BusinessMirror February 22, 2024

New Clark City is next ‘growth area’—PBBM B S P. M @sam_medenilla

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RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said New Clark City is now on its way to becoming the country’s next “growth area” for investments and tourism amid its ongoing infrastructure and transportation projects.

In his speech after the inspection of the Airport to New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) in Pampanga on Wednesday, the chief executive stressed the importance of improving the facilities and public transportation in the metropolis in Tarlac

to make it more attractive to investors.

He noted the P8.42-billion ANAR project is a step in that direction of making the New Clark City accessible, since it will reduce travel time from the urban area to the Clark International Airport (CRK) from one hour to just 20 minutes, without any toll, once completed.

“This road is much more than just an access road. It is part of our plan to propel Clark as an alternate growth area,” Marcos said. “It is a red carpet rolled out to those who will partake in all the best things that Clark can offer,” he added.

Marcos ordered the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to finish the remaining works of the almost 20-kilometer ANAR. As of February 14, the access road is 95.21 percent complete.

Currently, Clark already hosts innovation labs, creative workshops, manufacturing concerns, leisure complexes, and a cyber corridor.

Valuable contribution

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Joshua M. Bingcang said he is optimistic Clark can draw more investments due to the ongoing development

projects in the area including the ANAR, CRK expansion plan, inclusion in the railway project connecting Subic to Batangas, and its relocation of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) housing facilities.

He noted that the area in Clark Freeport Zone, to be vacated by the PAF housing units, will be converted into the Clark Central Business District, which is expected to generate 170,000 jobs.

Marcos vowed the national government will continue to help in “building world class infrastructure that can host a business in a high-growth area”

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Thursday, February 22, 2024 Vol. 19 No. 130

P.  |     | 7 DAYS A WEEK

SEEN IN RECESSION B C U. O

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@caiordinario

RISIS creates opportunities and this time, the Philippines could be the beneficiary of such crisis-driven opportunities coming out of the recession in Japan and the United Kingdom, according to local economists.

Nonetheless, they said, there are risks from this, especially to trade performance and the country’s remittance bonanza if a portion of the overseas Filipino workers market comes home.

De La Salle University economist Maria Ella Oplas told BM that businesses could escape the gloomy economic environment in Japan and the United Kingdom by investing in countries like the Philippines.

Oplas said the government can S “R,” A

SUMMER PLUNGE

Tourists cool off at Daranak Falls, Tanay, Rizal, as NCR’s heat index hits 36°C. This picturesque waterfall, nestled at the foot of the Tanay mountains, offers a tranquil escape from the scorching temperatures. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage and soothing cascades, it’s a favorite filming spot for both local and international productions, providing a refreshing oasis amid the summer heat. BERNARD TESTA

REPORT: OVER 80-M PINOYS Recto to IFIs: Move faster ONLINE, USING SOCIAL MEDIA to help blunt headwinds

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VER 80 million Filipinos are now online and using social media at the start of 2024, according to the latest Meltwater and We Are Social Global Overview Report.

The data showed there were 86.98 million internet users in the Philippines in 2024, some 1.8 million more compared to the 85.16 million estimate in January 2023.

Also, 86.75 million Filipinos using various social media—2.3 million higher than the 84.45 million posted in the same period last year.

“Overall digital growth has slowed over recent years, but this is to be expected as internet users reach ‘supermajority’ status,” Da-

taReportal Chief Analyst Simon Kemp said in the report.

“However, while almost twothirds of the world’s total population is now online, 2.7 billion people remain ‘unconnected’ at the start of 2024, and adoption rates across Sub-Saharan Africa remain well below 50 percent,” he also said. The report said the Philippines is ranked first in consumption of online video each week, with 97.2 percent of internet users aged 16 to 64 doing so, ahead of the global benchmark of 92 percent.

Filipinos are drawn to online videos, with 72.7 percent watching S “P,” A

B R J A @reine_alberto

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INANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Wednesday called on international financial institutions to “redouble their efforts” in helping developing countries mitigate economic headwinds.

Recto urged international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to counter the factors that threaten growth prospects.

Recto said this at the two-day Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) Technical Group Meeting in

Manila. This year’s meeting will focus on discussions on strategies for addressing the ongoing economic challenges, such as climate financing, changes in the global trade regime, resource mobilization and sovereign debt resolution, among others.

“We need bold and innovative solutions to help developing economies sustain productivity, boost long-term growth prospects, and increase resilience to economic shocks,” said Recto, who also chairs the Intergovernmental G-24 Board of Governors.

Recto pointed out how Covid19’s “lingering effects” can still S “R,” A

PESO EXCHANGE RATES US 56.0750 ■ JAPAN 0.3739 ■ UK 70.8059 ■ HK 7.1701 ■ SINGAPORE 41.7349 ■ AUSTRALIA 36.7179 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 14.9525 ■ EU 60.6003 ■ KOREA 0.0421 ■ CHINA 7.7963 Source: BSP (February 21, 2024)

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

Pinoys...

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music videos and 58.3 percent using them as learning sources each week.

The Philippines continues to be the top country in vlog consumption, with 50.7 percent of internet users watching vlogs or influencers each week, significantly more than the global average of 23.8 percent.

As a result, the data also showed Filipinos spent an average of 3 hours and 34 minutes on social media every day. This translates to nearly two months on social media platforms.

The report said this is well above the global average of 2 hours and 23 minutes. This translates to just over a month on social media platforms.

The data showed that the Philippines is also ranked as the top country with the highest number of social media users following influencers, at 43.9 percent.

“Internet users in the Philippines use approximately 8 social media platforms on average,” the report stated. “[Around] 60 percent of Filipinos visit social media to learn about brands and see their content, well above the global average of 48.9 percent.” Meltwater empowers companies with solutions that span media, social, consumer, and sales intelligence. By analyzing around 1 billion pieces of content daily and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge to drive results.

With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,300 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner for global brands making an impact. We Are Social is a global socially-led creative agency with unrivaled social media expertise. With over 1,300 people in 19 offices around the world, it delivers a global perspective to our clients at a time when social media is shaping culture. Cai U. Ordinario

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Comelec declares failed bid for OVCS in 2025 elections

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B S P. M

@sam_medenilla

REPARATIONS of the Commission on Elections have hit a snag after it declared a failed bid for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) to be used for the 2025 polls.

However, the poll body was able to make progress on its attempt to secure the service provider for its Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) requirements.

On Wednesday, the Comelec Special Bids and Awards Committee-Automated Election System (SBAC-AES) declared ineligible the two firms—Indra Soluciones Technologias and We Are I.T. Philippines Inc.—which made bids for the P465.8-million OVCS contract.

The SBAC-AES said Indra did not meet all the requirements

under the implementing rules of Republic Act No. 9814 due to an unsigned certificate of Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC); inconsistency on the indicated assets and liabilities reflected on its NFCC and submitted PhilGEPS Certificate of Registration (Platinum Membership).

It also failed to submit the credentials of its third-party certifiers and a demo unit version of the solution it offered in a CD or USB Flash Drive; its incomplete change management plan and standards of audits was also cited.

Recession...

[Let’s rush work on the] new airport in order to entice investors to come to the Philippines,” Oplas said. One reason for considering the Philippines is the level of wages in Japan and the United Kingdom.

In a crisis year, this may be enough reason for businesses to consider operating elsewhere.

“We should anticipate investors going to the Philippines because the minimum wage rate in UK and

C  A

help turn the tide in getting these investments into the country by being more proactive in enticing investors.

“Now is the time to put Build, Build, Build to a test. Is it really serving its purpose? Bilisan na ang

The deficiencies of We Are, said Comelec, are: non-compliant Statements of Single Largest Completed Contract; failure to submit proof that it legally owns the internet/ online voting system; failure to submit the needed brochure and technical data; and incomplete statements of all on-going contracts.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco said they are targeting to conduct another bidding for the OVCS next month after they complete the review of the issues raised by their end user.

“We will set a prebid conference immediately after that [review].

Within the reglementary period, we will hold a bidding. So we can expect that by mid March,” Laudiangco told reporters in an interview.

SBAC recommendation

AS for the P18.83-billion Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) contract, Comelec said it will decide Japan is very high,” Oplas said.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center Undersecretary and Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez also said these investors can choose to undertake PPPs in the Philippines where there is practically no demand risk.

Hernandez said all infrastructure projects enjoy high demand, noting how the Skyway now experiences traffic from high user rates, despite charging toll.

She added that the country’s airport only has a 30-million passenger capacity annually, but this is significantly lower than the demand. Hernandez also said an airport with a capacity of 60 million passengers may still be insufficient.

This, Hernandez said, is also the argument to support the PPP Center’s belief that having the Bulacan Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and Clark co-exist will help decongest airports in the greater capital region area.

“If you’re in recession in Japan, where will you invest? We’re taking advantage of that. Yeah, we have to take advantage of that. Because if, let’s say, their investment in Japan is facing some growth constraints, we always say, here in the Philippines, you barely have demand risk.

Once you put up a project, there’s blockbuster demand, right?” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said the government is ready to facilitate these investments as the PPP Center already has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japanese government through its Office for PPP Support.

She said this MOU intends to encourage Japanese firms to invest directly in PPP projects. This investment does not mean as consultants and contractors for projects, which is common in Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects.

“We also want the Japanese corporates, especially the smaller ones, to invest. Because actually, there are many small Japanese companies that are small in Japan. But if you ask them, how big is the project they can invest in, they’ll say, ¥2 billion. That’s like P1 billion—big for the Philippines, right? So, I think that’s a market that we can definitely tap,” she added.

Limited fallout

MEANWHILE, Asian Development Bank Economic Research and Development Impact Department Principal Economist John Beirne said while Japan and the UK dipped into technical recessions in the last quarter of 2023, the fallout for Asia is likely to be limited.

Still, Beirne thinks that Japan’s significant investment in

whether or not it will award it to Miru Systems this week.

This, after the South Korean firm conducted its end-to-end demonstration of its systems on Wednesday.

Comelec Chairman George M. Garcia said the Comelec en banc is reviewing the recommendations of its SBAC related to the qualification of Miru.

“To be more direct, you will know within the week if we will award to the lone bidder [the contract] based on the evaluation and other issues,” Garcia said in a press conference.

He said if the Comelec en banc decides to award the contract to Miru, they will initiate contract negotiations; if not, they will hold contract bidding instead.

Comelec is targeting to lease 110,000 vote-counting machines for the 2025 polls.

Miru is offering to lease its units for P149,000 each, which is lower compared to the P155,000 per unit budget set by Comelec. the region and as a destination for exports should be monitored. A deeper recession could affect Asian countries such as the Philippines through financial and trade channels. “Overall, however, the magnitude of any negative impacts for Asia should be viewed in the context of resilient growth in the US, which is a more important export destination for Asia than Japan,” Beirne told BM in an e-mail.

He noted that spillovers from the Japan and United Kingdom recessions may still be muted and that Asian countries would still prove resilient to this shock.

Efforts to diversify trade and cross-border investment networks will help Asian countries from succumbing to trade and financial crisis stemming from these economic fallouts in Japan and the United Kingdom.

But if the government does not take advantage of these opportunities, the crisis could significantly effect the economy through its trade performance and the fate of thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Japan and the United Kingdom.

Impact on PHL trade

ATENEO de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona Jr. told BM that as one of the country’s top export markets, Japan’s recession could affect the country’s trade performance.

A recession in markets such as Japan and the United States can affect the country’s trade sector as they remain the country’s leading partners in exports and imports.

“A recession in both countries can affect our output only to a limited extent. The reason is that China, which is also facing a slowdown has become our dominant partner,” Lanzona, however, said.

Nonetheless, Oplas said thousands of OFWs may also be affected and some might be forced to come home. This means the country will receive less OFW remittances which usually help buoy domestic spending in the country.

Consumption spending accounts for about 70 percent of the Philippine economy. Remittances sent to OFW families are used to spend on education and basic needs of households, contributing to economic growth. Oplas said if this—OFWs returning—happens, the government should be ready to help OFWs with creating their own businesses as a means to reintegrate into Philippine society.

OFWs can start small through franchising which can help ease them into the rigors of running their own business. This will also help conserve their funds from their years working abroad.

Recto...

C  A

be felt after it severely affected the global economy by slowing its growth momentum and leaving low-income countries with limited fiscal resources and debt burdens.

Global growth is expected to decline to 2.4 percent in 2024 for the third year in a row, lower than the prepandemic average of 3.1 percent, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects.

“Economies find themselves in a post-Covid landscape with little to no fiscal buffer amid tighter credit conditions and higher costs of borrowing,” Recto emphasized.

Global trade is also affected by geopolitical tensions which resulted in an increased imbalanced trade deficits and a rising inflationary environment, the Finance chief added.

Recto also prodded member states to “reclaim their lost momentum” in the race to 2030 through heightened cooperation and scaled-up support from international financial institutions to overcome global challenges.

“We must keep in mind that 2030 marks a universal deadline for all nations to make substantial progress in eradicating poverty, ending hunger, and protecting the environment,” Recto added.

The goal of the meeting, Recto said, is to improve the fiscal and monetary toolkits to ensure financial stability despite global uncertainties.

Recto urged G-24 members and international partners to center their discussions on creating fiscal frameworks that promote fiscal consolidation, widen trade and financial flows, and cultivate a more favorable investment environment for the private sector. Per-capita investment growth in 2023 and 2024 is projected to average 3.7 percent, half of the average seen in the preceding two decades, according to the World Bank.

Every developing nation should achieve at least 4 percent percapita investment growth for six consecutive years to have a chance at regaining lost momentum, it suggested. “We must develop strategies to efficiently mobilize fiscal resources and prevent leakages as much as we can, not only to manage debt but to provide protection to our people in these difficult times,” Recto said.

The G-24 was formed in 1971 and helps coordinate the positions of developing countries on international monetary and development finance issues. It also ensures that their interests are adequately represented in negotiations on international monetary matters.

Apart from the Philippines, the G-24 members are Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.

Clark...

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such as Clark.

He also lauded the BCDA for its successful initiatives of repurposing former military bases into economic and commercial areas such as the Bonifacio Global City, McKinley Hill, Newport City, and the New Clark City to finance the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“The BCDA has contributed 59.71 billion pesos for the equipment, weaponry, vehicles, vessels, and structures used by our armed forces,” Marcos said.

“So, indeed, the BCDA has a major role to play in the Bagong Pilipinas [New Philippines] vision that all Filipinos are working hard to achieve,” he added.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

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

57 House members sign manifesto against Mindanao ‘independence’

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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total of 57 House members, 53 of whom are from Mindanao, signed a manifesto rejecting former president Rodrigo R. Duterte’s proposal for an independent Mindanao.

The lawmakers emphasized national unity, rejection of secession, and commend President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts for Mindanao development. They also stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution and called for legal action against those fostering disunity, even as they expressed commitment to a united, equitable, and thriving Philippines.

“We signed the manifesto as one voice, one nation, rejecting all calls for the secession of Mindanao. We will not be a party to an unconstitutional proposal to break the territorial integrity of the Philippines. We make our intentions known as Mindanao lawmakers,” said Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, one of the signatories and also the chairman of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs.

Duterte and Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez called for an independent Mindanao, which has drawn so much criticism and flak from so many sectors in the Philippines.

“We, the elected representatives of Mindanao in the House of Representatives, firmly oppose the calls for the secession of Mindanao from the Republic of the Philippines. Our stance is deeply rooted in our belief in national unity, the power of inclusive development, and the promise of a peaceful, progressive future for all Filipinos, including the indigenous people of Mindanao,” the manifesto read.

“Mindanao’s vibrant cultural diversity represents the nation’s

broader principle of unity in diversity. We stand for fostering understanding and collaboration across all communities within the framework of the Republic, enriching our shared national identity and heritage,” it added.

The lawmakers acknowledged the critical role of Mindanao in the national economy, with an appreciation of the “significant steps taken by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to prioritize development in our region.”

“His administration’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural revitalization, and economic empowerment in Mindanao is pivotal. These efforts aim to ensure that progress reaches every corner of Mindanao, contributing to the nation’s overall growth and stability,” the manifesto read.

“Our pursuit of peace and security is aligned with the government’s commitment to reconciliation and the empowerment of the BARMM. We believe that lasting peace is achieved through dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive governance, under the banner of our sovereign nation,” it added.

They said that the challenges facing Mindanao and the entire country demand collective action and shared responsibility.

“We commend the Marcos administration’s dedication to addressing disparities and fostering a more inclusive development model. These initiatives reinforce our conviction that the aspirations of Mindanaoans for autonomy, recognition, and development can be realized more effectively within the context of a united and sovereign Philippines,” they added in the manifesto.

The members of the House of Representatives also expressed u nw av e r i n g com m it me nt to the impor tance of upholding the Constitution and the r u le of law.

OPAPRU does not condone corruption in MILF decommissioning–Galvez

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ffice of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the agency does not condone any anomaly in the implementation of the decommissioning process for former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He made this comment after three former MILF combatants aired their complaints during a hearing called by the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace Unification and Reconciliation chaired by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada last February 20.

In the hearing, these individuals claimed that their command-

ers get around 50 percent of the P100,000 assistance given to them by the government.

“This government shall not tolerate any act of corruption or irregular transactions, more so those that undermines the well being of our MILF brothers and sisters. Rest assured that this isolated incident will be thoroughly investigated, and will be brought to the attention of the MILF leadership,” Galvez said.

Estrada and Galvez also advised the complainants to submit an affidavit to the Senate to formalize their allegations and state their specific claims, which will serve as basis for the conduct of a formal investigation into the matter.

Rex Anthony Naval

SPD denies viral prison break report

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he Southern Police District (SPD) on Wednesday denied reports that three inmates facing various criminal charges have escaped from one of its detention facilities.

These reports were reportedly being spread via text messages and audio recordings and warning residents of Guadalupe, Makati and Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBOs) in Taguig to be on their guard for these escapees.

SPD has jurisdiction over the cities of Makati, Pasay, Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa and the municipality of Pateros.

Based on the text messages, the three escapees were reportedly facing rape, homicide and murder charges.

“ T he actions taken by our intelligence operatives include checks with the SOCO [Scene of the Crime Operatives] Team Makati, Guadalupe Nuevo Sub Station, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Makati City, and La Paz Custodial Facility. All reports indicate that there have been no incidents of a prison break, and all detainees are accounted for,” SPD noted.

It also urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on verified information coming from official sources.

“Rest assured, our officers are actively monitoring the situation, and any updates or developments will be communicated promptly,” SPD said. Rex Anthony Naval

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NSA: Joint PHL-US air patrol meant to enhance maritime security in WPS

By Rex Anthony Naval

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ational Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo M. Año said the February 19 joint air patrol by Filipino and American aircraft in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was aimed at promoting maritime security and not meant to stir trouble as claimed earlier by China.

“The Philippines rejects China’s assertion that joint patrols with US forces in the WPS constitute stirring up trouble. Our engagements with the United States are well within our rights as a sovereign and independent nation, aimed at promoting maritime security and upholding international law,” he stressed.

The NSA also said the Philippines rejects any assertion made by other countries that undermine its legal and legitimate activities.

He emphasized that the joint air patrol between the Philippine A ir Force (PAF) and the US Pacific A ir Force is a lawful and routine exercise aimed at

enhancing interoperability between allied forces and promoting regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The combined air patrol covered “areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, [Occidental] Mindoro.”

It consisted of three PAF FA50 light jet fighters and one US Pacific Air Force B-52 strategic jet bomber. “ The joint patrols conducted inside Philippine territory serve the purpose of enhancing maritime security, promoting regional stability, and upholding international law. These patrols help deter illegal activities, ensure freedom of navigation, and contribute to the protection of shared interests in the region,” he added.

Año also pointed out that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), recognizes the sovereign rights of coastal states.

“We urge China to respect the sovereign rights of the Philippines conducted within its territory consistent with its national interests and international law,” he added.

Año also said that adhering to established legal frameworks is crucial for fostering peaceful relations, stability, and cooperation between the Philippines and China.

“Adherence to international norms is essential to the peaceful coexistence of neighboring states.

Respecting and following international law is essential for maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and advancing our shared interests in the region,” he concluded.

Nothing illegal

In a related development, a PAF statement stressed that the Philippines did not violate any laws when its military aircraft conducted a “combined air patrol” with its American counterparts over WPS last February 19.

In a statement late Tuesday, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson

Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the exercise took place well within the country’s territory.

“We were operating within our territory and within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone [EEZ],” she added.

Castillo said the combined air patrol is part of the third iteration of the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Indo-Pacific Command that took place last February 9.

“As pronounced by HQS [Headquarters] AFP, the MCA is in no way directed towards any country and the activity is in accordance with the international rules based order,” she added.

It consisted of three PAF FA50 light jet fighters and one US Pacific Air Force B-52 strategic jet bomber.

Castillo also said the air patrol is part of the PAF’s “commitment to enhance operational jointness and interoperability” with its allies, while promoting regional security and stability.

Philippines launches campaign to make Clark a major aviation, aerospace hub

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

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HE Philippines is making a bid for Clark International Airport (CRK) to be a major aerospace and aviation hub at the Singapore Air Show, which is ongoing until Sunday, February 25.

In a news statement, Berthaphil Inc., a key stakeholder and pioneer investor and developer in the Clark Freeport and at CRK, said the Philippines is particularly targeting maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) firms, aerospace manufacturers, fixed-based operators, business aviation companies, original equipment makers, cargo airlines, logistics companies, regional and international airlines, training organizations, among others.

Supporting the bid are the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), which are all exhibiting at the Philippine Aviation Pavilion during the air show. Investors in the Clark Freeport are entitled to incentives, such as a seven-year tax holiday and a 5-percent corporate income tax rate.

For one, Bertaphil is actively promoting to global aerospace companies a vacant 10-hectare airfield site in Clark, with primary runway access, which is immediately available "as is“ or for a build-to-suit project. It has 12 real estate projects in the Freeport, which includes the airport’s first bonded warehouse and logistics center.

Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista (sixth from left) leads Philippine government officials and representatives of private firms in formally opening the Philippine Aviation Pavilion at the Singapore Airshow on February 20. The Airshow is ongoing until February 25 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Contributed photo

Skilled Filipino workforce

“Besides world-class airport infrastructure, a strategic location within Asia’s burgeoning aviation market and a favorable business environment, another key strength of Clark International Airport as an aerospace center, is the Philippines’ skilled and qualified workforce,” said Berthaphil Inc. chairman Michael Herman.

He added, “Building a hangar, for example, doesn’t’t mean you have a MRO business. The key to having a successful MRO organization is having the skilled and qualified maintenance engineers and technicians, which is what the Philippines has.”

MRO organizations that have already established operations at Clark include SIA Engineering, which does airframe maintenance,

along with Hong Kong’s MetroJet, which maintains business jets. Global courier services, such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx also uses Clark as a hub for their business.

CRK is an international gateway to Asia and capable of handling the largest wide body aircraft.

Challenges to global aviation growth

Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sees a 3.3-percent growth per annum in the next 20 years for the aviation industry. Speaking at the Changi Aviation Summit on February 19, IATA Director General Willie Walsh acknowledged, “That is significantly lower than the growth we witnessed during 2010

DOJ chief vows to go after culprits behind alleged cyanide fishing in Bajo de Masinloc

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

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HE Department of Justice (DOJ) vowed Wednesday to look into the reported cyanide fishing of Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ would coordinate and support other concerned government agencies in gathering evidence and building a strong legal case against those behind the destructive practice.

“Under the leadership of President Marcos Jr., the Philippines will not tolerate any actions that harm our environment or deprive Filipino people of their right to its use and beauty,” Remulla said.

He added that the DOJ has started exploring possible legal remedies and the gathering of evidence through collaboration with Philippine marine scientists in order to quantif y the env ironmenta l and economic damage inf licted on the countr y’s coral ecosystem by said illegal activities.

Remulla also said the DOJ has also sought the advice of international law experts to explore legal strategies and forums.

“The impact on these coral reefs is devastating. These ecosystems are vital not only for marine biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk. We are committed to ensuring proper accountability for such acts,” Remulla said.

For his part, Solicitor General

Menardo Guevarra said the recent report on the use of cyanide off Scarborough Shoal “serious as it is, needs a careful factual verification.”

He added that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has been studying legal options on the West Philippine Sea on its own.

“But when the time is ripe, the OSG will collaborate with other relevant agencies, including the DFA, the DOJ, the NSC [National Security Council], and other key members of the National Task Force on the WPS,” Guevarra said.

“Any legal action must be supported by strong, solid, and competent ev idence that can withstand the scrutiny of any international tribunal that is why all government agencies must

to 2019. But I think it does reflect some of the challenges that we as an industry are facing and will face going into the future.”

He cited infrastructure constraints both in the air and on the ground, as well as sustainability commitments, as among the challenges. “Supply chain issues which have now been a feature of the industry for a number of years and are likely to continue for a few more years. The delay and delivery of new aircraft, the problems in relation to engines, labor shortages in some parts of the world, and significantly the cost impact of our transition to net zero in 2050,” he added.

But Walsh pointed out that Asia “is likely to lead the markets with growth around 4.5 percent per annum,” until 2044.

Domestic travel pushes 2023 recovery

In 2023, the industry recovered “over 94 percent” of the global traffic of 2019, led by strong domestic markets, which hit over 4 percent of 2019 levels. However, international traffic continued to lag with just over 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

Asia is playing catch up, with 86 percent of the region’s 2019 levels. “The strong performance in domestic markets over 2 percent ahead, but international travel in the region still lagged behind at about 73 percent of 2019. It is important to point out that there was a strong recovery as we went through the year, moving from about 57 percent in January to almost 83 percent in December.” work together and support each other to achieve the common goal of protecting the country’s sovereign rights in the WPS,” he added.

It can be recalled that in September 2023, Remulla said he would recommend to Malacañang the filing of cases against China for the destruction of coral reefs and harvesting of corals in the WPS. Remulla noted that sufficient evidence have been gathered over the years to support the filing of a case against China.

“It’s a very ripe case for adjudication. I think we can go on and tap the best legal experts in the country to help us. We have access to the best environmental lawyers. We will pursue these cases against China because we have a lot of evidence,” Remulla pointed out.

The destruction of the marine environments within the country’s exclusive economic zones is being blamed on Chinese maritime militia vessels.

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

Thursday, February 22, 2024

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DOE launches B2B matching event to attract foreign investors in RE

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

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N a bid to lure in more investors, the Department of Energy (DOE) will conduct a business-tobusiness (B2B) matching event today, Thursday, to assist foreign investors in finding local partners to support the country’s energy transition program.

DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the event would guide potential investors and developers in doing business in the country.

“There is a heightened enthusiasm from international investors for unlocking the country’s renewable energy (RE) potential, and we are linking them with financing institutions, development organizations, concerned government institutions, and engineering, procurements, and construction (EPC) companies for potential partnerships and access to financing,” Lotilla said.

The Philippines has abundant potential indigenous RE sources.

As of January 2024, the

Biz chamber, SEIPI cite investment backlash of legislated wage increase

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

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A N U FAC T U R ER S of electronics and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) warned the government that a legislated wage hike might drive away foreign investors and make the Philippines more unattractive as an investment destination.

Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) President Danilo C. Lachica said the industry prefers not to have the wage hike, as this would reduce the sector’s competitiveness.

“We prefer not to have the increase because the sector’s competitiveness will be hurt by the 20 percent increase in operating costs,” Lachica told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message Tuesday.

In fact, the head of the organization of foreign and Filipino electronics firms in the country, “We are already losing business and employment to Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.”

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that electronics exports amounted to $41.90 billion in 2023, down 9.2 percent from the $46.15 billion exports earnings in 2022.

Based on 2023 data, however, electronics exports still occupy the largest chunk in the Philippine exports pie as it accounted for 56 percent of the exports receipts in 2023, which was $73.52 billion.

On Monday, the Senate, voting 20-0-0, approved on third and final reading a bill mandating a P100 daily pay increase for minimum wage earners in the private sector, amid last-minute appeals by major business groups to hold it. (Full story here: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/20/ ignoring-business-groups-senate-approves-wage-hike/) Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Wednesday, PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio emphasized that the P100 minimum wage hike move by the Senate would “shun away” foreign investors from doing business in the Philippines.

“No one would ever try to look at

the Philippines once they see that legislators can enact wage hikes anytime even disregarding the authority of the National Wage Board,” she added.

The major business group in the country also noted that the Congress should let the National Wages and Productivity Commission and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards decide on wage hikes rather than legislate a bill that “would only benefit a few and disenfranchise other members of the labor force.”

The PCCI chief said that the proposed P100 legislated wage increase co-authored by Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, now on the third and final reading, will only benefit five million workers versus 47 million others that are in the informal sector.

Further, the business group said that its local chambers shared their strong opposition to the proposed P100 legislated wage hike, while backing the recommendations of the joint business groups led by PCCI.

DOE has awarded 1,267 projects with RE service contracts with a total potential capacity of around 129,000 megawatts covering various technologies. Their full development would benefit from partnerships among various private businesses.

“To meet our energy transition goal, we are utilizing this platform where participants can Identify potential business partners, investors, expertise, technologies or business strengths,” Lotilla said.

In the 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan, the DOE targets 35 percent RE share in power gen-

In its statement, PCCI South Luzon said, “The proposed legislation directly infringes upon the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) mandate to regulate wage adjustments regionally based on economic conditions.”

The local chamber said, “Centralizing wage determination undermines the board’s ability to tailor wage policies to regional economic realities,” hence risking “economic imbalances.”

Last Tuesday, the Philippine retail sector called on the Congress to veto the said bill. “[Philippine Retailers Association] PRA is against any legislated and across-the-board wage increases. We hope the House does not support it …and for Congress to veto the bill. All economic managers are against it too,” PRA President Roberto S. Claudio Sr. told the BusinessMirror on Tuesday.

C l aud io e mph a si z e d t h at the wage boards should determine the “acceptable amount” in wage increase. (Full story here: https:// businessmirror.com. ph/2024/02/20/groups-wageboards-should-decide-hikes/) Through the lens of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said, “We are studying the impact on our end. I have not received the report yet of our analysts.”

Atienza reminds NGAs, LGUs to keep DENR geohazard maps handy in disaster mitigation

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ORMER Deputy Speaker and BUHAY par t y-list Rep. Lito Atienza on We d n e s d ay c a l l e d o n re l e va nt n at i o n a l g ove r n m e nt a g e n c i e s a n d local government units (LGU) to utilize the geohazard maps crafted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to mitigate the risk of catastrophic events like the recent landslide in Davao de Oro province that

claimed the lives of 98 individuals.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the landslide at the Apex mining site in Davao de Oro. Events like this could have been prevented if concerned government agencies had been properly implementing the geohazard maps that the DENR has developed and distributed to identify the landslide and flood-prone areas across the country. When we were

Environment Secretary in 2007, we pushed for the preparation and speedy completion of these geohazard maps, precisely to ensure that these identified danger areas would be off-limits to residents and the general public,” Atienza said in a statement Wednesday.

From 2007 until he left in December 2009, Atienza had instructed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to fast track and immediately identify high-risk areas that are susceptible to natural occurrences, such as earthquakes, flash floods, and landslides.

“We know that even after our term, this vital program was completed, and eventually distributed to local government units

and other government agencies for land use planning, relocation, disaster mitigation, and relief operations. All they have to do is follow these geohazard maps, which we know could temper the impact of natural calamities and save countless lives,” Atienza said.

“Being a tropical country that is regularly visited by typhoons and other weather disturbances, these geohazard maps are an essential life saving tool that every government agency and local government unit should have and utilize,” he added.

Earlier, the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution 1587, calling for a probe into the devastating landslide in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao De Oro. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

eration by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. This is expected to progress towards a clean energy scenario with increasing RE share coupled with the development of offshore wind energy together with the expansion of the necessary port infrastructure for offshore wind, development of the smart and green grid plan, voluntary retirement or re-purposing of coal plants, implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures and the use of electric vehicles.

“Our main objective for this event is to assist investors, listen and understand the challenges in implementing RE projects, and

facilitate addressing their concerns,” added Lotilla.

The government has taken strategies and milestones crucial to the country’s green energy future. These efforts have been recognized in the 2023 BloombergNEF’s Climatescope Report, which ranks the Philippines fourth globally after India, China, and Chile as one of the most attractive emerging markets for RE investments.

In particular, the Philippines stands out as one of the few economies that have implemented auctions, feed-in-tariffs, net metering schemes, tax incentives, and a strong target for RE.

Rep. Villafuerte to keep tight watch on DOTr’s implementation of regional airport projects

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SENIOR lawmaker is looking forward to the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) execution of a P14-billion initiative to revitalize and modernize regional airports nationwide.

“We in CamSur are hoping that with the DOTr’s allocation of P14 billion for the improvement or modernization of regional airports across the country, the long delayed expansion of the Naga Airport’s runway—so it can accommodate wide body jets like the Airbus A300 that are good for international flights—will finally see the light of day under the Marcos administration,” Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, also president of the National Unity Party (NUP), said.

Villafuerte, who has long pushed the runway’s expansion from Naga to the neighboring provincial capital of Pili, recalled that this airport project was already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) during the presidency of the late President Benigno Aquino III, and then identified as a flagship project of the succeeding Duterte government, “but this infrastructure modernization plan unfortunately remained on the drawing board in both administrations.”

“However, with the recent announcement by Secretar y (Ja i me) B aut i st a t h at t he DOTr has set aside P14 billion for the modernization of our regional airports, we are hoping the expansion of the Naga A ir port runway to Pili will f i Baut ist a a nnou nced t h is P14-billion airport improvement plan during the DOTr’s Aviation and A ir ports Town Hall Meeting in General Santos City on Februar y 5 on the occasion of the department’s 125th founding anniversar y.

Bautista announced that this budget is for the improvement of airports nationwide, several of which are to be developed via the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Cor p. (IFC) of the World Bank.

Villafuerte backed the rehabilitation and modernization of the Naga Airport along with other gateways all over the country, as the improve-

ment of air connectivity and mobility will support the Marcos government’s drive to boost the post-pandemic recovery of Philippine tourism.

“Because the landing field of Naga Airport is short, it could not accommodate jets like the A irbus A 300, and there is always the danger that the smaller planes using this gateway could overshoot the runway,” he said.

“Thus the need for the expansion of the Naga Airport up to Pili to ensure safer plane landings, increase passenger traffic and boost local tourism, given that a much longer landing field would enable the airport to accommodate bigger commercial aircraft or jets,” added Villafuerte, who had served as a three-term governor of the province.

Villafuerte noted that although the expropriation process for the lands to be affected by the longer runway was already started by the CamSur provincial government during the then-Aquino III administration, this eventually hit a snag as a result of the drawnout ex propriation proceedings, which are still pending in court because of the opposition from would-be affected landowners.

He bewailed that the court case remains pending in court because the DOTr during the previous Duterte administration failed to accelerate the resolution of the legal proceedings, given that then-Transportation Secretar y Arthur Tugade did nothing to prod the Office of the Solicitor-General (SolGen) to represent the government on this case on behalf of the DOTr. Villafuerte, who is CA majority leader, also reminded Bautista about the other delayed f lagship project in Bicol of the DOTr, and this is the rollout of the Philippine National Railways-South Long Hau l R a i lway (PNR- SLHR) project.

With the withdrawal of the proposed Chinese funding for this PNR-SLHR project, or “Bicol Express,” Villafuerte hoped the DOTr and the Department of Finance (DOF) could also fast-track negotiations for alternative financing for this rail venture—whether through official development assistance (ODA), PPP, or a combination of both. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

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A PALESTINIAN carries a child killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. AP/ADEL HANA

Famine risk increases as UN agency says food deliveries into Gaza halted

By Wafaa Shurafa & Samy Magdy The Associated Press

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AFAH, Gaza Strip—The World Food Program said Tuesday it has paused deliveries of food to isolated northern Gaza because of increasing chaos across the territory, hiking fears of potential starvation. A study by the UN children’s agency warned that one in six children in the north are acutely malnourished.

Entry of aid trucks into the besieged territory has been more than halved in the past two weeks, according to UN figures. Overwhelmed UN and relief workers said intake of trucks and distribution have been crippled by Israeli failure to ensure convoys’ safety amid its bombardment and ground offensive and by a breakdown in security, with hungry Palestinians frequently overwhelming trucks to take food.

The weakening of the aid operation threatens to deepen misery across the territory, where Israel’s air and ground offensive, launched in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, has killed over 29,000 Palestinians, obliterated entire neighborhoods and displaced more than 80 percent of the population of 2.3 million.

Heavy fighting and airstrikes have flared in the past two days in areas of northern Gaza that the Israeli military said had been largely cleared of Hamas weeks ago. The military on Tuesday ordered the evacuation of two neighborhoods on Gaza City’s southern edge, an indication that militants are still putting up stiff resistance.

The north, including Gaza City, has been isolated since Israeli troops first moved into it in late October. Large swaths of the city have been reduced to rubble, but several hundred thousand Palestinians remain largely cut off from aid.

They describe famine-like conditions, in which families limit themselves to one meal a day and often resort to mixing animal and bird fodder with grains to bake bread.

“The situation is beyond your imagination,” said Soad Abu Hussein, a widow and mother of five children sheltering in a school in Jabaliya refugee camp.

Ayman Abu Awad, who lives in Zaytoun, said he eats one meal a day to save whatever he can for his four children.

“People have eaten whatever they find, including animal feed and rotten bread,” he said.

Slide into hunger THE World Food Program said it was forced to pause aid to the north because of “complete chaos and violence due to the collapse of civil order.”

It said it had first suspended deliveries to the north three weeks ago after a strike hit an aid truck. It tried resuming this week, but convoys on Sunday and Monday faced gunfire and crowds of hungry people stripping goods and beating one driver.

WFP said it was working to resume deliveries as soon as possible. It called for the opening of crossing points for aid directly into northern Gaza from Israel and a better notification system to coordinate with the Israeli military.

It warned of a “precipitous slide into hunger and disease,” saying, “People are already dying from hunger-related causes.”

UNICEF official Ted Chaiban said in a statement that Gaza “is poised to witness an explosion in preventable child deaths, which would compound the already unbearable level of child deaths in Gaza.”

The report released Monday by the Global Nutrition Cluster, an aid partnership led by UNICEF, found that in 95 percent of Gaza’s households, adults were restricting their own food to ensure small children can eat, while 65 percent of families eat only one meal a day.

More than 90 percent of children younger than 5 in Gaza eat two or fewer food groups a day, known as severe food poverty, the report said. Infectious diseases affect a similar percentage, with 70 percent experiencing diarrhea in the last two weeks. More than 80 percent of homes lack clean and safe water.

In Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, where most humanitarian aid enters, the acute malnutrition rate is 5 percent, compared to 15 percent in northern Gaza. Before the war, the rate across Gaza was less than 1 percent, the report said.

A UN report in December found that Gaza’s entire population is in a food crisis, with one in four facing starvation.

Drop in aid trucks SOON after Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israel blocked entry of all food, water, fuel, medicine and other supplies into Gaza. Under US pressure, it began to allow a trickle of aid trucks to enter from Egypt at the Rafah crossing, and in December opened one crossing from Israel into southern Gaza, Kerem Shalom.

The trucks have become virtually the sole source of food and other supplies for Gaza’s population. But the average number entering per day has fallen since February 9 to 60 a day from more than 140 daily in January, according to figures from the UN office for humanitarian coordination, known as OCHA. Even at its height, UN officials said the flow was not enough to sustain the population and was far below the 500 trucks a day entering before the war.

The cause of the drop was not immediately clear. For weeks, See “Famine,” A11

TheWorld Thursday, February 22, 2024

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US vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding immediate Gaza cease-fire

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

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NITED NATIONS—The United States on Tuesday vetoed an Arabbacked and widely supported UN resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in the embattled Gaza Strip, saying it would interfere with negotiations on a deal to free hostages abducted in Israel.

The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13-1 with the United Kingdom abstaining, reflecting the strong support from countries around the globe for ending the war, which started when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage.

Since then, more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which says the vast majority were women and children.

It was the third US veto of a Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and came a day after the United States circulated a rival resolution that would support a temporary cease-fire linked to the release of all hostages.

Virtually every council member—including the United States—expressed concern at the impending catastrophe in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, where some 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge, if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes ahead with his plan to evacuate civilians and move Israel’s military offensive to the area bordering Egypt, where Israel says Hamas fighters are hiding.

Before the vote, Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, said: “A vote in favor of this draft resolution is a support to the Palestinians right to life. Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted against them.”

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield countered by saying the United States understands the desire for urgent action but believes the resolution would “negatively impact” sensitive negotiations on a hostage deal and a pause in fighting for at least six weeks. If that happens, “we can take the time to build a more enduring peace,” she said.

The proposed US resolution, she said, “would do what this text does not— pressure Hamas to take the hostage deal that is on the table and help secure a pause that allows humanitarian assistance to reach Palestinian civilians in desperate need.”

She told reporters the Arab draft did not link the release of the hostages to a cease-fire, which would give Hamas a halt to fighting without requiring it to take any action. That would mean “that the fighting would have continued because without the hostage releases we know that the fighting is going to continue,” she said.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said the word cease-fire is used in the Security Council, the General Assembly and by UN officials “as if it is a silver bullet, a magical solution to all of the region’s problems.”

He called that “an absurd notion,” warning that a cease-fire in Gaza would enable Hamas to rearm and regroup and “their next attempted genocide against Israelis will only be a question of when, not if.”

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador, shot back that the “message given today to Israel with this veto is that it can continue to get away with murder.”

He warned that more babies will be killed and orphaned, more children will die of hunger, cold and disease, more families will be threatened with further forced displacement, and Gaza’s entire 2.3 million population will be left without food, water, medicine and shelter.

And in a sharply critical message to the United States, Israel’s closest ally, Mansour said: “It means that human lives that could have been saved are instead being forsaken to Israel’s genocidal war machine, deliberately, knowingly, by those who oppose a cease-fire.”

What happens next remains to be seen.

The 22-nation Arab Group could take its resolution to the UN General Assembly, which includes all 193 UN member nations, where it is virtually certain to be approved. But unlike Security Council resolutions, assembly resolutions See “Gaza,” A10

Putin says Russia has no intention of putting nuclear weapons in space, denying US claims

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OSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday that Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space, claiming that the country has only developed space capabilities similar to those of the US. Putin’s statement follows the White House confirmation last week that Russia has obtained a “troubling” anti-satellite weapon capability, although such a weapon is not operational yet. White House national security spokesman John Kirby said it would violate the international Outer Space Treaty, but declined to comment on whether the weapon is nuclear-capable.

The treaty signed by more than 130 countries, including Russia, prohibits the deployment of “nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction” in orbit or the stationing of “weapons in outer space in any other manner.” The White House said it would look to engage the Russians directly on the concerns.

“Our position is quite clear and transparent: we have always been and remain categorically opposed to the deployment of nuclear weapons in space,” Putin said. “Just the opposite, we are urging everyone to adhere to all the agreements that exist in this sphere.”

Speaking during a meeting with his defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, Putin noted that Russia has only developed space capabilities that “other nations, including the US, have.”

“And they know it,” he added.

“We haven’t deployed any nuclear weapons in space or any elements of them to use against satellites or to create fields where satellites can’t work efficiently,” Shoigu said.

Shoigu alleged that the White House could have made the allegations of a new Russian space capability in order to force Congress to support aid for Ukraine and also encourage Moscow to reenter nuclear arms control talks that Russia has suspended amid the tensions with the US over Ukraine.

Putin didn’t rule out possible future contacts with the US, but reaffirmed his view that Washington’s push for Russia’s defeat in Ukraine makes them impossible for now.

“The US and the West, for one thing, are calling for Russia’s strategic defeat, while, on the other hand, they would like to have a dialogue on strategic stability, pretending that those things aren’t connected,” he said.

“It won’t work.” AP

TheWorld A10 Thursday, February 22, 2024

White House prepares ‘major sanctions’ on Russia following Navalny’s death and ahead of Ukraine invasion anniversary

By Zeke Miller & Fatima Hussein The Associated Press

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ASHINGTON—The White House said Tuesday it is preparing additional “major sanctions” on Russia in response to opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death last week in an Arctic penal colony.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the sanctions, on the eve of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “will be a substantial package covering a range of different elements of the Russian defense industrial base, and sources of revenue for the Russian economy that power Russia’s war machine, that power Russia’s aggression, and that power Russia’s repression.”

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the US had not determined how Navalny had died, but insisted that the ultimate responsibility lay with Putin.

“Regardless of the scientific answer, Putin’s responsible for it,” he told reporters.

Russian authorities have said the cause of Navalny’s death is still unknown and have refused to release his body for the next two weeks as the preliminary inquest continues, members of his team said.

The Treasury Department declined to comment on the details of the upcoming sanctions. Brian Nelson, the department’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, is in Europe this week to continue working on Russia sanctions ahead of the invasion’s two-year anniversary.

“The global coalition imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russia’s war machine has thrown sand in the gears of the Kremlin’s efforts to equip and supply its military. President Biden recently expanded Treasury’s authorities to target those funding Russia’s war production efforts—even if they’re located in third countries—and Treasury is aggressively pursuing those who attempt to evade our sanctions,” the Treasury department said last week. “Multilateral sanctions and export controls have forced hard tradeoffs for Putin and damaged his ability to project power now and in the future.”

So far, the US and its allies have sanctioned thousands of Russian people and firms, frozen Russian Central Bank funds, banned certain Russian goods, restricted Russian banks’ access to SWIFT—the dominant system for global financial transactions—and imposed a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil and diesel, among other measures.

Policy experts have advanced an array of proposals meant to further starve Russia of the money it needs to continue its invasion—from seizing the nation’s Central Bank funds housed largely in Europe to lowering the Group of Seven price cap in Russian oil.

A February working paper from the International Working Group on Russian Sanctions at Stanford University calls for heavier sanctions in Russia’s energy market—from lowering the current $60 price cap on Russian-produced oil to $30, as well as completing the EU and G-7 ban on Russian hydrocarbons.

Gaza. . .

Continued from A9

are not legally binding.

The Arab-backed resolution would have demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to be respected by all parties, which implies an end to the war.

By contrast, the US draft resolution would support a temporary ceasefire “as soon as practicable, based on the formula of all hostages being released,” and call for “lifting all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale.”

It is the first time the US has used the word “cease-fire,” as opposed to cessation of hostilities.

The Arab draft would also have demanded the immediate release of all hostages, rejected the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians and called for unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza.

Without naming either party, it would have condemned “all acts of terrorism” and reiterated the council’s “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution with two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace.

In measures sure to anger Israel—and reinforce differences and tensions between US President Joe Biden and Israel’s Netanyahu—the US draft resolution reiterates the same unwavering commitment to a two-state solution, which the Israeli leader opposes.

Biden has repeatedly called on Israel to protect Palestinian civilians, and the draft resolution says Israel’s planned major ground offensive in Rafah “should not proceed under current circumstances.”

In another criticism directed at Israel, the US draft “condemns calls by government ministers for the resettlement of Gaza and rejects an attempt at demographic or territorial change in Gaza that would violate international law.”

Thomas-Greenfield said the United States was not setting a deadline for a vote on its proposed resolution.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the United States of “duplicitous and hypocritical calls” for the council to wait for diplomacy to produce results on a hostage deal.

“It could not yield any results because the real goal of Washington is not to achieve peace in the Middle East, not to protect civilians, but rather to advance their geopolitical agenda, demanding at any cost for their closest Middle East ally to be shielded,” Nebenzia told the council, claiming that the US has given “an effective license for Israel to kill Palestinians.”

While this was the third US veto of a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, the council has adopted two resolutions on Gaza where the US abstained.

Its first resolution, on Nov. 15, called for humanitarian pauses to address the escalating crisis for Palestinian civilians. In late November, a seven-day pause led to the release of 120 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Israel’s release of 200 Palestinian prisoners.

On December 22, the council adopted a watered-down resolution calling for immediately speeding aid deliveries to desperate civilians in Gaza, but without the original plea for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.

It did call for “creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” The steps were not defined, but diplomats said it was the council’s first reference to stopping fighting. Because of ongoing fighting and no new humanitarian pause, little aid has gotten into Gaza.

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

Famine. . .

Continued from A8

right-wing Israeli protesters have held demonstrations to block trucks, saying Gaza’s people should not be given aid. UN agencies have also complained that cumbersome Israeli procedures for searching trucks have slowed crossings.

But chaos within Gaza appears to be a major cause.

Moshe Tetro, an official with COGAT, an Israeli military body in charge of civilian Palestinian affairs, said the bottleneck was because the UN

TheWorld

and other aid groups can’t accept the trucks in Gaza or distribute them to the population. He said more than 450 trucks were waiting on the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing, but no UN staff had come to distribute them.

Eri Kaneko, a spokesperson for OCHA, said the UN and other aid groups have not been able to regularly pick up supplies at the crossing points because of “the lack of security and breakdown of law and order.” He said the Israeli military has a responsibility to facilitate distribution within Gaza, and “aid piling up at the crossing is evidence of an absence of this

BusinessMirror

enabling environment.”

In a rare public criticism of Israel, a top US envoy, David Satterfield, said this week that its targeted killings of Gaza police commanders guarding truck convoys have made it “virtually impossible” to distribute the goods safely.

Besides crowds of Palestinians swarming convoys, aid workers say they are hampered by heavy fighting, strikes hitting trucks and Israeli failure to guarantee deliveries’ safety. The UN says that from January 1 to February 12, Israel denied access to 51 percent of its planned aid deliveries to north Gaza.

No end in sight THE war began when Hamas-led militants rampaged across communities in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages.

The militants still hold some 130 captives, around a fourth of whom are believed to be dead.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said it had confirmation that Hamas started delivering medications to the hostages, a month after the medications arrived in Gaza under a deal mediated by the Gulf state and France. The deal provides three months’ worth of

Thursday, February 22, 2024 A11

medication for chronic illnesses for 45 of the hostages, as well as other medicine and vitamins, in exchange for medicines and humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel has vowed to expand its offensive to Rafah, where more than half of the territory’s population of 2.3 million has sought refuge from fighting elsewhere.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said Tuesday that the total Palestinian death toll since October 7 had risen to 29,195. The ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its records, but says women

and children make up two-thirds of those killed. Over 69,000 Palestinians have been wounded, according to the ministry.

Israel says it has k i l led over 10,000 Palestinian militants but has provided no evidence for its count.

The military blames the high civilian death toll on Hamas because the militant group fights in dense residential neighborhoods. The military says 237 of its soldiers have been killed since the start of the ground offensive in late October.

Magdy reported from Cairo.

A12 Thursday, February 22, 2024

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng • www.businessmirror.com.ph

‘Lift restrictions on foreign stakes in rice, corn’

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

E

CONOMIC policy advocacy group Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) is pushing for the removal of foreign investment restrictions in the rice and corn sectors to improve productivity and farmers’ income and reduce consumer prices.

This stance was presented during the second roundtable discussion on attracting foreign investments, sponsored by the House of Representatives Congressional Planning, Budget, and Research Department and the Committee Affairs Department. The discussions were moderated by Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, the senior vice chairperson of the committee on appropriations.

FEF’s position, articulated by

technical consultant Maria Charina Ubarra, a former House legislative officer, was supported by representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Investments, the Department of Agriculture, and the National Food Authority.

Ubarra told lawmakers that their position has a two-fold objective: to remove limitations on foreign investment in the rice and corn sectors and encourage foreign investments to develop and boost the sector’s productivity.

She pointed out existing restrictions in the Constitution and two laws—Republic Act (RA) 3018 and Presidential Decree (PD) 194—which should be repealed or amended to align with the goal of agricultural sector growth.

RA 3018, which limited the industry to Filipinos, was enacted on

August 2, 1960.

Ubarra discussed the unique “time-lock delay” divestment requirement in PD 194, hindering foreign companies from expanding operations, as they would lose control after 30 years of operation. PD 194 was issued by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on May 17, 1973.

“The divestment requirement is a unique restriction to the Philippines and the rice and corn sectors, in particular. Foreign companies that have established operations in the country are hesitant to expand their operations as they near the divestment period, since they will lose control of their investments.”

Ubarra said foreign companies in the agriculture sector do not compete with local farmers because they are only buyers and users of local produce, which they

transform into “ high-end and high-value” products.

These firms, however, compete with local companies that also use rice and corn as raw materials, she added.

“Such competition, technology transfer, and assistance to farmers in turn bring about lower prices of rice and corn-based consumer products.”

She said other stakeholders in agriculture, like hog, poultry, and seafood producers, also benefit from such competition in terms of better quality feeds and access to technologies.

Ubarra said the Philippines is lagging behind its neighbors in rice production despite the fact that Thailand and Vietnam learned productive rice-growing practices from the International Rice Research Institute in Los

Baños, Laguna.

The former House legislative officer urged lawmakers to repeal or amend RA 3018 and PD 194 to make them consistent with the goal of the Marcos administration of growing the agriculture sector.

For her part, Nueva Ecija Rep. Ria Vergara expressed surprise over the existence of the law nationalizing the rice and corn industries. Lawmakers called for its immediate repeal.

“I mean, this is a 1960s law that is no longer relevant. What have we done about it?” Vergara asked. “Up until now, we are not aware of it. Some of us were not even born then. We should repeal it immediately.”

Raquel Echague, who heads the resources-based industries service of the Board of Investments, echoed the reluctance of foreign

companies to expand due to the ownership restrictions in existing laws.

“We have six companies with P4 billion in investments that are hesitant to expand due to the divestment requirement.”

She said liberalization should extend to downstream industries like the production of feeds for hogs, cattle, poultry, fish, and similar produce.

For his part, Christopher Ilagan of the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry said there are a number of American firms operating in the country that have expressed concern over the divestment requirement in PD 194.

“They continue to operate because of a lack of enforcement, but it has become an ethical issue for them.”

DA seeks US firm’s help to control Cecid flies in mangoes Greek farmers escalate protests as tractors arrive in Athens

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will invite experts from Sun & Earth Microbiology LLC, a Florida-headquartered biotechnology company, to help eliminate Cecid fly infestation that undermines Philippine mango production and export.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA is open to the idea of testing the products of Sun & Earth, whose chief executive officer, Guillermo William Vazquez, had earlier helped control Fusarium wilt in bananas—a fungus that causes discoloration and wilting that eventually kills the plant.

Laurel said in a statement that he is interested in products that will address Fusarium wilt that affects banana, abaca and coconut trees—all major agricultural exports of the Philippines. He is also keen on the United States-based company’s product to address the problem with rice bugs.

Sun & Earth plans to use biological microbes that had been successfully tested against the insects in Venezuela, Columbia and Vietnam to address Cecid fly problem

PHOTO FROM WWW.DA.GOV.PH

in Palawan, where mango production on some 100,000 hectares of orchard had been affected. The US biotechnology company also uses biological control agents to paralyze Cecid flies.

The flies destroy up to 80 percent of mango fruits, with those affected showing brown scab-like spots. These pests usually start infesting mango trees shortly after flowering.

While Sun & Earth expressed some concerns about clearances from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its customized products, DA Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro said the agency will discuss the matter with FDA. The Philippines exported over P5 billion worth of fruits, including mangoes and avocados, last year on the back of higher demand

from newly opened markets, the DA said last month.

The DA said the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) facilitated and recorded the export of 20,325.09 metric tons (MT) of mangoes, avocados and durians worth P5.167 billion.

Last year, the country shipped 12,548.49 MT of mangoes worth P2.9 billion, 3,045.6 MT of avocados valued at P377 million and 4,731 MT of durian worth P1.89 billion. “ The 2023 export [volume] figures showed a 316-percent increase for avocado, 109 percent for mango, and a significant 4,000 percent for durian, respectively compared to last year,” the DA said in a statement.

It noted that the BPI issued over 83,000 sanitary and phytosanitary certificates for the export of various agricultural products last year, as well as nearly 80,000 import clearances for the entry of foreign commodities.

“The bureau likewise helped open markets for durian exports to China, Hass avocados to South Korea and mangoes to Australia.”

Phinl opens climate-controlled tulip farm in Quirino

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

P

HINL Corp., a Board of Investments (BOI)-registered company, has unveiled Asia’s first climate-controlled tulip farm in the Philippines, according to the BOI. The agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry said the project is the “first and only fully-contained and computer-controlled indoor hydroponic tulip farm” in the country.

With a project cost of P157.4 million, the tulip farm has a capacity to produce up to 6,000 stems per batch and room for further expansion, as the firm aims to meet the “increasing” demand for “highquality” tulips in the country, the BOI said in a statement.

It added that each stem is grown locally and freshly harvested in the country.

BOI also noted that the facility directly provides 42 local jobs, with the “potential” for technology transfer, upskilling, and further growth as the company expands production in the coming years.

Located in Maddela, Quirino, BOI said the project will be able to “successfully” grow “top-quality” tulips in a sub-tropical climate.

BOI Executive Director for Industry Development Services Corazon Dichosa said Phinl ’s climate-controlled tulip farm in the country “demonstrates (the government’s) commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture.”

“Tulip flower bulbs are usually found in countries with mild

to moderate climates, therefore making the Philippines’ tropical climate an unstable environment for growing tulips due to high temperature and humidity levels,” the BOI said.

The agency noted that the main raw materials used in the project are tulip bulbs, which are imported from the Netherlands or New Zealand, depending on the season or availability. The agency also noted that these are stored in a cold storage facility to ensure “optimal” preservation.

Phinl adopts a technology that is similar to hydroponics, “a method of cultivation that does not use soil but instead uses an inert medium to ensure optimal conditions for growth,” according to the BOI. Tu lip forcing is done in a high-tech indoor hyd roponic

DAR, PNP seal deal for ‘agraryo merkado’

T

HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Masbate and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recently formalized a partnership for the implementation of “agraryo merkado” at the Provincial Police Office of Masbate campsite.

In a statement, the DAR-Masbate said Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Herald R. Tambal and the PNP Provincial Police Office represented by Police Col. Liane M. Van de Velder signed a memorandum of agreement at Camp Col. Bonny Serrano in Masbate City

last February 19 for the implementation of the project.

Tambal said the expansion of the agraryo merkado that will now reach the PNP camp in Masbate is consistent with the government’s goal of promoting the agricultural sector and providing support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Agraryo merkado is a project organized by DAR-Masbate as a way for farmer-beneficiaries to earn additional income and promote their products. Nineteen agrarian reform

beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBO) entered the agreement.

Some of the products that will be displayed at the campsite include locally processed food items (chicken tocino, chicken lumpia, beef tapa, pork tocino, chili garlic, coconut vinegar, papaya pickles, peanut molido, etc.) and newly harvested farm produce.

Tambal said the realization of agraryo merkado was “a dream come true” for our farmer-beneficiaries and the DAR. “The formal launching of agraryo merkado

far m equipped w ith cuttingedge vertical farming technology from leading Dutch specialist partners.

The facility operates in a “completely closed” environment, ensuring full control of temperature, humidity, and light intensity. “ T his unique approach a llows for year-round production, constant qua lit y, and higher yields compared to traditional outdoor or greenhouse method,” the BOI said.

“By ut i l i zing c ut t ing- edge technology and expertise, this project not only showcases the Philippines’s capacity for innovation but it also promises to bolster the country’s agricultural sector, providing employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth.” last April 12, 2023, spearheaded by Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, provided a fixed market to our farmers and a new source of fresh produce for our consumers,” DAR said.

“We are poised to make a tangible and positive impact on the lives of our farmers and the agricultural landscape of our province. As we embark on this collaborative journey, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to upholding the welfare of our farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and foster inclusive growth in our rural areas” said Police Lt. Col. Reynaldo B. Torlao, DPD for Administration.

The Agraryo Merkado at PNP is scheduled to open every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. starting February 22, 2024. Jonathan L. Mayuga

G

REEK farmers are escalating their protests by driving their tractors to Athens after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said there’s no fiscal space to offer further financial relief.

Some 140 tractors entered the city, with police stopping traffic on central roads to allow the protesters get to Syntagma Square in front of Greek parliament. Many others arrived by bus.

The disruption has also hit Athens public transportation, which has been forced to adjust schedules. The farmers plan to stay at Syntagma Square overnight and return to their bases on Wednesday morning.

Leaders from opposition parties also visited the protesters.

In recent months, farmers across Europe have been protesting over issues including soaring costs, mounting bureaucracy, new European Union regulations in its Green Deal and imports diluting their markets.

Elsewhere, Indian farmer groups have taken to the streets this month to demand price guarantees and in the US farmers are complaining they’re priced out by big companies.

Greece’s farmers are asking for tax relief and a renegotiation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)—the EU’s subsidy regime—while they also complain for not been fully compensated for last year’s flood damage in the Thessaly region, the country’s largest agricultural area.

Following talks last week, farmers already were: n Granted lower power bills for the next

10 years in a bid to ease their production costs, and n Promised a first tranche of a rebate on fuel tax in March.

Before that, Mitsotakis had said that initial compensation for those who suffered from natural disasters will be capped at €10,000 ($10,810) instead of a previous €2,000.

While the premier has acknowledged that many of the farmers’ demands are justified, he’s also made clear that the government doesn’t have any leeway.

“We have nothing more to give,” Mitsotakis said in a Star TV interview Monday night. “And I think that the farmers also recognize this and know very well that already the government probably exceeded the limits of their expectations, especially

FARMERS drive their tractors into the city center during a protest in Athens, Greece, on February 20. IOANA EPURE/BLOOMBERG

in the issue of electricity.”

Still, the prime minister sees these protests as a way for him to put extra pressure on Brussels to change the CAP when European leaders eventually discuss the issue.

In January, agriculture ministers of nine Mediterranean countries, including France, Italy and Greece, signed a joint letter to declare their support in discussions on the climate crisis and other common concerns “such as the need for a simplification of the CAP.” The group is expected to reconvene on February 26 in Brussels.

Aluminum, nickel prices

ALUMINUM and nickel briefly jumped after United States President Joe Biden said the US plans to unveil a “major” sanctions package against Russia on Friday following the death of opposition leader Alexey Navalny.

Aluminum prices on the London Metal Exchange rose as much as 1.8 percent while nickel gained up to 1.3 percent after Biden’s comments Tuesday to reporters at the White House.

Biden didn’t comment specifically on which industries would be targeted, but traders have been on the lookout for potential new restrictions on Russian metals after the United Kingdom moved in December to block British individuals and entities from trading physical metals including aluminum, copper and nickel from Russia. At the time, the UK also hinted at the possibility of coordinated action with international partners. Up until then, Russian metals had escaped broad sanctions.

White House spokesman John Kirby said in a briefing earlier Tuesday that sanctions would be designed “to hold Russia accountable for what happened to Mr. Navalny.”

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the “substantial package” of financial penalties would cover “different elements of the Russian defense-industrial base and sources of revenue for the Russian economy” that fuel Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “war machine” and “repression.”

The two metals “definitely jumped” on news that the US may sanction Russia over the death of Navalny, said Xiaoyu Zhu, a trader at StoneX Financial Inc. Earlier Tuesday, aluminum sunk to a four-week low while nickel slid amid lingering uncertainty about global demand.

Bloomberg News

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

News BusinessMirror

PBEd to DepEd: Stick to firm, consistent B calendar to lessen learning disruptions

Thursday, February 22, 2024 A13

PRC suspends food relief operation in Agusan del Sur after ‘poisoning’

By Andrea E. San Juan

T

@andreasanjuan

HE Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) said it is hoping for a “firm and consistent” school ca lend ar to minimize learning disruptions.

In a statement Wednesday, PBEd underscored that changes in the academic calendar must take into consideration the “continuity and conduciveness” of the learning environment.

“Our students need a fixed schedule. We hope that this recent decision will be firm and consistent among administrations so as to minimize learning disruption,” PBEd. According to the education advocacy group, the decision to revert back to the old academic calendar should not be seen as a “stop gap measure” to address the underlying

issues that make the existing school calendar “unbearable.”

“To safeguard our children, we need to make sure that classrooms can withstand extreme weather conditions and have transportation support available,” PBEd said.

Under Department Order (DO) No. 003, s. 2024 issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) last February 19, DepEd said it “recognizes the clamor” to gradually revert the school calendar to the pre-pandemic opening of classes.

This, it said, after “resounding consensus” from consultations with teachers, learners and “relevant” stakeholders.

With this, the DO noted that the adjusted date of the End of School Year (EOSY) shall be May 31, 2024.

Moreover, the order stated that the EOSY break shall be from June 1 to July 26,2024.

Meanwhile, the start and end of

School Year 2024-2025, the order noted, shall start on July 29, 2024 and end on May 16, 2025.

PBEd said the government should also ensure the additional number of school days needed to offset the days lost due to national holidays and class suspensions.

“Alternatives to face-to-face classes should also be explored in the event of class suspensions.

Now is the time for DepEd to institutionalize good practices from remote learning experience, whether through assigned modules, or online or broadcast classes,” it added.

The education advocacy group also pointed out that “there must be greater involvement” among local governments as many of the concerns can be addressed at the local level, especially in ensuring that physical and digital infrastructure are in place so that learning continues.

Pinoy Gen X, Y want own businesses, flexiwork sked Continued from A22 Dr. Ona noted that since the country’s population is ageing, it is important for the public and private sectors to work together to make sure that the Gen X and millennials receive the healthcare they paid for.

“This study is something that the government can look into as it starts the full implementation of Universal Health Care. The study should also be done on a regular basis so that we are updated with the trends and views of the various age groups,” he added.

With Gen Xs and Ys embracing prolonged careers over early

retirement, PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger Tanco said the conventional narratives surrounding retirement are being challenged. This underscores the evolving perception of work as an integral part of life.

“To cater to the needs of Gen X and Y for extended careers, employers may need to reevaluate their career development programs. This may involve creating pathways for continuous learning, mentorship o p p o r t u n it i e s , a n d p h a s e d retirement plans that align with the two generations’ professional journey,” Tanco noted.

He added that through the Wellness Index, PhilCare has already been

able to launch innovative products and services that aim to help employers, even individuals, attain a satisfying growth and development journey. These offerings include the very first prepaid health care cards in the market, individual and corporate health plans, webbased teleconsultation service DigiMed, clinic-on-wheels MedHub mobile, and mental health program Mindscapes.

“The PhilCare Wellness Index underscores our relentless pursuit of comprehensive hea lthcare solutions. The study is not just about statistics; is our blueprint for big ideas,” Tanco said.

Quiboloy says in hiding, fears for his life Continued from A22

US on Quiboloy

THE US Embassy in Manila said justice will catch up with former President Rodrigo’s close friend and spiritual adviser Quiboloy.

“For more than a decade, Apollo Qu iboloy engaged in ser ious human rights abuses, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, and is currently on the FBI’s Most Wanted List.

“We are confident that Quiboloy will face justice for his heinous

crimes. Questions about legal proceedings should be directed to the US Department of Justice,” US Embassy spokesman Kanishka Gangopadhay said in a text message.

Quiboloy maintained his suspicion that the complaint filed by a Filipina independent contractor was politically motivated to discredit the administration then, and bring down now, the family of former President Duterte.

Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, is perceived to be a leading contender to the Presidency in the 2028 elections.

Quiboloy faces several complaints in the US from alleged former members of his congregration, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name. A jury indicted him and later in 2022, the FBI released a poster titled “Wanted by the FBI” and placed Quiboloy’s name across it. Below his name was the accusation “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; bulk cash smuggling.”

With Malou Talosig-Bartolome

By Erwin M. Mascariñas

UTUAN CITY—Some 216 residents of a remote barangay in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur were reported to be hospitalized following an alleged bout of food poisoning after they supposedly consumed a hot meal provided by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for a flooding relief event on Monday.

PRC A g u s a n d e l Su r C h a p t e r released a st atement on Tuesd ay evening, noting that while the cause of the health emergency remains under investigation by the local government, the PRC’s hot meals program in the province was suspended until the completion of the probe.

“Rest assured that PRC supports t he i nv e s t i g at io n . PRC re m a i n s transparent and will closely coordinate with the local government on this serious matter,” PRC said.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office said the patients are from Barangay Tandang Sora, one of the most affected communities by the severe flooding that happened in early February.

According to Jasmin Carlos, the Health Education and Promotion Officer of Esperanza Medicare Community Hospital (EMCH), several residents arrived at the hospital at past 6 p.m. on Monday, exhibiting symptoms, such as stomach ache, vomiting, and dizziness.

“After our assessment and consultation, we provided appropriate management intervention by administering intravenous (IV) fluids and gave them medications as recommended by our doctors at the hospital,” Carlos said.

Health officials said majority of the patients are toddlers and elderly with the youngest patients being an 8-month-old baby and a 1-year-old.

On Monday afternoon, the victims were ser ved hot mea ls, including chicken liver adobo, boiled egg, and rice by the volunteer staff and cooks of the PRC Agusan del Sur Chapter as part of the Hot Meals on Wheels program to aid flood victims.

Darwina Ilagan, of the PRC Agusan del Sur Chapter, stated that four food trucks were sent by PRC to the floodstricken victims in Agusan del Sur in flooded towns in Bunawan, San Luis, Talacogon and Esperanza, accompanied by five student volunteers, who served as servers, and two cooks.

According to PRC Agusan del Sur the incident was the seventh day where they handed out food relief to 1,000 individuals in the said barangay.

Dr. Jaqueline Momville, Agusan del Sur provincial health officer said they cannot rule out that it is food poisoning because they are still waiting for the results of the investigation from the surveillance unit. Until then, it is considered alleged or a health emergency.

Among the 216 patients, 142 are under EMCH, while the rest have been transported to nearby community hospitals as bed capacity has already been reached.

According to the EMCH daily census report as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, the number of patients under observation is 51, and 91 have already been discharged.

DMW pursuing civil damage from family of OFW Ranara’s teen killer

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

T

HE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Wednesday it would pursue civil damages against the family of the minor who was convicted of killing overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara.

“I have issued instructions to our Mi-

grant Workers Office in Kuwait (MWOKuwait) to work with our retained legal counsel in filing a civil action for damages against the father of the convicted perpetrator,” DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans J. Cacdac said in a brief statement.

The DMW official made the pronouncement after the Kuwait Appeal Court upheld the guilty verdict and sentence for the murder of Ranara.

Ranara’s teen killer is facing 1-year imprisonment for driving without a license and 15 years’ imprisonment for murder.

“We welcome the ruling of the State of Kuwait’s Appeal Court upholding the guilty verdict and sentence of 16 years’ imprisonment against the accused for the murder of OFW Jullebee Ranara,” Cacdac said.

He said they already informed Ranara’s family about the decision and assured them DMW will continue to provide them with assistance.

The burnt remains of the 35-year old Ranara were found in the desert in Kuwait in January 2023.

The 17-year old son of Ranara’s employer later confessed to committing the crime.

Seven cops wanted for murder yield to PNP’s anti-scalawag unit

S

IX police officers and another who went absent without official leave (AWOL) surrendered to the police force’s anti-scalawag unit, a ranking police official said Wednesday.

In a statement, Philippine National PoliceIntegrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) chief Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said those who surrendered are S/Sgt. Quill Bay-an (AWOL), Chief Master Sergeants Joseph Chumawar

Jr. and Israel Lucob, Captains Justin Anogue, Guilbert Asuncion and Orlando Rosales Jr., and Master Sgt. Dante Baloran.

The suspects have standing arrest warrants issued by the San Mateo, Rizal Regional Trial Court Branch 174 for two counts of murder over the death of two alleged communist rebels in an armed encounter in Sitio Lagyo, Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal sometime in 2010.

The accused were members of the Rapid

Deployment Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force.

Bay-an surrendered to arresting officers in Barangay Tawang, La Trinidad Benguet on Feb. 8.

On February 11, Chumawar and Lucob surrendered to the local police in Mabalacat City and Angeles City in Pampanga, respectively, while Anogue surrendered to IMEG operatives inside Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Last February 13, Asuncion, Rosales and Baloran,

all presently assigned at SAF, surrendered to the operatives of IMEG Counterintelligence Division.

The accused are currently detained at IMEG custodial facility in Camp Crame or documentation prior to the return of the warrant to the issuing court.

“The voluntary surrender of the seven accused personnel before the PNP-IMEG proves their trust in our ranks. We will continue to strengthen the impartial enforcement of the law,” de Leon said. PNA

BusinessMirror

A14 A6 Thursday, February 22, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

ACE VELOCITY CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 406 4/f Vicente Madrigal Bldg., 6793 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati LUO, YULAN Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant 1.

Brief Job Description: Prepare monthly report analysis and report status on a daily basis to Team Leads.

YANG, CHENGLONG Chinese Speaking Marketing Consultant 2.

Brief Job Description: Assists in managing paid advertisements campaign across multiple channels.

BAI, JINGYUN Chinese Speaking Technical Consultant 3.

Brief Job Description: Improving system efficiency by consulting with endusers and providing innovative solutions.

Basic Qualification: With experience in a senior marketing position. Good in verbal communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HUANG, JIANFA Manager 12.

Brief Job Description: Managing staff, planning and evaluating department activities.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal and written communication.

13.

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

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

14.

LI, SHENGYUAN Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

4.

Brief Job Description: Develop recipes and portion specification as required in conjunction with the Chinese customers.

Meets culinary financial objectives by estimating requirements, designing menus, anticipating strategic plans and reviews, prepare and complete action plans.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With background related to the position. Fluent in ChineseMandarin language.

TAN JIAN REN Risk SPCLST I-FUNDS[CHI] 5.

Brief Job Description: Specializes in video verifications, investigations and risk management. Responsible for fraud investigations, identify verifications and authenticates fraudulent documents and invoices.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder.

Experience in conducting in-person verifications, investigations, and risk management.

6.

Brief Job Description: Designs, develops, modifies, debugs and/or maintains software systems.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder with hands on Java experience and with good understanding in JBOSS.

NGUYEN VAN HAI Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 7.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquires.

NGUYEN VAN THANH Vietnamese Customer Service Representative 8.

Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries.

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

9.

Brief Job Description: Ensure products meet established quality standards and industry benchmarks. They monitor processes and inspect produced goods and services. They propose measures and process improvements to enhance operations, ensure reliability of systems, and minimize downtime, errors, and defects.

WANG, YEHONG Quality Assurance Specialist

10.

Brief Job Description: Ensure products meet established quality standards and industry benchmarks. They monitor processes and inspect produced goods and services. They propose measures and process improvements to enhance operations, ensure reliability of systems, and minimize downtime, errors, and defects.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 22.

ARISE AND GAIN MERCHANDISE CORP. 65, Road 20, Bahay Toro, Quezon City HUANG, YILIN Quality Assurance Specialist

16.

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

Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills.

Strong analytical and organizational skills.

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

Basic Qualification: Outstanding problemsolving and decisionmaking skills. Excellent verbal and writing skills.

Strong analytical and organizational skills.

23.

24.

25.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 26.

ASPIRE STANDARD SOLUTION SERVICES INC. 208 B 2/f Mtf Bldg., Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Isidro, City Of Parañaque

11.

WANG, XUEFEN Chinese Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description: Contact potential customers, and answer questions.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English languages and preferably 6 mos. to 1 year of work experience in the same field.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English languages and preferably 6 mos. to 1 year of work experience in customer service.

No.

29.

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English languages and preferably 6 mos. to 1 year of work experience in customer service.

WEN, YUNFENG Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

27.

28.

GUAN, LIPING Chinese Administrative Technician Brief Job Description: Performs variety of complex paraprofessional duties.

WU, ZHENXIN Chinese Administrative Technician Brief Job Description: Performs variety of complex paraprofessional duties.

XIE, GUOHUI Chinese Administrative Technician Brief Job Description: Performs variety of complex paraprofessional duties.

ZHU, HONGHUI Chinese Administrative Technician Brief Job Description: Performs variety of complex paraprofessional duties.

GUI, JINPING Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

GUO, XUEMIN Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

HAN, JIANPING Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

LI, HONGBO Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

LIU, FULIN Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

LIU, XIAODONG Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

PENG, SHAOBIN Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

TANG, PENG Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

TONG, YONG Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHANG, XIONGGUI Chinese Equipment Supervisor Brief Job Description: Overseeing the equipment being used.

PARK, JIRYEO Assistant Japanese Speaking Childcare Attendant 30.

Brief Job Description: Observe and evaluate children’s performance, behavior, development and physical health. Make program for children relating to improve basic skills, personal hygiene and social skills.

JYOTSNA General Business Specialist 31.

Brief Job Description: Providing support to senior managers by researching data and preparing reports.

VIPAN KUMAR General Business Specialist 32.

Brief Job Description: Providing support to senior managers by researching data and preparing reports.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

XU, JIANCAI General Business Specialist 33.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Providing support to senior managers by researching data and preparing reports.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

ZENG, SUYING General Business Specialist 34.

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

Brief Job Description: Providing support to senior managers by researching data and preparing reports.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

ZHENG, YIPENG General Business Specialist 35.

Brief Job Description: Providing support to senior managers by researching data and preparing reports.

GHOUIL, ABDELAZIZ Advisor 1, Technical Support

36.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Solve problems that are generally unstructured and require extensive use of conceptual thinking skills. Assist external users of the client’s technical products or services. Identify, investigate, research, and provide resolution to user questions and problems. Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issues that are technical in nature, including hardware, software, networking, or other designated client products.

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

KAUR, GURDEEP Sr. Manager, Quality

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Brief Job Description: Evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance measures and make recommendations for improvements. Ensure that quality standards are met throughout the organization. Collaborate with senior leadership to identify strategic opportunities for training and quality initiatives. Analyze training and quality data to identify trends and make datadriven recommendations. Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external Stakeholders and vendors to support training and quality initiatives.

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

37.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

LIU, JIAYU Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer 38.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 5 years of workrelated experience in a similar industry. JLPT N1 passer, and fluent in Japanese and English languages.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of work experience in the same field.

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

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of work experience in the same field.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of work experience in the same field.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of work experience in the same field.

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of work experience in the same field.

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

Basic Qualification: Relevant technical expertise related to the program (i.e. hardware, software, networking, data storage, troubleshooting, repair). Courteous with strong customer service orientation. Can read, write, and speak in French language.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999 Basic Qualification: Experienced Senior Manager in Training and Quality domains. Six Sigma Yellow and Green belt training including COPC training on Quality standards. Excellent spoken English language to work with global partners and clients.

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

DA PROSPERITAS HOLDING INC. 2/f National Life Insurances Bldg., 6762 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

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

CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. 25/f Ayala North Exchange, Tower 2, 6796, Ayala Ave. Cor. Salcedo & Amorsolo Streets, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in speaking Mandarin language.

COMMSEC INC. House No. 2259, Aurora Blvd. St., Barangay 148, Pasay City

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English languages and preferably 6 mos. to 1 year of work experience in customer service.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CHILDCARE CENTER WHIZ INC. Unit 209 1st Flr., Parkwest Veritown, 7th Avenue Corner 36th St., Bgc, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

CENTURY PEAK CEMENT MANUFACTURING CORP. Units 17-b & 17-d 17/f Philamlife Tower, 8767 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f To 10/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D., Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street, Tambo, City Of Parañaque

Basic Qualification: College graduate, fluent in Mandarin and English languages and preferably 6 mos. to 1 year of work experience in customer service.

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

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

AMDOCS PHILIPPINES INC. 23rd, 25th, And 26th Floors Eco Tower, 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig PARMAR, SHABNAM Software Engineer

15.

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

AMAZON OPERATION SERVICES PHILIPPINES, INC. B21 Three E-com Moa Complex, Harbour Drive Cor. Bay Shore, Brgy. 076, Pasay City

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

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

AMAZING HOUSE, INC. G/f Oceanaire Residences, Cbp 1 Bldg., Sunrise Drive St., Barangay 76, Pasay City SU, BAOMING Chinese Menu Development Specialist

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience and good in verbal and written communication.

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

HUANG, GUILIN Marketing Consultant

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Processing the payments and withdrawals of customers.

DENG, HUA Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 39.

Brief Job Description: Processing the payments and withdrawals of customers.

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in using computerized systems to access the details of customers.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in using computerized systems to access the details of customers.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

DENSO TECHNO PHILIPPINES INC. 2/f Sm Jazz Residences, N. Garcia Cor. Jupiter Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati IWATA, TAKUHISA General Manager - Powertrain System Various Division 40.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overall planning, leading, organizing, and controlling various activities in software development projects for Powertrain System Division especially on car meter systems which include overall project management, group management, business planning and review.

Basic Qualification: At least four years of experience in overall planning, leading, organizing and controlling various activities in software development projects for car engine control systems as Senior Manager.

LI, XINCHENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 56.

57.

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

41.

42.

Brief Job Description: Prepare airline and custom documentation.

LIU, YANG 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

58.

43.

44.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

CHEN, YONGMING Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

DENG, HONGLONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 45.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

LUAN, HAIJIAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 46.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

REN, BINGYI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 47.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

VALENTINA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 48.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

HUANG, DONGJUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 49.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

LILIANA PAU JIA LING Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

50.

51.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

KONG, DECHENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer Brief Job Description: Perform retouching and manipulation of images.

CHEN, TINGTING Chinese Speaking Program Designer 52.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

HUANG, LEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 53.

Brief Job Description: Documents all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

HUANG, QINGHUA Chinese Speaking Program Designer 54.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc. to deliver software solutions.

HY TAI MUI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 55.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

64.

Brief Job Description: Documents all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

YANG, ZHENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 65.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

YANG, ZHICHENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 66.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

KO, SUNGWOUNG Korean IT Support Specialist 67.

Brief Job Description: Answering employee questions regarding computer system.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

68.

Brief Job Description: Writing daily reports, preparing general ledgers, trial balance, and other financial statements.

WANG, HONGZHI Chinese Speaking Customer Financial Officer 69.

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

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

74.

75.

Brief Job Description: Referring customers to individuals qualified to offer and sell regulated financial products.

76.

Brief Job Description: In charge in business operation process planning and management in accordance to company strategy.

NANDA AUNG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 77.

BABE, OLIVIER STEPHEN Process Delivery Specialist (HR Contact Center Representative-French) 71.

Brief Job Description: Receives inbound calls from employees and address HR-related queries, complaints and recommendations raised during the conversation.

Handles chat and email transactions from employees.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

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

KUMAR, PANKAJ Senior Program Manager

78.

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Will oversee operations to support growth and add to the bottom line of the organization. Will provide management and oversee all aspects of the business within the site. Develop annual program plans and goals including objectives, strategies and specific targets.

KOO, INMO General Manager 79.

80.

81.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above

INFOVINE INC. 9/f Y Tower, Moa Complex, Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal, Barangay 76, Pasay City

Brief Job Description: Meet with assigned clients when needed and perform an initial assessment of a problematic situation.

DANIEL CARLOS ADITYA SANDRO Client Relations Coordinator (Indonesian) 82.

Brief Job Description: Provides information to assist clients or refer them to appropriate contacts. Arranges appointments for clients and obtain necessary information for the appointments.

YOSEP ALEXIUS HADIYANTO ISWANTORO Client Relations Coordinator (Indonesian) 83.

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent communication skills in English and French languages and willing to take the night shift role.

Brief Job Description: Receive and organize payments and post payments in computer system.

DANIEL Business Consultant (Indonesian)

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

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

Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods and good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Basic Qualification: Must be a college graduate/bachelor’s degree holder of any course, must have excellent verbal and written English language communication skills and solid understanding of computer basics.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree holder, proficient in English and Korean languages, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and have a deeper understanding of banking operations.

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

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 3 years of experience in payment processing, accounting or similar role.

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

LUCKY365 CONSULTING LIMITED CORP. U/18a 18f 18/f Trafalgar Plaza, 105 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

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

Brief Job Description: Allocation of budget resources, formulation of policies, efficient coordination of business operations, monitor and manage operational costs, and ensure good customer service.

LAM TRAN QUANG TRI Payment Specialist

Basic Qualification: Foreign language speaking.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

KEB HANA BANK - MANILA BRANCH U-1, 2 & 3 33 21/f Zuellig Bldg., Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas, Urdaneta, City Of Makati

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

IOPEX TECHNOLOGIES PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 12b, 12th Flr, Net Lima Bldg., E Square, 5th Ave. Cor. 26th St., Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

Brief Job Description: Provides information to assist clients or refer them to appropriate contacts. Arranges appointments for clients and obtain necessary information for the appointments.

CLAUDIO PIZARRO Customer Service Representative (Indonesian) 84.

IBM BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. 8th Floor, 1800 Bldg., Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City

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

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

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

70.

ZHANG, GUI Manager Of ICT Consulting & System Integration Dept.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

CHANG, LINLIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

XU, KAI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Gather data and capture the information into databases.

LOW KAR CHUN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

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

73.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team he/she will be assigned to.

BI, YONGDE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

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

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

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

72.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION SY, A NGOC Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

No.

GRAND EVEREST HOLDING INC. 17/f M1 Tower, 141 H.v. Dela Costa St., Bel-air, City Of Makati ZHANG, HENG Chinese Speaking Business Financial Officer

A15

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

WENG, JIANFENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

WANG, JING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

TANG, TAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

TAN, RONGSHUANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

SU, DONGYU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. With good verbal and written communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

NGUYEN, THI THU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

DYNAMIC STUDIO TECHNOLOGY INC. 5th To 8th/f & 10th/f Platinum Tower Building, Aseana Ave. Cor. Fuentes Street, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque

CHEN, JIALE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

MYO MYINT Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Brief Job Description: Collaborate with other IT specialists, technicians, etc., to deliver software solutions.

LIU, SHUANGYING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

DEXIN INTERNATIONAL IMPORT AND EXPORT CORP. 534, Tomas Mapua St., Barangay 298, Santa Cruz, City Of Manila FANG, LAN Chinese Cargo Office Agent

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Brief Job Description: Retain the existing customers by building good rapport.

CHEN, WENQING Website Operator - Chinese 85.

Brief Job Description: Act as a website administrator and can change or reconfigure the website.

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in phone, email, and text. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in phone, email, and text. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in phone, email, and text. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in phone, email, and text. Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication, customer service skills, energetic and eager to learn.

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

MAERSK GLOBAL SERVICE CENTRES (PHILIPPINES) LTD. Levels 6-8 North Wing, Estancia Offices, Capitol Commons, Meralco Ave., Oranbo, City Of Pasig

BusinessMirror

A16 A6 Thursday, February 22, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUINTERO MIRANDA, KAREN JOANA Process Expert - Spanish Speaker

86.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

Brief Job Description: Builds a good understanding of target customers and their business.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With experience in assisting with processing price quotes and rate negotiations.

No.

LE THI KHANH VAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 101.

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

MAP ACTIVE PHILIPPINES INC. 20/f, Proscenium Bldg., Jp Rizal St., Guadalupe Viejo, City Of Makati SCHMIDL, THOMAS VP For Sales Operation 87.

Brief Job Description: Identifying where improvements can be made and developing sales plans and strategies to achieve sales goals. Managing sales teams and maintaining sales operations. Outlining and managing sales budgets.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 8 years of work experience in a leadership role.

CHEN, XINGZI Customer Service Representative 88.

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service.

102.

103.

89.

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

OKTAVIANI SINABUTAR Indonesian Customer Service Representative 90.

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

RAMADHIA NUR CHAIRANI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 91.

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

SILVIA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 92.

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

STEPVANIE Indonesian Customer Service Representative 93.

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

WILLIAM TENAR Indonesian Customer Service Representative 94.

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

Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 years bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

104.

105.

106.

107.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 years bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

108.

BUI THI TRUC NHA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 95.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

GUO, MIAOMIAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 96.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

HO VIET DI DAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 97.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

HOANG THI THU HANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 98.

99.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

HUANG, ANLIN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

HUYNH GIA HAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 100.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

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

109.

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

110.

111.

112.

113.

114.

115.

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

Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

WANG, JINGCHAO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

ZHANG, ZHONGKUN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Collating and maintaining client information.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in manner that will optimize swift accurate capturing.

HO NGOC LIEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 116.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

VU DUC HIEU Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

ESTHER WONG EN REIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

BUI THI HA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

PHAM VAN TAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

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

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material, and other documents as required.

NGUYEN, THI VAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

NEO INCORPORATED North Tower Centrum Bldg., Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Baclaran, City Of Parañaque Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

NGUYEN VAN DAI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 years bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

NGUYEN MANH CUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 years bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

MAC CAM CO Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 years bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Assist with drafting business plans, sales pitches, presentations, reference material, and other documents.

LUO, TONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Graduate of 4 years bachelor’s degree with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

LOKE GIN HENG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

LE, TIEN CUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: Can speak Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

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

Brief Job Description: Identify and maintain new business opportunities and existing partners.

LE VAN VUONG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

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

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

HUANG, QIUXIA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 117.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

No.

LA THI CAM BINH Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 118.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

119.

120.

121.

122.

123.

124.

125.

126.

127.

128.

129.

130.

131.

132.

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

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

LIAN, JIQIAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 133.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

HUANG, YUE Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. With strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

HUANG, CHUANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

HAN, THI DON Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

DUONG THI BIEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design.

Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

CHEN, CHANGFU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

BUI MAN TUAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design.

Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

YANG, YANSEN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

XU, TAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

WEI, QUANBEI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Scanning through information to identify pertinent information.

TRAN HUU SANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

TAN, ZHAOXIA Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in a manner that will optimize swift and accurate capturing.

NGUYEN VAN DONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in manner that will optimize swift accurate capturing.

LIU, YIWEI Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organization and project management skills.

Brief Job Description: Correcting errors and organizing the information in manner that will optimize swift accurate capturing.

LANG, TONGREN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience, and good in verbal and written communication.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

LIU, JIANXING Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 134.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, TAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

135.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

LIU, XIANMENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 136.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

NIM CHI HUY Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 137.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

PHYU PHYU AUNG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 138.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

TRAN, THI PHUONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 139.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

WAN, JIAMIAO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 140.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

WEI, BIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 141.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

XU, JUAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 142.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

YAN, DAQIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 143.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

YANG, BO Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 144.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

YANG, DONGYONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 145.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

YANG, KANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 146.

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

YUAN, GUOFENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 147.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

ZHANG, JINWEI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 148.

Brief Job Description: Prepare rough drafts and present ideas and conceptualize visuals based on requirements.

ZHANG, YONGJIE Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 149.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

ZHAO, FEIYANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 150.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

ZHU, HENG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer 151.

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine their requirements, timescale and budget.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

No.

HOANG, THI HIEU Chinese Speaking HR Associate 152.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

153.

154.

155.

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

156.

157.

158.

159.

160.

161.

162.

163.

164.

165.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

ZHAO, JINRUI Chinese Speaking HR Associate 166.

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee form.

ZHANG, QIUXUE Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including résumés, applicant logs and employee forms.

YAP YEONG TAI Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

YAN, JUN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

WEN, TINGTING Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including résumés, applicant logs and employee forms.

PAN, YUN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

NGUYEN THI THU HA Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

LUO, ZETAN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

LIU, XIAODONG Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

LI, HAO Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

JIANG, JUN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms

JIANG, HONGKUN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven graphic designing experience. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employee forms.

HU, XIAOSONG Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including, résumés, applicant logs, and employees’ forms.

HU, SHUIQUAN Chinese Speaking HR Associate

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Managing HR records including résumés, applicant logs and employee forms.

CHEN, LE Chinese Speaking Program Designer 167.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

CHUONG CUN SENH Chinese Speaking Program Designer

168.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

A17

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

No.

DENG, WENQI Chinese Speaking Program Designer 169.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

170.

171.

172.

173.

174.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

KAN SIEW WEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

175.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

HUANG, QIAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

HO, HENH NHI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Previous experience working in human resources.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

DUAN, FANG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Testing and deploying programs and systems. Verify and deploy programs and systems.

DU, ZHAOYAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Previous experience working in human resources.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

DIP, KIM ANH Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

KAUNG NYEIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

176.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. With experience in working in human resources.

KYAW SHWE Chinese Speaking Program Designer 177.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

LE THI MY Chinese Speaking Program Designer 178.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

179.

180.

181.

182.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

SAI KYAW SAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 183.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

PHAN DUC LOI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. With experience in working in human resources.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

NGUYEN, THI MAI LAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

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

Previous experience working in human resources.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

NGO CHI QUYEN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

LI, MINGMING Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. With experience in working in human resources.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

SHIRLINE DAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 184.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design and good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods. Good in verbal and written communication.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

SONG, WENPENG Chinese Speaking Program Designer 185.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

BusinessMirror

A18 A6 Thursday, February 22, 2024

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION THAO, TO KIM Chinese Speaking Program Designer

186.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

TRAN HUNG SON Chinese Speaking Program Designer

187.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

TRAN NGOC NHU Chinese Speaking Program Designer

188.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

TRAN XUAN HOAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 189.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

TRAN, DANH TIEP Chinese Speaking Program Designer 190.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

VO THI HA Chinese Speaking Program Designer

191.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

VONG TANG QUAY Chinese Speaking Program Designer 192.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

VU TRONG HUY Chinese Speaking Program Designer

193.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

VU VAN THANH Chinese Speaking Program Designer

194.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

WANG, XU Chinese Speaking Program Designer 195.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

XU, WENJUN Chinese Speaking Program Designer 196.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

YANG, CHAO Chinese Speaking Program Designer 197.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

YANG, QINGQING Chinese Speaking Program Designer 198.

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

YANG, YUNFEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

199.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

ZENG, FEILONG Chinese Speaking Program Designer

200.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

ZHU, WENXIN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

201.

Brief Job Description: Communicate overall design and approach to a team of programmers and create flowcharts, diagrams, other models, and programming instructions to guide programming team.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

No.

ZHANG, JIAKUN Sales Representative 203.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

Brief Job Description: They ensure that the customer is satisfied and adequately taken care of while making a purchase.

KAWAKAMI, RYO Vice President And Comptroller 204.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the overall direction and control of all company financial matters such as finance planning and management accounting.

WON, DAEHEE Vice President And Treasurer

205.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management and control of the company’s financial budget/resources necessary for the effective implementation of the Integrated Management System.

CAI, TIANSHENG Translator 206.

Brief Job Description: Expert in language translation from Mandarin to English language.

JIN, YEXUN Property Consultant 207.

Brief Job Description: To develop strategies to increase the value of properties to sell. Assisting clients to make sound property purchasing decisions.

LU, JINGQIN Property Consultant 208.

Brief Job Description: To develop strategies to increase the value of properties to sell. Assisting clients to make sound property purchasing decisions.

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

LU, WEN Infrastructure Analyst

Basic Qualification: With experience in computer aided design. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

209.

Brief Job Description: Support specialized endpoints, platforms or application used throughout manufacturing. Consult on questions regarding infrastructure, compatibility, backup and configuration issues.

210.

LI, XIYUAN Logistic Supervisor Brief Job Description: Shipment supervision and monitoring.

MADDISON, NEIL RICHARD Consultant 211.

Brief Job Description: Develop and implement strategic plans for integrating biodiversity conversation goals into project objectives. Collaborate with project management teams to ensure alignment between biodiversity conservation and project milestones.

YAMADA, KENGO Construction Manager 212.

Brief Job Description: Set up the budget, construction schedule and methodologies for the project. Coordinate with owner or client, consultants, and other professionals or trades associated with the project.

202.

Brief Job Description: They ensure that the customer is satisfied and adequately taken care of while making a purchase.

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate.

Appointed by the Board of the Directors.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate.

Appointed by the Board of the Directors.

RASHEED, SYED HAROON Chief Construction Manager 217.

218.

Brief Job Description: Training low manager level and staff in tourism marketing department.

POPPY Bilingual Customer Service Specialist 219.

Brief Job Description: Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information.

LI, MEIJIN Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant 220.

Brief Job Description: Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently.

221.

Brief Job Description: Identify effective marketing campaigns that will reach targeted audiences effectively and efficiently.

CHUNG, CAM QUY General Automotive Mechanic 222.

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

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

FU, BAOMING General Automotive Mechanic 223.

CHANG, FANG - YI Account Manager 213.

Brief Job Description: Serve as a lead point of contact for all customer account management matters.

CHAROEN, SUCHARAT Account Manager 214.

Brief Job Description: Serve as a lead point of contact for all customer account management matters.

EDY Account Manager 215.

Brief Job Description: Serve as a lead point of contact for all customer account management matters.

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

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

LIN, TING-CHAO General Automotive Mechanic 224.

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

LO THI HUONG General Automotive Mechanic 225.

Basic Qualification: Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of the products. Knowledge of data analysis and market research. Intuition about customer desires and practical needs.

Basic Qualification: Strong knowledge of sales and persuasion techniques coupled with excellent knowledge of the products. Knowledge of data analysis and market research. Intuition about customer desires and practical needs.

Basic Qualification: Must have skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities.

Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Must have skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities.

Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Basic Qualification: Must have skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities.

Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

Basic Qualification: Must have skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities.

Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: Demonstrable ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders at all levels of an organization in Thai language.

Basic Qualification: Demonstrable ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders at all levels of an organization in Bahasa language.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in speaking, reading and writing in bilingual languages.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Demonstrable ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders at all levels of an organization in Taiwanese language.

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

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

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

Basic Qualification: University graduate. At least with N2 level in Nihongo. Preferable with a minimum of 10-15 years of experience under the same capacity.

Basic Qualification: 20 years or more experience in travel agency manager position in Korea and golf experiences.

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

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With extensive experience in project management with a focus on biodiversity conservation and strong understanding of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.

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

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

ZENG, LUYU Chinese Marketing And Sales Consultant

Basic Qualification: Must know how to speak Mandarin language.

Basic Qualification: Proficient with MS project, auto cad, and primavera licenses.

VEHICLE MASTER SERVICE CORP. #27, T. Santiago St., Canumay West, City Of Valenzuela

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With relevant work experience in the steel manufacturing industry. Fluent in ChineseMandarin language.

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

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

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

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of experience in the same field.

Brief Job Description: Preparation of documents, method statements, bill of quantities, drawings, presentation, etc.

SHIN, YONG SOO Tourism Marketing Manager

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

Basic Qualification: College graduate, and fluent in Mandarin and English languages.

Preferably 5 months to 1 year of experience in the same field.

Basic Qualification: Demonstrable ability to communicate, present and influence key stakeholders at all levels of an organization in Vietnamese language.

TIARA BTS CORP. 8 Hobbies Of Asia Bldg., Macapagal Blvd., Barangay 76, Pasay City

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

Basic Qualification: At least 2 years of working experience as translator.

Can speak and write Mandarin and English languages fluently.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

TAISEI CORPORATION - PHILIPPINE BRANCH OFFICE U-902 9f Bdo Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

SUMMIT SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. Unit 16c 16/f Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

PHIL. TRAVERSE TRADING AND CONSULTANCY INC. Unit 1711 Cityland Herrera Tower, 98 V.a. Rufino Cor. Valero Sts., Bel-air, City Of Makati SONG, PEIPEI Sales Representative

Brief Job Description: Serve as a lead point of contact for all customer account management matters.

SMCC PHILIPPINES, INC. 10/f Frabelle Corporate Plaza, 129 Tordesillas Cor. Bautista St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write Mandarin and English languages fluently.

216.

SAN MIGUEL AEROCITY INC. (MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) 40 San Miguel Corporation, Head Office Complex San Miguel, Wack-wack Greenhills, City Of Mandaluyong

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

HOANG PHACH Account Manager

POWERCHINA B7 PHILIPPINES CORP. Unit 2101 21/f Bdo Equitable Bank Tower, 8751 Paseo De Roxas, Bel-air, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

No.

Basic Qualification: Can speak and write Mandarin and English languages fluently.

PHILLY MANAGEMENT, OPC 1004 Marbella Condominium,, Roxas Boulevard, Barangay 13, Pasay City

PINNACLE MIND CORP. 65, Road 20, Bahay Toro, Quezon City

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

PHILIPPINE TRAILBLAZERS TECHNOLOGY CORP. 2f Bachrach Bldg Ii 23rd St., Cor Railroad St., Barangay 653, Port Area, City Of Manila

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

PHILIPPINE SINTER CORPORATION 23/f Oledan Square, 6788 Ayala Avenue, San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: With at least 6 months of work experience. Good in verbal communication and written.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

www.businessmirror.com.ph

NGUYEN THI TRA General Automotive Mechanic 226.

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

Basic Qualification: Must have skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities.

Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

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

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

XIONG, CHAO General Automotive Mechanic 227.

Brief Job Description: Automotive mechanics help diagnose and repair various issues for different automotive vehicles, including cars, trucks and vans.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Must have skills in areas like problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. Strong communication skills are a critical component of an auto mechanic’s abilities.

Time management also helps mechanics estimate how long each repair will take.

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

No.

INDRA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 243.

ALDI SAPUTRA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 228.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

244.

ALMIRA ALODIA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 229.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ALVIAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 230.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ANDRE LEONARDO WARSITO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 231.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ANDRY Indonesian Customer Service Representative 232.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ANTONI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 233.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ARIANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 234.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

ARIFIN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 235.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

CLINTON WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 236.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

DIMAS ESA PANGANDA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 237.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

EDI POHAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 238.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

EKA JANUAR SENJAYA WIJAYA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 239.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

GILANG SETIAWAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative 240.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

GUNAWAN DINATA Indonesian Customer Service Representative 241.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

HARRIS SULTANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 242.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

245.

246.

247.

248.

249.

250.

251.

252.

253.

254.

255.

256.

257.

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

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

TOMMY BUDIYANTO Indonesian Customer Service Representative 258.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

TRI JULIANDI Indonesian Customer Service Representative 259.

Brief Job Description: Attracts potential customer by answering product and service question.

A19

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

No.

260.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

261.

262.

263.

264.

265.

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

266.

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

267.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

268.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering, or a related field.

Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate, and manage every aspect of a building project from start to finish.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in construction, business, engineering, or a related field.

Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate, and manage every aspect of a building project from start to finish.

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

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

SUN, JIAXING Chinese Speaking Sales Marketing Specialist 269.

Brief Job Description: Building and maintaining relationships with new existing customers through prospecting and networking.

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

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp., 213 Buendia Ave., San Antonio, City Of Makati

ZHOU, ZHILIN Chinese Language Marketing Staff 270.

Brief Job Description: Conduct marketing activities. Create promotion of products services offered by the company and track their success.

ZUO, FANG Chinese Language Marketing Staff 271.

Brief Job Description: Conduct marketing activities. Create promotion of products services offered by the company and track their success.

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

YOUBIN CONSULTANCY INC. 7c Westgate Tower Condominium, Investment Drive, Mbp Ayala, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

JIANG, WENZHI Chinese Consultant 272.

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

WELL SOLUTION CORP. Unit 1100-d 11/f Vicente Madrigal Bldg., 6793 Ayala Avenue, Bel-air, City Of Makati

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.

SHI, SHAOHUA Construction Manager

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.

GUO, ZHIMENG Construction Manager

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

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.

YOLANDA 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.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

YOHANES PARLINDUNGAN NAINGGOLAN 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.

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

WILLY LEONARDY 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.

WILLY JONATHAN 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.

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

WELLY LEONARDY 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

WARDIMAN 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 VIONICA WINATA Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Provides professional and knowledgeable consultation.

SIU, CHUN CHUNG Manager 273.

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.

SHEILA AFFIE PRATIWI 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.

RONALDO 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.

RIANDI ARIF PRATAMA 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.

PURWANTO 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.

NOVILIA RUT 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.

MOHAMMAD FERDI JULIANTO 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.

MOCHAMAD ALBAN RAMA 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.

MICHAEL LEONARDO WARSITO 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.

MAHRIZA AMANDA MATONDANG 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.

LILIANA FEBRIANTI 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.

LENY LUSIANTI 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.

JEANNIS 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.

IRWAN PERMANNA 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.

IRFAN HERMAWAN 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 Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Brief Job Description: Accomplishes department objectives by managing staff.

Basic Qualification: At least 18-55 years old and with at least 6 months customer service experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least 18-55 years old and with at least 6 months customer service experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 *Date Generated: Feb 21, 2024

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proficient in reading, speaking and writing in Bahasa and English languages.

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

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

A20 Thursday, February 22, 2024 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

editorial

Promoting early cancer diagnosis: Crucial step towards saving lives

C

ancer continues to be a formidable global health challenge, causing immense physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals, families, and communities. The devastating impact of this disease is felt worldwide, with millions of lives lost each year. In 2018 alone, cancer accounted for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, making it the second leading cause of death globally. To address this growing burden, countries must prioritize early diagnosis and accessible treatment options.

In the Philippines, cancer has emerged as the third leading cause of death among Filipinos. The situation is further exacerbated by the country’s aging population, which is projected to see an increase in cancer cases in the coming years. However, amid these challenges, there is hope. The Philippine College of Surgeons Cancer Commission (PCS CanCom) Foundation, along with the Department of Health (DOH), is taking significant steps to combat cancer and improve survival rates through early detection. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “PHL Cancer Summit organizers urge Filipinos to undergo cancer screening for early detection,” February 12, 2024).

Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas, a renowned surgeon and specialist in colorectal cancer, emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis in cancer survival. He says the majority of cancers can be cured when detected early. This underscores the significance of regular cancer screening tests, which can detect abnormalities and allow for prompt intervention. By encouraging the public to undergo screenings, the PCS CanCom aims to raise awareness about the life-saving potential of early diagnosis.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, the government, under the leadership of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, plans to implement a program that focuses on cancer screening and prevention. By prioritizing early detection, the government aims to reduce the prevalence of late-stage cancer, increase survival rates, and alleviate the financial burden of expensive treatments. This initiative signifies a proactive step towards a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.

To further enhance cancer care in the country, the construction of the Philippine Cancer Center is underway. The PCC, mandated by the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, will specialize in treating less common and more complex cancers. This strategic allocation of resources will ensure that patients receive the specialized care they need while relieving the burden on other healthcare facilities that primarily handle common cancers. The development of national and regional cancer centers, as outlined in the NICCA, will strengthen the country’s overall cancer control efforts.

In line with these initiatives, the PCS CanCom, in collaboration with the DOH, Cancer Coalition Philippines, and the Philippine Cancer Society, is organizing the Philippine Cancer Summit. This event, scheduled from February 29 to March 1, 2024, aims to raise awareness and provide free cancer screening examinations. By offering accessible screening opportunities, including the deployment of mobile buses for public screening, the summit endeavors to empower individuals to take control of their health and detect cancer at its earliest stages.

Moreover, the recent fun run and cancer summit held at the CCP Complex provided participants with the opportunity to receive free cancer screenings for breast, cervix, prostate, and thyroid cancers. By combining physical activity with health promotion, this event not only encouraged an active lifestyle but also provided crucial screenings for participants. Additionally, educational materials distributed during the event will help increase awareness and understanding of different types of cancers, screening methods, and treatment options.

It is crucial that we acknowledge the importance of early cancer detection. By prioritizing screening programs, promoting awareness, and investing in specialized treatment centers, we can make significant strides in the fight against cancer. The efforts of the PCS CanCom, DOH, and other stakeholders in organizing the Philippine Cancer Summit and constructing the Philippine Cancer Center demonstrate a commitment to improving cancer care for all Filipinos.

To address the increasing cancer burden, it would do well for the government to allocate resources, train healthcare professionals, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. By working together, we can create a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and survival rates are significantly improved. Let us seize this opportunity to stand united against cancer, supporting initiatives that promote early diagnosis, and ultimately, save lives.

Since 2005

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The global economic war’s nuclear option John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

D

uring the past several years I have said repeatedly that talk of the death of the US dollar was at best premature and at the least not desirable or practical for a variety of factors.

These reasons include the fact that the vast majority of both sovereign and corporate debt is dollar-denominated. Further, the US banks are the most stable and financially sound, primarily because the US government is willing to tailor both monetary and fiscal policy to support its banks to the end of time.

The US dollar is the most widely used currency because there are more physical and electronic dollars in circulation—by a huge margin—than any other currency. A silly analogy is that the spice cumin is used as a critical ingredient in virtually every cuisine on earth. Therefore, you can buy cumin everywhere in the same way you can buy a beer anywhere using a one-hundred-dollar US banknote.

Because of that fact, every country has a US dollar exchange rate to local currency even if the currency is not fully convertible, like the Vietnamese dong.

Further, the US government has much de facto control of “The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication” (SWIFT), which connects more than 11,000 banks,

financial institutions, and corporations in more than 200 countries and territories, executing financial transactions and payments between all those entities.

After the September 11 attacks the US had the rude revelation that neither its intelligence services community nor its military was able to stop the event and that it was unlikely to be much more effective in the future. Therefore, the government adopted the perennial law enforcement policy of “follow the money.”

In 2006 it was revealed that the US Treasury Department, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and other government agencies “attempted” to gain access to the SWIFT transaction database. In 2013 it was reported that the National Security Agency (NSA) was widely monitoring banking transactions via SWIFT, as well as credit card transactions across the globe.

The dictatorship of the dollar was firmly in place. Everybody uses the dollar. The US government knows who is sending money to whom in real time. And nothing happens

The last resort nuclear economic weapon will be the CBDCs — Central Bank Digital Currencies.

While the fear is CBDCs destroying more individual privacy, the bigger picture is that the US could potentially have even greater control over its allies and any other country that comes into the CBDC parade. Don’t cooperate and suddenly a “technical malfunction” shuts down a nation’s entire financial system.

without The Money.

As early as 1979 the US imposed sanctions on Iran because of its nuclear program. But what good are sanctions until you can see into the bad guys’ bank accounts? By 2010, Obama had signed “The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010” and under Trump, “The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act” was enacted in August 2017. In subsequent years, additional sanctions were imposed, including those targeting Chinese businesses and individuals.

In August 2014, the UK urged the EU to prevent Russia from utilizing SWIFT, a strategy that was later rejected. However, “SPFS,” a Russian equivalent to SWIFT, was developed by the Central Bank of Russia as a backup measure. Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were calls for Russia to be cut off from SWIFT. In 2015, the CrossBorder Interbank Payment System (CIPS), a Chinese payment system,

was introduced with the aim of promoting the internationalization of the RMB. On March 20, 2023, the Russian Federation banned the use of SWIFT as they no longer need it.

While there is much conversation about the dollar death from increased local currency trade using RUB, CNY, BRL, INR, etc., the dollar’s demise will come, not from BRICS+ but from the armies of the major central banks led by the US Federal Reserve. The US is engaged in an economic war and is losing in trade while taking on massive debt, and fighting too high inflation, and too low real growth. Remember, it now takes $1.55 in US budget deficit to generate $1 of GDP growth, and it takes over $2.50 in new debt to generate $1 of GDP growth.

The last resort nuclear economic weapon will be the CBDCs—Central Bank Digital Currencies. While the fear is CBDCs destroying more individual privacy, the bigger picture is that the US could potentially have even greater control over its allies and any other country that comes into the CBDC parade. Don’t cooperate and suddenly a “technical malfunction” shuts down a nation’s entire financial system.

“Cold War” nuclear strategy was based on “Mutual Assured Destruction” without a winner. The BRICS+ has decided that in that event, there will be a loser and it will not be the BRICS. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Comelec’s withdrawal form merely a palliative measure

By Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal

T

he “withdrawal of signature” form given by Comelec to those people who claimed they were deceived into signing the signature sheets of the highly controversial people’s initiative for charter change is just a palliative measure. It may ease their fear as to the consequences of their signatures, but signing the withdrawal form does not actually solve the problem.

Reports have it that the Comelec issued the withdrawal form when it was urged by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to provide an option for those who want to withdraw their signatures.

The problem, however, is that the Comelec has no power to declare that the signature is already withdrawn once a person signs the said form because it has no jurisdiction over such document. Comelec may only receive and file such withdrawal forms with-

out any action at all. Comelec does not even have the power to determine if the person withdrawing is the same person who signed on the signature sheets.

To remedy this situation, Comelec should return all these signature sheets to those people who submitted them to the Comelec as they are the ones who could properly identify the signatories to the said documents. In other words, the problem is between the people who initiated such sig-

To remedy this situation, Comelec should return all these signature sheets to those people who submitted them to the Comelec as they are the ones who could properly identify the signatories to the said documents. In other words, the problem is between the people who initiated such signature sheets and those people who claimed to have been tricked or hoodwinked into signing them and now want to withdraw their signatures.

nature sheets and those people who claimed to have been tricked or hoodwinked into signing them and now want to withdraw their signatures.

Meanwhile, Comelec should now

stop taking any action on any matter related to any move to amend the charter through people’s initiative since it was “permanently enjoined” by the Supreme Court, in the 1997 case of Defensor-Santiago vs Comelec, from doing such acts until a valid law on initiative to amend the constitution is passed by Congress.

Until now, such law has not yet been enacted.

In the same case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Comelec has no power to issue rules governing the conduct of such initiative since this power belongs to Congress pursuant to Section 2(2), Article XVII of the Constitution, which provides that “Congress shall provide for the implementation” of people’s initiative to amend the charter.

Atty. Romulo B. Macalintal is an election lawyer.

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Private credit is next big wager for Australia pension funds

Opinion BusinessMirror

An appeal to SC: Prevent trial courts from issuing injunctions vs product standards

By Amy Bainbridge & Ruth Carson

A

ustralia’s biggest pension funds are losing their appetite for bonds as interest rates peak and are instead ramping up bets on a potentially riskier avenue of higher returns: private credit.

Cbus, which has A$90 billion ($59 billion) in total assets, is planning to triple its global allocation to private credit over the next 18 months, while A$104 billion Hostplus is looking to add to its already record holdings of the asset class. The nation’s biggest pension manager AustralianSuper in December boosted its investment mandate with private-credit specialist Churchill Asset Management.

“In parts of the credit market and private credit areas, particularly some of the activity we do directly ourselves in Australian credit, we’re finding good opportunities,” said Brett Chatfield, chief investment officer at Cbus in Melbourne. “There’s still very good opportunities to earn low double-digit returns.”

The fund plans to boost its private-credit assets outside Australia to as much as A$300 million in the next 18 months, from the present level of about A$100 million, Chatfield said. The pension provider is also looking to increase its A$1 billion bet on Australian private credit by up to A$500 million, he said.

Australian pensions are part of a global trend toward private credit.

The amount of money in the asset class in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific jumped to $1.64 trillion at the end of June, from $1.43 trillion in December 2022, according to investment data company Preqin Ltd. Private credit is when money is lent directly to a borrower who may have trouble accessing loans elsewhere. The greater risk the recipient may be unable to repay the loan means investors can collect higher interest rates than they can from comparable fixed-income markets. That’s a risk many funds in Australia’s A$3.6 trillion pension market are willing to take to generate higher returns for their members.

Australia is home to the fastestgrowing pension pool in the developed world, with funds receiving a compulsory 11 percent of salaries from 27 million residents, a capital flow that’s spurred them to venture ever further offshore. While the last two years of rising global rates encouraged funds to load up on bonds, that window looks to be closing amid expectations for rate cuts this year.

Direct lending yielded an average 11.5 percent in the second quarter of last year, according to an analysis by JPMorgan Chase & Co. In comparison, global investment-grade bonds yielded an average 3.79 percent on Tuesday, down from a high of 4.42 percent in October, a Bloomberg in-

dex shows.

“We can buy traditional fixedincome but also the next question is: can you continue to do better?” said Con Michalakis, deputy chief investment officer at Hostplus in Melbourne. “The yield curve offered opportunities, but then also so did the private credit market, so did the investment-grade market, so did the asset-backed market.”

Hostplus is looking to add to its record 7 percent allocation to private credit in its default balance fund, and is combing through potential investments for asset-backed, mid-market and special situation opportunities, Michalakis said.

Elsewhere some caution is setting in.

Fresh from boosting its mandate with private-credit specialist Churchill to A$1.5 billion from A$250 million, AustralianSuper is now exploring other avenues such as private equity instead.

Private credit is “certainly offering very high yield, but we haven’t really seen the impact to the real economy and to some of these businesses from substantially higher interest rates,” said Katie Dean, head of fixed-income, currency and cash at AustralianSuper, which has A$315 billion of assets.

“We’re not actively reducing, we’re just not actively increasing our allocation is probably the best way to describe that,” she said of the fund’s exposure to private credit. AustralianSuper currently has about 20 percent of its portfolio in bonds, which is historically high, she said.

Another of the top-10 funds, UniSuper is also cautious.

The fund is opting to only “selectively” add to private-credit holdings, said David Colosimo, acting head of fixed interest and cash at the Melbourne-based fund, which has A$124 billion of assets, including a neutral position on fixed income.

“Keep in mind that private-credit opportunities are quite selective when they come,” he said. “It’s not something that you can necessarily add to at short notice.”

‘Build-out phase’

Australian Retirement Trust, the nation’s second-largest pension fund, is positive on private credit, depending on where the opportunities originate from.

“High quality credit — be that private or public” are among the options, said Andrew Fisher, head of investment strategy at the Brisbane-based fund. “We are in a build-out phase of an allocation.” With assistance from Kari Lindberg / Bloomberg

Thursday, February 22, 2024 A21

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

MAKE SENSE

T

he purpose of product standards is to safeguard consumers against low-quality products. They exist not to favor importers or manufacturers, but rather to ensure that both adhere to certain guidelines.

Therefore, it is inappropriate to turn product standards into a matter of competition, where one company takes another to court in an attempt to obtain an injunction against their implementation.

A court issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of standards on a particular product is practically preventing the state from performing its constitutionally mandated duty to protect the people. This is the basis of the enactment of the Consumer Act (Republic Act 7394), which states: ARTICLE 2. Declaration of Basic Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect the interests of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. Towards this end, the State shall implement measures to achieve the following objectives: a) Protection against hazards to health and safety; b) Protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices.

Therefore, an injunction against product standards is equivalent to a stop order on the State’s responsibility to protect the public against hazards to health and safety, deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices.

If this is the case, which it obviously is, should the Supreme Court just allow the trial courts to continue issuing injunctions against product standards?

The Philippines currently has approximately 1,000 Regional Trial Courts. Consequently, the potential number of judges accessible to a businessman seeking an injunction to bypass government-imposed product standards and continue selling their products without considering public welfare is quite significant.

Through a simple petition submitted by a non-compliant trader, these trial courts can now effortlessly overturn and render ineffective the very purpose of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

These agencies put in months,

or even years, of work—including consultations with all stakeholders, research, and product testing—to be able to set globally acceptable product quality norms to protect the consumers.

This, however, can just be set aside by a single paragraph in a trial court’s decision that basically says: “The BPS [or FDA] is hereby enjoined from implementing the quality standards on this product.”

In today’s set-up, the 1,000 trial courts all over the country can do this.

Take, for example, the case of the quality standards on flat glass; importers managed to secure injunction orders from two trial courts. If this continues, this will be a neverending cat-and-mouse game, with the consumers placed on the losing end.

Again, let me pose these questions: What if due to bad weather or an earthquake, a substandard glass panel from a building or a house was shattered and fell on people, in the process hurting, or worse, killing them? Whose fault is it going to be—the government’s, the courts’, the importer’s or manufacturer’s?

Should the families of the victims blame the state for reneging on its duty to protect them; the courts for issuing the restraining orders and letting them linger this long despite the exigency of the matter; or the manufacturer or seller of the substandard glass panel?

I believe that the quickest recourse to this is through the Supreme Court.

C

ities around the world from Bangkok to Detroit are fading from international flight networks as the post-Covid travel boom funnels traffic into more traditional hubs.

Across Southeast Asia, pre-pandemic links with Europe have all but vanished as Philippine Airlines Inc., Garuda Indonesia and Thai Airways International Pcl cut flights.

Manila and Jakarta, for example, have no direct services to London anymore, Kuala Lumpur has lost access to Frankfurt, and the BangkokRome connection has evaporated, according to February schedules from aviation data provider Cirium. Only Singapore, host to a major air show that kicked off on Tuesday, is better connected.

The services that have sur-

vived to key European destinations are almost all operating less frequently.

It’s a similar picture in America, where residents in Detroit or even the capital Washington find themselves with fewer pathways to Europe. In Florida, Fort Lauderdale had more than 50 direct flights a month to London and Paris five years ago.

Now the city has none, the Cirium data show.

The disappearing connections for hundreds of millions of people belie the broader recovery in air travel since the pandemic. The holes in the route network reflect systemic challenges facing the industry: Airlines can’t get their hands on enough new aircraft or spare parts to meet passenger demand. At the same time, rising costs are squeezing carriers’ margins, forcing them to scrap routes that were economically viable

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.

UK firms plan to keep staff and hike prices as outlook improves

By Lucy White

B

usiness leaders are planning to hold onto staff over the next year and hike prices to take advantage of improving consumer confidence, signaling that the UK labor market may be stronger and inflation more sticky than expected.

Executives surveyed by Boston Consulting Group were optimistic about 2024, despite recent data showing the UK slipped into a recession last year. Hiring difficulties that emerged in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns, and have led to one of the tightest labor markets in recent history, were still an issue, they added.

The findings underscore why many Bank of England policymakers are not yet convinced that underlying inflation pressures have cooled sufficiently to begin cutting interest rates. On Tuesday, Deputy Governor Ben Broadbent told lawmakers that even companies experiencing “material declines in activity” were choosing to retain staff.

“The reason for that is they think well, things will turn around, it’s costly to rehire people so let’s just keep them employed,” he said, referring to a major housebuilder he met

last autumn. Unemployment fell to just 3.8 percent at the end of last year, suggesting the labor market is holding up better than feared.

In its annual State of UK Business report, BCG suggested that “we may be in for a stronger economy and business environment in 2024 but, with more stubborn inflation, interest rates might come down more slowly than expected.”

This could be a double-edged sword for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who faces a general election later this year and is lagging the opposition Labour Party in polls. While a stronger economy and low unemployment could play well for the incumbent Conservatives, higher interest rates and above-target inflation would be hard for voters to stomach.

Raoul Ruparel, director of BCG’s Centre for Growth, said business leaders’ optimism was “confounding

expectations of rising unemployment and significantly lower inflation.”

“All of this still comes against a background of long-term malaise and the significantly higher cost of doing business compared to a few years ago,” he said. “In an election year it is clear business leaders are still focused on rebuilding margins and continuing to adjust to the much higher cost of doing business in the UK compared to before the energy price shock. Their policy priorities mirror this—with a desire for action on energy and tax reform to help support under pressure margins.”

Half of the 1,500 business leaders surveyed by BCG thought consumer confidence would be better by the end of 2024—80 percent of leaders were confident in their prospects, up from 75 percent last year, with 34 percent very confident.

Even so, half still expect a recession this year, down from 75 percent last year. Only 47 percent think inflation will have improved by the end of the year—signaling some doubt around the BOE’s forecasts that inflation will fall to 2 percent by spring and tick up only slightly to 2.75 percent by the end of the year.

Bangkok loses out to Singapore as air network redrawn

By Angus Whitley & Danny Lee

The Supreme Court, according to its own website, has the power to promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts, the admission to the practice of law, the integrated bar, and legal assistance to the underprivileged.

The SC can, thus, promulgate a rule barring trial courts from issuing injunctions against product standards.

Since this is practically a constitutional matter, questions concerning the implementation of product standards should only be heard by the SC itself, or maybe by the Court of Appeals and appealable to the SC. Probably another way is for a party to file a case before the SC. However, considering the urgency of the situation, particularly with the increasing frequency and intensity of earthquakes and typhoons, wouldn’t it be prudent for the Supreme Court to intervene and issue a ruling that prohibits the issuance of temporary restraining orders (TROs) at the trial court level? This would essentially prevent those seeking injunctions from halting the implementation of product standards by concerned government agencies.

I humbly acknowledge and defer to the wisdom of our highly esteemed Supreme Court Justices.

before Covid.

The data suggest that the winners from this incomplete rebound are the traditional gateways like Singapore and New York, which have cemented their roles as hubs by becoming even better connected. Delta Air Lines Inc. and United Airlines Holdings Inc. are operating even more direct flights than before the crisis from New York to major European destinations like London and Paris. Singapore Airlines Ltd. is doing the same thing from Changi Airport, its home base in the city-state.

Many Asian countries reopened their borders just as global supply chain woes started to hit the availability of planes and components, said Subhas Menon, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. “Connectivity, even before Covid, is a function of demand, supply, economics and air transport regula-

tion,” he said. The Asia-Pacific region has probably suffered the most in that respect, he said.

Problems to mull over

Back in 2020, less than a year into the pandemic, about one third of the world’s 50,000 air routes had been wiped off the map by border closures and nationwide lockdowns. Even then, there were concerns that some services might never come back.

Airline and aerospace executives are due to discuss the scale of the recovery and aircraft delivery delays when they gather this week for the biennial Singapore Airshow. The faltering supply of new jets has been exacerbated by the latest troubles at Boeing Co. Aviation regulators in the US have increased scrutiny of the planemaker’s manufacturing—and capped 737 Max production—after a

panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in January.

It’s not just Asia and North America that are losing connectivity.

The number of flights this month from southern African nations, a group that includes South Africa and Namibia, into London is down about 25 percent from February 2019, according to Cirium. Direct services from all of South America to any London airport have tumbled onethird in the same period.

‘Very patchy’

“The whole post-recovery landscape has been very patchy,” Alton Aviation Consultancy Managing Director Adam Cowburn said. The success of hubs during the rebound has partly depended on their ability to find sufficient labor to function, and in some cases, the amount of government funding, he said.

The majority of leaders, at 73 percent, reckoned headcount would stay the same or grow. On hiring, almost as many business leaders thought the labor market had got harder to recruit from than easier, at 25 percent versus 28 percent. The remainder thought it was the same as last year.

This has knock-on implications for pricing strategies—77 percent said they expected to hike prices over the year, with 52 percent saying the rises would be by 6 percent or more.

While Sunak has made tax cuts the focus of his election campaign, 38 percent of leaders reckoned the level of government taxation and spending was right—an increase of 6 percentage points on last year.

More than two-fifths still favored lower taxes and public spending, however, suggesting a hesitance to embrace Labour’s plans that would involve borrowing to invest.

Tax reforms were the most frequently suggested idea for improving the UK’s business environment and economy, with reducing VAT, bringing down the main rate of corporation tax and simplifying the tax system named as the most popular options, BCG said. Bloomberg

While airlines worldwide are due to bring in a record $964 billion in revenue in 2024, their collective net profit margin for the year will be little changed at 2.7 percent, according to latest forecasts from the International Air Transport Association. That’s well below airlines’ cost of capital, IATA says.

Financial pressures and the lack of new planes may be playing out in Singapore’s favor, according to Lim Ching Kiat, executive vice president of air hub and cargo development at Changi Airport.

Lim has been trying to convince airlines to prioritize Changi over other less-established airports while resources are tight.

“Those are the kind of conversations we’re having with airlines,” he said. “While the market demand looks healthy, there’s still an aircraft shortage.” Bloomberg

A22 Thursday, February 22, 2024

RANKS OF PINOY MILLIONAIRES TO TRIPLE IN LESS THAN 10 YRS

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE number of the country’s millionaires is expected to triple in less than a decade, according to an economist from HSBC. HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay said this will be driven by the increase in the number of middle-class Filipinos.The growth of the middle class is the reason for the arrival of foreign brands such as IKEA in the Philippines.

Based on the estimates of the United Nations, the country’s middle income earners are seeing their incomes grow. In 2018, before the pandemic, the World Economic Forum said the country’s growing middle class will outspend those in Italy by 2030.

“We’ve been seeing, based on UN population data, that the middle income earners, their incomes are actually growing and we do predict that by 2030, the Filipinos with wealth of $250,000 will rise by 200 percent,” Dacanay said.

Dacanay noted that the growth of the incomes of middle class Filipinos has become possible through inclusive growth, especially before the pandemic.

Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the 10-year period before the height of the pandemic in 2020, the fastest annual growth recorded by the economy was 7.3 in 2010 followed by 7.1 percent in 2016.

The lowest growth during this period was the 3.9 percent posted in 2011 and 6.1 percent in 2019. Using the data for the 10-year period and based on a simple average of the growth rates, the average growth of the economy was 6.4 percent.

“Before the pandemic, we’re growing by 6.5 percent each year.

The growth was pretty much inclusive,” Dacanay said. However, the 2020/2021 Human Development Network report noted that the country remained a laggard in socioeconomic mobility and great effort must be exerted to reach the progress achieved by the Philippines’s Asian peers.

Based on the report’s estimates, Filipino households deemed very poor—whose daily per capita expenditure was $1.9 or less—declined to 9.61 percent of households in 2015 from 16.39 percent in 1997.

Those considered poor or have per capita expenditures of between $1.9 and $3.1 daily barely moved in 18 years, to 23.34 percent of the population in 2015 from 23.92 percent in 1997.

The vulnerable households—with per capita expenditures of between $3.1 and $5.5 daily—increased to 30.59 percent in 2015 from 27.63 percent in 1997.

Those deemed economically secure also increased to 30.83 percent of households in 2015 from 26.82 percent in 1997. Those classified in this category have per capita expenditures of between $5.5 and $15 daily.

Pinoy Gen X, Y want own businesses, flexiwork sked

W

By Anne Ruth P. dela Cruz

HILE they have been a significant part of the workforce for some time, Generations X and Y are bent on pursuing a different career path— that of entrepreneurship.

The results of the latest Wellness and Index survey conducted by local HMO leader PhilCare called “The ABCs of Pinoy Xs and Ys” revealed that both generations have shown a strong preference for entrepreneurship over security of traditional employment, with 53 percent of the respondents saying they would rather start their own business than remain as an employee.

“The ABCs of Pinoy Xs and Ys” study is the sixth in the HMO giant’s groundbreaking series of nationwide health and wellness studies that started in 2014. This latest installment, which builds on the insights of the first generational study about Gen Zs that came out

in late 2023, puts the spotlight on Generation X, or those between ages 43 and 58 and Generation Y, also known as Millennials, or those between ages 27 and 42. It aims to shed light on the two generations’ attitudes and priorities and the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace.

A total of 400 respondents took part in the online survey conducted from October to November 2023. Of the total respondents, 24.5 percent were from the National Capital Region, 26 percent from the Southern Luzon and Bicol, 17.5 percent from Northern and Central Luzon, 17.3 percent from the Visayas and 14.8 percent from Mindanao. The major-

ity of the respondents were female.

“The results of the study suggest a growing desire for autonomy and ownership, a desire to create something that they will be proud of in the years to come,” PhilCare Wellness Index Chairman Dr. Enrique Ona said.

“That’s why I believe that employers who want to attract top Gen X and Y talents should capitalize on their entrepreneurial spirit by finding ways to keep them engaged and how to give them a sense of ownership and purpose that will help drive performance,” he added.

The study also found that 38 percent of the respondents prefer flexible work arrangements over rigid fixed hours, and 33 percent prefer to work until retirement over retiring early so that they can pursue other income opportunities.

“It is no longer the younger generation that sees the opportunity to work remotely as a strong motivating factor to consider a job,” PhilCare Wellness Index lead research Dr. Fernando Paragas said.

“The shift in mindset of Gen X and Y signals a departure from the traditional 9 to 5 structure, with both generations seeking greater control over their schedules. This

demand for flexibility underscores the importance of prioritizing health, well-being and work-life balance. Any business or organization that wants to win the war for talent should make creating a flexible work arrangement top of mind,” Paragas added.

While health benefits, job satisfaction and monetary benefits were equally important for both Gen X and the millennials, a closer look at the data revealed another story. For Gen X, job satisfaction was its top work priority followed by health benefits and ease of travel. For millennials, health benefits were the top consideration followed by job satisfaction and monetary benefits.

In terms of work preferences, both groups ranked their “to start my own business than be an employee” as their top work preference followed by “flexible work arrangements over fixed hours at work.” The two groups varied in their third work preference, with millennials opting “to work in the Philippines over working abroad” compared to the Gen X who opted to “have a number of part-time work [gigs or sidelines] thanone full-time work.”

Continued on A13

SC cuts ₧1-B damage from Disini in BNPP

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

T

HE Supreme Court has lowered from P1 billion to P100 million the temperate damages that it earlier ordered the estate of businessman Herminio Disini to pay the government for taking advantage of his influence with then President Ferdinand Marcos to broker the awarding of the US$2.2.-billion mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant to Westinghouse Electrical Corporation.

In a 12-page resolution made public on Wednesday, the Court’s First Division denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by the government seeking to compel Disini to pay US$50.5 million as ordered by the anti-graft court, the Sandiganbayan.

“Upon review, the Court is not persuaded by the arguments raised by the Republic and resolves to deny its motion for reconsideration. The issues raised therein have already been duly considered and passed upon in the decision, and the Republic has failed to adduce any substantial argument to warrant the reconsideration sought,” the SC said.

But, as regards the amount of damages it imposed, the Court said it decided to revisit its October 28, 2021 decision due to uncertainty in the amount that Disini received as commission for brokering the deal.

In its October 2021 decision, the Court held that the government has established by preponderance of evidence that Disini acquired ill-gotten wealth in the form of commissions from Westinghouse and Burns & Roe, Inc. by acting as their special sales representatives.

Consequently, the Court directed petitioner to pay the government temperate damages in the amount of P1 billion and exemplary damages in the amount of P1 billion with a legal interest of six percent per year from the finality of the decision until full satisfaction.

“However, upon closer examination, we find that there is a need to modify the amount of the award of temperate damages. In the assailed decision, we noted that the Republic’s witnesses did not specifically quantify the amount of commissions received by petitioner aside from the fact that it was substantial. In short, the amount obtained by petitioner was uncertain,” the Court pointed out.

“Upon another closer examination, We find that the award of temperate damages in the amount of PHP

100 million is more commensurate under the circumstances,” it added.

In justifying its decision to lower the amount of temperate damages against Disini, the Court noted that petitioner’s liability has nothing to do with the present condition of the nuclear power plant but “in his illicit use of influence, power, and government connections to secure special concessions” involving the BNPP. “Besides, despite the illicit acts committed by petitioner, the subject nuclear power plant was completed and delivered to the Republic. The fact that the subject nuclear plant has remained inoperable despite the considerable amount invested and allocated for its construction should thus not be imputed to the acts of petitioner,” the Court stressed.

It noted that it was then President Corazon Aquino, by virtue of Executive Order No. 55, Series of 1986, who decided not to operate the subject nuclear plant for reasons of safety and economy.

“Clearly, it was not due to the illicit acts of petitioner. Hence, whatever happened to the BNPP should not have been a factor in assessing the amount of temperate damages,” it added.

The SC also reiterated its findings clearing then President Marcos and his wife Imelda Marcos of any illegal acts in connection with Disini’s commission.

“Upon a careful re-examination of the records, the Court sustains such finding and affirms that the Marcoses were not, in any way, shown to have acted illicitly in the award of the BNPP contracts to Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Burns & Roe, Inc. by reason of petitioner’s acts,” the SC said.

“The evidence on record only pointed to petitioner receiving illgotten wealth. Hence, only petitioner may be held liable to pay damages in this case,” it added.

In 2012, the Sandiganbayan found Disini liable for receiving commissions of about US$50 million from Westinghouse, but absolved former President Marcos and Mrs. Marcos for lack of evidence.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) insisted that Westinghouse solicited the influence of Disini, who was known as a close associate of the Marcoses, to become its Special Sales Representative to ensure its appointment as the main contractor for the BNPP Project and for favorable terms, for a fee of 3 percent of the contract price as commission.

BLESSED TOWN A serene moment unfolds as a mother and daughter enjoy a lunch break beside the statue of National Hero Jose Rizal, framed by the quaint Pila, Laguna municipal hall. Renowned as “Bayang Pinagpala,” Pila’s name originates from Franciscan Missionaries who drew inspiration from anthills resembling a queen. Untouched by World War II, Pila proudly exhibits heritage houses from the early American era, blending American chalet-style architecture with Spanish and indigenous influences, alongside Art Deco design elements. BERNARD TESTA

Quiboloy says in hiding, fears for his life

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

D

AVAO CITY—Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is not expected to appear before the Senate investigation into the operation of his media network anytime soon. On Wednesday, Quiboloy said he was in hiding for fear of his life, citing information he got that the Marcos administration has allowed US operatives a free hand in dealing with

him in the cases he faces in the US, including, he said, simply killing him.

“Since 2018 until now, we can no longer feel at ease in our own country; we have lost our freedom because we are under surveillance here. I am under surveillance in the Philippines by the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] and the FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation]. In my own country, I am hiding because they can just pick me up like that without going through an extradition process,” Quiboloy said in a

video statement on Wednesday.

He cited “reliable sources” that alleged US operatives are no longer interested in extraditing him to the US to face trafficking complaints in a US court. “What they want to do, according to the CIA, the FBI, the US Embassy, the State Department, in collusion with our government of President Marcos and the First Lady, and whoever else is in the government, is rendition.”

“Rendition means they can enter my compound at any time and kid-

nap me. It is not only rendition but also elimination if possible, they can assassinate me. Those are two options—kidnapping or assassination.

It’s really killing, murder. That’s the news that has reached me now from reliable sources,” he said in the video that ran for 36 minutes and 53 seconds.

He said he was not going live or has deferred calling for a news conference “because my life is in danger, you can not see me right now, but can only hear my voice.”

Continued on A13

Companies BusinessMirror

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, February 22, 2024

SEC purges thousands of delinquent, inactive firms

By VG Cabuag

T

@villygc

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has suspended 117,885 corporations, which failed to comply with the reportorial requirements of the agency.

The SEC said most of the companies did not submit their annual reports for more than five years.

This is not the first time that the agency conducted a mass suspension of delinquent firms as it tries to purge the number of registered entities in its system. It conducted a similar activity in 2015 and 2016.

The issuance of the suspension or-

der follows the conclusion of the SEC amnesty program, which ran from March to December last year and gave non-compliant and suspended or revoked corporations a chance to recover their good standing by paying the reduced fees.

The SEC also previously issued guidelines for the purging of corporations under delinquent sta-

tus through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 19, Series of 2023, as it strictly enforces the reportorial requirements of corporations provided under the laws, rules and regulations implemented by the commission.

The list also includes corporations that have commenced their business, but subsequently became inoperative for more than five consecutive years.

Corporations registered with the SEC are required to submit reports, such as annual financial statements and general information sheets, according to the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (RCC).

Under the law, the SEC may place under delinquent status corporations found to have failed in filing their reportorial requirements for three times, consecutively or intermittently, within a period of five

years.

Under Section 21 of the RCC, if a corporation commenced its business but subsequently became inoperative for a period of at least five consecutive years, the commission may, after due notice and hearing, place the corporation under delinquent status.

The SEC may also suspend, after due notice and hearing, the franchise or certificate of incorporation of corporations, in accordance with Presidential Decree 902-A, Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and Section 179 of the RCC. The SEC has given the suspended corporations a period of 30 days from the publication of the suspension order, to avail of existing remedies under the laws, rules and regulations implemented by the agency.

BFI rejects PWEI wind turbines

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

T

he Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) has passed a resolution that forbids the construction of wind turbines in the proposed 14-megawatt (MW) Nabas-2 wind power project (Nabas-2) of PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI).

PWEI is the joint venture between Yuchengco Group of Companies’ PetroEnergy Resources Corp. (20 percent) and its subsidiary, PetroGreen Energy Corp. (40 percent), and Thaiowned BCPG Wind Cooperatief UA (40 percent).

The move is meant safeguard the Nabaoy River from continuous and irreversible damage to ensure its long-term sustainability as the main water source for Boracay and the whole municipality of Malay.

“It has come to our attention that the proposed 14MW Nabas 2 expansion project by PetroWind involves the installation of turbines in close proximity to the Nabaoy River.

There exists a pressing concern within the community regarding the potential adverse impacts of the turbines on the Nabaoy River, including but not limited to continuous and irreversible damage

Govt wants to expand transport options

P

resident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he is open to legalizing motorcycle taxis and easing regulations for transport network vehicle service (TNVS) to help improve commuter access to alternative public transportation.

Msarcos made the remark after his meeting with tech firm Grab Holdings Inc. (GHI) last Tuesday at the President’s Hall in Malacañang.

Grab is well known locally for its ride-hailing and food delivery services.

“We’re working with Grab to legalizing motorcycle taxis and relax regulations on TNVS,” Marcos said in a post on Facebook. Samuel P. Medenilla

to the water quality, ecosystem, and long-term sustainability of the river,” BFI said in a social media post on Wednesday.

In a unanimous decision, the board of directors of BFI stated in the resolution issued last month that PWEI should cease the construction of the proposed turbines.

While BFI clarified that it is not against the development of the wind power project it should, however, co-exist with the environment for sustainable progress.

“Recognizing the irreplaceable importance of the Nabaoy River in supplying water to Boracay and the municipality of Malay, there is a compelling need for responsible and sustainable development practices.”

A copy of the resolution was already forwarded to the local government, concerned parties, and to PWEI. When sought for comment, the Yuchengco-led firm assured that the wind power project is compliant with the conditions set in the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), Special Agreement on Protected Area (SAPA), and Forestland Use Agreement (FLAG).

This, it added, was confirmed by En-

vironmental Management Bureau (EMB) official in a hearing conducted by the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay last January 31, 2024.

Also, PWEI said it completed all permitting requirements including local government unit (LGU) endorsements in two years, before it commenced the development of the Phase 2 project.

“Our company will continue our strict adherence to our ECC obligations in keeping with our commitment on environmental protection and preservation, clean energy generation, jobs creation, tax and business fees payments to LGUs, and Corporate Social Responsibility programs to our host communities, and in support of our government to achieve its target of 35 percent renewable energy by 2030,” PWEI said in a statement.

Straddling the towns of Nabas and Malay in northern Aklan, the Nabas-2 project is located south of the existing 36MW Nabas-1 wind power plant which has been transmitting power since 2015 and remains as the single biggest source of renewable energy in Aklan.

In September 2022, Nabas-2 was officially awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the

winning bidder for the first green energy auction for wind in the Visayas grid.

A year later, PWEI and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) sealed a connection agreement for the facility allowing it to connect to NGCP’s 69 KV transmission line via a new substation to be built by PWEI. “The recent power blackout in the Panay region has proven that there is a need to stabilize the power supply in the area through new and more sustainable sources of electricity. We urge the concerned groups and individuals to be part of the solution that would provide much needed additional power in the region by referring only to accurate information and deferring from speculations about the project,” the company added.

The P2.57-billion Nabas-2 windpower project was earlier granted fiscal incentives by the Board of Investments. PWEI signed a 15year term loan agreement worth P1.8-billion with the Development Bank of the Philippines to fund the construction of the wind power project.

PWEI wanted to complete the second phase of the project this year.

B1

Maynilad to spend ₧31B on projects

Photo from www.mayniladwater.com.ph

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

M

aynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) said it will invest more than P31 billion this year in its water and wastewater projects.

Maynilad said this year’s capital expenditure (capex) will be the biggest for the company since water services in Metro Manila were privatized in 1997.

The bulk of this budget, or P11.40 billion, has been earmarked for Maynilad’s wastewater management projects, including the construction of new Sewage Treatment Plants and the laying of new sewer lines.

Around P8.72 billion will go towards the implementation of water source projects that will enable Maynilad to tap alternate raw water sources and generate more supply for customers. Some P6.27 billion has been allotted for operations support projects, such as the upgrade and construction of key facilities including pumping stations, water reservoirs, and primary lines, among others.

More than P4 billion will be dedicated to the company’s non-revenue water reduction program and service expansion initiatives. The rest of the 2024 capex budget will be used for its customer service and information infrastructure, among other projects.

Funding of Maynilad’s massive infrastructure investment will

come from local and international bank loans, and internally generated funds.

“Last year, we spent over P26 billion in capital investment, which is our highest annual capex spend in history. We are continuing to accelerate our service enhancement program so that our customers can enjoy the benefits sooner rather than later,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

Per its approved 2023-2027 business plan, Maynilad has set a P227billion total spending plan to sustain service enhancements and ensure water sustainability and security.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. It is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; Cavite City, and the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.

Ayala makes big bets on electric vehicles Regulator upholds fines against Now

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

T

he Sec u r it ies a nd E xchange Commission (SEC) has upheld the imposition of fines on listed telecommunications provider Now Corp. and its CEO Mel Velarde for what it deemed as “misleading” disclosures regarding Now Telecom’s P2.6-billion unpaid obligation to the government.

The SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department rejected Now Corp. and Velarde’s request for reconsideration, emphasizing the lack of merit in their plea.

The order, dated February 16, 2024, solidifies the P1 million in fines each imposed on the company and its CEO. The controversy stems from the disclosure made on November 11, 2021, where Now Corp. and Velarde claimed they had no knowledge of the details surrounding the motion

filed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) with the Supreme Court.

The motion sought resolution regarding Now Telecom’s P2.6-billion liability, representing unpaid supervision and regulation fees (SRF) and spectrum user fees (SUF).

Now Telecom is a subsidiary of Now Corp.

The SEC’s initial order on June 15, 2023 found Now Corp. and Velarde administratively liable for violating Section 24.1(d) in relation to Section 54.1 of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC). This was due to their failure to disclose material information to the public.

In its latest order, the SEC maintained that Now Corp. and Velarde cannot simply deny awareness of the details surrounding the NTC’s motion. The corporate regulator emphasized that the company’s nonchalant disclosure created a misconception among the investing public.

“To be simply dismissive about it and to nonchalantly disclose that ‘The company has no knowledge of the specific details surrounding the alleged Motion filed by the [NTC]...’ created a misconception to the investing public,” the SEC said.

The regulator dismissed the claim that disclosing the details surrounding the motion filed by the National Telecommunications Commission would violate the sub judice rule. It clarified that the rule prohibits giving comments and disclosures pending judicial proceedings, but in this case, Now needed to disclose relevant information not reported in the news.

“What is required of Now to disclose are ‘relevant information not reported in the news article’ which encompasses ‘financial results and other information which is material to investor’s decision.’ Hence, we do not find any application of the sub judice rule in this particular case,” the SEC said.

A

yala Corp. is increasingly investing in electric vehicles (EV) as its research showed that as much as 20 percent of automobiles that will be sold in the Philippines by 2030 will be electric.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, the company’s chairman, said there will be growing consumer preference for EVs due to more favorable government regulation and the construction of more charging stations.

“And I think people forget, and we’d like to highlight that as the Ayala group moves towards electronic vehicles, it has a massive environmental effect as well,” Zobel said.

With the government’s aim of reducing greenhouse gasses by 75 percent by 2030, putting up infrastructure that will encourage people to use EVs will make a “massive difference to the way the country moves forward,” Zobel said.

“At Ayala, we continue to make significant investments in electric mobility through BYD and Gogoro, signifying our strong belief in the potential of this sector for growth and

economic and sustainable impact.”

AC Motors is handling the sales and maintenance for BYD’s EVs, a Chinese brand, through its sales network.

Taiwan’s Gogoro Inc., which operates in battery-swapping ecosystems that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities, was launched in December. It made available its Smartscooters and battery swapping ecosystem in Manila.

Zobel said the company is building more charging stations and is utilizing its real estate properties in partnership with several companies and associations.

“Building and modernizing our infrastructure is just one element of this equation of growth and global competitiveness,” Zobel said.

“Equally, if not more, important is ensuring the health and well-being and capabilities of our people. We frequently mention that our demographic dividend and young and adaptable population is the source of the country’s potential.” VG Cabuag

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Campi: Rising prices fail to dent auto sales in January

T

By Andrea E. San Juan

@andreasanjuan

he local auto industry started the year strong as vehicle sales grew by double digits in January on the back of positive consumer confidence despite inflation risks, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers Association of the Philippines Inc. (Campi).

A joint report by Campi and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that auto sales rose by 15.5 percent to 34,060 units in the first month of 2024, compared to the 29,499 units it sold in the same period last year.

Campi President Rommel Gutierrez said the auto industry is banking on a positive business and consumer confidence outlook as it rolls out new models this year.

“We are starting of 2024 with a positive business and consumer confidence outlook. We see new model introductions and the expansion of electrified vehicle line-up especially in the hybrid electric vehicle segment, and more brands coming into the market,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

percent; commercial vehicle, 16.5 percent; light commercial vehicle, 13.2 percent; passenger car, 12.5 percent; and light-duty trucks and buses, 11.4 percent.

Among car brands, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. continued to dominate the market with a 47.2-percent share as it sold 16,093 units in January 2024.

It was followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with a 17.9-percent share and Ford Motor Company Philippines Inc., with a 7.24-percent share.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday said that Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual presented plans during the ceremonial turnover of Toyota Motor Philippines “to further the DTI and TMP’s partnership with a strong focus on software development that will establish the Philippines as a hub for automotive software innovation.”

Pascual said this initiative will transform the digital landscape of transport and logistics, enhancing the mobility ecosystem with sustainable solutions.

As the local industry is eyeing to grow by 9 percent this year to attain its “conservative” forecast of 468,300 vehicle units, the Campi chief said “there are more reasons for optimism in 2024 despite inflation risks and the imminent taxation of double cab pickup.”

Aside from the launch of new models, the group said the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), which is slated to happen in the second half of the year, will bolster the auto industry’s performance for 2024.

“This means 2024 performance could well exceed Campi’s initial forecast and reach 500,000 units as motor shows generally boost sales.”

On a monthly basis, however, data from the Campi-TMA showed that car sales fell by 13 percent from the 39,153 units sold in December 2023.

In terms of vehicle segments, heavy-duty trucks and buses led sales growth in January, at 43.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

This was followed by Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) at 28.4 percent; medium-duty trucks and buses, 20

MUTUAL FUNDS

February 21, 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

5.31%

0.79%

-3.42%

-0.45%

1.5058

4.27%

4.23%

-0.95%

1.61%

2.24%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 3.1018

223.3

4.62%

1.04%

-5.56%

-2.22%

-5.64% n.a

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

5.95%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7088

1.29%

-2.72%

First Metro Consumer Fund, Inc. -a

-4.66%

-2.18%

-5.26% n.a

4.99%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund, Inc. -a 4.8772.71%

1.02%

-2.48%

5.33%

0.6568

-0.23%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.73182.05%

1.34% n.a n.a

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

83.06

4.87%

-7.67% n.a

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 45.5351

2.89%

0.5%

-2.69% n.a

6.11%

-6.49%

474.31

5.13%

0.36%

-2.77%

-0.34%

6.02%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.2372

3.17%

3.02%

-1.18%

1.93%

2.65%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

3.64%

5.37%

1.93%

-1.76%

1.37%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9206 5.67%

1.86%

-2.29% n.a

6.19%

Philequity PSE Index Fund, Inc. -a

4.7819

3.63%

1.37%

-1.94%

1.27%

6.02%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

795.68

3.59%

1.19%

-2%

1.21%

0.721

4.39%

1.24%

-4.38% n.a

5.15%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.589

3.72%

1.11%

-0.17%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.9025 3.36%

0.89%

-2.28% n.a

United Fund, Inc. -a

0.66%

4.83%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

3.2406

1.81%

0.35%

-2.5%

-3.6%

1.45%

5.68%

-2.27%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 35.4406

5.31%

6.02% 6.68% 6.05%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) COL Equity Index Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 1.118 3.52% n.a n.a n.a

5.91%

COL Strategic Growth Equity Unitized Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,2 1.0216 n.a n.a n.a n.a 1.68% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a

1.0489

-4.65%

-0.08% n.a n.a

2.93%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

965.96

3.56% n.a n.a n.a

6.02%

Exchange Traded Fund (shares) First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 108.19454.24% 1.63%

-1.66%

1.91%

6.14%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b $0.8038

-9.36%

-16.19%

-4.19%

-1.54%

-2.21%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a

$1.736

15.83%

-1.24%

7.01% n.a

ATRAM 4.47%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.2407

0.24%

-0.49%

0.36%

1.22%

ATRAM Unicapital Diversified Growth Fund, Inc. -a,41.5336

5.03%

4.78%

-2.57%

-2.28%

-1.47%

1.52%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.5798

1.26%

0.36%

-0.46%

-0.61%

3.33%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.1986

-0.25%

1.03% n.a n.a

4.31% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9911

0.45%

0.84%

1.43%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.663

4.46%

-0.23%

0.14%

0.56%

3.02%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.0481

4.45%

-0.94%

-0.51%

0.91%

0.29%

3.12%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

2.0915

3.68%

0.72%

3.01%

-0.54%

1.17%

3.13%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.5178

3.24%

0.3%

-1.67%

0.21%

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.9309

2.43%

-0.78% n.a

2.94%

3.06%

3.22%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a 0.95192.11%

-1.46%

-0.78% n.a

1.23%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a 0.88172.4%

-1.25%

-2.23% n.a

4.08%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a 0.86352.09%

-1.29%

-2.63% n.a

4.59%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03249

0.34%

-5.57%

-1.87%

-0.11%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $0.8891 -4.76%

-9.8%

-1.82%

-1.11%

-2.84%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.3906

10.44%

-2.7%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a $1.0402

4.89%

-4.39%

4.11%

-2.17% 3.11%

0.59% n.a

2.3% -0.08%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 391.68

3.09%

1.77%

2.53%

2.35%

0.3%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9185

1.5%

0.24%

0.6%

0.15%

0.5%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.3327

2.35%

1.18%

2.18%

3.72%

0.22%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund, Inc. -a 2.2753

2.89%

-0.25%

1.17%

1.53%

-0.47%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 2.4481

1.43%

0.1%

1.91%

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.82%

1.13%

-0.16%

4.2911

2.37%

-2.42%

1.3%

Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a

1.384

3.94%

1.58%

3.14%

1.86%

0.79%

Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.0351

2.62%

0.54%

2.44%

1.8%

0.02%

Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a

2.43%

0.63%

2.94% n.a

0.16%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a

3.2991

3.17%

1.04%

3.11%

2.33%

Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

2.37%

0.3%

2.3%

1.66%

-0.49%

1.0514

1.7608

-0.37%

-0.41%

Corporate Debt Vehicle (units) ATRAM Unitized Corporate Debt Vehicle, Inc. -a,3

1.0181 n.a n.a n.a n.a

1.04%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$496.95

2.89%

0.84%

1.95%

ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є214.31

1.76%

-0.8%

2.47%

-0.03%

0.76%

0.15%

ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.02750.68%

-6.17%

-2.22%

-0.02%

First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0248

2.9%

-1.94%

-0.16% n.a

-4.24%

-3.3%

-1.29%

-1.47%

PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc. -b $0.8463

-0.56%

-7.85%

Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a

$2.2785

3.82%

-3.28%

0.5%

1.65%

-1.78%

1.58%

-0.73%

1.25%

1.53%

0.47%

1.23%

-5.03%

-1.43%

0.28%

Philequity Dollar Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.0612002

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $2.7313

ALFM

0.35%

-0.4%

-3.61%

Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (shares) AIB Money Market Mutual Fund, Inc. -a,5 1.0991 n.a n.a n.a n.a n.a ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 137.46

2.9%

1.85%

2.46%

2.08%

0.43%

First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.114

3.37%

2.02%

2.14% n.a

Sun Life Prosperity Peso Starter Fund, Inc. -a 1.38162.88%

2.08%

2.43%

2.07%

0.51%

0.43%

Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 105.22

4.23% n.a n.a n.a

0.61%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (shares) Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.1039

2.85%

1.55%

1.61% n.a

0.58%

Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities (units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a 43.3448-0.03% n.a n.a n.a Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a 1.5296

18.92%

0.54%

8.5% n.a n.a

4.11% Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund, Inc. -a,1

1.0103 n.a n.a n.a n.a

1.06%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities (Units) ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund, Inc. -a $0.7976-1.88% a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day.

1 - Launch date is August 22, 2023.

-6.95% n.a n.a

b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago.

2 - Launch date is October 6, 2023.

-0.64%

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.) 5 - Launch date is February 15, 2024.

“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 21, 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 VANTAGE

140,440 441,177,933 336,082 324,362,147 4,127,970 850 141,393 114,958,609 2,418,074 10,450 3,259,230 21,687,713 5,308,530 154,010 92,340 147,490 3,800 3,777 6,930

-66,595.00 106,507,182 4,880 153,830,379 692,985 -33,136,023.50 -1,150,470 -280,250 3,550,678.00 -3,465,920 6,930

INDUSTRIAL ACEN CORP 4.3 4.31 4.31 4.36 4.24 4.3 14,581,000 62,687,450 ALSONS CONS 0.5 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.51 0.53 130,000 66,760 ALTERNERGY HLDG 0.78 0.79 0.79 0.8 0.77 0.79 472,000 370,460 ABOITIZ POWER 37.25 37.3 37.1 37.4 37.1 37.3 942,100 35,122,395 RASLAG 1.16 1.2 1.18 1.2 1.16 1.2 74,000 86,560 BASIC ENERGY 0.2 0.201 0.198 0.203 0.198 0.2 1,500,000 300,350 FIRST GEN 19.8 19.82 19.42 19.84 19.42 19.8 792,100 15,660,030 FIRST PHIL HLDG 64.9 65.8 65 65.9 64.85 65.8 21,090 1,371,500 MERALCO 369 369.4 367.2 369 367.2 369 96,210 35,481,356 MANILA WATER 18.92 18.94 18.28 18.98 18.26 18.94 1,363,400 25,659,428 PETRON 3.22 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.2 3.25 448,000 1,446,260 PHX PETROLEUM 4.4 4.42 4.1 4.42 4.1 4.42 4,000 17,040 REPOWER ENERGY 6.46 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.4 6.46 32,700 211,304 SEMIRARA MINING 31.85 31.9 31.65 32.1 31.65 31.85 643,900 20,529,360 SYNERGY GRID 8.88 8.9 8.8 8.89 8.65 8.88 3,315,600 29,294,401 SHELL PILIPINAS 10.58 10.6 10.6 10.62 10.58 10.6 284,400 3,015,054 SPC POWER 8.04 8.35 7.72 8.37 7.72 8.3 212,500 1,725,575 SP NEW ENERGY 1.13 1.14 1.16 1.18 1.13 1.13 62,712,000 71,522,480 AGRINURTURE 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.53 0.51 0.52 2,241,000 1,163,850 AXELUM 2.38 2.4 2.36 2.4 2.36 2.4 83,000 198,770 CNTRL AZUCARERA 13.3 13.34 13.4 13.4 13.3 13.3 319,600 4,251,634 CENTURY FOOD 35.05 35.4 35.8 35.8 35 35.05 2,677,800 94,103,730 DEL MONTE 6.1 6.2 6.08 6.1 6.08 6.1 9,100 55,368 DNL INDUS 6.89 6.91 6.91 6.92 6.83 6.89 1,431,200 9,862,622 EMPERADOR 19.22 19.26 19.66 19.66 18.98 19.22 649,600 12,465,654 SMC FOODANDBEV 49.75 50 50.2 50.2 49.7 50 13,880 691,426.50 FIGARO COFFEE 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.68 0.69 8,167,000 5,640,990 FRUITAS HLDG 0.83 0.85 0.86 0.86 0.83 0.84 348,000 295,290 GINEBRA 158.5 159 161.1 161.1 159 159 20,990 3,361,248 JOLLIBEE 260 261 259 261 258.8 261 437,280 113,806,112 KEEPERS HLDG 1.41 1.42 1.41 1.42 1.41 1.42 251,000 353,960 LIBERTY FLOUR 13.02 14.78 14.88 14.88 14.88 14.88 200 2,976 MAXS GROUP 3.34 3.4 3.37 3.38 3.33 3.35 77,000 258,410 MG HLDG 0.09 0.095 0.09 0.095 0.087 0.09 130,000 11,620 MONDE NISSIN 10.14 10.2 10.16 10.36 10.14 10.14 1,871,600 19,061,132 SHAKEYS PIZZA 10.44 10.5 10.5 10.6 10.44 10.44 5,900 61,924 ROXAS AND CO 0.67 0.68 0.65 0.69 0.65 0.67 5,446,000 3,666,340 RFM CORP 2.96 2.97 2.96 2.97 2.96 2.97 93,000 275,390 SWIFT FOODS 0.059 0.066 0.065 0.065 0.059 0.059 1,520,000 98,680 UNIV ROBINA 113.6 114 112.6 114 111.5 114 596,760 67,543,975 VITARICH 0.5 0.53 0.51 0.53 0.5 0.53 178,000 89,650 VICTORIAS 2.7 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 2.92 1,000 2,920 CEMEX HLDG 2.02 2.03 2.05 2.19 2.03 2.03 27,717,000 57,519,770 EC VULCAN CORP 0.62 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 0.63 612,000 385,560 EEI CORP 5.42 5.5 5.43 5.5 5.42 5.5 161,000 873,729 MEGAWIDE 3.22 3.23 3.22 3.24 3.21 3.22 249,000 803,040 PHINMA 19.6 20.4 20 20 20 20 17,100 342,000 TKC METALS 0.4 0.49 0.38 0.38 0.36 0.36 100,000 37,000 CROWN ASIA 1.65 1.69 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 2,000 3,400 MABUHAY VINYL 5.5 5.55 5.55 5.55 5.51 5.55 5,100 28,155 PRYCE CORP 5.19 5.2 5.2 5.21 5.19 5.2 129,800 675,075 CONCEPCION 12.5 12.96 12.86 12.96 12.86 12.96 2,900 37,484 GREENERGY 0.22 0.221 0.217 0.222 0.212 0.221 14,350,000 3,155,550 INTEGRATED MICR 2.51 2.54 2.51 2.55 2.51 2.51 75,000 188,990 IONICS 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.15 1.14 1.15 2,949,000 3,390,190 PANASONIC 5.12 5.42 5.42 5.42 5.42 5.42 2,000 10,840 SFA SEMICON 2.49 2.5 2.49 2.51 2.49 2.51 1,311,000 3,278,310 CIRTEK HLDG 1.84 1.87 1.9 1.9 1.84 1.84 585,000 1,084,920

11,147,710.00 3,570 -13,590,785 11,800 2,350,230 325,000 9,060,236 4,843,900 -536,420 -6,562,735 -5,218,134 -2,340,480 8,340 7,369,400 -392,140 -38,060 -66,414 -8,805,365.00 -2,796,792 -3,063,674 -24,926.50 -13,100.00 6,800 -5,083,928 -43,480 266,606 -48,340 46,510 -1,108,081 -15,491,450 2,172 74,280 -37,484 180,340 -22,640 -447,860

ABACORE CAPITAL AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP PACIFICA HLDG SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS SAN MIGUEL CORP TOP FRONTIER

577,860 32,119,420 2,628,195 -1,551,840 8,330 165,269.00 -3,897,122 11,960 -39,126,235 9,435,830.00 -1,229,898 55,917,670 -1,064,788 -

HOLDING & FRIMS

35.15 155 6.02 118 34.6 8.01 8.9 58.65 19.2 54 23.75 70.4 44.8 1 2.3 2.53 0.38 183.2 0.77

1.17 714.5 46.3 10.78 11.9 0.395 0.38 5.15 10.66 5.7 689.5 39.55 0.37 4.3 9.35 1.03 0.97 911 106.3 93.1

35.4 157 6.25 120 34.65 8.5 8.91 58.7 19.22 55 24.05 70.45 45.15 1.03 2.43 2.88 0.44 187.4 0.81

1.18 715 46.35 10.8 11.96 0.4 0.415 5.16 10.7 5.72 690 39.6 0.405 4.35 9.37 1.46 0.98 916 106.8 95

35.05 154.8 6.23 117.5 34.5 8.5 8.9 58.65 19.3 55 24 70.95 45 1.04 2.43 2.69 0.38 189.9 0.77

1.17 708.5 45.8 10.96 11.96 0.395 0.375 5.16 10.8 5.98 688 39.05 0.41 4.28 9.65 1.03 0.98 903 107 95

35.4 157 6.25 120 34.8 8.5 8.92 58.9 19.3 55 24.05 70.95 45.35 1.04 2.43 2.7 0.38 189.9 0.77

1.2 714.5 46.3 10.96 11.96 0.4 0.375 5.16 10.82 5.98 697.5 39.6 0.415 4.28 9.65 1.03 0.98 916 107 95

35.05 153.7 6.1 116 34.4 8.5 8.85 58.25 19.1 55 23.75 70.4 44.8 1 2.43 2.66 0.38 187.8 0.77

1.16 703.5 45.3 10.78 11.9 0.395 0.375 5.1 10.62 5.7 686 39.05 0.375 4.28 9.35 1.03 0.97 903 106.3 93.05

35.15 157 6.25 120 34.65 8.5 8.9 58.7 19.22 55 23.75 70.45 44.8 1.03 2.43 2.66 0.38 187.8 0.77

1.18 714.5 46.3 10.8 11.96 0.4 0.375 5.15 10.66 5.72 690 39.55 0.405 4.28 9.35 1.03 0.98 916 106.3 93.1

4,000 2,835,410 54,200 2,734,160 119,400 100 15,900 1,959,460 126,000 190 136,600 307,790 117,900 153,000 38,000 55,000 10,000 20 9,000

24,949,000 358,560 1,550,500 952,600 12,300 600,000 60,000 304,000 2,037,300 17,600 113,330 1,227,400 240,000 1,000 6,219,800 10,000 27,000 174,730 265,230 510

29,644,470 254,604,430 71,447,415 10,309,016 146,852 238,500 22,500 1,563,939 21,767,706 101,052 78,284,070 48,474,510 97,700 4,280 58,703,878 10,300 26,440 159,359,295 28,255,766 47,670.50

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.425 0.475 0.46 0.46 0.425 0.44 80,000 35,250 AYALA LAND 35.55 35.6 34.9 35.6 34.8 35.55 15,701,500 556,555,310 AYALA LAND LOG 2.04 2.06 2.08 2.08 2.02 2.06 424,000 865,200 ALTUS PROP 9.18 9.41 9.25 9.25 9.18 9.18 2,600 24,043 ARANETA PROP 1.01 1.02 1.01 1.03 1 1.03 154,000 157,690 AREIT RT 34.7 34.8 34.2 34.8 34.2 34.7 1,162,900 40,137,555 A BROWN 0.64 0.66 0.66 0.66 0.64 0.64 43,000 27,740 CITYLAND DEVT 0.72 0.73 0.71 0.73 0.71 0.73 31,000 22,320 CROWN EQUITIES 0.059 0.06 0.059 0.059 0.059 0.059 100,000 5,900 CEB LANDMASTERS 2.76 2.78 2.74 2.78 2.74 2.78 821,000 2,270,590 CENTURY PROP 0.275 0.28 0.27 0.28 0.27 0.28 200,000 54,600 CITICORE RT 2.69 2.7 2.69 2.7 2.68 2.7 3,355,000 9,031,190 DOUBLEDRAGON 8.51 8.54 8.58 8.58 8.32 8.52 127,100 1,077,548 DDMP RT 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.23 1.2 1.2 2,133,000 2,586,170 DM WENCESLAO 5.52 5.95 5.75 5.95 5.52 5.52 84,100 472,040 EMPIRE EAST 0.133 0.134 0.131 0.134 0.131 0.133 6,860,000 906,110 EVER GOTESCO 0.275 0.285 0.28 0.285 0.28 0.285 220,000 62,300 FILINVEST RT 3.28 3.29 3.26 3.29 3.26 3.28 506,000 1,657,190 FILINVEST LAND 0.71 0.72 0.7 0.71 0.69 0.71 2,946,000 2,078,990 GLOBAL ESTATE 0.79 0.82 0.77 0.82 0.77 0.82 6,000 4,670 8990 HLDG 9.5 9.64 9.5 9.7 9.25 9.64 97,000 921,148 GOLDEN MV 902 975 892 975 892 975 33,740 31,519,150 PHIL INFRADEV 0.56 0.58 0.64 0.64 0.58 0.58 470,000 282,190 CITY AND LAND 0.82 0.83 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.82 46,000 37,780 MEGAWORLD 1.95 1.96 1.94 1.97 1.94 1.95 8,451,000 16,512,040 MRC ALLIED 1.21 1.24 1.22 1.24 1.21 1.21 247,000 302,080 MREIT RT 13.4 13.46 13.36 13.68 13.34 13.46 469,600 6,323,132 PHIL ESTATES 0.36 0.39 0.36 0.36 0.355 0.355 100,000 35,600 PREMIERE RT 1.56 1.57 1.59 1.59 1.55 1.56 37,000 58,260 PRIMEX CORP 2.21 2.22 2.22 2.22 2.21 2.22 31,000 68,670 RL COMM RT 5.5 5.52 5.5 5.53 5.45 5.5 1,032,500 5,672,955 ROBINSONS LAND 16.3 16.46 16.48 16.58 16.3 16.3 2,512,200 41,409,412 PHIL REALTY 0.15 0.167 0.15 0.168 0.15 0.167 430,000 67,580 ROCKWELL 1.49 1.52 1.46 1.53 1.42 1.49 1,156,000 1,730,270 SHANG PROP 3.65 3.67 3.62 3.67 3.62 3.65 281,000 1,026,310 STA LUCIA LAND 3.12 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 7,000 24,500 SM PRIME HLDG 33.65 33.8 33 33.8 32.8 33.8 9,020,600 302,139,440 SUNTRUST RESORT 0.8 0.85 0.8 0.85 0.76 0.85 39,000 30,130 VISTA LAND 1.65 1.66 1.68 1.69 1.65 1.65 186,000 307,770 VISTAREIT RT 1.73 1.74 1.72 1.74 1.72 1.74 437,000 753,490

SERVICES ABS CBN 4.21 4.31 4.3 4.31 4.2 4.3 43,000 184,730 GMA NETWORK 8.89 8.9 8.87 8.9 8.86 8.9 146,500 1,300,903 MANILA BULLETIN 0.191 0.214 0.217 0.217 0.217 0.217 30,000 6,510 GLOBE TELECOM 1,755 1,756 1,740 1,757 1,738 1,755 16,915 29,619,825 PLDT 1,286 1,288 1,288 1,292 1,282 1,288 32,210 41,489,580 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.01 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.011 0.011 1,229,900,000 13,572,800 CONVERGE 9.67 9.68 9.7 9.78 9.67 9.68 4,703,900 45,574,910 DITO CME HLDG 2.36 2.38 2.39 2.39 2.36 2.36 1,652,000 3,920,390 NOW CORP 1.11 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.1 1.11 539,000 603,990 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.123 0.13 0.132 0.132 0.121 0.13 3,470,000 421,990 ASIAN TERMINALS 16.5 16.8 16.5 16.94 16.5 16.8 5,800 96,820 CHELSEA 1.48 1.5 1.46 1.5 1.46 1.49 81,000 120,380 CEBU AIR 33.5 33.65 33.8 33.8 33.1 33.5 62,500 2,079,225 INTL CONTAINER 280 281 287.4 288.8 279 280 1,405,160 396,536,372 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.57 0.63 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 2,000 1,240 MACROASIA 3.92 3.95 3.92 4 3.92 3.95 101,000 400,320 METROALLIANCE A 0.5 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 0.52 269,000 139,880 PAL HLDG 5.3 5.58 5.62 5.62 5.59 5.59 500 2,803 HARBOR STAR 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.76 0.75 0.76 35,000 26,390 ACESITE HOTEL 1.82 1.89 1.83 1.83 1.82 1.82 100,000 182,330 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.059 0.06 0.06 0.061 0.059 0.059 6,150,000 368,250 CENTRO ESCOLAR 8.2 8.7 8.2 8.7 8.2 8.7 1,500 12,900 FAR EASTERN U 568.5 594 594.5 594.5 594 594 80 47,530 IPEOPLE 7.46 7.47 7.46 7.46 7.02 7.46 900 6,646 STI HLDG 0.7 0.71 0.71 0.72 0.69 0.7 5,797,000 4,076,880 BELLE CORP 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.21 101,000 121,260 BLOOMBERRY 11.3 11.36 11.36 11.4 11.3 11.3 5,828,800 66,023,268 PACIFIC ONLINE 3.78 3.8 3.86 3.87 3.77 3.8 355,000 1,352,710 PH RESORTS GRP 0.81 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.81 0.81 142,000 115,220 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.71 0.69 0.7 12,092,000 8,408,040 DIGIPLUS 7.75 7.77 7.69 7.9 7.68 7.75 1,263,100 9,805,704 PHILWEB 1.69 1.7 1.69 1.7 1.68 1.69 214,000 360,480 ALLDAY 0.158 0.16 0.161 0.161 0.158 0.158 2,460,000 392,620 ALLHOME 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.11 1.13 301,000 338,500 METRO RETAIL 1.3 1.32 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 29,000 37,700 PUREGOLD 28 28.1 28 28.2 27.85 28 1,895,400 53,076,545 ROBINSONS RTL 36.95 37 37 37.05 36.6 36.95 250,900 9,271,555 PHIL SEVEN CORP 77 80.8 82 82 77 77 460 37,220 SSI GROUP 3.18 3.22 3.28 3.28 3.22 3.23 281,000 911,960 UPSON INTL CORP 1.13 1.19 1.27 1.27 1.11 1.14 355,000 405,520 WILCON DEPOT 22.85 22.9 23 23 22.8 22.85 840,700 19,235,620 APC GROUP 0.22 0.232 0.232 0.232 0.22 0.22 1,020,000 224,670 EASYCALL 2.11 2.15 2.1 2.15 2.1 2.15 11,000 23,600 MEDILINES 0.315 0.32 0.31 0.32 0.31 0.32 130,000 41,400 PRMIERE HORIZON 0.163 0.165 0.166 0.166 0.163 0.163 1,170,000 193,280 SBS PHIL CORP 4.36 4.6 4.5 4.6 4.5 4.6 6,000 27,300

MINING & OIL APEX MINING 2.57 2.58 2.56 2.59 2.52 2.58 3,417,000 8,745,220 ATLAS MINING 3.3 3.44 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 40,000 132,000 BENGUET B 4.45 4.48 4.45 4.48 4.45 4.48 17,000 76,130 CENTURY PEAK 2.95 3.1 3.01 3.1 3 3.1 48,000 144,930 DIZON MINES 2.5 2.99 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 4,000 10,000 FERRONICKEL 1.86 1.87 1.92 1.93 1.82 1.87 1,080,000 2,031,150 GEOGRACE 0.044 0.046 0.043 0.046 0.043 0.046 7,300,000 332,100 LEPANTO A 0.072 0.074 0.074 0.074 0.074 0.074 10,000 740 MANILA MINING A 0.0038 0.0039 0.0037 0.0039 0.0037 0.0039 12,000,000 44,600 MANILA MINING B 0.0041 0.0042 0.0041 0.0041 0.0041 0.0041 4,000,000 16,400 MARCVENTURES 0.78 0.79 0.83 0.83 0.78 0.78 2,634,000 2,079,910 NIHAO 0.5 0.58 0.56 0.56 0.55 0.55 240,000 134,000 NICKEL ASIA 4.59 4.6 4.64 4.64 4.58 4.6 3,497,000 16,098,920 ORNTL PENINSULA 0.63 0.65 0.66 0.66 0.63 0.63 63,000 40,700 PX MINING 3.04 3.06 3.03 3.07 3.01 3.04 218,000 663,940 ENEX ENERGY 4.73 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.05 5.05 1,100 5,560 ORNTL PETROL A 0.0079 0.008 0.0079 0.0079 0.0079 0.0079 11,000,000 86,900 PXP ENERGY 3.7 3.74 3.65 3.75 3.65 3.7 128,000 472,990

PREFFERED ACEN PREF A 1,045 1,060 1,060 1,060 1,060 1,060 300 318,000 ACEN PREF B 1,090 1,091 1,090 1,090 1,090 1,090 6,365 6,937,850 AC PREF AR 2,490 2,500 2,484 2,498 2,484 2,498 150 372,850 AC PREF B2R 487.4 495 490 490 487 487.2 10,270 5,007,728 CEB PREF 33.5 34.95 33.55 33.55 33.55 33.55 100 3,355 DD PREF 95.5 96 96 96 96 96 4,520 433,920 EEI PREF B 97 98.6 98.6 98.6 97 98.6 110 10,702 JFC PREF A 960.5 994.5 960.5 960.5 960.5 960.5 720 691,560 JFC PREF B 926 950 925 926 925 926 2,020 1,868,520 MWIDE PREF 4 93 93.5 93 93.5 93 93.5 230 21,445 MWIDE PREF 5 101 101.4 101.4 101.4 101 101 1,920 194,056 PNX PREF 4 210.6 223 211 223 211 223 60 12,780 PCOR PREF 3A 995 998 999 999 999 999 70 69,930 PCOR PREF 3B 990 1,000 1,000 1,000 999 1,000 670 669,600 PCOR PREF 4C 991 1,000 991 1,000 991 1,000 390 388,200 SMC PREF 2F 72.65 73.2 72.8 73.2 72.7 73.2 2,250 163,720 SMC PREF 2I 71.5 72.55 72.55 72.55 72.55 72.55 50 3,627.50 SMC PREF 2J 70.1 71.9 70.1 71.9 70.1 71.9 33,170 2,325,523 SMC PREF 2L 76.3 78 78 78 78 78 6,010 468,780 SMC PREF 2N 77.1 78.5 77.1 78.5 77.1 78.5 33,400 2,575,280 SMC PREF 2O 79 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 79.5 5,000 397,500 TECH PREF B2D 48.8 49.8 49.8 49.8 49.8 49.8 300 14,940

4,400 229,812,290 2,040 -2,315,345 6,600 0 -7,372,610 18,576 3,690 -252,816 29,370.00 628,810 -4,750 -380,000 60,000 4,150 677,590 -3,135,068 11,100 -284,458 105,236 40,250 24,500 7,221,975 -41,050 7,578,395 28,010 121,000 -12,560,416.00 125,890 -153,980.00 181,500 38,220 -26,928,204 -3,480.00 -702 215,940 -112,800 3,711,438 152,430 -42,114 -10,010 3,939,945 -1,856,630 29,520 80,870 -341,420.00 -935,715 3,100 -

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 3.92 4.05 3.91 4.04 3.91 4.04 5,000 19,830 GMA HLDG PDR 8.55 9

WARRANTS

TECH WARRANT

0.212

0.214

0.18

0.214

0.174

0.214

1,080,000

499,560 144,930.00 -449,660 -22,000 -3,726,580 -9,100 -87,020 -

2 0 2 , 2 1 0

SMALL, MEDIUM & EMERGING

0.415 0.415 0.415 0.415 80,000 33,200 0.72 0.72 0.72 0.72 222,000 159,840 1.08 1.08 1.03 1.03 2,870,000 3,010,920 -242,560 0.67 0.69 0.66 0.68 62,000 41,410 0.057 0.057 0.05 0.05 7,020,000 360,690 118,320 1.06 1.06 1.04 1.05 158,000 165,570 52,520 0.3 0.305 0.27 0.28 4,610,000 1,366,450 -600,000

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

107.8 108.7 107.8 108.7 14,870 1,604,805 -188,976

BALAI FRUITAS CTS GLOBAL HAUS TALK ITALPINAS LFM PROP MERRYMART XURPAS

FIRST METRO ETF

0.415 0.72 1.02 0.66 0.052 1.03 0.27 108

0.425 0.73 1.03 0.68 0.062 1.05 0.28 108.7

www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com

Banking&Finance

Solons want Flava shut as tax losses hit ₧728M

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

M

EMBERS of the House Committee on Ways and Means have proposed to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) the revocation of the business permit and manufacturing license of a well-known vape brand, along with legal action for tax code violations, as estimated foregone tax revenues amounted to P728 million due to alleged technical smuggling.

The committee report, which was approved last Tuesday, accuses Flava Corp. of violating Republic Act (RA) 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and NonNicotine Products Regulation law).

Hence, the Committee report orders the DTI to “conduct surveillance and initiate the confiscation and removal of all Flava vapor products and electronic cigarettes from the market.”

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman and Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda also urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate Flava Corp. for fraudulent conduct of business, a violation of the Revised Corporation Code.

“The SEC may also invoke its powers under Section 138 of the Revised Corporation Code to dissolve motu proprio the incorporation of Flava Corp. upon final judgment that said corporation was created for the purpose of committing smuggling and tax evasion, among others,” Salceda said.

The House panel also found that despite Flava’s separate registration with the BIR as a manufacturer, the company had instead been importing from China the vaping products it sells in the Philippines.

During the committee hearing in December last year, Flava executives said they only import vapes through Denkat Trading Corp., the biggest vape distributor in the country; something that Denkat denied.

“Based on the facts and evidence obtained by the Committee, it appears clear that Flava Corporation has no existing capacity to manufacture the products marketed under its brands,” the report said. “If Flava...

imported the products, it shall have violated its brand registration with the BIR.”

Failure

THE House panel also urged the BIR to immediately suspend Flava’s business operations, as well as issue a mission order against the company for failure to pay correct taxes.

Committee Co-chairman Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez had estimated up to P728 million in foregone tax revenues from the alleged technical smuggling of P1.43-billion worth of illicit Flava electronic cigarettes last year.

Due to tax evasion that violates the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) or the Tax Code, “the Committee also recommends that cases be filed fining Flava Corp. under Section 263 of the NIRC.” The Tax Code slaps a fine not less than 10 times the amount of unpaid excise taxes but not less than P1 million, plus five years to eight years of imprisonment for tax evaders.

The BIR should also stop the sale of all Flava vapes, according to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“Under Section 23 of RA 11900, ‘the BIR shall order the immediate recall, ban, or seizure from public sale or distribution of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products or novel tobacco products not registered with the BIR, including those sold online,’” the committee report pointed out. “Any imported Flava e-cigarette cannot be properly considered ‘registered with the BIR’ and is therefore subject to recall, ban, and seizure.”

Aside from the BIR, Salceda also urged the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to file a smuggling case against Flava and conduct a post-clearance audit on the importers it had partnered with.

For Rodriguez, the BOC should also file criminal cases against the importers implicated in Flava’s smuggling activities—Denkat and TopKing Corp., as well as these firms’ officers.

Moving forward, Rodriguez directed the DTI, as the implementing agency of RA 11900, to intensify its partnership with the BOC and the BIR to ensure that there will be no more smuggling and tax leaks from vapes.

BSP, PDIC to share info in fighting fraud, scam

By Cai U. Ordinario

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@caiordinario

FFICIALS of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) signed a new agreement to share information, which is deemed crucial amid complex financial scams and fraud in the country.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. and PDIC President and CEO Roberto B. Tan recently signed a revised Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on information sharing that seeks to improve transparency between the two institutions.

“The collaboration between our institutions becomes even more paramount and imperative to protect the depositing public, especially from frauds and scams that have become even more elaborate and complex,” Tan said.

The PDIC executive added that transparent communication between the BSP and the PDIC can help create “preemptive measures, detect challenges early, and promptly intervene to immediately address problems among banks to make it responsive to the changing times.”

Remolona said the revised MOA is timely as the regulatory framework and supervisory culture for both the BSP and the PDIC have changed over the years.

The central bank governor also emphasized the important role of deposit insurance as a tool in managing deposit runs, the biggest risk

for banks.

Remolona said it is therefore crucial for the MOA commitments to be kept updated, relevant, and operational to promote financial system stability.

“We have moved from a very prescriptive examination and supervision style to a risk-based, more principles-based supervision,” the BSP chief said. “We do not tell banks specifically what to do. We tell banks to take risks seriously, and that is the reason for all these regulatory standards.”

The revised MOA amends the agreement dated November 12, 2002, and the supplemental MOA executed in 2004. It also updates the list of documents shared therein.

According to the central bank, the MOA will be operationalized as an omnibus agreement covering all information, data, and reports shared between the BSP and the PDIC in pursuit of their respective mandates.

Other key features of the revised MOA include: seamless information sharing through digital platforms and rationalized processes; leveraging the BSP “electronic information system” for the timely, secure, and efficient sharing of reports, data, and information between the two agencies; and, the periodic review and update of the MOA to consider evolving supervisory requirements.

Banks’ prudential reporting requirements will also be streamlined; lenders would no longer be required to submit some reports separately to the PDIC.

BusinessMirror

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Thursday, February 22, 2024

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HSBC exec says wage hike to accelerate inflation rate

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By Andrea San Juan

N executive of the HSBC Holdings Plc. Asean business said an 8-percent increase in the minimum wage in the country would hike inflation by 1.2 percentage points.

“It would impact inflation by 1.2 percentage points based on our estimates; this is something we are looking out for,” Aris Dacanay, HSBC Economist for Asean, told reporters on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) last Wednesday. “The government strives to approve [a] P100 across-the-board wage hike. So, of course, this may lead to higher inflation.”

Should the wage hike or other

risks materialize, Dacanay said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may delay its rate cuts.

“The BSP has room to delay its rate cuts mainly because we don’t have a growth problem. Growth has been really strong; so the BSP can really take its time. It has the luxury of time to be able to wait for inflation to stay within target before cutting rate hikes,” Dacanay said.

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.

Commodity prices slowed to 2.8 percent in January, according to the latest inflation print released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The inflation was the slowest since October 2020 when inflation averaged at 2.3 percent.

Describing the inflation in the country as “benign,” Dacanay pointed to the US Federal Reserve, saying “the case is more for the Fed.” “[The BSP] can cut [rates] as long as the Fed cuts. But, again, if these risks materialize all at the same time, most especially in the second quarter, where inflation will go up because of base effects, it’s a pretty sensitive time,” Dacanay said. “I’m sure there’d be some volatility in the markets during that time.”

However, he noted that if risks do materialize and inflation goes farther than 4 percent, “then it’s a risk in the delay of rate cut.”

The economist said his baseline for rate cuts is in June 2024,

adding that this is the same time when the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to cut rates.

“So, [the BSP will cut rates] in lockstep with the Fed,” Dacanay said.

He forecasts that the BSP would cut rates by 25 basis points (bps) in June, a 75 bps in total for 2024 and another 75 bps total for 2025.

But he said that should risks materialize, there’s a risk that the rate cuts could be done at a later time.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) earlier said the legislated P100 increase in national wages would “turbocharge” inflation. This will lead to a wage-price spiral that could significantly reduce purchasing powers of Filipinos.

When this happens, the BSP could again hike interest rates. Higher wage hikes is one of the risks to inflation identified by the Monetary Board. (Full story here: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/02/19/ higher-wages-impact-rate-hikesme-damage/)

Pagcor employees get payslips with GCG-approved package

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

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MID complaints that some employees of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) are getting below minimum wage, Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said last Wednesday that the state-owned firm already released basic salaries and retroactive pay on February 15.

Tengco said during the Senate hearing of the Committee on Games and Amusement that the adjusted basic salary was approved by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG). The Pagcor chief told Senators they received from GCG the “Authority to Implement its Compensation and Position Classification System” (CPCS) last January 31.

The employees also received their retroactive pay to make up for a com-

pensation shortfall in the previous periods, from October 2021 to December 2023, or a total of 27 months, Tengco said during the hearing.

The retroactive pay for January 2024, added the Pagcor official, will be given at the end of February since there will be a period of reconciliation.

Oscar Alvarez of the Pagcor Employees Association confirmed Tengco’s statement but claimed there are still employees receiving below minimum wage. According to Alvarez, they include security guards, internal security, utility workers and drivers who get less than P570 a day.

“Marami po yan; kasi sila po yung backbone ng Pagcor na nagtatrabaho [They are many; they are the backbone of Pagcor’s operations],” Alvarez said.

Tengco rebutted this by saying that Pagcor employees’ minimum basic pay is P14,091, following GCG’s table, and not below the minimum wage.

Sen. Rafael T. Tulfo, meanwhile, urged Pagcor to conduct an evaluation of employees and give a salary increase to those performing well.

“They deserve an increase, especially [these drivers, security guards, internal securities, utility workers],” Tulfo said.

According to Tengco, there is an automatic salary increase every three years as long as there is no administrative issue on the employee’s part, based on the authority to implement granted by the GCG to Pagcor.

Alvarez also appealed for the implementation of the step increment, or increase in salary from step to step within the salary grade of a position,

within Pagcor.

Tengco assured lawmakers that they would submit a copy of all the grievances of Pagcor employees to the GCG to make a revalidation of the compensation scheme issued to Pagcor.

Earlier, Pagcor officials said they would file a motion for reconsideration with the GCG for the retention of employee benefits that were discontinued under the new salary scheme or CPCS. Tengco said that while the agency’s CPCS led to the upward adjustment of basic salaries, other employee benefits and incentives were discontinued in the new system.

These incentives include meal allowance, healthcare program, relocation expenses for transferred employees, and morale and welfare activities, among others.

Go bill seeks Government Accountancy briefs LandBank calls for investment Office to strengthen fiscal management in RTB-30 ➜

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ENATOR Christopher Lawrence T. Go has filed Senate Bill (SB) 2536, seeking to create the Government Accountancy Office (GAO) under the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) “to further enhance and professionalize government accounting for better management and control of resources.”

The proposed measure filed on February 7 aims to improve the current governmental accounting systems, setting a new standard for managing and controlling the country’s resources, read the statement Go’s office issued last Wednesday.

“In our continuous efforts to elevate public service and instill good governance, it has become increasingly clear that professionalizing government accounting is not just a necessity but a duty to the Filipino people,” Go was quoted in the statement as saying.

“The establishment of the GAO is a step towards achieving a government that is fully accountable, highly efficient, and utterly transparent in managing and controlling the public resources,” he added.

The senator explained through the statement that, historically, the management and oversight of financial operations within the Philippine government have needed to be more cohesive and efficient. The over-reliance on the Commission on Audit for auditing public spending has underscored a significant gap in the government’s ability to manage

its financial systems, Go said.

Under SB 2536, the GAO is envisioned as a central authority responsible for the technical supervision of all accounting functions across government agencies. This centralization is a strategic move designed to ensure consistency, transparency, and efficiency in handling government finances, read the statement.

The bill aims to also elevate the quality of financial management and control by setting high standards for the accounting profession within the government. Furthermore, the proposed creation of the GAO promises a more organized and streamlined approach to accounting, reducing redundancy and improving the speed and accuracy of financial reporting, the statement read.

The bill, likewise, emphasizes the development of a robust internal control system to manage and safeguard government resources effectively, thereby minimizing risks and enhancing accountability. Lastly, the bill seeks to improve the overall efficiency of government operations, enabling faster decisionmaking and better management of public funds.

“The GAO’s primary role will be to ensure that every peso allocated by the government is spent wisely, monitored closely, and accounted for accurately. By adopting global best practices and leveraging the latest technologies in financial management, the GAO will provide

the critical oversight needed to prevent waste and combat corruption,” Go said.

“This move will not only safeguard public funds but also ensure that these funds are directed towards programs and projects that genuinely make a difference in the lives of our people,” he added.

Go said that the introduction of SB 2536 “will enhance collective efforts in professionalizing and centralizing the government’s accounting functions. It seeks to improve government agencies’ operational efficiency and aims to foster greater accountability and transparency in managing the nation’s resources.”

“In essence, the creation of the GAO under the DBM is a testament to our unwavering commitment to good governance and fiscal responsibility. It underscores our determination to utilize every available resource to benefit our people, especially the marginalized and underserved,” said the lawmaker.

“Importante na magamit ang pondo ng bayan sa wasto at epektibong paraan kung saan makikinabang ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga mahihirap. Ni piso ay hindi dapat masayang o manakaw,” Go said. [It is important to use public funds in a proper and effective way that will benefit our countrymen, especially the poor. Not a penny should be wasted or stolen.]

“Together, let us strengthen efforts towards a more efficient and clean government,” he added.

THE Land Bank of the Philippines announced it is inviting Filipinos to participate in the Bureau of the Treasury’s (BTr) latest retail treasury bonds offering to save more of their money.

Interested investors may purchase the Retail Treasury Bonds Tranche 30 (RTB-30) with a minimum investment of P5,000, offering an annual fixed interest rate of 6.25 percent within a 5-year term. LandBank serves as one of the Joint Lead Issue Managers of RTB-30. The offer period will end on February 23 or earlier as determined by the BTr, and the issue date is scheduled on February 28, 2024. Interest payments will be paid quarterly during the term of the bond.

➜ GSIS to serve as voter registration site

THE head office of the Government Service Insurance System in Pasay will serve as one of the voter registration sites for the “Register Anywhere Project,” or “Rap,” of the Commission on Elections, a statement by the GSIS read. The voter registration facility will be at the GSIS Gymnasium and will operate on February 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., “catering to individuals interested in registering or transferring their voter credentials within any locality in the Philippines.” Prospective applicants may personally appear at the GSIS head office in Pasay City and submit their application forms along with a photocopy of a valid government-issued identification (ID) card, which must be presented alongside original ID. Biometric data will be collected from applicants taken on the scheduled date, the GSIS said.

Health&Fitness

B4 Thursday, February 22, 2024

BusinessMirror

DOH pushes for vaccination vs whooping cough as infant dies of disease in Iloilo

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By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

wo babies in Iloilo, both under one year old, were hospitalized due to pertussis or whooping cough and one of them died. The baby who died was just 21 days old.

The Department of Health (DOH) said that pertussis or whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that can leave the individual “whooping” for deep breaths afterwards.

It affects people of all ages but is especially dangerous and even fatal for young children and infants.

“It is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is easily transmitted from person to person through infectious droplets produced from coughing or sneezing,” the DOH said.

Dr. Richard Mata, a pediatrician said that if a child or baby is coughing, it is better to go to the doctor immediately.

“If a whopping sound develops

Kung nagkaroon na po ng whooping sound, ‘yun ang mas delikado,” Mata said in an interview with One PH. “Huwag din natin ipalapit sa mga tao ang baby kasi hindi natin alam, sino ang may sakit nito,” he added.

People become infected by inhaling these droplets or touching surfaces with infected droplets and subsequently touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Symptoms T HE sy mptoms usu a l ly develop around five to 10 days after infection but can take as long as three weeks to appear.

Infected individuals are most contagious during the first two weeks of symptoms.

During the first one to two weeks of symptoms, an individual will experience symptoms resembling the common cold, such as fever, runny nose, and a mild cough.

Among infants, apnea (or pauses in breathing) is typical. When the disease worsens, an individual will ex perience parox ysmal coughing which is many, rapid, violent coughs followed by a “whoop” as the individual struggles to breathe and recover.

Vomiting and exhaustion common ly fol low t hese pa rox ysm a l coughs. This stage of the disease can last for one to six weeks and has been documented to last as long as 10 weeks.

The worse the condition, the DOH added, the more frequent the paroxysms, which would also become more common at night.

Among babies, paroxysmal coughing is not very common; instead, during this stage, apnea is more common, becoming evident when the babies turn “blue” or cyanotic.

During recovery, coughing fits can still return, although milder and less common, and may persist for many months.

Munti recognized by NNC for exemplary nutrition program

By Roderick L. Abad

tion councils, identifying families and individuals requiring intervention, and acting as a go-between to ensure positive health outcomes.

Contributor

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OR the first time, Muntinlupa has been conferred with the Consistent Regional Outs t a nd i n g W i n ne r i n Nut r it io n (CROWN) by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) for its initiatives to improve the nutrition situation and eradicate child malnutrition in the city in the last three years.

Accepting the award was Mayor Ruffy Biazon, noting that this was the first time the city has ever received the CROWN accolade. He said: “We thank the City Nutrition Committee and to everyone who made this award possible.”

But prior to CROWN, Muntinlupa already got the Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award from the NNC for 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. It is the highest citation for local government units (LGUs) that constantly implement effective nutrition programs.

Also, the NNC honored Alicia Tanabe of Barangay Alabang as the Na-

Elderly care

MUNTINLUPA Mayor Ruffy Biazon (seated, fourth from left) is joined by city health officials and workers with model cheques for winning the first-ever Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition or CROWN award from the National Nutrition Council. tional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) for 2022.

Her outstanding initiatives include the “EaTiNg Program,” a 120day feeding project for malnourished children and pregnant/ lactating mothers; urban gardening to supply food for day care children; enrolling nutritionally at-risk pregnant and lactating mothers in a dietary

supplementation program; bench lectures and educational initiatives; and house-to-house visits that teach parents on how to make nutritious meals for their kids.

BNS is a community health worker tasked with promoting health and nutrition causes at the community level.

He or she serves as an important link between families and the local nutri-

THE city government also takes good care of the senior citizens so that they become functioning members of the society by ensuring their health is always in good condition with free the provision of maintenance medicines.

Elderly Muntinlupeños can receive up to a month’s supply of health maintenance drugs, such as losartan, amlodipine, and metformin as part of Biazon’s commitment to expand the city’s health care system to include the well-being of seniors.

Beneficiaries just need to visit the nearest Barangay Health Center to register and avail of a free regular checkup and maintenance medicines.

They are, likewise, encouraged to visit the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs or call 8511-0227 to know more about their benefits and privileges.

Give the gift of ginhawa to your loved ones with Generika Drugstore’s MEDPadala

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n the Philippines, where families are often separated by distance, sending gifts has always been one of the ways to express love and care. This is true for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), separated from their families in the Philippines. Similarly, this sentiment extends to individuals who choose to work away from their hometown, whether relocating to Manila from their province and vice versa, creating distance away from their loved ones.

Meeting the challenge of selecting a gift that seamlessly combines thoughtfulness and practicality has been simplified with Generika Drugstore’s MEDPadala, an electronic gift certificate (e-GC) designed for the purchase of medicines and other essential medical supplies within the Generika Drugstore network.

With MEDPadala, Filipinos now have the power to send the gift of ginhawa to their families who are miles away. This can be sent as a gift whether birthdays, holidays, or a simple yet profound expression to say “I

care about you.” Generika Drugstore’s commitment to affordability ensures that your MEDPadala goes a long way, allowing you to make a significant impact on your loved ones’ health without breaking the bank.

The savings of up to 85 percent on Actimed Generics and Nutrawell Supplements versus their branded counterparts mean that even a modest amount can provide a substantial supply of healthcare essentials.

Buying or sending MEDPadala can also be done with these three simple steps: 1. Buy the MEDPadala e-GC at any Generika Drugstore branch or visit medpadala. com.ph.

2. Send the MEDPadala code and PIN via SMS or email.

3. Present the code and PIN to any Generika Drugstore branch to purchase medicines or medical supplies.

Let your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them by sending them a MEDPadala. For more information, visit medpadala.com.ph

Packet-sized innovation to provide clean water in rural communities

By Rory Visco

Vaccination

THE DOH pushes for vaccination because pertussis is preventable through it.

The vaccine is given as a combination that also covers for diphtheria and tetanus. If the vaccine is widely available and routinely given during infancy, with booster doses throughout childhood.

Vaccination can prevent infection, or in areas where the disease is still widespread, can make the course of disease milder.

To prevent the spread of pertussis or getting infected, the DOH said, proper cough and sneeze etiquette should be practiced at all times and taught to children regularly (e.g. cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue, handkerchief, or one’s upper sleeve or elbow and not with your bare hand; dispose of used tissue properly; wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer thoroughly for 20 seconds).

“As much as possible, at home, individuals displaying symptoms like coughs or colds, should be isolated from other people,” the DOH concluded.

TMCSL IS THE ONLY TOURIST-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL IN CALABARZON The Department of Tourism Region IV-A recently recognized The Medical City South Luzon as The Only Tourist-Friendly Healthcare facility in Calabarzon. The awarding ceremony was held at the Calabarzon Tourism Excellence Appreciation 2023 on January 29. 2024 at Twin Lakes Hotel in Laurel, Batangas to recognize the significant contributions of institutions, partners both in the government and private sectors to the development of tourism in the region. On hand to receive the award was TMCSL President and CEO Dr. Cesar Ramon G. Espiritu, and Jan Clarizze S. Alberto, Manager of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Patient Experience Department.

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

Contributor

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here is water everywhere in the Philippines, yet the country continues to experience what experts call “water stress,” which is more like in economics where the demand substantially exceeds the available supply, or if it reaches a state of poor quality that disallows or limits its use.

In a report titled “The State of Water: At a Glance” by the Senate Economic Planning Office (SEPO) in August 2023, it said there are ample water resources in t he country with 421 rivers, 221 lakes and significant groundwater. The country’s yearly rainfall average is around 2,400 millimeters that equate to a provision of 146 billion cubic meters (m³) of freshwater every year.

However, the Philippines continues to ex per ience frequent shortages in water supply according to the report due to several factors such as “variations in rainfall, geographic disparities, growing water demand, and periodic El Niño patterns,” the last one which the country is currently experiencing today.

But despite the ample supply, water stress is being experienced in the country since 2017, the report said, where in 2020, “national water availability was just 1,300 m³ per capita, below the 1,700 m³ per capita threshold for water stress.”

As stated in the SEPO report, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) identified 21 groundwater-stressed zones and 15 waterstressed river basins due to factors like “current water availability, high demand from urbanization and tourism, climate change effects on water, and water quality worries,” adding that “about 27 percent of the country’s population live in these areas.”

The report also cited that based on the 2022 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS), 96.3 percent or about 25.9 million families had “accessible drinking water from improved sources within a 30-minute roundtrip” but 2.4 percent or roughly 646,608 families “use unsafe sources like surface water and unprotected wells/springs.”

What confronts us?

THE SEPO report identified several issues and challenges in the water situation in the Philippines, such as degradation of watersheds, where about “130 of them need immediate protection and rehabilitation to minimize soil erosion and water yield.” There are also investments in infrastructure, many of which “have not been comprehensively planned and coordinated,” the report stated.

There are also other issues such as inefficiency in water use, climate change, low service coverage of local water districts (LWDs), water pollution, increasing water demand due to population growth and urbanization, including institutional fragmentation and governance gaps.

To deal with these issues, several bills have already been filed in the Senate, which include the establishment of a Department of Water Resources, a Water Regulatory Commission, Water Resources Management Authority, Sustainable Forest Management Act, among others.

Keeping children safe with safe drinking water THERE is no denying the fact that people need safe drinking water every day because water is important to everyone’s health. It helps bring nutrients and oxygen to our body’s cells, rids the body of waste, helps normalize blood pressure,

regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, and protects our joints and vital organs.

Especially so for children, where water remains as the go-to beverage for young kids together with milk.

Water aids in the development of children’s bodies, in making their joints, bones, and teeth healthy, helps in blood circulation in their young bodies, and aids them in maintaining healthy weight as they move on to adulthood.

So, we can all just imagine if children don’t have access to safe drinking water, which is still happening in the country and affects millions of children and infants, particularly those living in lowincome households, where not being able to consume safe and clean drinking water makes them vulnerable to water-borne diseases.

The access to clean water is even more aggravated by the climate crisis, according to World Vision, an advocacy organization that helps provide humanitarian aid and development, while several typhoons that visit the country create substantial damage to sources of safe drinking water.

Life-saving packet TO help children gain access to safe and clean drinking water and help halt the spread of waterborne diseases, particularly in poor communities, P&G, a global consumer goods company, together with World Vision Philippines, instituted its Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) program where it distributes its “Purifier of Water” technology, which was developed by P&G scientists, together with the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a quick and innovative way to purify dirty and unsafe water.

The technology involves a powdered mixture inside a four-gram packet. It contains ferric sulfate that serves as a coagulant, and calcium hypochlorite that acts as a disinfectant. These ingredients can remove dirt, common waterborne bacteria and viruses, and other pollutants from 10 liters of potentially unsafe water in just 30 minutes.

World Vision has been distributing P&G Purifier of Water packets to households in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur since 2012, to beneficiaries who live along the Agusan Marsh, which also serves as their main water source aside from rainwater.

These areas are susceptible to heavy flooding during strong typhoons, resulting in the contamination of unimproved sources of drinking water, which can affect both children and adults, health-wise.

As of 2023, the two organizations have provided over 200 million liters of clean water to almost 50,000 Filipino children and families.

Now on its 12th year, P&G has allocated 3.4 million Purifier of Water packets to World Vision for distribution to Manobo families living along the Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur and North Cotabato. This is especially important during disasters, such as the recent flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains brought about by the shear line and trough of the lowpressure area, wherein Agusan del Sur was placed under a state of calamity.

Despite these problems, P&G’s Purifier of Water, because of its innovative technology that comes in a small packet, assures that Filipino children will not only be provided with access to safe drinking water but are also given the opportunity to lead healthier and happier lives.

Parentlife BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • Thursday, February 22, 2024

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A peak into what’s in store for your sign IKEA Philippines donates P1.2M soft toy sales to Better World Smokey Mountain IKEA Philippines recently donated over P1.2 million to Better World Smokey Mountain (BWSM), a community center managed by San Miguel Foundation, to benefit more than 1,500 families and children in Tondo, Manila.

The proceeds of the donation drive were from the Swedish home furnishing brand’s “Better World, Better Toys” campaign wherein P50 from every purchase of any soft toy will be donated to Better World Smokey Mountain. Customers chose from wide variety of irresistible cuddly companions, ranging from the Kramig panda bear to aquatic mammals of the Blavingad collection, and space creatures and aliens from the Aftonsparv collection. More than 24,000 IKEA soft toys were sold in the duration of the drive from November 13 to December 16, 2023.

“We are extremely grateful for the continuous generosity of IKEA Philippines. From the ideation phase of BWSM to now furthering the cause of our centers, IKEA has been there with us not only in terms of financial support but in other aspects as well,” said Mark Rebucan, program associate of San Miguel Foundation. The funds shall be utilized in the implementation of additional extra-curricular activities that will allow members of all ages to hone their creative skills including dance, music and the arts. Additionally, the funds will help procure other materials needed for the establishment of another playground that will cater to babies and toddlers.

Income-generating projects for its members such as livelihood programs of nanay leaders will also benefit from the donation.

In September 2023, IKEA Philippines provided and assembled home furnishings for the classrooms and library of Better World Smokey Mountain community center that serves as a learning and skills development center for 2,500 families or roughly 12,500 individuals from the historically underserved communities in Tondo.

Creating partnerships for positive impact in social communities is one of IKEA Philippines’ sustainability commitments. Currently, IKEA is also working with R2R (Rags2Riches) as their sewing service provider in IKEA Pasay City.

More information is available at www.ikea.ph/ FY23SustainabilityReport.

PHOTO BY TONG SU ON UNSPLASH

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AST week, I shared the general aspects on what to expect for this Year of the Wood Dragon, according to The Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony. This week, I continue with their general advice for each Chinese zodiac. For more detailed information, visit their shop at New World Makati Hotel, Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue, Makati.

For the Rat, there is leadership opportunity. By taking initiative and showing your abilities, you not only enhance your professional growth but also contribute positively to everyone’s success. There is a need to identify triggers. By understanding the situations that make you react instinctively, empower yourself to become more thoughtful. Lastly, take extra precautions in preventing unwanted injuries.

For the Ox, embrace a bold approach to investments this year by carefully assessing risks and rewards. Actively look for opportunities to diversify and increase your sources of income. Try to incorporate travel and change into your life as well as a means of rejuvenation and reflection. Lastly, the Lonely Discord Star tends to bring about perceived concerns and difficulties so try to distinguish between perception and reality.

For the Tiger, set financial goals and milestones so having specific and measurable targets will help guide your decisions. The Sky Horse Voyager Star suggests that you, or the results of your projects, are likely to embark on journeys so actively seek new experiences.

Take moments to be present, focus on your breath, and quiet your mind to help with mental clarity and inner peace. Lastly, prioritize the well-being of your family members both in their physical and emotional health.

For the Rabbit, the Surpassing Path star will bring you good energy to experience advancements and promotions this year. Don’t turn small things into big things. Be conscious to manage aggression and temper by recognizing the importance of maintaining your composure. Lastly, take preventative measures for your health and understand that being proactive is often more effective than reactive solutions.

For the Dragon, you are in the spotlight this year so use this as a platform for growth, networking, and making a positive impact. Explore your creativity for fresh ideas and collaboration. Strive to find a balance

between work, health and relationships. Lastly, seek common grounds with others because the Punishing Clashes Star suggests that you might have conflicts with those around you.

For the Snake, there is a strong Yang energy. You can maximize these effects in two ways: first, if you have flexibility to do important things or make important decisions, do so during the day. Second, put emphasis on the male relationships in your life, whether it’s with family members, friends, or colleagues. Foster good relationships. Celebrate small wins and, lastly, try to learn something new.

For the Horse, the Sky Relief Star promises the support you need throughout the year, helping you navigate the ups and downs, so try to cultivate a habit of expressing gratitude and appreciation regularly. Given potential obstacles this year, develop resilience as a key attribute to navigate adversity. Try to patiently work through your frustrations. Lastly, follow health regimens and precautions for family members.

For the Goat, there is a strong Yin energy. Try to put emphasis on the female relationships in your life, whether it’s with family members, friends, or colleagues. If you have flexibility to do important things or make important decisions, do so during the evening after the sun sets. Seek out opportunities to increase income but don’t be overly ambitious. Lastly, the Entanglement Star causes disruptions in your otherwise smooth and harmonious relationships. Try to not take things too personally, and try to resolve

P&G’s Purifier of Water gives Filipino kids a chance at life FILIPINO children deserve to live healthy lives in a safe environment. However, millions of children and infants from low-income households are not given this chance to thrive due to waterborne diseases. According to World Vision, access to clean water in the Philippines is being aggravated by the climate crisis. With an average of 20 typhoons visiting the country each year, rural and urban communities sustain significant damage to their sources of drinking water, including waterways and deep wells.

In an effort to help provide children with clean drinking water and arrest the spread of waterborne diseases in their communities, P&G, in partnership with World Vision Philippines, is distributing its Purifier of Water technology as part of its Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program. As of 2023, the organizations have been able to provide over 200 million liters of clean water to almost 50,000 Filipino children and families.

P&G’s Purifier of Water was developed

by P&G scientists in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a quick and innovative way to purify dirty and unsafe water. This powdered mixture was developed utilizing technology similar to that found in municipal water systems in developed countries. One 4-gram Purifier of Water packet contains ferric sulfate, serving as a coagulant, and calcium hypochlorite, acting as a disinfectant. These ingredients can remove dirt, common waterborne bacteria and viruses, and other pollutants from 10 liters of potentially unsafe water in just 30 minutes.

Since 2012, World Vision has been distributing P&G Purifier of Water packets to households in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Beneficiaries from these areas mostly live along the Agusan Marsh which also serves as their primary water source, aside from rainwater.

These areas are susceptible to heavy flooding during strong typhoons, resulting in

MOTHER and child holding packets of P&G Purifier of Water

the contamination of unimproved sources of drinking water.

The CSDW Program is currently in its 12th year of providing clean drinking water to impoverished communities. P&G

allocated 3.4 million Purifier of Water packets to World Vision for distribution to Manobo families living along the Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur and North Cotabato.

Spectacle of tradition and feng shui AMIDST the breathtaking backdrop of the Metro Manila skyline, Amiya Raya recently played host to a vibrant and culturally enriching celebration of the Chinese New Year. The event, held at the residential community, captivated attendees with a fusion of traditional performances, insightful feng shui wisdom, and the stunning allure of nature’s canvas.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the dragon and lion dance performance, which unfolded against the backdrop of a resplendent sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a glow across the cityscape, the rhythmic

movements of the dragon and lion dancers brought the ancient symbolism of the Chinese New Year to life. In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes strength, stability and superiority, while the dragon represents power, boldness and excellence.

Adding depth to the celebration was a special feng shui outlook presented by an international feng shui master.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to gain valuable perspectives on harnessing positive energy flows and optimizing the spiritual essence of the environment.

In a personalized touch, property owners at Amiya

Raya received individual feng shui advice tailored to their residences. The service underscored the community’s commitment to holistic well-being and its recognition of the profound interplay between architecture, nature and spiritual energy.

Consumers can be part of the Amiya Raya community with their own Shanti condominium unit—a medium rise, low density condominium that not only gives them a chance to own a piece of Amiya Raya but also a real estate investment that earns for them.

soonest.

For the Monkey, you have the Three Achievement Star in your chart, and it sets the stage for a year full of promising opportunities for both your career and money luck. Focus on long-term goals vs. short-term setbacks. Avoid escalations into legal conflicts even more if you are in a position of authority. There is a tendency to be easily irritated.

For the Rooster, you need to prioritize because the Authority and Fame Star brings an unprecedented surge in your career and business prospects. There are many benefits on collaboration, as well as finding and fostering relationships with mentors. Lastly, avoid bad relationships which could be a friendship, romance, or even a work colleague that is not good.

For the Dog, do good deeds, charities to diminish the clash energy. The Commander Star highlights your leadership skills and your capacity to collaborate with diverse people across different walks of life.

However, avoid escalation and confrontation with others. Lastly, prioritize your health by adopting habits that cover physical, mental and emotional well-being.

For the Pig, try to problem-solve things patiently, methodically and calmy. There is a positive influence of the Red Chamber Star extending to both your personal and professional relationships so try to volunteer for events or causes that are important to you. Be adaptable and flexible because the Emperor Star brings a prosperous year for your career and business. Lastly, be careful about losing things. n

MAN WHO TOLD ESTRANGED WIFE ‘IF I CAN’T HAVE THEM NEITHER CAN YOU’ GETS LIFE FOR KILLING THEIR KIDS

WAUKEGAN, Illinois—A suburban Chicago man who told his estranged wife in a note after he drowned their three young children “If I can’t have them neither can you” was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Lake County judge sentenced Jason Karels, of Round Lake Beach, after considering victimimpact statements written by the children’s mother, maternal grandmother and aunt that called Karels “a ‘monster’ who destroyed many lives,” the prosecutor said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are, first, with the family today.

This has been a devastating case for the family and community,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement. Karels, 36, pleaded guilty but mentally ill in December to three counts of first-degree murder. He admitted that he drowned five-year-old Bryant Karels, three-yearold Cassidy Karels and two-year-old Gideon Karels on June 13, 2022. Guilty but mentally ill means a defendant has a mental illness but understands the difference between right and wrong.

Officers sent to his home to check on the welfare of the children found a note for his estranged wife saying, “If I can’t have them neither can you,” prosecutors said.

Karels was arrested after leading police on a chase that ended in a crash at an highway bridge in Joliet, Round Lake Beach police said. Karels was briefly hospitalized after the crash.

Karels told first responders following the crash that he was responsible for his children’s deaths and had attempted to kill himself before fleeing his home, police said. Officers found his blood in the house from his attempts to hurt himself. AP

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BPI REVOLUTIONIZES FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR FILIPINOS

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T is known that access to financial education is far from universal in the Philippines. A survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas highlighted the gravity of the issue, with only one percent of surveyed Filipino adults providing correct answers to financial literacy questions. This concerning statistic can be attributed to several factors, such as the daunting complexity of financial literacy and the absence of educational resources tailored to the needs of the typical Filipino household.

In 2023, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation, reaffirmed its dedication to transforming financial education in the Philippines. This commitment was exemplified through a strategic framework that advocates financial wellness by helping build self-reliant and sustainable families through financial education, enterprise development and livelihood, and financial inclusion.

On its 45th year, BPI Foundation unveiled the aspiration, “Kasama Lahat sa Pag-Unlad,” as it redefined itself as a pioneering force and catalyst for financial inclusivity.

BPI has been dedicated for years to uplifting and empowering underserved communities. Through BPI Foundation, the bank continuously pursues innovative ways to provide financial education through accessible channels to target sectors. At the core of this effort is the FinEd Unboxed program, which simplifies intricate financial concepts into practical, actionable steps, guiding individuals toward financial freedom.

“I started to invest a little amount for savings, na

dati ay nauubos sa kagagastos. Ngayon ay uunahin na naming magtipid para sa aming kinabukasan at sa kinabukasan ng aming pamilya,” says Rome Cheng, a teacher at Wawang Pulo National High School in Valenzuela, who was also one of the participants at a FinEd Unboxed session designed for educators. Armed with newfound knowledge, Rome made the prudent choice of putting their hard-earned money to work.

The FinEd program also extends support to repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs). In partnership with ASKI Global Limited, OFWs and MDWs received financial education training sessions.

“Natutunan ko how to budget my money, and how to manage my salary. As an OFW, hindi po kailangan ipadala lahat ng ating pera; kailangan din nating mag-save for our retirement, for our future business,” shared Cristina De Jesus, a FinEd beneficiary in Singapore.

BPI also actively promotes financial inclusion by conducting specialized FinEd Unboxed sessions for beneficiaries of all the BPI Foundation programs.

By weaving financial education into its livelihood programs, the bank empowers individuals and communities to take control of their finances, paving the path towards financial wellness.

“Nagkaroon ako ng ideya na pwede palang mag-ipon kahit paunti-paunti,” said Glenda Lasco, a TechVoc graduate from Agusan Del Norte.

In addition to driving financial literacy among underserved individuals, there is also an effort to support them in becoming self-reliant and improv-

BPI hopes to empower Filipinos to become financially responsible by simplifying lessons on personal money matters such as saving, budgeting, investing, insurance, retirement planning, and managing credit.

ing their livelihood in the long run.

“Bukod sa nadagdagan ang aking kaalaman sa paghahalaman, napakalaking bagay sa akin na bilang isang babae, hindi lamang ito pang bahay kundi maaari rin itong gamitin sa bukid at makatulong sa aming komunidad,” shared by Fersuela Mercurio, a beneficiary of the Farm-toTable program in Majayjay, Laguna.

In 2023, BPI also solidified a significant partnership with the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute, introducing essential financial education modules in carefully selected

geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). This groundbreaking initiative harnessed the power of DOST’s Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS), a stand-alone information resource meticulously crafted to reach individuals with limited or no access to educational materials.

“Equality is where we provide information to all.

Lahat pwedeng makapunta sa STARBOOKS KIOSKS, at lahat pwedeng mag-access ng mga materials.

Second is equity, to reach people with no access such as GIDAs. Kailangan walang iwanan,” says

former Department of Education Undersecretary for Administration Michael Kristian Ablan during the kick-off ceremony of the partnership.

True to its core of advancing financial wellness across the country, this collaboration recently completed the turnover and deployment of STARBOOKS and other educational resources to 10 schools in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Additionally, BPI sealed a pivotal agreement last year with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Commission on Higher Education, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Insurance Commission, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Economic and Development Authority – marking the launch of the “Personal Finance 101 for College Students” program. This program aims to change the mindset and behavior of college students through a personal finance subject for higher education institutions (HEIs).

College students will be equipped with personal finance management skills as they prepare to become part of the workforce, in order to achieve financial stability, and contribute to the economy.

Topics in the program include the importance of financial goals, saving and budgeting, managing credit, investing, insurance, retirement planning, and protection from financial frauds and scams.

Through dynamic programs and collaborative efforts with government institutions and private organizations, BPI takes significant strides toward creating a financially inclusive nation as part of its mission to help build a better Philippines—one family, one community at a time.

Kasalang Bayan 2024 Enriches Couples’ Lives Through Marriage

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ASALANG Bayan 2024 celebrates the Sacrament of Matrimony among indigent couples of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Some couples have been living together without the benefit of the Sacrament, unable to afford weddings comparable to those celebrated by many couples today.

In response, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Tagaytay City opened its doors to couples desiring to marry in the church.

The spiritual preparation of the couples was conducted by the Family and Life Ministry of the parish, with material and financial support from PEAK Tagaytay Wedding Vendors Association. Our

Lady of Lourdes Parish and PEAK collaborated to organize Kasalang Bayan.

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony was officiated at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church by parish Priest Rev. Father Eugenio Juanilo P. Lopez, OFMCap., assisted by Rev. Denver F. de Leon, OFMCap. The objective of Kasalang Bayan is to encourage unmarried couples to marry in the church, serve the church, and actively participate in its ministries.

Ten couples were married that day, and the joy of the couples, relatives, and friends was evident as they experienced their dream weddings. Food, photographs, flowers, rings, and transportation to

and from the venue were prepared and sponsored by PEAK. The ten couples returned home with exciting gifts. It is hoped that Kasalang Bayan will become a yearly event through the joint cooperation of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Tagaytay City and PEAK. The suppliers who supported and sponsored Kasalang Bayan 2024 last February 5, 2024 were Mahogany Place Tagaytay, Town’s Delight Catering & Events, Freshminds Photography, GO Events, Management PH—Tagaytay, Spices & Herbs Catering Services, Flowers For Ever After By. Posh Event Stylist, RCJC Forever Blooms Flower Shop, The Pulo Events Place, CARLO Events Stylist, Events Management Services by Anna Sotto, PixlPop Photobooth, Artuz101 Professional Lights and, Sound Rental Inc., DT Lights & Sounds, Don Robert’s Bridal Cars, For rent.

The Tagaytay Wedding Coordinator was Los Fabulosos, Stat Events And Trends, Cake Studio, Hacienda, Solange Private Events Place, Blue Moon Los Ilustrados, Rekados’ La Casa of Catering, Hillcreek, Gardens Tagaytay, Jennifer Wedding & Events, Cafe Agapita, Tent Master Enterprise, Everyday Events Secretariat, Host Paolo HOST of the STARS, The Confectioner’s Lab—Bakery, Abagatan ti Manila, B usiness M irror , Club Ananda, Sonya’s Garden, Tagaytay String Lights Rental, BND Events, Hau.Yeló, Tent King, Zenith Events PH, Trabiesa Tagaytay, GQ Mobile Bar, Styletech by Robin Medina, and Casa de Corazon Catering.

Bond of Family, Filipino Culture Shine in this Art Exhibit at Belmont

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ELMONT Hotel Manila and ArtisteSpace mount its second art exhibit in celebration of National Arts Month. For this exhibit, they brought together the legendary Filipino family of artists—The Blanco Family.

The exhibit entitled, Hiraya, The Legacy of the Blanco Family, features 23 oil paintings on canvas by the seven Blanco siblings. The well-curated display features old and new artworks of the Blanco’s centered on Filipino culture and traditions.

The original artist in the Blanco family is their patriarch, the renowned Jose “Pituk” Blanco, from arts town, Angono, Rizal. He left his advertising job in 1971 to concentrate on his craft. He began mounting successful one-man shows and, in the process, influenced his wife and seven kids to take interest too. In 1978, the family held their first family exhibit at no less than the National Museum. More family exhibits took place in and out of the country, which ultimately led to the family establishing their very own Blanco Family Museum in 1980 at Angono, Rizal.

One can say that “the family that paints together, stays together” as the seven Blanco siblings remain tight knit including their extended families who are all also painters.

The eldest among the Blanco siblings, Jose Glenn Blanco got into art when he was 16. Glenn was awarded the Outstanding Thomasian Alumni (TOTAL)

IN the photo are, from left, Glenn Blanco, Noel Blanco, Michael Blanco, Joy Blanco and Gay BlancoCausapin.

Award by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 2016 for his contribution to the Philippine art. This is the highest award given to an alumni.

The second child, Noel Blanco, was excluded from participating in a school art competition because his work was adjudged too professional. He is known for his love for all sorts of water form and considers it as his main element and subject.

The third son, Michael Blanco, started to draw at the age of 10. He is famous for his outstanding portraits and landscapes. He is also the curator of the Blanco Museum.

Joy Blanco-Balcita, the first daughter and fourth child, has paintings that strongly resembles her father’s realist style. She is highly attentive to feature

and details of every day life sceneries.

Jan Blanco is the fifth among the Blanco siblings.

He excels in the painting of birds. He once did a series of paintings inspired by the Moriones festival. These paintings drew out his talent for portraying figures in a large variety of gestures and movements.

Painting for Gay Blanco-Causapin, the second daughter and sixth child, came as naturally as walking. She was exposed at a very young age and started to draw even before she could write.

Her favorite subjects depict humans caring for each other.

Peter Paul is the youngest in the family. He became the youngest member to join the Art Association of the Philippines and the youngest artist to exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Fiestas are subjects of interest for Peter Paul.

He paints them richly in myriads of colors.

Hiraya, The Legacy of the Blanco Family, is a brilliant display of real life Filipino traditions and culture interpreted very vividly through the signature vibrant colors and strokes that is innate to the Blancos.

This exhibit supports Habitat for Humanity’s housing campaign ‘Bahay ni Juan’ as part of the proceeds from sold artworks will be forwarded to the organization.

You may view the exhibit until end of February at Belmont Hotel Manila. For more information, please email info@belmontmanila.com or call 5318 8888.

ATTENDING the ceremony were representatives from USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) led by Anna de Chavez, Unilever Philippines Sustainability Lead, Rondell Torres, Linis Ganda Vice Chairwoman, Iluminada Teves, Unilever Philippines Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Atty. Joseph Fabul.

Unilever Philippines renews partnership with ‘Linis Ganda’

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NILEVER Philippines recently renewed its partnership with long-time partner, Linis Ganda, the biggest network of junkshops, waste pickers, and recyclers in the country.

Linis Ganda has been Unilever’s plastic collection partner since 2017 in its long-running flagship program, Misis Walastik, a communitybased waste collection and education program for flexible plastics, such as sachets, plastic bags, and other single-use packaging.

“We have long known at Unilever that we have a part to play in the issue of plastic waste. And achieving our waste-free targets need a collective, multisectoral effort”, Unilever Philippines Sustainability Lead, Rondell Torres stated during his opening remarks. “Which is why we are thankful to all Women of Walastik, from our long partnership with Linis Ganda, because you are at the front line teaching our communities to properly segregate waste before it can be disposed and recycled continuously.”

Torres also emphasized Unilever’s commitment to step up its waste diversion efforts for flexible and rigid plastic waste ahead of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law mandates while supporting the informal waste sector through its waste pickers and eco-aid networks, as well as junkshop partners.

Since 2012, Unilever has been implementing Misis Walastik. As of December 2023, the program

has collected over 16.9 thousand metric tons of post-consumer flexible plastic waste, which has been diverted out of landfills and waterways and into a circular economy through Linis Ganda and various other partners.

Linis Ganda Vice Chairwoman, Iluminada Teves, also highlighted the importance of the partnership with Unilever, “Unilever trusted us from the beginning when we were a young organization.

Because of our strong partnership through the Misis Walastik program, our capabilities and network of waste pickers and junkshops grew to become the organization we are today—like Misis Walastik, resilient, competent and resourceful.”

Linis Ganda and its growing network of waste workers are present in 3 cities: Quezon City, Antipolo, and Caloocan, and will expand to more cities this 2024.

Globally, Unilever has set itself to reduce package waste in its value chain since 2010 and is driving consistent actions to achieve its ambitious commitments.

With a timeline of delivery by 2025, these commitments include reducing the amount of virgin plastic used in manufacturing; supporting the collection and processing of its plastic waste, ensuring plastic packaging is designed to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable; and increasing the use of post-consumer recycled plastic material in their packaging.

Spanish Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 125th anniversary

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HE Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Navigation in the Philippines recently announced the is proud to announce the Second Edition of La Fiesta, an annual event that commemorates the rich history, culture, and trade relations between Spain and the Philippines. This year, La Fiesta coincides with the 125th Anniversary of the Chamber, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

La Fiesta 2024 will take place on February 24, 2024 at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Quezon City, continuing the tradition initiated last year. The event will feature renowned chefs, artists, and business leaders, with a special emphasis on the Extremadura region.

La Fiesta 2024 is not only a celebration of Spanish culture but also a tribute to the legacy of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Navigation in the Philippines. For 125 years, the Chamber has played a crucial role in strengthening trade and cultural relations between Spain and the Philippines.

This anniversary will showcase past achievements and the Chamber’s continued contribution to the economic and cultural development of both countries.

La Fiesta stands as an annual tradition of La Cámara, a vibrant showcase of Spain’s diverse culture and exquisite gastronomy. In honor of La Camara’s remarkable 125th year, this celebration will shine a spotlight on the enduring bond between the Philippines and Spain. It will underscore the Chamber’s unwavering dedication to its mission, highlighting the profound historical ties between the two nations.

As one of the pioneering commercial chambers established in the Philippines, La Cámara remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering expansive business prospects for its members. Moreover, it continues to be a driving force in perpetuating the time-honored bilateral trade relations that have flourished between the two countries across centuries.

Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror

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Thursday, February 22, 2024

Visiting USAID official highlights US-Phil. partnership in health

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HEALTH official from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reinforced health-sector ties between governments of the US and the Philippines.

Assistant Administrator for Global Health Dr. Atul Gawande was recently in the country to strengthen the local health system and address health challenges, including the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections through the Department of Health (DOH).

In Manila, Dr. Gawande met Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and key government partners, as they explored ways of strengthening primary health care, in-line with the Universal Health Care (UHC) goals.

The Philippines is one of seven focus countries for “Primary Impact”— USAID’s global flagship effort to enhance the delivery of primary health care in partner countries. Through this program, the aid agency supported the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth to roll-out UHC, protecting families from falling into poverty due to health-care costs.

“The DOH is honored to be a partner of USAID in strengthening health systems, promoting positive social norms and behaviors, and improving the quality of primary health care,” Herbosa said in an event commemorating the completion of the agency's health programs implemented in the country between 2018 and 2023. “[We commit to our partnership with

USAID, as we continue to work toward a ‘Healthy Pilipinas.’]”

“The Philippine government is pursuing an ambitious plan to radically strengthen primary health care—the key scaffolding to enable longer lives and better health for all Filipinos,” Dr. Gawande said. “[We are proud to partner] in ensuring the plan’s success.”

From 2018 to 2023, the aid agency has invested more than P14.6 billion ($260 million) in local health programs to address TB and HIV, community-based drug rehabilitation, promote family planning and mental health, while supporting the country’s Covid-19 response.

USAID’s partnership with the DOH has assisted in identifying more than 750,000 people with TB and linked them to treatment. The former has also helped increase the TB case notification rate by 36 percent between 2022 and 2023.

Through the “US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief” or “PEPFAR” initiative, the agency has also contributed to revolutionizing the Philippines’s HIV response by enrolling more than 24,800 people on “pre-exposure prophylaxis” or “PrEP:” an effective HIV-prevention drug, and starting almost half of the country’s HIV treatment clients on the optimized drug regimen TLD,

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Japan honors Filipina chef Aspiras with Ambassador’s Commendation

AMBASSADOR Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Chef Regina Aspiras

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USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health Dr. Atul Gawande (left) visits East Daan Bago Barangay Health Station in Samal, Bataan to learn how community health-care workers provide primary-care services through a platform that enables real-time encoding of patient records and allows rural-health physicians to supervise health-service provisions done by midwives.

which has fewer side effects.

To help ensure life-saving medicines and supplies are continuously available, USAID supported the DOH to digitally track their supply chain at national and regional levels. USAID also developed community-based drug rehabilitation-treatment protocols for low- and moderate-risk users, as well as established communitybased drug-rehabilitation services in 22 local government units.

While in Manila, Dr. Gawande joined the DOH in commemorating World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day on January 30 with the launch of the “Philippine Multi-Disease Elimination Plan,” developed through technical advisory support from USAID. It also trained health workers in disseminating information and monitoring cases of lymphatic filariasis: a parasitic disease spread

by infected mosquitoes that affects the lymph nodes and lymph vessels.

In a keynote lecture to University of the Philippines-Manila students, faculty, and medical staff, Dr. Gawande urged the importance of strong primary health-care systems to contribute to economic development and stability. He later met officials of the National Poison Management and Control Center to discuss the need to address lead poisoning, which severely affects children’s health, development, and learning.

He also visited health facilities in Quezon City and Bataan, where he engaged with partner-donors, local government officials and communities. They helped him understand challenges and explore opportunities that can bolster Filipinos’ access to quality health care.

N February 9, the Japanese Embassy bestowed on Chef Regina “Reggie” M. Aspiras the prestigious Ambassador’s Commendation in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the culinary cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines.

The embassy congratulated Aspiras for her outstanding service and dedication to the promotion of cultural understanding through the shared joy of food: "The distinguished honor underscored Chef Reggie’s pivotal role in deepening mutual understanding and fostering [our enduring friendship via] her culinary expertise.”

According to the deputation, Aspiras has been a close friend and collaborator of the Embassy of Japan, particularly with Executive Chef Daisuke Suzuki. Together, they undertook numerous projects, including the acclaimed documentary “Suzuki Daisuke: Diary of an Ambassador’s Chef” and the delectable cookbook “GochiSo Sarap:” Homestyle Japanese Dishes for Everyone.

For the embassy, “the Ambassador’s Commendation acknowledged Chef Reggie’s unwavering commitment to elevating the culinary arts

as a means of cultural diplomacy.

Her efforts not only highlighted the richness of Japanese and Filipino cuisines, but also created a bridge of cultural exchange, fostering a stronger bond between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines. The collaboration between Chef Reggie Aspiras and Executive Chef Daisuke Suzuki not only resulted in culinary masterpieces, but also served as a testament to the power of gastronomy in building connections and transcending cultural boundaries.”

For his part, Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed his appreciation to Aspiras, then noted that in 2013, through the promotion of experts, enthusiasts, tourists and appreciators, Japanese food was recognized as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” under the title of “Washoku: Traditional Japanese cuisine” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or Unesco.

“I...express my deepest gratitude to Chef Reggie for...advancing Japanese cuisine,” he added. “By presenting you with the Ambassador’s Commendation, may your exemplary work inspire others to become cultural advocates like you.”

Embassy launches Italian cuisine cooking workshop for Tondo kids

‘Tale of progress, disparity, disruption:’

UNDP report points to modern directions for accelerating Phil. human development

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UMAN development in the Philippines, like that of the whole Asia-Pacific Region, has been described as a tale of progress, disparity, and disruption.

For the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hastening human development amid a potentially more turbulent future needs new directions for change.

“Making our Future: New Directions for Human Development in Asia and the Pacific: The 2024 AsiaPacific Human Development Report” paints a qualified picture of longterm progress, but also persistent disparity and widespread disruption, foreseeing a turbulent development landscape and urgently calling for new directions to boost human development.

The new release, prepared by the UNDP Regional Bureau for AsiaPacific, cites key advancements in human development within the Asia-Pacific region despite a complex development environment. It was launched in a forum jointly organized by UNDP Philippines and the Philippine Human Development Network (PHDN).

The report utilizes UNDP’s Human Development Index (HDI) to assess the overall quality of life for each country, and to underscore the belief that evaluating a country’s development should extend beyond economic growth, prioritizing the well-being, and capabilities of its people.

Over the last three decades, the HDI of Asia-Pacific has surged by 19 percentage points—deemed as the greatest leap in the world. Rapid economic growth, the rise in adult

literacy rates, and increased life expectancy rates have significantly contributed to major improvements in human development in the region.

For the Philippines, its HDI score has increased from 0.598 in 1990 to 0.699 in 2021, growing over those three decades alongside the Asia-Pacific Region’s trajectory. It suffered slight declines during the pandemic and was among the group of countries with medium levels of human development. The Philippines ranks seventh in Asean, 16th in the Asia-Pacific Region, and 116th in the world.

Disparities, exclusions

BEYOND the progress, there are still widespread disparities and persistent structural exclusion in Asia-Pacific and in the Philippines.

Worsened by the global health crisis and the rising cost of living amid global crises, persistent challenges of poverty and inequality, gender biases, and a large informal sector make it a challenge for the region to be on-track to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

“We are…faced with a convergence of escalating global tensions, deteriorating climate conditions, regional debt distress, and enduring inequality. This convergence is exerting considerable strain on the developmental gains we have achieved in the past decades,” said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, who is UNDP Philippines’ resident representative. “This not only jeopardizes the [SDGs’ attainment, but also poses a potential for unprecedented setbacks in human devel-

opment, economic stability, and climate resilience unless prompt and extensive corrective measures are done].”

The report further emphasizes three interconnected “risk clusters” that the region currently confronts: climate change and potential pandemics; the changing globalization trends and increased automation; and a slowing pace of reform attributed to the changing political landscape.

To bring about that change, the report calls for three new directions in human development: to place people at the heart of development, to recalibrate growth plans and generate more jobs while keeping within planetary bounds, and to focus tirelessly on the politics of reform and the science of delivery by turning ideas into practice.

“Ultimately, [we are all deeply and] inescapably involved in the crisis that besets us. The climate crisis forms the brooding backdrop of this report. It is the crisis that will preoccupy us throughout our lifetime. It is one that directly concerns not only us, but also threatens to engulf the existence and well-being of our children, and their children’s children,” noted Dr. Emmanuel de Dios, who is PHDN’s president, as he noted that the exacerbating impacts of the climate crisis is a major challenge for the Philippines’s human-development progress.

In the country, these new directions require four major transformations, including: a larger and faster green economic and energy transition; strengthened resilience of families and communities from

shocks and disasters; accelerated innovation and digital evolution as tools to accelerating and sustaining growth; and future-ready governance that can help accelerate human development.

To unpack the Philippine implications of the report, the forum featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Alex Brillantes Jr., who is the University of the PhilippinesNational College of Public Administration and Governance’s professor emeritus and former dean. The session featured Dr. Emma Porio of the National Resilience Council, Pia Faustino of Thinking Machines, Anna Lagon of Bayo, and Mel Senen Sarmiento of Galing Pook Foundation.

‘Future-fit’ governments

TO chart a new course, governments would need to be “future fit” to combat the challenges to come, according to the UNDP. The report delves into ways a greater focus on making change happen would be rooted in leadership and governance that is more anticipatory, more adaptable, and more agile.

The Philippine launch of the 2024 report sought to foster dialogue on human development that can be translated into policy recommendations to aid people-focused governance in the country. The full report can be accessed via: https:// www.undp.org/asia-pacific/rhdr2024.

The first Human Development Report of UNDP was released 33 years ago in 1990, which marked a significant milestone by reigniting discussions on ways development should be measured.

AMBASSADOR Marco Clemente (back row, center) is flanked by the Italian Embassy officials, CTFCI officers, and kids from Tondo.

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HILDREN of Tondo, Manila are now becoming equipped with new expertise on worldclass Italian cookery.

Providing an avenue for more career options for underprivileged Tondo kids, the Embassy of Italy organized a cooking workshop on traditional Italian recipes. It was the third activity lined up under the “Embassy of Italy meets the Youth of Tondo” festival aimed at exposing the youngsters to a variety of cultural activities until July and intended to contribute to their personal and professional growth.

The event was recently held at the Fr. Gioacchino Hall of San Pablo Apostol Parish. Led by Ambassador Marco Clemente and in partnership with the Canossa-Tondo Children’s Foundation Inc. (CTCFI) of Father Giovanni Gentilin, more than 50 kids learned kitchen secrets to cooking and prepared traditional Italian dishes.

“I hope that…you could learn something useful for your future life,” the ambassador told the kids who participated in the cooking workshop. “Maybe some of you would like to become a professional cook...

I strongly recommend that because

it is a very good job. People eat, they will never stop eating; so, if you provide this service, it is a job that will stay forever…you can open your own restaurant.”

He hoped that they would open the first Italian restaurant in their community: “That would be a good idea.”

Officiated by CTCFI managing directress Teresita Carmelo, among the dishes taught in the workshop included an aperitivo (appetizer) called crostini (Italian toast), penne alla bolognese and spiedini di petto di pollo for the primo piatto (first plate) and secondo piatto (second plate) and mango panna cotta for dolce (dessert).

The envoy promised that the embassy’s efforts would not stop with the event. In fact, the deputation has lined up several activities for the youth of the area for 2024.

Among those are the launches of the six-month Italian Language Course for select students from the CTCFI community, and an all-Filipino opera performance at the covered court of the aforementioned school to promote the beauty and importance of art and music, as well as Filipino talent and creativity. Malou Talosig-Bartolome

Obiena conquers Croatia I in 1st indoor tournament

Sports BusinessMirror

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hursday, February 22, 2024 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

IT’S fun before the battle for Dennis Capa and Larry Baluso of Apo Golf, Jerry Josol of Davao and Gen. Abe Roxas of Camp Crame during a practice round on Wednesday at the Pueblo de Oro Golf Club and Country Club. ROY DOMINGO

Luisita looms as underdog in PAL Senior Interclub

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UISITA’S Marty Ilagan nearly aced the signature par-three 13th hole at Pueblo de Oro Golf Club Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City, the ball bouncing off the pin during the final practice round in the 75th Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub golf team championships on Wednesday.

Instead of lining up for his short birdie putt, Ilagan practiced from a different spot.

“The greens at Pueblo have a lot of undulations. It is important to know where to place your approach,” said Ilagan who was among seven Luisita players who played the course.

Luisita is defending the title it won last year in Cebu City.

With only five holdovers from last year’s championship squad, the Tarlac-based squad is facing a tough title defense against the souped-up

Ancajas on Takuma’s rib injury: That won’t be an advantage for me

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By Josef Ramos

OKYO—Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas has his strategy cut out for him in his title fight against hometown bet Takuma Inoue this Saturday.

And he’s not buying any of the reigning Japanese World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion’s pre-fight strategy that he’s dangling to the Filipino’s. camp.

“You just can’t simply focus on hitting him in the body…right on his injured ribs,” Ancajas told reporters in a media workout near his hotel on Tuesday. “I don’t even know where his exact injury is…that’s not something to be distracted about.”

They were supposed to fight last November but Inoue begged for a postponement after he injured a rib in sparring.

The 32-year-old warrior from Panabo City said Inoue’s injury’s not an advantage in their fight set at the heritage-rich Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena.

“Maybe they’re setting me up or maybe it’s a part of their strategy, because they expect me go to the body most of the time and they prepare an unexpected counter,” said the former world champion Ancajas, who climbs the ring with a 34-3-2 win-loss-draw record with 23 knockouts “We don’t know, we’ll see that on top of the ring on fight night,” he said.

Takuma, younger at 28, aims to follow up on his 31-year-old brother Naoya Inoue’s successful defense of the world 122-lb belts with a 10th-round knockout

of Filipino Marlon Tapales last December 26 also in Japan.

Ancajas wanted Inoue’s belt very badly and said he’s ready.

“Japanese fighters have the same instinct and approach in their style, but of course his elder brother’s knockout punching power is something exceptional,” said the former International Boxing Federation super flyweight titleholder.

“But both brothers have similarities and I expect him to make the necessary adjustments while on top of the ring,” he added.

Takuma, who beat Mexican Liberio Solis in April to capture the WBA belt, is 18-1 won-lost with four knockouts, his lone setback coming from the fists of former world champion French Nordine Ogbani.

The Ancajas-Inoue is a co-main event of the card between American World Boxing Council bantamweight champion Alexandro Santiago and Japanese challenger Junto Nakatani.

The other fights pit Japan’s Kosei Tanaka against Mexico’s Christian Rangel for the vacant World Boxing Organization super flyweight championship and an eight-round bantamweight fight between former world title challenger Jonas Sultan of the Philippines and Riku Masuda of Japan.

Unbeaten International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Dave Apolinario (19-0 with 13 knockouts), meanwhile, faces Japan’s Tanes Ongjunta (12-1 with six knockouts) on Thursday night in a non-title bout at the Korakuen Hall also in Tokyo.

Novas and Super Novas THE volleyball season is on! And the unique sound and vibe of this sport that was—would you believe—a popular sport in the Philippines since the early 1900s has taken over the playing arenas effective February.

Both the professional Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) and the collegiate volleyball tournament of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) have taken over the collective consciousness of Pinoy sports fans.

Canlubang and Manila Southwoods and a dangerous crew from Del Monte.

“Will be tough to retain the championship but players are ready and excited for the tournament to start,” said Luisita non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova. “Luisita will be the underdog this year.”

Canlubang looms as the biggest threat to Luisita’s title-retention bid.

With the addition of John Paul Reyes and Jess Hernandez, Canlubang skipper Tony Olives said they have a good chance of regaining the crown.

“We have two scorers coming in to replace our two stoppers,” Olives said.

“We can say we have a deep bench.”

Manila Southwoods added many-time Alabang Country Club champion Jorge Gallent to its lineup, making a serious bid to end the Luisita-Canlubang stranglehold of the championship division.

With Gallent teaming up with

Junjun Plana, the Carmona-based squad and Del Monte are expected to make the event a four-horse race.

The first round in the championship division will be held at the Pueblo Golf and Country Club.

The next two rounds will be played at Del Monte before it returns to Pueblo for the finale.

Hostilities also kick off in the Founders, Aviator, Sportswriters and Friendship divisions.

The event is celebrating its diamond anniversary at Cagayan de Oro which last hosted the tournament in 2011.

The 75th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by diamond sponsors Mastercard and Asian Journal. Platinum sponsors include Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Araw Hospitality while gold sponsors are Tanduay and Asia Brewery.

Joining the event as silver sponsors are ABS-CBN Global, Radio Mindanao Network and Philippine National Bank.

VISA is a minor sponsor while Must Glow is joining as a donor.

PLDT, Choco Mucho ready to show wares

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T’S PLDT and Choco Mucho’s turn to showcase their prowess as they face Galeries Tower and Nxled, respectively, in the second eliminations playdate of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City Thursday.

Despite the absence of their injured top middle Mika Reyes for the entire season, the High Speed Hitters are determined to maintain their formidable presence, especially with the addition of Majoy Baron to the team’s rotation with Dell Palomata, Jessey de Leon and Rachel Austero.

“Majoy’s [Baron] at the right place at the right time, we have an option,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, whose wards placed fifth in the conference last year. “And we have [Jessey] De Leon and [Rachel] Austero, too.”

But after ending up secondto-last in the 12-team field the last time out, there is no way to go for the Highrisers but up with former National Collegiate Athletic Association MVP Shola Alvarez and Roma Joy Doromal leading the team’s charge in their 3 p.m. encounter with the High Speed Hitters.

Last conference’s finalist, Choco Mucho, is also all geared up for its

And the screams are deafening.

All the stars of the game that used to provide the sparks in collegiate volleyball almost a decade ago are now the reigning queens of the PVL. They hold court three times a week and dazzle audiences who love their action-packed game, mixed with finesse, strength, skill and a lot of chutzpah.

Almost 10 years ago, these accomplished pro netters began their quest for both fame and honor in the UAAP— bright-eyed and fresh from high schools all over the country. I remember the 78th season of the UAAP back in 2015-16 well.

Each UAAP team had stars that made every volleyball game exciting to watch, without exception. All teams seemed evenly matched and had something to show. Each school had a super-heroine to carry the colors and give pride to their respective faithful. Fans came by the busload, literally.

That year, the Ateneo De Manila Blue Eagles still had Alyssa Valdez in their roster. And with her, Bea De Leon, Maddy Madayao, Gia Morado and a spunky Joanna Maraguinot made the Blue and White a truly formidable team.

De La Salle, the high-flying Eagles’ favorite frenemy, sported Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, Ara Galang, Dawn Macandili and a brand new recruit Majoy Baron in their roster.

The National University Lady Bulldogs had the long,

clash with Nxled at 5 p.m.

Reigning MVP Sisi Rondina, while cautious about the competition, emphasized the team’s commitment to hard work and coach Dante Alinsunurin’s guidance.

CHERY TIGGO’S Pauline Gaston and Joyme Cagande defend their side against Capital1’s Jannine Navarro on their way to a 25-6, 25-15, 25-15 victory on opening day Tuesday. RUDY ESPERAS

T was another day at the office after all for Ernest John “EJ” Obiena who looked reluctant about how his mind and body would respond to his first indoor competition of the year in Osijek, Croatia.

“It was a great start,” said Obiena’s confidante Jim Lafferty on Wednesday hours after the world No. 2 pole vaulter leapt to the gold medal in the Memoriap Josip Gasparac at the Dvorane Gradski multi-purpose arena.

The 28-year-old Obiena cleared 5.83 meters in the victory with enough to spare as Portugal’s Pedro Buaro managed 5.73m for the silver medal and the US’s Olen Tray Oates did 5.61m for the bronze medal.

“As far as EJ’s physical condition is concerned, I can say that everything is proceeding according to the plan,” Obiena’s physiotherapist Antonio Guglierta also told BusinessMirror Wednesday. “We had no negative episodes and I hope everything can continue in the best possible way.”

Obiena, Guglierta said, didn’t need to do anything special in his first indoor competition for the season where he put to test the hard work in training that started after a brief vacation in October and in training camps in Dubai and Italy.

Mexico’s Jorge Luna and Saudi Arabia’s Hussain Asim Al Hizam placed fourth and fifth with similar 5.51m heights.

With a personal best 6.0 meters, Obiena was favored in Croatia despite the absence of the big name stars of the discipline, including Olympic and world champion and record holder Armand Duplantis.

But it was all about Obiena going after the numbers as he starts a six-month preparation for his Paris Olympics campaign.

He was reluctant

about how his mind and body would respond to his first tournament since winning gold in record fashion at the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games last September.

“I have no idea where I am in terms of my preparation and rhythm,” said Obiena on the eve of the Croatia sortie.

Obiena made 5.83 meters in his first attempt at Dvorane Gradski to send a strong message on his mission to win gold in Paris.

But he knows the season could play out differently—and more difficult—as the Olympics get closer.

“It’s not going to be an easy indoor seasod, I just have to hone more my technique and rhythm,” he said.

He will proceed to Berlin for the ISTAF indoors on February 23 and to Glasgow for the world indoor championships from March 1 to 3.

Obiena was the first Filipino to qualify for the Olympics in July last year, ahead of world champion Carlos Yulo and fellow gymnast Aleah Finnegan Cruz and boxer Eumir Felix Marcial, who clinched bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Josef Ramos

ERNEST JOHN “EJ” OBIENA (left) poses with his coach Vitaly Petrov after the victory.

Next-man-up as Gilas faces HK

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HE Philippines faces Hong Kong team in the first window of an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup 2025 qualifier at the Tsue Wan Stadium on Thursday.

And it would be a next-manup approach for the team of head coach Tim Cone, who will miss battle-scarred 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo and 6-foot-7 AJ Edu who are recovering from injuries.

Expected to step up are 7-foot3 Kai Sotto, 6-foot-7 Carl Tamayo and 6-foot-9 Japeth Aguilar, whose veteran smarts would come in handy for Gilas Pilipinas.

“Always ready, big props to Japeth [Aguilar] for stepping in for that spot,” said Sotto in a news conference ahead of the team’s departure to Hong Kong.

The match between the No. 38-ranked Philippines and the No.

119 Hong Kong side is set at 8 p.m.

“It’s next man up,” Sotto said.

“We’re missing two key players so the rest will have to step up and we have confidence on our big men.”

Also on the team are Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

Although ranked way below Gilas, Hong Kong could be formidable with its players who donned the Bay Area Dragons jersey—Duncan Reid, So Chi Lok, Leung Shiu Wah, Hon Tin Chi, Ricky Yang, Tam Tsz Kin, Yeung Siu Hung, Wong Tsz Him, Oliver Xu, Tsoi Lung Tak, Liu Kwan Ho and Chang Hiu Fung.

Gilas Pilipinas flies back immediately for its home game against Chinese-Taipei on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Josef Ramos

Cua aims to sustain run in Digos City

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HEA CUA is poised to extend her impressive performance in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) circuit as junior tennis action shifts to Digos City for the Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas National Championships starting Thursday in Davao del Sur. The Kidapawan City native is eyeing a third consecutive MVP crown in this week’s Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop at the Digos City Tennis Club after clinching top honors in the two-leg Governor Edwin Jubahib Cup in Davao del Norte over the past two weeks.

Confident in her abilities, Cua is upbeat about her chances

lean and very athletic Jaja Santiago as their lead, amply supported by Myla Pablo, Risa Sato, Aiko Urdas, Jorelle Singh and Justine Nabor.

Adamson University was bannered by now social media star Jema Galanza, who had the support of Bernadette Flora, Joy Dacoron and Pau Soriano.

Bernadette Pons was Far Eastern University’s (FEU) main weapon, alongside Rem Palma, Carly Hernandez, Chin Basas, Buding Duremdes and Kyle Negrito.

Sisi Rondina started making a name for herself during that season, as the University of Santo Tomas Lady Tigresses wowed many. Their line-up included Eya Laure, Ria Meneses and Carmela Tunay.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons landed in the Final Four that year behind the tandem of Isa Molde and Tots Carlos, supported by Kathy Bersola, Nicole Tiamzon, Justine Dorog and Ayel Estrañero.

The University of the East (UE) was fun to watch because Judith Abil—with all her flair, funny antics and surprise moves—was there. Celine Domingo and Shaya Adorador were solid, as was their libero, Kat Arado.

Ateneo had been dominant in the game the previous two seasons and were aiming for a Grand Slam in Season 78. But their bitter rivals, the De La Salle Green Spikers (whom they defeated the previous year in the finals), had

in both the 16- and 18-and-under categories of the tournament, which is part of the country’s longest talent-search sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president and CEO Bobby Castro.

However, she faces stiff competition from formidable opponents like Aika Salahuddin, Camille Clar and Keena Villaraiz in 16-and-U division, and Kyle Sonza, Chelsea Bernaldez and siblings Althea and Aika Salahuddin in the premier category.

In the boys’ division, Stephen Fuertes and Marcus Go are eager to secure another two-title feats.

Fuertes aims to shine on home turf in both the boys’ 16- and 18-and-under classes, where he previously dominated in Leg 1 of the Jubahib Cup.

their comeuppance that year—taking home the women’s volleyball crown in a burst of glory.

La Salle went on to win Season 79 as well, taking the Green and Blue rivalry in women’s volleyball a notch higher.

For three consecutive years Ateneo-La Salle showdowns was the piece de resistance of UAAP women’s volleyball.

Then De La Salle took over the reins of women’s volleyball, winning Seasons 79 and 80 as well. Ateneo fought back and won Season 81, then NU made a strong comeback in Season 84 after the pandemic. But La Salle asserted its might once more in Season 85.

Now it’s Season 86. And although La Salle looks like it has no plans of ceding the volleyball crown to other aspirants, there are teams that have shown they’ve got the skills and the smarts as well—like NU and UST. The UE Lady Warriors—built from the ground up—look like they’re on the warpath and have a strong arsenal this year.

There are new stars being born in each team as well.

Watch out for these names who will one day be part of your pro volleyball weekends for sure: La Salle’s Angel Canino, Ateneo’s Gerzel Tsunashima, FEU’s Tin Ubaldo, UE’s Casiey Dongallo, UP’s Niña Ytang, Adamson’s Lucille Almonte, UST’s Regina Jurado and NU’s Michaela Belen.

There are definitely more. But due to space limitations, I could only choose one per team. Groan.