken from another old movie. It is not anymore the film about memories but the filmmaker re-thinking the truths in his old film, adding details, discovering new lessons about self and freedom. He is the exorcist who finds out too soon the Devil is truly in the details.

The film costars Jonathan Ivan Rivera. Written and directed by Joselito Altarejos, Memories of Forgetting is produced by 2076 Kolektib. ■

the most timid and unsure of himself. It didn’t help too that the lighting and even his curtain backdrop during the Zoom press conference was a bit abi-smal (see what I did there?). But make no mistake, Abi declared that he is ready to face the challenges posed should he win. His shyness can also be a plus for him as it will fit to the uke or bottom trope of the genre.

Then there’s Shoichi Oka, also a product of Pinoy Big Brother. He actually looks like the love child of Jake Zyrus and Joao Constancia, and chinito lovers will have a field day with him. He is also the “baby among the contenders but, for me, the most game.

In fact, when there was a rather naughty question thrown in by one of the press people during the media event, he volunteered to be the first to answer. He is charming without him even knowing it. Some may argue that he looks too young for either lead role but the way he handled those zinger questions would make you think twice.

Eian Rances is also vying for your votes and based on his Instagram account, he’s got it all—the looks, the body and that naughty demeanor that should make him a shoo-in for the role. He is a matinee idol in the making which may work to his disadvantage as some

voters might want him go the usual love team route to launch him but, hey, it has worked for BL actors JC Alcantara, Kokoy de los Santos and Royce Cabrera, so why can’t it work for Eian too, right?

Also campaigning for votes is Tan Roncal, who is also 16 years old like Saochi but looks mature for his age so that’s a plus. What may work for him is his attitude toward this contest, because even though he says he is doing his best to win and prepare for the role, the most important thing for him is that he’s having fun while doing it. Plus points for Tan! And then there’s Gian Wang. He too was a Star Hunt dreamer and seems to be the most mature of the boys.

He talks in a deep, assured voice and, unlike Tan who seems to be taking this voting somewhat casually, Gian is admittedly competitive. It is in his nature, he said in the media conference. And based on his KUMU livestreams, this competitiveness is working to his advantage as he comes across very sensible and primed for the roles at stake.

Anyway, show love to either Gian, Tan, Eian, Shoichi or Abi by going to KUMU or ktx to vote for one of them. Or you can vote for all of them! If you ask me, they all deserve to be part of Pa-Mine, Pare!

Looking for the next big thing in BL genre

TWENTY-TWENTY was such a chaotic year but a lot of people have found peace and escapism via the socalled BL or Boys Love shows.

This subgenre which features homoerotic love stories started back in the 1990s (though its origins can be found even decades before in 1970s manga comics) but only made its way to the Philippine mainstream last year, no small thanks to the pandemic and the charming 2Gether The Series. Since then, as of the unofficial count of yours truly, there are almost 50 BL projects that either have been streamed or aired, or are in production.

One to premiere soon is Pa-Mine, Pare!, a project of the ABS-CBN TV Digital Group (TVDG) that will revolve around two boys, Anton and Davie, who have been best friends and business partners for years. But a kiss will reveal something more about themselves— and their relationship. So says the press release.

Anyway, to give the genre a twist, TVDG is giving fans the power to choose its lead stars, and even its ending.

Between now and February 21, fans are given the chance to vote and choose among Star Magic and Star Hunt’s Gian Wang, Eian Rances, Shoichi Oka, Tan Roncal, and Ali Abinal for the roles of Anton and Davie.

These boys are vying for their votes, actively posting on their social-media accounts and going on KUMU to livestream and campaign for themselves on why they should win. The contest seems unpredictable as all of them seem to be on equal footing, so let’s meet the boys one by one.

First up is Abi Abinal. With his stints in both Star Hunt Academy and Pinoy Big Brother, it seems Abi is used to competing—but based on the media press conference to publicize this project, he seems to be

B5

B6 Friday, February12, 2021

Farm introduces game changer to assist rice farmers

EDC, UP expand partnership on biodiversity conservation

AT THE VIRTUAL SIGNING CEREMONY, FROM LEFT: UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo, EDC Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations Head Atty. Allan V. Barcena, EDC President and COO Richard Tantoco, (bottom, L to R) UP College of Science Dean Dr. Giovanni A. Tapang, and UP Institute of Biology Director Dr. Ian Kendrich Fontanilla for the continued partnership between EDC and UP in further conserving and protecting biodiversity.

L

OPEZ-LED geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the country’s premiere state-university, University of the Philippines (UP), have formally continued its partnership as they inked the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the expanded Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring Program (BCMP) III on 29 January 2021.

The continued partnership between EDC and UP, which started more than a decade ago, was formally sealed in a ceremonial MOA signing via Zoom, led

by EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Richard B. Tantoco and UP Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo.

Tantoco said EDC has been an institution that has faith for UP and that it will continue to support the University in its endeavors especially for its sciencebased activities that aim to protect and conserve the environment.

“Now that we have such a propitious relationship, I am happy to extend and expand what we have into the future.

Many discoveries have been made by our partnership and many more “best practices'' will be developed, [and it] all started with chance encounters. And if

we continue to work collaboratively, to conserve and understand the biodiversity that surrounds us, I cannot emphasize enough how much good our partnership can bring as we continue to look for ways to help Mother Earth,” Tantoco said.

The BCMP I and II, which started in 2008 and 2012, respectively, have so far resulted in greater knowledge and understanding of the rich flora and fauna that thrive within the EDC’s geothermal facilities including the Golden Flying Fox in Negros and Bicol, the tarsiers in Leyte, and the Philippine Eagle in Mt. Apo. For its third phase, which is scheduled to be implemented starting this year until 2024, the program will focus on Biodiversity Metrics, Flagship Species Initiative, Flora Conservation, Botanical Treasures and the establishment of the UP-Institute of Biology (UPIB)-EDC Biodiversity Hub. Nemenzo, for his part, acknowledged the fruitful collaboration between the two institutions and recognized the benefits it brought not only to EDC but also to UP. Through the partnership, according to Nemenzo, UP was able to contribute to its mandate as a research and public service university. The UP Chancellor said he is looking forward to the productive

years of the partnership.

Nemenzo, likewise, paid tribute to the pioneering works of three outstanding scientists -- the late Dr. Perry Ong, Dr. Leonard Co, and Dr. Daniel Lagunsad -- who paved the way for the partnership between UP and EDC and whose works are still of valuable contribution to the development of biodiversity conservation and monitoring.

“In the next year of this partnership, our hope is to honor what these pioneers have built and expand BCMP’s contribution to EDC, [to] UP, the science of biodiversity conservation and the wider Philippine society in general. Maraming salamat, EDC, for your faith and trust in UP. I am excited to see the fruits of this collaboration and look forward to at least four more years of partnership between UP and EDC,” Nemenzo said during the ceremonial MOA signing held via Zoom.

EDC’s over 1,499MW total installed capacity accounts for 20% percent of the country’s total installed RE capacity while its 1,204.67MW geothermal portfolio accounts for 62 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity and has put the Philippines on the map as the 3rd largest geothermal producer in the world.

SPAG strengthens its foothold in PH with business expension and appointment

AMAN Gupta, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SPAG PRIYANKA bajpai, spag regional head, sea

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WARD-WINNING global public relations and advocacy firm, SPAG, strengthens its business foothold in Asia with onboarding of new leadership as part of its growing commitment to the Philippines market and meet the increasing demands of sectors like healthcare, technology, consumer, and start-ups in the country.

SPAG offers clients agile, innovative marketing-communication solutions rooted in the understanding of the Asian market including industry expertise, technical knowledge, regulatory ecosystem, and consumer behavior. Guided by data and insights, SPAG values realism and truthful communication, be it to its clients or the public.

To champion the growth of SPAG in the Philippines, SPAG has hired Epifannie Gonzales who brings with her numerous

years of experience in public relations, account management, and media relations. Gonzales will work closely with Priyanka Bajpai, SPAG Regional Head, on growing the firm’s footprint in the nation.

"With our goal to have a strong presence in the country and bring a collaborative approach to the local market, we are confident that Gonzales's knowledge and network will be an advantage in driving new business and adding value to the brand," said Bajpai.

The hiring of Gonzales corresponds with SPAG’s business growth strategy of acquiring top talent with unparalleled expertise and solid experience in the industry. “I am very pleased to be part of SPAG and I am looking forward to make this collaboration fruitful. With the agency’s world-class communication strategies and excellent people, I hope to add value to the team by catering to

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MANGATAREM, Pangasinan-based farm is set to assist rice farmers hone their craft, eventually eradicate their traditional practice of borrowing money and gain the ultimate fruits of their labor.

Our Farm Republic (OFR) is an integrated and diversified farm which promotes modern techniques and best practices among rice farmers through the support of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) - envisioned to be the game changer in the rice farming industry in the country. Run by the Santiago Family led by Lea Santiago, founder and head, which acquired the farm in the 1990s, OFR is set to stamp out “gawat”, or the Ilocano term for scarcity - the traditional practice of rice farmers wherein they would borrow money to buy food for their families, even though they’re farming food.

Mangatarem is considered the rice granary of Pangasinan, but farmers are in debt and don’t even have money to buy their own rice. “I don’t want to hear farmers suffering because they don’t have anything to eat even though they themselves produce food,” she lamented.

“I’ve always believed that there is money in agriculture. It will remain a sunrise industry,” Santiago said.

Santiago was Sangguniang Kabataan head, barangay kagawad and Marikina councilor. After her term, she attended training programs including the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Training Institute when the family acquired the farm.

Officials from both the DA and ATI urged her to transform their family’s farm into a learning site or farm school which she heeded. She then converted OFR into a farm school because she knew that farmers here are hungry for this kind of technology and the good practices they get from training.

Santiago upgraded OFR as a DA-accredited Organic Techno-Demo Farm, an ATI Learning Site for Agriculture, and a farm tourism site accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The farm has also been certified as

following the Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the Philippines. Today, the farm orients farmers on farm tourism, good agricultural practices, organic farming to rice production.

With the support of the Rice Extension Services Program (RESP) of RCEF, OFR provided free training to 75 farmers last year on the latest methods and technologies on producing high-quality inbred rice, seed certification, farm mechanization and financial literacy ­­­ under the Farmer Field School (FFS) program.

The RCEF-FFS program is supported by the DA - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), ATI, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

On the side, the program teaches smarter financial management among farmers from counting their expenses, their labor, the time they spend on their farm, and the rent they pay. The farm teaches them to include this in their costing ans eventually transform them into “agripreneurs.” Furthermore, the program enlightens trainees on being good stewards of the earth. “Pandemics like the one we’re experiencing now will not disappear completely if we don’t hold ourselves responsible, if we don’t care for the earth. If we don’t fix our lifestyle, we will continue to have these viruses and diseases,” Santiago said.

Farmers with at least a hectare of property are encouraged to attend trainings.

Owners of farm sites can earn up to Php 140,000.00 per month for a batch of 25 students.Farm school will also receive support in attracting students, with ATI and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) providing scholarships and additional incentives for farm schools in order to fast-track the modernization of farming practices nationwide. Interested parties can contact the DA-ATI at 0920-946-2474.

SM FOUNDATION, PHILIPPINE RED CROSS CONDUCT A BLOODLETTING ACTIVITY IN QC. In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, SM Foundation (SMFI) recently conducted a bloodletting activity at the Red Cross Novaliches District Center Satellite Office in Quezon City. The SMFI also provided free medicines and other medical services—x-ray and ECG, among others—for the residents in the said area. Wearing of face masks and other safety equipment, and observance of social distancing were ensured throughout the run of this social good effort.

Exciting no-expiry data is now available via GCash

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OBILE data users may now rejoice as no-expiry data is here that would unstop what’s holding them back with innovative ways to access the internet.

Customers can now use the GCash app to buy the 5G-ready Gomo Sim card through the GCash GLife section. From February 8-14, new users can purchase a Gomo Sim with 30GB of no expiry data for just P299 through a GCash exclusive promo (that’s extra 5GB data than their regular offer!). Those who purchase through the app can also enjoy free delivery.

GCash may also be used by existing subscribers to purchase additional no expiry data.

Another option for customers is purchasing through GrabMart. Availing via Gomo GrabMart store on the Grab app will allow users to get their 5G-ready sim card delivered in as little as an hour for select areas in Metro Manila. Customers can also enjoy free delivery with the code GOMOFRDEL. The Gomo GrabMart store is open from 9am-5pm daily, except on Sundays. Service fee applies.

“With Gomo we make things simple so that we can do more awesome things,” shared Eric Tanbauco, Head of Gomo. “And now, we’re expanding our channels to reach more people so they can enjoy our services.”

To learn more, check out the website at gomo.ph.

EPIFANNIE Gonzales, SPAG Associate Account Director, Philippines partner clients and delivering valuable impact to the firm,” said Gonzales.

Aman Gupta, Managing Partner of SPAG, said: “This expansion is an essential move for the organization as we continue to transform our business in the region and extend our specialist approach to various industries. The Philippines being one of the fastest growing economies will definitely bolster our current foothold across Asia and help us continue with our global growth ambition.”

SPAG foresees a continuous incline in its business trajectory in 2021.

Alongside Philippines, the firm has strengthened its presence in other markets, namely Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. With a three-fold growth outside of the Indian market in 2020, the firm is set to expand its presence into Europe and the US in 2025.

ANTONIO M. Claparols, President and CEO of JRS BUSINESS CORPORATION receives the Gawad Filipino Bayaning Filipino Frontliners Award from EuroTV Philippines,President Ms. Luanne Zabala Peñano on December 15, 2020. The Gawad Filipino Bayaning Filipino Award honors various individuals that shows courageous heroic deeds in terms of their advocacies to help our countrymen during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sports BusinessMirror

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph / Editor: Jun Lomibao

Mori expected to resign as Tokyo Games head over sexist remarks

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OKYO—The long saga of Yoshiro Mori appears to be near the end.

Japan’s Kyodo news agency and others reported on Thursday—citing unnamed sources—that Yoshiro Mori will step down on Friday as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee.

The move follows his sexist comments about women more than a week ago, and an ensuing and rare public debate in Japan about gender equality, A decision is expected to be announced on Friday when the organizing committee’s executive board meets. The executive board of Tokyo 2020 is overwhelming male, as is the day-to-day leadership.

The 83-year-old Mori, in a meeting of the Japanese Olympic Committee more than a week ago, essentially said that women “talk too much” and are driven by a “strong sense of rivalry.” Mori, a former prime minister, gave a grudging apology a few days later after his opinions were reported, but declined to resign.

This is more than just another problem for the postponed Olympics, which have made the risky choice of trying to open on July 23 in the middle of a pandemic with 11,000 athletes— and later, 4,400 Paralympic athletes.

More than 80 percent of the Japanese public in recent polls say the Olympics should be postponed or canceled.

Mori’s remarks have drawn outrage from many

quarters and have put the spotlight on how far Japan lags behind other prosperous countries in advancing women in politics or the boardrooms. Japan stands 121st out of 153 in the World Economic Forum’s gender equality rankings.

Though some on the street have called for him to resign—several hundred Olympic volunteers say they are withdrawing— most decision makers have stopped short of this and have simply condemned his remarks. Japan is a country that works largely on consensus with politicians—often elderly and male— acting behind the scenes and leaking trial balloons to sense public sentiment.

Here are samples of comments and observations about what has been playing out as pressure has mounted on Mori.

AKIO TOYODA, president of Toyota Motor Corp.

Toyota is one of 14 so-called Olympic TOP sponsors that pay about $1 billion every fouryear Olympic cycle to the International Olympic Committee. The company seldom speaks out on politics, but this week President Akio Toyoda said: “The [Mori] comment is different from our values, and we find it regrettable.” Toyota and Coca-Cola are also major sponsors of the torch relay, which is to being on March 25. Toyota has not called for Mori to resign. but its comments have received headline attention. AP

Pressure pushes 2020 champ Kenin out of Australian Open

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ELBOURNE, Australia—Sofia Kenin knew this would be a tough test at the Australian Open, a potentially early end to her first attempt to defend a Grand Slam title.

Upon realizing she probably would be playing big-hitting veteran Kaia Kanepi in the second round, Kenin acknowledged, she “maybe kind of broke down a little bit.”

Kenin was right to be worried. And, with Kanepi at her best, this one was over quickly.

Delivering 10 aces, Kanepi powered her way past the No. 4-seeded Kenin, overwhelming the 2020 champion, 6-3, 6-2, in just 64 minutes on Thursday.

SOFIA KENIN: I obviously felt like I’m not there 100 percent. AP

“I obviously felt like I’m not there 100 percent—physically, mentally, my game.

Everything just feels real off, obviously. It’s not good,” Kenin said at her news conference, where she wiped away tears.

“I mean, I just—I know I couldn’t really handle the pressure,” she said.

There’s very little that’s subtle about Kanepi’s game, and there wasn’t much nuance in the way she described her approach to this match: “I served really well today. I think this helped a lot. My game plan was to play aggressive, as I normally do.”

That pretty much sums it up.

Kanepi said her winning performance wasn’t merely a case of taking advantage of Kenin’s nerves because “I was nervous, too...playing the defending champion, that was the thought.”

This was certainly a significant upset based on rankings: Kanepi, an Estonian, is currently 65th. And based on past accomplishments: In addition to her title at Melbourne Park, Kenin reached the French Open final last year, while Kanepi is 0-6 in Grand Slam quarterfinals.

But the result did make some sense.

After all, Kanepi, 35, had beaten Kenin, 22, in their only previous matchup, part of why this was not a contest the American was looking forward to. Plus, Kanepi has been successful against some of the best on the biggest stages, with seven victories over Top 10 opponents at Grand Slam tournaments, including against then-No. 1 Simona Halep at the 2018 US Open. AP

SEN. Manny Pacquiao (left) reveals the identity of his next opponent.

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By Josef Ramos

IGHT division world champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao revealed to BusinessMirror on Thursday an ongoing negotiation between his camp and that of former world champion Mikey Garcia on their potential fight tentatively set in May in Dubai.

“We are still finalizing it and we have ongoing negotiations with Mikey Garcia, Terence Crawford

PACQUIAO VS. MIKEY, NOT RYAN

and Errol Spence Jr.,” Pacquiao said in an interview during the senator’s relief operations at the Northstar Shipping and Marine Services near the Baseco compound in Tondo.

Although Pacquiao divulged no other details, BusinessMirror learned that the 33-yearold American Garcia (40-1 win-loss record with 30 knockouts) would most likely be the Filipino icon’s next opponent with Paradigm Sports Management under President and CEO Audie Attar drawing the contracts.

Garcia lost to undefeated Errol Spence Jr. via unanimous decision last March 16, 2019, to relinquish his International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight belt and the vacant World Boxing Council diamond welterweight belt at the Arlington Stadium in Texas.

But Garcia returned to the ring last February 29, 2020, and scored a unanimous decision victory over former Pacquiao foe, Jessie Vargas, at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, California.

Pacquiao said that his supposed crossover fight with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstar Conor McGregor in April would have to wait for now after the Irishman was badly beaten

by Dustin Poirier last January 24 via a second-round technical knockout in Abu Dhabi.

“He [McGregor] will be fighting a tuneup or he will be having a rematch [with Poirier] first,” added the 42-year-old Pacquiao (62-7-2 win-loss-draw with 39 knockouts) whose last fight was in July 20, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada, winning by split decision over Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao announced earlier that he already returned to training camp, but close aide David Sisson said that Pacquiao has just started jogging around Forbes Park in Makati City.

Pacquiao also expressed no interest in fighting unbeaten 22-year-old American Ryan Garcia (21-0 record with 18 knockouts).

“He is too young, he looks like my son,” said Pacquiao as he rode on his Black Escalade Cadillac SUV on the way to host Willie Revillame’s Wil Tower in Quezon City.

Pacquiao was earlier stripped of his welterweight title by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and was instead declared as “Champion in Recess.” The WBA handed the crown to Cuban Yordenis Ugas.

Tanduay, Timberwolves forge partnership

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HE Minnesota Timberwolves became the latest team from the National Basketball Association (NBA) to enter into a partnership with Tanduay.

“As a global brand, we love bringing the world closer together, having fans experience flavors or products they haven’t tried before and offer something we know they’ll love,” said Ryan Tanke, Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx.

“It’s an honor to partner with the world’s topselling rum. A strong heritage is key to building loyal fans and it’s a shared value within our brand cultures,” Tanke added.

Tanduay President and COO Lucio Tan III said that they are privileged to partner with the Wolves.

Governor: Transgender athletes will ‘destroy women’s sports’

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ASHVILLE, Tennessee—Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Wednesday that transgender girls should be banned from playing on middle and high-school sports teams or they will “destroy women’s sports.”

“I do believe that transgenders participating in women’s sports will destroy women’s sports,” Lee, who is up for reelection next year, told reporters. “It will ruin the opportunity for girls to earn scholarships. It will put a glass ceiling back over women that hasn’t been there in some time. I think it’s bad for women and for women’s sports.”

Lee’s comments come as Tennessee Republicans began advancing a proposal this week requiring student athletes to prove that the student’s sex matches the student’s “original” birth certificate in order to participate in public school sports. If a birth certificate is unavailable, then the parents must provide another form of evidence “indicating the student’s sex at the time of birth.”

Lee stopped short of promising to sign the legislation should it come to his desk, but instead reiterated that he believe transgender athletes would put “a glass ceiling back over women that hasn’t been there in some time.”

Tennessee is one of a dozen states with lawmakers backing restrictions on athletics or gender-confirming health care for trans minors this year. The proposals come as a growing number of state high-school athletic associations in the US have enabled transgender athletes to play on teams based on their gender identity, and the NCAA has trans-inclusive guidelines for all its member schools. AP

Single mom Alvarez determined to win One ‘The Apprentice’

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ara Pearl Alvarez believes motherhood is not a setback for Circle and corporate ambitions as she vies in “The Apprentice: One Championship Edition” scheduled to premiere next month.

The unique take on the iconic reality television show produced

by Asia’s largest martial arts organization is a slight departure from One’s usual content of hosting martial arts extravaganzas.

One of the “candidates” chosen to participate in the competition is Alvarez, a single mother who was born and bred and based in Baguio City. She shared her experience participating on the show and revealed why she joined “The Apprentice.”

“I wanted to give my son a better life, that’s what compelled me to try and audition for ‘The Apprentice,” Alvarez said. “At the time, I didn’t really imagine I could get in. But I was determined to give it a shot.”

“So when I got the news that I was accepted, I was in shock. I just couldn’t believe it. But I was super happy I got in, and from there, I was motivated to succeed,” she added.

When Alvarez got pregnant by her then-boyfriend at 22, it wasn’t exactly what she had planned for her life. Like many of her colleagues at Team Lakay, Alvarez had trained to become a martial artist, learning the discipline of wushu and wanting to compete.

The child’s father ended up abandoning Alvarez even before the boy was born. But with the help of her family, Alvarez took on the enormous

Friday, February 12, 2021 B7

LARA PEARL ALVAREZ is a single mom mixed martial artist.

responsibility of being a single parent.

“The Apprentice: One Championship Edition’s” first season premieres in March and consists of 13 episodes.

Alvarez was one of 16 selected from thousands of applicants to compete for a $250,000 job offer to work directly under One Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

“As we expand into new markets, we also create new relationships with organizations that share our commitment to bringing the best to our consumers. We are proud to have found that partner in the Minnesota Timberwolves,” Tan said.

Tanduay will have TV-visible courtside rotation LED and basket pad LED signage, pole pads and arena signage bearing its iconic name and logo. Custom Timberwolves-Tanduay co-brand packaging for rums will also be released in Minnesota.

The Timberwolves are the fourth NBA team that Tanduay has partnered with. It has existing partnerships with the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks. It is also finalizing a new partnership with another NBA team.

The proudly Philippine-made rum credits its domination of the international rum market to its partnerships with leading distributors and organizations. In 2020, it was declared the World’s No. 1 Rum by Drinks International for the third consecutive year.

It was also awarded “Brand of the Year” in the rum category by the Global Advisory Council of the World Branding Forum for the sixth consecutive year.

Tanduay has also consistently received recognitions from leading wines and spirits competitions. In 2020, it received top honors in China’s G100 International Wine & Spirits Awards, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Beverage Testing Institute and Concours Mondial.

THE Timberwolves are Tanduay’s fourth partner in the National Basketball Association.

Motoring BusinessMirror

B8 Friday, February 12, 2021

Editor: Tet Andolong

Maxus rolls out the D60 compact SUV

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Story by Randy S. Peregrino

AXUS Philippines recently rolled out its newest addition to the country’s growing lineup—the D60 compact SUV. The introduction of the brand’s first SUV in the lineup will also enter the hotlycontested segment.

With the D60’s Double Layer Welding Technology, the overall strength and quality of its exterior structure are ensured in order to give its customers peace of mind behindthe-wheel. Truly a safe and solid drive to the Max.

Value-for-money

The stylish Maxus D60 compact SUV in radiant Competitive Orange shade

reflects the bold, active, and dynamic urban lifestyle of young professionals and growing families. Emphasized at the front is the brand’s distinctively octagonal front grille.

Accentuated by the Elite variant’s cobweb grille pattern, it is complemented by the matrix-style full LED headlights and streamer tail lights at the rear. Those character lines, sharp profiles, metallic accents, and dark trim bottom panels suit well the eye-catching 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The sophisticated and spacious cabin

In its first virtual launch event for the year, Maxus Philippines dubbed the trendy D60 compact SUV as ‘Solid to the Max’, which shows that the exclusive importer and distributor of British-bred vehicles in the country might have truly issued its boldest statement yet.

“The D60 is what every young and active urban professional expects to see and feel, in a compact SUV. But because it’s a Maxus, these expectations are well exceeded. The bold

and dynamic design perfectly suits modern lifestyle trends, while the power, performance, comfort, and safety features keep its owners and passengers ahead of the curve,” said Maxus Philippines president Felipe Estrella.

The stylish look

Available in 1.5T Pro and the 1.5T Elite variants, the D60 exterior is based on the trendy “Maxus Tarantula Concept.” This design perfectly

Car seat vs seat belt; Skyway 3 connector

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HE new child car seat law was stopped on its tracks but not after it got pelted with tons of criticisms by angry netizens.

For one, it lacked information dissemination. For another, it has provisions that are obviously impractical, if not utterly illogical.

Agencies tasked to inform the public of the new law’s implementation were brazenly remiss in their duties.

Imagine enforcing its implementation without us being sufficiently briefed about the ruling’s nuances.

Bottom line: Their failure to inform was a recipe for disaster.

Consider: The law says that 12-year-olds and below and standing 4-feet-11 and below must be harnessed on car seats.

When Tiang Amy Perez, during her ABS-CBN morning television program, told an LTO (Land Transportation Office) official surnamed Guinto that her son stands more than 4-feet-11 so that his head would hit the car ceiling when placed on the car seat, Guinto said: “You need to buy a bigger car, madam.”

Almost in an instant, Guinto was bamboozled by the public, many calling him stupid.

Guinto apologized, saying he said that only in jest.

Nice try, sir.

I like the car seat law, but only if it’s well-thought out before it gets implemented. Actually, the car seat law is long overdue here; it is being in force already worldwide for decades.

But in its present form, it has one loophole too many.

For example, many 12-year-old Filipinos today stand beyond 4-feet11.

A prime example is Kai Sotto, our strongest bet to crash into the NBA.

He is only 18 but already stands 7-feet-3—the reason he was drafted last year at Ignite, an NBA team in the G-League. When Kai was 12, he was already more than 5-feet tall.

Just imagine the height of his two younger siblings.

And why are they virtual skyscrapers?

Their father, Ervin Sotto, is 6-feet7, and a former PBA player. Their mother is 6-feet-2, and a former volleyball player.

A decent car seat is pegged at from P6,000 to as much as P30,000.

Quite a sum. What if there are three under-12 kids in the family? In these dire times, money is scarce.

Actually, the essence of the car seat law is to protect basically babies and toddlers in car crashes.

Perhaps, it’d be a bit wise if we lower the age to, maybe, seven years old and below?

I believe the seat belt will suffice as seven-year-olds are old enough to understand its usage.

Just a thought, of course. The thing is, there is need to revisit the law.

Skyway 3-NLEX

DON’T look now but San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has started work on a 1.2 kilometer road that will connect the 18-km Skyway Stage 3 to the ongoing 8-km NLEX connector project, a second elevated expressway that will further link the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila. The expressway project runs from C3 road all the way to Santa Mesa in Manila.

This, despite the pending rightof-way (ROW) negotiation that has delayed the construction of the vital link.

Here's San Miguel Corp.'s Jon

The sophisticated and spacious cabin

Highlighted at the center dashboard panel is the standard tabletlike eight-inch infotainment system with a myriad of connectivity functions for smartphones. Moreover, both variants come standard with rear air condition vents. Exclusive to the Elite version is additional comfort and convenience features such as keyless entry/push start, leather seats, and power-folding side mirrors.

The D60 also comes in two seatHernandez again, expounding on the project.

"SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang said the company is 'working on what’s workable' in order to mitigate delays in ROW acquisition for the connection, located at the Nagtahan to Sta. Mesa areas in Manila.

“The connection, part of the detailed engineering design of the Skyway 3 project, can be completed within 24 months or less as soon as the ROW issues with the landowners are resolved,” Ang said.

“This connection is vital because it will link two major expressways, Skyway Stage 3 and the Metro Pacific Tollways’ connector road project-making accessibility, interoperability, and ease of travel even better for the public.

"According to Ang, ROW acquisition was the single biggest constraint to the Skyway Stage 3 project. While advance work was started in 2014, actual work on the main sections 1-4 only started in 2015, because of ROW issues.

“The alignment for this connection to the NLEX connector project, which the Metro Pacific Tollways Group is building, was supposed to be built together with Section 2 of Skyway 3 in the Nagtahan to Sta. Mesa area.

“However, about two years since we first worked on workable areas for Skyway 3, the ROW issue in section 2 threatened to stall the project. That is why we proposed to realign Skyway 3 along the San Juan River, so that the project could be completed faster and provide a solution to traffic—not cause more of it,” Ang said.

The man is simply commendably unstoppable.

PEE STOP The Isuzu Bacoor dealership will open shortly after the contract to operate was signed with Isuzu Philippine Corporation's (IPC) top brass.

Signing for IPC were president Hajime Koso and executive VP Shojiro Sakoda, and for Bacoor COO Alex Paguio and branch head Valance Mauricio.

ing capacity options.

The five-seater configuration is for the 1.5T Pro while the 1.5T Elite gets the seven-seater setup. Both variants offer the perfect fit for a growing, active family’s everyday transport needs.

Solid and safe drive

Both variants are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder inline gasoline engine coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output ratings are 166 hp and 250 N-m of maximum torque, which are configured for both performance and fuel efficiency.

Safety-wise, the D60 offers a bevy of active and passive safety systems. Aside from the standard front dual and side airbags, there is ESP (electronic stabilization program), EPB (electronic parking brake) with auto hold, cruise control. Even a tire pressure monitoring system is standard. Further, parking is made easy thanks to reverse camera, rear park distance control (PDC), and an additional front PDC exclusive for the Elite variant.

The D60 is also about value-formoney. The 1.5T Pro retails for P1.148 million while the1.5T Elite is valued at P1.258 million. Available colors are Competitive Orange (Elite), Polar Ash (Elite), Metal Black (Pro), Wace Red (Pro), Warm Argent, and Warm White. Coupled with the Maxus brand assurance of low maintenance costs and topnotch aftersales service, the D60 offers ‘Max Savings’ on top of features not commonly found in compact and subcompact SUVs.

5-5-5-5 Plan

Maxus Philippines steps up its game with the pledge to care for customers through its “5-5-5-5 Plan.”

First is the D60 being the brand’s fifth Maxus model in the country.

Next is five new dealer appointments. With the current eight dealerships, Maxus Philippines aims to add five more by the end of the year.

Also, Maxus Philippines boldly projects that 2021 will end in a five-fold increase in its vehicle sales.

Further, there are the five-point VehiCare Programs. Maxus Philippines makes vehicle ownership five times more convenient and affordable with the five-year warranty or 100,000-km program. There is also the five-year free Emergency Roadside Assistance (ERA), Parts Man-

agement System that makes parts stocks availability up to five months.

Then, there is the Enhanced Service Quality for onsite/virtual product support, home service/pick-up/delivery, and low cost of maintenance that makes every Maxus vehicle you buy 22 percent more affordable versus other brands over five years.

This succession of ‘high fives’ perfectly reflects the five-year outlook of the Shanghai Automobile and Industrial Corporation (SAIC), under whose wing the Maxus brand has established a reputable global presence. Through almost five decades of continuous growth, SAIC has successfully evolved in its three phases—from gathering global knowledge and expertise via joint ventures in the 1980s to the creation of its own brands and products in the 2000s, and now, in its third phase as it globalizes its own brands.

SAIC’s success and excellence as an automotive manufacturer have enabled it to become China’s largest carmaker for the past 15 years. It topped the sales list again in 2020 when it sold 5.6 million vehicles. Its self-owned brands, which includes Maxus, sold more than 40,000 vehicles in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, France, and Germany. Through the spirit of independent innovation and unrelenting focus on consumers and the environment, the SAIC Group has grown to become what Forbes Magazine ranks as the 10th most powerful automotive company in the world, prompting SAIC to envision itself to become the world’s fifth-largest carmaker in the next five years.

What is RA 11229?

Story & photo

by Patrick P. Tulfo

T

HE announcement made by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on the implementation of RA 11229 otherwise known as “The Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act” recently, was met by confusion, anger and disbelief by a lot of sector particularly families with children who would benefit greatly from it.

This comes as a surprise, as this landmark piece of legislation was made into a law after it was passed

by Congress and then signed by President Duterte on February 22,2019, while the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was approved on the same year on December 23rd and took effect on February 2020 of last year before the Luzon wide lockdown was implemented.

What is RA 11229 or “The Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act” by the way? It is the law that mandates the use of age-appropriate and quality child restraint system (CRS) in motor vehicles and prohibits children below 12 years old to sit beside the driver when the vehicle is moving. Violators will face heavy fines if caught with the first offense resulting in P1,000 fine, P2,000 for the second offense and a whopping P5,000 fine if caught for the third time, that will also result in the suspension of the license of the erring driver for a year.

The bill’s principal author then Sen. JV Ejercito cited the telling data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) before the creation of his bill that showed from the period of 2006-2014, road accidents specifically crashes have already claimed the lives of 5,960 children.

These figures translate to an average of 662 deaths per year and at least 55 deaths per month and one death per day when figures are broken down.

On the other hand, a World Health Organization (WHO) study on seat belts and child restraints state that

A campaign spearheaded by SM, Hyundai and Baby Company on RA 11229

the correct installation and usage of car seats can reduce the risk of death for infants by up to 70 percent, and 47 to 54 percent for those aged 1- 4 years old in case of road crash incidents.

As stated in RA 11229, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) will ensure that the provisions on the safety and welfare of infants and children and prevent traffic related deaths and injuries.

The law mandates these government agencies to adequately, consistently, and objectively require, regulate, promote, and inform the public on the use child restraint systems in motor vehicles, and regulate the same access to safe, appropriate, quality, and affordable child restraint systems in accordance with the international standards accepted by the United Nations or UN. The LTO has initially scheduled an Enforcement and Communications Planning Workshop on the implementation of this important legislation on March 19-20 last year.

However, it was cancelled due to pandemic and quarantine imposed by the government.

And because of the current situation and until a comprehensive information, education, and communica-

tions (IEC) campaign are executed in close coordination with NGOs, CSOs, and agencies such as Philippine Information Agency (PIA), DepEd and DOH, the DOTr and LTO favor the deferment of its implementation in terms of law enforcement or apprehension.

Part of the planned comprehensive information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign, which was put on hold temporarily, regarding the law targets teachers/ school officials, children, medical practitioners, and manufacturers/ retailers/importers, among others.

The LTO is currently finalizing enforcement protocols considering that specialize training are needed due to the involvement of children.

Last week, LTO emphasized during an online press briefing, that violators will have no fines for now and will be given a warning as well as information materials about the law.

The agency added that imposition of fines and drivers’ demerit points maybe done in three to six months.

Both the DOTr and LTO agree that the deferment of full implementation and enforcement of this new rule is warranted given the current economic situation brought about by the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Friday, February 12, 2021 C1

Filipinos look forward to ‘simple and safe’ Chinese New Year celebration

M

By Leony R. Garcia

ANY Filipinos missed doing these on New Year’s Eve: lighting up a firework or a firecracker, blowing horns to create noise, and partying with friends.

Except for the Media Noche, that sumptuous meal with family members, when the clock struck at 12 midnight, everything else was not permitted on New Year 2020 celebration.

The following day, on the first day of January, holiday gift-giving continued by giving out cash and whatever available gifts left on the Christmas tree to visiting children and relatives. But this too has become limited due to travel and movement restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

And if you think that the 2021 Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year celebration would be a lot merrier, think again.

Filipinos have, more or less, similar celebrations with the Chinese. But history books attest that the Filipinos’ celebration is a carryover of the Chinese’s who

have lived among our ancestors even before the Spaniard’s invasion of the Philippines.

Aside from China, Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Mauritius, and also in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, where there are areas with a big Chinese community.

Safety first

THIS year, to curb the resurgence of the virus, Chinese authorities advised its people not to travel and to celebrate the holiday where they work and live.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival celebrating both the beginning of a new lunar year (according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar) and the beginning of spring, is the grandest festival in China, with a seven-day

long holiday. As the most colorful annual event, the traditional CNY celebration lasts longer, up to two weeks, and the climax arrives around the Lunar New Year’s Eve, on February 12, this year.

China during this period is dominated by iconic red lanterns, loud fireworks, massive banquets and parades, and the festival event triggers exuberant celebrations across the globe. In fact, most major cities, including Shanghai and Hong Kong, put up an impressive display of fireworks around midnight to welcome the New Year. But all these grandiosities have come to a halt for now for public safety measures against the spread of the dreaded coronavirus.

With fears that the Spring Festival travel season, called Chunyun in Chinese, could become a superspreader event, travel restrictions have been imposed by Chinese authorities. This year’s Chunyun should have started on 28 January

and will last until 8 March, giving people time to travel potentially thousands of miles across China in time for New Year, on 12 February, and back again.

In a normal year, China sees around three billion trips during the Chunyun period. But with strict rules this year most did not travel for the Spring Festival. China’s National Health Commission had required people returning to rural areas to produce a negative Covid-19 test issued up to seven days before their departure during the Spring Festival. Then they also have to be under a 14-day “home observation” period - which still allows them to leave their home, but requires them to monitor their temperature daily.

During this time, they will also not be allowed to take part in gatherings and have to take a COVID test every seven days. These measures, most Chinese found either too impractical or too costly.

According to a news report

by BBC News, migrant workers who chose to stay were given incentives. The city of Hangzhou, reportedly gave out 1,000 yuan (£113; $154) while companies in Zhejiang, Ningbo and Quanzhou also issued “red packets” for workers choosing not to go home.

Companies have also been encouraged to offer their workers subsidies, free food and to arrange short cultural tours in a bid to get them to stay in. Meanwhile, the city of Yiwu offered free admission for cultural venues and facilities, gave children free participation in a winter camp, and allowed businesses who stay open during Chinese New Year apply for subsidies.

Moreover, huge banners with slogans encouraging people to stay, have also been put up in various places. The one in Beijing reads: “Don’t leave Beijing unless necessary. Don’t go abroad unless necessary.”

Continued on C3

C2

Chinese Ne

A BusinessMirr

Friday, February 12, 2021 | www.businessmirror.com.ph

WORLD’S OLDEST CHINATOWN

BINONDO REMAINS ALIVE AND WELL DESPITE THE PANDEMIC

A

By Leony R. Garcia

ND so I had always wanted to witness an authentic Chinese New Year celebration and I finally did last year with the tour of Binondo courtesy of my friend, blogger and Filipino-Chinese historian Rence Chan (WalkwithChan).

With all its crazy and chaotic ambiance coupled with Chinese favorites, goodies, tikoy and lucky charms on sale plus firecrackers and lion-dragon dances all over, Chinese New Year is really something many Filipinos would surely miss this year on this side of Manila.

All activities for the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Binondo have been canceled by the Manila City government via Executive Order No. 4 series of 2021 stating that no dragon dance, street party, stage show, parade or any other similar activity will be held

for the celebration of Chinese New Year from February 11 to 12.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said the festivities were canceled “in order not to put in vain all initiatives the city had already undertaken the entire duration of this pandemic.”

Manila Chinatown is the oldest of its kind in the world. Founded in 1594, it was established to separate the Catholic Chinese from the nonCatholic from mainland China. The current Chinatown covers a big portion of several districts of Binondo, San Nicolas, parts of Santa Cruz, parts of Tondo and even parts

of Quiapo. Today, it remains a commercial hub and home to establishments of all age and sizes.

Modernization has coped up with Binondo with the establishment of the shopping mall, Lucky Chinatown, and various buildings for residential and business purposes, owned and managed by Megaworld Corporation.

Binondo is the location of the still very popular New Toho Food Center, the country’s oldest restaurant in Chinatown established in 1866 which to this day, still serves the favorite Rizalian meal: lumpiang Shanghai, pancit canton guisado, and yang chow fried rice.

Past Philippine presidents, government officials and visiting dignitaries had dined there, too. To this day, the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto, which was mentioned in Chapter 25 of Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, still stands along San Fernando Street. The panciteria is Manila’s oldest pancit house which served the then famous pancit lang-lang.

The imposing building which housed the first Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank headquarter outside of Hong Kong in the world still stands at Juan Luna St. While pre-

serving the old, spacious ambiance of the bank, it is now converted as 1919 Grand Café serving sumptuous meals on this side of Manila.

Today’s added attraction in Binondo includes the newly rehabilitated Jones Bridge connecting Binondo and Escolta. Back to its near-original design, highly Instagrammable, well-lit and with ornamented walkways on both sides, the bridge alone attracts both local and foreign tourists. This is part of the current city administration’s thrust of “putting order in the area to make it cleaner, more passable, and more environment-friendly with regards to business” as Mayor Domagoso said during its inaugural in November 2019.

WalkwithChan partners with the Binondo fireworks Firecrackers Lovers Organization Inc., and the PHLPost’s Royal Postal Heritage Tour “to cover those areas that are not frequently visited by commercial tour operators.” They have been doing various public and private guided tours in the historical destinations in Manila such as Fort Santiago-Intramuros, and an operational tour in the Manila Central Post Office.

Chan said business in Binondo, as in other districts in Manila, have been hardly affected during the pandemic. But it’s now picking up with many businesses going digital.

Chan’s elementary classmate, Jerome Tan, the second-generation owner of Maggie’s Home Made Tikoy, attested that business was affected in the Binondo district. “But somehow, ours is still going strong with the big demand for Tikoy in the market. We were able to get new clients this year just by word of mouth and referrals of friends,” he said.

Tan’s business spans 40 years since his mother started it in 1981 with the traditional recipe from her native Fujian, China, which the company still uses to this day. “My mom, now in her 70s and is still active in the business, started it homebased. Our Tikoy is made from 100 percent pure glutinous rice na giniling, galapong as they call it and make it the old, traditional way.

Nowadays, almost all brands make their tikoy by using glutinous rice flour which is cheaper and simpler way of making tikoy. Mas mabilis gawin at mas mura kasi ang flour compared to galapong,” he said.

Tan said he intends to keep the old school type of Tikoy-making.

“Our tikoy prices are a bit more expensive but quality is top notch.

Imagine my mother’s customers since 1981 still orders from us today. At the same time, I get new customers yearly who order from us for their tikoy needs,” he added.

By the way, you wouldn’t see Maggie’s HomeMade Tikoy boxes for sale in Binondo and elsewhere. That’s because Tan’s family, which now includes her wife in the business, pack them in plain boxes.

“We supply mostly to companies and to friends who put their name or company name on the plain boxes and give them away as gifts. Our clients include many banks, shipping and power generation companies, schools, hospitals, car dealers and many others,” Tan said

Tan added that they don’t keep a store front but a warehouse in Malabon City where they sell in bulk “pero meron din naman bumibili ng pakonti konti”.

On February 12, Filipino-Chinese from all over the world will be celebrating the Year of the Metal Ox silently and meaningfully, this time.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi LTE Advanced is the best gift this V-Day for ‘Bae’

L

OOKING for a special gift for “Bae” during this month of love? If you’re still thinking of what to give your special someone on Valentine’s Day, consider the gift of a “reliable and dependable connectivity” with Globe At Home (GAH) Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced.

Here are several reasons why having a GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced is a winner for “Bae”.

1

. A GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced modem is the most practical buy. One needs a highly reliable tool nowadays when connectivity is a must for work and online learning. With GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced, you can never go wrong, you're always on with loved ones anytime, anywhere and at your most convenient time.

2

. With care, this gift is long lasting. More interesting is that with every connection to the internet to watch a favorite series, movie, concert or simply searching for life hacks on how to make cakes look more appealing, your

loved ones will surely thank you for the Globe modem you gave. What's more, GAH Prepaid WiFI LTE-Advanced is equipped with “Doble-Bilis Boosters” to make internet surfing fast and seamless.

3

. GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE Advanced is for the whole family. What better way to endear yourself with your future in-laws than helping them with their “connectivity” needs too?

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. Even a limited budget won't stop you. A GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE Advanced modem is your best bet this Valentine's at P1,999 only.

It's the newest and the best prepaid modem with SIM available in the market today.

It supports 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. This perfect gift will provide

uninterrupted and faster connection and is unlikely to be affected by interference from other devices like microwave and Bluetooth.

5

. GAH Prepaid WiFi LTEAdvanced comes with a SIM and instant free data worth 10GB. Maximize other benefits and rewards because it works best with data promos exclusive to GAH Prepaid WiFi,

from as low as P99 for HomeSURF99 with 10GB valid for five days or HomeWATCH199 that gives customers a total of 34GB for seven days. The promos can be availed only if the GAH prepaid WiFi SIM is in the modem. Caution: Never take out the SIM from the modem because you won't enjoy the exclusive promos. If your Globe Home prepaid WiFi SIM expires, make sure you specify

this SIM when you buy at any Globe Store.

6

. It’s easy to use. With GAH Prepaid WiFi LTEAdvanced, all you need to do is plug in and load up.

What to give ‘Bae’ on Valentine’s? Easy! Get a GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced modem with SIM now.

The GAH Prepaid WiFi LTE-Advanced modems with

Doble-Bilis Boosters are available at the Globe Stores, Globe’s Online Shop and other official retail partners nationwide for only P1,999.

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi kits run on Globe's 4G LTE wireless network. According to the latest Ookla® data, Globe has a better mobile consistency score than competition in several regions including the Cordillera Autonomous Region, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley. In fact, Globe’s regional mobile Consistency Score™ registered improvements in 16 out of 17 regions, comparing Q4 2020 to Q3 2020 results.

Ookla®'s quarterly data shows that Globe's overall mobile Consistency Score™ in Q4 2020 improved to 60.82% from Q3’s 56.83%. The company registered increases as high as 10 PPTs, with Consistency Scores of up to 65% in Q4 2020.

Mobile Consistency Score measures the number of incidences (viewed as a percentage) of a provider's samples equal or exceeds both a download threshold of 5 Mbps and an upload threshold of 1 Mbps.

Globe champions the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9 which recognizes the importance of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe has vowed to uphold the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

ew Year

ror Special Feature

YEAR OF THE METAL OX www.businessmirror.com.ph | Friday, February 12, 2021

C3

Filipinos look forward to ‘simple and safe’ Chinese New Year celebration Continued from C1

Simple Celebration this Time

CHINESE New Year’s Eve usually starts with ancestor worship. Incense candles are used while the Chinese chant prayer to communicate and send greetings to the deceased and to gods. This is so because the Chinese believe that deceased ancestors continue their existence in some form in order to look after the family and influence the living world in mystical ways.

Family dinner --a reunion dinner – immediately follows with foods chosen for their lucky sounding names or auspicious shapes.

In China, meals differ from region to region, but most include eight (an auspicious number) courses of a meat-heavy lineup along with a whole fish deliberately served late and not finished symbolizing the

coming year to be filled with surplus and abundance.

Some other traditional food and lucky dishes for the Chinese include the dumplings, noodles, a vegetarian dish called Buddha’s Delight, Glutinous Rice Cakes and Mandarin Oranges (also called kiat-kiat).

There would be no lion and dragon dances to attract a large crowd this year. These colorful dances, said to bring good luck, are performed outdoors to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals, usually on a street parade.

The lion dance, performed by just two dancers, is the more common of the two dance traditions seen at celebrations. While dragon dances, performed by a troupe of acrobatic dancers, involve a long dragon creature lifted up on poles to be controlled by performers. Drums, gongs, and firecrackers create chaos meant

to discourage spirits with ill intent.

Bright, vivid red is the color of choice for Chinese New Year. Red is considered an auspicious, lucky color in Chinese culture no matter the occasion, but particularly so during Lunar New Year.

Most of the decorations are red in color. With red lanterns adorning streets, most towns and cities are literally painted red! At home, the most popular New Year decorations are upside down fu, dui lian, lanterns, year paint, papercutting, door gods, etc.

No CNY is complete without the red envelope. Known in Mandarin as hong bao, red envelopes containing money are often given by elders to children or unwed young adults.

With the advent of technology, more so with the threat of the virus, various digital platforms now allow people to send money electronically to friends as a digital form of hong bao.

A BusinessMirror Special Feature

C4 Friday, February 12, 2021

A MEANINGFUL CELEBRATION

WHY A LOW-KEY AND MORE INTIMATE CHINESE NEW YEAR MATTERS

By Stephanie Joy Ching

F

OR many Filipino-Chinese, the Lunar New Year is like a second Christmasextended families meet up and share a meal of traditional Chinese food and exchange ang-paos (also known as hong baos) to welcome wealth for the coming year. People may also travel to their ancestral villages in China to meet with relatives still living in the area. As the Lunar New Year traditionally marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring, it is also one of the biggest major holidays in China.

However, as the Philippines is still under lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic, families are unable to go out and meet each other like they used to. The once loud, happy gatherings seen outside are replaced with a more subdued atmosphere. Despite this, families have found ways to adjust and still spend time with each other despite being confined in their homes.

Prior to the pandemic, a Chinese New Year celebration is usually a week-long preparation where relatives discuss and choose where to eat and what food to bring. The more superstitious people would take a look at what the year has in store for their respective zodiac signs and would try to prepare accordingly. This would include buying charms and other objects to better attract wealth and prosperity into their homes to offset the bad. Another way families try to welcome wealth is by laying out twelve round

fruits along with putting money in uncooked rice before the clock strikes midnight.

On the day itself, some families would go to temples to pray for the new year. Red has been long associated with luck in Chinese culture, so it is almost a requirement for people to wear red for the day. However, if red is unavailable, people could wear polka dots to symbolize wealth. In more traditional families, colors symbolizing death such as white and black are outright banned during the holiday as it may attract bad luck. Temples become lively areas, as some will hold lion dances to welcome the new year. The lion represents power, wisdom and superiority, and the loud music and festive atmosphere is meant to drive away evil and encourage good luck to enter the coming year.

After visiting the temples, people gather towards the chosen restaurants or at home to have lunch together. A traditional Chinese New Year feast will consist of noodles, fish, dumplings and sticky rice balls, which all have their own special meanings. Noodles represent long lives, while fish is served because the Chinese word for it (yu) sounds like “surplus.” Dumplings are shaped like ancient currency, thus served to be a harbinger of wealth. Meanwhile, sticky sweet rice balls (buchi) symbolizes the hope that good things will stick to you for the coming year.

More sociable people would host big new year parties and some Chinese schools would even host new year parties for their students during

the holiday. Relatives will give each other angpao, which is money wrapped in red envelopes to symbolize prosperity in the coming year.

Despite the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, 2021’s celebration of Chinese New Year remains largely the same, albeit more low-key and more intimate. Instead of going out to buy fruits and eating out with family and friends, people have resorted to buying their food and charms online. Tighter knit families would share their New Year feasts by dividing the food amongst households in place of sharing them together in a restaurant. Catching up is done online through Zoom and other video calling apps, and if they do go out to meet, small gatherings are set outside with the proper protocols in place. Other than the traditional red and polka dotted attire, face masks are mandatory for this year’s celebration amidst a global pandemic. Travel and festivities may be restricted, but through the internet, families can find a multitude of ways to celebrate this holiday despite recent events.

Although a lot more somber compared to pre-pandemic celebrations, the Chinese New Year is still an important holiday not just for the Filipino-Chinese, but for the whole country as well. Though we are apart in our homes, celebrating this holiday is even more meaningful than before because it reminds us that there is good amidst it all and that personal bonds can still grow and deepen even in the darkest times.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

2021 IS THE YEAR OF THE METAL OX

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OUR “Chinese zodiac animal is Ox” if you are born in these years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. 2021, however, is officially known as the Year of the Metal Ox.

According to Chinese astrology, people born in the years of the Ox will have a pretty good year, especially in wealth and love in 2021.

The 2021 Chinese Horoscope for the Ox warns that this year is one of the major changes in personality and of clarifying many personal and professional aspects.

In the Chinese Zodiac, the

Ox is very hardworking and methodical. 2021 is going to be a year when work will get rewarded, and those zodiac signs who are lucky in terms of money this year will be the ones that will make a considerable effort. The Yin energy, specific to the Chinese zodiac sign of Ox, will be quite poignant. This is going to be a year when we will fully feel the weight of our responsibilities, a year when it is necessary to double our efforts to accomplish anything at all. Since this is a Metal year, for the second successive year, the color of 2021 is going to be white. Besides white, we

have the lucky colors of the Ox: yellow and green, colors that, in Feng Shui, attract prosperity and success. To increase your luck, wear metal accessories. According to chinesezodiac.org, no explosive or catastrophic events will occur this year, so it is a favorable year for economic recovery or consolidation, a year of long-term investments (especially for creating a reserve stock for the coming unproductive years).

Famous personalities who were born Oxen include Barack Obama, Vincent Van Gogh, Walt Disney, and Margaret Thatcher.

Eating Alaskan King Crab this Lunar New Year brings whole year of luck

WISH your loved ones good fortune and prosperity this Lunar New Year with Man Ho’s Tikoy available in two different sets, Big and Small Koi Fish Tikoy Set enclosed in a premium red box (570 and 250g) for P1,988 nett and Small Koi Fish and One Gold Bar Tikoy Set (250g and 270g) for P1,388

W

HILE the Lunar New Year is just a few weeks away, families are looking for ways to adapt their yearly tradition into a celebration that is much safer and more intimate plus something that can bring luck for the whole year!

Check out these offers from Marriott Manila.

Leg with Vegetable in XO Sauce, Poached Shrimp with Tomato Broth & Bok Choi, Braised E-Fu Noodles with Enoki and Shredded Chicken with Quail Egg and Taiwan Pechay, Pan Fried Tikoy, and Seasonal Fresh Fruits with Coconut Sorbet. The Lunar New Year Set Menu is available from February 12 to 14.

Alaskan King Crab at Man Ho THIS year, Man Ho is featuring the Alaskan King Crab that can be enjoyed in two ways, steamed or served Singaporean style. It comes with braised e-fu noodles and with black truffle sauce perfect for two to four persons. The King Crab signifies success in pursuits such as business and symbolizes good fortune. Pre-order for the Alaskan King Crab is until February 10 only with price at P22,888. Club Marriott members get 20% off. Available for dine-in and take-out from February 12 to 14.

Lucky Treats ATTRACT luck and fortune this 2021 with a traditional Chinese delicacy, Man Ho’s Tikoy is available in two different sets, Big and Small Koi Fish Tikoy Set enclosed in a premium red box (570 and 250g) for P1,988 nett and Small Koi Fish and One Gold Bar Tikoy Set (250g and 270g) for P1,388 with a shelf life of 15 days when refrigerated.

Prosperity Feast MAN Ho is serving a luxurious and auspicious Lunar New Year Set Menu for P2,988++ per person. Continue the tradition with an intimate yet special set menu that comes with Yee Sang Toss Salad with Thinly Sliced Norwegian Salmon (Lo Hei) for the prosperity toss, Vegetable Dumplings with Black Truffle, Scallop Dumpling with Black Lumpfish Caviar, Szechuan Chili Pork Dumpling, Diced Seafood Soup Served in Yin Yang Style, Wok Fried Boneless Chicken

According to Chinese belief, this sweet and sticky pastry also called as nian gao is pasted to the image of the Kitchen God in every household a week before the Lunar New Year. It is believed that by smearing tikoy to his mouth will keep his lips “sealed” and speak only “sweet” words to the Jade Emperor about the family he watches over.

Man Ho Chinese Restaurant is open daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For orders, reservations, and inquiries about Man Ho, call 8988 9999 or (0917) 830 6678. For more information, you may visit the hotel’s website www.manilamarriott.com, and social media accounts in FB, IG, and Twitter @ManilaMarriott. Be updated and join their Viber Community at Make it Marriott.

CELEBRATE Lunar New Year with a prosperity feast at Man Ho and enjoy Pan Fried Tikoy, Seasonal Fresh Fruits with Coconut Sorbet, Szechuan Chili Pork Dumpling, Vegetable Dumplings with Black Truffle, Diced Seafood Soup Served in Yin Yang Style, Scallop Dumpling with Black Lumpfish Caviar, Wok Fried Boneless Chicken Leg with Vegetable in XO Sauce, Poached Shrimp with Tomato Broth & Bok Choi, and Braised E-Fu Noodles with Enoki and Shredded Chicken with Quail Egg and Taiwan Pechay.