BusinessMirror February 16, 2024

Prudent amid inflation risk: BSP keeps rates again

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WORLD | A6

ISRAEL FORCES STRIKE GAZA HOSPITAL, KILLING PATIENT AND INJURING OTHERS

HE Monetary Board, the highest policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), has left the Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) Rate unchanged for the second time in a row.

With the decision, the country’s key policy rate was maintained at

6.5 percent. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were kept at 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively.

BSP Monetary and Economic Sector In-Charge Iluminada Sicat said the monetary authorities would rather take a “more prudent monetary policy stance” given up-

side risks to inflation.

“The risk to the outbound inflation outlook remains tilted to the upside. And therefore, while we see some improvement already in the inflation both headline and core, we still consider taking a more prudent monetary policy stance at this moment,” Sicat said in a

briefing on Thursday.

“As soon as we get a firmer indication that inflation trend will be going back to the target range, there could be scope for a rate cut. But at this moment, given the substantial risk on the upside, we See “BSP,” A2

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Friday, February 16, 2024 Vol. 19 No. 124

REMITTANCES HIT $33.5B; NEW STRATEGY PUSHED n

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 28 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

THE Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) heard Governor Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas (second from left) at its 28th Weekly Membership Meeting on February 15, 2024, at the Manila Polo Club. Joining him in the photo are (from left to right) RCM District Governor-Elect Joaquin C. Rodriguez, Sr., Mandanas, RCM President Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III, Rtn. Abdulgani “Gani” M. Macatoman, and Rtn. D. Edgard A. Cabangon. Governor Mandanas shared invaluable insights on advancing the economic development of provinces. Story below, right. NONOY LACZA

By Cai U. Ordinario

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@caiordinario

MID the steady growth of the country’s remittances, a migration expert called for structural reforms that would allow the Philippines to chart a new employment path for Filipinos.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed cash remittances sent by Filipinos overseas reached $33.5 billion in 2023, a 2.9-percent growth from the $32.5 billion posted in 2022.

In December 2023, remittances grew 3.8 percent to $3.3 billion in December 2023 from the $3.2 billion recorded in the same month last 2022. This is the highest growth in 12 months.

“This year is the 50th year since the Philippine labor code was enacted, which led to all this set of government agencies handling overseas Filipinos and their families,” Executive Director Jeremaiah M. Opiniano of the Institute for Migration and Development Issues (IMDI) told

BusinessMirror in an email.

“There have been some strides these past five decades. Our economic growth then was boomand-bust until the 2010s became a bountiful period; the pandemic, and then the recovery. The Philippines must now chart a new story,” he added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the seasonal surge in OFW remittances was mainly due to holiday spending, typical for December.

The latest data showed Philippine remittances from overseas workers have consistently been the fourth largest in the world after India, Mexico, and China.

Gov. Mandanas: ₧2T in PHL CAN’T ATTAIN SDG GOALS funds for LGU awaited IN 6 YRS–UNESCAP REPORT

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HE Philippines is either regressing or stagnant in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, along with its neighbors in the Asia and the Pacific region, would not be able to attain the global goals in six years.

This, from the latest SDG report of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap). “At the current pace, Asia-Pacific will not achieve the 17 SDGs before 2062, making a significant 32year delay,” Unescap Deputy Executive Secretary Lin Yang said in a hybrid briefing in Thailand on Thursday.

Based on the data, the Philippines is not regressing in any of the indicators for SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation.

However, for SDG 5, the country’s performance is stagnant in around 20 percent of the indicators in the goal; and

data is not sufficient for about 80 percent of the indicators.

For SDG 6, the Philippines is making progress in over 40 percent of the indicators. But its performance is stagnant for two indicators, water stress and safe drinking water.

Data is also insufficient to monitor the country’s progress in change in water-related ecosystem; transboundary water cooperation; and water quality.

T h e c o u nt r y ’s p e r f o r mance is regressing the most in nine indicators under SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals; and six indicators under SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.

The Philippines is also regressing in five indicators each on SDG 2 on Zero hunger; and SDG 3 on good health and well-being.

“Progress towards the 2030 Agenda remains uneven and

By Lito Gagni

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T least P2 trillion in funds supposedly for local gover nment u nits (LGUs)

remain unappropriated as per the so-called Mandanas-Garcia doctrine that allows provinces’ See “LGU,” A2

The quick brown fox jum The quick brown fox jum

See “Unescap,” A2

See “Remittances,” A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 56.2270 n JAPAN 0.3735 n UK 70.6717 n HK 7.1918 n CHINA 7.8126 n SINGAPORE 41.7022 n AUSTRALIA 36.4913 n EU 60.3259 n KOREA 0.0423 n SAUDI ARABIA 14.9926 Source:

BSP (15 February 2024)

BusinessMirror

Friday, February 16, 2024

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Pinay facing raps for aiding terrorists with funds nabbed

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

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HE country’s efforts to be removed from Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List has gained a significant boost following the arrest of a 32-yearold Filipino who is facing multiple charges for terrorist financing, according to the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).

In a statement on Thursday, the ATC led by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin lauded the arrest of Myra A. Mabanza,

LGU. . .

Continued from A1

tax collections to be used for their own infrastructure needs and other services, according to Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas.

Mandanas bared that the supposed funds, following the Mand anas- Garcia doctr ine—in a landmark cases decided by the Supreme Court for regional development—have remained unacted upon via the budget deliberations in Congress.

Mandanas was guest speaker at the Manila Rotary Club regular weekly meeting at the Manila Polo Club.

He said that the LGUs have been empowered to have the funds, but Congress continues to

who is facing five counts of violation of Republic Act No. 10168 (Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012) and RA No. 11479 (The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020).

“Mabanza’s arrest marks another positive note for the Philippines’ whole-of-nation campaign to address terrorism and terrorism financing that will ref lect well to contribute in the country’s unyielding efforts to get out of the Financial Action Task Force’s [FATF] Grey List,” the ATC said.

“The ATC commends the efforts of the offices and units involved in this successful operation on the arrest of Mabanza,” it added.

M aba n z a w a s a r rested b y Ph i l ippi ne Nat ion a l Pol ice (PNP), A r med Forces of t he Philippines (AFP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica), and A nti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in Brg y.

Pasil, Indanan, Sulu.

She was involved in the transfer of funds along with the leader of Islamic State East Asia, the late

approve budgets that do not take into account the individual needs of the provinces. Such needs were supposed to be deliberated upon by the Regional Development Councils (RDCs).

The RDCs, he said, are the ones that know what infrastructure projects to pursue such as road works and other services but unfortunately, it is Congress that makes the appropriations that, almost always, fails to take into account what the provinces actually need.

Sharing his experience as Batangas governor, Mandanas said that the province can boast of having the facilities for all of the municipalities and even barangays, as their needs are accounted for during the meetings of the RDCs. He revealed the difficulty that provinces experience in dealing with the national government. For

instance, he said, Batangas should already have an international harbor approved by the National Economic and Development Authority, but the budget for such an important economic facility has not been set aside.

Batangas can now boast of higher revenues with the infrastructure push that the province has undertaken and this has resulted even in higher revenues for the government. The customs zone in Batangas remits much higher revenues than before due to the changes that have been introduced, he said.

During the open forum, he also discussed the problems of corruption which he said can be solved by just applying the four tenets of the Rotary Club. What is needed, he stressed, is a day-to-day interaction that will include a communion with God since there is, after all,

Isnilon Hapilon, and served as intermediary between Hapilon and Daesh elements in Syria.

Other terrorist activities attributed to her included the facilitating of the travel of a representative of a Daesh-linked terrorist group, the Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), from Indonesia to the Philippines. This person was to purchase arms and set up training courses for pro-Daesh Indonesian recruits with local terrorist groups on firearms use and basic bomb-making.

Last month, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reported the country is still included in the FAFT grey list due to identified deficiencies in the implementation of its rules and regulations against money laundering and terrorist financing. karmic justice.

Mandanas pointed out that there are already laws in place to address corruption, and what is needed is just their implementation. In his view, the Anti-Red Tape Authority needs also to go beyond the scope of its operations to ensure economic growth.

The Mandanas-Garcia doctrine calls for the increase in the Internal Revenue Allotment of provinces.

That doctrine, which Mandanas filed with the Supreme Court, mandates an increase by 55 percent of the IRA allotments of provinces.

The Batangas governor, who served three terms before and then took a stint in Congress to sponsor the so-called Mandanas ruling, said that the national government should heed the voice of the provinces in setting aside funds for their needs.

What is happening, he said, is that the provinces come up with their own plans and programs for their respective jurisdictions but Congress does not take this into account in approving the budget.

Worse, the national budget approves funds that do not actually result in fostering economic impact, via the projects, to the provinces concerned.

Unescap. . .

Continued from A1

inadequate. Goals with most substantial progress since 2015 are no poverty [Goal 1] and industry, innovation and infrastructure [Goal 9]. Urgent climate action [Goal 13] is imperative, notably due to its ongoing regression,” Yang said.

“The effective implementation of the SDGs varies significantly across different segments of the population. For instance, the report reveals that women and girls continue to face considerable challenges when it comes to accessing education and employment opportunities,” she also said.

Despite this, Yang noted “commendable practices” are being done at the country level, including the Philippines’s efforts to generate better data to help address financing barriers to support children with disabilities.

The report noted that in 2022, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Government of Australia, conducted a study to quantify the extra cost of raising children with disabilities.

The study was conducted using a standard-of-living approach where expenditure levels of families with children with and without disabilities were compared in relation to different measures of living standards.

As a result, the national government included in its priority legislation a bill to adopt the recommended P2,000 monthly disability allowance for families with children with disabilities.

Apart from this, the efforts of the Philipines, Indonesia and Nepal have also been cited by Unescap, particularly in generating better urban data to help in decision-making at the local level.

The data include access to basic services; secure tenure rights to land; and urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing.

The data also include convenient access to public transport; ratio of land consumption rate to population growth; and built-up area of cities that is open space for public use.

Yang also commended Asia Pacific countries, as more have conducted Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) which reflected their strong commitment to making the SDGs a reality. Cai U. Ordinario

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Remittances. . .

Continued from A1

This, he said, is a sign of resilience and has always been a bright spot/major growth driver for the Philippine economy for many years/decades.

However, Opiniano said observing the increase or decrease in remittances is not enough.

More needs to be done to channel these inflows to more productive activities.

He noted that despite the availability of various financial literacy programs initiated by the public and private sector as well as the plethora of financial products and services, the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who save was at a 14-year low.

Opiniano also pointed to a key lesson from the pandemic: once these workers’ incomes decline or are stopped, they, along with their families, experience difficulties that would translate to a social protection issue in the country.

“We look at the long term. Now is the time to think of better ways to use remittances for development,” Opiniano said.

BSP data showed the growth in cash remittances from the United States Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances

BSP. . .

Continued from A1

consider the policy rate at the moment appropriate to maintain,” she added.

However, the growth of the economy is not safe from the impact of tight monetary policy.

The BSP warned that the full impact of the rate hikes will be felt by the economy this year.

“The sustained expansion in output in Q4 [fourth quarter] 2023 reaffirms the BSP’s view that the country’s growth momentum remains intact over the medium term,” BSP said.

“However, recent indicators also suggest that economic activity could moderate in the near term as the full impact of the BSP’s prior monetary policy tightening continues to manifest,” it added.

Based on the latest inflation outlook of the BSP, the baseline forecast for inflation is at 3.6 percent in 2024 and 3.2 percent in 2025. The new baseline forecast for 2024 was lower than the 3.7 percent made in November 2023 while the forecast for 2025 was maintained.

The risk-adjusted forecast for 2024, meanwhile, was at 3.9 percent for 2024, lower than the 4.4 percent estimate in November 2023; and for 2025, it is at 3.5 percent, higher than the 3.4 percent projection last year.

The latest inflation expectations also do not mean the monetar y authorities could push back or delay any possible rate cuts.

Sicat noted that when the Monetary Board decides on policy rates, it considers not only the outlook but also the impact on the country’s economic growth.

The BSP said upside risks to inflation include higher electricity rates—with a high probability; with higher transportation fares, higher oil prices, and the impact of the El Niño to have low probability.

Higher domestic food prices, meanwhile, have a low probability. BSP Department of Economic Research Director Dennis S. Lapid noted that this is largely due to supply constraints on pork, poultry,

in 2023.

In terms of the countries where these remittances originate, the US had the highest share of overall remittances during the period, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

The data also showed personal remittances reached an all-time high of $37.2 billion, a 3 percent increase from $36.1 billion in 2022.

“The robust inward remittances reflected the rise in the deployment of OF Workers (OFW) due to the continuous increase in demand for foreign workers in host countries,” BSP said. “ The full-year 2023 remittances represented 8.5-percent and 7.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Income (GNI), respectively,” it added.

In December 2023, personal remittances posted a new record high of $3.6 billion in December 2023, up by 3.9 percent from the $3.5 billion recorded in December 2022.

Cash remittances refer to cash sent by land- and sea-based workers through banks. Personal remittances cover cash sent through banks and informal channels as well as remittances in kind.

Personal remittances are computed as the sum of net compensation of employees, personal transfers, and capital transfers between households.

fish, sugar, and other items. “[There is] the additional impact of possible further declines in crop production, particularly for rice and corn due to the strong El Niño conditions,” Lapid said.

Rice prices

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said amid the slowdown of inflation in most commodity’s prices, the price of rice, the country’s staple, stood out as the commodity that posted the highest increase in January.

PSA data also showed rice price inflation experienced by All Income Households averaged 22.6 percent, the highest since the 22.9 percent posted in March 2009.

Rice inflation rose to 24.8 percent for the poorest Filipinos or the Bottom 30 percent of households. This is the highest in the series, which began in 2013. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/06/ rice-inflation-highest-since2009-psa-data/).

The BSP said given rice prices, the recent agreement with Vietnam to secure rice supply over the next five years is encouraging.

It added that efforts to increase productivity in the rice sector, including the distribution of drought-resistant seeds, are a step in the right direction.

“Overall, although the BSP turned less hawkish at today’s meeting, it remains cautious towards monetary easing as it highlighted upside risks to inflation. We think the central bank will remain on hold until mid-year, when it starts to cut rates as it sees firmer indication of disinflation,” Oxford Economics said.

“For the time being, risks are tilted to slower commencement of rate cuts given inflationary risks including weather disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and possible minimum wage hikes,” it added.

The BSP said it continues to support the National Government’s non-monetary measures to address supply-side pressures on prices and sustain the disinflation process.

Cai U. Ordinario

Friday, February 16, 2024

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

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Mayor Abby seeks resolution on plea to regain control of 3 EMBO schools

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

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AYOR Abigail Binay, stressing that Makati City has bot h t he pol it ica l w i l l and resources to continue providing the essential needs of students, on Wednesday urged Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to resolve the issue on the management and administration of three public schools located in two EMBO barangays, which are now under Taguig’s jurisdiction.

“A favorable resolution from the Vice President will allow Makati to move forward with our plans for enhanced programs and services in the said schools. We have already explained at length the rationale supporting our stand to exclude them from the administrative transition, and we believe it is for the best interest of the students,” Binay said.

Binay added that Makati’s appeal for the retention of the management and administration of the Makati Science High School in Cembo under the Schools Division Office-Makati City (DepEd Makati), and for the integration of Fort Bonifacio Elementary and Fort Bonifacio High School in West Rembo with the University of Makati (UMak) has been officially conveyed to Duterte last year.

The mayor said for now, the city government has put on hold its plans for the schools and their students, such as increasing the monthly stipend of Makati Science High School (MSHS) scholars to P3,000.

Prev iously, MSHS students received a P1,500 -monthly stipend from the city government, in addition to free school uniforms and supplies it prov ides ever y school year to all public school students f ro m p re s c ho ol t o s e n ior h i g h school.

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SHE also cited the ongoing upgrade in public school facilities, including smart classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and unlimited internet connection.

“We have both the political will and the resources to continue providing the essential needs of our students, including complete school gear, school supplies, nutritious snacks, and modern learning tools and facilities, among others,” Binay said.

In her letter to Duterte dated August 29, 2023, the mayor underscored the importance of the city having its own science high school.

“Having our own Science High School is indispensable to providing students with excellent education that will empower them to achieve their dreams and take the lead in their respective fields. It bears noting that Taguig City already has its own Science High School which caters to the needs

Comelec releases guidelines on withdrawal of PI signatures

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

& Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

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HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday announced it would start keeping track of people who withdrew their support for the People’s Initiative (PI) for “record purposes.”

In a brief notice, the poll body released the guidelines and the withdrawal form for people, who reconsidered backing the PI for the amendment of the 1987 Constitution.

It noted the said individuals must fill up the form, which will include

their contact details and reason for no longer supporting the PI. “Said Form is available in the Offices of the Election Officer [OEOs] nationwide and accomplished forms can be submitted to the same Office,” Comelec said.

It stressed its “acceptance of withdrawal forms is for recording purposes only and shall not be construed as formal action by the Commission on the signature sheets/petition for People’s Initiative.”

Comelec made the announcement after Senator Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa said during a Senate Committee Hearing on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation that some

individuals want to withdraw their signatures in the signature sheets/ petition for the PI. “During our last hearing in Davao City, galit na galit ‘yung mga tao na nakapirma,” Dela Rosa told Comelec officials during the hearing, adding “Gustong-gusto nilang bawiin ‘yung pirma nila.”

T he senator added: “It is incumbent on your part as Comelec na sana gawan ninyo ng aksyon dahil ‘yung mga tao doon sa Davao… gusto na talagang sumugod sa Comelec Elections Officer’s Office para kunin ‘yung kanilang pirma.”

Other lawmakers also claimed proponents of the PI were allegedly

of its constituents,” Binay wrote.

She also pointed out that a school’s legacy, dedication, and historical significance could transcend geographical boundaries. She cited as an example the Valeriano Estrella Fugoso Memorial High School in Barangay Parang, Marikina, which was named in honor of the 13th Mayor of the City of Manila. The school is currently under the administration and management of the City of Manila.

University of Makati IN another letter dated August 31, 2023, Binay expressed the city’s intention to integrate the Fort Bonifacio Elementary School and Fort Bonifacio High School with the city-run University of Makati (UMak).

The mayor emphasized the university’s readiness to pursue the integration of the two schools as its Teacher Education Laboratory School.

She explained that UMak’s bold engaged in illegal activities in their signature drive, which started last month.

The poll body decided to suspend accepting signatures forms for the PI so it can address the gap in its Resolution No. 10650 containing the guidelines for initiative on the Constitution and referendum on national and local legislation.

Among the identified deficiencies in the said resolution is its lack of provision for the withdrawal of signatures for the PI and “expiry date” for the collected signatures. “ T he su s pe n sion of Come le c Resolution No. 10650 on 29 Januar y 2024 per COMELEC minute Resolution No. 24 - 0055 remains in effect,” the poll body said.

initiative in piloting the Senior High School (SHS) program in the Philippines in 2011 was part of initial strategic steps in fulfilling the plan to begin a Laboratory School. This paved the way for the establishment of the Higher School ng UMAK (HSU) at the UMak campus, offering a full range of SHS Tracks to thousands of Grades 11 and 12 students.

“We are confident that having Fort Bonifacio High School and Fort Bonifacio Elementary School operated and managed as a Laboratory School by the University of Makati is undoubtedly feasible,” Mayor Abby stated.

She noted that this move would, in turn, allow DepEd to allot their resources intended for these schools for other projects.

“The UMAK Management is ready to adopt these two schools under our care as we expand and create a fullrange basic education laborator y school,” assured the mayor. In fact,

she said, working groups have been formed and on standby to ensure uninterrupted services to the students.

Aside from having available plantilla items to absorb teachers who are willing to be employed by the city government, UMak also has qualified faculty who can teach at the Laboratory School, she said.

The mayor said Makati’s public schools have consistently excelled in national and international assessments, showing the city government’s capability to accomplish its goals for the three schools.

In the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School in Comembo emerged as the lone public school in Metro Manila to pass Level 2.

In February 2023, Makati topped the regional Test of Functional Academic Skills (TOFAS) administered by the DepEd as its public school students posted the highest passing rates in Mathematics.

SSFI DONATES MONEY TO HOMELESS, NEGLECTED ELDERLY WOMEN

Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI) President Audrey T. Zubiri turns over P467,190 to the nuns of the Divine Shepherd (SDS) Wednesday, February 14, 2024, as part of the Valentine’s celebration. The Divine Shepherd sisters manage the Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion, a home for abandoned, poor, disadvantaged and sick elderly women in Bulacan built by past generations of Senate spouses. The fund donated by the SSFI is for the repair of the roof and ceiling of the Tahanang Immaculada Concepcion. “How timely that today, our Valentine’s visit with the sisters coincided with the start of our beautiful season of Lent-Ash Wednesday. SSFI PRO Neil Llamanzares and I had the privilege of spending Valentine’s day with these devoted and hardworking sisters,” Mrs. Zubiri said. According to her, the current batch of Senate spouses would continue the tradition of supporting the home and needs of the Tahanang Immaculada Concepcion, where the compassionate sisters and the needs of our elderly serve as an inspiration for everyone. BIBO NUEVA ESPANA/SENATE PRIB

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

Friday, February 16, 2024

DBM allots ₧32.720 billion for DOLE’s livelihood and employment programs

Sen. Gatchalian pushes wider parental role to improve learner performance

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By Reine Juvierre Alberto

he Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allocated a total of P32.720 billion to the national government’s programs for livelihood and employment under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In a statement Wednesday, the DBM said it allocated the funds to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The fund will cover the livelihood programs being implemented by DOLE to ensure employment to Filipinos.

DBM has allocated P28.867 billion for the community-based s a fet y net i n it i at ive Tu long Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for 2024.

The TUPAD program provides temporary employment to workers in the informal sector, which specifically targets the underemployed or workers who do not

receive sufficient wages in their current jobs; self-employed individuals who work for themselves; and the displaced marginalized workers or those who have lost their jobs or experienced reduced income due to the pandemic.

Jobstart Philippines Program also received P46.021 million funding under the 2024 GA A, which aims to help young people, with at least a high school education who are unemployed and not in school, to gain knowledge of local labor market conditions, career assessments, and life skills training.

After the program, the students will have the opportunity to undergo technical training and internships with private sector employers.

Government initiative Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) was also allocated a total of P488.198 million, according to the DBM. The program aims to provide

temporary employment to students in need to keep them in school and complete their education. This allows them to work and make their vacation productive.

DBM said DOLE’s priority program Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) also received P2.352 billion under the 2024 GA A, which aims to assist marginalized groups such as self-employed individuals, unpaid family members, low-wage and seasonal workers, displaced workers, and landless farmers.

Funding was also allocated to the Government Internship Prog ram (GIP) amounting to P707.716 million, which seeks to provide internship opportunities for young individuals aged 18 to 30.

T he prog ra m t a rgets h igh s c h o o l s t u d e nt s , t e c h n i c a l vocational institute students, college graduates who aim to pursue a career in public service,

and out-of-school youth.

Additionally, the budget has been ear marked for t he DOLE Adjustment Measures Program ( DOL E A MP), a mou nt i ng to P 25 8 .7 2 2 m i l l ion , t he DBM added.

The program aims to enhance workers’ skills through funding for skills upgrade projects. It is a positive step toward empowering workers and promoting their professional development.

“To fulfill the President’s directive to empower our workforce, we remain committed to supporting programs that will continue to provide quality jobs a nd employ ment oppor t u n ities,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman was quoted in the statement as saying.

The livelihood programs, educational initiatives, and safety nets we’ve put in place will not only provide immediate relief but also pave the way for sustainable growth,” Pangandaman added.

DOTr marks major milestone in ₧873.6-B NSCR-Ex project

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he Department of Transportation (DOTr) celebrated a significant milestone in the P873.6 bil lion NorthSouth Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) project on Monday, February 12, with the commencement of the first bored piling works for the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP) in Contract Package S-06 Cabuyao, Laguna.

The NSCR is a priority project of the Marcos administration, which aims to connect New Clark City in Tarlac, and Calamba in Laguna via high-speed train.

At the heart of this milestone stands the first bored pile out of 1,786 piles to be constructed for CP S-06 with a contract cost of P25.83 B involving 10.3 kilometers (km) of railway from Cabuyao to Chipeco Ave. in Calamba City.

This inaugural bored pile will serve as the foundational support for Pier-1150, strategically located at Barangay Mamatid, Cabuyao, Laguna, setting the stage for the construction of a total of 357 piers crucial to the structural integrity of elevated viaducts in S-06.

Situated approximately 4.2 km and 1.0 km from the NSCR Cabuyao Station and NSCR Banl ic Stat ion, respect ively, t he completion of the first bored pile signifies a promising start for DOTR as it looks forward to the continued progress and success of the SCRP. During the inauguration ceremony for CP S-04, S-05, and S-06 on January 10, 2024, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino, in reference to the progress of the SCRP, likened the developments to the growth of mushrooms.

He stated that the South Commuter Constr uction Deliver y Division, in collaboration with all project management office (PMO) members and stakeholders, remains committed to nurturing numerous such “mushrooms of progress” until the vision of DOTr Secretary Jaime

Bautista for Comfortable, Accessible, Safe, Sustainable, and Affordable (CASSA) transportation for the Filipino people becomes a tangible reality.

The NSCR, expected to reduce travel time from New Clark City, Tarlac to Calamba, Laguna from 4 hours to 2 hours, will significantly enhance commuters’ travel experience and provide motorists in Metro Manila with more transportation options.

With 36 stations offering various services, including regular commuter, commuter express, and airport express lines to Clark International Airport, the NSCR will revolutionize transportation connectivity in the region.

Furthermore, the NSCR will seamlessly integrate with the Metro Manila Subway, a groundbreaking project spanning 33.1 kilometers from Valenzuela to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), featuring 17 stations and a depot. This underground transport system marks a historic milestone as the Philippines’ first mass underground transportation network, promising enhanced accessibility and convenience for commuters.

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

enator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday called for stronger parental involvement in education to further improve learner performance.

Citing the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the senator noted findings that students in more supportive homes tend to perform better, prompting the lawmaker to press for “full and effective implementation” of the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Act embodied in Republic Act No. 11908.

The senator took note of the latest round of PISA showing that compared to other Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development Countries (OECD) countries (0.00), which showed that the index of family support in the Philippines (-0.25) was negatively and significantly lower.

According to the study, a one-unit increase in the index of family support in the Philippines was associated with a 13-point increase in the mathematics score of students after accounting for their socioeconomic profiles and that of their schools.

The assessment also revealed the changes in learners’ mathematics performance when parents or members of their family did activities once or twice a week, every day or almost every day, to show support.

It also noted “when students reported that they eat the main meal together with their parents, they tend to score 44 points higher in mathematics, adding that “spending time to talk, on the other hand, improved math scores by 33 points.”

In addition, other activities that helped improve math scores included encouraging students to get good marks (26 points), talking about the importance of completing upper secondary education (21 points), talking about future education (19 points), and discussing how well a learner is doing at school (19 points), among others.

Gatchalian also took note that “these results press the need to empower parents in supporting their child’s development, which could be achieved through the implementation of the Parent Effectiveness Service Act, adding that the law which Gatchalian authored and co-sponsored, seeks to strengthen the knowledge and skills of parents and parentsubstitutes in responding to their parental duties and responsibilities, protecting and promoting children’s rights, fostering positive early childhood development, and advancing children’s educational progress.

Moreover, the law provides that the program shall be implemented in cities and municipalities that will also conduct parent effectiveness sessions through their respective social welfare and development offices and local government units “Ipinasa natin ang Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act upang tulungan ang ating mga magulang na magabayan ang kanilang mga anak. Nakita natin sa PISA ang kahalagahan ng suporta at gabay ng mga magulang sa pag-aaral ng kanilang mga anak, kaya naman dapat nating tiyakin na ang mga PES program ay naipapatupad nang maayos sa lahat ng mga lungsod at munisipalidad sa bansa,” said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

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Friday, February 16, 2024

Israel forces strike Gaza hospital, killing patient and injuring others

By Wafaa Shurafa & Bassem Mroue The Associated Press

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AFAH, Gaza Strip—Israeli forces fired into the main hospital in southern Gaza early on Thursday, killing a patient and wounding six others, according to medics, as the army sought to evacuate thousands of displaced people from the medical complex that has been largely cut off by fighting for weeks.

Israeli airstrikes meanwhile killed at least 13 people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, 10 civilians—mostly women and children—and three fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas. The strikes came just hours after a rocket attack from Lebanon killed an Israeli soldier in what was the deadliest of daily exchanges of fire along the border since the October 7 start of the war in Gaza. It also underscored the risks of a broader conflict.

Negotiations over a cease-fire in Gaza appear to have stalled, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and scores of hostages taken during the October 7 attack that sparked the war are returned.

PALESTINIANS fleeing the Israeli offensive on Khan Younis arrive at Rafah, Gaza Strip on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. AP/HATEM ALI

Scenes of panic in hospital

NASSER Hospital, in the southern city of Khan Younis, has been the latest focus of operations that have gutted Gaza’s health sector as it struggles to treat scores of patients wounded in daily bombardments.

Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals and other civilian structures to shield its fighters.

Video of the aftermath of the strike showed medics scrambling to wheel patients on stretchers through a corridor filled with smoke or dust. A medic used a cellphone flashlight to illuminate a darkened room where a wounded man screamed out in pain as gunfire echoed outside. The Associated Press could not authenticate the videos but they were consistent

with its reporting.

Dr. Khaled Alserr, one of the remaining surgeons at Nasser Hospital, told the AP that the seven patients struck early Thursday were already being treated for past wounds. On Wednesday, a doctor was lightly wounded when a drone opened fire on the upper stories of the hospital, he said.

“The situation is escalating every hour and every minute,” he said.

T he I s r ae l i m i l it a r y s a id Wednesday that it had opened a secure corridor for displaced people to leave the hospital but would allow doctors and patients to remain there. Videos circulating online showed scores of people walking out of the facility on foot carrying their belongings on their

shoulders.

The military had ordered the evacuation of Nasser Hospital and surrounding areas last month.

But as with other health facilities, medics said patients were unable to safely leave or be relocated, and thousands of people displaced by fighting elsewhere remained there. Palestinians say nowhere is safe in the besieged territory, as Israel continues to carry out strikes in all parts of it.

The Gaza Health Ministry said last week that Israeli snipers on surrounding buildings were preventing people from entering or leaving the hospital. Prior to Thursday’s strike, it said 10 people had been killed inside the complex over the past week, including three shot and killed on Tuesday.

No end in sight to war

THE war began when Hamas militants burst through Israel’s formidable defense on October 7 and rampaged through several communities, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage.

More than 100 of the captives were freed during a cease-fire last year in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Around 130 captives remain in Gaza, a fourth of whom are believed to be dead. Netanyahu has come under intense pressure from families of the hostages and the wider public to make a deal to secure their freedom, but his far-right coalition partners could bring down his government if he is seen as being too soft on Hamas.

Israel responded to the October 7 attack by launching one of the deadliest and most destructive militar y campaigns in recent histor y. Over 28,000 Palestinians have been killed, 80 percent of the population have f led their homes and a quarter are star v ing amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

Large areas in northern Gaza, the first target of the offensive, have been completely destroyed Hamas has continued to attack Israeli forces in all parts of Gaza, and says it will not release all the remaining captives until Israel ends its offensive and withdraws. Hamas is also demanding the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants.

Netanyahu has rejected those demands, calling them “delusional,” and says Israel will soon expand its offensive into the southernmost city of Rafah on the Egyptian border. Over half of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million has sought refuge in Rafah after fleeing fighting elsewhere in the coastal enclave.

At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Over 68,000 people have been wounded in the war.

In northern Israel, meanwhile, a rocket attack killed a female soldier and wounded eight people when one of the projectiles hit a military base in the town of Safed on Wednesday. Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon in response that killed three Hezbollah fighters and 10 civilians, including six women and three children.

Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, which supports Hamas, have traded fire along the border nearly every day since the start of the war in Gaza. Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s rocket attack.

Mroue reported from Beirut.

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

IN this image provided the Ministry of Defence, an RAF Typhoon aircraft takes off to conduct further strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, from RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus on February 3, 2024. Russia and China on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, accused the United States and Britain of illegally attacking military sites used

by Yemen’s Houthi rebels to launch missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping. AS1 JAKE GREEN/MINISTRY OF DEFENCE VIA AP

Russia and China accuse US and UK of illegal attacks on Yemen rebels hitting commercial ships in Red Sea

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

U

NITED NATIONS—Russia and China on Wednesday accused the United States and Britain of illegally attacking military sites used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels to launch missiles at commercial vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping.

US deputy ambassador Robert Wood and UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward countered that the Houthi attacks are illegal, and their “proportionate and legal action” against the Yemen rebels are being taken in self-defense.

Woodward said the Houthi attacks are “driving up the costs of global shipping, including the costs of food supplies and humanitarian aid in the region.”

But Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky and China’s UN envoy Zhang Jun argued that the UN Security Council never authorized military action against Yemen.

The clashes came at a council meeting where UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said promising efforts to restore peace to Yemen have been slowed by rising regional tensions linked to the war in Gaza and “in particular the military escalation in the Red Sea.” Since November, the Houthi rebels have targeted ships in the Red Sea to demand a cease-fire in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. They have frequently attacked vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

In recent weeks, the United States and the United Kingdom, backed by other allies, have launched airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites for its attacks.

Wood, the US envoy, said American strikes in response to attacks on US naval vessels, “aim to disrupt and degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue their reckless attacks against vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.”

Since 2014, he said, Iran has provided the Houthis with “a growing arsenal of advanced weapons” that they have used to target commercial ships, and “Iran cannot deny its role in enabling and supporting the attacks carried out by the Houthis.”

Wood accused the Houthis of “trying to apply a chokehold on global shipping through the Red Sea” and urged all countries, especially those with direct channels to Iran, “to press Iran’s leaders to rein in the Houthis and stop these lawless attacks.”

Russia’s Polyansky stressed that Moscow “categorically condemns attacks and seizures of commercial vessels and (...) any attacks which impede freedom of navigation.” He said Russia has conveyed messages to the Houthi leaders to focus on Yemen’s domestic agenda and pursue peace.

Grundberg, the UN envoy, said that in late December the Houthis, who control the capital and much of the country’s north, and Yemen’s internationally recognized government “committed to a nationwide cease-fire, measures to improve living conditions, and restarting an intra-Yemeni political process.”

But he said Yemen’s peace process can’t be cordoned off from the events in the region, and the US and UK attacks on Houthi targets, and the US designation of the Houthis as a “Specially Designated Terrorist Group” are “concerning.”

“Despite potential complications, my work will continue no matter what,” he said. “It is therefore imperative that we protect the political space, that communication channels are kept open and that all actors remain actively engaged with my efforts.”

Russia’s Polyansky said the root cause of the current situation is Israel’s military offensive in Gaza following Hamas’ surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, which has provoked a chain reaction in the Middle East including by the Houthis.

“An immediate cease-fire in Gaza will help to stabilize the situation in the Red Sea, and the de-escalation in those waters will in turn unblock the efforts of the special envoy, Mr. Grundberg,” Polyansky said.

Yemen’s civil war began in 2014 when the Houthis swept down from their northern stronghold and chased the internationally recognized government from Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year on behalf of the government and in time the conflict turned into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The war has devastated Yemen, already the Arab region’s poorest country, and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.

Edem Wosornu, the UN humanitarian office’s director of operations, told the council that Yemen faces “massive continuing needs.”

This year, she said, over 18 million people—over half the country’s population—will need humanitarian aid.

The UN anticipates that 17.6 million people will be “severely food insecure”—facing serious hunger, she said. “Nearly half of all children under five face moderate to severe stunting” of their growth and development.

Last year, the UN received just 40 percent of its $4.3 billion humanitarian appeal, she said. This year, the Yemen appeal is more targeted and seeks $2.7 billion to reach 11.2 million people across Yemen.

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A SUSHI chef prepares a plate at the Toyosu Market on January 29, 2024, in Tokyo. Japan has slipped to the world’s fourth-largest economy as government data released Wednesday, February 14, 2024, showed it fell behind the size of Germany’s in 2023. AP/EUGENE HOSHIKO

Japan slips into recession, becoming 4th largest economy, behind US, China and now Germany

By Yuri Kageyama

T

AP Business Writer

OKYO—Japan’s economy is now the world’s fourth largest after it contracted in the last quarter of 2023 and fell behind Germany.

The government reported the economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.4 percent in October to December, according to Cabinet Office data on real GDP, though it grew 1.9 percent for all of 2023. It contracted 2.9 percent in July-September.

Two straight quarters of contraction are considered an indicator an economy is in a technical recession.

Japan’s economy was the second largest until 2010, when it was overtaken by China’s. Japan’s nominal GDP totaled $4.2 trillion last year, while Germany’s was $4.4 trillion, or $4.5 trillion, depending on the currency conversion.

A weaker Japanese yen was a key factor in the drop to fourth place, since comparisons of nominal GDP are in dollar terms. But Japan’s relative weakness also reflects a decline in its population and lagging productivity and competitiveness, economists say.

Real gross domestic product is a measure of the value of a nation’s products and services. The annual rate measures what would have happened if the quarterly rate lasted a year.

Japan was historically touted as “an economic miracle,” rising from the ashes of World War II to become the second largest economy after the US. It kept that going through the 1970s and 1980s. But for most of the past 30 years the economy has grown only moderately at times, mainly remaining in the doldrums after the collapse of its financial bubble began in 1990.

Both the Japanese and German economies are powered by strong small and medium-size businesses with solid productivity.

Like Japan in the 1960s-1980s, for most of this century, Germany roared ahead, dominating global markets for highend products like luxury cars and industrial machinery, selling so much to the rest of the world that half its economy ran on exports.

But its economy, one of the world’s worst performing last year, also contracted in the last quarter, by 0.3 percent.

An island nation with relatively few foreign residents, its population has been shrinking and aging for years, while Germany’s has grown to nearly 85 million, as immigration helped to make up for a low birth rate.

The latest data reflect the realities of a weakening Japan and will likely result in Japan’s commanding a lesser presence in the world, said Tetsuji Okazaki, professor of economics at the University of Tokyo.

“Several years ago, Japan boasted a powerful auto sector, for instance. But with the advent of electric vehicles, even that advantage is shaken,” he said. Many factors have yet to play out, “But when looking ahead to the next couple of decades, the outlook for Japan is dim.”

The gap between developed countries and emerging nations is shrinking, with India likely to overtake Japan in nominal GDP in a few years.

The US remains the world’s largest economy by far, with GDP at $27.94 trillion in 2023, while China’s was $17.5 trillion. India’s is about $3.7 trillion but growing at a sizzling rate of around 7 percent.

Immigration is one option for solving Japan’s labor shortage problem, but the country has been relatively unaccepting of foreign labor, except for temporary stays, prompting criticism about discrimination and a lack of diversity.

Robotics, another option, are gradually being deployed but not to the extent they can fully make up for the lack of workers.

Another key factor behind Japan’s sluggish growth is stagnating wages that have left households reluctant to spend. At the same time, businesses have been invested heavily in faster growing economies overseas instead of in the aging and shrinking home market.

Private consumption fell for three straight quarters last year and “growth is set to remain sluggish this year as the household savings rate has turned negative,” Marcel Thieliant of Capital Economics said in a commentary. “Our forecast is that GDP growth will slow from 1.9 percent in 2023 to around 0.5 percent this year.”

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Friday, February 16, 2024

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Who is Prabowo Subianto, the former general poised to become Indonesia’s next president?

By Victoria Milko

J

The Associated Press

AKARTA, Indonesia—A wealthy ex-general with ties to both Indonesia’s popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past looks set to be its next president, after unofficial tallies showed him taking a clear majority in the first round of voting.

INDONESIAN presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto checks his ballot during the election in Bojong Koneng, Indonesia on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Defense Minister Subianto, a wealthy ex-general with ties to both Indonesia’s popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past looks set to be its next president, after unofficial tallies showed him taking a clear majority in the first round of voting. AP/VINCENT THIAN

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto presented himself as heir to the immensely popular sitting President Joko Widodo, vowing to continue the modernization agenda that’s brought rapid growth and vaunted Indonesia into the ranks of middleincome countries.

“We should not be arrogant.

We should not be proud. We should not be euphoric. We still have to be humble. This victory must be a victory for all Indonesian people,” Subianto said in a speech broadcast on national television from a sports stadium on the night of the election.

But Subianto will enter office with unresolved questions about the costs of extraction-driven growth for the environment and traditional communities, as well as his own links to torture, disappearances and other human rights abuses in the final years of the brutal Suharto dictatorship, which he served as a lieutenant general.

A former rival of Widodo who lost two presidential races to him, Subianto embraced the popular leader to run as his heir, even choosing Widodo’s son as his running mate, a choice that ran up against constitutional age limits and has activists worried about an emerging political dynasty in the 25-year-old democracy.

Subianto’s win is not yet official. His two rivals have not yet conceded and the official results could take up to a month to be tabulated, but election night “quick counts” showed him taking over 55 percent of the vote in a threeway race. Those counts, conducted by polling agencies and based on millions of ballots sampled from the across the country, have proved accurate in past elections.

Subianto was born in 1951 to one of Indonesia’s most powerful families, the third of four children. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was an influential politician, and a minister under Presidents Sukarno and Suharto.

Subianto’s father first worked for Sukarno, but later turned against him and was forced into exile. Subianto spent most of his childhood overseas and speaks French, German, English and Dutch.

The family returned to Indonesia after General Suharto came to power in 1967 following a failed left-wing coup. Suharto brutally dealt with dissenters

and was accused of stealing billions of dollars of state funds for himself, family and close associates. Suharto dismissed the allegations even after leaving office in 1998.

Subianto enrolled in Indonesia’s Military Academy in 1970, graduating in 1974 and serving in the military for nearly three decades. In 1976, Subianto joined the Indonesian National Army Special Force, called Kopassus, and was commander of a group that operated in what is now East Timor.

Human rights groups have claimed that Subianto was involved in a series of human rights violations in Timor-Leste in the 1980s and 90s, when Indonesia occupied the now-independent nation. Subianto has denied those allegations.

Subianto and other members of Kopassus were banned from traveling to the US for years over the alleged human rights abuses they committed against the people of Timor-Leste. This ban lasted until 2020, when it was effectively lifted so he could visit the US as Indonesia’s defense minister.

In 1983, he married Suharto’s daughter Siti Hediati Hariyadi.

More allegations of human rights abuses led to Subianto being forced out of the military.

He was dishonorably discharged in 1998, after Kopassus soldiers kidnapped and tortured political opponents of Suharto, his then-father-in-law. Of 22 activists kidnapped that year, 13 remain missing. Several of his men were tried and convicted, but Subianto never faced trial.

He never commented on these accusations, but went into selfimposed exile in Jordan in 1998.

A number of former democracy activists have joined his campaign. Budiman Sudjatmiko, a politician who was a democracy activist in 1998, said that reconciliation is necessary to move forward. Sudjatmiko left the governing Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle to join Subianto’s campaign team.

Sudjatmiko said that international focus on Subianto’s human rights record was overblown. “Developed countries don’t like leaders from developing countries who are brave, firm and strategic,” he said.

Subianto returned from Jordan in 2008, and helped to found

the Gerinda Party. He ran for the presidency twice, losing to Widodo both times. He refused to acknowledge the results at first, but accepted Widodo’s offer of the defense minister position in 2019, in a bid for unity.

He has vowed to continue Widodo’s economic development plans, which capitalized on Indonesia’s abundant nickel, coal, oil and gas reserves and led Southeast Asia’s biggest economy through a decade of rapid growth and modernization that vastly expanded the country’s networks of roads and railways.

That includes includes the $30 billion project to build a new capitol city called Nusantara. A report by a coalition of NGOs claimed that Subianto’s family would profit from the Nusantata project, thanks to land and mining interests the family holds on East Kalimantan, the site of the new city. A member of the family denied the report’s allegations.

Subianto and his family also have business ties to Indonesia’s palm oil, coal and gas, mining, agriculture and fishery industries.

Subianto bristles at international criticism over human rights and other topics, but he’s expected to keep the country’s pragmatic approach to power politics. Under Widodo, Indonesia has strengthened defense ties with the US while courting Chinese investment.

“Countries like us, countries as big as us, countries as rich as us, are always envied by other powers,” Subianto said during his victory speech after the election. “Therefore, we must be united. United and harmonious.”

The former rivals became tacit allies: Indonesian presidents don’t typically endorse candidates, but Subianto chose Widodo’s son, 36-year-old Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice presidential running mate, and Widodo coyly favored Subianto over the candidate of his own former party.

Raka is below the statutory minimum age of 40, but was allowed to run under an exception created by the Constitutional Court—then headed by Widodo’s brother-in-law—allowing current and former regional governors to run at age 35.

“This is the first time in Indonesian history that a sitting president has a relative who won in a presidential election,” said Yoes Kenawas, a research fellow at Atma Jaya Catholic University in Jakarta. “It could be said that the Jokowi political dynasty has been established at the highest level of Indonesian government.”

Subianto has also had close ties with hard-line Islamists, whom he used to undermine his opponents.

But for the 2024 election, Subianto projected a softer image that has resonated with Indonesia’s large youth popul at ion, inc lud ing v ideos of him dancing on stage and ads showing digital anime-like renderings of him roller-skating through Jakarta’s streets.

“We will be the president and vice president and government for all Indonesian people,” said Subianto during his victory speech. “I will lead, with Gibran [to] protect and defend all Indonesian people, whatever tribe, whatever ethnic group, whatever race, religion, whatever social background. It will be our responsibility for all Indonesian people to safeguard their interests.”

The Associated Press writer Edna Tarigan contributed to this report.

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Friday, February 16, 2024 Republic of the Philippines

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

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

February 16, 2024

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

NO. 1

ESTABLISHMENT ACBEL POLYTECH PHILIPPINES, INC. No. 2 Tagaytay Ridge Drive, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Km 54, Milagrosa, City of Calamba, Laguna

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

LIN, CHIEN-YI

Basic Qualification:

Special Assistant - Operation Division

With extensive operation and management experience in an electronic manufacturing company

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the collection and analysis of production data of the whole plant; plan, execute and review projects

ADAMAY INTL. CO., INC.

OSHIMA, MASAYUKI

Basic Qualification:

Carmelray Industrial Park II, Special Economic Zone, Milagrosa, City of Calamba, Laguna

Executive Factory Manager

Must be fluent in Japanese language

Brief Job Description: Plan, control and direct admin and production operation

3

BOAMAX PHILIPPINES TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Lot 1, Block 14, Phase 3, Cavite Export Processing Zone, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite

11

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Operation Director

Professional in leading negotiations, budgeting and purchasing

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

5

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

12

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

6

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

7

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

13

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Brief Job Description:

14

BA, ZHIYONG

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

15

Salary Range:

MIN WAI

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

16

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Php30,000 Php59,999

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

RUDIANTO

Basic Qualification:

Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Indonesian language

Basic Qualification:

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

17

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

LE, HONG THONG

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

18

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

NGUYEN TUNG DUONG

Basic Qualification:

Vietnamese Customer Service Representative

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Salary Range:

SHAUK SAN

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

Brief Job Description:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

NOVI TANGRINA

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

PHYO HLAING WIN

Salary Range:

SONG, JIAXIN

Brief Job Description: Salary Range:

Salary Range:

KE, ZHANQI

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999 Basic Qualification:

GLARION TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Salary Range:

LOUK PHEIN

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

9

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

8

Basic Qualification:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

THAN WIN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description:

KYAW SHWE

Salary Range:

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

EI EI LWIN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Php30,000 Php59,999 4

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Burmese language

Php60,000 Php89,999 Basic Qualification:

Manage daily activities of a company by overseeing several departments

Burmese Customer Service Representative

Php30,000 Php59,999

Salary Range:

LIU, HUIPING

Brief Job Description:

Basic Qualification:

Salary Range: Php30,000 Php59,999

2

SHWE WIN

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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Friday, February 16, 2024 A11

Putin says Russia prefers Joe Biden to Trump because he is ‘more experienced and predictable’

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OSCOW—President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would prefer to see President Joe Biden win a second term, describing him as more experienced than Donald Trump Speaking in an interview with a correspondent from Russian state television, Putin declared that he will work with any US leader who is elected, but noted that he would prefer Biden’s victory when asked who would be a better choice from the point of view of Russia.

“Biden, he’s more experienced,

more predictable, he’s a politician of the old formation,” Putin said. “But we will work with any US leader whom the American people trust.”

Putin’s comments were his first about the upcoming US presidential election, likely to pit Biden against Trump, and come as ten-

sions between Republicans and Democrats are high over Biden’s attempts to send more military aid to Kyiv.

However, Trump’s recent statements calling into question US funding for Ukraine and saying he wants to shake up the NATO alliance could better serve Putin.

Biden accused Trump on Tuesday of having “bowed down to a Russian dictator.”

Asked about speculation on Biden’s health issues, Putin responded that “I’m not a doctor and I don’t consider it proper to comment on that.”

Biden’s team worked to alleviate Democratic concerns over alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory. They

came in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing classified documents after he left office.

Putin noted that the talk about Biden’s health comes as “the election campaign is gaining speed in the US, and it’s taking an increasingly sharp course.”

He added that allegations of Biden’s health problems were also circulating at the time when they met in Switzerland in June 2021, adding that he witnessed the contrary and saw the US leader in a good shape.

“They talked about him being incapacitated, but I saw nothing of the kind,” Putin said. “Yes, he was peeking at his papers, to be honest, I was peeking at mine, not a big deal.”

At the same time, Putin noted that he sees the Biden administration policy as wrong.

Russia-West ties have plunged to their lowest levels since the Cold War era after Putin sent his troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

“I believe that the position of the current administration is badly flawed and wrong, and I have told President Biden about that,” Putin said.

Putin has claimed that he has sent troops into Ukraine to protect Russian speakers there and to prevent a threat to Russia’s security posed by Ukraine’s bid to join NATO. Ukraine and its Western allies have denounced Moscow’s

action as an unprovoked act of aggression.

Putin argued that Moscow was forced to act after Ukraine and its allies refused to fulfill a 2015 agreement to grant more powers to separatist territories in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow-backed separatists launched a rebellion in 2014.

“We only can regret that we didn’t act earlier, thinking that we are dealing with decent people,” Putin said.

Asked about Trump’s statement on Saturday, in which he said he once warned he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are “delinquent” in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defense, Putin responded that it’s up to the US to determine its role in the alliance.

Trump’s statement shar ply contrasted with Biden’s pledge “to defend every inch of NATO territory,” as the alliance commits all members to do in case of attack.

It shocked many in Europe, drawing a pledge from Poland, France and Germany to bolster Europe’s security and defense power.

Putin noted that Trump’s statement followed his policy during his first term when he prodded NATO allies in Europe to increase their defense spending.

“He has his own view on how relations with allies should develop,” Putin said about Trump.

“From his point of view, there is

some logic in this, while from the point of view of the Europeans, there is no logic at all, and they would like the US to keep carrying out some functions they have fulfilled since the formation of NATO free of charge.”

He described NATO as a “US foreign policy tool,” adding that “if the US thinks that it no longer needs this tool it’s up to it to decide.”

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded to Trump’s comments by saying that “encouraging invasions of our closest allies by murderous regimes is appalling and unhinged—and it endangers American national security, global stability, and our economy at home.”

Asked about his impressions from his last week’s interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Putin said he expected Carlson to be more aggressive.

Putin used the interview to push his narrative on the fighting in Ukraine, urge Washington to recognize Moscow’s interests and press Kyiv to sit down for talks.

Carlson didn’t ask Putin about war crimes Russian troops have been accused of in Ukraine, or about his relentless crackdown on dissent.

“I expected him to be aggressive and ask the so-called tough questions, and I wasn’t only ready for it but wanted it because it would have given me a chance to respond sharply,” Putin said. AP

Donald Trump stands by remarks about not defending NATO members after backlash

By Meg Kinnard & Michelle L. Price The Associated Press

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ORT H C H A R L E S TON, S.C.—Former President Donald Trump again said Wednesday that if he returns to the White House, he would not defend NATO members that don’t meet defense spending targets, days after he set off alarms in Europe by suggesting he would tell Russia to attack NATO allies he considered delinquent.

Speaking at a campaign rally in South Carolina, he retold the story of his alleged conversation with the head of a NATO member country that had not met its obligations. This time, though, he left out the line that drew the most outrage—encouraging Russia “to do whatever the hell they want.”

“Look, if they’re not going to pay, we’re not going to protect.

OK?” he said Wednesday.

Trump hewed closer than usual to his prepared remarks after a freewheeling event days earlier in which he also drew backlash for mocking his Republican rival Nikki Haley’s husband for being missing from the campaign trail.

He also revised his comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has often praised as tough and previously suggested treated him like the “apple of his eye.”

Instead, Trump cited an interview Putin gave Wednesday to Russian state television in which he said he would prefer Biden as president.

“Putin is not a fan of mine,” Trump said.

Haley, Trump’s former U.N. ambassador and his last major rival in the GOP presidential race, has been condemning Trump’s re-

marks for days about her husband Michael Haley, who is deployed in Africa with the National Guard.

Trump on Wednesday insulted Nikki Haley and highlighted his wide lead in polls over her, but he focused more of his attention on President Joe Biden, whom he’s expected to face in the 2024 general election.

Biden h a s a l so e xcor i ated Trump for his remarks about NATO, calling them “dangerous,” “un-American,” and “shocking.”

Biden has also pushed for a foreign aid package to assist Ukraine as it fights Russia’s invasion.

Trump has opposed the aid and said Wednesday that the US should instead provide a loan to Ukraine.

“Why should you just hand it over to them?” he said.

A spokesperson for Biden’s reelection campaign said Wednesday, “Donald Trump just gave V ladimir Putin the best possible Valentine’s Day present: his pinky-promise to give Putin the green light to mow down our allies in Europe if he’s elected president.”

Trump also tried to explain away his remarks in January in which he repeatedly confused Haley for former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, drawing questions about his mental fitness. Both Biden, 81, and Trump, 77, face widespread questions among voters about their age and readiness for a second term.

“I’m not a Nikki fan and I’m not a Pelosi fan and when I purposely interposed names they said, ‘He didn’t know Pelosi from Nikki, from Tricky Nikki,” he said. “No no, I think they both stink. They have something in common.”

Though Haley has had more campaign appearances lately than

Trump, she did not appear at any events Wednesday. Don Bolduc, a Haley surrogate, failed New Hampshire Senate candidate and retired brigadier general, held a news conference earlier Wednesday aimed at Trump’s criticism of Michael Haley.

SFA Inc., the super PAC supporting Haley’s campaign, has been playing its latest ad on a mobile billboard in the area of Trump’s Wednesday night rally, a spot calling Trump “sick or clueless” for criticizing the military.

Trump’s negativity toward Haley has ramped up as the season’s votes have gotten underway and the campaign has moved to her home state.

Last month in New Hampshire, Trump essentially ruled Haley out as a potential running mate, saying she “is not presidential timber.”

He said Wednesday night that his criticism of her means that “she will never be running for vice president,” a comment that was met with loud cheers from the audience.

But Trump quickly pivoted to lavish praise on South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who dropped out of the presidential race in November.

Scott has been seen as a potential running mate for Trump, whom he endorsed and has campaigned for, including on Wednesday night.

“You’re a much better candidate for me than you were for yourself,” Trump told Scott.

While serving as South Carolina’s governor, Haley appointed Scott to the US Senate in 2012. Her son, Nalin, has been introducing Haley at her events and several times referred to Scott as “Sen. Judas,” a reference to the Biblical story of the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ.

BusinessMirror

A12 Friday, February 16, 2024

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Israel complains after Vatican denounces ‘carnage’ and disproportionate response in Gaza operation

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OME—Israel has formally complained after a senior Vatican official spoke of “carnage” in Gaza and what he termed a disproportionate Israeli military operation following the October 7 Hamas attacks.

The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See called the comments by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, “deplorable.” In a statement Wednesday, the embassy said

Parolin hadn’t considered what it called the relevant facts in judging the legitimacy of Israel’s actions.

Speaking Monday at a reception, Parolin condemned the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel and all forms of antisemitism.

But he questioned Israel’s claim to be acting in self-defense by inflicting “carnage” on Gaza.

“Israel’s right to self-defense has been

invoked to justify that this operation is proportional, but with 30,000 dead, it’s not,” he said.

Israel has objected previously to the Vatican position on the war, including when Pope Francis spoke about “terrorism.” Francis, who speaks daily via videoconference to a Gaza parish housing Palestinian civilians, has since tried to be more balanced in his comments and

recently wrote a letter to the Jewish people in which he reaffirmed the special relationship between Christians and Jews.

In its statement complaining about Parolin, the Israeli Embassy accused Hamas of turning the Gaza Strip into “the biggest terrorist base ever seen.” It said Israeli armed forces were acting according to international law and said the proportion of Palestinian

civilians to “terrorists” killed was less than in other conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

But in a front-page editorial Thursday in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano titled “Stop the Carnage,” Vatican editorial director Andrea Tornielli doubled down on the Vatican position. Tornielli quoted a Rome-based Holocaust survivor, Edith Bruck, who has been highly critical of

the Israeli government’s response, which she has blamed for the rise in antisemitic acts against Jews around the world.

“No one can define what is happening in the Strip as ‘collateral damage’ from the fight against terrorism,” Tornielli wrote. “The right of defense, the right of Israel to ensure justice for those responsible for the October massacre, cannot justify this carnage.” AP

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

Pro-Cha-cha solons to critics: Mind investors’ sentiments

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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AWMAKERS emphasized the importance of considering the perspectives of foreign investors eyeing business opportunities in the Philippines, as some of them opted for Vietnam and other Asean countries due to current economic restrictions.

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman and Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Jil Bongalon said there’s no denying the need to listen to the feedback of foreign investors who are eyeing the Philippines for business amid proposals to amend the specific restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution.

While acknowledging the expertise of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Roman, meanwhile, underscored the significance of practical insights from investors, emphasizing the need to compare the Philippines’ situation with that of other countries.

“In this case, we should listen more to the potential investors. They would know the challenges that they face before investing in our country,” Roman said.

“We respect former Justice Carpio. He’s a man of great experience. But between theory and practical, practically, you know, and real talk, I think it doesn’t take much to be observant and compare our situation and that of other countries,” she said.

Roman was referring to recent statements made by Carpio, wherein he lamented “there appears to be a lack of understanding by our national leaders of the extent of foreign ownership, under the law, of businesses in our country.”

According to the former magistrate, the Philippine Congress already has many laws that facilitate foreign ownership, which is a rallying point for constitutional reform advocates. This supposedly weakens the argument for Cha-cha.

Referring to Carpio’s concerns about foreign ownership, Bongalon echoed Roman’s sentiments, stating, “With regard to that issue, what we have is a retired Justice who is saying that we already have enough laws that would answer these problems, but let’s listen to foreign investors. They say we have restrictive economic provisions under the 1987 Constitution.”

Avoiding

PALAWAN Rep. Jose Alvarez and Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. said foreign investors are avoiding the Philippines due to restrictions on foreign ownership outlined in the Constitution.

Alvarez, PDP-Laban president, said that the Korean ambassador to Manila has told him that out of 343 Korean investors, only three decided to locate in the Philippines, while the majority opted for Vietnam.

Alvarez emphasized that recent legislative efforts, such as the amended Public Service Act, are insufficient to attract foreign investments.

He compared the ease of investing in China, where the government provides land, capital, and infrastructure, to the challenges faced by foreign investors in the Philippines.

For his part, Haresco called for constitutional amendments, noting that Asean neighbors like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand have adapted their constitutions multiple times to facilitate foreign capital.

Haresco urged Congress and the government to send clear signals to foreign investors and engage in a healthy debate on constitutional changes.

News BusinessMirror

DBM releases P2.8 billion to DICT for free public Internet program

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

T

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released over P2.8 bi l l ion to t he Department of Information and Communications Technolog yOffice of the Secretary (DICTOSEC) to provide free public Wi-Fi. In a statement Tuesday, the DBM said Budget Secretar y Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the issuance of a Special

Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P2.5 billion and the corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for the first quarter amounting to P356.2 million.

The disbursement of funds will be used for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the DICT-OSEC, which encompasses the implementation of locally funded projects that include the Free Public Internet Access Program (FPIAP), the DBM said.

DTI said these provisions will allow “recognition” of educational qualifications, digital education, blended learning and other diverse forms of education delivery. “They will further assist Filipino professionals in practicing their profession in Australia and New Zealand,” the agency noted.

“Moreover, this new commitment complements the country’s implementation of the Transnational Higher Education Act [TNHE] or Republic Act 11448, passed in 2019, allowing foreign universities to provide education services through partnering with a local institution,” DTI also noted.

The also cited “enhanced” provisions to promote electronic payments in the region, competition rules to lower barriers,

The DBM added the construction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, such as high-capacity networks, Middle Mile, and Last Mile ICT infrastructures, as well as towers, data centers, assets, and other service buildings are under the FPIAP. According to the DBM, over P2.4 billion will be allocated for free internet Wi-Fi connectivity in public places, while the remaining P50 million, on the other hand, will be earmarked for connectivity concerns for State Universities and

Colleges (SUC) from the budget.

The Budget chief signed the release of the funds on February 5, which are chargeable against the Free Public Internet Access Fund—Special Accounts in the General Fund (FPIAF-SAGF) under the fiscal year 2024 Automatic Appropriations.

“This funding is crucial because the Internet is central to our emerging new age—the digital era. It is the backbone of our modern world. It connects us and makes ever y thing more

convenient, powering education, economy, health care, public safety, and even government services,” Pangandaman was quoted in the statement as saying.

The FPIAP aims to provide zerocost internet access in public spaces, such as national and government offices, public basic education institutions, SUCs, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) institutions, as well as public hospitals, medical care facilities, plazas, and transport terminals, nationwide.

DFA reiterates policy to keep distance from Italy’s patronato

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome @maloutalosig

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HE Department of Foreign Affairs reminded Philippine Consul General in Milan Elmer Cato to sever official ties with licensed agencies assisting OFWs in Italy, or the so-called patronati.

Three DFA officials—Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega and Undersecretary for Administration Antonio Morales—wrote different memoranda reiterating the order to Cato to “disassociate” himself from the patronati of Italy.

Patronati are nongovernment organizations in Italy funded by the Italian government to help Italians fill up public documents like applying for pensions, paying taxes, claiming disability insurance. Some patronati also offer services for expatriates like Filipinos wishing to bring family members to migrate to Italy.

However, lately, a Filipino-owned patronato, Alpha Assistenza SRL, was charged with aggravated fraud for allegedly duping at least 278 Filipinos who wanted to work in Italy under the seasonal employment program.

The victims complained they paid as much as 3,000 euros (P180,000) to Alpha Assistenza to help them secure employers in Italy.

Cato was accused, in a series of reports supposedly quoting OFW victims, of sitting on the complaints against Alpha because he was close to its top executive. But at a Senate hearing on job scams victimizing Filipinos, Cato shared a timeline indicating he had acted on the matter as soon as the first formal complaints surfaced in July 2023, culminating with the hiring of an Italian lawyer for the OFW victims.

Cato explained that engaging the patronati came as part of his efforts to organize Filipino business groups in Italy.

“We ordered Consul General Cato to disassociate himself from the patronati for his own protection.

Because the next time a patronato is accused of scamming a Filipino, he will always be connected to it because he is associated with them,”

De Vega told BusinessMirror.

Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said the “unequivocal instructions” to Cato to distance himself from the patronati include rendering consular, labor and Assistance to Nationals services.

However, Cato denied that the Consulate in Milan itself has been doing any Consular transactions or other businesseswiththepatronati.Thelatter playedaroleonlyinassistingOFWswith their documentation tasks with Italian authorities as they sought to bring in relatives for seasonal work.

At the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing, DFA Undersecretary Morales said the department had conducted a “moto propio” administrative probe on Cato after the newspaper report linking him to one of owners of Alpha Assistenza last September.

“According to our Human ResourceManagementOffice,there was no prima facie administrative case that could be filed against him [Cato],” Morales said.

The revelation drew a reaction from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, a former DFA secretary, who said the department should have at least written the media or made known that Cato was cleared.

He berated the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers for being silent about the case since the alleged accusation on Cato was published.

“If it was a demolition job—a PR job—bakit kayo sa DFA and [Department of Migrant Workers] hindi kayo nagsasalita para sa empleyado nyo? Kung hindi naman ito demolition job, bakit hindi nyo dinidisiplina ang inyong sariling worker?”

Cayetano asked.

Although Cato was cleared of accusation of coddling a patronato last December 18, Morales said the DFA “reminded” him not to engage any of the patronato.

Earlier, a group of Filipino owners of patronati wrote Senate Migrant Workers Committee chairman Raffy Tulfo pleading that they not be sweepingly labelled as scammers or illegal recruiters like Alpha Assistenza.

DTI chief inks docs to boost PHL free trade accord network Continued from A16

Friday, February 16, 2024 A13

and consumer protection to ensure fair trade practices.

“The DTI committed to spreading awareness and maximizing the benefits of AANZFTA for Philippine businesses, including MSMEs. Our goal is to foster resilience and sustainability for the long term, facilitating the flow of goods and services, and attracting investments. I am confident this agreement will contribute to a stable and predictable trade and investment regime as well as greater movement of skilled professionals in the region,” said Pascual.

Meanwhile, under the First Protocol to amend the Asean trade deal with Hong Kong and China, DTI said the parties adopted “more liberal” origin rules for manufacturing products such as food preparations, polystyrene, jewelry, woven fabrics, and denim.

Data from Tradeline Philippines, DTIExport Marketing Bureau’s export data and service portal, showed total merchandise trade between the Philippines and Australia reached $4.06 billion in 2023.

Philippine exports to Australia in 2023 amounted to $561.80 million while Philippine imports from Australia reached $3.5 billion.

Total trade with New Zealand in 2023 reached $495.37 million, with Philippine exports to that country amounting to $66.71 million and imports valued at $428.65 million.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’s merchandise trade with Hong Kong in 2023 reached $10.85 billion, with exports to Hong Kong amounting to $8.84 billion and imports from Hong Kong at $2.01 billion. Andrea E. San Juan

They also described the order for Cato to disassociate himself from the patronati as “unjust, discriminatory, degradable” and made them look like they are criminals.

“We are not saying the patronati are illegal. They are Italian corporations, Italian entities. But Filipinos going to them must not have the impression that they are being endorsed by the Philippine Embassy. Because of our nature of our work, we shouldn’t be connected with them,” De Vega said.

Imperial said the DFA is also mandated by the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (RA 11032) to eliminate red tape and bureaucracy and discourage Filipinos in Italy from paying agents and middlepersons to access government services.

“It was only under the leadership of Consul General Elmer G. Cato when such practice was not adhered to, prompting me to remind him of such,” Imperial said in a letter to BusinessMirror.

He added that it is has been “the constant policy” of the Philippine Embassy to refrain from dealing with the patronati when rendering consular and Assistance to Nationals services.

“Patronati have legal personality only when dealing with Italian agencies when securing Italian government-related benefits and due to the peculiarities of the Italian bureaucracy,” Imperial wrote.

During the Senate hearing last Tuesday, Cato said he will comply with the DFA orders.

A14 Friday, February 16, 2024 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

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editorial

Don’t fault economic provisions for low foreign investments

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he discussion surrounding Charter change has been ongoing for years, with proponents arguing that amending the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions is necessary to attract more foreign investments. However, a recent Senate hearing highlighted the voices of three key resource persons who disagreed with this perspective.

The Senate subcommittee hearing on Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 regarding Charter change has shed light on the issue of amending the 1987 Constitution. Three key resource persons invited to the hearing, economist Bernie Villegas, former Comelec commissioner Rene Sarmiento, and former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, have expressed their opposition to amending the Constitution at this time. Their arguments revolve around the belief that blaming the economic provisions for the lack of foreign direct investments (FDIs) would divert attention from the real problems hindering investment inflows. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Don’t blame Charter for FDI woes, say guests at Senate hearing,” February 13, 2024).

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, in a separate development, reported that FDI net inflows from January to November 2023 suffered double-digit contractions, primarily due to high inflation and low growth prospects globally. While these factors are undoubtedly significant, Villegas, Sarmiento, and Carpio argue that the alleged restrictive provisions of the Constitution should not be made a scapegoat for the poor investment climate.

Villegas highlighted the growing interest in agribusiness investments, including from local conglomerates like the MVP Group. He said that the government should capitalize on this interest as it demonstrates that both local and foreign businessmen find agriculture a lucrative sector to invest in. Villegas also noted that land ownership is not a requirement for those who wish to invest in agriculture in the Philippines.

Sarmiento, on the other hand, emphasized the need to unlock the potential of Filipinos to boost the country’s economy. He expressed reservations about prioritizing Charter change, given the multitude of pressing problems that demand attention.

This sentiment echoes the belief that addressing issues such as high cost of power, bureaucratic red tape, and poor infrastructure should take precedence over constitutional amendments.

Justice Carpio cautioned against accepting the false premise that the alleged restrictive economic provisions are solely responsible for low FDIs. He pointed out that the Philippines already has one of the most liberalized regimes, evidenced by recent amendments to the Public Service Act, which opened key sectors to foreign ownership. Carpio refuted arguments that the Philippines has a more restrictive regime compared to its neighbors and emphasized that it is factors like high power costs and poor infrastructure that deter foreign investors.

Lawmakers and policymakers should seriously consider the insights provided by these resource persons. It is essential to critically evaluate the root causes of low FDIs and prioritize addressing the real problems rather than hastily amending the Constitution. It would do well for the government to focus on improving the investment climate by reducing costs, streamlining regulations, and investing in infrastructure development.

Moreover, it is worth noting that the passage of Republic Act No. 11659, or the Public Service Act, has already relaxed restrictions on foreign ownership and opened up the local economy. Senator Grace Poe, who sponsored the legislation, rightly asserted that the Philippines is already “open for business” without the need to amend the Constitution. This demonstrates that progress can be made within the existing legal framework without the need for constitutional amendments.

While it is important to periodically evaluate and update economic policies to adapt to changing global dynamics, amending the Constitution should not be seen as a quick fix for attracting foreign investments. It is crucial to focus on addressing the genuine concerns of investors and creating an enabling environment that promotes growth and development. The recent Senate subcommittee hearing on Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 has provided valuable insights from experts who said that blaming the economic provisions of the Constitution for the lack of foreign investments would divert attention from the actual obstacles. Their arguments highlighted the need to prioritize addressing the real problems faced by investors, rather than solely focusing on constitutional amendments as a solution.

By addressing issues like high power costs, bureaucratic red tape, and poor infrastructure, the government can create an enabling environment for attracting foreign direct investments. This, in turn, fosters sustainable economic growth by promoting business development, job creation, technology transfer, and infrastructure improvement.

Since 2005

Revisiting the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution Sonny M. Angara

Better Days

O

ver three decades have passed since the 1987 Constitution was ratified. It was crafted immediately after a regime change that emerged after a peaceful revolution. A lot has changed over the years. Globally, countries have opened up their economies as a necessary step towards growth. Our Asean neighbors, who were once behind us, have overtaken us after recognizing the importance of opening their doors to progress. This reality is not lost to many Filipinos, particularly to the members of Congress who have forwarded various proposals to amend the Charter from the early ’90s to this day.

Whenever there is talk about amending the Constitution, it always draws strong reactions from all sides. For those who are lukewarm or opposed to Charter change, a lot of this is based on suspicions about the motives and a lack of trust in the personalities pushing for Charter change.

While many of the proposals initially present amendments to the economic provisions, most of the time these end up being mixed with the tinkering of the political provisions, specifi-

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stitution and hearing their insights into the issue at hand was both enlightening and educational.

In the second hearing on RBH No. 6, we took a deep dive into the restrictive provision on foreign ownership of public utilities in the Constitution. Just like the first hearing, we had as our resource persons former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio; National Scientist Raul Fabella; framers of the Constitution Rene Sarmiento and Bernardo Villegas; representatives from the foreign chambers of commerce; political scientist Dr. Clarita Carlos; and officials of the Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Philippine Competition Commission.

Unlike ordinary laws, amending the Constitution is never easy. If we look at the experience of the United States, for instance, around 11,000 amendments have been proposed over a span of 200 years, of which only 27 have been adapted, based on a paper submitted to us by former ComSee “Angara,” A15

Some economics on regional budget allocation

BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business Publisher

cally on tweaking the term limits of elected officials. This has been the main stumbling block to amending the Constitution, regardless of the personalities backing the proposals.

On January 15, 2024, Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 was filed in the Senate, which seeks to amend select economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. The proposed amendments cover Article XII (National Patrimony and Economy) on foreign ownership of public utilities; Article XIV (Educa-

tion, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports) on the participation of foreign entities in higher education; and Article XVI (General Provisions) on foreign investments in advertising. Our Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, together with Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and I authored RBH No. 6.

We were designated as chairman of the subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes to take up RBH No. 6 as the Senate president wanted a lawyer to head the hearings on this important measure. We thank the chairman of the mother committee, Senator Robinhood Padilla, for supporting the creation of the subcommittee to hear RBH No.6 and the hearings are always done in coordination with the good chairman. In the first hearing, we invited a who’s who in the legal profession including former Chief Justice Hilario Davide; former Supreme Court Justices Adolfo Azcuna and Vicente Mendoza; former Comelec Chairman Christian Monsod; Dr. Gerardo Sicat; former Finance Secretary Margarito Teves; and Sonny Africa of the IBON Foundation.

Many of the names mentioned here were also framers of the 1987 Con-

Galatians 6:7–8, “A person will reap only what he sows, because the one who sows for his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit.”

I

N short, “you reap what you sow.” In economics, in incentivizing agents to generate revenue, the agents that generate the most are allocated the most budget, and those that generate the least revenue are allocated the least budget. Hence, in allocation as proposed in the 2024 national budget, Luzon, which generated P15 trillion of GDP in 2022, gets budget allocation of P2 trillion; Mindanao, with P4 trillion GDP, gets an allocation of P800 billion; and Visayas, with P3 trillion, gets an allocation of P605 billion.

The same goes with regions. The National Capital Region (NCR), which generated the most gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of almost P7 trillion, gets the biggest budget allocation of P854 billion; other regions are in between; and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which generated the least GRDP of over P300 billion gets one of the smallest budgets of P142 billion.

Apart from incentivizing agents to generate revenue, another consideration in regional budget allocation is the distribution through which the government budget will have the

biggest “bang for the buck.” In microeconomics, the more is allocated to a region, the greater is the total return to a region. However, because of the law of the diminishing marginal returns to investment, the same buck for the poor will have a bigger “bang” than for the bountiful. In other words, the same additional P100 for the poor may translate to the first and only meal of the day, whereas that same P100 for the well off may translate to the fourth meal of the day.

Hence, in allocation as proposed in the 2024 national budget, Luzon, which generated 68 percent of the GDP in 2022, gets a budget allocation

of 61 percent of the total budget; Mindanao, with 18 percent of the GDP, gets 23 percent of the total budget; and Visayas, with 14 percent of the GDP, gets an allocation of 17 percent of the budget. The same goes with regions. NCR, which generated the biggest share in the GDP of 31 percent, gets a budget allocation equivalent to only 24 percent of the national regional budget; other regions are in between; and BARMM, which generated the least share of GDP of 1 percent, gets one of the biggest proportional share of 4 percent of the national budget for regions.

Another way to look at it is the percentage a region gets from the budget per one percent contribution in the GDP. For Luzon, 0.9 times; for Mindanao, 1.3 times; and for Visayas, 1.2 times. For NCR, 0.8 times; other regions in between; and for BARMM, 4 times. The implication is that the biggest contributors of GDP get the biggest peso budget allocation but become net givers. On the other hand, the smallest contributors of GDP get the least peso budget allocation but become net receivers.

Thus, federalism, if it is to be true to its meaning, will result in disastrous public finance consequences.

The marketing pitch towards federalism is that regions or super-regions get to have their semi-independence in terms of policy from the central government. One major hidden consequence is fiscal federalism. That is, you reap what you sow. A region can

only spend what it can collect. A rich region naturally collects more to serve its relatively better off constituents, and a poor region naturally collects less to serve its poorer constituents.

The net givers in the republican setting will no longer have to give in a federal system, and the net receivers will no longer receive. Thus, the rich become richer, and the poor become poorer.

Families can relate to this. In republicanism, children live in the house for free but play by house rules.

But in federalism, children can live in their own place and have independence; but they also pay for their rents and other bills.

Speaking of secession, let us not dignify the idea. The people of Mindanao are no less Filipinos than any from Luzon and the Visayas. From an anecdotal observation, people I know from Mindanao are just as patriotic and vested to the Republic as anyone. For example, the Ateneo universities in Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Manila, Naga, and Zamboanga are one as Filipinos. But just as food for thought, for Mindanao, which is a net receiver and home of many of the poorest regions and hence biggest net receiving regions of the country, the natural consequence of secession in the realm of public finance and poverty alleviation is disaster.

Dr. Luis F. Dumlao is the former Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management at Ateneo de Manila University.

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Economic consequences of the Ukrainian crisis

By Marat I. Pavlov

F

ebruary 21, 2024, will mark the 10th anniversary of the violent and bloody coup d’état in Ukraine, which had catastrophic consequences for its statehood as well as for regional and global stability. For esteemed readers of BusinessMirror I’d like to elaborate on the economic background of the Ukrainian crisis.

The European Union in November 2013 de-facto gave the Ukrainian authorities the ultimatum—to choose between Europe or Russia as a strategic partner. After the legitimate Ukrainian government postponed the signing of the association agreement with the EU, it was brutally overthrown with the direct financial and organizational involvement of the Western countries.

After seizing the power, the Kiev regime launched the anti-Russian program based on nationalistic, neo-Nazi ideology and with the full support from the “collective West” unleashed a fratricidal civil war on the Eastern region of Donbass, which refused to recognize the legitimacy of the coup and proclaimed the creation of Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

By early 2022, the situation in Donbass became intolerable. After repeated refusals of US, EU and Ukraine to solve the conflict peacefully, Russia had no choice but to formally acknowledge the independence of the two Republics on February 21, 2022, and to launch a special military operation on February 24, 2022 to protect their population, to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine.

The Western countries, ignoring the genesis of the conflict they themselves created, rushed to impose thousands of unilateral sanctions against the Russian Federation in a futile attempt to undermine its economy and sociopolitical stability.

But their plans for the “economic blitzkrieg” and isolation of our country failed.

The Russian economy demonstrated remarkable resilience and quickly adapted to the new conditions. In 2023, the Russian GDP demonstrated growth of 3.5 percent and, according to the World Bank, reaching $5.10 trillion in terms of purchasing power parity and replacing Germany as the world’s fifth largest economy.

On the contrary, the sanctions backfired against those who devised them, with Europe paying the highest toll. According to Eurostat, Eurozone in 2023 demonstrated marginal gross domestic product (GDP) growth of mere 0.5 percent. The critical situation is observed in the manufacturing sector of the Western European countries as their energy-intensive industries—petrochemicals, metallurgy and others—are losing competitiveness. Leading experts are talking about the threat of deindustrialization of Europe, especially visible in Germany. Last November Michelin declared the closure of three German production sites by 2025. Chemical group BASF and automotive giant Volkswagen have announced plans to move their production to China and the United States, respectively. This process was accelerated with the adoption of the protectionist US Inflation Reduction Act, which entered force in 2023 and contains clearly discriminatory provisions towards EU companies.

The only major Western country to demonstrate growth in 2023 was the US, availing itself of the difficulties and disadvantages of the European economies and of the vast

financial and military aid for Ukraine. For the past two years, US and its allies have allocated some $200 billion to their Ukrainian counterparts, with 90 percent of the money provided by Washington being spent within the United States.

As openly admitted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last December 20, “to the benefit of American business, local communities, and strengthening the US defense industrial base.” The bulk of this “assistance” for Ukraine has settled in the pockets of US largest arms manufacturers. The economic warfare unleashed by the Collective West against Russia had detrimental effects on the global trade and economy. Trying to sever all ties with Russia, they resorted to the most hideous acts including infamous sabotage against the Nord Stream gas pipelines and imposition of the anti-market “oil price cap.”

As a consequence, the global growth last year remained low at 3.1 percent and trade decreased by 5 percent in 2023 with prospects for this year also being dim.

Significant inflationary pressure persists (consumer price index in 2024 could reach 5.8 percent).

Leading central banks maintain hawkish monetary policies. Likewise, international investment has also slowed down last year. The Ukrainian conflict has exacerbated the volatility of energy markets, which, however, began long before it as the result of the shortsighted macroeconomic policies of the “collective West.”

The energy crisis was initially triggered by pumping up economies with “cheap” money, rushed “green” energy transition through increased subsidies in renewable energy combined with a sharp decrease in investments in the oil and gas sector. According to the International Energy Agency investments in traditional fuels decreased by almost $100 billion in 2017-2021, meanwhile the volume of investments in renewables increased by $120 billion.

The natural gas, which Russia has traditionally been supplying to Europe, was roughly 40 percent cheaper than spot contracts. Noteworthy, the special military operation in Ukraine did not directly lead to the interruption of supplies/transit to Europe of either oil or gas as Russia is still strictly adhering to the terms of its contracts.

Well-known cases of supply cuts from Russia are caused by unilateral restrictions of the EU itself. The Russian energy complex was chosen as one of the targets of the sanctions policy contrary to the national interests of the European countries.

The US cynically went on to introduce antimarket measures: a ban on imports of Russian coal (August 10, 2022), on imports of oil by sea (December 5, 2022), on imports of petroleum products (February 5, 2023) among others, thus eliminating Russia as a competitor and flooding Europe with expensive American LNG (in 2023 alone the sales of US gas to Europe amounted to $53 billion, with US becoming Europe’s largest supplier of this commodity). This has led to the disruption of historically established supply chains and jeopardized the already strained energy markets.

A similar situation has developed in the food market. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, popularly known as the Grain Deal, designed in July 2022 for ensuring international food security and relieving the burden on developing countries was in fact exploit-

ed in the interest of the Western countries.

Out of 33 million tons of grain exported from Ukrainian ports as per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs only 0.82 million tons (2.5 percent) of the grain went to low-income countries and another 5.63 million tons (17 percent)—to lower-middle income countries. The bulk of the grain was consumed by the world’s wealthiest nations. In the meantime, biggest US corporations used the crisis to silently acquire over 50 percent of fertile Ukrainian land (17 out of 32 million hectors).

Many countries of the global East and South, observing the disruptive role of the Collective West, feel the growing need for structures of a fair and multifaceted world order. In the past year two major associations, of which Russia is a founding member—BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization—saw an increase of membership. With four more states entering BRICS this year, its share in the global GDP has reached 35 percent thus surpassing G-7. Blatant attempts of the United States to use dollar as a political tool led to the accelerated de-dollarization of the world trade and economy, too. For instance, the proportion of US dollar in Russian foreign trade has gone down from around 50 percent to 13 percent in the last two years.

Now rubles and Chinese yuan comprise 34 percent of Russian national settlements each. In 2022 alone the percentage of the US dollar in global reserves went down from 55 percent to 47 percent and an increased number of states—both inside and outside of BRICS—will start using national currencies in their trade relations. Our country is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries worldwide on an equal footing. This year marks another 10th anniversary but this time of a positive nature.

On May 29, 2024, we are celebrating the 1st founding jubilee of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) formed by Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. EAEU stands in the center of the concept of the Greater Eurasian Partnership, aimed at facilitating a common economic space on the world’s largest continent, and gradually expands its ties with like-minded organizations. In 2018, EAEU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Asean, which was followed by the adoption of the program of cooperation for the period of 2020-2025, which encompasses many crucial fields, such as energy, e-commerce, and digital transformation.

As President Putin mentioned in his recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Russia had never closed the door for negotiations and I’m confident that a solution to the conflict would create better opportunities for global economic growth. However, the Ukrainian crisis and the resulting escalation of economic contradictions have already demonstrated that the old world order characterized by the Western domination is exhausting the potential for further development. We are witnessing the emerging of a more balanced and just multifaceted world.

I’m confident that Asean members—with the Philippines as its cofounder—will undoubtedly become one of the important pillars and epicenters of growth in this new multipolar world.

HE Marat I. Pavlov is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of the Philippines.

Lessons from Heart Evangelista’s pitfalls

“They really destroyed my inner joy, and how bubbly I was, how I was so carefree, you know? And I’m still struggling, because I wish I wouldn’t have to see them.

But it’s like, they destroyed the part of the area where I work…” lamented Heart Evangelista in her YouTube vlog in January, as she poured out her feelings over the rift she had with her long-time makeup artist Justin Soriano and stylist Jeck Aguilar.

T

his situation is a common pitfall where leaders or executives become too close to their staff, crossing a crucial boundary between professional and personal relations. It violates one of the most important rules in running a business—be friendly, but not friends with your employees.

While Heart’s business is atypical, with her employees literally working around her or on her, there is no physical office to speak of and her glam team most likely in the same car with her on the way to an event and back, she remains the CEO of her brand or business. As such, she has to adopt some rules followed by business leaders when it comes to dealing with employees, whether they are toxic or not.

Evangelista, born Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco, is a Filipina global fashion icon and influencer with a combined following of 32.7 million on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok. She is a Fashion Week powerhouse who has graced the front row seats of global brands in Paris, New York and Italy and has a plethora of product endorsements both here and abroad.

Just like any Hollywood A-lister, Heart has a glam team composed of professional make-up artist, hair stylist, stylists and most likely even nail technicians to ensure she looks impeccable when she makes appearances on events, fashion shows, as well as commercial photo and video shoots. Where she goes, the glam squad follows anywhere in the world. To be part of that glam team is

Friday, February 16, 2024 A15

To dust and to love Tito Genova Valiente

annotations

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ast 14th of February was Valentine’s Day. This was predictably a happy day but not news. But that day was also Ash Wednesday. This was news. Or something we can turn into news.

There is humor and irony in this calendrical coincidence. The Catholics, in particular, were amused at the idea of morbidity walking hand in hand with romance, the dark motif of ash elegant against the garish incarnadine of a day focusing on one of our vital organs.

The comparison goes on: in the rituals of Ash Wednesday, we are all reminded that from dust we came and to dust we shall return again.

It is a ceremonial so unfair because an authority—the Church—tells us to remember that whatever we have become, we shall not merely grow old and die, we will be mere dust. And this dust will lose all of its titles— no more kings and princes’ titles to it, no sash of beauty, no terrific reputation. It is a proposition that never inspires but finds fault in a dismal myth of origin. In the protocols and business of St. Valentine’s, there are no didactic reminders of who we are, but Just the objects of liking and loving—the votive flowers, the Cards with all the promises one in the throes of death would never imagine to be reciting from the heart, and the crowd-pleasing dinner dates or lunches when the day for lovers is transformed into a banquet of devotion for all our loved ones, including, mind you, our teachers, we pity, we thought, remain unloved.

Let us go deeper into these moveable feasts of forever.

In his poem Ash Wednesday, T.S. Eliot laments how he does “not hope to know/the infirm glory of the positive hour,” a continuing reference to times and hours, validation of eternity as well as its condemnation. Somewhere in that brief act of a priest, a deacon or a lay minister are the lessons of our religion: life is

Angara . . .

continued from A14

elec Commissioner Sarmiento. In our case, the House of Representatives pointed out that around 358 proposals have been submitted over the last 37 years and none have succeeded.

In the coming weeks, we will go into the provisions on education and advertising, and as suggested by the Senate President, we will also be scheduling public hearings in select cities around the country.

definitely an enviable job because of the numerous perks and exposure.

She successfully managed her brand and business surrounded by employees who were treated not just like friends but family members. Because why not? She is not in a position to go out for lunch with friends when she feels like it because she is always on the move. Heart, at most times, shares meals with her crew inside a hotel room, and on her down time, she brings them along when going shopping here and overseas.

While this setup offers numerous advantages for both Heart and staff, it also blurs the lines between personal and professional boundaries.

Sharing too much of her personal issues with her staff and lacking privacy due to the nature of her work environment could be problematic. The inability to maintain a level of detachment can lead to difficulties in addressing employee issues effectively. “I couldn’t even be in a bad mood because they would make me feel like I’m so toxic,” said Heart.

That sums up the challenging structure of her enterprise – the impossibility of enjoying privacy and the difficulty of reaching out to real friends to discuss business, specifically employee issues

good but we need death to constantly help us turn to the beginning, to the God of our creation. What a drab way of teaching love for our Source, what a dark, dark way to humility and humiliation.

For a day, especially those who, for reasons of oversupply of ash, get dabbed by more than just a reminder but already a death sentence, to walk the whole day while your forehead has the mark of the finite being, is to be a good follower. People whose foreheads have only a slight dash may feel insecure, thinking that his or her creator may not be loving at all, t a ke heed: a forehead ashed but not ashed is a sign that even the notion of the infinite is limited.

I am, of course, philosophizing.

Which is bad for non-philosophers.

Perhaps, the better deal is to ask this question: Is there love on Ash Wednesday? Or, is there compassion in Ash Wednesday?

What I am doing really is finding fault in having two days of conflicting persuasions be in touch with each other.

Think of it this way: if love, which is over-celebrated on Valentine’s Day, is predicated on relationships ending with marriage, then the ash day and the red-letter day are indeed kin. In the marriage vow, we, audience to the ceremonies, are aware of the phrase “till death do us part.” Mistaken for possessing perfection, that vow is really the culprit behind the sadness

From what we have heard in the two hearings and the sentiments coming from our fellow senators, the opinions are split, be it on the need to amend the economic provisions or the timing of exercise.

What is important with what we are doing right now, whether it will be successful or not, is that we are finally tackling the economic provisions in a very focused and transparent manner before the public. It is an educational process for our people. Hopefully, what we are doing here will make our people more informed about our

when it gets too hot in the kitchen.

Some of us are lucky enough to have friends who also run their own companies from whom we can draw inspiration and advice when it comes to handling toxic employees – this is priceless. One should be able to talk without pulling punches, nor filter what we have to say. This can be healthy because you are not second-guessing one’s position on the matter being discussed.

In that January vlog, Heart let her heart out about former employees— unfortunately, she was addressing her current employees (and of course the vlog’s viewers too). Business owners are always guilty of this, especially if they trust their staff. The problem is that loyalties can shift unexpectedly, and you can never tell until the shit hits the fan again. Allowing current staff to know your vulnerabilities is not only unwise but also dangerous.

Too much information shared with employees is not rational or healthy, more so if it is how you were affected by the behavior of previous staff. Kathi Elster says: “Don’t use your staff to discuss your problems—personal or professional.”

If you inadvertently mentioned an

and tragic notes of all coupling. The notion that death is the more successful partner in love tales arises from that part of the wedding vow. Aha, these weddings after all are not about the eternal; they are only good up to Life.

What could we celebrate then on Valentine’s Day? Not love perfected and certainly not passion that would not go on forever.

Allow me to propose these kinds of loves that we should now underscore, articulate, legislate while the universe still listens: Begin with the love that is never expressed. This is the best, the golden kind of love. It stays inside the inner depths of your being, away from poets and essayists. It is a love that will never die because it has never lived. A glance made some hundreds of years ago never made it to the starting line of holding another being’s hands; instead, that love ceased to be seen, and yet it continued to be felt.

This love is that kiss never—for reasons of timidity, cowardice and fate—given.

Go on to love that you offered to one who looked at it on the palm of your hand.

The other being for whom that love was freely given held it briefly, tenderly, but opted to return it to you. It is not for me, he or she says. It will hurt you more than link you to the heart of the universe if I accept it, briefly, tenderly, but only for an infinity of hours. And when the sun has started to shine, and the night has waned, that love, if you have not taken it back, may be out there in space—a condemned soul, chained to undying memories, walking the face of this earth, the ancestor to all the loneliness of humans.

And then this love: the truest love we feel when death comes and we hold our beloved’s hands for the last time; the love we bravely express because someone is bidding goodbye, and all those loves we know for the hungry, the decimated, the vanished, the unseen. These are the loves that escape the ashes of indiscretion and enable us, urge us to act on them, to attempt to change the world for the better. But this is the same kind of love no Valentine’s Day deserves.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Constitution and what it means to them. We want to see them discussing the proposed amendments and have a debate among themselves because in the end, they will be deciding on the fate of the entire process.

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

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

infraction of one employee to another, and there is no sense of condemnation of the misconduct, believe me, that is one huge red flag. Make sure you do not repeat the same mistake again because you will be in for a big letdown.

The adage “familiarity breeds contempt” cannot be overemphasized here. Common sense and experience back it up big time—it applies to livein, travel and work situations. When you are exposed the way Heart is with her employees because work and socials are intertwined, expect cracks to appear sooner or later.

We’ve had our share of thankless individuals and toxic employees—that’s a huge bummer but it is par for the course in running a business. Sure, not all employees are ingrates and venomous, but it doesn’t mean you can develop personal relationships with them.

I just hope that Heart will find ways to establish professional distance with her staff, nurture more friendships outside her work space, get a life coach whom she can talk to anytime she requires it (Coach Rezza Custodio-Soriano is highly recommended) and embrace what Chiz advised her that “with glory comes the punches.”

A16 Friday, February 16, 2024

HOUSE BACKS HOSTING OF 1ST BIMP-EAGA LAWMAKERS’ FORUM

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HE House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution (HR) 1552 expressing the chamber’s intention to initiate and convene the legislatures of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines for the inaugural BIMP-Eaga interparliamentary forum to enhance economic cooperation.

Adopted on Wednesday, HR 1552, primarily crafted by Rep. Princess Rihan Sakaluran, states that the Philippines will be the host for the first BIMP-Eaga Parliamentary Forum in 2024.

“There is a need to initiate a BIMP-Eaga Parliamentary Forum that shall provide the growth areas a unique forum for multilateral discussions and foster priority common areas strategic for avenue cooperation among legislators on the full range of issues covered in accordance with the inaugural ministerial meeting of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines,” it added.

T he proposed BIMP-Eaga Parliamentary Forum seeks to enhance economic cooperation through parallel parliamentary and legislative fora among the member countries of the BIMPEaga subregion.

BIMP-Eaga has a combined population of around 60 million and covers a land area of more or less 1.6 million square kilometers that includes the entire Sultanate

of Brunei Darussalam and the respective growth areas in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The forum also seeks to answer the need for the parliaments of member states to integrate BIMPEaga concerns into their respective legislative agendas and sustain the socioeconomic gains made by the BIMP-Eaga member countries.

HR 1552 provides that the BIMP-Eaga parliamentary forum shall elevate policy discussions among the legislative counterparts of the member countries in the areas of trade, tourism, agri-business, environment, sociocultural, and education, as well as provide more exposure for multilateral discussions on issues covered by the priority areas in accordance with the inaugural ministerial meeting held in Davao City, Philippines.

BIMP-Eaga has to date attracted the interest of development partners such as the governments of the Republic of Korea, the European Union, Japan, the Northern Territory of Australia, the People’s Republic of China, and the United States of America.

“The combined wealth and resources of BIMP-Eaga growth areas increased the overall size of the economies of the member countries, thereby increasing their profitability, productivity growth, and sustained economic growth,” it said. Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Netherlands, SG, Japan top sources of IPA investments T

By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

HE Netherlands, Singapore, and Japan were the country’s top sources of foreign investments approved by the government’s Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in the past 12 years, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on the PSA’s latest data, the total approved foreign investments (AFI) by IPAs amounted to P3.59 trillion between 2011 and 2023.

The total AFI was the largest in the first quarter of 2023 when it reached P408.22 billion, followed by the fourth quarter of last year with P394.45 billion.

Of the total AFI in the 12-year period, PSA said P755.19 billion came from investors from the Netherlands, followed by the P545.24 billion approved from investors in Singapore and P524.47 billion from Japan.

Other top sources of AFI during the period were Germany with P421.38 billion worth of approved investments; the United States, P330.26 billion; and China,

P205.98 billion.

Meanwhile, the main driver of AFI in the first quarter of 2023 was the P392.4-billion approved investments from Germany. For the fourth quarter of 2023, the main driver was AFI from the Netherlands which amounted to P345.76 billion.

PSA said the total AFI in the fourth quarter of 2023 represented an increase of 127.2 percent from the P173.61 billion total AFI in the same quarter of 2022.

Manufacturing largest sector

IN terms of industry, the largest recipient of the AFI was the manufacturing sector, which cornered P1.14 trillion between 2011 and 2023 This was followed by Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply which received a total AFI of P1.07 trillion.

Other industries that received six-figure investments in the past 12 years were Information and

communication with P532.8 billion; Real estate activities, P244.5 billion; Administrative and support service activities, P237.58 billion; and Transportation and storage, P200.89 billion.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply industry received the largest amount of approved investments at P335.87 billion or 85.1 percent of the total AFI. This was followed by Manufacturing with P48.96 billion and Administrative and support service activities with P5.7 billion—with a share of 12.4 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, PSA data showed the Bicol Region received the largest share of pledged investments amounting to P162.92 billion or 41.3 percent of the total approved FI for the fourth quarter of 2023.

This was followed by Eastern Visayas with P108.30 billion and Ilocos Region with P58.52 billion.

These accounted for 27.5 percent and 14.8 percent of the total FI, respectively.

The total approved investments of Foreign and Filipino nationals reached P585.15 billion, an increase of 20.8 percent from the reported amount of P484.53 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. Filipino nationals contributed P190.69 billion or 32.6 percent share.

Approved investments of Foreign and Filipino nationals in the fourth quarter of 2023 were expected to generate a total of 28,529 employment.

This indicated a 25.4-percent decline from the 38,256 expected employment in the same quarter of the previous year.

Of the total generated employment, 23,596 employments would be absorbed by foreign investment projects.

These investments were pledges from the following Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), namely: Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Board of Investments (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

However, in the fourth quarter of 2023, no foreign investment approvals were reported by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), BOI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BOI-BARMM), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza), and Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (ZCSEza).

TAX JUSTICE IN ACTION The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), led by Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., exhibited a dual approach to tax enforcement on Thursday, February 15, 2024. While filing 14 Criminal Information cases against five corporate officers and an accountant of ghost corporations at Quezon City Hall of Justice (full story in Banking page, B3), the BIR also initiated the regional kickoff of the Revenue Region No.8B Regional Tax Compliance Verification drive and caravan. Spearheaded by BIR District 052 Officer Arnel Cosinas, it took place within the Parañaque City District, marking the commencement of the BIR Tax Campaign under the theme “Sa Tamang Buwis, Pag-Asenso ng Mabilis.” RDO Cosinas conducted rounds to remind business owners to pay taxes promptly. NONIE REYES/NONOY LACZA

DTI chief inks docs to boost PHL free trade accord network

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RADE and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual has signed two economic instruments involving the Philippines’s trade network to “boost” trade in goods through simplified export requirements, among others.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the country’s trade chief inked two key economic instruments to “enhance” the Philippines’s free trade agreement (FTA) network.

These are the Asean-AustraliaNew Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) and the Asean-Hong Kong, China FTA (AHKFTA).

According to the Trade department, the Second Protocol updates the original Asean FTA with Australia and New Zealand and First Protocol signed in February 2009 and August 2014, respectively.

The Philippines’s Trade depa r t ment sa id t he i mproved commitments under the agreement included new chapters on government procurement, trade

and sustainable development, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

According to DTI, the new provisions respond to the “evolving multidimensional challenges” in the business environment and aim to maintain the agreement as a “relevant, high-quality” FTA and complement the region-to-region efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

Pascual said the “finalization” of the Second Protocol to amend the AANZFTA “represents another milestone in our work to further strengthen regional trade and investment flows between Asean, Australia, and New Zealand.”

“We want to ensure the agreement continues to benefit businesses and reinforce our strategic links in the region,” the Trade chief added.

DTI also noted there are new rules to “ boost” merchandise trade under the Chapter on Trade in Goods and Customs Procedure,

such as facilitating trade of essential goods during humanitarian crises and addressing related issues on non-tariff measures.

On trade in services, the DTI said market access commitments under the amended AANZFTA chapter on Trade in services will “provide greater stability” for Filipino businesses interested in investing and providing services in Australia and New Zealand.

These include sectors such as professional services, education, transportation, construction, tourism, and banking services, among others, said DTI. Other key provisions under the Second Protocol are the Professional Services and Education Services Cooperation annexes, which provide a “framework” for relevant authorities to negotiate initiatives on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, licensing, or registration in professional services sectors or bilateral or regional cooperation.

Continued on A13

BusinessMirror

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ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

66 GLOBAL SOLUTIONS INC. 5/f 6/f 7/f And 10/f Ssk Building, Block 7 Lot 5 Kennedy Road Cor. Mindanao Avenue, Don Galo, City Of Parañaque LEE, CHIH-KANG IT Technical Mandarin 1.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

LIANG, TZU-HSIN a.k.a. LIANG, YI-TING IT Technical Mandarin

2.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

WANG, HAO-LI IT Technical Mandarin

3.

Brief Job Description: Oversee all support and clerical work within a company.

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

AMANDEEP SINGH Monogram General Operator 17.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

NAYAK, SUSHANTA KUMAR Senior Systems Lead 18.

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

4.

Brief Job Description: Evaluates the use of language.

LEE CHIA SIANG Mandarin Department Secretary

5.

Brief Job Description: Must have the ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.

LU, HONGKAI Mandarin Java Developer

6.

Brief Job Description: Implementing and maintaining java based software and application.

YOU, XINQIANG Mandarin Java Developer

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Brief Job Description: Implementing and maintaining java based software and application.

CHANG, YI-CHEN Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

NA, DUAN Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

WANG, YING Mandarin Project Manager Brief Job Description: Defining the scope of the project.

ZHANG, ZENAN Mandarin Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

GUO, XINYU Mandarin Test Engineer Specialist

12.

Brief Job Description: Complete and submit test reports and other relevant documents.

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

13.

Brief Job Description: Perform accounts payable activities including vendor creation and maintenance, invoice processing, and PCard management.

14.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for activities assigned by general accounting lead.

15.

Brief Job Description: Help companies achieve a variety of goals related to employment, revenue, safety, and organizational infrastructure. Common duties include carrying out performance reviews, overseeing projects, gathering, and analyzing data and developing solutions to meet complex issues within an organization.

16.

Brief Job Description: Recruiting staffs who can speak in Mandarin language.

ARISE AND GAIN MERCHANDISE CORP. 65, Road 20, Bahay Toro, Quezon City

20.

Brief Job Description: Serves as a liaison between the customer and various departments & ensures that basic CS functions are performed.

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

TRAN, DAI NGHIA Client BPO Executive 21.

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Serves as a liaison between the customer and various departments & ensures that basic CS functions are performed.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in procurement of goods or services, and support in end-to-end accounts payable process by performing requisition, purchasing, and payment activities.

Basic Qualification: Microsoft office skills and Japanese proficiency rating must be Native /N1/N2/N3.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Must be a native Indonesian/ Vietnamese/ Singaporean/Korean/ Japanese/Malaysian/ Taiwanese/ Indian/ Cambodian/Thai/Chinese and fluent in English and respective native language.

With at least a year of work experience in similar field.

Basic Qualification: Must be a native Indonesian/ Vietnamese/ Singaporean/Korean/ Japanese/Malaysian/ Taiwanese/ Indian/ Cambodian/Thai/Chinese and fluent in English and respective native language.

With at least a year of work experience in similar field.

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

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Must be a native Indonesian/ Vietnamese/ Singaporean/Korean/ Japanese/Malaysian/ Taiwanese/ Indian/ Cambodian/Thai/Chinese and fluent in English and respective native language.

With at least a year of work experience in similar field.

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

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

AYALALAND MALLS, INC. 5/f Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati BIRKETT, PAUL ANDREW Chief Operations Officer 22.

Brief Job Description: Set strategic direction to the leadership team of Ayala Malls. Drive overall profitability to ensure top and bottom-in targets are met. Lead growth and transformation initiatives of the entire business.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in leading and maintaining a multi-national organization.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

LI, XIAOFANG Senior Finance Specialist 23.

Brief Job Description: Channel financial management, cost budgeting and analysis, provide support and advice for business development, coordination with other departments.

Basic Qualification: 1-3 years of relevant work experience, proficient in financial knowledge especially financial budget control, and have a basic understanding of the technology industry.

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

CGI (PHILIPPINES) INC. 2/f One World Square, Mckinley Hill, Pinagsama, City Of Taguig

24.

25.

26.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 27.

ALPHA CENTURY CONSULTANCY INC. 15/f Tower 2 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

LE DIEM QUYNH Mandarin Human Resource (HR) Specialist

SABATIKA INDAH SUTOPO Client BPO Executive

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

ENOJÄRVI, MARIA KATARINA Multilingual Service Desk Member

Basic Qualification: Language proficient.

Brief Job Description: To support Multilingual Service Desk.

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

HARTMANN, MICHAEL Multilingual Service Desk Member

Basic Qualification: Language proficient.

Brief Job Description: To support Multilingual Service Desk.

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

NDE NAGHEU, SERGE Multilingual Service Desk Member

Basic Qualification: Language proficient.

Brief Job Description: To support Multilingual Service Desk.

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

NORDLUND, DANIEL PER Multilingual Service Desk Member

Basic Qualification: Language proficient.

Brief Job Description: To support Multilingual Service Desk.

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

CHINA HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY 5/f Section E Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Blvd., 076, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

29.

YE, QINGLIN Bilingual Dredger Navigation Controller 28.

Brief Job Description: Provide accurate vessel positioning to ensure dredging operations take place within the defined limits as per contract.

Basic Qualification: With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin and English languages. Intermediate knowledge about on-board ship works is a must.

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

Brief Job Description: Operates main propulsion engines, stopping, starting and controlling speeds. Inspect and adjust engines and cleans engine room.

LIANG, JINGCHUN Bilingual Quality Inspector

Basic Qualification: Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. With at least 5 years of work experience in a related field. Proficient in Azure, AWS or Google Cloud. Proficient in PowerShell or Python.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION JIANG, YUANCHAO Bilingual Dredging Pump Mechanic Specialist

30.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

ADVANCE BEYOND INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, INC. Unit 402 Campos Rueda Bldg., 101 Urban Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati ZHOU, JIE Consulting Manager

Brief Job Description: Serves as a liaison between the customer and various department & ensures that basic CS functions are performed.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 ARIZA APRIANDONO Record To Report OPS Senior Analyst

19.

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

ACCENTURE, INC. 7f Robinsons Cybergate Tower 1, Pioneer St., Barangka Ilaya, City Of Mandaluyong

TIAS PURNOMO TEJO Procure To Pay Operations Analyst

Brief Job Description: Lead and manage a team of experts in system development and implementation. Optimize and finetune existing systems to align technology solutions with business goals.

LUU CHI MINH Client BPO Executive

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

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

Basic Qualification: Experience as a monogram general operator is an edge. Solid knowledge of image editing and digital sketching software, like Photoshop, in design, and Adobe Illustrator. Ability to collaborate and meet deadlines.

No.

Brief Job Description: Inspect the equipment for new and existing ships to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

These inspections consist of surveying the structure, machinery and equipment and the general condition of the vessel.

XU, HAIBO Bilingual Quality Inspector

31.

AVANTICE CORPORATION 19/f Pbcom Tower, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

ASMACS FZE INC. #426, Bulalakaw Building, A Bay 2, Plainview, City Of Mandaluyong

AB LEISURE EXPONENT, INC. 5/f Sm Megamall Bldg. D, J Vargas, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong MWAISOLOKA, WILLIAM SAMWEL Foreign Language Technical Specialist

Brief Job Description: A person who partakes in the design conceptualization up to the actual implementation of the designs to various garments using simple to latest and critical sewing machinery.

A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Friday, February 16, 2024

Brief Job Description: Inspect the equipment for new and existing ships to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

These inspections consist of surveying the structure, machinery and equipment and the general condition of the vessel.

ZHANG, YIYONG Bilingual Quality Inspector

32.

Brief Job Description: Inspect the equipment for new and existing ships to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

These inspections consist of surveying the structure, machinery and equipment and the general condition of the vessel.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin and English languages. Intermediate knowledge about on-board ship works is a must.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin and English languages. Intermediate knowledge about on-board ship works is a must.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin and English languages. Intermediate knowledge about on-board ship works is a must.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With good verbal and written skills specifically in Mandarin and English languages. Intermediate knowledge about on-board ship works is a must.

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

CHRONOS ASIA CONSULTING INC. Unit 1203 City And Land Mega Plaza, Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig

HANSEN, ALLAN Head Of Consumer International 33.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with the Category Development Team to provide input on strategic initiatives and align on Consumer category strategy to understand product development pipeline, opportunities and targets for Consumer International category.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Expert in B2C sales, marketing and product management within the Asian region.

With at least 10 years of work experience in Sales and Marketing and supply chain management and development.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg., Mckinley Hill Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig TIKEKAR, AKSHAY SUDHIR Sr. Product Specialist - Functional 34.

Brief Job Description: Payment Solution Design and Implementation support.

Experience on Payment Gateways and Clearing schemes. Requirement Analysis and Elicitation experience required. Root Cause analysis for payment logs.

Basic Qualification: Banking experienced professional required.

Expertise start and stop Queue Manager, Environment start and Stop, Clear message queues using Putty, IBM WebSphere.

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

COMMUNICATION AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE CREI PHILS INC. Unit A, 7th Flr., Clipp Center 11th Ave. Cor. 39th St. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig AYYAGARI, SRINIVAS Supply Chain Head 35.

Brief Job Description: Prepares the job costing analysis of all projects ensuring to meet the targeted prices.

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 7 years of work experience in a similar field.

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

DELOITTE & TOUCHE CONSULTING GROUP/ICS PTE LTD 6/f Padilla Bldg. F. Ortigas Jr. Rd., Ortigas Center, San Antonio, City Of Pasig MICHISHITA, CHIHARU Senior Manager - Japan Collaboration, Organizational Transformation 36.

Brief Job Description: Provide real time feedback, observation and recommendations regarding the executive team dynamics. Able to lead or manage changes within complex organizations, including the ability to develop and change management strategies.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 8 years of consulting experience in an HR consulting firm. With advance written and verbal communication skills in Japanese language.

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

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

37.

38.

CHEN, HUAIFENG Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

YAO, SHISI Chinese Cargo Office Agent Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in Chinese documentation.

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

EAST WEST BANKING CORPORATION Podium Of The Beaufort, 5th Avenue Corner 23rd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

NIDDANA, CHANDRABABU NAIDU Software Developer 39.

Brief Job Description: Develop of new projects (RFC’S), technical support for the banking portal of East West, development of web applications, providing solutions for the technical issues related to customers and branch users of East West.

Basic Qualification: Minimum is a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related disciplines, expert understanding and ability to hand-code maintain application stable using expert web technologies like html, css, js and java advanced.

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

ETRANSS REMITTANCE INTERNATIONAL CORP. G/f Jx Tower Block 2 Lot 17 Fuentes Cor. San Pedro Street, Aseana, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

BusinessMirror

A18 A6 Friday, February 16, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION WANG, XUAN Fraud Examiner Supervisor

40.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for conducting thorough investigations into remittance fraud. They collect and analyze digital evidence including computer logs, network traffic and electronic communication records.

WU, XIAOLIN Multilingual Compliance Manager 41.

Brief Job Description: Develop and oversee control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies.

MO, XIAOHAI Multilingual Customer Service 42.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times.

YANG, FEI Multilingual Customer Service Representative 43.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times.

YANG, YE Multilingual Customer Service Representative 44.

Brief Job Description: Maintaining a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times.

LI, KANG Multilingual Finance And Account Manager 45.

Brief Job Description: Prepares monthly statements by collecting data, analyzing, and investigating variances, and summarizing data trends.

WANG, CHANGCHUN Multilingual Finance And Account Manager 46.

Brief Job Description: Prepares monthly statements by collecting data, analyzing, and investigating variances, and summarizing data trends.

XIE, ZHIQIANG Multilingual Finance And Account Manager 47.

Brief Job Description: Prepares monthly statements by collecting data, analyzing, and investigating variances, and summarizing data trends.

GAO, XIAOFENG Multilingual IT Customer Support Specialist 48.

Brief Job Description: Respond to customer queries in a timely and accurate way, via phone, email or chat. Identify customer needs and help customers use specific features and analyze and report product malfunctions.

NI, SHIHAO Multilingual IT Customer Support Specialist 49.

Brief Job Description: Respond to customer queries in a timely and accurate way, via phone, email or chat. Identify customer needs and help customers use specific features and analyze and report product malfunctions.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

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

No.

KIM, HOSUNG Construction Manager 54.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

KIM, KI SUNG Construction Manager 55.

50.

Brief Job Description: Constantly ensure the dishes conform to the tradition and customs of Guangdong Cuisine and maintain its artistic appeal. Assist in preparing and cooking Guangdong Cuisine.

KO, CHANGHYUN Construction Manager 56.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

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

51.

Brief Job Description: Develops and implements sales strategy, new business/ membership/client development, retention of clients/ members, negotiation of contracts, and identification of entrepreneurial enterprises and relationship management strategies.

QIAO, XUYANG Sales Management Specialist

52.

Brief Job Description: Develops and implements sales strategy, new business/ membership/client development, retention of clients/ members, negotiation of contracts, and identification of entrepreneurial enterprises and relationship management strategies.

ZHANG, JIANCHENG Sales Management Specialist

53.

Brief Job Description: Develops and implements sales strategy, new business/ membership/client development, retention of clients/ members, negotiation of contracts, and identification of entrepreneurial enterprises and relationship management strategies.

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language.

57.

Brief Job Description: Planning, monitoring and documenting tasks throughout a project.

BASHA, FARHANA Technical Advisor 58.

Brief Job Description: The position is accountable for providing operational management and coordination of support for International SOS medical services activities, working closely with all parties to drive the Clinical Governance, Health Quality and Training mandate.

CONRADIE, LOUIS Technical Advisor

59.

Brief Job Description: The position is accountable for providing operational management and coordination of support for International SOS medical services activities, working closely with all parties to drive the Clinical Governance, Health Quality and Training mandate.

MALLEGOWDANAHALLI KRISHNAPPA, RAGHU IOT Techno Commercial Specialist

60.

67.

Basic Qualification: Experience in medical management. Client account management experience and business acumen.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Experience in medical management. Client account management experience and business acumen.

Brief Job Description: Play a pivotal role in bridging the technical and commercial aspects of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Primary responsibility is to understand and communicate the technical capabilities of IoT products and services to potential clients while also aligning these solutions with their business objectives.

BADIN, ALEKSANDR I&O Delivery Excellence Applications & Reporting Manager 61.

62.

Brief Job Description: Drive synergies, efficiencies and continuous improvement in processes, performance, automation, data & finos, and digital user experience areas in infrastructure & operations organization.

IVASHCHENKO, TATIANA I&O Delivery Excellence Digital User Experience Manager Brief Job Description: Be the product owner of SNOW virtual agent technology.

68.

63.

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

69.

70.

Brief Job Description: Planning, monitoring and executing large and complex construction projects, organizing financial and nonfinancial resources, integrating project deliverables with engineering plans.

Brief Job Description: Evaluating and optimizing marketing and pricing strategies.

ZHANG, YANG Mandarin Marketing Manager

66.

Brief Job Description: Evaluating and optimizing marketing and pricing strategies.

MAP ACTIVE PHILIPPINES INC. 20/f, Proscenium Bldg., Jp Rizal St., Guadalupe Viejo, City Of Makati

MALANI, KARAN KUMAR VP For Business DEVT, Process And Supply Chain Mgt (SCM) Brief Job Description: Responsible for corporate sales initiatives and inventory management and multi-store growth format.

71.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall strategy and execution of product assortment, promotion, pricing and placement in-store.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of workrelated experience in a similar industry.

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

RENZ, FRAUKE Associate Partner-Healthcare

72.

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Consulting existing client service teams in the healthcare industry, playing the role of an entrepreneur who receives McKinsey and opens up new opportunities for client impact in the healthcare industry and leads health insurance players, mentoring and serving as an advisor to developing consultants, and as member of McKinsey’s global network.

BATLOO, OWAIS MAJEED Director, Customer Service + Site Director

73.

Brief Job Description: Lead operations for the company’s APAC COE Customer Care and Shared Services for their Manila, Philippines Centre. Drive decision and direction on resources and capacity, service transition and optimization.

Builds and provides strategic direction on continuous improvement, services and transformational programs.

JIN, YUN SUNG Technical Support Specialist 74.

Basic Qualification: Must have a degree in business or related courses.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Must have at least 15-20 years of experience in retail industry, sales and inventory management.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above Basic Qualification: Must have a degree in management.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: Associate Principal/ Partner level experience at a tier-one consulting firm specializing in healthcare industry. Advanced degree, preferably MBA in relevant field. 8 plus years of extensive work experience in the Healthcare industry.

Proven track record of developing new client relationships and generating business development opportunities.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience both in BPLO and captive sites.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Brief Job Description: Keeping current systems updated, conduct research & provide analysis data.

Basic Qualification: Excellent organizational and time management skill, understanding in Korean language, verbal and written. Advance knowledge & proficiency in Microsoft excel, word & outlook.

MPOTECH DIGITAL SYSTEM INC. 2/f 331 Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati FARHAN RAKHA HAFIYYAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 75.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problem.

FARIDA RISMAWATI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 76.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

FRENDICK LIANGGA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 77.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

HENDY WARSITO WIDJAJA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 78.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

KEVIN REXLIE KADYTIA LEMUEL Indonesian Customer Service Representative 79.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

MAYA ANGELINA SUSANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 80.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management or related field is required.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

MAYA SISWANI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 81.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management or related field is required.

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

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

Basic Qualification: Must have a degree in business or related courses.

MJP-INTERNATIONAL TECH INC. Unit 906 The Finance Centre 26th Street, Bonifacio Global, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 36 years of managerial work experience in project management of medium to large construction projects.

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

MEDTRONIC PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 2901, 29th Floor, One World Place, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: At least 5 of work experience.

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

Basic Qualification: Must have a business degree and experience in engineering related work.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Basic Qualification: At least 5 years of work experience.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

MCKINSEY & CO., (PHILS.) 7th Floor Zuellig Bldg., Makati Avenue Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta, City Of Makati

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

MAIDEHAO TRADING, CORP. Unit 1202 & 1203 The Finance Centre, 26th Corner 9th Ave., Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall stock levels across all stores and outlets.

GUPTA, TUSHAR KANT VP Merchandising

LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LIMITED 12th Flr Menarco Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig SOBRAL TORRES LIMA, RUI MANUEL Project Manager

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall stock levels across all stores and outlets.

GUNGALOO, ADEN Head Of Planning

KF NETWORK LIMITED CORP. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati YUE, QIPENG Mandarin Operations Specialist

Brief Job Description: Responsible for managing retail and distribution projects and direction of construction projects.

WYLLIE, DEREK MURRAY Country Manager

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

JTI GBS PHILIPPINES, INC. 14th And 17th Floor - Office A, Ten West Campus Building, Le Grand Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

65.

HYUNDAI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. Unit 803 8th Floor, The Bonifacio Prime, Lot 14 Block 2 Mckinley Business Park,, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Basic Qualification: Excellent in Mandarin language.

ISCALE SOLUTIONS, INC. 27/f & 28/f The Enterprise Tower 2, 6766 Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

ZHANG, KAIXIANG Mandarin Marketing Manager

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree holder.

With a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in railway constructions and good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations.

INTERNATIONAL SOS (PHILS.), INC. Unit 1201-a, 12/f One Corporate Centre, Doña Julia Vargas Cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Ctr., San Antonio, City Of Pasig

64.

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

Brief Job Description: Review work progress on a daily basis of all Construction Project planning process works. Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status.

XIONG, YUE Mandarin Project Coordinator

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak, write, and type in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree holder.

With a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in railway constructions and good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SAXENA, RAJAT Assistant VP For Project Design

IDEAL FOCUS SERVICES INC. 24/f Pbcom Tower, 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a. Rufino, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. Fluent in various Chinese dialects.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree holder.

With a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in railway constructions and good leadership and managing skills, strong work ethics, familiar in budgeting and keen understanding of industry specific terminology, rules and regulations.

No.

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

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

HAIDILAO PHILIPPINES RESTAURANT CORPORATION 109-113, 114ab-115ab (em) Mall Of Asia Complex, J.w Diokno Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City LI, YUANKUN Sales Management Specialist

Brief Job Description: Review work progress on a daily basis of all Construction Project planning process works. Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

GOLDEN CHINA KITCHEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT INC. Seascape Village, Ccp Complex Bldg., Zoilo St. Cor. Atang Dela Rama St., Barangay 76, Pasay City XU, XIAOHAN Traditional Guangdong Culinary Adviser

Brief Job Description: Review work progress on a daily basis of all Construction Project planning process works. Prepare internal and external reports pertaining to job status.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin and English languages both in written and verbal. With working knowledge in the field of finance and virtual currency exchange.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

MILLENI UTAMI PUTERI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 82.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION MUHAMAD ABDUL AZIS Indonesian Customer Service Representative

83.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

VENESA LIM Indonesian Customer Service Representative 84.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

VINCENT LEONARDO CHANDRA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 85.

Brief Job Description: Provide product/services, information, answer questions and resolve emerging problems.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

86.

Brief Job Description: Business development of transport business market in the Philippines.

98.

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

Basic Qualification: Experience in project execution for the design, procurement, and installation.

99.

87.

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

LI, SHIRONG Chinese Customer Service

100.

88.

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

101.

LIU, HONGLIAN Chinese Customer Service 89.

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

LYU, YIJIN Chinese Customer Service 90.

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

SU, YONGFU Chinese Customer Service 91.

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

WANG, BINBIN Chinese Customer Service 92.

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

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

102.

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

103.

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

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

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

LI, ZHENGCHENG Financial Manager 93.

Brief Job Description: Provides financial reports and interpret financial information to managerial staff while recommending further courses of action.

Basic Qualification: At least 1 year experience in the position and strong analytical and problemsolving skills.

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

104.

94.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

CHENG, HSIN-YI Customer Service Representative 95.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

LY DIN LAN Customer Service Representative 96.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

NGUYEN HOANG TUNG Customer Service Representative 97.

Brief Job Description: Process complaints and issues related to products or services, they help customers complete purchases, upgrades, and returns, and frequently provide advice and technical assistance as well.

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

LIANG, LONG Mandarin Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Organize promotions and events for company clients.

WANG, DE YUAN Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

TAN, MINGGUANG Customer Service Representative

105.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

YANG, HANQUAN Customer Service Representative

106.

Brief Job Description: Addressing customer concerns and issues thru phone call and email.

107.

108.

109.

110.

ZHANG, KAI Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Maintains customer records by updating account info.

HUANG, YUANMENG Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales records.

SHAN CHIN Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

SHAN KYU Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

MO, YUANCHENG Mandarin Technical Support

111.

Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer sales systems and networks.

112.

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

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organization skills, and proficient in relevant computer applications.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist foreign investors/foreign institution with market entry, including research and development market strategies, identifying and qualifying potential customers and providing advisory services.

CHANG, HSIANG HDPE Technician 113.

Brief Job Description: Prepare site prior to the commencement of construction work, plan projects and ensure that they agreed specifications, budgets and timescales, and oversee building work.

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

SANY PHILIPPINES INC. Unit 18-a 18/f, Trafalgar Plaza 105 H.v Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: 18-50 y/o, good organization skills, and proficient in relevant computer applications.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

118.

Brief Job Description: To take overall responsibility of the local staff employed at the project including administrative functions, developmental functions and employee relations.

Reports to Director HR.

119.

120.

LIU, MINGXUE Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

MA, QING Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

DENG, YONGZHONG Chinese Construction Technician

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Customer service representative experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Customer service representative experience.

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

121.

Brief Job Description: Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Follow all state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions at work site.

YOSHIDA, TAKASHI Executive Director 122.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the operation of credit administration and control department and for enhancing the front offices’ risk ownership associated with the day-to-day credit risk taking activities.

DANIEL, ZAHI IZIK Operations Administrator 123.

Brief Job Description: Provide administrative support to the operations team and other departments.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

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

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

114.

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

WU, MEIMEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Specialist 124.

AXEL ALEXANDER ENDGE Indonesian Language - Support Officer 115.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation.

HERNAWATY Indonesian Language - Support Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Conduct research with available resources to satisfy customer inquiries.

KAKAR, RAJIV Principal: Technology Consulting

125.

116.

Brief Job Description: Assist in the planning & administration of the organization’s daily operation.

Brief Job Description: Construct and lead the technology transformation and digital emerging & technology, hire a local team and build its capabilities to establish the network within EY-GDS and other EY practices, and obtain significant opportunities in the Philippines market in the area of digital transformation.

CRUZ MONIZ, MIGUEL Sustainable Project Country Director

126.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 25 years of work experience, and with 15 years of banking experience.

With expertise in handling client evaluation, marketing and handling of core clients.

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

Basic Qualification: Has a wide knowledge and expertise in operational administration with a high degree of experience and skill in handling mediumsized support services corporations, and having at least five (5) years of work experience in the field of inter-company operations administration is an advantage.

Basic Qualification: At least 2 years of customer service experience and bilingual.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor and master’s degree in electronic systems engineering or related field is required, must have experience of 20 years in technology and digital transformation leadership both in consulting and global multinational corporations.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

Brief Job Description: Responsible for all TBC renewal project especially in terms of quality, costs and planning. Jointly with TBC COO, negotiation of all project related contracts including but not limited to the turbine supply agreement, transportation and erection, civil and electrical scope.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 20 years of work experience in project management, supervision, and oversight preferably in a Renewal Energy company, or Power Sector.

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

THERMA LUZON INC. 14/f Nac Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig BECKETT, MATTHEW Head - Operational Excellent, Systems And Standards

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

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

Basic Qualification: Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage. Able to explain problems simply and clearly.

Proficient in MS Office.

Able to follow health and safety regulations. Excellent mathematical and problemsolving skills.

THE BLUE CIRCLE PHILIPPINES HOLDINGS CORP. Unit C 3/f Makati Stock Exchange Bldg., 6767 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Indonesian language.

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Bahasa Indonesian language.

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

SYCIP, GORRES, VELAYO & CO. 6760, Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Indonesian language.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

SUPERCHAIN INCORPORATED Unit 1109-1110 11/f Ayala Tower One & Exchange Plaza, Ayala Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in HDPE welding fusion and pipe fitting/ plumbing industries. With certifications relevant to HDPE welding fusion.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

SUMMIT SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. Unit 16c 16/f Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: People oriented and results driven. Excellent active listening, negotiation and presentation skills. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin language is an advantage.

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

Basic Qualification: Customer service representative experience.

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

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

STC BUILDERS AND DEVELOPMENT CORP. 15th Floor, Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Boulevard, Barangay 699, Malate, City Of Manila

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

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

Basic Qualification: Fluently speak and write in Thai language.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Create specific promotions for affiliates.

LI, XIAOWEI Chinese HR Manager

PHOENIXFIELD, INC. 7/f Iacademy Plaza, 324 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati YOHANNES Indonesian Language - Marketing Officer

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

117.

LAOWONG, SUTTIDA Thai Language - Marketing Officer

PHILS. POWER-TECH CONSULTANCY SERVICES CORP. Room 124 Sky Freight Bldg., B Ninoy Aquino Ave., Santo Niño, City Of Parañaque

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

PHILIPPINE HAOTAI CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. 215 Juan Luna Street, Binondo, 027, Barangay 287, Binondo, City Of Manila YE, YUQUAN Executive Assistant (Chinese Clients)

Basic Qualification: 18-55 y/o, with at least 6 months of work experience, and with good verbal and written communication skills.

No.

PHILIPPINE FULL DEGREE COMMUNICATIONS CORP. 18/f Yuchengco Tower 1, Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

OCEAN MIGHT SUPPORT MANAGEMENT INC. 32/f Tower 6789, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati 33/f Tower 6789, Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

CAI, WENPING Customer Service Representative

LYU, JINZHEN Mandarin Customer Service

CHEN, WUJIAN Customer Service Representative

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

NORTH TIDE INTERNATIONAL TRADE INC. 2nd Floor Bachrach Bldg. Ii, Corner 23rd And Railroad Streets Zone 68, Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

PARTRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES INC. 1466 Gen. Luna St., 073, Barangay 673, Paco, City Of Manila

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

A19

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

OCEANIC SYMPHONY SERVICES INC. 17/f Alphaland Corporate Tower, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., Cor Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments, and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

XING, CHAO Customer Service Representative

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION 1331 Pearl Plaza Bldg., 133 Quirino Ave., Tambo, City Of Parañaque CHEN, MINGNAN Chinese Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Responsible for handling questions, comments and complaints regarding a particular business.

Their ultimate goal is to provide positive customer experiences by enhancing relationships between them.

NGUYEN THI HONG NHUNG Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION NGUYEN THI CAM VAN Customer Service Representative

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

NEC PHILIPPINES, INC. 7/f 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg., Paseo De Roxas, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati SAITO, TAKASHI Business Manager

No.

Friday, February 16, 2024

127.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the strategic delivery of the business processes that drive continuous improvement in how people, procedures and power plants interact to deliver sustainable commercial success, provide expert technical advice and support in the establishment of key and essential processes in the Maintenance and Operation Systems and Standards that drive the crossfunctional success in the organization.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 7 years of leadership and management experience.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

BusinessMirror

A20 A6 Friday, February 16, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

NONXUBA, THANDUXOLO Steam Turbine & Rotating Plant Expert

128.

Brief Job Description: Primarily responsible for being the center of knowledge in the turbine, rotating plant and auxiliary plant area in support of operations and maintenance for the combined power plant assets, provide expert knowledge for day-to-day matters outside the capability of the site teams during inspections, overhauls, plant failure situation and in optimizing the approach to the full range of maintenance philosophies for the plant sites and other assignments designated by the company.

HARIPUDDIN Indonesian Customer Service Representative Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 7 years of leadership and management experience.

144.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above 145.

129.

Brief Job Description: Manages daily operations of the IT department.

Basic Qualification: At least 19 years old.

Ability to speak, write and communicate in their respective language.

CHEN, ZEHUANG Multilingual Service Desk Analyst 130.

Brief Job Description: Ability to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

LONG, JINTAO Multilingual Service Desk Analyst 131.

Brief Job Description: Ability to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

QIAN, WEISONG Multilingual Service Desk Analyst 132.

Brief Job Description: Ability to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

ZHENG, JIAYING Multilingual Service Desk Analyst 133.

Brief Job Description: Ability to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

ZHENG, JINFENG Multilingual Service Desk Analyst 134.

Brief Job Description: Ability to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

146.

147.

148.

149.

150.

151.

135.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ALDO, ARDIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 136.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ANDREA CHRISTIAN MALAU Indonesian Customer Service Representative 137.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ANDRIKA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 138.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

AXIDI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 139.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

DANI WIBOWO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 140.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

DEVILITO SANTI MAMUAJA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 141.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

FITO JANUARTA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 142.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

GALAXY Indonesian Customer Service Representative 143.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

152.

153.

154.

155.

156.

157.

158.

159.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

TESA PUTRA PRATAMA PANGEMANAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 160.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

STENLY REKY MAIT Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

SIGIT SATRIO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

RYAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ROLANDI NOVEL TULANDI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

RANDO MARIO MISA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

PANDU SETIAJI SUTARTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ORLANDO CRISTOVEL WAHANI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

MUHAMMAD RIZKY ANANDA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

VICTORY 88 GROUP LTD INC. 8/f, I Land Bay Plaza Bldg., D-macapagal Ave. Moa Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City AGUS RASMANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

MARDIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Microsoft office suites and office 365.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

MARCO ALEXANDER DRAXLER Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Microsoft office suites and office 365.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

MARCHELINA DARA DEWI ANGGRAINY Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Microsoft office suites and office 365.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

KHAIRIL ANDRIJAL Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Microsoft office suites and office 365.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

JOVI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: Knowledge of Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10 and Microsoft office suites and office 365.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

JACKSEN TEO Indonesian Customer Service Representative

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

UPAPA HOLDINGS CORP. Unit 1819, One Park Drive,, 9th Ave Corner 11th Drive Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

HENDRY WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

TIAN XIA TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, INC. 6/f Filinvest Cyberzone Bldg. B, Superblock A Central Business Park 1 Bay City St., Barangay 76, Pasay City

PHAN THI BICH TRON Vietnamese Marketing Specialist

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

TSHIN DJUN KIONG Indonesian Customer Service Representative 161.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

No.

162.

163.

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

164.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

WANG, MINGBANG Construction Manager 165.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

166.

Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate and manage every aspect of a building project from start to finish.

MISAWA, RITSUKO Head Of JDU 167.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

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

Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering or a related field.

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

Brief Job Description: Addresses the entire business change by shaping and inspiring the change journey.

Basic Qualification: Familiar with Japanese style of quality management and delivery control is the key to make sure the mission successful.

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

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati XIONG, JIE Chinese Language Support Service 168.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

XU, KAIMIN Chinese Language Support Service

169.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

ZHANG, SHAOWEI Chinese Language Support Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

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

WESERV SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 11f Net 2 Square, 3rd Ave. Crescent Park West, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate and manage every aspect of a building project from start to finish.

XU, ZIXIN Construction Manager

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

WAYSEER CONSTRUCTION INC. 333 Juan Luna St., Unit 801 State Centre Bldg., Barangay 287, Binondo, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

WIDI FEBRIYANTI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

VERNANDO EXEL SANGI Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

VERDYAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

170.

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

UNG TUYET DANH Vietnamese Language Support Service

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking in Vietnamese language.

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

171.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

YULON FINANCE PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 17/f The Curve, 32nd St. Corner 3rd Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

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

Brief Job Description: Provide support services across technology programs and projects.

CHAN, CHIH-LING Admin, Business Planning And IT Division Head

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate with more than 10 years of relevant experience and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

172.

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

ZAPPORT SERVICES, INC. Unit Aro1-03 B,c,m,n,o,p,q 28th/f & 14/f U-c, B, Ar03, Ar02, Q,p,o,g,h,i,j01,02,03, K&l, Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Pio Del Pilar, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

ADISTIRA YUDA SAPUTRA Indonesian-Speaking Customer Service Officer 173.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

174.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

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

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

RENA FEBRIANTI Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

175.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

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

MARTINUS Indonesian-speaking Customer Service Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

Brief Job Description: Oversee and manage admin, business planning & IT operation.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Speaking and writing in Indonesian language.

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

Basic Qualification: Speaking and writing in Indonesian language.

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

Basic Qualification: Speaking and writing in Indonesian language.

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

ZERO 1 STORY SALON INC. 2f Uptown Parade-cluster 2, 36th St. Cor. 9th Ave., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig JUNG, KYUNGHO Hair Stylist 176.

Brief Job Description: Makes customers look and feel good by providing appealing and fashionable haircut and hair color services.

Basic Qualification: Can communicate with Filipino and foreign national clients.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 – Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Feb 15, 2024

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

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

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Friday, February 16, 2024

Ayala Land to spend ₧13B on flagship malls redesign

By VG Cabuag

A

@villygc

yala Land Inc. on Thursday said it will spend some P13 billion to redevelop its four major malls in Metro Manila and Cebu in its bid to meet the changing needs of the market.

The redevelopment will cover Glorietta and Greenbelt in Makati, TriNoma in Quezon City, and Ayala Center Cebu.

“With a plethora of choices available and a fierce competition for customers’ time and attention, Ayala Malls is reinventing its flagship malls to meet the evolving needs and wants of the market, and to lead the way in redefining third spaces—to give Filipinos exciting, memorable places where

they can interact with each other and the brands they love,” the company said.

Mariana Beatriz Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land director and senior vice president for leasing, said the redevelopment covers almost 400,000 square meters of gross leasable area.

“We’re really excited, not just to uplift the sense of place, in terms of the experience, the aesthetic of the mall, you know, bringing kind

of a more modern and fresh contemporary look to that. But also in rethinking the programming of the mall, in terms of the social spaces, also the retail spaces,” Zobel said.

“And we felt that this change also brought about a good opportunity for us, given the multitude of choices that everyone has, whether it’s to shop online or to shop at one of the many spaces that are available across the country, to be able to set a new standard for retail, for dining, entertainment and for leisure experiences. So this is the first time in our history that we will embark on renovating at least four of our major flagship malls at once.”

Ayala Land said it tapped global architects and designers for the redevelopment.

Glorietta and Ayala Center Cebu will be handled by Buchan Group of Australia, Greenbelt will be designed by Gensler of the United States while the task of redevelop-

ing of TriNoma went to CAN Design Ltd. of Hong Kong.

“The redevelopment will unleash the full potential of the malls’ retail spaces, enhance areas for convergence and experiences, and create spaces that challenge Ayala Malls’ retailers to bring their best,” the company said.

The redevelopment will all start in the first half of this year and will be completed by 2025 for TriNoma, 2026 for Cebu, Glorietta and Greenbelt 2 and 2028 for Greenbelt 1.

“With this transformative era, Ayala Malls firms up its dedication to creating dynamic, innovative, sustainable, and memorable malls that serve, empower, and celebrate the local communities the malls are embedded in.

Ayala Malls moves towards the future with a strong vision to be the mall of choice—the mall that customers keep coming back to, the third space that customers love,” the company said.

DOE proposes tweaks to GEAP rules

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

T

he Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed the amendment of the guidelines for non-feed-in tariff (FIT)-eligible renewable energy (RE) technologies in the green energy auction program (GEAP).

In a draft circular, the agency on Thursday said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will promulgate rules on GEA for the non-FIT-eligible RE technology auction pricing methodology.

The DOE was referring to the price determination methodology (PDM), which should consider the cost range assumptions and weighted cost of capital of the project’s internal rate of return (PIRR). These, the

DOE said, will be used in the ERC’s evaluation of price offers submitted by the bidders.

The DOE will still evaluate and endorse the bid price offers to the ERC. The commission will still review the price offers based on the PDM within 60 days upon receipt of the DOE endorsement. After which, the ERC may include adjustments.

Last Monday, the DOE said it will

conduct the third GEA this year, focusing on RE projects that are not eligible for FIT. These are 3,120MW of pumpedstorage hydro, 699MW from impounding hydro, and 380MW from geothermal.

The auction will be held on August 21, 2024 while the notice of award for non-FIT RE eligible technologies will be announced on December 10.

The GEA program was designed to continuously trigger the increase of RE capacity in the country, which will help realize the government’s target of a 35-percent RE share in the energy mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

The DOE wants the GEA to be conducted on a yearly basis, in a bid to promote RE as the country’s primary source of energy.

BCDA seeks UK help for Clark projects

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

T

he Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it has asked for the support of the United Kingdom (UK) government and UK-based investors for the financing and implementation of two major sustainability projects in New Clark City.

During the recent UK Familiarization Visit on Financing and Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure Projects, BCDA said it briefed various UK government entities and investors about New Clark City and the pipeline of projects to be implemented in the new metropolis.

In a statement on Thursday, the state-run firm said discussions revolved around the New Clark City Central Park, a 44.8-hectare open recreational space which is seen to become one of the largest public parks in the Philippines, and the proposed 33.89-hectare mixed-income housing project also in New Clark City.

In a Viber message sent to reporters, BCDA said the New Clark City Central Park has an estimated project cost of P2.58 billion while the Affordable Housing’s project cost is pegged at P10.68 billion.

The conceptual plans and feasibility studies for both projects were spearheaded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development (UK FCDO) under the Global Future Cities Initiatives Programme.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang prodded the government and British investors to consider extending financial assistance to the state-run firm as it aims to transform New Clark City into a “sustainable community.”

“As we now move forward with the next stage of implementation for both projects, we once again urge the government, as well as the private sector in the UK to consider helping us finance and execute these projects to achieve a truly inclusive and sustainable community in New Clark City.”

Aside from meetings and roundtable discussions, the BCDA said it also joined “familiarization” tours to “benchmark” and study UK’s best practices on sustainable urban redevelopment and transit-oriented

developments.

“This outbound mission served as a venue to learn more about London’s sustainable initiatives, including the establishment of TODs around London’s stations.

These will guide us as we pursue our own TODs in Bonifacio Global City and in Clark,” Bingcang said.

“Facilitated by the UK FCDO and DBT, the UK business mission helped establish connections between important infrastructure players in the Philippines and UK, and forged avenues for cooperation between the two countries,” the BCDA said.

The state-run firm noted that this business mission followed the investment roadshow organized

by BCDA and UK FCDO back in 2022 as part of the latter’s assistance to the BCDA under the GFC Programme, an initiative that aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and urban resilience in 19 cities across the world, including New Clark City.

B1

Globe maintains CDP climate change score

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

G

lobe Telecom Inc. on Thursday said it maintained a “B” score in CDP—formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project—for the third consecutive year.

Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communication Officer Yoly Crisanto said the consistent “B” score signifies its “robust environmental practices” and places it in the CDP Management band, a distinction earned by surpassing a threshold percentage of available awareness points.

She added that the recognition reflects Globe’s comprehensive assessment of environmental issues and that Globe understands how these concerns meld with business operations.

“We understand the critical role we play in mitigating climate change and are dedicated to operationalizing our climate action in ways that are both impactful and sustainable. This recognition reaffirms our resolve to continue advancing our sustainability agenda, driving positive change within our industry and beyond.”

The CDP, a globally recognized not-for-profit charity, operates a disclosure system to manage and as-

sess environmental impacts, widely acknowledged as the gold standard in environmental reporting.

Crisanto said Globe has operationalized its climate action programs through several strategies, including the transition of 27 sites to renewable energy.

She noted that Globe is also exploring alternative energy solutions such as solar hybrid gensets and onsite solar panels, particularly for high-energy utilization sites.

The company has deployed over 9,000 green network solutions, incorporating cleaner fuel technologies, energy-efficient cooling systems, and battery solutions that support the shift towards renewable energy. Intelligent monitoring systems optimize energy usage and maintenance operations, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Globe’s network infrastructure.

Globe operates under a “Supplier Code of Ethics,” a sustainability criteria for supplier assessment ensure alignment with Globe’s sustainability standards.

“Also, the Sustainability Academy for the Supply Chain empowers Globe’s suppliers with essential Environment, Social, and Governance principles and practices, ensuring these values are embedded in their business strategies,” said Crisanto.

Companies BusinessMirror

Friday, February 16, 2024

B2

Construction of URC factory in Batangas to start this year

U

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

niversal Robina Corp.

(URC), the food and beverage arm of the Gokongwei Group, on Thursday said it has broken ground on its new production plant in Malvar, Batangas.

The company said it the new factory will showcase “cutting-edge manufacturing technology.”

“This mega plant will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing technology—from the way it will be constructed all the way to how it will be operated,” said Irwin Lee, URC’s president and CEO.

Lee said many of the new, highquality products URC would introduce in the coming years would be made in Malvar. Construction of the manufacturing plant will begin this year and expansion will span some 10 to 15 years.

When completed, it will cover 30.7 hectares and employ some 3,000

workers directly and indirectly.

Lee said the manufacturing plant’s high-end technology will optimize use of resources.

“The manufacturing lines to be installed in Malvar will incorporate design improvements that will further reduce material resource inputs, production wastage, labor efforts and energy as well as water consumption,” he said.

It will have solar panels to generate power, and the buildings will make use of as much natural lighting and ventilation as possible. It will also maximize recovery of rainwater and reuse of wastewater.

URC has been pivoting towards making renewable energy take up a bigger share in its power use.

It has been installing solar panels at several of its facilities in the Philippines, and in its manufacturing hubs

in Thailand and Vietnam.

“We look forward to building a healthy relationship with the people of Malvar. We also look forward to doing our part in economic development and nation building by providing jobs to the residents of Malvar, and the rest of the country, with the full build-out of this manufacturing facility,” Lee said.

URC is one of the largest branded consumer food and beverage product companies in the Philippines.

The company has a significant and growing presence in Asean.

The company is engaged in an array of food-related businesses, including the production and distribution of branded consumer snack foods and beverages; commodities such as sugar and flour; and agro-industrial businesses mainly hogs, animal feed, and other related products.

DOTr, Meralco seal deal for subway MUTUAL FUNDS

February 15, 2024

NAV

One Year Three Year

per share

Five Year

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

T

he Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday it has signed a deal with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the construction of facilities at the Valenzuela depot of the Metro Manila Subway.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista noted that the Switching Station Agreement with Deeds of Usufruct also requires Meralco to supply the power requirements of the country’s first subway system.

He added that the partnership will “guarantee” commuters uninterrupted power and reliable service from the railway system.

“I would like to thank Meralco for your support as this agreement will help the Metro Manila Subway a step closer to reality,” he said.

Under the contract, the transport agency will provide Meralco with

a Switching Station area of 1,743 square meters for the interconnection of the Metro Manila Subway to the energy provider’s distribution network.

Once granted by the DOTr lot allocation, Meralco will finance, install, construct, control, operate and maintain the required facilities within the Switching Station for the Metro Manila Subway interconnection.

The DOTr reported last month that tunnel boring machines (TBM) are digging simultaneously in various areas in Metro Manila for the ambitious Metro Manila Subway, with 17 stations.

Each TBM can dig 12 to 30 meters of tunnel a day by excavating 300 to 600 cubic meters of soil, using rotating cutting wheels that easily break up hard soil and rocks.

The powerful TBMs can significantly reduce above ground disruption during construction.

The subway spans 33.1 kilometers, stretching from Valenzuela City up to Bicutan, Taguig with a spur line at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

It can accommodate up to 519,000 daily passengers. It will connect with the NorthSouth Commuter Railway, LRT-1 and LRT-2 lines through a Common Station.

222.89

4.44%

0.12%

-3.57%

-0.04%

1.5102

3.43%

4.47%

-0.75%

1.97%

2.54%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.0951

3.7%

0.25%

-5.78%

-1.85%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7123

0.82%

-2.83%

-5.46% n.a

First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a

-2.25%

-5.53% n.a

5.27%

0.34%

-2.63%

5.24%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

0.6586

-5.56%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.87291.76%

5.76%

0.12%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.7321.34%

0.56% n.a n.a

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

83.14

3.1%

-7.47% n.a

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 45.5372

2.16%

-0.19%

-5.78%

-2.8% n.a

473.27

4.3%

-0.33%

-2.87%

-0.03%

5.79%

1.2352

2.32%

2.38%

-1.34%

2.32%

2.48%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

2.71%

1.26%

-1.9%

1.73%

5.16%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9152 4.58%

0.98%

-2.56% n.a

5.57%

Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a

4.7815

2.92%

0.68%

-2.04%

1.64%

6.01%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

795.63

2.87%

0.49%

-2.12%

1.62%

6.01%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.719

3.42%

0.52%

-4.6% n.a

4.86%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.5831

2.69%

0.32%

-3.67%

0.18%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9025 2.64%

0.2%

-2.41% n.a

United Fund, Inc. -a

1.03%

5.31%

1.53%

-0.12%

-2.58%

5.7%

-2.18%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

3.2555

1.95%

6.12%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 35.3682

5.08%

6.5% 6.05%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.1176 2.7% n.a n.a n.a

5.87%

COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,2 1.0259 n.a n.a n.a n.a 2.11% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.0468

-5.8%

-0.62% n.a n.a

2.73%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

965.99

2.83% n.a n.a n.a

6.02%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 108.18563.52% 0.93%

-1.79%

2.32%

6.13%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) -13.47%

-16.32%

-4.49%

-1.64%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.7159

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$0.7885

13.35%

-1.49%

6.95% n.a

-4.08% 3.26%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2499

-0.02%

-0.6%

0.66%

1.64%

ATRAM Unicapital Diversified Growth Fund, Inc. -a,41.5389

4.61%

3.39%

-2.61%

-2.3%

-1.21%

1.87%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.5791

0.63%

-0.07%

-0.58%

-0.46%

3.3%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1978

-1.64%

0.46% n.a n.a

3.89% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9922

0.04%

0.61%

0.8%

1.72%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.6619

3.97%

-0.67%

0.11%

0.88%

2.99%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.0443

3.94%

-1.36%

-0.54%

0.57%

3.09%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.088

3.11%

0.28%

-0.63%

1.4%

2.96%

3.06%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5203

3.02%

-0.13%

-1.67%

0.46%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9319

1.98%

-0.74% n.a

3.05%

2.59%

3.3%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.95321.74%

-1.87%

-0.86% n.a

1.37%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.88241.8%

-1.76%

-2.3% n.a

4.17%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.8641.44%

-1.84%

-2.7% n.a

4.65%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03252 PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8804 -7.63%

-0.76%

-5.76%

-1.83%

-0.02%

-9.86%

-2.08%

-1.07%

-3.79%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3534

8.37%

-2.95%

4.06%

-2.08%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.0354

3.32%

-4.63%

0.59% n.a

3.11%

1.43% -0.54%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 391.76

3.14%

1.76%

2.56%

2.36%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9177

1.43%

0.24%

0.6%

0.18%

0.46%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.3357

2.38%

1.2%

2.21%

3.74%

0.31%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.28

2.96%

-0.22%

1.22%

1.56%

-0.27%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4513

1.47%

0.05%

1.94%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

-2.4%

1.92%

1.14%

0.2%

4.3063

2.74%

0.32%

1.3%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.3843

3.92%

1.52%

3.14%

1.86%

0.81%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.036

2.56%

0.41%

2.45%

1.85%

0.04%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

2.45%

0.43%

2.94% n.a

0.22%

1.052

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7642

3.3054

3.26%

1.04%

3.15%

2.34%

2.5%

0.29%

2.32%

1.68%

-0.29%

-0.24%

-0.22%

Corporate Debt Vehicle (units) ATRAM Unitized Corporate Debt Vehicle, Inc. -a,3

1.0168 n.a n.a n.a n.a

0.91%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $496.64

2.72%

0.76%

1.95%

2.49%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є214.15

1.52%

-0.83%

-0.02%

0.78%

0.28% 0.07%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.0307-0.07% -6.71%

-2.1%

0.06%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0247 2.07%

-2.19%

-0.24% n.a

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.85

-0.67%

-7.95%

-4.08%

-3.18%

-0.86%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.2749

2.44%

-3.5%

0.5%

1.73%

-1.94%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.061179

1.45%

-0.77%

1.29%

1.57%

0.44%

-0.81%

-5.39%

-1.4%

0.3%

-3.84%

0.45%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7249

-1.16% -0.8%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 137.38

2.46%

2.07%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.1134 3.36%

2.87%

1.85%

2.01%

2.14% n.a

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.381 2.88%

2.43%

2.06%

2.07%

0.37% 0.39%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 105.16

4.23% n.a n.a n.a

0.55%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.1032 2.82%

1.54%

1.6% n.a

Sun

0.52%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 43.1183-1.48% n.a n.a n.a Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.5106

15.95%

0.01%

8.46% n.a n.a

2.82% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.0035 n.a n.a n.a n.a

0.38%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7925-3.64%

-7.15% n.a n.a

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023.

2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

-1.27%

c - Listed in the PSE.

3 - Launch date is May 25, 2023.

4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last May 21, 2020 (formerly, ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc.) “While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa. com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU.”

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

February 15, 2024

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

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK COMMERCE BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH SUN LIFE

3,545 482,516,785 91,956 328,986,641 19,006,275 512,800 2,244,300 137,847,800 3,584,124 8,250 682,345 7,017,150 2,906,045 527,130 15,240 24,660 193,000 548,543 13,000

180,721,413 1,726,039 5,623,665 222,250 10,770,143 158,166 -768,130 -193,000 13,000

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.21 4.34 4.26 4.34 4.21 4.21 9,358,000 40,097,950 ALSONS CONS 0.51 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53 1,000 530 0.8 0.82 0.81 0.82 0.8 0.82 2,476,000 1,997,780 ALTERNERGY HLDG 37.65 38 38 38.1 37.65 37.65 937,100 35,573,230 ABOITIZ POWER RASLAG 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.2 119,000 142,860 BASIC ENERGY 0.208 0.213 0.216 0.216 0.205 0.21 6,240,000 1,308,340 19.38 19.5 18.74 19.52 18.74 19.5 990,800 19,100,176 FIRST GEN 65.25 65.6 65.6 65.6 65.5 65.6 21,990 1,441,864 FIRST PHIL HLDG MERALCO 361.8 362 361.8 364.8 361.8 362 190,080 69,040,140 MANILA WATER 19.06 19.16 18.68 19.16 18.58 19.16 2,889,900 54,458,904 3.23 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.24 3.25 491,000 1,594,210 PETRON 4.05 4.17 4.1 4.17 4 4.05 105,000 421,880 PHX PETROLEUM REPOWER ENERGY 7.12 7.35 7.4 7.4 7.15 7.37 25,900 187,729 SEMIRARA MINING 32.65 32.7 32.55 32.9 32.55 32.7 880,000 28,821,435 8.26 8.29 8.15 8.43 8.15 8.29 1,509,000 12,539,191 SYNERGY GRID 10.62 10.78 10.56 10.78 10.56 10.78 127,100 1,369,948 SHELL PILIPINAS SPC POWER 8.6 8.62 8.51 8.62 8.5 8.6 151,500 1,296,195 SP NEW ENERGY 1.17 1.18 1.23 1.25 1.17 1.18 75,170,000 90,387,910 14.84 15.8 15.8 15.8 15.8 15.8 200 3,160 VIVANT 0.52 0.53 0.54 0.54 0.52 0.53 2,817,000 1,493,120 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 2.24 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 10,000 23,000 CNTRL AZUCARERA 18.7 18.76 18.98 18.98 18.56 18.76 66,600 1,254,150 36 36.1 35.55 36.1 35.55 36.1 768,200 27,665,615 CENTURY FOOD 5.94 6 5.87 5.94 5.85 5.94 54,800 325,138 DEL MONTE DNL INDUS 6.59 6.6 6.61 6.71 6.58 6.59 1,938,700 12,907,541 EMPERADOR 20.5 20.65 20.6 20.65 20.45 20.65 821,400 16,854,195 49.9 50 49.95 50 49 50 8,880 443,306 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.7 0.71 0.7 0.72 0.7 0.71 11,462,000 8,156,470 FIGARO COFFEE FRUITAS HLDG 0.84 0.86 0.85 0.86 0.84 0.86 707,000 600,830 GINEBRA 160 162.8 163.9 163.9 159 162.8 49,230 7,903,732 257 259.4 256 260.8 256 257 590,080 153,263,514 JOLLIBEE 1.42 1.43 1.42 1.43 1.42 1.43 1,630,000 2,318,580 KEEPERS HLDG LIBERTY FLOUR 13.52 14.22 14 15.98 14 15.98 1,500 21,228 MAXS GROUP 3.37 3.44 3.4 3.44 3.4 3.43 27,000 92,390 0.091 0.105 0.091 0.091 0.091 0.091 10,000 910 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 10.6 10.62 10.3 10.6 10.3 10.6 15,195,200 159,470,528 SHAKEYS PIZZA 10.6 10.72 10.72 10.72 10.6 10.6 355,500 3,768,374 ROXAS AND CO 0.58 0.6 0.58 0.6 0.57 0.58 4,136,000 2,418,880 2.94 2.95 2.97 2.97 2.94 2.94 142,000 418,940 RFM CORP SWIFT FOODS 0.06 0.063 0.065 0.065 0.058 0.063 150,000 9,560 UNIV ROBINA 118.2 118.3 115.4 119.6 115.4 118.3 2,696,350 319,334,650 VITARICH 0.51 0.53 0.51 0.54 0.5 0.53 847,000 443,370 2.12 2.13 1.88 2.15 1.88 2.12 65,296,000 133,401,030 CEMEX HLDG 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.63 0.64 166,000 104,680 EC VULCAN CORP EEI CORP 5.45 5.46 5.5 5.5 5.41 5.45 135,200 735,965 MEGAWIDE 3.22 3.24 3.22 3.24 3.21 3.24 652,000 2,104,610 20.2 20.35 19.8 20.3 19.8 20.3 1,200 24,110 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.405 0.49 0.4 0.49 0.4 0.49 140,000 57,450 CROWN ASIA 1.65 1.71 1.74 1.74 1.7 1.7 48,000 82,870 MABUHAY VINYL 5.63 5.78 5.7 5.78 5.7 5.78 1,000 5,772 5.19 5.2 5.2 5.24 5.19 5.2 1,172,000 6,104,402 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 12.9 13 13 13.08 13 13.08 1,200 15,608 GREENERGY 0.219 0.222 0.221 0.222 0.219 0.222 3,370,000 742,700 INTEGRATED MICR 2.53 2.55 2.47 2.55 2.47 2.53 899,000 2,263,420 1.15 1.17 1.14 1.17 1.13 1.15 2,444,000 2,795,220 IONICS 4.95 5.04 5.07 5.08 4.95 4.95 18,500 91,976 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 2.46 2.48 2.49 2.49 2.48 2.48 378,000 940,240 CIRTEK HLDG 1.89 1.9 1.9 1.93 1.87 1.9 325,000 619,510

2,121,730 -62,180 3,764,620 12,000 -216,780 -794,552 183,400 -16,030,924 -3,138,212 -25,970 -336,420.00 -23,168 133,630.00 -1,484,643 -1,062,908 -19,780 7,162,380 3,160 -759,580 -23,000 5,848,785.00 -3,422,960 -14,476,425 -59,908 32,120 8,500 1,997,470 15,107,672 227,300 -10,270 7,524,428 -327,576 -5,130 45,377,216 -5,610 3,687,090 169,890 -353,530 3,410 -1,308 -259,300 30,100 -

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A KEPPEL HLDG B LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG PRIME MEDIA SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER

-690,390 41,531,300 -17,268,455 1,939,826.00 15,330 216,628 114,147,735 7,384,065 -1,332,131 123,000,755 -8,623,660 943,680

HOLDING & FRIMS

35 154.3 6.5 114.5 35 8.01 8.9 59.4 19.34 53.8 24 73.4 44.9 1 2.41 2.73 0.36 185.1 2,600

1.18 708 46 11.5 11.96 0.36 5.07 11.22 5.5 719 40.25 5.62 6.02 4.3 9.64 0.135 2.43 0.97 912 108.6 96

35.5 154.4 6.69 114.6 35.1 8.5 8.95 59.55 19.36 55 24.05 73.5 45 1.04 2.54 2.75 0.45 188 2,648

1.19 719 46.55 11.6 11.98 0.365 5.12 11.32 5.6 720 40.3 7.37 7.81 4.34 9.65 0.146 2.54 0.99 916 109 97

35.45 154.5 6.69 114 34 8 8.84 59.55 19.36 55 24.05 72.8 45 1.03 2.54 2.74 0.4 189 2,600

1.11 709.5 46.1 11.6 11.94 0.365 5.04 11.2 5.6 708 39.6 5.6 7.83 4.27 9.63 0.143 2.43 0.97 915 108 96

35.45 155.2 6.7 114.7 35.05 8 8.95 59.8 19.42 55 24.1 73.55 45 1.05 2.54 2.74 0.4 189 2,600

1.19 724 46.55 11.6 11.96 0.365 5.12 11.34 5.6 722 40.6 5.62 7.83 4.3 9.72 0.146 2.54 0.97 922 109 96

35.45 152.6 6.5 113.5 34 8 8.84 59.2 19.36 55 24 72.8 44.75 1 2.54 2.74 0.35 185.1 2,600

1.11 708 46 11.5 11.94 0.36 5.04 11.2 5.5 701 39.6 5.6 7.83 4.27 9.62 0.143 2.43 0.97 910 107.5 96

35.45 154.3 6.7 114.5 35 8 8.95 59.4 19.36 55 24 73.4 44.9 1.04 2.54 2.74 0.35 188.7 2,600

1.18 708 46 11.6 11.96 0.36 5.12 11.32 5.5 720 40.3 5.62 7.83 4.3 9.64 0.146 2.54 0.97 916 109 96

100 3,125,790 14,100 2,879,900 547,000 64,100 252,200 2,315,770 185,000 150 28,400 95,760 64,700 522,000 6,000 9,000 520,000 2,910 5

81,485,000 347,870 1,290,500 1,047,800 31,300 50,000 228,800 1,668,800 102,500 402,400 1,523,100 100,100 100 101,000 1,306,100 90,000 45,000 50,000 346,120 128,690 14,730

95,588,070 249,961,075 59,645,190 12,120,510 374,302 18,150 1,168,038 18,834,258 563,770 287,610,295 61,393,735 560,562 783 432,370 12,619,440 12,990 113,200 48,500 317,485,460 13,990,088 1,414,080

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.425 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 0.44 60,000 26,400 AYALA LAND 34.7 34.75 34.9 35.15 34.6 34.7 9,581,300 332,826,140 1.99 2.01 1.99 2.03 1.96 1.99 1,818,000 3,635,010 AYALA LAND LOG 8.96 9.35 9.35 9.35 9.35 9.35 400 3,740 ALTUS PROP ARANETA PROP 1.01 1.04 1.03 1.04 1.01 1.04 234,000 239,540 AREIT RT 33.9 33.95 34 34.05 33.85 33.9 672,000 22,804,975 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.65 0.65 92,000 60,330 A BROWN CITYLAND DEVT 0.7 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.7 0.71 46,000 32,610 CROWN EQUITIES 0.061 0.062 0.062 0.062 0.062 0.062 290,000 17,980 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.62 2.64 2.62 2.64 2.62 2.62 390,000 1,026,150 0.265 0.27 0.275 0.275 0.265 0.275 2,180,000 589,700 CENTURY PROP 2.68 2.69 2.69 2.7 2.68 2.69 2,551,000 6,856,160 CITICORE RT DOUBLEDRAGON 8.62 8.72 8.3 8.85 8.3 8.72 590,600 5,105,633 DDMP RT 1.2 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.2 1.21 2,553,000 3,094,660 5.8 5.95 5.8 5.95 5.8 5.95 6,100 36,189 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.128 0.129 0.128 0.129 0.128 0.129 830,000 106,440 EVER GOTESCO 0.275 0.28 0.27 0.285 0.27 0.285 540,000 150,050 FILINVEST RT 3.15 3.19 3.15 3.19 3.1 3.19 1,473,000 4,650,010 0.69 0.7 0.68 0.7 0.68 0.7 5,526,000 3,835,790 FILINVEST LAND 0.8 0.84 0.79 0.84 0.79 0.84 71,000 56,190 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 8.51 8.68 8.71 8.71 8.41 8.68 227,100 1,928,481 GOLDEN MV 949.5 950 949.5 950 949.5 950 140 132,935 0.55 0.57 0.53 0.65 0.5 0.57 1,013,000 578,840 PHIL INFRADEV 5 6.74 4.77 6.74 4.77 6.74 500 2,788 KEPPEL PROP CITY AND LAND 0.81 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.81 0.83 69,000 56,570 MEGAWORLD 1.97 1.98 1.97 1.99 1.97 1.97 8,370,000 16,526,110 1.25 1.26 1.25 1.27 1.22 1.25 319,000 397,810 MRC ALLIED MREIT RT 13.5 13.54 13.3 13.64 13.3 13.5 225,100 3,037,774 PHIL ESTATES 0.355 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 30,000 11,700 PREMIERE RT 1.59 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.58 1.6 548,000 876,480 5.51 5.52 5.58 5.58 5.51 5.52 909,300 5,029,670 RL COMM RT 16.38 16.4 16.3 16.5 16.3 16.4 5,060,300 83,322,880 ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL 1.37 1.42 1.36 1.42 1.35 1.42 657,000 931,760 SHANG PROP 3.72 3.73 3.78 3.8 3.72 3.72 211,000 791,540 3.12 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 100,000 345,000 STA LUCIA LAND SM PRIME HLDG 33.95 34.3 34.3 34.55 34 34 4,855,400 165,901,980 VISTAMALLS 2.29 2.38 2.35 2.37 2.35 2.37 5,000 11,810 SUNTRUST RESORT 0.81 0.85 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 51,000 42,330 1.67 1.68 1.68 1.72 1.68 1.68 190,000 319,440 VISTA LAND 1.73 1.74 1.7 1.73 1.7 1.73 161,000 276,540 VISTAREIT RT

SERVICES ABS CBN 4.33 4.4 4.31 4.4 4.3 4.32 93,000 403,660 GMA NETWORK 8.83 8.84 8.86 8.86 8.8 8.84 397,500 3,513,337 0.183 0.219 0.219 0.219 0.219 0.219 20,000 4,380 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 1,786 1,790 1,759 1,790 1,758 1,790 72,895 129,641,365 PLDT 1,296 1,300 1,291 1,304 1,291 1,300 101,695 132,077,020 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.013 0.014 0.013 0.014 0.012 0.013 52,700,000 685,100 10.1 10.16 10.16 10.24 9.99 10.16 3,374,500 34,132,398 CONVERGE 2.95 3 2.94 3 2.94 3 206,000 613,670 DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG 2.42 2.44 2.48 2.48 2.4 2.44 3,694,000 8,985,260 NOW CORP 1.16 1.17 1.13 1.2 1.12 1.16 3,018,000 3,525,630 0.124 0.129 0.123 0.13 0.123 0.129 180,000 22,390 TRANSPACIFIC BR ASIAN TERMINALS 16.38 16.6 16.48 16.62 16.4 16.4 126,800 2,085,892 CHELSEA 1.47 1.5 1.51 1.51 1.47 1.47 46,000 67,920 CEBU AIR 33.85 34.1 33.75 34.2 33.75 33.85 117,600 3,995,845 273 274.6 270 281.4 270 273 1,090,730 301,274,850 INTL CONTAINER 0.56 0.63 0.6 0.62 0.6 0.62 37,000 22,460 LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA 3.95 3.97 3.97 3.97 3.9 3.97 397,000 1,566,660 PAL HLDG 5.32 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 1,500 8,250 0.74 0.76 0.78 0.78 0.75 0.76 186,000 139,850 HARBOR STAR 0.061 0.062 0.062 0.062 0.061 0.061 1,390,000 84,920 BOULEVARD HLDG DISCOVERY WORLD 1.16 1.2 1.16 1.16 1.16 1.16 15,000 17,400 GRAND PLAZA 6.86 8.51 8.51 8.51 8.51 8.51 5,500 46,805 0.4 0.41 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 360,000 144,000 WATERFRONT CENTRO ESCOLAR 8.07 8.81 8.7 8.7 8.7 8.7 5,000 43,500 FAR EASTERN U 560 567 565 567 565 567 50 28,330 IPEOPLE 7.01 7.29 7.29 7.29 7.29 7.29 900 6,561 0.65 0.66 0.65 0.68 0.65 0.66 15,673,000 10,300,030 STI HLDG 1.19 1.2 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.2 323,000 387,610 BELLE CORP BLOOMBERRY 11.38 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.28 11.4 4,591,800 52,287,294 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.88 3.89 4.08 4.09 3.88 3.88 1,401,000 5,572,080 0.84 0.85 0.84 0.87 0.84 0.85 944,000 812,510 PH RESORTS GRP 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.71 0.69 0.69 6,890,000 4,771,530 PREMIUM LEISURE DIGIPLUS 7.6 7.63 7.75 7.75 7.47 7.63 3,275,400 24,766,815 PHILWEB 1.73 1.77 1.75 1.77 1.72 1.77 337,000 582,420 0.158 0.159 0.16 0.161 0.158 0.159 3,230,000 515,010 ALLDAY 7.45 7.84 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.8 4,400 34,320 BERJAYA ALLHOME 1.11 1.14 1.13 1.14 1.11 1.11 4,124,000 4,633,180 METRO RETAIL 1.31 1.34 1.34 1.35 1.34 1.35 63,000 85,030 28.2 28.35 28.3 28.55 28.2 28.35 619,400 17,577,835 PUREGOLD 36.85 37 36.4 37.2 36.4 37 266,900 9,874,060 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 78.5 79 79.3 79.3 78.5 78.5 13,820 1,091,630 SSI GROUP 3.18 3.19 3.15 3.2 3.14 3.18 1,044,000 3,316,090 1.23 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.29 14,000 18,060 UPSON INTL CORP 23 23.1 22.5 23.1 22.5 23 1,234,000 28,371,530 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.222 0.23 0.223 0.236 0.221 0.222 1,610,000 363,270 EASYCALL 2.1 2.32 2.11 2.11 2.11 2.11 6,000 12,660 0.315 0.32 0.31 0.315 0.305 0.315 270,000 84,150 MEDILINES PRMIERE HORIZON 0.169 0.172 0.17 0.17 0.167 0.169 1,000,000 168,960

MINING & OIL ATOK 4.55 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.6 4.6 53,000 245,300 2.55 2.56 2.48 2.56 2.48 2.55 3,535,000 8,926,560 APEX MINING 3.3 3.49 3.33 3.35 3.3 3.3 303,000 1,012,600 ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 4.4 4.54 4.4 4.55 4.4 4.55 11,000 49,810 BENGUET B 4.39 4.48 4.48 4.5 4.48 4.5 24,000 107,670 1.93 1.97 1.95 1.97 1.93 1.97 461,000 895,460 FERRONICKEL 0.043 0.046 0.042 0.046 0.042 0.044 3,700,000 166,900 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.069 0.07 0.069 0.071 0.068 0.069 5,700,000 397,390 LEPANTO B 0.068 0.072 0.069 0.069 0.068 0.068 220,000 15,030 0.0039 0.004 0.0038 0.004 0.0038 0.004 30,000,000 117,000 MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B 0.004 0.0043 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004 1,000,000 4,000 MARCVENTURES 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.84 0.82 0.83 489,000 404,640 NICKEL ASIA 4.65 4.67 4.67 4.72 4.65 4.65 11,041,000 51,362,790 0.64 0.65 0.63 0.67 0.63 0.65 137,000 87,880 ORNTL PENINSULA 3.02 3.04 3.04 3.05 3 3.04 1,334,000 4,040,990 PX MINING ENEX ENERGY 4.85 5.05 4.99 5.05 4.85 5.05 71,000 355,340 ORNTL PETROL A 0.008 0.0081 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.008 7,000,000 56,000 0.0074 0.0079 0.0074 0.0074 0.0073 0.0073 7,000,000 51,200 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 3.83 3.85 3.83 3.85 3.8 3.85 121,000 463,670

PREFFERED ACEN PREF B 1,079 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,080 1,100 1,188,000 AC PREF AR 2,490 2,508 2,490 2,508 2,490 2,490 290 722,820 488 495 495 495 495 495 2,020 999,900 AC PREF B2R 97 97.5 97.5 97.5 97.5 97.5 5,340 520,650 BRN PREF A DD PREF 95 95.5 95.5 95.5 95 95 2,550 243,075 EEI PREF A 90.2 98.2 98.2 98.2 98.2 98.2 10 982 97 98.6 97 98.6 97 98.6 510 49,486 EEI PREF B GTCAP PREF B 965 978 965 965 965 965 30 28,950 JFC PREF B 925 945 945 945 945 945 230 217,350 MWIDE PREF 2B 93.1 95.95 93 93 93 93 500 46,500 93.5 94.3 93.5 94.4 93.5 94.3 8,000 748,129 MWIDE PREF 4 101 101.5 100.3 100.3 100.3 100.3 200 20,060 MWIDE PREF 5 PNX PREF 4 213 223 210 223 210 223 190 40,160 PCOR PREF 3A 990 995 995 995 995 995 10 9,950 999 1,000 1,010 1,010 1,010 1,010 5 5,050 PCOR PREF 3B PCOR PREF 4B 980 1,000 980 980 980 980 200 196,000 PCOR PREF 4C 990 1,000 990 990 980 980 200 197,000 SMC PREF 2F 72.75 72.9 72.8 72.8 72.75 72.75 14,770 1,075,249 70.75 72.55 72.55 72.55 70.75 72.55 14,390 1,018,434.50 SMC PREF 2I 70.05 71.9 70.1 70.1 70.05 70.1 20,300 1,422,515 SMC PREF 2J SMC PREF 2K 70.1 70.5 70.55 70.55 70.45 70.45 11,050 778,539.50 SMC PREF 2L 76.15 78.45 77.95 77.95 77.9 77.9 22,160 1,726,824 77.5 78.5 78.5 78.5 78.5 78.5 20 1,570 SMC PREF 2N SMC PREF 2O 78.9 79.5 79.65 79.65 79.65 79.65 70 5,575.50 TECH PREF B2D 48.8 49.3 48.75 48.8 48.75 48.8 2,200 107,300

8,800 -5,935,145 83,580 1,707,365 808,240 -196,100 -544,870 450,481 15,760 -75,720 -50,350.00 -71,150.00 -25,110 3,599,110 -791,202 0 883,084 -7,495,034 -16,560 18,880 -63,162,575 5,040 21,851,175 34,761,850 -1,079,494 644,830 -178,270.00 -1,057,302 -1,051,600 51,657,204 -59,470 15,100 -5,650 3,040,150 -5,261,914 -34,400 -624,280.00 -142,268 15,800 -1,301,540.00 12,942,595 -5,293,570.00 905,390 -3,870 -3,874,310 -182,930 6,740 -913,430 -16,650 -4,500 -21,360 -45,817,500 -40,320 -573,560 38,300 () -56,100 -264,264 () -

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 4.07 4.26 4.09 4.12 4.09 4.12 29,000 119,190 GMA HLDG PDR 8.52 8.9

-

TECH WARRANT

-

WARRANTS

0.22

0.226

0.231

0.231

0.17

0.226

60,000

12,350

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.41 0.425 0.41 0.425 260,000 106,900 0.73 0.75 0.72 0.75 483,000 356,100 36,500 1.02 1.03 1.01 1.02 1,380,000 1,403,200 0.73 0.74 0.68 0.71 217,000 153,190 -31,000.00 1.01 1.05 1 1.04 3,600,000 3,713,630 18,450 0.255 0.27 0.249 0.25 3,550,000 898,400 -793,150

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

108.4 109.4 108.4 108.7 24,010 2,612,443 86,738

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS MERRYMART XURPAS

FIRST METRO ETF

0.41 0.74 1.01 0.68 1.03 0.249

108.6

0.425 0.75 1.02 0.71 1.04 0.25 109

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Friday, February 16, 2024

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Pagcor exec keen on selling casinos

BIR files criminal cases vs ‘ghosts’

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HE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed on Thursday 14 criminal cases against corporate officers and accountants of “ghost” corporations for selling “ghost” receipts.

A statement issued by the BIR said criminal charges were filed against five corporate officers and accountants of Decarich Supertrade Inc. and Redington Corp. before the Regional Trial Court and Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City.

The BIR, under [its] ‘Run After Fake Transactions’ [Raft] taskforce, will not hesitate to file criminal cases against big corporations and/or syndicates that sell, buy, or use “ghost” receipts, Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. was quoted in the statement as saying.

The BIR said the charges were filed after preliminary investigation by members of the Department of Justice (DOJ) found probable cause that these corporations, together with their respective executives, committed crimes.

The BIR said the respondents violated the following sections of the National Internal Revenue Code: 254 (Tax Evasion); 255 (Failure to File Tax Returns); 255 (Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in the Tax Returns); and, 257 (A)(2) (Making False Report in the Audited Financial Statements), for taxable year 2021.

According to the BIR, Decarich and Redington belonged to the first batch of ghost corporations/sellers whom the BIR filed a criminal complaint before the DOJ last year.

The BIR has warned against this syndicate using fictitious receipts. It added the agency is “serious in putting these fraudulent activities to a halt” since the government is losing an estimated total revenue amounting to P25.5 billion for taxable years 2019-2021 alone.

Lumagui said earlier that the BIR will continue conducting raids and filing criminal cases against offenders in a bid to plug tax leakages (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/09/ bir-to-continue-raiding-establishments-filing-cases-vs-evaders-intax-campaign/).

Currently, the BIR has filed 23 criminal complaints against sellers and buyers of fictitious receipts under the Raft program. Earlier, the BIR filed a criminal complaint against the cosmetic brand Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. with total tax deficiencies amounting to P9.3 million (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/02/02/popular-cosmeticbrand-faces-p9-3-million-tax-rap/).

The bureau has also filed 15 criminal charges against buyers and sellers of ghost receipts against a total of 69 respondents with estimated tax liabilities worth P1.8 billion (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2023/11/23/ bir-files-15-criminal-cases-vs-traders-of-ghost-receipts/).

“This is a constant reminder to all crooked corporations and Certified Public Accountants that the BIR is serious in filing civil and criminal actions against them,” the BIR’s statement read.

Reine Juvierre Alberto

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By Reine Juvierre Alberto

he top official of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) remained keen on privatizing state-owned casinos after its Casino Filipino recorded a P1.3-billion revenue loss last year.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco added last Monday that Casino Filipino contributed only 20 percent to Pagcor’s revenue mix.

Since the Pagcor-operated casinos’ establishment in the 1980s, Tengco said 100 percent of its earnings came from Casino Filipino properties. However, when Pagcor started to grant licenses to integrated resorts in 2012, he said Casino Filipino’s contribution to Pagcor’s revenue mix declined to 60 percent in 2014.

Integrated casino resorts include a hotel with a casino and real estate properties, such as Resorts World Manila and the Entertainment City.

As these resorts continued to rise not just in Metro Manila but also in Clark, Cebu and others, Tengco said Pagcor’s casino licensees also in-

creased resulting in revenue losses for state-owned casinos.

“Nalugi po ang Casino Filipino operations in 2023” Tengco said during the hearing last Monday of the House Committee on Games and Amusements. “Paano ko naman maju-justify as chairman (and) CEO ng Pagcor, na ang kinikita ng kaliwang kamay na napakadami ay sinusubsidize ’yung lugi ng Casino Filipino?” [How can I, as chairman and CEO of Pagcor, justify that so much income in the left hand is subsidizing the loss of Casino Filipino?]

“Hindi po nakapag-dudulot ito ng kapakinabangan sa Treasury at ganon din naman sa mamamayang Pilipino kasi nalugi po siya eh,” the Pagcor official added. [This set up brings no benefit to the Treasury as well as to

All you need is love

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APPY Valentine’s Day! Continuing with “love” as a theme for this month’s post, I’m reminded of the Beatles’s 1967 hit song, “All You Need is Love,” which conveys a simple but profound message that emphasizes the importance of love in life.

The whole idea of the song is that love is a powerful and transformative force that can bring fulfillment, happiness, and meaning to one’s existence. It’s often interpreted as a call for a more compassionate and caring approach to life and relationships.

In the realm of associations, where diverse individuals come together with shared goals and purposes, the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the phrase “all you need is love” takes on a new significance.

The mantra serves as a guiding principle for fostering meaningful connections, building strong communities, and achieving common objectives.

1. The foundation of strong associations. At the core of successful associations lies the power of love — a broader and all-encompassing sense of care, understanding, and respect for one another. When members within an association embrace this ethos, it creates a foundation of trust, collaboration, and unity.

2. Love in action. Associations are diverse ecosystems with members possessing unique perspectives, skills, and backgrounds. Embracing

Association World Octavio Peralta love within these groups means valuing each individual for their contributions and respecting differences.

It involves active listening, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand and support one another.

3. A harmonious community.

Love within associations fosters a harmonious environment where conflicts are resolved with compassion and compromise. It encourages open communication, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. This, in turn, leads to a more inclusive and democratic decision-making process.

4. Motivation and commitment. Associations often face challenges, whether organizational, strategic, or interpersonal. Love serves as a powerful motivator, inspiring members to work towards common goals with dedication and enthusiasm. When individuals feel a genuine connection and appreciation for the collective effort, they are more likely to remain committed during both triumphs and trials.

5. Building lasting connections. The strength of associations lies, not only in achieving immediate objectives, but also in building enduring connections. Love fosters

the Filipino people because Casino Filipino lost money.]

Pagcor’s contribution to nationbuilding (CNB) increased to P49.56 billion in 2023, with its lion’s share amounting to P34.72 billion remitted to the National Treasury while P17.36 billion was allocated to PhilHealth to cover free health care for Filipinos (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/02/02/pagcors2023-revenue-up-34-63-to-p7937-billion/).

‘Conflicting’ roles

THE Pagcor operates 41 casinos, both owned and under joint ventures, and regulates the gaming establishments in the country.

“Sa ngayon po kasi dalawang sombrero ang nasa taas ng ulo ng Pagcor,” Tengco said. [Right now, Pagcor wears two hats.]

Tengco further cited the findings from the Anti-Money Laundering Council that said “there is definitely a conflict of interest in Pagcor’s role as supervisor and market participant given both its ownership and regulatory powers.”

This dual role of Pagcor as a casino operator and regulator is conflicting, Tengco noted adding he believes these roles should be separated.

Tengco earlier said Pagcor plans to sell casino licenses in the second

a sense of community and belonging, transcending the superficial aspects of association life. Members who genuinely care about each other are more likely to stay engaged over the long term, contributing to the sustainability and growth of the association.

6. Inspiring positive change.

Associations are often at the forefront of driving positive change, whether in communities, industries, or society at large. Love becomes a catalyst for this change, motivating members to strive for a common vision that goes beyond individual interests. It promotes a sense of responsibility and collective action, reinforcing the association’s impact on its surroundings.

Like the message of the iconic Beatles song, love in associations is not just an abstract concept; it’s a dynamic force that transforms relationships, fosters collaboration, and propels individuals toward common goals. In a world where associations play a crucial role in shaping various aspects of society, embracing love becomes not only a sentiment but a strategic imperative for success and fulfillment. Love is all you need!

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.”

The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

half of 2025. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/01/16/ pagcor-eyes-p336-4-b-ggr-in2024-readies-privatizationprogram/) With the advent of more integrated casino resorts in the country and a Casino Filipino branch just a kilometer away from these—unrehabilitated, with no investments and just leasing–Tengco said the casino chain business is not viable anymore.

“There is no way we can compete with all of the [integrated casino resorts],” Tengco said.

Citing a post circulating on social media, lawmakers asked Tengco why not improve the Casino Filipino branches instead of putting them on sale.

He replied that a branch in Angeles City in Pampanga will undergo a “major renovation” worth P500 million—an amount cited in the social media post. Tengco said was “able to convince the lessor” to shoulder the renovation expenses.

A statement issued last Thursday quoted Tengco as saying that Pagcor “will not spend a single centavo on the renovation.”

It is our “commitment to provide better facilities and services to attract more customers and therefore ensure the profitability of its operations,” he added.

Layoffs, privatization

TENGCO also debunked claims that a total of 10,000 employees will lose their jobs due to privatization. He said the figure is “misleading” as the number is Pagcor’s total workforce.

“We are not disbanding Pagcor; we are only shedding off our casino operations but many workers will remain in regulatory, enforcement, monitoring and electronic gaming licensing units, to name a few,” he added.

Tengco said last Monday that Pagcor employees who will be affected by the sale of casinos have options or “freedom of choice.” To ensure employment, Tengco said he would require buyers of casinos to absorb the employees. Pagcor will also provide a retirement package, special incentive package, and special involuntary separation, he added.

“Hindi pa ngayon yung privatization at natitiyak ko, hindi ko po itutuloy ito kung walang approval ang Governance Commission for GOCCs na siyang magbibigay ng awtoridad sa akin na ma-implement itong nasabing privatization na ito,” Tengco said. [The privatization of Pagcor has a long way to go; it’s not today. And I will not pursue it without the approval of the Governance Commission for GOCCs, which will give me the authority to implement this said privatization.]

Lending firm inks deal with BPI for new loan

By Andrea San Juan

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OME Credit Philippines Inc. (HCPH) said it recently signed an agreement for an additional P7-billion loan facility with Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), bringing the amount of credit line facilities to P13.5 billion.

According to the lending firm, this is the third loan credit facility extended by the BPI to HCPH, following a P1billion facility in December 2022, P4 billion in August 2023, and an additional P1.5-billion in November 2023 from Robinsons Bank Corp.; following its recent merger with BPI. HMCPH said the Ayala-led bank is the company’s “biggest” creditor with P13.5 billion combined credit line facilities.

HCPH Treasury and Funding Director Zdenek Jankovsky said this local loan credit facility will “enable us to better serve out 10-million strong customer base,” adding that this will allow the consumer finance firm to “expand access” to credit opportunities for more Filipinos.

In a statement last Wednesday, HCPH noted that it was issued a double-A Issuer Credit Rating with stable outlook by PhilRatings (Philippine Rating Services Corp.), a pioneer domestic credit rating agency in 2023 based on its “overall creditworthiness and ability to meet all its financial commitments

and sustain its growth in its market.”

BPI President and CEO Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco said the lender is committed to “accelerating” its efforts to elevate financial inclusion in the Philippines.

“We are glad to support Home Credit by providing tailored solutions to enable their financial inclusion initiatives to thrive and at the same time, improving the quality of life for Filipinos, enabling them to do more,” Limcaoco was quoted in the statement as saying.

HCPH said it has been “broadening” financial inclusion in the Philippines for more than a decade since it started operating in the country in 2013. The lending firm said it has continuously provided “innovative” credit opportunities for Filipinos especially to women, young people, and those earning less than 20,000 a month.

As of December 2023 and in its tenth year of operation in the Philippines, Home Credit Philippines said it reached 10 million customers and has granted P295.7 billion in credit throughout the country through its installments, cash loans and revolving credit products.

In its statement early this month, the lending firm said it had so far signed over 22 million contracts, of which 17 million are point-of-sale (POS) loans, over 2 million cash loans, and more than 2 million revolving loans.

For POS loans, mobile phones led the way with almost 12 million financed units, the lending firm noted.

Solon cites cash aid, tax perks for single parents Closed bank borrowers seen to gain from loan-incentive program–PDIC

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

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@joveemarie

AMARINES Sur Rep. Lray Villafuerte has cited that in addition to being entitled to coverage by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), a single father or a single mother should also enjoy several tax perks mandated by law.

“Alongside a monthly cash subsidy for solo parents earning the minimum wage or below and the 10-percent discount plus exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on certain essential purchases, single dads and moms are now entitled to free PhilHealth coverage,” Villafuerte said.

The lawmaker noted that Republic Act (RA) 11861 increased the age threshold of the dependents entitled to benefits from 18 years old to 22 years old. The law also expanded the coverage of spouses to include not only the legitimate husbands or wives but also partners in common-law relationships as defined by the Family Code.

Individuals considered “solo parents” under RA 11861 include spouses or family members of semi-skilled overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) away from the Philippines for 12 months, grandparents

or qualified guardians with sole responsibility for eligible children, and those whose spouses have been detained for at least three months due to criminal conviction.

Other categories now classified as “solo parents” include those with spouses medically certified as physically or mentally incapacitated, those separated for at least six months with sole parental care, and those with nullified or annulled marriages entrusted with sole parental care.

Besides existing leave privileges, solo parents are entitled to a 7-day parental leave with pay regardless of employment status and receive priority in workplace telecommuting programs, according to Villafuerte, who also co-authored the Telecommuting Act of 2018 (RA 11165).

Villafuerte said that solo parents may, too, avail themselves of the 10 percent discount and VAT exemption on their purchases of essentials such as baby’s milk, diapers, and doctor-prescribed medicines for their children six years of age and below.

In addition to the 10-percent discount and VAT exemption on essential purchases, solo parents can avail themselves of the same benefits for items such as baby’s milk, diapers, and doctor-prescribed medicines for children aged six and below.

Villafuerte expressed anticipation for full compliance by establishments offering financial relief under RA 11869 for low-income single parents and highlighted the importance of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s guidelines on tax breaks for such establishments, providing relief to a sector affected by COVID-19.

The actual grant of discounts and VAT exemptions is subject to guidelines issued by the Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with PhilHealth, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 1-2023.

Qualified solo parents can avail themselves of the 10 percent discount and VAT exemption on purchases of specified items, including breastmilk or infant formula, food supplements, micronutrient supplements, sanitary diapers, branded or generic medicines, vaccines, and medical supplements prescribed for their children.

Solo parents need to present their Solo Parent Identification Card (SPIC) and booklet issued by the Solo Parents Office of the provincial or city government or the Solo Parents Division of the municipal government for every purchase.

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O provide financial relief to closed bank borrowers and hasten the liquidation of closed banks’ loan portfolios, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) extended the implementation of the Closed Bank Loan Incentive Program (Clip) 2.0 until the end of 2024.

With the positive reception of borrowers to Clip and its significant contribution to the collection efforts of closed banks, it has since been enhanced and extended from January 2023 until year-end 2024.

The PDIC launched the Clip in 2021 as a pandemic relief measure for closed bank borrowers.

Designed to incentivize borrowers of closed banks to settle their loan obligations, Clip provides substantial discounts on loan principal and reduction or waiver of interest rates and penalties, preserving the creditworthiness of closed bank borrowers while ensuring optimal recovery for closed

banks for the benefit of its creditors including uninsured depositors. As the statutory receiver of closed banks, the PDIC collects loan payments from borrowers and resolves loan accounts.

Under the extended program, closed bank borrowers who owe up to P5.0 million in principal balances can apply for incentives based on when their banks were closed and whether their loans are clean or secured.

Borrowers with clean loans from banks closed in 2023 and 2024 have until December 31, 2024, or one year from receipt of PDIC’s Notice to Borrowers, whichever comes later, to avail of the incentives under the extended program.

For borrowers whose banks were closed in 2022 and prior years and have not yet availed of the incentives under the program, they may still do so until December 31, 2024, regardless of whether their loans are clean or secured.

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Relationships BusinessMirror

Friday, February 16, 2024 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Where’s the romance, Pinoys?

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PHOTO BY PACO VACA ON UNSPLASH

Bye situationships? A loving partner can be good for your heart

EVERYONE knows that being in love and being loved in return is one of the best feelings in the world. The kilig factor that comes from being in a happy relationship makes your days happier and even a mundane errand turns into a cherished memory with the right person.

Rosario Soledad C. Neri-Velhagen, MD, from the Section of Cardiology at the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph) reveals that science backs loving relationships as they can contribute to one’s heart health.

“Research suggests that strong relationships, particularly in marriage, contribute to overall health. A 2017 study found unmarried individuals with heart disease had a 52 percent higher likelihood of a heart attack or cardiovascular-related

AS the weight of everyday living and the battles we must face at work or even at home been getting us Filipinos down? Has the drudgery of our isang kahig-isang tuka existence finally affected even our love lives? Has inflation finally eliminated the romance in our lives?

I ask these questions as I read a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, the findings of which I find a bit incredulous. And considering that the survey of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) was conducted on December 8 to 11, 2023, so close to Christmas—supposedly the happiest time of the year—the survey results are mildly troubling.

Cheers though to the 58 percent of those surveyed who said they were “very happy” with their love lives, which is a percentage point higher than the survey made in 2022. That counts as a majority, although I’m quite surprised that it wasn’t a higher percentage, considering Filipinos are supposed to be among the most romantic nationalities, at least in the Asia Pacific.

The SWS’ general question on one’s love life assessment was framed this way: “Alin po sa mga ito ang naglalarawan sa inyong love life? Napakasaya; Sana mas masaya pa; Walang ‘love life’ or buhay pag-ibig? (Which phrase describes your love life?

Very happy; Could be happier; No love life?)

Some 23 percent of those surveyed said their love life “could be happier,” although this was already an improvement from the 25 percent who felt the same the previous year. But there were more Filipinos in the latest survey who said they have “no love life”—19 percent of the respondents—versus the 17 percent in 2022. Awww. Sad naman.

What’s more is that for Valentine’s Day (which was celebrated on the same day as Ash Wednesday this year… ooof!), 16 percent of the respondents wished they received money as a gift from their significant other. Only 11 percent wanted “love and companionship” (I wonder how many of that 11 percent also answered that their love life could be happier), and just 10 percent wished for flowers.

The rest of the respondents’ wishes were mainly material things like apparel (9 percent), mobile phone (5 percent), watch and jewelry (5 percent), food and grocery items (3 percent), among others, while 5 percent responded with an annoying “any gift from the heart” answer, and 1 percent just wished for “a kiss.” Similarly, only 1 percent said they wished for a “date or dinner.”

The SWS survey also suggests that it is the women who appear more practical and level-headed in their assessment of their romantic partnerships.

Some 19 percent of the women wished for money as Valentine gift versus just 12 percent of the men. For

death over nearly four years compared to married counterparts with heart conditions. Overall, data indicates a lower mortality rate for married individuals compared to those never married, divorced, or widowed,” explains Dr. Neri-Velhagen.

According to Dr. Neri-Velhagen, how it works is that the feeling of being in love releases hormones such as oxytocin, which is released in response to hugging, kissing and other forms of physical touch. Such hormones decrease stress levels and promote calm and relaxation.

Even just thinking of your partner helps. “Studies using imaging techniques reveal that looking at pictures of a romantic partner triggers the parts of the brain associated with mood and pain regulation,” says Dr. Neri-Velhagen.

“The thought of one’s partner may enhance energy levels by

www.businessmirror.com.ph

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

By Eugenia Last

14 percent of the men, they wished for clothes as Valentine gift, compared to just 5 percent of women.

Only 13 percent of the women wished for flowers for the Day of the Hearts compared to just 7 percent of men, unsurprisingly. Almost an equal number of men (10 percent) and women (11 percent) wished for “love and companionship” as a Valentine present.

Meanwhile, the survey also showed that while most married couples were generally “very happy” with their love lives, it appears that husbands were far happier than their wives. Only 67 percent of the married women felt they were “very happy” with their love lives, versus 76 percent of married men. Even those who were just living-in with their significant others, only 64 percent of the women considered themselves very happy while 69 percent of the men were very happy.

Among those who had no spouse nor partner, 28 percent of the men considered themselves “very happy” and an almost equivalent number of women, at 27 percent, felt the same.

Cheryl “Cookie” Zafra de Jesus and her husband Bryan, married for 17 years, don’t really go out to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a grand fashion, and also because they have to care for their children, ranging in age from four to 17 years old, when they get home from work. “As parents of four kids, we really don’t have time to prepare for a fancy date on Valentine’s Day. Plus if it falls on a weekday, work will always have to come first,” says Cookie. “In our own way though, we try to celebrate it by having a quick date either while the kids are asleep, or while they are in school.

Last year, we had breakfast and coffee. This year we had a few beers to wait for 12 am, since Bryan picked me up from work quite late.”

They definitely rule out flowers as gifts during the Day of Hearts, according to Cookie. “If there’s something we really like, then we buy it [for each other]. He tells me if there’s something he really wants and vice versa. Minsan, puwede rin naman surprise gift, but it’s still usually connected to something we enjoy. Like for me, it’s my Lego collection. In his case, maybe something for his toy collection. It’s not a big deal though if we don’t give/ get any presents,” she stresses.

Unlike those who responded to the SWS survey, “[Bryan] doesn’t like to give money. Neither do I. Parang ang cold kasi for us,” says Cookie.

But I guess I understand the more practical tendencies of Filipinos in their love lives and toward their partners. The older we get, and the longer we are in a relationship, we let go of the giggly notions of romance—for example, chocolates and roses, strawberries and kisses, and dates.

Romance to us, in general, is the assurance we get what we need the most from our loved one (and when the price of rice is marching closer to P60 a kilo—I suppose I’d rather receive money too, panggrocery, instead of a rose, which was P220 a stem at the Farmer’s Flower Market on Valentine’s Day).

It’s cute to think that roses and chocolates, or going on Valentine dates help strengthen relationships.

But it’s really being present for one’s partner, and focusing on each other’s needs that keep the love going and flowing through the years.

Give love, show love, and, most of all, love yourself.

improving blood glucose levels. Healthy blood glucose levels prevent damage to your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels, decreasing the risk of heart disease over time.”

Of course, the right partner might also encourage you to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. “Doctors can give all the advice they want but the truth is you’re more likely to listen to your spouse if they urge you to eat healthier and exercise more,” admits Dr. Neri-Velhagen.

The next time you see your special person, don’t just thank them for their love—thank them too for giving you a healthier heart. And if you don’t have anyone just yet, be patient and wait for the right one—the one that won’t give you heartaches and heartbreaks. Your heart will thank you for it.

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: The Weeknd, 34; Elizabeth Olsen, 35; Ice-T, 66; LeVar Burton, 67.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Focus on what you can accomplish.

Avoid tough tasks until you have the skills, information or money to deal with such matters. Timing is everything, and knowing when to make a move will help you turn this eventful year into a platform to launch pursuits. Trust your instincts, follow your heart and be confident you can stop outside interference. Your numbers are 6, 13, 19, 28, 32, 37, 44.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make health and well-being your priorities. Don’t be tempted to follow someone who lacks common sense or hypes you up about something that can end in financial loss. Think for yourself, and take on only what you can afford or physically handle. Be good to yourself. HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Watch your step. Don’t feel pressured to speed up when you need time to contemplate what’s best for you. Be resourceful and secretive about your intentions until you are ready to act. The element of surprise will give you the advantage. Make romance a priority. HHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be resourceful, learn all you can and use what you discover to get ahead. You have plenty to gain if you put your head down and beeline it to the finish line. Don’t let temptation take over. Play to win, and success will be yours. HHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Handle money matters with care. A partnership that encourages shared expenses will cause difficulties. Use your insight and ingenuity to come up with a plan that allows you the freedom to fend for yourself. HHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your time and cash into making a difference. Invest more time and money in yourself and what you want to pursue. Set a budget and map out a doable plan, and you’ll discover peace of mind and the road to gratitude and happiness. HHHH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll find it hard to decide what you want and need. Don’t let temptation set in and lead you astray. Take a step back and look at the long-term effects of what you decide, and you’ll find a path that encourages you to do what’s right. HH

g h

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Do your best to make your home a place of comfort and convenience.

A move or investment that helps access a better lifestyle is apparent if you take the initiative to bring about change. Stop procrastinating. HHHHH SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be careful when dealing with friends, relatives and colleagues. Listen carefully and keep your thoughts private until you feel comfortable sharing your comments. A sudden change or disapproval will catch you off guard if you are too accommodating. HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Handle money matters carefully for the best results.

Don’t put anyone in charge who can affect how you earn your living, handle your money or care for your personal needs. Fight for your rights and promote what works best for you. HHH

j k

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take the initiative; reorganize your space to accommodate what you are trying to achieve. Setting the stage for success will make life easier for you and harder for those who try to get in your way. HHHHH AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think and do for yourself. Refuse help from those trying to point you in a direction that’s better for them than you. Take an interest in where your money goes.

Investigate pursuits that help you grow personally and professionally. HH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep your secrets to yourself. Don’t give anyone a chance to make you look bad or put you in harm’s way. Look for opportunities, and don’t hesitate to implement the changes that help you get ahead. A unique gesture will encourage romance. HHHH BIRTHDAY BABY: You are powerful, resourceful and a humanitarian. You are insightful and complex.

‘on broadway’ BY JOE RODINI

The Universal Crossword • Edited by David Steinberg/Anna Gundlach/Jared Goudsmit/Andrian Johnson ACROSS 1 ___ of the Apostles 5 Taj Mahal’s city 9 Pop like a bubble 14 Pequod, for Captain Ahab 15 U.S. leader 16 Neighbors of radii 17 Christmas candy shape 18 When a future butterfly is in a chrysalis 20 Puccini work 22 Hello, in Honolulu 23 Selfless ballers 26 Place to be pampered 29 Digital ___ camera 30 Exclamation of frustration 31 Poked holes in, as soil 33 Charity supporter 35 Nix 36 “Nicely done!”

41 Rainbow goddess, or a flower 42 UCLA athlete 43 Throw back tequilas, say 47 Canine cry 48 401(k) alternative 51 Insect in a colony

52 They’re drawn in conflict 55 It’s for a real sucker!

56 Makes changes to 57 Rant and rave in public, or what the ends of 18-, 23-, 36- and 52-Across do 62 Falco of “Nurse Jackie” 63 Hindu teacher 64 “Sorry to ___ that” 65 Brews such as stouts 66 Offer to a hitchhiker 67 “Orinoco Flow” singer 68 Not so much DOWN 1 Broad neckties 2 Union station?

3 Karaoke singer’s liability 4 Whale variety 5 Tinder, for one 6 The “me” in “Despicable Me” 7 Settle a debt with 8 Showy shrub 9 15-Across whose middle initials were H.W. 10 Big name in beauty products 11 COVID vaccine molecule

12 Succumb to gravity 13 Capital of Togo?

19 Folk wisdom 21 HS course that covers Supreme Court cases 24 Bowler’s place 25 Greeting from a crow’s nest 26 Baby book first 27 Cats, dogs and such 28 Hoopla 32 Shakespeare’s river 33 “Spill the tea!”

34 Burglarize 36 De-crease?

37 Heart of the matter 38 Eurasia’s ___ Mountains 39 Like 24-karat gold 40 Biathlon gun 41 Journalist ___ B. Wells 44 Procure 45 Covers with black gunk 46 Upper lip hair, for short 48 Sitting at a stop sign, say 49 Laces again 50 Evaluate 53 Youngster who may love Olivia

Rodrigo 54 Best imaginable 55 Big rig 57 Controversial flavor enhancer: Abbr.

58 Blow away 59 Kit ___ (candy bar) 60 No, in the Senate 61 Pitcher’s stat

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

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Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Friday, February 16, 2024

B5

The making of ‘Alexander’ FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

THE young actress and her current favorite screen partner aren’t a couple yet but they’re “friends with benefits.” The young actress has been through a lot lately and her friend with benefits is comforting her and keeping her company.

She is in no hurry to be in a relationship after her recent break-up and the controversy she got embroiled in. She also doesn’t want to date but is in need of male company to keep her occupied, so her friend/screen partner is the perfect one for her right now. There’s a general impression that the young actress is promiscuous but she is actually just a girl who’s looking for love. She is always misunderstood but she just wants love and affection.

NOT AS A SOLO ARTIST

THE young actor is hot property with a lot of acting projects and endorsements. He does work hard and even if he’s a nepo baby, he has been in the business for years. The thing is that he is always associated with being in a loveteam. He’s been in a couple or even more loveteams and every time he is in one, his stock rises. But the moment he is out of the loveteam, his fans forget about him. His recent solo project reportedly tanked and that’s sad because he invested his own money in it. We wonder when fans will begin to appreciate the young actor for himself as a solo artist instead of being part of a loveteam.

ARE THEY REALLY DATING?

SO is the sexy girl really dating the still-technically married politician? Yes and no, according to the grapevine. But she and the politician have had to issue separate denials because of the bad public reaction to their budding romance. They are also scared of the wife, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and has her own resources to seek legal action if needed. The sexy girl technically didn’t break the family apart. The politician and his wife have lead separate lives for a while. However, the politician planned for the sexy girl to take a more high profile role in his life and the wife didn’t want that so she said her piece to the husband.

THE REALITY

TO the public, they seem like the ideal religious couple with beautiful kids. But in reality, they always fight and they aren’t shy about cussing each other even when they know someone’s listening. The couple got married when they were quite young so they were very passionate with their feelings. The guy has a dominant personality and is very jealous. The wife is also the jealous type so when they fight, it’s often related to jealousy. This couple has fought publicly so many times that it’s a wonder no one has taken a video and posted it.

A

LEXANDER the Great is great once more. Better still, to use the current phrase: he is trending again. It is not as if he has disappeared from the world consciousness because he has not. Considered to be one of the greatest leaders or heroes, Alexander the Great has the reputation, the personality and the allure to be remembered forever. He is back in Alexander: The Making of a God. Now, there is this hybrid documentary series— part narrative and part academic exploration—that intrudes once more into the life of this Greek lover of war and men.

Of men? That insinuation introduced immediately at the beginning of the series may be blamed for the surge in interest in the life of this warrior; after all, in the retelling, Hephaestion, his confidant or closed-in-aide, is identified briskly as his lover, prefacing even the statement with the disclosure that in Ancient Greece, there was not much difference between homosexual and heterosexual relationships. That, of course, does not lower the raised eyebrows (alright, the centuries of technological advancement does not have a one-to-one correspondence between openness in attitude and moral judgment short circuitry) but even titillates the audience to know, aye, to see how Alex would kiss his “friend.”

Alexander is Illyria in 334 B.C. He is with his two friends, who, as we said, include Hephaestion and Ptolemy. But on the screen, we see also Dr. Calliope Limneos-Papakosta engaged in an archaeological excavation in Alexandria. She discovers new treasures from the years Alexander the Great was ruling the ancient world. We discover the place and the name embedded in the name of the place, Alexandria.

The series opens with Alexander being literally and figuratively thrust into the world stage of warfare and conquest. He is coming from an exile in his home in Macedonia, having been summoned by his father, King Philip.

We meet the other characters: Alexander’s mother, Olympias, who, while not anymore the major partner of the King, is described as still having the female might to preside over the other wives. On that day, the King is marrying off his daughter to another powerful ruler but he sees his son, Alexander, and they talk.

There is the tension between the father and the son, emotions simmering, leaving us lost in the scene: Will the father kill his own son or will it be the son to chop off the crown from that head? Such is the tension of kinship in those eras that we really never know what fate will bring to each leading character. Fate! Or destiny.

And so it happens that the king is slain and the crown is hastily taken from the ruler and given to

this boy-king, fragile and young. Or so we think.

Alexander points to Persia as the instigator of this assassination and he vows, with the crown raised, to fight and conquer it.

At this point, Persia looms, a bigger empire.

Powerful. Perhaps ardent students of histories will take note of one fact: Greece was not the most powerful then. Not even Rome. Persia was.

A character is brought in—Darius and women so powerful that we celebrate this new way of looking at ancient empires.

In between Greece and Persia was Egypt.

And history becomes relentless as it pushes the events to a final (insofar as Alexander the Great is concerned) conclusion. As Alexander, Buck Braithwaite has all the bravado of a fierce conqueror and the sex appeal that either waylays or threatens the enemies. He was a king, remember, at the age of 20, poised to invade Persia where an adult king, cool and calculating, was waiting for him.

Remember, too, the Gordian knot? Anyone who disentangles it will be the conqueror of the world?

Well, our boy sees it and he proceeds to cut it loose with his sword. This gives away the persona of this warrior: imbued with logic (his teacher was no less than Aristotle), he uses tactical violence to run around the riddle of the knot.

In the modern world, however, Alexander the Great faces a different problem. One of these is the crisis of the narrative: How to tell the story of this young man who, for reasons of fate, remained youthful, having, ironically, died an early death?

Through this hybrid docuseries, as the new

GMA Network wins 26 awards at 6th Gawad Lasallianeta

AWARD-WINNING broadcast journalist Atom Araullo received accolades as Most Outstanding News Male Anchor and Most Outstanding Male Documentarist.

MEDIA giant GMA Network has again proven its excellence in the field of broadcasting and entertainment as it garnered a total of 26 awards in the 6th Gawad Lasallianeta held last January 29 at the De La Salle Araneta University.

For winning the Most Outstanding News Show for five consecutive years, GMA Integrated News’ award-winning flagship newscast 24 Oras was elevated to the Hall of Fame.

Also securing awards for GMA Network are its news personalities who tirelessly commit to their service of bringing the latest news and breaking stories to the public.

For his undeniable contribution to the industry as one of the most trusted broadcast journalists, the late veteran broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez was conferred with a Posthumous Award.

GMA Integrated News’ GTV newscast State of the Nation anchor Atom Araullo received accolade as the Most Outstanding News Male Anchor.

Receiving the award as the Most Outstanding Female News Correspondent was GMA Integrated News reporter Mariz Umali.

GMA Public Affairs likewise proved its excellence in storytelling as it took home various recognitions for its well-loved and highly-watched programs and personalities.

Multi-platform leader and multi-awarded show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, as well as its award-winning host Jessica Soho, were honored as the Most Outstanding Magazine Show and Most Outstanding Magazine Show Host, respectively.

The country’s longest-running morning show Unang Hirit was recognized as the Best Morning Show. Receiving the award for the Most Outstanding Morning Show Hosts were the program’s hosts.

I-Witness, meanwhile, bested other nominees in

the Most Outstanding Documentary Show category, while one of its hosts, Kara David, was recognized as the Most Outstanding Female Documentarist.

Atom Araullo added another feather to his cap with the Most Outstanding Male Documentarist Award.

Another GMA Public Affairs show, Born to be Wild won the Most Outstanding Travel/Lifestyle Show Award. Meanwhile, Biyahe ni Drew host Drew Arellano brought home the award for the Most Outstanding Travel/Lifestyle Host.

GMA Entertainment Group’s award-winning infotainment program Amazing Earth also brought distinction as the Most Outstanding Educational Show. The program’s host Dingdong Dantes was awarded as the Most Outstanding Educational Show Host. Also hosted by Dingdong, Family Feud won as the Most Outstanding Entertainment Show.

Cementing its supremacy in the field of entertainment are Fast Talk with Boy Abunda and Boy Abunda as the Most Outstanding Talk Show and Most Outstanding Talk Show Host, respectively; and Pepito Manaloto Tuloy ang Kuwento and comedy genius Michael V as the Most Outstanding Comedy Show and Most Outstanding Comedian, respectively.

Several GMA personalities were also recognized by the De La Salle Araneta University for their contribution to the entertainment industry.

Alden Richards was named as the Most Outstanding Film Actor, while Barbie Forteza received the award for the Most Outstanding Actress in Drama. Completing the list of awardees are David Licauco and director Mark Reyes, who were both given the Seal for Lasallian Excellence Award.

Gawad Lasallianeta aims to recognize the most outstanding, effective and influential media and social media personalities and shows in the country.

label is known, we are again finding out all the truths and, who knows, the lies about Alexander the Great. Historians of various persuasions insert themselves in the narrative as they explain at certain junctures the events impacting the life of Alexander. One sector complains how these critical talking heads stop the flow of the story, which can be compelling and suspenseful. This though is less of a problem for me as I do find the commentaries and even critical notes helpful. They, in fact, aid me in locating certain places where those events in the lives of Alexander and also Darius took place.

The flipside of this narrator’s coin is more positive—the performances of these characters belonging to thousands of years ago are less stilted.

They might be wearing costumes that set them apart from us but their manners, gestures and language have been sort of “updated.” Ptolemy is Ptol, Hephaestion is Heph! Hey, why not! And Alexander the Great is “Alex” to his friends. Not to the other generals perhaps. It helps that the actors who play them are all strappingly good looking.

Mido Hamada as Darius is no pushover either.

Careful research has been done in the project that we are looking at different designs and costumes. The historians/academics are all scenestealers with their excitability and broad gestures.

The series writing credits include Christopher Bell and Jane McLean Guerra; the direction is attributed to Hugh Ballantyne, Stuart Elliott and Mike Slee. The film is produced by Lion Television and Tailfeather Productions.

Alexander: The Making Of A God is streaming on Netflix.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ‘PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS’ DOCUMENTARY SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE ON DISNEY+

IMMEDIATELY following the season finale of the smash hit Disney+ Original series Percy Jackson and the Olympians, fans can discover the magic behind the scenes in the original documentary special A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Featuring the series’ breakout stars, acclaimed author Rick Riordan and the creative team, the 50-minute documentary on Disney+ gives viewers an exclusive look at the production of one of television’s hottest new shows.

As seen in the documentary, series stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri go on a quest of their own while bringing to life the beloved characters from Rick Riordan’s awardwinning books. Alongside a passionate cast and creative team, A Hero’s Journey follows these three young stars on the set of the Disney+ Original series as they step into worlds fit for gods, battle unforgettable creatures and perform legendary feats—all while still going to school.

Created by Rick Riordan and Jonathan E. Steinberg, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is executive produced by Steinberg and Dan Shotz.

The series is from Disney Branded Television and 20th Television.

A Hero’s Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson is an Evolve Studios production, directed by Joel Edwards and executive produced

by Edwards and Daniel Kiedis.

B6

Friday, February 16, 2024

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PHILHEALTH RELEASES P257.6 M TO BOOST

PRIMARY CARE SERVICE DELIVERY THRU KONSULTA

PATIENTS at the Konsulta help desk.

T

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that it released more than P257 million representing the first tranche of capitation payments to Primary Care Provider Networks (PCPNs) to boost the nationwide implementation of its expanded primary care benefit package or the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package.

According to PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr., the move is expected to help accredited Konsulta facilities under the partner networks to ensure readiness to serve patients availing of Konsulta services from consultations to health screening and assessment, to the dispensing of essential drugs and medicines and laboratory procedures as recommended by qualified physicians. “ This initial wave of releases will definitely hasten enlistment of members under the networks’ catchment areas and facilitate patients being seen by the providers that they have chosen,” Ledesma explained. “This is an investment in the

general welfare of the Filipino people.

Nakahanda kaming mag-invest sa Konsulta para makaiwas ang marami sa pagkakasakit o maagapan ang karamdaman para hindi na lumala, [We are prepared to invest in Konsulta so that we can help more people avoid illness or prevent them from getting worse.] ” he added.

To date, four out of the first seven PCPNs under a sandbox setting have received their capitation funds from the state health insurer, namely Quezon Province, P72.9 million; South Cotabato, P53.9 million; Bataan, P114.7 million; and Baguio City, P15.9 million.

“These funds were frontloaded, meaning we have advanced the funding even before they render the services. This way, these networks can mobilize these to augment health resources and even ground personnel so they can serve patients adequately especially those underserved communities and the vulnerable segments,” Ledesma explained.

The PCPN sandbox sites were launched

by PhilHealth in June last year through a simple signing ceremony. The partnership aims to strengthen primary care services, digitize patient records and streamline claims processes within select areas. The State Agency has allotted P30 billion this year to intensify the implementation of Konsulta in more participating networks to cover more regions especially in geographically isolated and depressed areas.

“To further improve our reach, we are also actively participating in the LAB for ALL or ‘Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat’ Caravan, the flagship project of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos,” he reported, noting that in the first 17 caravans held in different parts of Luzon and the National Capital Region as of December 31, 2023, a total of 14,000 beneficiaries have been served and availed of consultations with primary care physicians.

One Konsulta beneficiary in the person of Chessa Amana from Mati, Davao City expressed her appreciation for the Konsulta program. “Nag avail ako ng Konsulta sa CHO Mati last May at laboratory (CBC, Urinalysis, Stool). Sa pag-avail ko ng Konsulta, naka less ako ng gastos at may ibinigay pa na gamot na libre. Overall, na-satisfied ako sa kanilang serbisyo.

Sa non-member, ngayon pa lang magpa rehistro na kayo. Kung may PhilHealth ka, garantisado!”

[I availed of the Konsulta pacjage last May and the laboratory tests. I was able to spend less and I even received free medicines. Overall, I was very satisfied with their service. Calling all non-members to register with PhilHealth now. With PhilHealth, you are guaranteed healthcare service.]

Australia’s Yindjibarndi people, Philippines’ ACEN forge partnership for renewable energy development

ACEN executives and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM, FCPA (Aust) welcome Yindijibarndi delegation on their first visit to the Philippines.

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USTRALIA’S First Nations Yindjibarndi people have partnered with Philippine renewables company ACEN to develop and operate renewable energy projects in Western Australia. The partnership is one of the largest Indigenous-led renewable energy initiatives in Australia, with a focus on sustainable development and economic opportunities.

“What ACEN and the Yindjibarndi group are doing is fully aligned with the Strategic Partnership between Australia and the Philippines. We are happy to collaborate and work together to ensure that the partnership is mutually beneficial and sustainable,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM FCPA (Aust).

Through the creation of the Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), ACEN and the Yindjibarndi people will jointly develop wind, solar, and renewable energy projects on Yindjibarndi Ngurra, an area of approximately 13,000 sq.

kilometers within Yindjibarndi’s exclusive native title land in Australia.

The initial goal of YEC is to have 750 MW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage under construction within the next few years, representing an investment of more than P36 billion.

The energy produced will be for domestic and export markets. Subsequent stages will target an additional 2 GW to 3 GW of combined wind, solar, and battery storage.

The leadership of YEC includes ACENappointed director and chairman, Anton Rohner, and Yindjibarndi-appointed director Craig Ricato.

“This partnership between ACEN and the Yindjibarndi People was built on shared values.

ACEN was genuine in their interactions with the Yinjibarndi people—they were honest about their intentions and listened to what the traditional owners needed. This made the Yindjibarndi comfortable around ACEN’s people and put them

in good standing to negotiate the terms of the partnership agreement,” explained Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation CEO Craig Ricato.

ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse said: “We feel deeply honored by the trust that Australia’s Yindjibarndi community has given us to work collaboratively with them. The Pilbara region is home to some of the largest industrial energy users globally, many of whom have expressed their desire to transition to a carbon-neutral future. We are actively engaged in promising dialogues with potential off-take customers to purchase the renewable energy.”

The Australian Embassy in the Philippines is supporting ACEN with market information and opportunities.

“Australian investment advisors in the Philippines and Australia are helping us keep up to date with developments in Australia’s growing renewable energy sector, and sharing information on investment opportunities,” said Clausse.

“They are also pivotal in helping us connect with government representatives at federal and state levels.”

Its partnership with the Yindjibarndi is not its first with First Nations groups on energy projects in Australia. In March 2023, the renewable energy firm launched the first stage of its New England solar project, located in New South Wales. As part of this project, ACEN has partnered with the local Anaiwan people to ensure culturally significant areas located on the project site are protected for future generations.

IN the photo are, from left, FEU High School Executive Director Generoso B. Pamittan Jr., Apolinario Mabini Elementary School Grade VI Chairman Dharel N. Apelado, Apolinario Mabini Elementary School Principal IV Maria Cereza Amparo A. Maguyon, Far Eastern University-Manila Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Teresa Trinidad P. Tinio, World Wide Fund Nature for Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Unit Head Dino Leoncarlo Calderon, Gawad Kalinga Paradise Heights Admin Head Norminda Reyes, Bridge Builder Foundation Norway Inc. Resident Agent Roslyn D. Verendia, and Barangay 128 Kagawad Alma Geli.

FEU High School inks sustainable partnerships

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EU High School (FEU HS), a student-centered educational institution for Junior and Senior High School in the Philippines, officially inked its partnership between its Community Engagement and Extension Services (CEES) and its collaborating communities: World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), Gawad Kalinga Paradise Heights, Barangay 128, Bridge Builder Foundation Norway Inc., and Apolinario Mabini Elementary School last January 25, 2024.

The memorandum of understanding unites all partner communities for joint research, lectures, seminars, workshops, and other initiatives and programs facilitated by the CEES. This partnership aims to not only provide students with out-of-school practical experiences but also offer beneficiary communities livelihood skills, increase access to education and resources, engage in environmental stewardship, and improve community well-being.

“Our aspiration is for students to acquire knowledge outside the confines of the classroom, gain awareness of real-world issues, and learn from the experiences of the older generation so they can fortify solutions to societal problems and discover how to contribute to society in their unique ways. I express my gratitude to all our collaborative partner communities as we share one goal to help both people and the environment towards sustainability,” said FEU High School CEES Chairperson Renan Agad.

FEU High School and WWF-Philippines w i l l c h a m p i o n e nv i ro n m e nt a l s te wa rd s h i p, empowering the FEU HS community as advocates for sustainability and inspiring future generations to be passionate about environmental conservation and protection. WWF-Philippines will lead focus group discussions involving all stakeholders to brainstorm and develop a module aimed at enhancing environmental awareness and stewardship skills.

This will be seamlessly integrated into FEU HS’s academic curriculum or homeroom modules, ensuring that environmental education becomes a fundamental aspect of the learning experience, fostering a shared commitment to sustainability among all stakeholders.

“The approach to learning in schools has undergone a transformation, with sustainable development being integrated into the school curriculum. We are thrilled with this collaboration

with FEU High School and other partner communities to achieve holistic sustainable development, inspiring and empowering the youth to contribute to the community meaningfully,” said WWF-Philippines Education for Sustainable Development Unit Head Dino Leoncarlo Calderon.

Along with Bridge Builder Foundation Norway Inc., an organization helping street children and their families, the institution will also launch The OASIS Project. This initiative is designed to enhance the holistic well-being of children, offering students a comprehensive socio-civic experience through engaging workshops, classes, and sessions in various performing arts disciplines, including writing, dancing, and acting.

Meanwhile, the institution is currently engaged with Gawad Kalinga and Brgy. 128 for two flagship programs of CEES—Project Ahon Luntiang Payaman and Project AKBAY. The former is a sustainable environmental and livelihood initiative through safe hydroponic farming, ensuring both sustainable food security and economic empowerment. The latter is an immersive experience for Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand students to deeply understand the various pressing social issues through exposure to real-life situations in marginalized communities and help them propose and implement suitable programs to somehow address these issues and boost their living conditions.

It also recently introduced Adopt-A-FaMEALy in Apolinario Mabini Elementary School. The program aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by collaborating with Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand General Biology classes the in creating and sharing nutritious meal plans and healthy recipes with selected students and families from the partner community. It will also kick-off Project TUDLO (Tamaraw United in Developing Learning Opportunities), a tutoring program in collaboration with FEU HS’s Academic Affairs O ffice which suppor ts the academic development of Grade 6 public school pupils through intensive tutorial sessions in Mathematics, Science, English, and Filipino.

The partnership with various communities will further help fulfill and support CEES’s goals through its flagship programs in building and enriching a sustainable community.

For more information, please visit feuhighschool. edu.ph

Thailand Week 2024 brings the best of Thai Products to Gorietta, Makati

H

ERE’S a piece of exciting news for all enthusiasts of Thai products. The highly anticipated Thailand Week is set to showcase the best of Thai merchandise at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from February 29 to March 3, 2024.

Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce in Thailand, through the Thai Trade Center in Manila, this annual event is the biggest trade show of Thai products in the Philippines and has consistently brought high-quality Thai products to the forefront for over a decade.

Thailand Week 2024 marks a significant shift as it takes place at the Glorietta shopping mall for the first time, providing enhanced accessibility and convenience for consumers. Under the theme “Discover Excellence, Trade with Thailand,” the fair continues its tradition of highlighting the superior quality of Thai products.

Over 80 companies, including Thai exporters and Philippine importers with Thai products, will participate in Thailand Week 2024. The showcase will span various categories, featuring food and beverages, health and beauty products, household items, as well as fashion and lifestyle products.

Attendees will not only have the opportunity to explore and purchase high-quality and affordable products but also delve into the rich tapestry of Thai culture. The event will host cooking demonstrations by renowned Thai restaurants, accredited by DITP, offering a tantalizing taste of authentic Thai cuisine.

There will be also colorful Thai cultural performances during the event for you to witness the culture from the land of smile.

For businesses seeking new opportunities, Thailand Week 2024 is an ideal platform to explore trade relationships and connect with potential agents or distributors. Whether you are a business professional, a discerning consumer, or someone with a love for Thailand and its culture, this fair promises an unparalleled experience.

Most importantly, admission to Thailand Week 2024 is free, making it an inclusive event for everyone.

Save the dates, February 29 to March 3, and make your way to the Glorietta Activity Center for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Thailand.

For more information, please contact the Thai Trade Center in Manila at the following contact details: Tel. Nos. 88940406, 88940403, Email: thaicommnl@ ymail.com , Fax: 88160698.

Filinvest Land Inc’s 8 Spatial Team first to extend aid to flood-affected families in Davao PUSONG Filinvest through the 8 Spatial Davao Team preparing essential items such as drinking water, hygiene kits, rice, and hot meals for distribution to 500 affected families in Brgy. Ma-a.

F

ILINVEST Land Inc.’s 8 Spatial Davao tea m sw i f t ly mobi l i zed through Pusong Filinvest, the company’s corporate social responsibility program, to provide urgent assistance to families impacted by recent flooding in Barangay Ma-a, Davao City. The gesture was graciously received by Barangay Ma-a Captain Pacito Cañete and Purok Leaders, underscoring the spirit of solidarity and collaboration during times of adversity.

Sharon Luntao, Regional General

Manager of Filinvest Land Inc. for Mindanao, expressed profound gratitude to the dedicated team members of 8 Spatial Davao for their unwavering commitment to serving the community in times of need. “Our Pusong Filinvest program embodies our core values of empathy and responsibility towards the communities we serve. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting and uplifting those affected by unforeseen challenges,” remarked Luntao.

The initiative not only exemplifies

Filinvest Land Inc.’s dedication to corporate social responsibility but also highlights its enduring pledge to stand in solidarity with communities, promoting resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Pusong Filinvest embodies the company’s dedication to the communities where it operates and its commitment to building the nation. It exemplifies FLI’s heart for service driving us in our continued passion in building resilient communities for a better future.

Motoring BusinessMirror

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

B8 Friday, February 16, 2024

Editor: Tet Andolong • www.businessmirror.com.ph

Isuzu Makati achieves back-to-back victory at annual Dealer of the Year Awards

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ANILA, Philippines—Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) celebrated the outstanding achievements of its nationwide dealer network during its prestigious Dealer of the Year Awards, held on February 9. The annual event, which acknowledges exceptional performance across its network, saw Isuzu Makati clinching the coveted Dealer of the Year Award for the second consecutive year, highlighting its sustained excellence in 2023 following its previous win in 2022.

IPC President Tetsuya Fujita expressed his gratitude towards the dealer network for their remarkable contributions, particularly emphasizing their role in maintaining Isuzu’s leadership in the truck segment for 25 consecutive years. Fujita also posed a challenge to the network to bolster its Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) business and to continue creating innovative business solutions for its customers across the country.

Isuzu Makati emerged at the forefront of

this year’s awards, demonstrating unparalleled performance and customer loyalty, with Isuzu Subic and Isuzu Cagayan De Oro securing the second and third place respectively. Mr. Edgard Cabangon Chairman of Isuzu GENCARS Group, extended his appreciation to Isuzu Philippines for its unwavering support and acknowledged his team’s dedication, which has been instrumental in earning customer loyalty and achieving the dealership’s goal.

The event also recognized excellence in

various operational areas, with special awards being distributed for achievements in Sales, Parts, and Service Operations. Isuzu Subic won the Sales Operations Category followed

by Isuzu Makati and then Isuzu Alabang.

While Isuzu Bulacan took the top spots for Parts Operations Category, followed by Isuzu Makati and Isuzu Cagayan De Oro. For Service Operations Category, Isuzu Sta. Rosa won the first place, followed by Isuzu Calapan and Isuzu Cagayan De Oro respectively.

(CENTER) D. Edgard Cabangon, Chairman of Isuzu Gencars Makati, holds the champion trophy

Additionally, individual accolades were presented to sales executives who showed outstanding performance, with Ms. Rica Anne Quico from Isuzu Alabang being named as the 2023 Sales Executive of the Year. The awards ceremony also highlighted performers in truck sales, with Mr. Grant Jehiel Endriga from Isuzu Cagayan De Oro receiving the 2023 Truck Elite of the year award.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation’s annual Dealer of the Year Awards not only celebrated the achievements of its dealerships and their staff but also reinforces Isuzu’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. The back-toback win of Isuzu Makati stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to providing high-quality service and products to its customers nationwide.

‘Your vote of trust is best gift ever’ how to super up-size this Invitational tournament.

“Thank you, everyone. Literally, this tournament would NEVER have been possible without YOU, each one of YOU.

I

AM still euphoric over the fact that the recent Lexus Invitational Golf was another smashing success; it drew a record field of 220 participants.

It came at a time when Lexus sold a whopping 1,843 units last year from an anemic 861 performance in 2022, making Toyota’s big brother officially as the country’s No. 1 vehicle in the luxury segment.

In his warmly-applauded speech during the Awards ceremonies, Lexus Manila chairman Vince Socco spoke candidly of how it felt to be in the company of golfers—even if “I don’t play the game.” Here: “Lexus Guests, partners, friends, ladies and gentlemen—good afternoon. I am Vince Socco, Chairman of Lexus Manila and it is our pleasure to host all of you for the 12th Lexus Invitational Golf Tournament here at Sta. Elena. Some of you have been with us before, some are with us for the first time...no matter, what’s important is that each one of you enjoyed your day out on the fairways and greens.

“Actually, I really feel special among all of you here—in an odd sort of way. For one, I am breaking tradition because it has been Alfred Ty that has been up here greeting all of you for the past 11 years. I am thankful, of course, that he has given me the chance to welcome you all. For another, you see, I am— unfortunately—a non-golfer in a room FULL of golfers. BUT I do know a thing or two about having fun and making the most of every moment.

So I trust that we were able to make it worth your while to be a part of our Invitational event today.

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“ON a parallel note, I would also like to take a special moment to thank all of you for helping us achieve another very significant milestone in 2023. YOU made Lexus THE most preferred luxury automotive brand in the Philippines last year. Yes, YOUR BRAND OF CHOICE is now the countr y’s favorite, the countr y’s NUMBER ONE. Your resounding vote of trust is the best GIFT we could ever receive to celebrate our 15th year in the Philippines.

“Maraming salamat po. Domo arigatou gozaimasu. Thank you very much. We look forward to many more years of creating amazing moments, experiences and memories together with you.

“We are definitely continuing to grow our line-up of exciting and fine automobiles to meet your growing needs. Last year, we introduced our RZ Battery Electric Vehicle and it is now the best-seller in its class. Our hybrids have also proven to be a favorite choice of yours and we thank you for journeying with us towards electrified mobility. In fact, last year, 7 out of every 10 Lexus vehicles we delivered to your homes were Hybrid Electric.

LBX

President & Tournament Committee Chairman

“AND, yes, you heard it here FIRST...we will soon be introducing YOUR next best driving “BUDDY”—the Lexus LBX. And, after that, the new Lexus GX. We are convinced that they will be 2 more reasons for you to love your Lexus drive and ride.

“Later this year, we will be moving to a new address, just up the street from here. We promise you an even more amazing new HOME with the finest crafted guest experiences.

We look forward to welcoming you there soon.

“Lots of exciting things to look forward to. Thank you for continuing to inspire us.

“Before I close, allow me to acknowledge our par tners and sponsors—AXA Insurance, Asics and Grand Seiko. We really appreciate the added excitement you bring to the Lexus Invitational.

Treasurer

Tabuena

12 years

“BEFORE anything else, allow me to acknowledge and thank the Sta. Elena Golf Club for graciously agreeing to be the home course for the Lexus Invitational for 12 years now. Our very special thanks to: Bryan K. Cockrell Chairman of the Board & Club Captain

Edward Y. Tiu

Bienvenido “Rico” Tantoco, Jr.

“May I invite everyone to join me in a special round of applause, please?

“We sincerely appreciate your warm club hospitality and for always making us feel like very special guests in your Club. Maraming salamat po.

“Today, we are hosting the largest number of participants since we started the Lexus Invitational back in 2010. This is a very clear testament to the growing community of Lexus owners in the Philippines and a source of great joy for us. This is YOUR tournament. It is our way of thanking all of you for your past and continuing trust in Lexus. On our first edition of the Lexus invitational, we hosted 88 Lexus golfers. Today, we are very pleased to be hosting over 200 players.

“I think I will soon need to be discussing with Bryan and Edward on

“OUR thanks, as well, to Lexus Ambassador, Miguel Tabuena, and Lexus coaches—J3 Altea and Glenn de leon—for joining us today.

“Finally, allow me to thank Mr. Hashimoto, President of Lexus Philippines for his unwavering support. And, of course, the ladies and gentlemen of Lexus Manila led

by Mr. Rodriguez, President, and Carlo Ablaza, General Manager, for their relentless efforts in crafting our tournament today.

“Lexus Guests, it seems I am standing in the way of you and your lunch. I thank you once again for being with us today. Please enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

“Maraming salamat po.”

PEE STOP Love is still in the air and so, Happy Valentine!