BusinessMirror July 27, 2021

HIDILYN DIAZ competes in the women’s 55-kg weightlifting event at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Monday, July 26, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. AP/LUCA BRUNO

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FINALLY, OLYMPIC GOLD! www.businessmirror.com.ph

T

n

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 286

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 22 pages | 7 DAYS A WEEK

By Jun Lomibao | Sports Editor

OKYO—Hidilyn Diaz finally won the country’s very first Olympic gold medal and win she did in style—not to mention in historic fashion.

Pitted against a Chinese rival who lifted world record numbers in recent years, Diaz—who at 30 is no longer that innocent-looking Olympic debutante as she was in Beijing 2008—made sure that the country, threatened by Covid-19 and drenched by incessant rains the past few days, would have something to celebrate and savor for a long, long time.

“I was surprised that I did it,” Diaz told the post-competition interview. “I couldn’t believe it. Thank you so much to all of you.”

“God prepared me for this, to be strong,” added Diaz, who improved on the silver she clinched in Rio 2016.

China’s Liao Qiuyun gave Diaz the toughest challenge in an exciting

women’s 55-kg clash, transforming the event into a one-on-one showdown of strength and strategy. At several instances, it was a psy war between the two superwomen.

But at the end of the session, it was Diaz who was rejoicing and crying—and so did the handful of members of the Philippine delegation who witnessed Philippine history in the making.

Diaz posted a 98-kg lift in snatch and went on to set Olympic records in the clean and jerk (127 kg) and total lift (225 kg), sending China’s Liao Qiuyun to the silver and Kazakhstan’s Zulfiya Chinshanlo to the bronze medal.

The Philippines started participating in the Olympics in Paris in 1924.

TOKYO OLYMPICS MEDAL COUNT

DIAZ celebrates on the podium after winning the gold medal. AP/LUCA BRUNO

RANK

TEAM/NOC

GOLD

1

United States of America

7

2

Japan

7

3

People’s Republic of China

6

4

ROC

5

SILVER

BRONZE

TOTAL

3

4

14

2

3

12

4

7

17

4

5

3

12

Great Britain

3

3

1

7

6

Republic of Korea

3

0

4

7

7

Australia

2

1

3

6

8

Kosovo

2

0

0

2

9

Italy

1

4

4

9

10

France

1

2

2

5

11

Canada

1

2

1

4

12

Hungary

1

1

0

2

12

Tunisia

1

1

0

2

14

Croatia

1

0

1

2

14

Slovenia

1

0

1

2

16

Austria

1

0

0

1

16

Ecuador

1

0

0

1

16

Hong Kong, China

1

0

0

1

16

Islamic Republic of Iran

1

0

0

1

16

Norway

1

0

0

1

16

Philippines

1

0

0

1

Source: Olympics.com | Full table at businessmirror.com.ph

As of July 26, 2021 | 9:25 pm

PRESIDENT Duterte delivers his last State of the Nation Address to a totally masked audience, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and economic managers led by Finance chief Carlos Dominguez III. Vice President Leni Robredo is not wearing a mask because she attended via Zoom.

Duterte sends Congress bills’ wish list in 6th, last Sona

By Samuel P. Medenilla

D

ESPITE having less than a year before the end of his term, President Duterte said he will still continue to push for key long-term economic and socioeconomic reforms, and used his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday to send Congress a bill of particulars on his priorities for legislation.

At a hybrid Sona albeit with a

much bigger crowd at the Batasang Pambansa, Duterte asked Congress to pass the trio of amendatory legislation seen as liberalizing the economy and more capable of hurdling the challenges thrown by the Covid-19 pandemic: the Foreign Investment Act, the Public Service Act, and the Retail and Trade Liberation Act.

The three measures are expected to boost the country’s business competitiveness worldwide.

‘LOCKDOWN ON DELTA VARIANT WOULD CRIPPLE ECONOMY’

By Cai U. Ordinario, Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz & Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

L

OCAL economists have expressed concern that another strict lockdown would not only result in deeper economic contraction but could also worsen poverty and hunger.

They issued the statement after President Duterte said in his last State of the Nation Address (Sona)

that should the Delta variant of Covid-19 spread, he would be “more strict” on mobility restrictions.

De La Salle University’s Maria Ella Oplas said this is a cause for concern especially since many Filipinos are “barely surviving” with dwindling savings while millions remain jobless.

See “Lockdown,” A2

Continued on A2

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 50.2380

n JAPAN 0.4547 n UK 69.1275 n HK 6.4660 n CHINA 7.7519 n SINGAPORE 36.9424 n AUSTRALIA 37.0003 n EU 59.1603 n SAUDI ARABIA 13.3947

Source: BSP (July 26, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, July 27, 2021

‘Credit profile bodes well for PHL amid pandemic’

T

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

credit rating with stable outlook.

As of end-May, the national government’s outstanding debt increased by 24.5 percent to P11.07 trillion from P8.89 trillion yearon-year, according to data from the

Bureau of the Treasury.

“Pandemic risks have weighed on the Philippines’ economic recovery compared with its more exportoriented peers in the Asia-Pacific, delaying fiscal consolidation and raising the prospects for long-term economic scarring. In particular, the revival of private investment would depend on a sustained restoration of business confidence,” said Christian de Guzman, a Moody’s Senior Vice President.

The Moody’s unit said the stable outlook for the Philippines means that the recovery from the pandemic will allow “rapid economic growth compared with its peers, complemented by the stabilization and eventual reversal of the deterioration in fiscal and debt metrics.” “ T his scenar io is balanced against the risk that the economy’s potential is damaged more significantly than we currently assume,

or that fiscal and economic reform momentum does not resume, leaving the Philippines economic and fiscal strength weaker, or both,” it continued.

Moody’s said the quick turnaround of the declining fiscal and debt metrics can prompt a rating upgrade. On the contrary, a downgrade is a possibility if the said factors worsen. Based on the report, the credit watcher said the economic contraction last year does not signal a substantial decline in the Philippines’ growth progress.

“Our ‘a3’ assessment of the Philippines’ economic strength balances its large size and fast growth over the past decade against low-income levels compared with investmentgrade peers,” it explained.

It noted that the recession was caused by the government-imposed pandemic lockdown measures, in addition to weaker external demand.

people not getting Covid but they will die because of hunger and worse, [poor] mental health.”

Unionbank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the spread of the Delta variant will cloud recovery prospects especially in the second half. Unionbank expects the economy to grow by an average of 6 percent in July to December.

“This would definitely be lower if

another lockdown happens. Thus, it will impact our average 2021 growth estimate of 4 percent to a further downside.”

With the possibility of another lockdown, Ateneo Center for Research and Development Associate Director Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes told BusinessMirror the government must remember the importance of tradeoffs.

Peña-Reyes noted that as it is, the government is already “trying to muster” its resources just to address the crisis. Eventually, this will have an impact on the country’s debts moving forward.

However, Peña-Reyes said, there is a need to instead spend the government’s borrowings on key factors that will boost recovery efforts such as vaccines.

“A surgical approach to the easing of restrictions across regions and sectors can be done in parallel. The spending should be done such that we stimulate economic growth that outpaces debt growth.”

If this is not done, he said government will consider employing austerity measures and cut government spending or raise taxes. Given the current situation, Peña-Reyes said this may even be harmful to the economy and dampen economic growth further.

“I cannot give an exact answer to [what will be the impact of another

HE country’s credit profile “balances” the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on its economic performance and fiscal position, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report.

The global credit watcher, in a statement on Monday, said the Philippines was able to maintain “strong debt affordability” despite its borrowings piling up in the pandemic.

Moody’s gave the country Baa2

Lockdown…

Continued from A1

“People are barely surviving with

their savings. Businesses are bleeding. Our financial sector is in turmoil and is on the verge of collapsing because of nonperforming loans,” she told the BusinessMirror.

“Another lockdown may result in

Pump prices rolled back after 9 wks

A

FTER nine consecutive weeks of oil price increases, pump prices are going down starting Tuesday.

Oil firms said Monday they will reduce gasoline prices by P0.75 per liter, diesel by P0.60 per liter and kerosene by P0.60 per liter.

The price adjustment takes effect at 6 a.m. on July 27 for Seaoil, PTT, Total, Caltex, Shell and Petron.

Cleanfuel said it will adjust its prices at 8:01 am of Tuesday. Oil firms adjust their pump prices weekly to reflect movements in the world oil market.

As of last week’s oil price hike, the year-to-date price adjustments stand at a total net increase of P13.5 per liter for gasoline, P10.60 per liter for diesel and P9 per liter for kerosene. Lenie Lectura

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Duterte…

Continued from A1

“Looking forward, this is my last State of the Nation Address but this is by no means my swan song. I will never cease to implore Congress to pass vital and critical legislation as well as to push the entire government to ensure nothing less the recovery and revitalization of our country,” Duterte said.

Economists interviewed by BusinessMirror, however, said the President missed out on crucial details of how he meant to help the economy recover. Story on A11, “What he did not say in Sona: Experts seek recovery details.”

Meanwhile, Duterte also called on lawmakers to legislate bills which will institutionalize the pension scheme for the new entrants of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

A lso part of his legislative agenda is the creation of a new department to handle the affairs of Filipinos living abroad, a bill which will modernize fire protection, e-government system to digitize government transactions, and the creation of the proposed Center of Disease Prevention Control and Virology Institute. lockdown on the economy], but it’s not far-fetched to think that it could lead to a contraction yet again,” he said.

Neda: focus on protocols

HOWEVER, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) would rather focus on the prevention of a lockdown by following protocols.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua told the BusinessMirror this will help minimize the impact of the Delta variant on Filipinos and the economy as a whole.

“The risks from virus are still with us and we need to manage the risks.

High risks areas and activities will need to be contained while allowing the rest of the people to earn a living,” Chua said.

He said quarantine restrictions and the fall in consumption translated to a total income loss of around P1.04 trillion in 2020 or an average of P2.8 billion a day.

Quarantine restrictions led to an average annual income loss of P23,000 per worker. However, he said this average masks wide differences across sectors and jobs, and some workers are hit much harder, especially those who lost their jobs.

‘Historic legacies’

LAWMAKERS expressed confidence the reforms endorsed by Duterte would still be approved before his administration ends in June next year.

Majority Leader Martin Romualdez and House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said the House will act immediately on the important measures Duterte listed.

Romualdez said they will prioritize the approval of Philippine Virology Institute Act and Center for Disease Control Act. The House has sent to the Senate the bills amending the Public Service Act, Foreign Investments Act, proposed Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) and Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA).

Salceda said passage of the amendments to the Public Service Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act will also be crucial to creating new jobs and opening new businesses.

Duterte had asked Congress to pass proposals to create the centralized department for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) concerns, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Department for Disaster Resilience (DDR).

These bills on OFW and CDC were approved by the House while the DDR is pending before plenary debates.

Duterte also called for the Modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection. The pro-

The new virology institute will provide the country with the capability sufficient and effective vaccines.

“Regardless of how hard it is, I think Filipinos should be given the proper support [when it comes to disease response],” Duterte said.

Duterte did not mention the Security of Tenure bill, which labor groups are pushing for to regulate the practice of contractual employment.

He had vetoed an earlier measure meant to end the decades-long “end-of-contract” or “ENDO” bill, but legislators and workers were hoping a new one could be enacted before his term ends.

Congress resumed sessions on Monday after its long break prior to Duterte’s longest SONA, which lasted around three hours as Duterte cited the government achievements on infrastructure, the war against illegal drugs, corruption as well as the 53-year communist insurgency.

Duterte also discussed the government’s independent foreign policy, disputing criticism he had been soft on China it comes to the country’s territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea with China.

He also highlighted the government’s response against the novel coronavirus disease pandemic. posal is now awaiting ratification from both Houses.

Salceda lauded Duterte for setting the country’s economic policy direction for his administration’s final year.

“The first reform he sought for was the Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension Reform. He was clear that it is linked with our ability to pay the MUP [Military and Uniformed Personnel] and to upgrade our defense capabilities. It is crucial to ensuring funding of our defense modernization program.”

The Special Ad hoc Committee on MUP, also chaired by Salceda, has approved the substitute bill on the proposed MUP pension law.

Moreover, Salceda said President Duterte highlighted the need for retooling and reskilling, led by the Technical Education and Sk i l l s De ve lopment Aut hor it y (TESDA), in employment recovery, along with vaccinating qualified employees.

“I have strongly recommended a stronger role for TESDA in national development as its own cabinet-level department,” he said.

Salceda also lauded the President for the “historic legacies” of his administration in socioeconomic development.

“His comprehensive tax reform program, the most ambitious tax reform program in the country’s history since the codification of tax laws in 1997, is hailed across the globe as a model for public resource management and public investment. Indeed, average revenue-to-GDP rates under President Duterte, at 15.3 percent of GDP, are at their highest since the 1997 tax reform under Ramos.”

Economic reforms

THE American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) is optimistic that Congress will pass the priority economic bills mentioned by President Duterte during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

AmCham said it welcomed the inclusion in the SONA of the economic reforms expected to hasten the country’s recovery from the pandemic.

These include the amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Public Service Act and Retail Trade Liberalization Act. In addition, Duterte also mentioned the proposed establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience.

The Congressional leaders, as noted by the AmCham, said they also hope to pass the proposal for disaster resilience department creation, ease of paying taxes, Philippine creative industries and the remaining tax reforms.

“We see these as strong signals that the bills mentioned are being prioritized for passage soon. They will support economic recovery in the years ahead,” AmCham Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe said in a statement.

Our heartfelt greetings to the

IGLESIA NI CRISTO (CHURCH OF CHRIST)

on its 107th Anniversary JULY 27, 2021 Greetings from

cabangon family alc group of companies

A4 Tuesday, July 27, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

The Nation BusinessMirror

World Bank exec lauds PHL’s Covid-19 vaccination program

By Manuel T. Cayon

D

@awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

AVAO CITY—A high-ranking World Bank (WB) official has cited as “in a good pace” the anti-Covid-19 vaccination program of the Philippines, placing it way much ahead of many Asian and the Pacific countries to mitigate the ravages of the resurging Covid-19 infection currently triggered by the Delta, or Indian variant.

Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, who held an online meeting with Victoria Kwakwa, the WB Regional Vice President for East Asia and the Pa-

cific, quoted the latter as saying that Philippines’s Covid-19 vaccination program was “picking up” its pace this quarter and that the country

was “now in a good place compared to certain other economies in the region struggling to ramp up their capacities to inoculate their populations against the deadly virus.”

“I think you are in a good place with your vaccination program and I hope it continues,” Kwakwa said.

She expressed hope that the pace of the Philippines’s vaccination rollout would continue “to enable it to achieve its target of immunizing 100 percent of its adult population this year.”

Vice President Kwakwa expressed concern, however, with fate of other countries with the more contagious Covid-19 Delta variant spreading across the globe, saying that other countries in Asia “may experience surges as they have either been late in procuring the vaccines or are slow in vaccinating their citizens.”

Dominguez reported that from a low of less than 3 million vaccine doses received by the Philippines

in the first quarter of this year, the volume has since increased to some 25 million doses in the Aprilto-June period.

He told Vice President Kwakwa that a much bigger delivery of about 70 million vaccine doses is expected this third quarter, and more than 50 million doses in the last quarter of the year. “All these procured vaccines are enough to inoculate more than 100 percent of the country’s population,” he told the WB executive.

Dominguez also said the Philippines “has been fast and efficient in vaccinating its citizens.”

The Department of Finance said that during the meeting, “Vice President Kwakwa also thanked Secretary Dominguez, and other senior officials of the Department of Finance for their strong collaboration with the WB, which has resulted in the Bank’s largest program this year for the Philippines, amounting to about $3.1 billion.”

Coast Guard’s largest multi-role response vessel launched virtually in Japan–DOTr

www.businessmirror.com.ph

BI eases rule on visiting foreign spouse, parents, children to Philippines

By Joel R. San Juan

@jrsanjuan1573

S

TARTING August 1, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will no longer require foreign spouses, children and parents of Filipino citizens to present an entry exemption document (EED) to visit their loved ones here in the country.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the new policy is in compliance with the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) easing the entry travel requirements for foreigners related by marriage or filiation to Filipinos.

The new resolution, however, does not cover travelers from 10 countries where there is an existing ban due to the Covid-19 Delta variant.

“Those coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are still not allowed to enter the country,” said BI Port Operations Division Chief Atty. Carlos Capulong. “This includes those who have a travel history to said countries within the last 14 days from their date of arrival,” Capulong said.

Said travel ban, according to the BI official, remains in effect until July 31, unless extended or

expanded by the IATF. Prior to the implementation of the new policy, the BI had been requiring foreigners to secure valid 9(a) tourist visas as well as an EED issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its various embassies or consulates abroad before going to the country.

Those who fail to secure and present either one of the two documents are excluded and turned back upon arrival at the ports of entry.

However, under the newly issued IATF Resolution 128 (s.2021), foreign spouses, children and parents of Filipinos will only be required to present 9(a) tourist visas beginning on Saturday.

“We welcome this latest ruling of the IATF as it will now be easier and convenient for foreigners whose Filipino spouses and children are currently in the Philippines to visit and reunite with their loved ones,” Morente said.

The BI clarified that the new travel guideline applies only to foreigners who are not accompanied by their Filipino spouses or Filipino parents when going to the Philippines.

“Foreigners who are traveling with their Filipino spouses or parents are eligible for the Balikbayan program and they may be admitted visa-free for a one-year stay,” Morente said.

Senator laments ‘double whammy’ amid contagion

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

AMBASSADOR Koshikawa Kazuhiko virtually attended the launching ceremony of the 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel at the shipyard of the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Japan. Also present at the virtual ceremony were Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral George Villareal Ursabia Jr. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAPAN EMBASSY

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

T

HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Shimonoseki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. launched on Monday the first of two 94-meter multi-role response vessels (MMRVs) that it acquired for the Philippine Coast Guard.

Modeled after the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Kunigami-class vessels, the ships will have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles.

Once delivered, these two vessels will be the “largest” of the Coast Guards’ fleet. They may be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise.

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the two vessels will “significantly boost the capabilities of the PCG in conducting maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.”

“The modernization of Philippine Coast Guard has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in

this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much. And to which I express my appreciation for your continued support,” Tugade said.

The acquisition of the two vessels is part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II (MSCIP Phase 2) Program, an official development assistance (ODA) loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) worth P7.52 billion.

The first vessel will arrive in March 2022, while the second one two months after.

Coast Guard Commandant George V. Ursabia Jr said that the addition of the two MRRVs “is a big stride in strengthening the country’s maritime security and maritime safety capabilities.”

“We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation and Philippine Coast Guard, but also for the Philippines—acquiring the first-ever biggest ship for the Coast Guard. It is a 94-meter multi-role response vessel. It is a big stride in the development of our country in the context of maritime security and maritime safety,” Ursabia said.

375,570 doses of Pfizer vaccine delivered to Manila, Cebu, Davao

A

TOTAL of 375,570 doses of Pfizer vaccine arrived Monday night at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Davao International Airport (DIA) and at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

The vaccines are from the Covax Facility that seeks to enable poor countries to have access to the Covid-19 jabs since some highly developed economies have cornered the supply for their own citizens.

Out of the 375,570 doses, 51,480 doses were delivered to Cebu City, while 51,480 doses were delivered to Davao.

The remaining 272,610 doses were delivered at the Naia at 9 p.m. Mon-

day on board a Air Hong Kong DHL flight, and were immediately transported to a cold-storage facility in Marikina City.

The Customs One Stop Shop of the Naia inspected, processed and released the 272,610 doses of Pfizer to the Department of Health (DOH).

The first shipment of the American-made Pfizer vaccines composed of 562,770 doses procured by the government arrived last Wednesday night, July 21, 2021, at Naia Terminal 3.

The government reportedly secured the supply agreement with the US drugmaker last month for a total of 40 million Pfizer doses. Recto Mercene

S

EN. Panfilo Lacson lamented Monday a “double whammy” inflicted on Filipinos struggling to survive the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lacson cited a P63-billion underspending by the administration of funds provided by Congress to assist affected Filipinos reeling from the contagion.

“No thanks to a P63 billion-plus underspending by the government under Bayanihan 2,” Lacson rued, listing “some P46.397 billion undisbursed and P17.273 billion unobligated—Filipinos whose lives and livelihoods were affected by the pandemic have been hit with a double whammy as much-needed aid did not reach them.”

Lacson recalled arriving at the details when he “researched the matter, after being wrongfully accused” by President Duterte over the weekend for noticing government’s underspending.

The senator stressed in a radio interview the need to “keep in mind that underspending is determined not by fund releases but by obligations and disbursements,” adding that “based on my research, is there underspending? Yes!” Lacson likewise reminded “obligation is a commitment by a government agency arising from an act of a duly authorized official which binds the government to the immediate or eventual payment of a sum of money.”

He added that the agency concerned is authorized to incur obligations only in the performance of activities, which are in pursuit of its functions and programs authorized in appropriations acts/laws within the limit of the allotment released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Moreover, Lacson clarified that disbursement refers to “the settlement/liquidation/payment of an obligation incurred in the current or prior years, involving cash or noncash transactions and covered by disbursement authorities.”

“Thus,” he added, “funds are deemed obligated when the contracts

for the projects have been signed,” noting that “funds are deemed disbursed when the funds are actually paid to the suppliers.”

The senator, likewise, clarified that the release of the budget by the DBM to the agencies concerned is “not a determinant of underspending, because the funds remain with the agencies and not yet to the intended beneficiaries.”

Instead, he added, underspending should be based on obligations and disbursements.

Lacson also pointed out that “releasing the funds is a step toward spending but it is not spending itself,” adding that “just because the DBM released the funds does not mean the funds are spent.”

“If the implementing agencies that got the funds from the DBM are incompetent, the funds won’t reach the beneficiaries,” he warned.

The senator rued “the bad thing is that Bayanihan 2 already expired last June 30,” saying that “those who were denied the funds will no longer get aid unless a new law can be passed.”

He also cited latest data from the DBM, noting that of the P205.117-billion allotment under Bayanihan 2, agencies incurred an obligation of P187.844 billion, or an obligation rate of 91.58 percent. “But only P141.447 billion was disbursed, for a disbursement rate of 75.30 percent and 24.7 percent has not been disbursed.”

“This can be considered huge underspending with P46.397 billion undisbursed and P17.273 billion unobligated.”

Underspending of the Bayanihan 2 funds had denied much-needed assistance to many Filipinos whose lives and livelihood were affected by the pandemic. Bayanihan 2 ended last June 30.

He noted that these include those undergoing “online learning program” of the Department of Education, as well as public-utility vehicle drivers. “If the money was not fully disbursed, the affected Filipinos suffer because they are denied the aid meant for them,” Lacson said.

“It is a disservice to many, to say the least.”

Economy BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, July 27, 2021 A5

How do entrepreneurs achieve their goals? Chinoy bizmen back

By Henry J. Schumacher

I

BASICALLY achieved in my life what I wanted to achieve. But there is one thing that I did not achieve: I did not become an entrepreneur, fully risking my own money.

I believe that in the many decades I was employed in managerial positions, I behaved like an entrepreneur but, the businesses I was running where not owned by me.

But—to this day—I am closely watching what is happening on the entrepreneur side and am envious when I see successful entrepreneurs becoming “unicorns,” making money fast, finding investors and becoming internationally recognized. Of course, some fail and we have to understand what went wrong so that the same mistake is not made again.

I’m about to show you the top 7 strategies high-level entrepreneurs use to achieve their goals. The funny (and sad!) thing is that these are simple strategies that any entrepreneur can use—me included…

Let’s get started: 1. You don’t need to quit your day job (yet) A lot of new entrepreneurs think that if they want to be successful, they have to change their whole life overnight and quit their job, fully committing to the “entrepreneur life.”

But that’s simply not true. Rome wasn’tbuiltin a day, and wise entrepreneurs make sure they’re actually making money before they cut off their income stream from their day job.

But before work, after work, and weekends, they have to spend their free time working on their business.

One entrepreneur told me that it took him about six months to finally start making real money, making more money from his business than from his day job! The people who quit their day job with no plan and no money aren’t “brave” or “committed”—they’re just foolish!

2. You don’t need to know everything.

Most amateur entrepreneurs feel they have a lack of sufficient knowledge to succeed—as a result they never get started and waste months (or years!) fiddling around on e-mail and social media.

But they eventually understand that they have to spend far more time learning dozens of new skills that eventually lead them to building a six-figure business.

You don’t need to know everything—just focus on education instead of entertainment, and you’ll be able to move forward very quickly.

3. The obstacle is the way.

Entrepreneurs who were successful chose to see their obstacles as fuel, not as a problem.

All too often, entrepreneurs complain and gripe in the face of obstacles. “Why me!” they curse as they throw their hands in the air.

Instead, learn to be grateful for these opportunities to improve and be a more patient, clever, and resourceful individual. Realize that the obstacle is the way. Difficulties and problems are merely opportunities for us to grow.

The obstacle is the direction you need to go. By going through difficult, problematic circumstances, you force yourself to switch from being problem-oriented to solutionsoriented. You’ll need this mindset if you want to have any hope of being a really successful entrepreneur.

Use these as fuel to become better. Most entrepreneurs never even try to tackle these problems, and remain in mediocrity.

4. You don’t need “more time”— just say no more.

If you want to be an entrepreneur, you don’t need more “time.” You just need to spend the time you have better. That means cutting out and saying no to anything that wouldn’t help you reach your goal.

A lot of failed entrepreneurs were smart, talented people with great ideas and huge potential. They didn’t fail because they were stupid or bad at what they did—they just got too busy and didn’t have any more time for the important stuff.

5. Know what to focus on.

A lot of entrepreneurs I’ve talked to

tell me they don’t know how to actually achievetheirgoals.Basically, theydon’t know the main things to focus on.

Even high-level entrepreneurs can lose focus. Take some time to identify your most important activities, then spend 90 percent of your time doing those things. It’s so simple, yet it’s still a lesson many entrepreneurs have yet to learn!

6. Everyone starts out being afraid.

But the most common thing I hear from entrepreneurs—new and old, amateur and high-level, completely failed and wildly successful: They all started out afraid.

Joseph Campbell, creator of the term “the hero’s journey,” once put it this way: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”

Being afraid to start out and take the next step doesn’t disqualify you from being a successful entrepreneur—it makes you one!

I hope you liked this and it encourages you to make that important step forward. The pandemic has created plenty of entrepreneurial opportunities. But this time is not over. Every day, new ideas are born as we move into digitalization, data management and data analysis, study AI and Machine Learning, and understand what changes information technologies are creating. I am still afraid but understand that I have to take the next step to become a successful entrepreneur. What about you?

I would love feedback; contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

‘bold moves’ to control Delta variant spread

By Recto Mercene @rectomercene

T

HE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has expressed its support to the proposal of a presidential adviser to consider imposing restrictions to individuals who are yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III also recommended “incentives” to persons and businesses who have already been vaccinated.

These proposals aim to counter the spread of the contagious Delta variant of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines, and Concepcion said the government should consider applying “bold moves,” such as restricting the unvaccinated population from entering and eating at certain establishments or moving around the country.

The other proposals, which FFCCCII also supported, include granting incentives to businesses that target the full vaccination of their employees.

“Fully vaccinated individuals can also be given incentives such as more mobility, ease of travel, and exempting them from mandatory tests.”

FFCCCII has also undertaken the

Philippines’s first private sector import and roll-out of vaccines, with half a million Sinovac vaccine doses.

The group’s vaccination project from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao is now on going for economic frontliners comprising entrepreneurs, employees and workers nationwide.

Target completion of this vaccination is end of August.

Federation President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong said: “At zero cost to government, this civic project to vaccinate economic frontliners is undertaken to help lessen the burden of government, which is our contribution to the national goal of inoculating 70 million Filipinos, or 100 percent of the country’s adult population by the end of the year.

“Let us support the mass vaccination program for faster public health, consumer confidence and economic recovery of the Philippines this year,” Lim added.

FFCCCII is the nationwide business and civic federation of over 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce, diverse trade and industry associations from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi.

The FFCCCII members are Filipino Chinese entrepreneurs, majority of whom are Philippine-born and Filipino citizens, including civic-minded new immigrant entrepreneurs.

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

A6

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

No.

24 INCH GAUGE CONSTRUCTION INC. L4 Blk. 4 Near Kay Buboy Bridge San Dionisio Parañaque City

CAO, YAOSANG Marketing Specialist 1.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIAN, RUITIAN Marketing Specialist 2.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIANG, CAIHONG Marketing Specialist 3.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills

10.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management of workflow throughout all department within business TAT MY LOAN Mandarin Customer Service Representative

11.

Brief Job Description: Processes managing various customer issues depending on account assign WIDYA DHARMAWATI Mandarin Online Payment Specialist

12.

Brief Job Description: Representative is to address customer issues resolve them in a timely and efficient CHAYWAT, NICHAPAT Mandarin Operations Specialist

13.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for the management of workflow throughout all department within business

WEI, JING Marketing Specialist 4.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches

SURESH, SUNIL Managing Officer (indian) 14.

Brief Job Description: Developing and executing business strategies to achieve and long-term goals, reporting to the board, providing market insights and strategic advice.

Developing and implementing business plans to improve cost-efficiency

LIU, ZHONGRUI Project Coordinator 5.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager.

DOR, AVISHAG KARIN (KARIN) Hebrew Technical Sales Representative 15.

WANG, LEI Project Coordinator 6.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager.

Brief Job Description: Close and grow sales through professional communication with existing and potential clients.

Manager and interpret customer requirements speaking with clients to understand, anticipate and meet their needs, communicate sales or service opportunities and customer concerns or suggestions

DAI, QINGMING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 16.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

FENG, BING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 17.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

HUANG, LINBIN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 18.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

XUAN, WEIYU Project Coordinator 7.

Brief Job Description: Plan, organize, and direct the activities of a construction project, under the direction of a general manager.

KUANG, XIAOLU Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 19.

LI, FAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 20.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City

YAN, SHIBIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 8.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

ZHAI, JIAN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 9.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing Activity and result

ACSTREAM MANAGEMENT INC. 2204b/2206, 22/f Pbcom Tower Ayala Avenue Bel-air Makati City

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

LI, MEI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 21.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

LIN, JINMING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 22.

Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and projects, recommend to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

LIN, ZHILONG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 23.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LIU, TAO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

24.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

Basic Qualification: Education and Experiences Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

LIU, ZHIMING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 25.

Basic Qualification: Education and Experiences

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Education and Experiences

MAN, KUAN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 26.

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

Basic Qualification: Minimum of 10 years, excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, excellent organizational and leadership skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: bachelor’s degree in business admin related sales and marketing and it related courses / data-entry competency ( 40 wpm/ 10,000 kph or better) five to eight years of industry sales experience familiarity with office software and phone systems fluent Hebrew language pref English speaker

Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

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

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

WU, XIAOZHI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 34.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

XIA, ZHENGGUO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 35.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

XU, YUQING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 36.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

YE, CHUANDONG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 37.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

WU, YUFENG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

WEN, XUE Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

WEN, XIAOXUN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

WANG, WEN Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

WANG, HONGWEI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

SU, CHANGFU Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

SONG, XIAO Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills

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

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills

No.

Basic Qualification: Education and Experiences

BEST RELIABLE RESOURCES CORP. Ub 111 Paseo De Roxas Bldg. Paseo De Roxas San Lorenzo Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study; Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

AVLON INC. B4 Barrington Place Project 8 Bahay Toro 1 Quezon City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment; Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, communications or a related field; Good communication and interpersonal skills

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION DEODATUS GOH KWONG YEE Mandarin Customer Service Representative

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

ZHANG, XINLONG Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 38.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION ZHAO, YING Mandarin Customer Relations Officer

39.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

ZHENG, YALI Mandarin Customer Relations Officer 40.

Brief Job Description: Handles the concerns of the people who buy their company’s products or services.

HOU, CHUAN Mandarin Customer Service 41.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

DUONG THI VAN Vietnamese Customer Service 42.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

NINH TRUNG THANH Vietnamese Customer Service 43.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

TRAN THI DUNG Vietnamese Customer Service 44.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

TRIEU THI DIEM CHI Vietnamese Customer Service 45.

Brief Job Description: Offer full range of customer service to employer and clients.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience

No.

WANG, CHENYUE Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 54.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Has excellent problemsolving and communication skills in MANDARIN, with related BPO experience Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

55.

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in VIETNAMESE language.

56.

57.

58.

46.

Brief Job Description: Developing strategies and tactics to boost the company’s reputation and drive qualified traffic.

Deploying successful marketing campaigns from ideation to execution. Experimenting with various organic and paid acquisition channels.

59.

NGUYEN THI MAI LY Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sales, or Business related or equivalent experience.

Ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver timely projects within budge guidelines. Experience executing consumer, channel and/or customer specific campaigns and promotions, engaging directly with customers with a positive impact and developing strategic marketing plans that generated customer growth.

60.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

LI, XING Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 48.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

WANG, YE Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 49.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

WU, YANQING Chinese Speaking Admin Associate 50.

Brief Job Description: Prepare and maintain company documents and reports and coordinate for daily administrative reports

DEVID Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 51.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data.

FANG, YI Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 52.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data.

LI, YUANYUAN Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate 53.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

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

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information and confidential

LI, GUILIANG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 67.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential.

LIU, JIE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 68.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers; Give customers information about products and services.

JIA, YUNLONG Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about products and services

ZHUANG, MINER Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about products and services

XIA, MANRONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services.

WANG, CHUNRONG Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

Brief Job Description: Assist/help customers, give customer information about products and services

PHAM DINH HONG ANH Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services.

NING, JIANJUN Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

BOUVARDIA INC. Unit-25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg. Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

47.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers information about products and services

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

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

JIANG, HUANHUAN Chinese Speaking Admin Associate

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers, Give customers information about products and services.

KAYLEE TANG TUNG YOU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

BIGPAT DOS DEVELOPMENT HOLDINGS, INC. 405 Virginia Barangay 128 Pasay City

CALVO TARRERO, MARIA ISABEL Marketing Manager

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers information about products and services

JIANG, LUPING Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in VIETNAMESE language.

Brief Job Description: Assist/Help customers information about products and services

FOO KOK WEI Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in VIETNAMESE language.

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data.

CHONG JIA HAU Chinese Speaking Customer Service Representative

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in VIETNAMESE language.

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

Brief Job Description: Developing, Implementing sales strategies, client service, plan and analyzing sales data.

XU, ZHENGJIA Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate

Basic Qualification: At least college level and able to speak, read write and type fluently in MANDARIN language.

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information and confidential

LUAN, JIANGYAN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 69.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

A7

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

No.

SU SAY KIN Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 70.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

71.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information and confidential

ZHAI, YAO Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 72.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential.

XIAO, JIE Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining confidential.

ZHANG, YU Chinese Speaking Data Entry Clerk 73.

Brief Job Description: Enters customer and account data and keeping and maintaining information confidential.

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communications skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or product; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills, Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CGK CORPORATION #8888 Cruz Compound San Isidro Parañaque City KIM, ILJAE Vice President And Managing Director 74.

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

Brief Job Description: To manage other operations and resources, will help to determine what job will create

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable to manage the company, experience importing to Korea Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

CLOVERSENSE TECHNOLOGY INC. 29/f Robinsons Summit Center 6783 Ayala Center Bel-air Makati City

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

75.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

JOHNY Sports Trader-Bahasa Speaking I

BENGONO AVOMO, JOSE MENAN Associate - MFA 76.

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

Brief Job Description: Ensure process sop’s are followed and met as documented and maintaining accurate data of completed customer call

Basic Qualification: native Spanish speaker in written and verbal communication Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

DOTW SHARED SERVICES INC. Unit 403, 404, 4f Shaw Center Mall, Shaw Blvd. Addition Hills Mandaluyong City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

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

COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PHILIPPINES, INC. 2nd, 3rd, And 4th Floors, Science Hub Tower 4 Bldg. Mckinley Hill Cyberpark Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

Brief Job Description: Coordinate, respond and address inquiries of Bahasa speaking customer

Basic Qualification: Good in static and probability. Excellent in writing, reading and speaking Bahasa and English

SHU, KEHUA Customer Service Associate 77.

Brief Job Description: Handle hotel and supplier queries and other demands received by Customer Service team

Basic Qualification: Good communication skills-Mandarin and English (verbal/written) Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC. Lot 5 Sta. Agueda Cor. Queensway Pagcor Drive Sto. Niño Parañaque City HU, LI Mandarin Customer Service

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable to managing calls

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

78.

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

79.

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

FLARENEO PRIME TECHNOLOGY INC. 1815 High St., South Corporate Plaza Tower 1 9th Ave. Cor. 26th St., Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Brief Job Description: To provide Chinese Customer Service SONG, JIANG Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: To provide Chinese Customer Service

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

WANG, JUNTAO Mandarin Customer Specialist 80.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products; Excellent Mandarin communication skills.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Must be fluent in Mandarin Traditional Chinese language in speaking, reading, and writing areas; Excellent at multi-tasking & task prioritization; Skilled use of the Microsoft Office, e.g. Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; Ability to apply judgment in high pressure situations with minimal external guidance; Strong ability to comprehend written communications.

FLASH EXPRESS SOFTWARE (PH) CO., LTD. INC. 9th Flr. Arthaland Century Pacific Tower 5th Avenue 30th Street Cor. 4th Avenue Fort Bonifacio Taguig City JIANG, BO Facilities Manager 81.

Brief Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the overall operational processes of a facility and ensuring that the team members adhere to the highest quality standards and efficiency HU, QIJUAN Network District Manager

82.

Brief Job Description: Acts as Key Liaison between a headquarters and Assigned Area branches and responsible for managing operational Practices ensuring budget and sales goals are achieved LIU, RONGBEI Systems And Process Support Supervisor

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products/ Excellent Mandarin communication skills,

Basic Qualification: Knowledgeable in managing calls

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer question about services or products excellent mandarin communication sills

Brief Job Description: Conveying extraordinary client experience through all accessible correspondence channels (telephone, email and live talk); Following up on new leads to promote the company and produce new customers

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

83.

Brief Job Description: Perform Troubleshoot and Resolve Communication Network Systems, Provide Technical support to Company and Assist in Proper Usage or Computer Networks and Supervisor Software Installation Tools.

Basic Qualification: 5-10 Years work experience in supervisory position, Jo-Relevant degree , Multi Lingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: 5-10 Years work experience in supervisory position, Jo-Relevant degree , Multi Lingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: 5-10 Years work experience in supervisory position, Jo-Relevant degree , Multi Lingual Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

FOOD PANDA PHILIPPINES, INC. Penthouse 1 6780 Ayala Ave. Bldg. 6780 Ayala Ave., San Lorenzo Makati City

A8

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION AMIN, SIDDHAY SUDARSHAN Head Of Dine-out

84.

Brief Job Description: Organize all store operations and allocate responsibilities to personnel

JAIN, PRATEEK Logistics Performance Manager 85.

Brief Job Description: Strategically plan and manage logistics, warehouse, transportation and customer services

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree, 5 years’ experience in same or related position, multilingual

No.

99.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: Job-relevant degree, 5 years’ experience in same or related position, multilingual Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

GATEWAYSOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 2306 Antel Global Corporate Center Julia Vargas Ave. Ortigas Center, San Antonio Pasig City

WANG, PENGPENG Customer Service Representative 86.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

XIE, MEITING Customer Service Representative 87.

Brief Job Description: A customer service representative supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints. They’re the front line of support for clients and customers and they help ensure that customers are satisfied with products, services, and features.

Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Must be a College graduate; Can Prepare product or service reports by collecting and analyzing customer information; Can contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed; Can Manage large amounts of incoming calls Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

GENX SPORTS & MEDIA PRODUCTION CORP. 11/f Aseana I Bldg. Bradco Ave. Aseana City Tambo Parañaque City 26th And 27th Flr. Eastwood Cyber One Bldg. Eastwood City Cyberpark No. 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City PANNU, GAGANDEEP SINGH Customer Service Representative - Indian Speaking 88.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

LI, SANWEN Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 89.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

LIU, HAIYING Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 90.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

YANG, HUIXIA Customer Service Representative - Mandarin Speaking 91.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs.

CHAU VY BINH Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

92.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs DAO THI LY Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

93.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs DO THI HANG Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

94.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs DUONG THI LOAN Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

95.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs HUYNH VINH HUNG Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

96.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs NHAM BAO PHAT Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

97.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs PHAN THI HANG Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

98.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industrial and good communication skills

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

DANG DINH BA Customer Service Representative-Vietnamese Speaking 100.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

LAM TIU NGOC Customer Service Representative-Vietnamese Speaking 101.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

LAM TIU PHUNG Customer Service Representative-Vietnamese Speaking 102.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

NGUYEN THI KIM Customer Service Representative-Vietnamese Speaking 103.

Brief Job Description: Recommends potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

CAO, JICAI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 104.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

CHEN, GUIWU Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 105.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

DU, SHILIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 106.

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

107.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

LIU, SHUAI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 108.

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

MAO, WEIHUA Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 109.

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

MAO, XINGMIN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 110.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

LIN, FENGBIAO Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

XUE, CONG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 111.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

YANG, GENQIANG Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 112.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

116.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

LI, YINGYING Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 117.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

QIU, JIANGJIANG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 118.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

ZHAO, CHAOHUI Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking 113.

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

TING CHENG LIANG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 119.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

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

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

LI, QIN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

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

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industrial and good communication skills

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

115.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

Brief Job Description: Build sustainable relationship of trust through open and interactive communication in Mandarin Speaking

KHINE HTUN Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking

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

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

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

114.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industry and good communication skills

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

ZHUO, MEIZHEN Customer Service Representative Mandarin Speaking

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

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

Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industrial and good communication skills

No.

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

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Proven working experience in digital marketing particularly within the industrial and good communication skills

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUACH THI NGOC TU Customer Service Representative -Vietnamese Speaking

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ZENG, WEIPING Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 120.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

ZHUANG, YUGUANG Marketing Staff Mandarin Speaking 121.

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

CHONG CHEON LOONG Customer Support Officer 122.

Brief Job Description: Perform variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company FONG CHEE HONG Customer Support Officer

123.

Brief Job Description: Perform variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company

HUYNH THANH CHUNG Customer Support Officer 124.

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

Brief Job Description: Performs a variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

NGUYEN HUU THO Customer Support Officer 125.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

126.

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

Brief Job Description: Perform variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company THANAWATJIRAKUL, SIRIPRIYA Customer Support Officer

127.

Brief Job Description: Perform variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company

TRAN HOANG THINH Customer Support Officer 128.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Analyze the productivity of the marketing plans and project, recommends optimization to senior management Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Performs a variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company

Basic Qualification: college graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 year experience Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: college graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 year experience Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 yr. experience. Fluent in English, Mandarin Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 yr. experience. Fluent in English, Mandarin Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: college graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 year experience Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: college graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 year experience Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate, preferably with 6 months to 1 yr. experience. Fluent in English, Mandarin Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

GRUNDFOS IS SUPPORT & OPERATIONS CENTRE PHILIPPINES INC. 25th & 26th Floors Robinsons Cyberscape Beta Ruby & Topaz Roads Ortigas Ctr. San Antonio Pasig City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Brief Job Description: Performs a variety of manual tasks related to the operation of company

PAN SIEW LING Customer Support Officer

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

GORGEOUS LEGEND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC. 20/f Robinsons Jg Summit Center 6783 Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Knows how to recommend potential products or services to management by collecting customer information and analyzing customer needs

Brief Job Description: Monitor, review and report on all marketing activity and result

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

HA, JEYOUNG Accounts Payable, Bilingual Accountant 129.

Brief Job Description: Process PO and Non-PO invoices in SAP. Execute and support closing activities (monthly, quarterly, year-end)

Basic Qualification: 1-2 years’ experience in a similar role. Korean Intermediate level, both oral and written.

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

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION Ground, 2nd, 3rd And 4th Floor Eight West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS No.

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION LI, XUANWEI Mandarin Customer Support Representative

130.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LIN, LIRONG Mandarin Customer Support Representative 131.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

LOU, YANBO Mandarin Customer Support Representative 132.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YU, HUANHUAN Mandarin Customer Support Representative 133.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

YU, JIANXIN Mandarin Customer Support Specialist 134.

Brief Job Description: Experts at their product, and their primary duty is to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.

AUNG AUNG Myanmari Customer Support Representative 135.

Brief Job Description: Supports customers by providing helpful information, answering questions, and responding to complaints.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in BURMESE and at least college level with related BPO experience.

No.

149.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in BURMESE and at least college level with related BPO experience.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

151.

Brief Job Description: Specialized in monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

KIM, JIN A Korean Customer Success Specialist 152.

Brief Job Description: Developing and executing proactive, creative, and ongoing contact initiatives in partnership with the marketing and relevant account team(s)

136.

Brief Job Description: To troubleshoot, maintain and monitor the computer system

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

153.

154.

137.

138.

139.

140.

141.

142.

143.

LI, GUANGPING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LI, CHAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries WANG, SAI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries ZHAO, HAITAO Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries GUO, YANCHEN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LIU, JUN Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries LYU, CHANGLONG Chinese Customer Specialist Brief Job Description: Managing incoming calls and customer service inquiries

155.

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

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

144.

145.

Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

LI, JIAQI Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

YIN CHI Myanmari Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

HOANG THI ANH Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

146.

Brief Job Description: Analyze and report on the performance and efficiency of the campaigns LUO, BIN Mandarin Technical Support

147.

Brief Job Description: Monitor and maintaining computer systems and networks CAO, ANLONG Mandarin Technical Support Specialist

148.

Brief Job Description: Specialized in monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks

NGUYEN THI MY THONG Vietnamese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Customer support and data base services

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

NISHI, YOSUKE President And Chief Executive Officer 156.

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree required, strong MS office, strong proficiency in English and Korean. Positive, proactive attitude and ability to work well in teams.

168.

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

157.

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

158.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: able to speak, read and write Chinese language

159.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: able to speak, read and write Chinese language

160.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: able to speak, read and write Chinese language

161.

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

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

Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin

162.

163.

164.

165.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Can read and speak Korean language

CHUNG, MIN YOUNG Marketing Specialist Brief Job Description: Developing and implementing marketing plans

JIANG, QIANPING Chinese Speaking IT Project Associates 169.

Brief Job Description: Strategize for contingency planning and risk mitigation and schedule project deliverables, support development of division protocol and policies

170.

JIA, YABIN Chinese IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

171.

Brief Job Description: Have full obligations and responsibility to the whole operational management of the corporation itself.

166.

CAI, YUE-HAO Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service HAN, XIANGYANG Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service WEI, QIUPING Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service XU, SHAOFEI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service YANG, SHENGYU Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service YAO, JIAQI Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service YU, ZHAOYUE Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service ZHANG, KE Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service ZHANG, ZUO Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service ZHAO, YULU Mandarin Customer Service Specialist Brief Job Description: Customer service

172.

173.

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

Basic Qualification: Strong understanding of business functions such as sales, marketing, operations, and finance

167.

Brief Job Description: Working with spreadsheets, sales, purchase ledgers and journals.

174.

Salary Range: Php 500,000 and above 175.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin both oral and written

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

WANG, YUXUE Chinese IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

176.

ZHU, JUNWEI Chinese IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

CUN A SAM IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

LE BA LOC IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operation of electronic device

TRAN VAN HOANG IT Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and Written

177.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and Written

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin both oral and written

178.

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

179.

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

Basic Qualification: 300 / Vacancy College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 / Vacancy College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 / Vacancy College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 / Vacancy College graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices, fluent in mandarin & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 / vacancy college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices , fluent in mandarin & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 / vacancy college graduate with experience in maintaining gaming devices , fluent in mandarin & English speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 Vacancy/College Graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices fluent in mandarin and English Speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: 300 Vacancy/College Graduate with experience in maintain gaming devices fluent in mandarin and English Speaking Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Website and software application designing, building and maintaining

Brief Job Description: Website and software application designing, building and maintaining

Basic Qualification: Expertise and hands-on experience with a wide range of web application and programming languages Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Expertise and hands-on experience with a wide range of web application and programming languages Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

YULON FINANCE PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 17/f The Curve 32nd St. Corner 3rd Avenue Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

180.

Basic Qualification: Fluent in Mandarin both oral and Written Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin both oral and written

Brief Job Description: Maintain the operations of electronic gaming devices

LEE KWONG WEI Web Developer - Multilingual Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin both oral and written

TRUONG THI THANH TRUNG IT Specialist

HONG, JINCHENG Web Developer - Chinese Speaking

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin both oral and written

Basic Qualification: Proficiency in handling customer questions about services or products / excellent mandarin communication skills

WHITERAIN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC. 20/f Zuellig Bldg. Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo De Roxas Urdaneta Makati City

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

181.

CHAN, CHIH-LING Administration Division Head Brief Job Description: Oversee the entire admin operations

HSU, CHEN-YI a.k.a. ELAINE HSU Business Planning Department Head Brief Job Description: Oversee the credit and collections operations

Basic Qualification: College graduate with more than 10 years of relevant experience, fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999 Basic Qualification: College graduate with more than 10 years of relevant experience, fluent in Mandarin and English Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

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

*Date Generated: Jul 26, 2021

Basic Qualification: Fluent in mandarin both oral and written

In the ad material of Notice of Filing of Application for Alien Employment Permits published on July 23, 2021, the name of LIN, XUEBIIN under FIRST GREAT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES INC., should have been read as LIN, XUEBIN and not as published.

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-NCR Regional Office located at DOLE-NCR Building, 967 Maligaya St., Malate Manila, within 30 days after this publication.

T ONE CHINA CONSTRUCTION THIRD BUREAU CORPORATION 99 Dasmarinas St. 026 Bgy.282 San Nicolas Manila ZENG, TAO Chinese Accounting Assistant

LI, BIN Chinese IT Specialist

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

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

VERTEX DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Dd Dragon Plaza Dd Meridian P Edsa Ext. Cor. Macapagal Ave. Brgy. 076 Pasay City

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

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

UNIVERSALPEARL INC. Unit 25d 2/f Zeta Ii Bldg. 191 Salcedo St. San Lorenzo Makati City

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

SPEED QUALITY TECH INC. 20/f Techzone Bldg. 213 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. San Antonio Makati City

ONE BORDERLINE CREATIVES INC. Unit 11-ij3, 11/f Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City LIU, BO Mandarin Marketing Officer

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

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

THAMES STAR BUSINESS CONSULTANCY INC. U-a1-1 Ug/f Somerset Olympia Bldg. 7912 Makati Ave. Urdaneta Makati City

SOJITZ G AUTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Unit Gc15 Edsa Grand Residences, 75 Corregidor St., Edsa, Ramon Magsaysay 1, Quezon City

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

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Basic Qualification: Excellent in reading, writing and speaking in Mandarin

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MINDSCAPE CREATIVES INC. Unit 19-o, Burgundy Corporate Tower 252 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. Pio Del Pilar Makati City XING, LINFENG Mandarin Technical Support

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Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in BURMESE and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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

Brief Job Description: Specialized in monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks YANG, LEI Mandarin Technical Support Specialist

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 Basic Qualification: Able to speak and write in MANDARIN/FUKIEN and at least college level with related BPO experience.

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NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL , POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION HONG KOH WEI Mandarin Technical Support Specialist

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ADB Board may OK funding support for SCRP by Q4 after record-high bids

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

T

HE Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board may approve its funding support for the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP) by the fourth quarter of the year.

The Manila-based multilateral development bank said the submission and opening of bids included contracts for elevated stations and a 22-hectare train depot recently attracted a record high of 34 bids from a total of 23 local and international

engineering and construction firms.

ADB said it has provided advisory services on the bidding process under its Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility (IPIF). The facility finances project feasibility studies, procurement of consultants, detailed engineering, and preparing bid documents, among others.

“We congratulate the Department of Transportation and the Philippine National Railways [PNR] on the successful bidding turnout, which reflects robust local and global interest and confidence in the

Philippines’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure development program and for a strong post-pandemic economic recovery,” said ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird.

Based on ADB documents, the proposed funding for the SCRP will amount to $4.3 billion. The funding will be obtained from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and cofinanced by Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The Philippine government recently held successful biddings for civil works contracts for a combined

40.5 kilometers (km) of viaduct structures for the railway project.

SCRP, also called PNR-Calamba, is a key component of the 147-km North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system that will reshape the country’s mass transportation network.

It will cut travel time from the Clark International Airport in Pampanga north of Metro Manila to Calamba City in the south to 1.5 hours from more than 4 hours. The entire railway system is expected to carry up to a million passengers daily.

The project is included in ADB’s country operations business plan for the Philippines. It links to another ADB-funded railway, the MalolosClark Railway Project approved by ADB in May 2019, a modern, elevated railway line that will connect northern provinces to Metro Manila.

It will feature the country’s first airport express train, with the railway connecting to Clark International Airport. Five civil works contracts worth $2.5 billion under the project were awarded in 2020 and are now under implementation.

Roque: My Covid Delta variant no longer scares Davao City that much 2022 political plan hinges on doc’s advice

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

P

RESIDENTIAL spokesman Harry Roque on Monday said he would only consider running for an electoral post in the 2022 national and local elections after securing a medical clearance from his doctor.

In a radio interview on Monday, Roque disclosed he will be consulting his physician first to determine if he is physically fit to run in the upcoming polls.

“I will schedule a physical checkup before the month of September to know what [my physical] state is,” Roque said. “We will see what the doctor will say,” he added.

In 2019, Roque withdrew his senatorial aspirations after he underwent a heart procedure.

However, he still opted to run for congressional position that year as a nominee of Luntiang Pilipinas Party, but veteran journalist Michael Ubac later replaced him.

Roque was among the supposed initial list of personalities being considered by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) for its senatorial slate, which was revealed by Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone.

RoquewasfirstappointedasspokesmanofPresidentDutertein2017before he decided to resign a year after to run in the 2019 polls. He was reappointed to his position in April 2020.

Seven national roads remain closed due to southwest monsoon spell

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

T

HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said seven national roads are still closed to traffic due to continuous rains.

Aside from the five roads closed on Saturday, the DPWH Bureau of Maintenance (BOM) said two additional road closures were reported in the Cordillera Administrative Region “due to soil and rock collapse.”

The two road sections are the Kalinga-Abra Road and the Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur Road.

“Quick Response Teams have been mobilized to conduct clearing operations along the affected sections,” the agency said.

The following are still impassable to all types of vehicles: BaguioBontoc Road, Abra—Kalinga Road, Junction Layac Balanga Mariveles Port Road Zigzag Section, and Pagasa Section.

Likewise, the Apalit Macabebe Masantol Road and the Bigaa Plaridel via Bulacan & Malolos Section “are still closed to light vehicles due to flooding.”

D

AVAO CITY—Delta, or the Indian variant of Covid-19, would be treated here just like previous variants in the absence of a quick genome sequencing, the city government said.

“As of current capacity of the country to test and come up with timely result of the identity of the variant, which could take several weeks or months, we have to treat all positive cases as Covid-19 virus, because Delta variant or what, it is still the same Covid-19 virus,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

However, the public should take extra precaution with the Delta variant because it infects more people, and may eventually overwhelm our hospitals, she said.

“We have seen images of this variant in India and in Indonesia, that

many have died because hospitals could not respond anymore to the mounting cases,” Mayor Sara added.

She said the Department of Health and the city task force on Covid-19 have been meeting on the recent confirmation by the Department of Health that the Davao region has already two Delta variant cases, one in Tagum City in Davao del Norte, and another one in this city.

The DOH here and the city health offices of the two cities have sent the newer batches of swab samples to determine the extent of the spread of the Delta variant. The confirmed Delta variant cases in the region were taken from the swab samples in the months of May and June yet.

Dr. Arnel Florendo, Tagum City Health officer, said the case in his city was among the samples of swabbed positive cases in May and June, and that the person has since recovered.

The timeline on the infection would

be reestablished to trace back the close contacts that time.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesman of Davao City Covid-19 task force, said the city’s case was a 28-year-old female who was swabbed on June 26, “after her exposure to a confirmed symptomatic case at her workplace.”

“The Davao City Health Office received the confirmatory results of the surveillance test from the UP-Philippine Genome Center on July 24. The patient has completed the required isolation period of 14 days and has since recovered.

Before her exposure, the case has received two doses of the antiCovid-19 vaccines.”

Schlosser said the Epidemiology Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit of the City Health Office would reinvestigate the case and conduct a repeat testing, including the isolation of the patient.

The regional DOH here said the

two Delta variant cases were among the185 samples it sent July 1 to the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center.

The two Delta variants were among 79 samples flagged down as “variant of concerns”: Alpha, or the UK, variant (27 samples), Beta, or South African, variant (50 samples) and Delta, or Indian, variant (2 samples).

“To date, a total of 1,893 total samples from the Davao region were already sent to the UP-Philippine Genome Center for Whole Genome Sequencing,” the DOH said.

The DOH said that the latest recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Covid-19 Variants and its various memorandums stated that “cases that have been released from isolation prior to the detection of the Delta variant of concern shall be required to undergo immediate strict home quarantine pending a negative repeat PCR test.”

DENR taps IPs to maintain Chico River Basin under revenue-sharing scheme

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has pledged to provide compensation to Indigenous Peoples (IP) who maintain the forests of the Chico River Basin.

The compensation is part of a revenue-sharing scheme to be implemented in the watershed and agroforestry management in Cordillera, which will ensure water replenishment for the Chico River Pump Irritation Project.

A total of 7,530 hectares of farmland depend on the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project for sustainable water supply.

“The revenue will make sure a PO [people’s organization] member gets his share from whatever activity he contributes, such as growing seedlings. The government also wants to earn from its management of the natural resource,” Marilyn Malecdan, regional project coordinator of the Chico River project said in a news statement.

The Cordillera provinces—Mt. Province, Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao— will host the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project touted to be one of the flagship projects of the Duterte administration.

It was originally planned to be completed by end of 2021 or early 2022 but its implementation was

stalled by the Covid-19 disease pandemic that compelled community quarantines across the country.

It is estimated to irrigate farms in Tuao and Piat in Cagayan , and 1,170 hectares in Pinukpuk, Kalinga. To be benefited are an estimated 4,350 families.

The watershed management project of DENR includes a 5,056-hectare revenue-earning agroforestry sites (grown with fruit-bearing trees and vegetables).

It was approved in 2012 and was originally conceived to preserve and conserve the Upper Chico River Basin that straddles through Mt. Province, Kalinga, Apayao, and Ifugao provinces.

The project, under the Integrated Resources Environmental Management Program (INREMP), is in its final year of completion.

A sustainability plan with a revenue-sharing scheme is now being mapped to ensure the project’s success.

“Chico River Basin has vast potentials for development. It has potential for electric power, irrigation, domestic purposes, and recreation.

The river harnesses the major irrigation systems to water its vast rice lands. As a result, Kalinga has been promoted as a rice granary of the region,” Engr. Ralph C. Pablo, INREMP-CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) project director said for his part.

While environmental protection is the primary aim, INREMP has successfully generated livelihood for the upland residents.

Through collaboration with other agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA), the PO partners are able to process and market their coffee. The DENR project provided them with coffee dehullers, roasters, grinders, and other packaging tools.

Farmers in the area are also producing muscovado sugar, wine from various fruits such as Bignay, and rice and corn. The provision of rice mills, hand tractors, and multi-purpose pavement for drying products made the lives of farmers in far-flung communities of the Cordillera easier.

“Our rural infrastructure projects have greatly helped them in transporting their products. With our project we’re able to help people in the far-flung areas that used to be inaccessible [due to mountain barriers],” she said.

INREMP’s rural infrastructure support, in partnership also with the DA, includes rehabilitated access roads of 42.32 kilometers and a foot trail of 10,000 meters.

The infrastructure support helped the natives of Cordillera to cut hauling costs and increase the productivity of the lands. Also, women were freed from the burden

of fetching water from far communal water sources.

INREMP has so far established 3,701 hectares of reforestation area (deforested but replanted) and 5,056 hectares of agroforestry (vegetable and fruit crops with dipterocarp trees planted).

Tree species planted include narra, Benguet pine, and dipterocarp trees (broad-leafed, lowland tropical trees) such as white lauan.

It has also established a total of 6,533 hectares of assisted natural regeneration area—naturally growing young trees (regenerants) that are cleaned and trimmed. The areas are supported to grow trees with ring weeding, thinning to avoid crowding, fertilizer application, and planting of open spaces.

A separate 955 hectares of commercial tree plantation (CTP) has been grown by the IPs using fast-growing tree species such as Benguet pine, Gmelina, and Mahogany (harvestable from eight to 20 years).

An area called conservation farming—where contouring and other agroforestry techniques are used to eliminate soil erosion in sloping areas—now total to 690 hectares.

With the CTP, the IPs are able to generate construction materials for their own needs such as for housing, and do not have to illegally cut trees.

IBON says much needs to be done under Duterte’s BBB program

T

HE Duterte administration may have failed to deliver the jobs it promised under its Build, Build, Build, infrastructure build up program, according to IBON Foundation Inc. IBON said every year since 2017, growth in construction employment has been smaller than what it was in 2016, even as the program promised to create 1.2 million jobs annually from 2017 to 2022.

However, based on its estimates, the annual average job generation in the pre-pandemic years from all sectors from 2017 to 2019 may have only reached 313,000. The figures, IBON said, is the lowest among all pre-martial law administrations.

“The economy needs mending in its production sectors, especially those catering to domestic needs and that have the capability to create meaningful jobs for the mass of jobless and sustainable incomes for the poor majority,” IBON’s Rosario Guzman said.

Apart from the jobs, Guzman said, the government may be expected to fall short on the amount and number of infrastructure flagship projects (IFP) targeted for completion by the administration.

She said if 29 IFPs are not completed by the end of 2021 and 2022, all the finished projects will still just amount to P365.24 billion, or only 7.8 percent of the total project cost of P4.7 trillion for all targeted IFPs. “Much remains to be done actually, with 51 projects going beyond 2023, while 28 others are still in the pipeline,” Guzman said.

She explained that only 11 of over 100 infrastructure flagship projects or IFPs have been completed as of May 2021.

She added that the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) listed another 12 IFPs that may be done by the end of 2021 and another 17 by the end of 2022.

If these were even feasible, Guzman said, there would be a total of 40 finished projects under President Duterte’s watch.

IBON said the government started with a list of 75 IFPs in 2017. In 2020, Neda revised the list twice, increasing this to 104 and then to 112, which no longer included 7 of the 11 finished projects.

The government retained only 42 of the original 75 and added new ones that were considered more doable.

IBON stated that the new projects included the National ID System and projects that were continued from previous administrations.

“The list was obviously revised to increase the chances of completing a respectable number of projects,” Guzman said.

Of the 11 projects completed so far, IBON said six were not included in the original 2017 IFP list. Two of these six—the LRT 2 East Extension and the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3—were started under the previous administration.

Of the 12 IFPs expected to be finished by the end of this year, 11 are new additions to the list, including two previously identified projects that had also been started long before President Duterte’s term.

Cai U. Ordinario

DENR deploys 600 ‘rangers’ to boost faltering Manila Bay cleanup drive

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is banking on the deployment of “estero rangers” to keep Manila Bay clean and free of garbage.

The rangers are currently deployed by the DENR-National Capital Region West Field Office (NCR-WFO) in the cities of Manila, San Juan, Pasay, Mandaluyong, and Makati.

DENR, the lead agency tasked to

lead the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, steps up the campaign amid heavy downpour in most parts of Luzon in recent days that saw thrash being wiped atop the dolomite beach along Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard on Saturday and Sunday.

To recognize their effort, the DENR recently held a thanksgiving event for the rangers, as well as partners from the government sector, civil society and DENR field of-

fices for their continuous support to rehabilitate Manila Bay. The appreciation event held last July 14 was initiated by Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, citing the invaluable contributions of “environmental frontliners” of the Manila Bay rehabilitation project.

“I commend all the estero rangers and partners for your unwavering sacrifices and hard work to clean up Manila Bay. I truly appreciate your

efforts which resulted in the success of our program,” Cimatu said in a news statement.

A total of 73 estero rangers of the NCR-WFO attended the event and cleanup activity at the beach area of the Manila Baywalk.

The activity was organized by the DENR-Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service led by Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Govern-

ment Units Concerns Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda.

Present during the event were representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Services-Manila, Career Executive Service Board, and DENR personnel from the NCR-WFO, Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO), and Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

FULL OPERATIONAL SETUP FOR FRONTLINE UNITS A MUST–ARTA

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

T

HE Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) wants government workers to return to regular work setup amid the pandemic as this is seen to prevent the decline in quality of government services.

In a statement on Monday, the anti-red tape agency said it was proposing the implementation of 100-percent operational capacity for frontline government services, as well as back end services supporting segments. This shall be applied for all work days of the week.

But Arta said this should not include employees exempted by the Civil Service Commission, including minors, senior citizens, persons with comorbidities, persons with disabilities, pregnant and nursing mothers.

The agency said they may be assigned to a unit not requiring full operational capacity.

For other units, they may operate at 50-percent capacity, Arta suggested, noting this may be adjusted according to the developments on the health crisis front.

Arta said the proposal is in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ omnibus guidelines on the implementation of community quarantine.

It mandates government agencies to be fully operational with a skeleton workforce on-site and the rest under alternative work arrangements.

Arta Director General Jer-

emiah Belgica said the proposal stemmed from “multiple complaints against government workers allegedly using alternative working arrangements as an excuse to be inefficient in their work.”

During surprise inspections, Arta also found out that some government agencies were implementing unwarranted cut-off schemes and dealing with backlogs of pending applications. Both are in violation of the Ease of Doing Business law, it noted.

The anti-red tape department also noted that some agencies were not able to provide employees the basic support in implementing alternative work arrangements amid budget constraints.

“With no proper working tools, internet allowance, and shuttle services, the employees’ productivity were affected,” Arta said.

In addition, it called on the agencies to accelerate the vaccination rollout for the government employees.

Recently, Arta announced its intent to establish a small working group aimed at improving the data-matching system among government agencies.

The planned committee will be composed of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the National Privacy Commission and the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Belgica explained this is in line with the streamlining initiative of the government in order to facilitate quicker transactions by data sharing among government agencies.

‘Vaxx, digital tools can help hasten intl tourism recovery’

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo

I

@akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

NTERNATIONAL tourism remains fragile for the remainder of the year as the surge in Delta variant cases of the novel coronavirus has forced a number of countries to reimpose travel restrictions.

This despite the slight uptick in international tourist arrivals in May 2021, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which recorded an 82-percent fall from May 2019, compared to the 86-percent fall in April 2021, year on year.

In the first five months of 2021, international arrivals plunged by 85 percent to 220 million from the 1.46 billion in the same period in 2019, and 65 percent down from 630 million recorded in 2020.

Inbound tourism revenues continued to be weak, with destinations recording between 50 percent and 90 percent declines from January to May 2021, compared to the same period in 2019, pre-pandemic.

In 2021, international tourism receipts were recorded at 64-percent less than those recorded in 2020.

The good news is, there is some rebound in domestic tourism in some countries where there are large domestic markets such as China and Russia. For these countries, “Domestic air seat capacity… has already exceeded pre-crisis levels,” said the UNWTO in a news statement released over the weekend. The United States has also registered some strengthening in its domestic travel business.

In the same news statement, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, “Accelerating the pace of vaccination worldwide, working on effective coordina-

tion and communication on ever changing travel restrictions while advancing digital tools to facilitate mobility will be critical to rebuild trust in travel and restart tourism.”

He noted, while international tourism may be slowly picking up, “Recovery remains very fragile and uneven. Rising concerns over the Delta variant of the virus have led several countries to reimpose restrictive measures.”

He added, “The volatility and lack of clear information on entry requirements could continue to weigh on the resumption of international travel during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season.

However, vaccination programs around the world, together with softer restrictions for vaccinated travellers and the use of digital tools such as the EU Digital COVID Certificate, are all contributing to the gradual normalization of travel.”

Asia and the Pacific region continued to suffer the largest decrease in international arrivals at 95 percent in the first five months of 2021, from the same period in 2019. Europe followed with an 85-percent decline in arrivals, then the Middle East at -83 percent, and Africa, at -81 percent. In comparison, The Americas saw a smaller decrease at -72 percent.

In the AsPac region, Southeast Asia in particular, recorded the most enormous contraction in international arrivals at close to 95 percent.

The UNWTO said many international borders remain closed at 63 countries in June from 69 in February. Of the total in June, 33 were in Asia and the Pacific, while just seven in Europe, the region with the fewest restrictions on travel currently in place.

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, July 27, 2021 A11

What he did not say in Sona: Experts seek recovery details

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By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

RESIDENT Duterte failed to mention specific steps that the government is taking to revive the ailing economy, economists said.

After the President delivered his last State of the Nation Address (Sona), economists told BusinessMirror that this was lacking in the President’s nearly three-hour long speech on Monday.

Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto Chikiamco said the President mostly focused on discussing peace and order issues.

“Since it’s his graduation speech, he could have given a more uplifting speech in the midst of the agony caused by the pandemic. He could have stated what actions he’s taking so that the economy can bounce back better after the pandemic,” Chikiamco told BusinessMirror.

While Chikiamco said the President endorsed some economic reform bills, he said it would have been better if Duterte also pointed out how these measures will benefit the economy.

“He did mention the economic reform bills of the Public Service Act, the Investment Incentives Act, and the Retail Trade Liberalization, but he didn’t mention how these reform bills can revive the economy, generate employment and make the country competitive,” he added.

Asian Institute of Management (AIM) economist John Paolo Rivera also said that the President should have laid out his plans on how to help the economy recover from the pandemic.

“Aside from being long, he was able to recount the accomplishments of his administration in 5 years, provide an explanation to some of the decisions and approaches he took, recognized assistance from private sector,” he said.

“It could have been value adding if he also spent time discussing pandemic response—how can we move forward to reboot the economy and ensure public health and safety. I think most Filipinos were expecting this. His last sentence calling Filipinos to unite was an acceptable ending,” he added.

For IBON Foundation Executive Director Sonny Africa, the President’s last Sona showed Duterte’s “disinterest about the severe economic scarring and protracted recovery.”

Africa said, “It was perplexing.

Despite the pandemic and real threat of another upsurge and renewed lockdowns, the country is

lost about what the government plans to do with Delta looming.”

He added, “With so many suffering from the economy strangled by lockdowns, he just mechanically and unenthusiastically parrots imagined economic strength.”

Bayanihan 3

BAYANIHAN 3 was also not among the economic bills that the President endorsed in his last Sona.

Rivera said the discussion of Bayanihan 3 “could have been a springboard to charting the trajectory of economic recovery from the pandemic” given that these include assistance programs for both households and industries.

“I believe many are expecting to hear about Bayanihan 3 because that is one approach to boost government spending, other than infrastructure spending, that will help the country’s economic growth figures improve,” he said.

However, he said the President should have shared what it plans to do with unspent funds under Bayanihan 2. Based on the last report of DBM as of June 25, unspent funds under Bayanihan 2 amounted to P6.48 billion.

“Will the unspent funds be realigned for Bayanihan 3 so that funding would be less of a burden?

I think those severely affected by the pandemic would be keen on hearing about this,” he said.

The validity of appropriations under Bayanihan 2 expired on June 30.

After the expiration of the valid-

ity of appropriations under Bayanihan 2, unobligated funds shall be reverted to the Bureau of the Treasury.

Meanwhile, Africa said the nonmention of Bayanihan 3 shows the President’s “disinterest [in] economic issues and blindly reflects what his economic managers think.”

“He’s so unconcerned about economic issues that he just parroted the pet legislation of the economic managers when urging Congress what to pass…,” he said.

Chikiamco said it was expected that the President would not mention Bayanihan 3 in his Sona, given the “fiscally conservative” stance of the Duterte administration.”

However, he believes the President may be forced to push for Bayanihan 3 if there’s another prolonged lockdown caused by the Delta variant.

“If the Delta variant causes another prolonged and massive lockdown, he may sing a different tune, especially with elections coming,” he said.

“Politically, it won’t look good if the government orders a lockdown but doesn’t give out ayuda,” he added.

Still, Chikiamco believes it is more important for Metro Manila, the surrounding regions, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and Metro Iloilo to reach herd immunity because these are where GDP is generated.

“The faster they reach herd immunity or close to it, there will be no need for prolonged lockdowns and Bayanihan 3,” he said.

AMID fears of a super spreader event, protesters are unfazed as they occupy Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City during President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday (July 26). NONOY LACZA

Food security in pandemic spurs DA’s call for ₧250B

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it is proposing a budget of P250 billion next year, which is “three times” higher than its P85 billion this year, to sustain its efforts to ensure the country’s food security.

The DA makes the pitch despite concerns over thinner budgetary space for departments in light of the implementation of the MandanasGarcia ruling next year, which hikes the funding for local government units (LGUs) by at least P234 billion.

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar pointed out that the “potentials” of the agriculture sector “could be further unleashed” if it is given “appropriate” budgetary support, including “much-needed”

private sector investments as well as financing from LGUs. “For 2022, we are proposing a budget of P250 billion, which is three times more than this year,” Dar said in a statement.

“We pray that the country’s agriculture sector could be afforded that long-delayed financial support so the Philippines could keep pace at least with our counterparts in the Asean region,” he added.

Dar said the government will “further strengthen” the delivery of extension services and provision of technical and marketing assistance through better cooperation with LGUs and other concerned stakeholders.

Dar added that the DA will continue to work with the LGUs as well as state universities and colleges and the private sector to ensure smooth transition to the

Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES), a program that seeks to fast-track agriculture growth through local government leadership.

“PAFES would serve as the modality of implementing banner programs in the provinces. Under the system, we at the national government will do the steering while, the LGUs will do the rowing,” the DA chief said.

“Agricultural extension and advisory services play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity and income, increasing food security, improving rural livelihood, and promoting agriculture as an engine of inclusive, pro-poor economic growth,” Dar added.

Dar explained that the PAFES will “help boost the capabilities of provincial LGUs in implementing agri-fishery extension services,

and integrating multiple programs of the department.”

“We have to understand that agriculture is local. Agriculture is provincial. Therefore, the LGUs are in a much better position in identifying and supplying these services that would bring more progress to the countryside, and make the country food-secure and resilient,” he said.

“We will continue to push for the transformation of Philippine agriculture into a modernized and industrialized sector under the OneDA reform agenda, which we have been espousing since we took over in August 2019,” he added.

Dar said the government is keen on improving farm and fishery productivity “by showing and convincing our farmers and fishers to adopt modern and innovative technologies.”

A12 Tuesday, July 27, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

Will Filipino farmers plant Golden Rice?

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rofessor Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland and Professor Peter Beyer, a German professor for Cell Biology at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Freiburg, collaborated more than 20 years ago to invent Golden Rice. This rice variety contains beta-carotene (provitamin A, a plant pigment that the body converts into vitamin A). This compound is what gives this grain its golden color, hence its name.

Golden Rice has the promise to help prevent millions of deaths and to alleviate sufferings of children and adults afflicted with vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The World Health Organization said VAD is one of the main causes of preventable blindness of young children in Third World countries. According to WHO estimates, about 250 million preschool children are affected by VAD, and about 2.7 million children die because of vitamin A deficiency.

In the Western world, vitamin A deficiency is practically nonexistent. That’s because Westerners take multivitamins or get sufficient micronutrients from their food, like fortified cereals. But it is a life-and-death matter for people in developing countries. Lack of vitamin A is responsible for a million deaths annually, most of them children, plus an additional 500,000 cases of blindness.

The Rockefeller Foundation supported Potrykus and Beyer in their Golden Rice collaboration to provide a sustainable biofortification approach to combat vitamin A deficiencies in developing countries.

It took almost a decade of laboratory experimentation to invent Golden Rice, but by 1999, Potrykus, Beyer, and a group of colleagues finally succeeded. They inserted a set of genes into the rice genome so that the plant’s beta-carotene accumulated not only in the leaves and stems, as it normally did, but also in the rice kernels themselves.

Potrykus and Beyer did not want to commercialize their invention, so they worked to legally secure Golden Rice as a humanitarian project. They licensed Golden Rice to Syngenta (formerly Zeneca), a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

Then they established a “Golden Rice Humanitarian Board” to oversee the development of the technology and grant noncommercial licenses to public research institutes. These national and international research organizations would adapt Golden Rice to local environmental and climate conditions.

A legal assessment of Golden Rice in 2000 showed that it contained material protected by more than 70 patents. However, many of the patents do not apply in developing countries, which are the target markets for Golden Rice.

Critics of Golden Rice include the environmental group Greenpeace, which staged public protests against the new rice variety. Greenpeace claimed that the amount of beta-carotene in Golden Rice was so small that one would need to consume massive quantities of rice to reach an effective dose. While it can be difficult to measure the ingestion of vitamins, a team of scientists from Syngenta in 2005 introduced Golden Rice 2, which produced increased levels of beta-carotene by substituting the original daffodil genes with corn genes.

Aiming to spread the use of Golden Rice throughout Asia, the International Rice Research Institute got a license for non-commercial use from the Golden Rice project in 2001. In the US, the Rockefeller Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supported the Golden Rice project at IRRI. On July 21, 2021, the Philippines became the first country in the world to approve the commercial production of genetically modified Golden Rice. The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry issued the permit for the commercial propagation of this new rice variety to Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), which owns the license to Golden Rice. This is part of the Healthier Rice Project carried out by DA-PhilRice in partnership with IRRI. Golden Rice will certainly help poor malnourished children suffering from vitamin A deficiency. Health experts said almost half of young Filipino children, and 70 percent of schoolchildren, do not meet the estimated average requirements for vitamin A. The most common symptom of vitamin A deficiency in young children and pregnant women is an eye condition called xerophthalmia, which is the inability to see in low light. This can lead to blindness if not treated.

Golden Rice may seem like a realistic solution to combat vitamin A deficiency in the country. But the critical question is, do Filipino farmers want to plant this new rice variety?

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BusinessMirror A broader look at today’s business

Lessons to be learned from our Asian neighbors Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

T

he Philippines cannot avoid the local transmission of the more infectious strain of Covid-19. The Delta variant has arrived on our shores but we can still minimize its spread. Containing it is the only way that we can preserve the economic gains we achieved in the second quarter of the year.

We have seen developments in our Southeast Asian neighbors, notably Indonesia, and they are teaching us lessons on how to avoid their recent pitfalls. Filipinos, especially our workers out there in the field and in their offices, should not lower their guard, not until the Philippines achieves herd immunity.

First and foremost, we must be ready for the Delta variant that first wreaked havoc in India. Our hospitals must now be equipped with more

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beds and respiratory equipment and supplies, like ventilators and oxygen tanks, in anticipation of a possible surge in infections.

The Delta virus has now become the dominant strain in the world, infecting the majority in the UK, the US and Spain, and now in the Southeast Asian nations of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The variant, per the assessment of the World Health Organization, will be the dominant strain in the next few months. It is

A

S I write this, State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2021 is a few hours in the future. When I was asked last week on ANC what I hoped the President would say, my answer was that I was not looking for any particular action plan on the pandemic since “only a fool or a liar thinks they have the best solution.” Perhaps “Covid sucks” is the proper response followed by “We—meaning you and us—are doing everything we can to survive and thrive”.

But regardless of what President Duterte may say or not say, there is a bigger important picture to the annual State of the Nation Address to remember. Let’s take a trip down memory lane from sources both domestic and foreign.

July 25, 2012: “SONA protesters question “daang matuwid.” Brought together by their shared indignation toward Aquino’s allegedly empty promises and apathy for the poor, thousands marched along Commonwealth Avenue.” July 25, 2013: “Manila newest hot spot for international wave of protests.

Why I spent the last week building a giant effigy of the president of the Philippines.”

July 28, 2014: “People’s SONA: Boss ‘fires’ PNoy. I did not see his ‘tu-

wid na daan [straight path].’ This is evident in the slow rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Yolanda hit.

In day-to-day situations, we can feel this when prices of basic commodities increase.” July 27, 2015: “BAYAN leads People’s SONA, gives Aquino a failing grade.”

July 24, 2017: “People’s SONA 2017. Thousands of protesters show discontent as they face Duterte. We now face the US-Duterte regime, imperialist tool in oppressing the Filipino people.” July 23, 2018: “Thousands hold SONA 2018 protests around PH. It is not true that President Duterte achieved nothing.

In fact, he was able to unite different groups and the public to fight against tyranny, charter change, and dictatorship.”

We may temporarily re-impose some restrictions to prevent the virus transmissions from known “hotspots,” but in no way should we resort to widespread lockdowns, which are unproductive.

The virus spike can best be addressed by localized lockdowns.

As I’ve written in this column before, we should not penalize our workers and those who have been religiously adhering to health protocols. They know the drill, and they have learned to live with the virus all this time.

now present in 96 countries and the WHO expects it to spread further.

Strict adherence to health protocols like wearing of face mask and face shield, especially in public transportation and popular wet markets, can prevent the speedy transmission of Covid-19 and the Delta variant.

Local government units should also be aggressive in their contact tracing

July 26, 2021: “Eleazar allows protesters’ march for SONA 2021.

Eleazar said the PNP was expecting the protesters to maintain minimum health protocols.” Far from perfect and below what we want. But only a fool or a liar thinks democracy is dead in the Philippines.

July 22, 2019: “SONA protest groups decry lack of action vs. China.

A sea of protesters donned in blue flooded Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, to protest the administration as President Rodrigo Duterte is set to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address.”

July 28, 2020: “SONA 2020 protests around the Philippines.

Despite threats of arrests and the coronavirus pandemic, sectoral groups across the country came out to protest. They made calls to human rights abuses, defend press freedom, junk the new Anti-Terrorism Law, push for an inclusive education system, fair transportation, and address livelihood concerns, among others.”

Compare and contrast. October 8, 2020: “Indonesia: Thousands protest against “omnibus law” on jobs.

Hundreds were arrested in Jakarta.

Hundreds more have been held in strikes and protests in other cities this week.” August 27, 2020: “Thai-

and quarantine efforts, as well as in virus testing.

The Indonesian experience has taught us valuable lessons. The daily Covid-19 cases in our southern Asian neighbor reached nearly 60,000 in mid-July after containing the rate to below 20,000 daily early this year.

A super spreader event in mid-May has been blamed for the exponential rise in virus infections. Millions of Indonesians, in celebration of the end of the Ramadan fasting, trooped back to their hometowns and visited several tourism spots despite a state travel ban.

Indonesia’s daily cases appeared to have reached its peak after reporting 49,071 cases last Friday. The same, however, cannot be said of Malaysia and Thailand. Weak border controls and lax lockdown rules have resulted in a virus spike in these two nations.

Malaysia and Thailand for a time were the envy of other Asian nations for successfully curbing the spread of the virus. But the Delta variant soon caught up with their complacent See “Villar,” A13

land: More Protest Leaders Arrested.

The police charged the activists with sedition, assembly with intent to cause violence, and other criminal offenses related to their involvement in a peaceful pro-democracy protest in Bangkok. Both are prominent advocates for gender equality and LGBT rights.”

Malaysia—May 19, 2021: “The police arrested graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza in relation to a jealousy-themed Spotify playlist he had created as a satirical response to a controversial tweet by Malaysia’s queen. He is being investigated under Malaysia’s Sedition Act.” July 14, 2021: “More than 70 killed in South Africa protests after former leader Jacob Zuma is jailed.

Protesters and looters have set malls ablaze and clashed with police, who are now so overwhelmed that the military has been brought in to back them up.”

July 26, 2021: “Eleazar allows protesters’ march for SONA 2021.

Eleazar said the PNP was expecting the protesters to maintain minimum health protocols.”

Far from perfect and below what we want. But only a fool or a liar thinks democracy is dead in the Philippines.

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.

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Laws are not meant to be pretty

Iglesia Ni Cristo is 107 years old Manny F. Dooc

Lyca Balita

Onwards

TELLTALES

ung makukulong ako, ikaw na ang bahala sa’kin, ha?”

Every law student or lawyer has heard this line or a similar one, and if we got paid each time we heard this, maybe we wouldn’t have to practice law anymore! Still, it’s always funny to hear.

he Iglesia Ni Cristo turns 107 years old today. No question that it has gone a long way since INC was established in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila on July 27, 1914. From a handful of adherents, it’s now the third-largest religious denomination in the Philippines constituting almost 3 percent of our total population. It has an estimated 3 million members in the Philippines and in over 150 countries and territories overseas. It was founded by Felix Y. Manalo, fondly called Ka Felix by his followers, who served as the first Executive Minister of INC.

‘K

But what often follows this joke is a real legal question asked a while after, and these questions expose the gaps in our laws because most of the time, they could have been resolved if only the laws were easier to understand. There are many perspectives and ideas on how our laws can be improved, but it really boils down to one factor if we were to talk about practical fairness and genuine public service: Accessibility.

Laws, especially the old ones, like to gatekeep—it’s as if lawmakers wanted the words deep, the sentences long, and the writing style difficult to understand, so that the few people who understood them looked smarter. Thus, many laws are full of outdated words, foreign phrases, and shockingly long sentences that really could have been broken down more. Thankfully, there are some private institutions and even government bodies like the Philippine Competition Commission and the National Privacy Commission which create simple, attractive, and effective primers and materials to introduce important laws. Laws are not meant to be pretty anyway; they are meant to be understood. Still, there are many laws not covered by these simple primers, and these laws are usually the essential “social legislations” that are far from being easy for their protected sector to understand.

Laws are also difficult to find.

Sure, we can always look up laws

by Googling Republic-Act-something, but this presupposes two things: first, that whoever is doing the Google search memorizes the number or title of the law, and second, that the law being looked up is complete and in effect. Laws are constantly amended, and sometimes provisions are voided by the Supreme Court. These don’t show up on quick Google searches of laws. “Yeah, well, that’s where lawyers come in,” one may argue. However, not everyone has access to a lawyer, especially when there’s no lawsuit involved just yet. It then becomes a class issue, and this is how the abusive rich win: they can afford more lawyers to intimidate their less financially able targets, then it rains unfair waivers and quitclaims. Laws aren’t weapons to intimidate; they’re supposed to be shields to prevent abuses.

Villar. . .

Continued from A12

population. Malaysia recorded 15,573 daily cases last Friday to bring its total cases to 980,491, from just fewer than 9,000 cases year-on-year. Thailand registered 14,575 cases to increase its total to 467,707, from just 3,260 cases a year ago.

The Philippines is faring better this time than its Southeast Asian neighbors, with daily cases of 6,845 last Friday to bring the total cases to over 1.5 million. But the lower figures could be misleading. We are experiencing a mini-spike that could worsen if Filipinos become unmindful of their ways. All of us should continue practicing social distancing and avoid super spreader events such as what we’ve seen in India and Indonesia.

Increased vaccination will slow down the virus infection rate and shield more Filipinos from the more infectious Delta variant. But pending the arrival of more vaccine doses, local government units must continue with the implementation of the PDITR (Prevent-Detect-IsolateTreat-Reintegrate) strategies as well

Maybe we can’t change the way the laws are written, but we can help in making them easier to access. Many lawyers and experts have huge budgets, platforms, and followings. It wouldn’t hurt to simplify or maybe even translate in local dialects essential legal concepts and procedures— for free.

This is not to say that the formal study of law should be abolished because all laws should be simple anyway. Lawyers will still be consulted either way, and the field will not die.

This just means that laws should be accessible enough so that the average person can at least be properly informed of his basic rights and obligations without having to pay a lawyer. This helps avoid abuses and innocent procedural mistakes that can destroy lives.

Social media is such a powerful platform. We can’t just sit back, watch, or even laugh at non-lawyers who innocently misunderstand essential laws. Plus, with controversial constitutional questions in issue, it would be a huge help to guide and inform others about the implications of certain amendments and potential violations of the constitution.

Maybe we can’t change the way the laws are written, but we can help in making them easier to access. Many lawyers and experts have huge budgets, platforms, and followings. It wouldn’t hurt to simplify or maybe even translate in local dialects essential legal concepts and procedures—for free. Wouldn’t it be better to have legal experts explain the law? If legal experts won’t do it, someone else will, and that could get dangerous.

There’s a saying that goes, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Who’s to say this doesn’t apply to the study of law? We can’t just talk about how ignorance of the law is never an excuse, yet refuse to take action to ensure that people are not ignorant of the law in the first place. Where’s the public service in that?

For feedback, send an e-mail to lyca.balita@ gmail.com

as localized lockdowns when needed.

I agree with our health experts, who stressed the need for “intense” contract tracing to restrict the virus spread and prevent a worse case scenario. The Delta variant, whether we like or not, is already here. The Department of Health and independent researchers from the UP-Philippine Genome Center strongly suspect the start of community transmission of the more virulent Delta variant, as shown by rising infections in Metro Manila.

We may temporarily re-impose some restrictions to prevent the virus transmissions from known “hotspots,” but in no way should we resort to widespread lockdowns, which are unproductive. The virus spike can best be addressed by localized lockdowns. As I’ve written in this column before, we should not penalize our workers and those who have been religiously adhering to health protocols. They know the drill, and they have learned to live with the virus all this time.

For comments, send e-mail to mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph or visit www.mannyvillar. com.ph

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 A13

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Ka Felix was born a Roman Catholic in Tipas, Taguig, then a part of the province of Morong (now Rizal), on May 10, 1886. His formative years were steeped in history, which helped shape his independent mind and nationalistic spirit. He was born after the execution of the Gomburza, the three martyred Filipino priests whose deaths awakened the resentment of the Filipinos against the Spanish friars and authorities. It resulted in calls for reforms and independence from Spain. Ka Felix was 10 years old when Jose P. Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan, and a budding teenager when the Philippine Revolution broke out. These were years of enlightenment for the fertile and intelligent mind of young Ka Felix. He was unhappy with his Catholic upbringing and he started to question his faith. The setting up of the Philippine Independent Church led by a Catholic priest, Bishop Gregorio Aglipay, and a Filipino nationalist, Isabelo de los Reyes, in

1902 after the Philippine Revolution, reinforced Ka Felix’s belief that something is grievously wrong with the religion he was born into and grew up with. It was his epiphany and firmed up his conviction to find a religion that will truly practice the teaching of Christ, the true Church of Christ. Initially, he tried out other religions to find his true calling. He entered the seminary of Methodist Episcopal Church where he became a pastor, but he left and joined the Presbyterian Church. Still he was not happy and abandoned it. Then he affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist in 1911. But he remained restless and unfulfilled. He realized that no denomination satisfied his quest for the correct faith he wanted to embrace and preach to the people for the rest of his life. Like a recluse, he secluded himself with all the religious references and spiritual books he could gather and confined himself alone in his room. After a few days, he emerged with a clear vision

and purpose of the religious faith he wanted to found for his people. Ka Felix and his wife settled in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila where the INC was born.

In the early years of INC, Ka Felix who began preaching his faith, together with his wife, was ridiculed by the townspeople even in his own hometown. Religious fanatics who looked down on his group with contempt stoned his meetings with his small congregation. Ka Felix suffered persecution, but he did not lose faith. He soldiered on and relied on the sanctity of his newfound faith and the righteousness of his cause.

He registered INC at the Bureau of Commerce and declared himself as its founder and first Executive Minister. Through dint of hard work, he expanded his congregations in Manila and the surrounding provinces. From a small congregation with members that could be loaded in one bus, INC grew to more than 100,000 members before the war, with the first congregation outside Luzon set up in Cebu. In 1946, at the end of the war, a congregation was established in Mindanao. The war helped propagate INC with its members fleeing from Manila to avoid the Japanese atrocities by evangelizing the faith in the far-flung areas where they sought refuge. Upon Ka Felix’s death, he was succeeded by his son, Erano G. Manalo, known as Ka Erdie. Ka Erdie pursued his father’s vision to expand INC and make it a major religious denomination in and outside of the Philippines. Ka Erdie further grew and internationalized INC by forming congregations abroad. At present, INC is the third-biggest religious denomination in the country. It

follows the Roman Catholic with 79 percent, more or less, and Islam with a little over 6 percent of our population as members. No doubt, Ka Felix and his successors have been great evangelists.

The current Executive Minister of the INC, Eduardo V. Manalo, is dead set to continue the legacy of his forebears. Ka Eduardo has created new ecclesiastical districts overseas such as in the Middle East, Australia, UK, Canada and in other places. He successfully adopted technological innovation to enable INC to manage and oversee its vast congregation worldwide. The INC is a pioneer in tapping the cyber technology, which has enabled it to vigorously pursue the grand vision laid down by Ka Felix. He has launched humanitarian endeavors and social outreach programs that have benefited our people.

No one has foreseen that INC, an indigenous religious denomination founded by an ordinary man not known for being a prophet, mystic, holy or scholar, would become a major religion espoused by millions. Ka Felix’s religious teachings may not be comprehensive or profound, but his works are made visible by the imposing churches, which scatter in almost 1,300 locations in our archipelago. His piousness and reverence are manifested by the scrupulous and God-fearing members of his faith. What Ka Felix has founded has changed the face of our country.

The three generations of Manalos who have led the religious group deserve our congratulations and we trust that the INC, on its 107th Anniversary, will remain a force that will keep our religious fervor burning in the years ahead.

VAT zero-rating: Directly and exclusively used in registered activity Fulvio D. Dawilan

Tax Law for Business

R

evenue Regulations 09-2021 (RR 09-21) created confusion among the concerned regulators and businesses when it declared that the conditions provided in the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law for the imposition of 12 percent value-added tax on certain transactions previously entitled to VAT zero-rating had been fully satisfied. Among these transactions are the sales considered export sales under Executive Order 226. Apparently, transactions considered export sales under EO 226 include sales to export processing zones.

The confusion was further aggravated when the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Tax Incentives under CREATE adopted RR 09-21, that is, while recognizing the VAT zero-rating on local purchases, subjects to 12-percent VAT those now subject to VAT under RR 09-21. This means that the supposed VAT zerorating of local purchases by registered business enterprises shall be subject to the 12-percent VAT if the transaction is among those considered export sale under EO 226. In essence, this negated the incentive on VAT zerorating of local purchases by RBEs. The Department of Finance listened to the concerns of various sectors and agreed to issue new regulations effectively abandoning the application of RR 09-21 to RBEs. This is certainly a welcome development, with the hope that the new regulations will recognize the VAT zero-rating incentive specified under CREATE, subject only to the condition that the same shall only apply to goods and services used in the registered project or activity of the RBE. A related issue, however, remains to be addressed. That is with respect to the coverage of purchases from local suppliers, which are entitled to VAT zero-rating. CREATE merely provides that the VAT zero-rating shall apply only to goods and services directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity

by RBEs. But the IRR goes further by defining “direct and exclusive use” as referring to raw materials, inventories, supplies, equipment,

goods, services and other expenditures necessary for the registered project or activity without which the registered project or activity cannot be carried out.

The definition in the IRR is limiting the application of VAT zero-rating to the expenditures that are indispensable in producing or pursuing the registered project or activity. Isn’t this too restrictive? Shouldn’t the “direct and exclusive use” pertain to all purchases that are used by a registered business enterprise in its business, regardless of whether they are needed to carry out the registered activity or not? Business enterprises, and RBEs are no exception, and cannot simply rely on expenditures needed for the production of the final product to do business. For a manufacturing company, for example, while its manufacturing or operations department and the expenditures related thereto are necessary to produce the finished products that it supplies to its customers, it maintains other support offices/functions, such as finance and accounting, human resources, legal, sales and marketing, among others. All of these functions contribute in the overall success of the business. Should the expenditures related to these other functions be excluded from the coverage of zerorated purchases?

Some have expressed the idea that the “direct and exclusive use” should be applied in relation to the possibility of having an unregistered activity, in addition to the registered activity. The interpretation should be aligned with the second para-

graph of Section 295(D) of the NIRC, which subjects to the appropriate taxes the sales receipts and other income derived from non-registered project or activity. This means that all income derived from the unregistered activity shall be subject to the regular taxes while all income derived from registered activity shall be entitled to the tax incentives. Applying it on the VAT zero-rating of local purchases, the said incentive shall not apply to purchases related to an unregistered activity. On the other hand, all purchases related to a registered activity should be entitled to VAT zero-rating, such that if the RBE engages only in registered activity, all purchases, regardless of which function or department of the business the purchase is used will be entitled to zero-rating. The “direct and exclusive use” will only come into play when the RBE has also unregistered activity, where a determination of which activity the transaction is related to will become a necessity.

This is also consistent with the application of the cross-border doctrine in relation to the separate customs territory concept for freeport and special economic zones, which apparently is still retained by CREATE. A registered business enterprise located in a freeport or special economic zone and pursuing purely registered activity within that zone shall be considered to be located in a separate customs territory, or a foreign soil as explained in a number of Court decision. Being in a separate customs territory, the RBE is said to be in a foreign country. As such, sales made to that enterprise by businesses from the Philippine customs territory, without regard to whether that sale is necessary for the registered activity or not, will be considered export. The basis of zero-rating is simply because the sale is considered export. This is in accordance with the cross-border doctrine which characterizes our Philippine VAT system, and which expounds the principle that exports are free of VAT. However, an enterprise that is not registered with an investment promotion agency, even if located and doing business in an economic zone, will not be considered to be located in a separate customs territory. In such case, the cross-border doctrine will not apply and VAT zero-rating will not be available.

For a registered business enterprise doing both registered and unregistered activities within a special economic zone, it will be considered to be operating within a separate customs territory with respect to the registered activity. However, it will not be accorded similar treatment in relation to the unregistered activity.

Thus, the sales to the enterprise related to the registered project should be entitled to VAT zero-rating. On the other hand, sales made to the enterprises that are related to the unregistered activity shall be subject to the 12-percent VAT. Similarly, sales made to the enterprises of goods and services that are used both in the registered and unregistered activities, not being exclusively used in registered business activity, shall also be subject to the 12 percent VAT. An interpretation that results in the VAT zero-rating only of transactions necessary for carrying out the registered project or activity will result in two separate personalities for the registered enterprise – one that is located in a separate customs territory when it purchases supplies used as material by its production department and one located in the Philippine customs territory when it purchases supplies used by its accounting department.

I hope our regulators and implementing agencies will consider these in crafting the implementing guidelines. And for the legislators, may I suggest that if an amendment is to be made, sales to registered locators of freeport and special economic zones should be specified as export sales entitled to the VAT zero-rating.

In this way, even if the rule on VAT rating incentive on local purchases accorded to RBEs is disregarded or interpreted differently, the zerorating can still apply from the point of view of the supplier making and export sale.

The author is the Managing Partner of DuBaladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a member-firm of WTS Global.

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at fulvio.dawilan@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 loc 310.

Sports

Titmus, Doncic make memorable Olympic debuts

BusinessMirror

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OKYO—Ariarne Titmus and Luka Doncic made memorable Olympic debuts.

Titmus lived up to the billing of her nickname the “Terminator” when she chased down Katie Ledecky in the 400 freestyle Monday to win one of the most anticipated races of the Summer Games.

Doncic scored 48 points in his first Olympic appearance to tie for the second most ever in men’s basketball history, leading Slovenia to a 118-100 victory over Argentina.

Titmus trailed by nearly a full body-length at the halfway mark of the eight-lap race before erasing the gap and finishing in three minutes and 56.69 seconds. It was the secondfastest time in history, surpassed only by Ledecky’s world record of 3:56.46 from the 2016 Rio Games.

“It’s probably the biggest thing you could pull off in your sporting career,” Titmus said, “so I’m over the moon.”

Ledecky lost an individual Olympic final for the first time after winning the 800 free at the 2012 London Games, then capturing three more golds in the 200, 400 and 800 free at Rio de Janeiro five years ago.

Doncic scored 31 points in the first half, putting him on pace to break the Games’ scoring record of 55 points by Brazilian Hall of Famer Oscar Schmidt in 1988. He ended up tied with Eddie Palubinskas, who had 48 for Australia in the 1976 Games in Montreal.

“I don’t care about records,” he said. “We got a win and that’s what we came here for.”

Caeleb Dressel, meanwhile, started his quest for six gold medals in swimming by leading the United States to victory in the men’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

Dressel, who has been hailed as the successor to Michael Phelps, gave the US the lead in the opening leg and his teammates made sure it stood up. AP

Obiena’s first opponent in Tokyo? Jetlag

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OKYO— Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has one battle to get rid of days before he steps on the field of the National Stadium with OBIENA his pole—jet lag.

“We have to gradually allow EJ to adjust to the time zone,” Obiena’s father, Emerson, told BusinessMirror over breakfast at the Conrad Tokyo on Monday.

Obiena has made Italy, specifically at the world pole vault center in Formia, as his base at least for the last two years. Tokyo is seven hours ahead of Italy.

“We’re doing it one hour a day for EJ to adjust,” the elder Obiena said.

It’s crucial for Obiena to adjust his body clock, Emerson said, in time for the Tokyo Olympics men’s pole vault competitions on Saturday.

“His event starts at 8:45 a.m.

[7:45 a.m. in Manila],” Emerson said.

Obiena and his team arrived in Tokyo last Friday and are still billeted at Conrad Tokyo. They are expected to move to the Olympic Village this week.

Besides his dad, Obiena also has on his team Italian osteopath and physiotherapist Antonio Guglietta and physiotherapist Niko Viscusi.

“He’s doing OK,” Guglietta said when asked about Obiena’s condition.

Obiena will be contending not only world record holder Armand Duplantis, but also his training partner and pal Rio Olympics champion Thiago Braz of Brazil.

The 25-year-old Obiena targets a podium finish in the Olympics, a goal he hinged on a personal best and Philippine record 5.87-meter leap he set in one of his European sorties ahead of Tokyo.

Duplantis is the favorite in the event with his 6.18m world indoor record, while Braz owns a 6.03m Olympic record he set at home in Rio in 2016. Jun Lomibao

A14

| Tuesday, July 27, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

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NESTHY PETECIO lands a punch on Chinese Taipei’s Yu-Ting Lin and so does Carlo Paalam on Ireland’s Brendan Irvine. AP

PETECIO, PAALAM ON TRACK IN TOKYO

By Jun Lomibao

T

OKYO—Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam were two boxers who won with a flourish on Monday, adding weight to the hope that the Philippines’s first Olympic gold medal, or medals, could be won in these pandemic Games.

First atop the ring was Paalam, a gritty 23-year-old from Bukidnon who escaped with a split decision victory over Ireland’s Brendan Irvine at the almost empty Kokugikan Arena.

Some one-and-a-half hours later, it was the 29-year-old world champion Petecio’s turn to earn her second victory in the Games in David-and-Goliath fashion.

Paalam and Petecio stood at least one head shorter that their opponents. But they were unfazed.

To offset his disadvantage, Paalam jumped the gun on the Irishman, building enough points to stave off Brendan’s last-ditch

effort to turn the scores around in the third round.

“I’m thankful that I won my first bout,” Paalam said. “Even if it was close, you saw I really gave it whatever I had left in me.”

Petecio, on the other hand, was more than a head shorter at 5-foot-4 than her 5-foot-8 top-seeded foe, but played David in slaying Chinese Taipei’s YuTing Lin also via split decision to go deeper into the women’s featherweight category.

“My coaches told me that I didn’t need to get into her comfort zone, but just to try and get inside her defense,” Petecio said. “It was all about timing and counterattacking.

“She stuck to the tactics, without overcommitting,” coach Don Abnett said of Petecio, adding the strategy was to play cat-andmouse, one of several tactics the Philippine coaching staff has concocted for the Olympics.

“The victory gives me so much happiness, but I don’t really know how to feel right now,” added Petecio, who mightily eliminated

the favored Taiwanese with Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez fervently cheering for her from the VVIP Box. “I just feel so lucky to beat her,” she added.

“I just do what my coaches planned and it is working. It’s amazing,” Petecio said. “I’m very happy inside the ring, doing techniques and tactics we trained [for].”

So devastated was the Taiwanese that she had to turn around during media interviews at the Mixed Zone to shed her tears.

Paalam, bronze medalist at the Jakarta 2019 Asian Games, came out smoking from the bout that became a toe-to-toe affair in the last two rounds.

“I poured it all out [in the last two rounds],” he said.

Paalam takes on Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi on Saturday at 10:48 a.m. (Manila time). Flissi

was the flyweight winner of the 2017 African Championships in Brazzaville, Congo, and the champion of the 2019 Golden Belt in Bucharest, Romania.

Petecio, meanwhile, returns to the ring on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

(Manila time) against Colombia’s Yeni Marcela Arias Castaneda, whose biggest claim to fame was her bronze-medal feat in the 2019 Pan American Games.

Irish Magno on Sunday scored a convincing 5-0 women’s flyweight victory over Kenya’s Christine Ongare and will fight again in the quarterfinals against Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong, who also advanced to the last 16 following her victory over Algeria’s Roumaysa Boulam, also via a lopsided 5-0 score.

Eumir Felix Marcial drew a first-round bye and will only fight in the men’s middleweight roundof-16 on Thursday against either Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi or Uganda’s Ssemujju.

Asked how confident he is at this stage of the Olympics, Abnett said: “Very.”

Didal’s Olympic future looking bright despite setback in Tokyo

T

OKYO—Margielyn Didal didn’t make the grade in skateboarding’s debut in Tokyo on Monday, but nevertheless earned a muchneeded experience to look forward to a return trip to the Olympics three years from now.

Didal was a surprise package in the eight-athlete finals, fending off three of the world’s best in women’s street at the Ariake Urban Sports Park with a modest performance in the morning qualifiers.

An ankle injury didn’t help Didal much in the finals and scored just 7.52, almost half the tally of 13-year-old Japanese Nishiya Momiji, who won the gold medal with a total score of 15.26.

“This is for the country,” said Didal, the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games and Philippines 2019 Southeast Asian Games champion. “I’m really proud to represent the Philippines.

Didal still had fun the whole

MARGIELYN DIDAL gives gold medalist Momiji Nishiya of Japan a fist bump. AP

day despite hurting her knee and ankle following spills during the preliminaries and the finals.

After a successful landing during her second trick where she completed a nosegrind for a score of 2.97, Didal was limping at the end

Ando makes weightlifting debut

T

OKYO—The opportunity came one Olympic cycle earlier for Elreen Ando.

Ando, only 22, cracked the Tokyo Olympics when she’s actually being groomed for the Paris 2024.

But now that she’s here, the 22-year-old Cebuana vowed to give her all in the women’s 64kg category in the weightlifting competitions at the Tokyo International Forum on Tuesday night.

“She’s a tough and brave kid, she’s a fighter,” Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella said.

Puentevella, however, said Ando’s still just a project in need of exposure, experience and polishing to hit her potential.

“The next Olympics is the target.

She would be good for Paris,” said Puentevella of the association’s prized find from University of Cebu, a school with an athletic program that produced June Mar Fajardo and Dondon Hontiveros.

Good for a total lift of only 201 kgs in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, she jacked it up to 213 kgs in her silver-medal showing in the Philippines 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Ando also did a 213 kgs in her silver-medal feat in the Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, last summer.

of the runs after her third trick.

Brazil’s Rayssa Leal, also 13 years old, secured the silver with a 14.64 score. Another Japanese, 16-year-old Nakayama Funa, bagged the bronze with a 14.49 total.

Hidilyn Diaz’s silver-medal achievement at Rio 2016 served as a benchmark for the growth of weightlifting in the country.

And with a boost to the national team program, Puentevella is projecting four to five weightlifters making the next Olympics in the French capital.

Puentevella pointed to Ando, Kristel Macrohon and Vanessa Sarno as among their bright prospects for Paris.

Macrohon won gold in women’s 71 kgs in the 2019 SEA Games. In Tashkent, Sarno took her turn to reign supreme in the same category.

“Macrohon and Sarno are toe to toe in the 71-kg class,” Puentevella said.

“The plan is to put them in separate categories so we have more chances to win the medals.” Jun Lomibao

Skateboarding teenagers blaze trail for women

Momiji’s victory allowed Japan to sweep the street gold medals.

Yuto Horigome won the men’s gold on Sunday.

“We made it to the finals but we were not able to carry the flag on to the podium,” Skateboard Pilipinas president Carl Sambrano said. “We would like to thank the POC [Philippine Olympic Committee] most especially Congressman [Rep. Abraham] Tolentino for doing everything to get us to our first Olympics.”

“Paris 2024, we’re coming at you!,” Sambrano added.

Didal’s stint was a feat in itself. The 22-year-old Cebuana placed ahead of Pamela Rosa, the 2019 World Skate Championship in Brazil, and 2013 X Games champion Leticia Bufoni.

Skateboarding is one of four sports making their debut in the quadrennial games, along with surfing, sport climbing and karate. Jun Lomibao

OKYO—On the Olympic podium stood three teenage girls—13, 13 and 16—with weighty gold, silver and bronze medals around their young necks, rewards for having landed tricks on their skateboards that most kids their age only get to see on Instagram.

After decades in the shadows of men’s skateboarding, the future for the sport’s daring, trailblazing women suddenly looked brighter than ever at the Tokyo Games on Monday.

It’s anyone’s guess how many young girls tuned in to watch Momiji Nishiya of Japan win the debut Olympic skateboarding event for women, giving the host nation a sweep of golds in the street event after Yuto Horigome won the men’s event.

But around the world, girls trying to convince their parents that they, too, should be allowed to skate can now point to the 13-year-old from Osaka as an Olympic-sized example of skateboarding’s possibilities.

A champion of few words— “Simply delighted,” is how she described herself—Nishiya let her board do the talking, riding it down rails taller than she is. She said she’d celebrate by asking her mother to treat her to a dinner of Japanese yakiniku barbecue.

The silver went to Rayssa Leal, also 13—Brazil’s second silver in skateboarding after Kelvin Hoefler finished in second place on Sunday in the men’s event.

Both Nishiya and Leal became their countries’ youngest ever medalists. The bronze went to 16-year-old Funa Nakayama of Japan.

“Now I can convince all my friends to skateboard everywhere with me,” Leal said.

She first caught the skateboarding world’s attention as a 7-year-old with a video on Instagram of her attempting, and landing, a jump with a flip down three stairs while wearing a dress with angel wings.

“Skateboarding is for everyone,” she said.

But that hasn’t always been true for young girls, even among the 20 female pioneers who rode the rails, ramps and ledges at the Ariake Urban Sports Park.

The field included Leticia Bufoni of Brazil, whose board was snapped in two by her dad when she was a kid to try to stop her from skating.

She was 10.

“I cried for hours,” she recalled.

“He thought girls shouldn’t skate because he had never seen a woman skate before.”

Bufoni added, half-joking, that getting him to relent had been harder than qualifying for the Tokyo Games.

“So I want to be that girl that the little girls can show their parents and be like, ’She can skate. I want to be like her,’” Bufoni said.

Annie Guglia of Canada said she didn’t see any other girls skate during her first two years on her board. The first contest she entered, at the age of 13, had no women’s category, so organizers had to create one for her. AP

DAILY COMPETITION SCHEDULE (July 27, 2021) SPORTS

EVENT

MATCH

TIME

VENUE

JUDO

Women -63kg Elimination Round of 32

SPAIN - Cabana Perez Cristina PHILIPPINES - Watanabe Kiyomi

10:00 a.m. onwards (11:00 a.m. onwards JPN)

Nippon Budokan Mat2

Men’s 100m Freestyle Heat 5

PARAGUAY - Hockin Benjamin BOZNIA & HERZEGOVINA - Muratovic Emir EGYPT - Khalafalla Ali ARUBA - Schreuders Mikel SINGAPORE - Schooling Joseph VENEZUELA - Mestre Alberto CROATIA - Miljenic Nikola PHILIPPINES - Gebbie Luke

6:11 p.m.

(7:11 p.m. JPN)

SWIMMING

Women’s 200m Butterfly PORTUGAL - Monteiro Ana Heat 3 GREAT BRITAIN - Stephens Laura CHINA - Zhang Yufei HUNGARY - Kapas Boglarka GERMANY - Hentke Franziska PHILIPPINES - Rule Remedy WEIGHTLIFTING

Women’s 64kg Group A

6:31 p.m.

(7:31 p.m. JPN)

6:50 p.m.

CANADA - Charron Maude G (7:50 p.m. JPN) ITALY - Bordignon Giorgia TURKEY - Levent Nuray PHILIPPINES - Ando Alreen Ann CUBA - Rodriguez Mitjan Marina de lara Cari TAIPEI - Chen Wen-Huei GERMANY - Schweizer Lisa Marie GREAT BRITAIN - Davies Sarah ECUADOR - Palacios Dajomes Angie Paola

Tokyo Aquatics Centre

Tokyo International Forum

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

B1

Meralco earnings up in H1 as power demand rebounds

By Lenie Lectura

I

@llectura

MPROVING demand for power has allowed Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to post a net income of P9.9 billion and a core profit of P11.4 billion in the first half.

In the same period a year ago, Meralco’s net income stood at P6.8 billion while core profit was at P10.6 billion.

Meralco’s 8-percent increase in core profit was on account of higher volume and contribution from San Buenaventura Power Limited (SBPL), the joint venture between Meralco’s power generation arm—Meralco PowerGen—and Thailand’s EGCO group.

The company’s net income improved due to the impairment of an

equity investment in the first quarter of 2020.

Revenues for the first six months of the year stood at P149.1 billion, almost 8 percent higher than a year ago. Consolidated distribution revenue, which represented 22 percent of total electricity revenues, grew by 7 percent to P31.5 billion, consistent with the increase in volume.

Consolidated energy sales volumes, which include 270 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy distributed

by Clark Electric Distribution Corp.,

were at 22,663 GWh, 7 percent higher than 2020. The increase in consolidated volumes of 7 percent in 2021 was a complete reversal of the 7-percent decline in 2020.

Meralco said the growing consumer confidence due to the gradual increase in the number of people vaccinated resulted in the uptick in business activities and foot traffic in malls, restaurants, hotels and other retail outlets. Food and beverage commissaries also resumed operations. The second quarter also saw increasing onsite work activities, which contributed to the rise in commercial sales volumes.

“The arrival and dispensation of vaccines should pave the way for a gradual opening of the economy. It is my ardent hope that we carry on with fortitude until we win the battle,” said Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The Delta variant of Covid-19, Pangilinan said, makes it difficult to foresee how electricity demand

for the rest of the year would be affected should government expand the quarantine restrictions.

“We are concerned about the Delta variant…That will play an important factor. When we announce our third quarter results we will have a better view,” he said.

However, Pangilinan is certain that Meralco’s 2021 financial performance will be better than last year. “Despite the challenges we face today, we are also mindful of our responsibility to our shareholders and to future generations as we pursue operational excellence and heighten sustainability initiatives.”

Meralco’s consolidated capital expenditures amounted to P3.1 billion in the January-to-June period.

The board has approved the declaration of an interim cash dividend amounting to P5.057 per share to all shareholders of record as of August 23, payable on September 15. This represents 50 percent of core earnings per share.

CPG to build more affordable homes

By VG Cabuag @villygc

R

eal-estate firm Century Properties Group Inc. (CPG) on Monday said it is expanding its horizontal footprint in the country as it is upbeat about the prospects for its affordable housing segment business this year.

CPG President and CEO Jose Marco R. Antonio also said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting that the company will focus on its resilient businesses while it prepares the organization for a post-pandemic economic recovery.

“We remain very optimistic with the affordable segment business of CPG under Phirst Park Homes, in partnership with Mitsubishi Corp.

Strong sales in our affordable housing business reaffirmed the real demand coming from local end-users

and overseas Filipino workers, who are looking for good quality homes in safe communities that are located in key growth centers,” Antonio said.

The company has focused on its horizontal housing business as it is rapidly running out of units in highrise developments to sell.

Phirst Park’s reservation sales for the first half amounted to P4.4 billion, 38 percent higher than the P3.2 billion posted in the same period last year.

In terms of units, reservation sales reached 2,327 or 28 percent more than 1,819 units last year. Total collections for the first half hit P2.03 billion, more than double from over P744 million a year ago.

Phirst Park Homes has launched its General Trias, Cavite project this month, its eighth community, and this will be followed by two more project launches in south Luzon,

and one project in north Luzon for the rest of the year. Although strict quarantines imposed in the initial stages of the pandemic in 2020 hampered construction activities, CPG managed to complete two residential buildings with 1,015 condominium units in its Commonwealth, Quezon City project.

Phirst Park Homes, meanwhile, completed 659 house and lot units, bringing its total completions to 1,536 units.

This quarter, CPG managing director Jose Carlo R. Antonio said the company is turning over two buildings at the Residences at Azure North in San Fernando, Pampanga and in December, the Century Spire building at Century City in Makati.

With quarantine measures also disrupting sales and collection activities, the company kept its lines open by improving its digital platforms to

communicate with clients. Through online channels, the company was able to transact and deliver services.

CPG’s commercial properties Centuria Medical Makati and Century City Mall remained open to provide healthcare services and essential supplies through the quarantine periods.

Centuria Medical, which houses a 24/7 Urgent Care Clinic and more than 300 outpatient medical and healthcare locators, is now also a vaccination facility accredited by the Department of Health and the City Government of Makati.

This will be the vaccination site for 5,000 CPG company employees, inorganic employees, accredited sales agents, construction laborers, and accredited third-party service personnel this month as the company begins the rollout of its vaccination program.

SMC: River cleanup, govt measures reduce flooding in Navotas, Malabon

C

ommunities along the Tullahan River are now reaping the benefits of government and private sector’s flood mitigation efforts after monsoon rains flooded parts of Luzon and some areas in Metro Manila.

Thanks to government’s construction of a river wall, the continuous operation of pumping stations and the ongoing P1-billion river dredging and cleanup initiative of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), floods that affected Navotas, Malabon and Valenzuela City following several days of heavy rains subsided quickly from before the mitigation programs were put in place.

The mitigation measures prevented water levels from rising, significantly reducing its damage to the flood-prone communities.

“With the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Fabian and the southwest monsoon the past few days, we closely monitored the flooding situation at critical sections of the Tullahan River. Despite the heavy rains even during the high tide period, there was no river overflow and the flash floods at nearby areas quickly subsided in a few hours,” SMC President Ramon S. Ang said.

“Based on the feedback of the Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas LGUs [local government units], the combination of the river wall, pumping stations, and dredging, have helped lessen the risk of flooding.

We were also told that flooding was

mostly situated at low-lying areas due to the heavy rains. We’re glad many of our countrymen here remained safe. We will continue to evaluate the flooding patterns and, if needed, adjust our cleanup activities accordingly, in coordination with the LGUs.” Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian also thanked SMC for the dredging effort that significantly reduced the flooding in the area. “The floodwaters disappeared quickly. Yesterday, it was gone after five hours. Before it takes the whole day.” Earlier, in anticipation of the rainy season, SMC said that its dredging teams accelerated and intensified clean-up efforts at sections it is currently working on along the 27-kilometer river system, a main tributary to Manila Bay. Currently, the teams are undertaking widening operations at the river’s section between Marulas, Valenzuela and Potrero, Malabon.

Meanwhile, dredging of sections in Barangay Bangkulasi and Tanong in Navotas City have been completed, while the cleanup team is also currently operating in Barangay Longos in Malabon City.

As of July 22, Ang reported that SMC had extracted 332,192 metric tons (MT) of silt and solid waste from the river. All wastes extracted are moved to government-approved disposal centers.

“There’s still a lot that needs to be done to ensure that severe flooding is significantly reduced in these areas.

And with the help of the national and

local government, the communities, and other stakeholders, I’m sure that within five years from the start of the project, or by 2025, we will complete the cleaning, widening, and deepening the Tullahan river, and address widespread flooding in communities and cities areas where it flows.

We hope to improve even the water quality so that it can be conducive to marine life,” Ang said.

“This cleanup also supports the much larger goal of rehabilitating the Manila Bay and minimizing

Jollibee opens first restaurant in Wales

the amount of plastic and garbage brought to our oceans through our major rivers, threatening biodiversity and our traditional fishing grounds.”

SMC’s P1-billion Tullahan-Tinajeros River System Cleanup project is part of the company’s wider set of sustainability goals, which include cutting its Group-wide utility water use by 50 percent by 2025, and planting more than 7 million trees nationwide through its power business and other businesses units.

FORTUNE LIFE AWARDS INSURANCE PROCEEDS Committed to keeping

its promise to its policyholders, Fortune Life Insurance Co. (Fortune Life) awarded P218,200 worth of benefits to Barangay Kagawad Primitiva Montoya (center), wife of deceased Barangay Chairman Danilo G. Montoya of Brgy. Bantog in La Paz, Tarlac on June 25, 2021.

The check was presented to the claimant by Fortune Life Branch Manager Ulysses L. Elmundo (2nd from right) together with La Paz Mayor Venustiano Jordan (3rd from right).

Also Present during the awarding of check were (left to right) Insurance Specialist Jennifer Pangilinan, Agency Manager Edmar Santos, new Barangay Bantog Chairman Augusto Gabriel, and Leticia Elmundo (rightmost). Fortune Life understands the hard work and sacrifices of those in public service, especially in this time of pandemic, and the company will continue to help them plan and secure their families’ future.

Contributed photo

L

ocal fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) on Monday said it has opened its first restaurant in Wales in its capital, Cardiff, in the United Kingdom.

The company said thousands of customers lined up as early as 6 a.m. to sample Jollibee’s offerings.

Wales is one of the four countries comprising the United Kingdom which has a $1.4-billion fried chicken market.

The opening is in line with the company’s thrust to expand across the UK and Europe and open 50 stores within five years.

“Opening our first Jollibee in Wales is part of our continued commitment to expand across Europe and bring our delicious Chickenjoy to more people around the world,” Ernesto Tanmantiong, the company’s CEO, said.

Known for its scener y and friendly people, Wales will be home to Jollibee’s sixth store in the United Kingdom.

The new restaurant is on the corner of Queen Street and Charles Street, in the heart of Cardiff ’s prime pedestrianized area. The

restaurant is housed in a twostory corner building painted deep purple, with one side of the building showing a wall mural in line with the brand’s colorful new store design.

“With people returning to restaurants and relishing face-toface encounters, restaurants will provide great solace to make up for those special moments they may have missed during the lockdown,” Dennis Flores, president of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia said.

The Cardiff restaurant will offer to the Welsh people the brand’s Chickenjoy, and its range of new menu items in Europe, such as spicy chicken burger, sriracha chicken loaded fries, chicken wrap and the summer-exclusive peach and mango drink.

“With a growing culinary landscape and increased demand for new cuisines, we knew Cardiff had to be one of the top in our list. We are keen to introduce our delicious menu to locals and welcome them into our cool new central location,” Adam Parkinson, business head of Jollibee Europe, said. VG Cabuag

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

MORE Power, PSALM forge electricity supply agreement

By Lenie Lectura

R

@llectura

azon-led MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE) has signed a power supply deal with stateowned Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).

“We have a bilateral contract with PSALM. They sold it to us at very low average price,” MORE Power Spokesm a n Jon at h a n Cabrera said in a text message Monday.

The power sourced from PSALM resulted in cheaper power rates for MORE Power customers who paid 36 percent less this month.

The company said in a statement the electricity rate for residential consumers had dropped to

P6.4562 per kilowatthour (kWh) in July from P10.0149 per kWh rate in June.

“MORE Power was able to directly purchase 100 percent of its needed power supply from PSALM, which operates the geothermal plant in Leyte that is a renewable energy,” said Cabrera, adding that it was cheaper to source from PSALM compared to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

DoubleDragon completes 3rd phase of Tarlac industrial park

The company said the lower power rates will benefit consumers and business in Iloilo City amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

MORE Power President Roel Castro said the price cut will enable small businesses to resume and even expand operations, and recover losses from prolonged business closure during the lockdown.

“We have been able to find a cheap source of power for Iloilo City,” said Castro.

MORE Power had said it was considering to source power via the competitive selection process to make power rates more afford-

able to consumers. It is undertaking a P1.7-billion modernization project. The amount would be utilized to upgrade substations, to relocate electric posts, and to strengthen its anti-pilferage campaign.

The company is the electric distribution utility in Iloilo City by virtue of Republic Act 11212.

The franchise of MORE Power was signed by President Duterte on February 14, 2019 and will last for 25 years or until the year 2044.

MORE Power is a subsidiary of Prime Strategic Holdings Inc., formerly Prime Metroline Holdings Inc.

mutual funds

July 26, 2021 NAV One Year Three Year Five Year

per share

Return*

Y-T-D Return

Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a

209.78

5.81%

-6.45%

-5.41%

ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a

1.3425

32.54%

-2.98%

-0.64%

2.25%

8.32%

-10.86%

-8.08%

-7.82%

ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.8879

-7.68%

Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7426 8.97%

-6.12% n.a.

-7.63%

First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.7213 10.51%

-5.24% n.a.

-2.74%

First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a

9.05%

-4.47%

-3.63%

-6.24%

First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.6869

4.6332

2.64%

-7.46%

-7.66%

MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a

97.46

-3.43% n.a.

-4.39%

PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a

42.8928

7.84%

-4.77%

-4.44%

-8.44%

Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

451.17

5.63%

-4.61%

-4.79%

-7.73%

Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d, 5

1.0353

19.4% n.a. n.a.

-5.65%

Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a

1.1068

9.9%

-3.98%

-3.5%

-5.26%

Philequity Fund, Inc. -a

32.2861

8.88%

-4%

-3.3%

-7.14%

22.28%

Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a

0.8354

6.16% n.a. n.a.

Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a

4.3999

8.6%

-4.16%

Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a

736.26

8.55%

-4.07%

-3.79%

-8.16%

Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a

0.6706

9.49%

-7.9%

-6.81%

-6.72%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.3563

-3.67%

-8.5% -8.17%

6.95%

-6.27%

-5.03%

-7.38%

Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8405 8.05%

-4.43%

-3.94%

-8.41%

United Fund, Inc. -a

-4.77%

-3%

-7.29%

-3.87%

-3.26%

3.077

8.26%

-9.59%

Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c

Edgar Sia II

By VG Cabuag @villygc

D

oubleDragon Properties Corp. on Monday said it has completed the third phase of its industrial park with an additional 10,646 square meters of leasable space in Tarlac.

The company said it is set to surpass its milestone 1.2 million square meters of completed gross floor area (GFA) portfolio. The 1.2 million square meters GFA is composed of a series of hard assets and were acquired and constructed mainly in the last seven years.

DoubleDragon’s real estate portfolio is seen to become its first core pillar as it is currently in the process of transforming into a holding company in select relevant industries with high growth potential, it said.

“We are grateful for the efforts and support of all the stakeholders of DoubleDragon for this milestone, each and every square meter with land acquired and building constructed mainly in the last seven

years are solid bricks that now serves as the core foundation of the hard value of DoubleDragon,” company chairman Edgar Sia II. “Given the progress that the DoubleDragon team has made despite all the challenges that came its way being a new player in a highly competitive, prohibitive and mature industry, we expect to work towards reaching DoubleDragon’s principal strategic goal of P120 billion in total equity by 2030.”

The company’s total equity stood at P59.23 billion as of end-March.

“Our whole team will continue to be relentless in our pursuit to make all the business units and brands under Merry Mart and Double Dragon a well-loved household brand serving well all its stakeholders and for both to become major contributor to our economy in the years to come,” Sia said.

DoubleDragon is one of the few companies in the Philippines that owns a portfolio of prime and appreciating hard assets across the country exceeding 1 million square meters in GFA.

98.825

8.51%

-8.12%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities $1.2315

19.34%

5.81%

7.16%

2.38%

Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.8111

ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

23.52%

11.51%

12.03%

8.27%

Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a

1.6504

5.72%

-0.4%

-2.43%

-1.09%

ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a

2.1525

4.85%

-1.83%

-2.21%

-5.82%

First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5132

4.41%

-1.01%

-1.45%

-4.33%

First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1877

1.57% n.a. n.a.

NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a

1.9046

3.6%

0.99%

PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a

3.5723

2.42%

-0.07%

-1.87%

-5.7%

Philam Fund, Inc. -a

16.0177

3.1%

0.05%

-1.84%

-5.43%

Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a

1.9969

4.11%

-1.33%

-1.49%

-4.64%

Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.4039 4.02%

-2.38%

-2.84%

-4.74%

2.27% n.a. n.a.

-5.73%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.8667

2.9% n.a. n.a.

-8.69%

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8511

4.21% n.a. n.a.

Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.964

Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a

0.847

5.2%

-3.14%

-0.56%

-3.36%

-3.02%

-8.79% -4.58%

Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a

$0.0383

-2.22%

2.79%

1.29%

-2.1%

PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b

$1.1197

9.44%

3.65%

4.07%

-2.65%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.7592 17.61%

8.82%

8.42%

5.46%

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2219 8.52%

5.18%

4.59%

1.65%

Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a

372.62

1.41%

3.15%

2.43%

0.42%

ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a

1.9239

-1.09%

1.03%

0.16%

1.24%

Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a

3.2339

1.19%

3.64%

4.27%

0.6%

Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a

2.2624

-1.84%

2.19%

1.22%

-1.46%

First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4435 -0.35%

3.32%

1.65%

-0.4%

4.4%

1.22%

-3.08%

-5.49%

www.businessmirror.com.ph

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

July 26, 2021

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

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

43.95 102.3 83.8 24.15 9.28 44.05 10.3 20.4 56.05 19.5 110 76.1 1.29 4.28 2.88 1.2 0.35 0.62 222.6 2,400

45 102.4 84 24.5 9.3 44.1 10.5 20.5 57.4 19.72 110.2 76.5 1.3 4.37 3 1.22 0.37 0.65 226.6 2,550

45.1 105 86.4 24.25 9.48 44.5 10.5 20.35 56.6 19.8 111.8 76.1 1.36 4.31 2.95 1.21 0.355 0.62 229 2,400

45.1 105.2 86.4 24.25 9.48 44.85 10.5 20.9 57.35 19.8 111.8 77 1.36 4.4 2.95 1.22 0.37 0.64 229 2,400

45.1 102.3 83.3 24.15 9.25 44 10.5 20.1 56.05 19.5 109.5 76.1 1.26 4.28 2.88 1.2 0.35 0.62 220 2,400

45.1 102.3 83.8 24.15 9.3 44.05 10.5 20.4 57.35 19.5 110.2 76.5 1.29 4.38 2.88 1.22 0.37 0.64 226.6 2,400

2,100 94,710 1,601,800 165,791,812 1,628,760 136,565,830.50 4,100 99,345 179,300 1,668,850 2,039,800 90,043,345 100 1,050 387,400 7,870,740 3,090 175,377.50 58,500 1,151,508 174,070 19,230,635 7,040 540,774 94,000 122,500 120,000 516,090 20,000 58,480 33,000 39,790 460,000 161,950 75,000 46,980 2,000 444,846 105 252,000

-68,822,951 -70,332,101.50 -13,977 -20,296,545 -1,870,540 25,470 -311,700 -8,951,432 196,574.00 51,680 9,300 36,164 252,000

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 7.8 7.81 8.02 8.09 7.61 7.81 45,860,900 358,323,249 ALSONS CONS 1.22 1.26 1.25 1.26 1.22 1.22 158,000 194,380 23.6 23.7 24 24.4 23.5 23.6 2,121,100 50,356,440 ABOITIZ POWER 0.53 0.54 0.59 0.59 0.53 0.53 44,747,000 24,556,090 BASIC ENERGY FIRST GEN 27.95 28 28.8 28.8 27.3 28 379,700 10,651,615 73.85 74 74.5 74.5 73.8 73.85 101,540 7,500,192.50 FIRST PHIL HLDG 266.8 267 269.8 269.8 267 267 103,060 27,556,646 MERALCO MANILA WATER 16.6 16.68 17.06 17.06 16.5 16.68 1,045,200 17,485,362 3.12 3.15 3.17 3.18 3.12 3.12 379,000 1,193,670 PETRON 3.92 4.05 4.05 4.05 4.05 4.05 2,000 8,100 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 12.48 12.72 12.68 12.74 12.48 12.74 29,100 368,748 19.42 19.5 19.3 19.58 19.3 19.5 217,800 4,239,166 PILIPINAS SHELL 11.52 11.54 11.78 11.78 11.5 11.54 99,700 1,152,244 SPC POWER VIVANT 14.68 16.2 16.2 16.2 16.2 16.2 100 1,620 5.64 5.89 6 6 5.7 5.9 5,137,100 30,597,380 AGRINURTURE 2.72 2.75 2.79 2.79 2.7 2.72 306,000 837,320 AXELUM CENTURY FOOD 24.6 24.8 24.6 24.8 23.25 24.8 1,215,500 29,827,335 17.94 17.98 17.6 18.3 17.5 17.98 1,659,400 29,872,940 DEL MONTE 7.7 7.75 7.69 7.75 7.54 7.7 2,583,300 19,668,778 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 12.38 12.4 11.98 12.38 11.92 12.38 2,220,700 27,184,314 80 81 82.4 82.95 79.95 81 71,120 5,720,840 SMC FOODANDBEV 0.64 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.65 304,000 197,600 ALLIANCE SELECT FRUITAS HLDG 1.21 1.22 1.28 1.28 1.2 1.21 4,540,000 5,579,090 86.45 86.9 90 90 86 86.9 15,550 1,352,729.50 GINEBRA 193.6 193.8 198 198.2 192 193.6 563,030 109,027,288 JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR 29 29.75 29 29 29 29 100 2,900 5.95 6 6 6 5.9 5.95 174,100 1,039,320 MAXS GROUP 0.225 0.23 0.231 0.249 0.22 0.225 3,100,000 697,790 MG HLDG MONDE NISSIN 14.88 14.9 15.06 15.06 14.74 14.9 4,691,400 69,785,526 7.53 7.65 7.6 7.9 7.51 7.53 81,400 616,490 SHAKEYS PIZZA 1.04 1.05 1.04 1.05 1.02 1.05 4,741,000 4,872,860 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 4.51 4.68 4.52 4.52 4.52 4.52 12,000 54,240 0.13 0.133 0.131 0.137 0.13 0.133 8,380,000 1,104,580 SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA 132.5 133.5 137 137 132.2 132.5 346,360 46,005,975 VITARICH 0.76 0.77 0.79 0.79 0.75 0.77 1,946,000 1,495,540 2.26 2.39 2.26 2.26 2.26 2.26 31,000 70,060 VICTORIAS CEMEX HLDG 1.2 1.21 1.2 1.22 1.2 1.21 2,686,000 3,227,860 EAGLE CEMENT 14.1 14.12 14.28 14.28 14.1 14.1 173,100 2,449,348 7.6 7.79 7.52 7.6 6.92 7.6 367,200 2,742,182 EEI CORP HOLCIM 6.23 6.27 6.4 6.4 6.21 6.27 252,000 1,578,661 MEGAWIDE 6.19 6.2 6.3 6.3 6.11 6.2 485,000 2,988,037 14.2 14.22 14.3 14.3 14.2 14.2 103,700 1,473,700 PHINMA TKC METALS 0.99 1.01 0.99 1.01 0.98 1.01 111,000 109,590 VULCAN INDL 1.53 1.56 1.58 1.63 1.49 1.53 6,525,000 10,011,250 1.67 1.69 1.66 1.69 1.66 1.69 41,000 68,780 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 1.81 1.88 1.82 1.9 1.8 1.88 142,000 259,020 MABUHAY VINYL 5.4 5.48 5.37 5.48 5.37 5.48 25,300 138,266 5.25 5.35 5.35 5.35 5.35 5.35 18,200 97,370 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 20.05 20.9 20.1 20.9 20.05 20.9 1,600 32,950 GREENERGY 2.29 2.3 2.57 2.57 2.27 2.3 9,692,000 23,156,400 8.8 8.87 8.92 8.95 8.76 8.8 371,700 3,284,681 INTEGRATED MICR 0.92 0.94 0.95 0.97 0.91 0.91 449,000 418,340 IONICS PANASONIC 5.81 6 6.08 6.08 5.81 5.81 25,200 148,240 SFA SEMICON 1.24 1.25 1.25 1.26 1.23 1.25 241,000 300,570 4.95 4.96 5.05 5.06 4.96 4.96 2,262,200 11,293,577 CIRTEK HLDG

58,769,157 -8,318,685 621,310 -3,946,135 2,216,500 -17,777,774 3,036,208 31,810 75,574 8,064 7,740 8,370 9,903,605 -2,489,878 4,670,830 -1,418,304 -1,524,921 3,660 -23,197.50 -18,126,131 227,820 -19,250 4,100,270 -81,939 -2,842,610 31,640 -30,566,284 139,000 2,856 -276,955 -491,242 -827,400 -20,900 1,204,700 -66,325 124,700 345,886

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.9 0.92 6,203,000 5,683,390 ASIABEST GROUP 6.6 7 7 7 6.8 7 6,300 42,900 720 723 735 741.5 720 720 206,840 150,619,765 AYALA CORP 39 39.4 39.65 39.65 38.65 39 751,700 29,339,460 ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL 9.45 9.46 9.69 9.7 9.4 9.46 1,283,200 12,171,941 3.8 3.83 3.82 4 3.73 3.8 3,613,000 13,826,930 AYALA LAND LOG 6.75 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8 2,100 14,280 ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG 1.01 1.02 0.96 1.04 0.96 1.01 9,049,000 9,048,160 0.58 0.59 0.56 0.59 0.56 0.57 482,000 276,400 ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B 0.61 0.69 0.6 0.61 0.6 0.61 55,000 33,050 COSCO CAPITAL 4.88 4.92 5 5 4.87 4.88 920,800 4,514,199 5.93 5.94 6.1 6.1 5.9 5.93 10,203,200 60,691,900 DMCI HLDG 7.85 7.95 7.9 7.95 7.8 7.95 16,300 128,238 FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL 561 568 574 575 555 568 96,940 54,725,765 3.99 4.08 3.97 4.08 3.97 4.08 21,000 85,540 HOUSE OF INV 56.7 57.1 58.25 58.65 56.7 56.7 1,373,350 78,630,353.50 JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG 5.52 5.7 5.68 5.68 5.51 5.51 11,000 61,284 0.67 0.69 0.74 0.74 0.66 0.69 498,000 331,110 LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG 3.1 3.14 3.16 3.16 3.1 3.1 1,383,000 4,302,300 LT GROUP 9.8 9.88 10.38 10.38 9.8 9.8 6,527,200 64,728,135 0.51 0.55 0.55 0.56 0.55 0.55 392,000 215,660 MABUHAY HLDG 3.5 3.51 3.57 3.6 3.5 3.5 11,892,000 41,928,420 METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG 3.38 3.49 3.35 3.49 3.35 3.49 2,000 6,840 2.47 2.51 2.6 2.6 2.4 2.51 655,000 1,624,950 PRIME MEDIA 1.16 1.23 1.25 1.25 1.18 1.23 224,000 277,860 SOLID GROUP SM INVESTMENTS 945 951 965 965 945 945 108,080 102,409,765 109.9 110 112 112 109.8 110 86,710 9,550,475 SAN MIGUEL CORP 0.7 0.75 0.7 0.75 0.7 0.75 225,000 157,550 SOC RESOURCES TOP FRONTIER 137.5 138 139.2 139.2 137 138 385,350 53,178,230 0.265 0.285 0.265 0.265 0.265 0.265 40,000 10,600 WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG 0.198 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.199 0.2 480,000 95,960

890,700 -40,800 -74,361,570 -22,487,840 -7,021,439.00 -687,610 6,980 -1,861,211 -17,931,275 -39,500 4,201,150 -65,280 -16,365,347.50 -685,280 -37,250,743 214,550 -19,275,370 17,050 -43,765,630 -1,051,864 13,920 -84,000

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.63 0.64 0.64 0.64 0.61 0.63 762,000 474,440 AYALA LAND 32.5 32.55 33.05 33.75 32.5 32.5 6,480,000 213,282,095 35.95 36 36.3 36.4 35.95 36 609,900 21,979,010 AREIT RT 1.38 1.39 1.38 1.39 1.38 1.38 954,000 1,316,820 BELLE CORP A BROWN 0.85 0.86 0.92 0.92 0.83 0.86 1,382,000 1,172,490 0.8 0.81 0.77 0.81 0.77 0.8 1,623,000 1,265,820 CITYLAND DEVT 0.127 0.134 0.133 0.135 0.127 0.134 2,160,000 284,940 CROWN EQUITIES CEB LANDMASTERS 2.77 2.78 2.91 2.92 2.75 2.77 2,737,000 7,671,110 0.41 0.415 0.445 0.445 0.415 0.415 20,050,000 8,428,800 CENTURY PROP 9.98 10.3 10.3 10.3 9.9 10.3 1,902,800 19,111,999 DOUBLEDRAGON DDMP RT 1.79 1.8 1.88 1.89 1.76 1.8 20,708,000 37,485,560 6.75 6.77 6.89 6.9 6.77 6.77 70,100 476,959 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.275 0.28 0.275 0.275 0.275 0.275 340,000 93,500 EVER GOTESCO 0.3 0.305 0.35 0.36 0.3 0.305 61,480,000 19,376,800 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.08 1.11 14,109,000 15,513,530 FILINVEST LAND 0.85 0.86 0.87 0.9 0.85 0.86 1,249,000 1,076,970 GLOBAL ESTATE 8990 HLDG 7.09 7.1 7.1 7.3 7.09 7.1 28,900 205,343 1.21 1.22 1.22 1.27 1.21 1.22 725,000 891,870 PHIL INFRADEV 1.2 1.23 1.4 1.4 1.17 1.22 993,000 1,259,110 CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD 2.9 2.91 2.91 2.92 2.85 2.9 10,001,000 28,794,370 0.305 0.31 0.335 0.335 0.305 0.305 27,380,000 8,672,500 MRC ALLIED 0.52 0.53 0.54 0.54 0.52 0.52 6,182,000 3,257,250 PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP 2.5 2.51 2.91 2.91 2.45 2.51 2,965,000 7,724,210 15.72 15.82 15.72 15.98 15.7 15.72 1,502,800 23,669,664 ROBINSONS LAND 0.255 0.26 0.3 0.3 0.26 0.26 26,170,000 6,918,200 PHIL REALTY ROCKWELL 1.5 1.54 1.51 1.51 1.5 1.51 33,000 49,740 2.6 2.64 2.61 2.61 2.61 2.61 20,000 52,200 SHANG PROP STA LUCIA LAND 2.6 2.69 2.88 2.91 2.56 2.7 741,000 1,976,690 SM PRIME HLDG 32.6 32.75 33.35 33.45 32.6 32.6 6,786,800 223,311,525 3.75 3.79 3.85 3.85 3.85 3.85 1,000 3,850 VISTAMALLS SUNTRUST HOME 1.45 1.48 1.46 1.5 1.46 1.48 13,000 19,070 VISTA LAND 3.41 3.42 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.41 1,886,000 6,451,210

SERVICES ABS CBN 11.18 11.2 11.3 11.3 11.12 11.2 110,300 1,233,340 GMA NETWORK 11.2 11.42 11.86 11.86 11.12 11.42 4,904,800 55,976,942 0.395 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.395 0.405 200,000 80,400 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 1,906 1,920 1,930 1,930 1,892 1,906 31,690 60,369,715 PLDT 1,250 1,262 1,274 1,274 1,250 1,250 76,740 96,324,850 0.112 0.113 0.126 0.126 0.107 0.113 782,380,000 89,205,530 APOLLO GLOBAL 22.95 23 22.9 23.1 22.8 23 4,423,500 101,455,730 CONVERGE DFNN INC 3.86 3.97 3.89 4.03 3.88 3.97 210,000 828,850 6.98 6.99 7.42 7.43 6.86 6.98 22,694,200 159,748,759 DITO CME HLDG 2.04 2.05 2.18 2.18 2.01 2.05 1,155,000 2,369,380 NOW CORP TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.38 0.385 0.405 0.405 0.385 0.385 4,910,000 1,905,400 2.19 2.24 2.25 2.25 2.19 2.2 241,000 529,480 PHILWEB 2GO GROUP 8.19 8.29 8.4 8.4 8.05 8.19 15,800 129,364 ASIAN TERMINALS 14.06 14.1 14.1 14.1 14.1 14.1 12,500 176,250 2.65 2.8 2.74 2.8 2.65 2.8 730,000 1,968,120 CHELSEA 45 45.1 45.4 45.4 44.9 45 198,600 8,940,790 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 154.1 155.5 161 161 152 154.1 1,421,690 221,809,612 17.32 17.8 17.84 17.84 17.32 17.32 400 7,032 LBC EXPRESS MACROASIA 4.59 4.6 4.72 4.75 4.53 4.6 713,000 3,299,210 METROALLIANCE A 1.82 1.89 1.94 1.94 1.81 1.89 117,000 222,370 1.98 2.22 1.98 1.98 1.98 1.98 1,000 1,980 METROALLIANCE B HARBOR STAR 1.05 1.06 1.12 1.12 1.01 1.06 853,000 901,660 ACESITE HOTEL 2 2.04 2.24 2.38 1.91 2.04 2,084,000 4,256,580 0.097 0.098 0.104 0.104 0.095 0.098 285,490,000 28,297,830 BOULEVARD HLDG 2.46 2.54 2.6 2.6 2.54 2.54 55,000 142,140 DISCOVERY WORLD WATERFRONT 0.55 0.56 0.55 0.57 0.54 0.55 456,000 249,400 0.345 0.35 0.36 0.36 0.345 0.345 5,760,000 2,002,500 STI HLDG BERJAYA 5.27 5.5 5.28 5.5 5.28 5.5 200 1,078 BLOOMBERRY 5.85 5.89 5.79 5.9 5.71 5.85 1,688,000 9,767,604 1.95 2.06 2.01 2.01 2 2 51,000 102,100 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.53 1.55 1.53 1.59 1.51 1.55 2,075,000 3,239,730 PH RESORTS GRP 1.67 1.68 1.72 1.75 1.65 1.67 1,974,000 3,332,740 0.4 0.405 0.405 0.41 0.4 0.405 4,570,000 1,831,800 PREMIUM LEISURE 7.51 7.53 7.73 7.73 7.49 7.51 147,800 1,111,389 ALLHOME METRO RETAIL 1.32 1.33 1.32 1.33 1.31 1.32 678,000 894,700 39.5 39.55 39.5 39.6 38.3 39.55 1,183,300 46,600,180 PUREGOLD 53.25 53.35 53 53.25 51.4 53.25 496,120 26,025,428.50 ROBINSONS RTL PHIL SEVEN CORP 91 93.9 92.6 92.6 91 91 3,790 346,775 1.15 1.16 1.19 1.19 1.1 1.15 4,581,000 5,257,530 SSI GROUP 20.1 20.25 20.35 20.35 19.88 20.1 1,566,900 31,466,338 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.345 0.35 0.37 0.37 0.335 0.35 820,000 278,500 5.25 5.55 5.6 5.6 5.24 5.24 29,400 156,101 EASYCALL GOLDEN MV 437 448 437.8 448 436 448 1,670 746,604 IPM HLDG 6.25 6.49 6.25 6.25 6.25 6.25 3,900 24,375 1.07 1.08 1.18 1.22 1.02 1.08 40,400,000 44,778,020 PRMIERE HORIZON 4.04 4.2 4.25 4.25 4.2 4.2 18,000 75,860 SBS PHIL CORP

9,770 -125,912,855 -13,456,285.00 25,600 720,180 608,220 -67,350 -4,968,169 6,679,630 8,250 3,357,550 -1,353,890 -254,520 25,220 -1,754,640 -279,650 1,516,700 -3,915,858 -1,000 6,040 -123,505,760 -1,659,420 -19,094,855 -48,456,110 4,676,710 16,248,890 310,310 9,100,546 -16,480 6,629 105,750 -303,120 -344,150 71,090,454 -256,310 56,340 1,343,290 -24,200 -4,325,863 -67,730 170,600 497,835 -5,320 16,523,105 272,200.50 -171,735 1,190 -27,637,531 1,273,910 -

MINING & OIL ATOK 6.72 6.96 7.51 7.51 6.71 6.72 573,800 3,913,186 9,460 1.62 1.63 1.57 1.64 1.57 1.63 3,352,000 5,388,920 195,300 APEX MINING - - - - - - - - ABRA MINING Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.317 1.1% 4% 2.68% -0.32% ATLAS MINING 7.03 7.04 6.7 7.39 6.7 7.04 7,258,200 51,585,150 -839,009 4.55 4.6 4.8 5.35 4.55 4.55 1,156,000 5,443,020 BENGUET A Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9814 0.35% 4.5% 2.07% -0.49% BENGUET B 4.31 5.1 4.6 4.61 4.12 4.3 1,177,000 5,197,740 -5,183,940 COAL ASIA HLDG 0.285 0.3 0.285 0.285 0.285 0.285 600,000 171,000 Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0378 -0.11% 4.75% 1.53% -0.4% 2.81 2.91 2.81 2.91 2.81 2.91 34,000 96,270 28,830 CENTURY PEAK 6.13 6.39 6.45 6.45 6.11 6.39 15,000 91,853 DIZON MINES Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2162 1.16% 5.3% 2.29% 0.32% FERRONICKEL 2.38 2.39 2.41 2.43 2.34 2.38 2,929,000 6,963,060 -798,730 0.27 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 30,000 9,000 GEOGRACE Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a

1.7504 0.28% 4.6% 1.62% -0.26% LEPANTO A 0.134 0.135 0.14 0.141 0.132 0.135 28,920,000 3,940,050 LEPANTO B 0.141 0.145 0.147 0.147 0.141 0.145 1,280,000 184,100 Primarily invested in foreign currency securities 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 13,800,000 142,000 MANILA MINING A ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $486.82 2.19% 3.15% 2.16% 0.61% MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.011 43,500,000 462,200 MARCVENTURES 1.19 1.21 1.2 1.22 1.17 1.21 198,000 236,550 ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є220.23 1.82% 1.06% 0.92% 0.48% 1.21 1.22 1.3 1.34 1.2 1.22 1,010,000 1,253,020 NIHAO NICKEL ASIA 5.54 5.55 5.74 5.74 5.51 5.54 4,417,300 24,729,141 1,375,006 ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.1999 -3.1% 2.46% 1.31% -6.29% ORNTL PENINSULA 0.87 0.89 0.84 0.89 0.84 0.89 399,000 339,160 5.93 5.98 6.2 6.2 5.98 5.98 1,108,200 6,700,998 383,487 PX MINING First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0261 - 0.76% 1.72% 0.78% -1.88% 15.94 15.96 16.42 16.46 15.78 15.96 2,225,900 35,747,092 1,000,366 SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON 0.0088 0.0089 0.0088 0.0089 0.0088 0.0089 48,000,000 426,200 PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0551 -2.63% 0.66% -0.9% -3.44% 16.04 16.3 16.7 16.7 16 16.04 186,300 2,998,600 8,060 ACE ENEXOR 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 36,400,000 401,700 ORNTL PETROL A Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5197 1.25% 5.06% 1.88% -0.63% ORNTL PETROL B 0.011 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 0.012 1,000,000 12,000 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.012 0.011 0.011 107,000,000 1,197,000 PHILODRILL Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0630316 3.52% 3.56% 2.12% 1.14% PXP ENERGY 6.95 7.05 7.12 7.39 6.5 7.06 582,700 4,099,900 392,702

Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.1887 -1.17% 3.41% 0.7% -1.08% PREFFERED HOUSE PREF B 100.1 101.7 100.1 100.1 100.1 100.1 15,050 1,506,505 Money Market Funds HOUSE PREF A 100.8 101 100.8 100.8 100.8 100.8 6,390 644,112 520 534 520 520 520 520 10 5,200 AC PREF B1 Primarily invested in Peso securities ALCO PREF B 101 103.5 102.5 102.5 101 101 5,800 589,094 CEB PREF 43.7 45 45 45 43.5 45 19,100 851,005 -175,365 ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 130.37 1.45% 3% 2.52% 0.43% 102.1 103 103.8 103.8 102 103 4,390 451,430 CPG PREF A DD 100.9 101 101.5 101.5 101 101 12,820 1,294,830 PREF First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0537 1.05% n.a. n.a.

0.53% FGEN PREF G 104.7 105 104.7 104.7 104.7 104.7 230 24,081 101 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 101.2 790 79,948 MWIDE PREF Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.3065 1.66% 2.81% 2.55% 0.76% MWIDE PREF 2B 100.7 103 102 103 101 103 7,850 803,580 PNX PREF 3B 104.2 106 105 106 104.1 106 7,900 826,330 Primarily invested in foreign currency securities 1,002 1,003 1,003 1,003 1,002 1,003 945 947,740 PNX PREF 4 PCOR PREF 2B 1,017 1,025 1,020 1,020 1,020 1,020 100 102,000 Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.058 1.14% 1.64% n.a.

0.53% PCOR PREF 3A 1,095 1,110 1,095 1,095 1,095 1,095 10 10,950 1,101 1,110 1,165 1,165 1,110 1,110 2,875 3,233,380 PCOR PREF 3B Feeder Funds SMC PREF 2C 76.9 77 77.9 78 76.9 77 191,120 14,740,512 53,830 SMC PREF 2E 76 77.4 76 76 76 76 8,700 661,200 Primarily invested in Peso securities 78.6 79.4 78.6 78.6 78.6 78.6 29,420 2,312,412 -754,560 SMC PREF 2F 76 76.4 76.5 76.5 76 76 206,700 15,801,200 SMC PREF 2H Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.3204 29.87% n.a. n.a. 16.89% SMC PREF 2J 75.7 76.1 75.7 75.7 75.7 75.7 8,550 647,235 76.5 76.65 76.5 76.5 76.2 76.5 793,780 60,717,510 - SMC PREF 2K Primarily invested in foreign currency securities

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.99 4.21% n.a. n.a.

1.02% GMA HLDG PDR 10.24 10.26 10.72 10.72 10 10.24 380,800 3,896,778 -2,328,568

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

LR WARRANT 1.25 1.23 1.35 1.36 1.21 1.25 903,000 1,115,380 -

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

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

ALTUS PROP 16.7 16.72 16.9 16.96 16.68 16.72 86,900 1,462,466 16,700 ITALPINAS 2.02 2.08 2.15 2.16 1.93 2.08 1,050,000 2,110,910 20,000 6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

3.18 3.19 3.46 3.54 3.17 3.18 11,935,000 38,753,730 1,751,750 MERRYMART

"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 EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF 97.7 98.5 98.7 99.15 97.7 97.7 43,100 4,248,161.50 357,993 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."

Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a

4.4918

-3.62%

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance

Manulife exec sees REITs for long-term investment

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

E

XECUTIVES of an insurance firm said the real estate investment trust (REIT) is a good investment in the long run, especially as the property sector is expected to rebound after the pandemic.

To seize the potential growth opportunity in real estate industry, Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corp. recently launched its “Global REIT Feeder Fund,” the insurer’s income-paying unit investment trust fund that aims to provide income and capital growth through investments in global REITs. The fund can be availed in Philippine peso and the US dollar share classes for as low as P50,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Manulife IM Philippines President and CEO Macaria T. Gaspar said the objective of the fund is to give the maximum value by enabling an investor to maximize total returns by investing in a collective investment scheme in Manulife’s global REIT fund. Gaspar added the target fund will invest at least 70 percent of its assets in REITs listed and traded globally.

Further, Gaspar said the client has the option to invest up to 30 percent

of its assets in real estate securities besides REITs and/or cash and cash equivalents.

“Global REITs provide an alternative source of income, which has become even more important with interest rates expected to remain low for longer. They typically generate stable rental income, enabling attractive dividend payouts. At the same time, their historically low correlation with other major asset classes can provide diversification benefits to an investment portfolio,” Gaspar said.

Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific Real Estate Association CEO Sigrid Zialcita said they are bullish on REITs in the Philippine market.

“Although REITs were not spared from the volatility of the market when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the market stabilized and achieved 15-percent market return,” Zialcita said.

“We are also bullish on the Philippine market because it offers very good returns, It will benefit a lot when the government can provide adequate support,” Zialcita added.

She said there is a need to educate the people on the advantages of investing in REITs and make sure the investors will get the best information.

BusinessMirror

D

O you want to grow your hardearned money? Or maybe you have goals in the future that you want to be prepared of such as buying your dream house, preparing for your retirement, going into your dream vacation in Europe, US or other parts of the world.

Each of us has a unique financial goal.

You might be starting in your work today and you want to help your family members to achieve financial freedom. Are you a new parent like me and you want to prepare for your child’s education?

Perhaps, you need to know the platforms that will help you in achieving your goal: it could be in the short term, medium term and long term.

One avenue that we may consider is investing in the stock market. When I was still studying I used to hear people talking about the stock market and how it helped them in growing their funds.

First, let’s define what the stock market is and let’s learn some of the principles behind it.

What is the stock market?

THE stock market refers to the collection of markets and exchanges where regular activities of buying, selling, and issuance of shares of publicly-held companies take place. Such financial activities are conducted through institutionalized formal exchanges or over-the-counter (OTC) marketplaces which operate under a defined set of regulations. There can be multiple stock trading venues in a country or a region which allow transactions in stocks and other forms of securities.

Here in the Philippines, we have the Philippine Stocks Exchange; in the US, they have the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations).

These are the leading national exchanges, along with several other exchanges operating in different countries.

A local financial regulator or competent monetary authority or institute is assigned the task of regulating the stock market of a country. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the regulatory body charged with overseeing the PH stock market.

Significance of the stock market

THE stock market is one of the most vital components of a free-market economy.

It allows companies to raise money by offering stock shares and corporate bonds. It lets common investors participate in the financial achievements of the companies, make profits through capital gains, and earn money through dividends, although losses are also possible. While institutional investors and professional money managers do enjoy some privileges owing to their deep pockets, better knowledge and higher risk taking abilities, the stock market attempts to offer a level playing field to common individuals.

Karlo Biglang-Awa

personal finance The stock market works as a platform through which savings and investments of individuals are channelized into the productive investment proposals. In the long term, it helps in capital formation & economic growth for the country.

So now, let’s start with the basics.

Imagine this with me, for instances, we are buying food and household items in the groceries or in the wet market, try to relate it with the stock market, we are buying shares of different companies so we can earn if there will be changes in prices.

How can we create income through the stock market?

1. Capital appreciation. When you own shares of a company, it is possible for the market value or price of those shares to change over time. Depending on how many people want to buy those shares and how many people are willing to sell them, the price will either go up or down. This is the concept of supply and demand—how many people want to sell vs. how many people want to buy.

2. Dividends. Another way that you can earn money in the stock market is through dividends. Dividends are simply portions of the company’s profit that are shared with their stockholders as a benefit of being part-owners of the company.

How much and how often dividends are given is up to the company to decide.

Before investing of course, we need to check first if it is the right timing for us or not. Recently our economy experienced a challenging season because of the pandemic.

There are different types of investors such as 1. Conservative. If you are this kind of investor, you should establish first what risk you can take.

2. Aggressive. If you are aggressive, you are comfortable with fluctuations.

You could be investing for the long term or if you are trading you need to have set of strategies such as when to exit or cut loss or when to capitalize your gains.

Whatever type of investor you are, it’s good to know the right platforms and strategy for you. We always remind our countrymen that there’s no single investment strategy that works for everyone.

Start small with consistency, know your investing goal and consult a professional to guide you in your financial journey.

Karlo Biglang-awa is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personalfinancial planning, attend the 91st RFP program this July 2021. The views Biglang-awa expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror’s. To inquire, e-mail info@rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

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T-bills auction gets near-3x bid amid Delta variant fears

By Bernadette D. Nicolas @BNicolasBM

T

HE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) fully awarded P15 billion in Treasury Bills (T-bills) as rates moved sideways amid concerns that the Duterte administration would impose tighter restrictions after health officials flagged rising cases of the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19).

Still, investors flocked to the auction last Monday, which ended up almost thrice oversubscribed as total

bids reached P43 billion.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon told reporters rates “moved

sideways amidst growing concerns on possible stricter restriction.”

On Sunday, the Department of Health reported that 55 more Delta variant cases in the country have been detected, raising the total cases of the said variant to 119.

When asked how the Treasury’s borrowing program for August looks like amid the threat posed by Delta variant, De Leon said they still observe strong liquidity in the market.

“Liquidity still very much around looking for home,” she said.

The 91-day T-bills fetched an average rate of 1.05 percent, sliding by 3.2 basis points from 1.082 percent in the previous auction. The tenor attracted tenders of P18.327 billion, more than thrice the P5billion offer.

Meanwhile, the 182-day T-bills’ average rate capped at 1.407 percent, inching up by 0.6 basis points from

1.401 percent previously. Total bids for the security stood at P13.75 billion, more than twice the P5-billion offer.

As for the 364-day T-bills, its average rate settled at 1.638 percent. This was slightly higher by 0.9 basis points from 1.629 percent previously. Bids for the tenor reached P10.95 billion, double the P5-billion offer.

For July, the Treasury has set to borrow P235 billion from the local debt market, slightly bigger than the P215 billion it programmed in June.

This year, the national government programmed to borrow a total of P3.1-trillion, of which around 75 percent is expected to be raised through domestic sources.

The outstanding debt of the national government as of end-May this year has already ballooned to a record P11.07 trillion, up by 13 percent from P9.795 trillion as of end-2020.

BDO, American Express offer card for online shopping

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

Investing in the stock market

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace • Tuesday, July 27, 2021

S

Y-led BDO Unibank Inc. and multinational financial services firm American Express Co. teamed up to launch a virtual card primarily used for online shopping amid the growing e-commerce sector.

The virtual card has its own credit card number and offers an adjustable credit limit, the listed bank explained in a disclosure on Monday. These features, it added, give the users control over online spending and provide an additional layer of account information security.

“As more consumers shop online

for everything, from food delivery to groceries and entertainment, they expect more flexibility, convenience, and greater control on their online spending,” BDO said.

The BDO American Express Virtual Card, the Sy-led bank said, is timely given the continuing growth in the e-commerce segment.

“With the BDO American Express Virtual Card, we are offering our Cardmembers a product that addresses their reservations about online credit card payments and gives them the assurance they can shop online confidently,” BDO Senior Vice President and Consumer Banking Marketing Head Nanette R. Regala said.

Sanjiv Malhotra of American Express said the company has advanced fraud protection methods, ensuring that the cards are secured.

He is serving as the vice president and general manager of the financial services firm’s global network services for Southeast Asia and South Pacific.

“That said, we understand some customers feel more comfortable using a separate credit card number for their online transactions,” he said. “We are always looking to expand and improve our products and services to support the evolving payment needs of our customers–and the Virtual Card does just that.”

In the first quarter, BDO saw its net income improve by 19 percent to P10.4 billion year-on-year, thanks to strong performance from service fee businesses.

The service fee collection compensated for the weak demand for loans during the said period. The loan portfolio slipped by 1 percent to P2.2 trillion.

BDO earmarked an additional P2.9 billion in loan loss buffer despite the nonperforming loan ratio (NPL) staying within anticipated levels. NPL coverage ratio stood at 107.1 percent.

Capital adequacy ratio and common equity tier 1 were at 14.7 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively.

Credit Suisse brain drain hits investment bank

W

HEN a US insurer indicated it was looking to sell its European business earlier this year, Credit Suisse Group AG executives thought they were in pole position to advise on the $1 billion-plus deal. Then a cadre of the Swiss bank’s top insurance dealmakers walked out the door.

AmTrust Financial Services Inc. went with JPMorgan Chase & Co. instead, according to people briefed on the decision, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. It’s a scene playing out from New York to Sydney as Credit Suisse struggles to retain its most talented advisers and risks losing out on valuable deals in one of the hottest merger markets in years. More than 40 managing directors across the dealmaking side of the business have left since a pair of scandals rocked the firm’s profits and image, including the M&A chief and five global heads or co-heads of industry teams.

Brain drain

THE departures have especially hit groups courting financial institutions and technology, media and telecom companies, two areas of traditional strength for Credit Suisse. And of the 10 senior bankers the firm tapped late last year for an elite squad to work on the biggest transactions across industries, three have left in recent months. Credit Suisse declined to comment.

Many top bankers are concerned about pay after the collapse of Archegos Capital Management cost the bank $5.5 billion. They also fret about the firm’s reputation after it angered asset management clients who had invested in now-frozen funds the bank offered with failed lender Greensill Capital. Credit Suisse has handed out some retention bonuses to keep top performers, but it hasn’t halted the stream of departures. Newly installed chairman

a time when the firm is also cutting back on risk in its trading unit.

Key Departures—Technology, Media and Telecom

AN illuminated Credit Suisse sign above the entrance to a Credit Suisse Group AG office building at night in Muri, Bern, Switzerland. Bloomberg News

Antonio Horta-Osorio is currently reviewing the firm’s strategy as he seeks to chart a new course. But his comments have sown further uncertainty about how the investment bank in particular will emerge.

The exodus threatens the strength of businesses that have been among the top in the industry dating back decades to when the investment bank was known as Credit Suisse First Boston. And it comes as a record deluge of transactions lifted first-half profits at its biggest Wall Street rivals.

With conditions ripe, competitors are flush with cash and luring away entire teams and top rainmakers.

Credit Suisse is set to give investors an update when it reports secondquarter results this week.

Slipping share

WHILE the exits go beyond just dealmakers, those have particular importance both because of the fees they bring in and how they fit with the bank’s broader strategy. The business doesn’t carry the risk or capital requirements of trading and tends to have high profitability. And Credit Suisse and rival UBS Group AG, while reducing their investment banks in recent years, have argued that they need to maintain advisory businesses as a service to offer rich clients and to capture deal flow opportunities.

Strong investment banks are seen as a key selling point to the wealthy.

The departures present a huge challenge for top management, including Chief Executive Officer Thomas Gottstein, a former investment banker. He’s pushed, unsuccessfully, to try and keep bankers including George Maddison, the vice chairman for the insurance team, from leaving, people familiar with the matter said. While Credit Suisse has made a few hires of its own, replacing the senior bankers who have left could take years and prove costly.

The firm clocked up about $350 billion worth of deal credits across four key coverage sectors last year— industrials, energy and basic materials, technology, media and telecoms, and financial services—according to data compiled by Bloomberg. They included S&P Global Inc.’s $44 billion takeover of IHS Market Ltd., Advanced Micro Devices Inc.’s roughly $35 billion purchase of rival chip maker Xilinx Inc., and the multibillion-dollar tie-up of payments firms Nexi SpA and Nets A/S. Credit Suisse has dropped down the adviser rankings in three of those four sectors so far this year. While the missed opportunities may not show up in revenue right away as mergers often take months to complete, it could weigh on revenue growth at

Signs are already emerging that the bank may be missing out on deals where it might historically have expected to play a role, either due to a track record advising a company or senior connections. Australian newspapers reported that Hansen Technologies was expected to tap the firm for advice on its takeover offer from a local private-equity firm.

Hansen, which has Credit Suisse’s former country head as its chairman, chose UBS. And Credit Suisse doesn’t have a role on the $17 billion takeover bid for Sydney Airport, even though Global Infrastructure Partners is part of the consortium vying for the airport operator. GIP was cofounded by Credit Suisse banker Adebayo Ogunlesi in 2006 and has used the bank before as adviser on deals.

Key Departures—Financial Institutions Group

Alejandro Przygoda had led Credit Suisse’s financial institutions group for a decade before leaving for Jefferies Financial Group Inc. in May. Max Mesny, a specialist in fintech and payments, was credited with the most deal volume in EMEA last year, according to data provider MergerLinks. He’s leaving to join Perella Weinberg Partners. And in Australia, M&A head Kierin Deeming has left for JPMorgan. Every managing director and rainmaker that leaves risks jeopardizing Credit Suisse’s ability to capture big fees and deals. Its bankers have brought it more than $3 billion of annual advisory and capital markets fees in three of the past four years. Analysts at Jefferies cited the talent drain earlier this month as a reason they expect Credit Suisse’s investment bank to fall short of rivals’ performance. Bloomberg News

B4

Art

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

www.businessmirror.com.ph

What’s next for the #Tumindig movement

I

T began as a creative release of an artist who has had enough.

Kevin Eric Raymundo has been creating satirical illustrations for his hit web comic series “Tarantadong Kalbo” for two years. On July 17, he posted another piece that expresses his disapproval of the current administration without expecting much of a response.

The artwork depicted legions of anthropomorphic fists bowing down in submission, mimicking the signature fist-bump pose of President Duterte. In the middle of the frame, however, valiantly stands an outlier. In its defiance, the character appears as a clenched fist pointing skyward, standing as the symbol for resistance.

Titled Tumindig, Tagalog for “to arise,” the piece inspired another illustrator, Kapitan Tambay, to create his own avatar that stands in solidarity with Raymundo’s. It was the first adaptation of the character, which has since spawned a few thousands more in less than two weeks and has now evolved into a full-blown online movement that continues to gain momentum.

“Sobrang hindi ko siya in-expect na it would blow up na ganun kalaki,” Raymundo said in a recent TV interview with ANC. “Nung time na ’yun ang daming balita na lumalabas na sobrang depressing, especially with the coming elections, ang daming nagpaparamdam na politicians who want our vote. I felt the need na ilabas ’yung nararamdam ko. ’Yun lang naman ang purpose ng artwork na ’yun—to show what I’m feeling.”

As of this writing, Raymundo’s original Tumindig post has garnered close to 60,000 likes on Twitter. Individuals and organizations have joined in on the trend, expressing their support to the movement by posting their own raised-fist avatars.

The list includes political figures from the opposition, youth organizations and art collectives, among others.

Visual artists have also embraced the movement.

Sculptor Leeroy New reimagined Raymundo’s raised fist using discarded water bottles. Meanwhile,

Bayani Galera used pencils to fashion out fingers for his version.

In his ANC interview, Raymundo revealed that the next step for the movement is to expand it beyond the digital realm. “May plan kami to combine the entries into one big image, then ikakakalat namin siya possibly offline...sa streets,” he said.

“Art is always political, whether you like it or not,” the artist added. “Hindi siya just for aesthetics. Even if you choose not to participate sa political discourse, that in itself is staying silent. When you stay silent, you are siding with the oppressors.”

Raymundo said that he is but a simple citizen who visualizes his thoughts through drawing.

“I am using my talent and my platform to call out the Duterte administration for its cruel, unreasonable and arbitrary use of power and control,” he said. “I get a lot of questions lately kung tungkol saan ang artwork ko, at kung ako ba raw ay against the government. I think the better question to ask is: Sawang-sawa na ang mga tao sa kapalpakan, pangaabuso, pagpapatahimik, pagpapakulong, pinapatay ang mga karaniwang mamamayan, at sa gitna pa ng pandemya—is the government against its own people?”

“Kasi kung oo,” he added, “ay dapat na itong palitan.

Magpa-rehistro tayo and let’s vote them out in this coming elections.” n

❷

❶

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, 44; Ryan Michelle Bathe, 45; Cassandra Clare, 48; Maya Rudolph, 49.

Happy Birthday: Wasting time on the impossible will not get you where you want to go. Step outside the box, smell the roses and head in a direction that’s not only inviting, but doable. Maximize your time, and you will surpass your expectations. Don’t let uncertainty be your nemesis. Stretch your mind, explore what excites you and forge ahead with enthusiasm. Your numbers are 3, 14, 21, 27, 34, 38, 43.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Look for a direct route to avoid confusion. You’ll require discipline if you want to forgo backtracking. Reach out to someone in the know, and it will help you eliminate mistakes. Put your energy where it counts, and don’t look back. HHH

b

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Uncertainty will set in if you give others the go-ahead to make decisions for you. If you do things yourself, you’ll gain perspective and make connections that will help you advance. Romance is on the rise. HHHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Learn from experience and stay in control. You know what you want better than anyone, so follow through with your plans from beginning to end. Don’t forgo an opportunity to please someone insecure. HH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Step up and do things your way. Take control, make a statement and expand your circle of friends.

An adjustment to please a friend, relative or lover will lead to an unexpected opportunity. Romance will enhance your personal life. HHHHH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for alternative learning methods that will keep you sharp, current and better equipped to navigate your way to the top. Change begins within, and discipline and determination will help you reach your destination.

Focus on what’s important to you. HHH

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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Use your imagination and express your intentions, and you’ll captivate the minds of like-minded people. Step into a leadership position and lay down a strategy that will lead to opportunities and positive change. A lifestyle adjustment is favored. HHH

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Gather information that will help you determine your best professional or financial move. Share unique alternatives that show your ability to think outside the box. Take the initiative and be a problem solver, and doors will open. HHH

❶ Baks figures

are archetypes representing people who give life and character to cities around the world.

❷ DURING the

construction of the Time Sculpture. The structure is made up of multiple round steel tubes as the main structural column.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Spend more time working toward a personal goal. Make an effort to declutter your space. Letting go of the past will set you free and prompt you to start a new chapter in your life. Don’t make excuses; end the stalemate. HHHHH

It’s time for ‘Time Sculpture’ OVER the years, SM Malls has become known for exciting art concepts, like the Art Walk and Art Center in SM Megamall, as well as venues for prestigious cultural events. More recently, SM’s premier malls have become memorable spaces for public art like the iconic Globe at the SM Mall of Asia, the Cube at SM City Seaside Cebu, Cubi by National Artist Arturo Luz at The Podium, and the colorful Philippine animals at the Skypark at SM Aura Premier.

Now comes the time for Time Sculpture, an awesome 12-meter tall work designed by Filipino-American public artist Jefre Manuel Figueras, simply known as JEFRË.

Time Sculpture, which will be unveiled in front of SM Megamall on July 29, depicts a man looking at his watch, which JEFRË wants to be a reminder to people that time is valuable. Even when stuck in traffic, people should learn how to respect the idea of time by using it productively.

The giant sculpture is part of JEFRË’s Baks Series, the artist’s first signature works. The series was named after the phonetic pronunciation of the word “box” in American English. Its figures are archetypes representing people who give life and character to cities around the world.

The sculpture made with mirror stainless steel has points established across the figure’s body and are then connected by polyhedrons that create complex three-dimensional planes. The box-shaped head is also an iconic form within the artwork as it establishes the figure as symbolic expression.

For JEFRË, people are the building blocks of the city and by

converting the statue’s head to a block, the artist connects the figures to urban architecture.

With the opportunity to create a landmark along Edsa, SM Supermalls teamed up with JEFRË to make something of presence, to have something on a pedestrian scale as people don’t really look at the building from the ground floor.

The permanent art sculpture at SM Megamall, like any other public art installation, aims to create understanding of the history of the city and its people, as well as to establish forms that best represent the city.

An award-winning public artist based in Chicago, Illinois, JEFRË is a proud Filipino with family originating from San Pedro, Laguna and Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur. JEFRË creates art and sculptures that help identify cities and places. For him, it’s an opportunity to use art more than decoration but also to provide a sense of place and opportunities to create emotion for visitors of the place.

JEFRË studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, Ohio State University, and Architectural Association in London. In 2012, he was named Emerging Artist of the Year and has won in various monumental sculpture competitions in Washington, DC; New Orleans, San Antonio, London, Rome and Miami.

Some of JEFRË’s works in the Philippines include Talking Heads, a permanent installation featuring six large sculptures in the lobby of SM Prime’s Five Ecom Center Building and larger-than-life sculptures of a carabao, eagle, rooster and tarsier at SM Aura Premier.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Refuse to let anyone play with your emotions. Question whatever sounds suspicious, and be practical when dealing with others and their ideas. Focus on personal growth, financial independence and going it alone, and you’ll avoid interference. HH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take the route that suits your needs. Put more time into staying fit and healthy and building equity and financial stability. The aim is to ease stress, not to ramp it up. A positive change will lead to a carefree future. HHHH

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stop worrying about what others do; pay attention to what you can do to make your life better. Take responsibility and put your plans in motion. Don’t diminish what you can do; set high standards and strive to reach your goal. HHH

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Turn a negative into a positive. A change someone makes will benefit you if you are quick to react and take advantage of what’s available. Create what you want in your mind, then make it happen. HHH Time Sculpture is part of JEFRË’s Baks Series, his first signature works named after the phonetic pronunciation of the word “box” in American English.

Birthday Baby: You are resourceful, intuitive and expressive.

You are optimistic and amicable.

‘preoccupation’ by gary larson The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Unaccompanied at a party 5 Where people get their starts?

10 What’s about a foot?

14 Contented cat’s sound 15 Unreactive 16 Rest in a hammock, say 17 Actor who plays a clergy member in commercials?

19 Thing 20 Words of agreement 21 Very virtuous people 23 2002 rom-com whose protagonist donates $40 billion 26 Reggae cousin 27 Donkey 30 Org. with a list of popular baby names 31 Census Bureau office manager?

34 Popular payment app 35 Plants in a dry place?

36 Kitty starter 39 Pieces of furniture in green rooms 42 Does and bucks 43 Home Depot rival 45 Steer clear of

7 Spot on a major team?

4 50 Tractor-trailer 53 Butterfingers 54 Operated 55 Suffragist Susan B. 57 The “A” of CIA 60 Sphere of influence 61 It may have a soft shell 63 Forklift operator for pillow factory?

66 Gave the once-over 67 Host the show 68 Romance fiction award 69 Extremities 70 Processes, as a chip card 71 Reason to study DOWN 1 Involuntary jerks 2 Houses with steeply pitched roofs 3 Naval fleet 4 Ingrained dirt 5 Nintendo console 6 Add-___ (extras) 7 New York team with a bridge in its logo 8 Chicken serving 9 Ball alternative, in softball

1 0 Narrow opening 1 1 Cajun condiment 12 Cheer at a futbol game 1 3 A Nightmare on ___ Street 18 Nephew’s sibling, perhaps 22 One definitely won’t share weed with you 4 Puts on 2 25 Japanese sport in a ring 2 8 Web location 2 9 Commotion 32 Like Jack Sprat’s diet 3 3 Anti-DWI org.

34 Political second banana, for short 3 6 Purina brand 3 7 Writer Ephron 3 8 Deceitful 4 0 Nike competitor 41 In the near future 4 4 Upset 46 First class, informally?

48 Tool that produces wood dust 49 ___ Tax (unlucky Monopoly player’s first landing space) 5 0 Band aide 5 1 Coastal features

2 One may lift weights for hours 5 56 Valentine symbol 58 Mount Olympus dwellers 59 Feminist community org.

61 Thing in a golfer’s pocket 62 Writer Rand 64 Homer’s frenemy 65 French word within Miserables

Solution to today’s puzzle:

Show BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, July 27, 2021

B5

Jolie-Pitt divorce judge disqualified by appeals court Alice DixSon (left) and Bianca Umali star in the new prime-time drama Legal Wives.

GMA supercharges primetime with breakthrough family drama THE family drama series Legal Wives is touted to be GMA’s boldest and grandest offering, as it not only explores the many facets of love but also boast of production qualities to rival big-budget films. The series premiered yesterday, July 26.

The revolutionary series features a casting coup top-billed by Dennis Trillo as Ismael Makadatu, an honorable man from a well-off Maranaw family who will equally love three women out of obligation, dedication and compassion; Alice Dixson as Amirah Alonte, the virtuous and pious daughter of a sultan and Ismael’s first wife; Andrea Torres as Diane San Luis, Isamel’s second wife who is a feisty modern Catholic woman who will go to great lengths to fight for herself and Ismael’s love; Bianca Umali as Farrah Valeandong, a smart and innocent lady who becomes Ismael’s third wife in the hopes of saving her family’s reputation.

Dennis, who considers this series as his primetime comeback, expresses his enthusiasm for what’s in store for viewers: “Napakalaki ng project na ito para palampasin. Maganda ang latag ng kuwento, magagaling din ang lahat ng kasama ko na artista. Manghihinayang ako kung hindi ito napunta sa akin. Gusto kong ibahagi at iparating sa mga manonood na bukod sa makulay na kultura ng mga Maranaw, kagigiliwan nila ang bawat characters na siguradong kapupulutan nila ng aral.”

Alice, in turn, hopes that their series would bridge Filipinos and shed some light on the culture of Muslim people: “They’re actually a very loving, God-fearing people. They have the same goals and desires. They have strong family bonds. Magandang paraan itong TV show na ito para ipakita kung ano ’yung differences at kung ano din ’yung likeness natin as Filipinos.”

Andrea, on the other hand, reveals how different and challenging her role is in the series and how she works her way into channeling her character: “I think ang pinaka-challenge is to find that balance kasi there are so many layers to my character, napakadami niyang pagdadaanan dito. So binantayan po namin ni Direk Zig [Dulay, the director] na you’ll always understand where she’s coming from and why she’s doing these things. Love is her weakness but that’s also where she’ll get strength to fight back.”

Meanwhile, Bianca shares her gratitude for landing the role of Farrah and looks forward to learning more as an actress through the show: “I am very honored na ako ay pinagkatiwalaan na mapasama sa cast ng proyektong ito. Nakakakaba po ang makipagsabayan sa mga beteranong aktor but at the same time, natutuwa po ako na makatrabaho silang lahat.”

The cast boasts of exceptional actors, including the multi-awarded Cherie Gil as Ismael’s doting mother; Al Tantay as a respected Imam and Ismael’s father who comes from a clan of sultans and datus in Marawi; Juan Rodrigo, Irma Adlawan, Tommy Abuel, Maricar de Mesa, and Bernard Palanca.

The original series also features the special participation of Derrick Monasterio, Alfred Vargas, and Mon Confiado. It also introduces two of the network’s rising artists, Shayne Sava and Abdul Rahman.

Set in Lanao del Sur, Legal Wives is under the supervision of the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, FVP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, SAVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, senior program manager Helen Rose S. Sese, and executive producer Shielyn Atienza.

All scenes, creative processes and executions for the series are with the guidance of reliable Muslim consultants Sohaimen Agal, Imam Mohammad Miphantao, Imam Abu amen Abdullah, and Ustadh Alinor Pansar; Islamic script editor Salem Guimba; and costume and Muslim language consultant Princess Nurfathma Egypa Balindong.

Legal Wives airs after The World Between Us on GMA. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or www.IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.

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By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

OS ANGELES—Angelina Jolie scored a major victory on Friday in her divorce with Brad Pitt when a California appeals court agreed with her that the private judge deciding who gets custody of their children should be disqualified.

The Second District Court of Appeal agreed with Jolie that Judge John W. Ouderkirk didn’t sufficiently disclose business relationships with Pitt’s attorneys.

“Judge Ouderkirk’s ethical breach, considered together with the information disclosed concerning his recent professional relationships with Pitt’s counsel, might cause an objective person, aware of all the facts, reasonably to entertain a doubt as to the judge’s ability to be impartial. Disqualification is required,” the court ruled.

The decision means that the custody fight over the couple’s five minor children, which was nearing an end, could just be getting started.

The judge already ruled the pair divorced, but separated the child custody issues.

Like many celebrity couples, Pitt and Jolie opted to hire their own judge to increase their privacy in the divorce proceedings.

“The appeals court ruling was based on a technical procedural issue. The facts haven’t changed. There is an extraordinary amount of factual evidence which led the judge—and the many experts who testified—to reach their clear conclusion about what is in the children’s best interests,” a statement by Pitt’s representative said. “We will continue to do what’s necessary legally based on the detailed findings of what’s best for the children.”

Details of the custody rulings have not been publicly released.

Jolie and Pitt have six children: 19-year-old Maddox, 17-year-old Pax, 16-year-old Zahara, 15 year-old Shiloh, 12-year-old Vivienne and 12-yearold Knox. Only the five minors are subject to custody decisions.

Ouderkirk declined to disqualify himself when Jolie asked him to in a filing in August. A lower court judge ruled that Jolie’s request for disqualification came too late. Jolie’s attorneys then appealed.

The July 9 oral arguments in front of the appeals court focused on exactly which ethical rules should apply to private judges, who, like Ouderkirk, are usually retired superior court judges.

“If you’re going to play the role of a paid private judge you have to play by the rules and the rules are very clear, they require full transparency,” Jolie’s attorney Robert Olson said. “Matters that should have been disclosed were not disclosed.”

Pitt attorney Theodore Boutrous said the attempt at disqualification was a stalling tactic by Jolie to keep Ouderkirk’s recent tentative custody decision, which is favorable to Pitt, from going into effect.

The court cited several cases, including the divorce of Modern Family cocreator Steven Levitan, in which Ouderkirk either failed entirely to disclose a business relationship with Pitt’s attorneys or failed to disclose one quickly or completely enough.

The panel questioned whether such an arrangement should be allowed in California at all, but their ruling applies only to Ouderkirk.

Jolie, 46, and Pitt, 57, were among Hollywood’s most prominent couples for 12 years. Ouderkirk officiated the couple’s 2014 wedding, then was hired to oversee their divorce when Jolie filed to dissolve the marriage in 2016. They were declared divorced in April 2019, after their lawyers asked for a judgment that allowed a married couple to be declared single

while other issues remained, including finances and child custody.

In May, Jolie and her attorneys criticized Ouderkirk for not allowing the couple’s children to testify in the proceedings.

The actress also said the judge “has failed to adequately consider” a section of the California courts code, which says it is detrimental to the best interest of the child if custody is awarded to a person with a history of domestic violence. Her filing did not give details about what it was referring to, but her lawyers submitted a document under seal in March that purportedly offers additional information.

The ruling does not address whether the children should be allowed to testify in the case. n

Dennis Trillo goes with the flow

THERE are just a few actors we know that have remained grounded, unperturbed and unchanged by success. One of them is GMA’s prized leading man Dennis Trillo.

Still peaking as an actor at 40, Trillo has maintained his premium as an A-lister despite the many newcomers that have surfaced in the circuit, especially the younger ones who have tasted success just a few years after being launched.

Trillo actually started as an actor in ABS-CBN before taking that big leap to GMA in 2003 where his star started to shine brighter. A year later, it was in the fantasy series Mulawin where Trillo made his mark as an important television star, and 2004 being a good year for him, Trillo also made his presence felt on film via Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita winning a slew of awards.

His mother studio gave him many wonderful roles which Trillo maximized to the fullest. Among these were shows, like Encantadia, Darna, My Husband’s Lover and Cain at Abel.

This week, Trillo’s newest drama series Legal Wives finally makes its debut on the prime-time block, after several postponements in production and airing date due to the many kinks the show had to hurdle over the past two years, not the least of them being the global pandemic.

When the pandemic started to alter the television work landscape, Trillo admitted having doubts on how the network will be able to pull through a major series that is almost epic in grandeur, range and

content.

“We had to stop production several times because of the threat to the health and safety of the people involved in the series. Then, there were cast and production members who had to exit during the middle of the grind. But we all kept our faith and managed to wrap up work so we can offer something new, interesting and wonderful to the televiewers,” he shared.

Trillo quickly clarified that viewers should not be confused whatever initial impression they may have from the title. “This is not about mistresses, not at all. It is a family drama with Muslim characters. It is about how a patriarch is able to lead his many families despite the challenges they are faced with in their dayto-day existence.” In the series, Trillo breathes life to a noble Maranaw character that has three families.

Preparation for the lead male role was not a breeze for Trillo. He was thoroughly guided by consultants knowledgeable and experts in the Islam way of life, traditions, religion and culture, including how they communicate, their movements, how they present themselves. “We always had assignments, lectures, consultations, even long rehearsals to make sure we do things the right way,” he added.

Now that the series has premiered, Trillo can attend to other matters that took a back seat while he was at work. He recently brought his longtime companion Jennylyn Mercado and their respective kids on an out-of-town trip to the Mount Maynuba summit to commune with nature. Mercado has a son with semi-retired actor Patrick Garcia while Trillo also has son with former beauty queen-turned-actress Carlene Aguilar.

“I am a go-with-the-flow kind of guy,” he told us once. But unlike others who simply roll with the punches, Dennis Trillo knows what he wants, what’s important, and what makes him truly stand out. And he always goes for these. n

ANGELINA JOLIE (left) and Brad Pitt

B6 Tuesday, July 27, 2021

AMCHAM Foundation receives over PhP700,000 donation from Chevron

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HEVRON companies in the Philippines donated a total of PhP735,000 to the American Chamber Foundation Philippines, Inc. (AMCHAM Foundation) to support jobless Filipinos caused by the economic disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, together with Chevron Holdings Inc. (CHI), its shared service center, responded to AMCHAM Foundation’s call for donation as they continue to provide reliefs to displaced families and individuals who lost their jobs. CPI donated PhP500,000 and CHI extended $5,000 (about PhP235,000).

“While we have seen progress in the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines, many of our fellow Filipinos are still struggling to sustain their livelihood. CPI is hoping that through our donation to AMCHAM Foundation, we will be able to reach out to those who are unemployed and underemployed Filipinos,” CPI Country Chairman Billy Liu shared.

CHI General Manager Ethan Flowers also added, “We, at Chevron, remain committed to pushing for human progress in whatever circumstance. We have witnessed the profound impact this pandemic brought to many Filipinos, especially their livelihood. We are demonstrating

that commitment through the help we extended to our long-time partner AMCHAM Foundation.”

The Philippines’ economy remains fragile as the World Bank recently dropped the country’s growth outlook from 9.6% in 2020 to 4.7% in June 2021. In April 2021, over 4.44 million Filipinos were also recorded jobless, catapulting the country’s unemployment rate to 8.7%.

“We are thankful that Chevron remains to be a trusted partner in

AMCHAM Foundation initiatives. We are appealing to companies and individuals alike to support our program and help more Filipinos in need,” said AMCHAM Foundation President Ed Feist.

For those who wish to donate to the AMCHAM Foundation in cash or check, below are their bank details.

For additional inquiries or in-kind donations, please reach out to Candy Gabriel at candy@amchamphilippines.com or 0917-860-7151.

PCPPI RECOGNIZED FOR FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCCPI) was recently recognized by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for actively supporting its program “KAISA: Call to action against destructive fire campaign.” Particularly for its Zamboanga plant, PCPPI was the first company to be recognized by the BFP Zamboanga City Fire District for its fire safety awareness initiatives even in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. In the photo are (from left): PCPPI Zamboanga Environment, Health, Safety and Security Officer Magielindo Navarette, BFP Zamboanga Fire Marshal Jacqueline S. Ortega, PCPPI Zamboanga Operations Manager Dan Israel Oriña, and BFP Zamboanga Fire Marshal Magno Barredo.

UNFPA works to achieve zero gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls

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CPI and CHI join hands to alleviate the situation of unemployed Filipinos due to COVID-19.

PGH frontliners given essential aid, connectivity

by Globe and the Ayala Group of Companies

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LOBE shows appreciation for healthcare workers who remain at the forefront of the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic through additional cash, connectivity, and in-kind donations to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

PGH was appointed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an exclusive COVID-19 hospital and remains the largest referral hospital in the country. Since the global health crisis broke out in 2020, Globe has donated P22 million to PGH to equip frontliners with much-needed essentials such as personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle COVID-19 patients.

As a part of the continued support to PGH, the #BrigadangAyala initiative led by Globe celebrates the frontliners in three Metro Manila designated COVID-19 hospitals, including the National Children’s Hospital and Tondo Medical Center.

With this, the company provided 50 MyFi devices to medical frontliners who are staying in PGH dorms or have living arrangements away from their families to lessen risks of exposure.

“We truly appreciate this support for

our frontliners who continue to make sacrifices for the benefit of our kababayans.

Though the hospital is equipped with WiFi, providing connectivity directly to the frontliners will allow them to stay connected even when off duty,” said Dr. Telesforo Gana, Jr., President, PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. Generika Drugstore, an AC Health company and the pioneer in retail generic medicines in the Philippines, provided 500 immunity booster packages of Actimed Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Actimed Paracetamol and Actimed throat lozenges for PGH frontliners.

“We at Generika recognize and appreciate the valiant efforts of our frontliners in their continuous service at the forefront of our battle against this pandemic. As we find ways to continue to provide Filipinos access to quality affordable medicines in these challenging times, we are honored to be part of this effort to provide them added care and protection,” said Atty. Yet Abarca, President and CEO, Generika Drugstore.

In addition, Globe’s parent firm Ayala Corporation, through Ayala Foundation, is donating P500,000 to the PGH Medical

Foundation, Inc., while the telco pursues fundraising efforts through Globe Rewards and GCash. Globe has also given an entertainment package consisting of three smart TVs and Home Prepaid WiFi to the hospital’s Cancer Pediatric wards.

“As the country gradually adapts to the changing landscape of our day-to-day reality, we need to show our frontliners that their service is valued. Through connectivity support, we hope to extend to them our gratitude for the work that they do,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications. #BrigadangAyala is yet another manifestation of the strong partnership of PGH and Globe through the years, starting with the rehabilitation of the hospital’s Hematology-Oncology clinic back in 2016.

Globe further ramped up its fundraising activities after a fire hit sections of PGH last May 15 that displaced disadvantaged patients.

Globe customers may easily help by donating their Rewards points through the Globe Rewards app.

Each Reward point is equivalent to P1. Download the Globe Rewards app and click on the Let’s Help PGH banner. Select the corresponding denomination then press REDEEM NOW. A confirmation message will be sent by 4438 upon successful donation.

Customers may also help via GCash’s Pay Bills option. Just tap Others and select #FightCOVID19.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly UN SDG No. 3 on good health and well-being and UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs. To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

HE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia Pacific Regional Office in partnership with the UNFPA Philippines Country Office recently organized an online event on 13 July in celebration of World Population Day, the most important day in the UNFPA calendar. The theme this year is Dynamic Demographics: The solution to shifting fertility rates lies in prioritizing the reproductive health and rights of all people.

World Population Day is an annual event that aims to enhance awareness of population issues, including their relations to the environment and development. It seeks to focus attention on the urgency and significance of the issues within the rapidly changing population landscape in the world.

More particularly this year, as the world continues to face the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, weaknesses in health care systems have caused serious gaps and challenges in the provision of sexual and reproductive health information and services. Additionally, the reallocation of resources away from these services is taking a toll on the health of women and girls.

Against this backdrop, many countries are expressing growing concern over changing fertility rates, which in some places seem to be accelerating due to the pandemic.

Historically, alarmism over fertility rates has led to abrogations of human rights, with women in particular affected. In places with rising populations, harmful policy responses have included coercive family planning and sterilization. In places with low or declining fertility rates, women have faced denial of

family planning and other reproductive health services, and pressure to have more children. “The most effective solution for population shifts is to ensure that the rights of women and young girls are upheld and protected through collective efforts of the government and international development organizations such as the UNFPA,” said Dr Leila Joudane, UNFPA Philippines Country Representative. “We are proud to have built a robust relationship with the Philippine government in working towards addressing the issues and empowering the Filipino people in making informed about their sexual and reproductive health. Let us keep the conversation going.”

The event featured a special focus on the Philippines’ experience amid COVID-19, through the powerful stories of women and young people impacted as well as the steps the Population Commission and other government and civil society partners have been taking to address challenges faced.

Nepal presented compelling narratives on the value placed on a woman’s health and wellbeing and how this impacts her ability to shape her life. Thailand, on the other hand, took a look at how the sexual and reproductive health and rights and choices of persons with disabilities, adolescent mothers and LGBTIQ+ people are being strengthened through legislation and advocacy.

UNFPA is the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, working to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls.

CDO vaccinates employees in Malvar, Batangas

THE CDO Team and their HSP, Center for Health Services, Inc. (CHSI) as they conduct the first vaccination day in Malvar facility.

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TOTAL of 2000 CDO employees received their first doses of AstraZeneca on July 26 from the first batch of orders done through GoNegosyo's A Dose of Hope program.

"Today's vaccination is a symbol of our commitment to prioritize the safety & health of our people, our #1 priority especially during the pandemic. Along with the continued adherence to strict health protocols, vaccination will protect our people and their families even with the new COVID variants coming out, and we will be able to do our share in achieving the herd immunity the we need,” said CDO Foodsphere President & CEO Jerome D. Ong. “We convey our gratitude to Presidential Adviser and GoNegosyo founder Joey

Concepcion and his hardworking team for allowing us to be one of the very first companies to be part of this landmark agreement as early as November 2020,” Ong added.

CDO Director & Senior Vice President Charmaine Ong-Castro administered the 1st dose to the 1st employee.

Vaccine confidence remains high for CDO employees and continues to increase.

“The continuous education campaign and dialogues with our people in the past months have helped build this over time.

As of end-June, 65% of our people said Yes to vaccination. Today, 85% said they are willing to get their jabs,” said Pia Viloria, Asst. Vice President for Human Resources and COVID-19 Task force chief.

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

The World

China blames US for ‘stalemate’ in bilateral relations; talks begin

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IANJIN, China—China blamed the US for what it called a “stalemate” in bilateral relations as high-level face-to-face talks began Monday in the Chinese city of Tianjin.

Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng urged the US “to change its highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy,” the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

The China-US relationship is in a stalemate because some Americans portray China as an “imagined enemy,” Xinhua quoted Xie as telling US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.

America’s No. 2 diplomat is discussing the fraught relationship between the countries in separate meetings with Xie, who is in charge of US-China relations, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a closed-off resort hotel in the city of Tianjin.

Sherman is the highest-ranking US official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office six months ago. Relations between the countries deteriorated sharply under his predecessor, Donald Trump, and the two sides remain at odds over a host of issues including technology, cybersecurity, human rights and other issues.

In an interview Saturday, Wang accused the US of adopting a superior attitude and using its strength to pressure other countries.

“China would never accept any country that claims to be superior to

others,” he told China’s Phoenix Television. “If the US has not learned to treat other countries equally, China and the international community have the responsibility to help the US learn how to do this.”

Biden administration officials have said the goal of the talks is not to negotiate specific issues but to keep high-level communications channels open. The US wants to ensure that guardrails are in place to prevent competition between the countries from becoming conf lict, they said.

A possible meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be on the agenda, possibly on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Rome at the end of October.

Sherman, who arrived Sunday evening from Mongolia, tweeted “ heartfelt condolences [from the United States] to those who have lost loved ones” in severe storms and f looding last week that killed at least 63 people in Henan province.

Her meetings follow an initial and highly contentious meeting in March in Anchorage, Alaska, where Wang and veteran Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi flew to meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

John Kerr y, the Biden administration’s special climate envoy, traveled to Shanghai for meetings w ith his Chinese counter part in April. AP

Malaysia’s Parliament reopens after 7-month virus suspension

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UALA LUMPUR, Malaysia— Ma l aysia’s Pa rl ia ment re opened Monday for the first time this year after a seven-month suspension due to a coronavirus emergency that has failed to curb a worsening pandemic.

Lawmakers are expected to question Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s emergency declaration and his government’s management of the pandemic after Malaysia’s total cases passed 1 million Sunday. Infections have jumped eight-fold from the whole of last year and are up 77 percent since a national lockdown on June 1 while deaths have climbed steeply to near 8,000.

Critics have slammed the emergency as a ruse for the embattled leader to stay in power amid challenges to his leadership from within his coalition and the opposition. The emergency allows the government to halt Parliament and approve supplementary budgets and impose ordinances without legislative approval.

The five-day session of the lower house is being held under strict virusprevention measures, with lawmakers masked and separated by transparent screens. It comes shortly before the virus emergency expires on Aug. 1 after Muhyiddin bowed to growing calls, including from the king, to resume Parliament earlier.

Muhyiddin has a razor-thin majority in Parliament, and the biggest party in his ruling alliance earlier this month withdrew support for him for failing to tackle the pandemic.

The move by the United Malays National Organization, or UMNO,

could cause his government to collapse, but the attorney-general said Muhyiddin remained in power until it can be proven in Parliament that he lost majority support.

That keeps his position safe for now as the government has said the special parliamentary session will focus purely on the pandemic and no other motions will be allowed.

Muhyiddin will brief the house on an economic recovery plan after the second prolonged lockdown hit businesses badly. Other ministers will speak during the special session about vaccinations, the emergency declaration and other virus topics, the Parliament website said.

A dozen emergency declaration ordinances including an anti-fake news bill, will also be presented for scrutiny.

“It’s Muhyiddin’s perfunctor y, skeletal response to the king’s repeated urging to convene Parliament soonest, as the session is practically stripped of any pretension of proper parliamentary function,” said Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

“In fact, it summarily reduces parliament to worse than rubber-stamp role” with no voting allowed, he said.

Muhyiddin became prime minister in March 2020 after initiating the downfall of the former reformist government that won the 2018 elections. His Bersatu party joined with UMNO, which was ousted in the 2018 polls, and others to form a new government, but his alliance is unstable.

UMNO has been unhappy at playing second fiddle to Bersatu and opposes the emergency declaration. AP

Britain seen removing China’s CGN in energy plans as ties fray

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he British government is exploring ways to remove China’s stateowned nuclear energy company, China General Nuclear Corp., from all future power projects in the UK, in a further sign that relations between the countries are deteriorating.

Projects potentially at risk include the 20 billion-pound ($27.5 billion) Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk and the proposed Bradwellon-Sea development in neighboring Essex, according to a person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity.

CGN is also a 33 percent investor in the Hinkley Point C facility, currently under construction in Somerset and one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country.

The move underlines how Bor is Johnson’s ad m in ist rat ion is hardening its stance toward Bei-

jing. Johnson has blocked Huawei Technologies from participation in the rollout of Britain’s 5G w ireless net work and earlier this month Britain’s national security adv iser opened a probe into the takeover of the countr y’s big gest chip plant

by Chinese-ow ned Nexperia N V. “All nuclear projects in the UK are conducted under robust and independent regulation to meet the UK’s rigorous legal, regulatory and national security requirements, ensuring our interests are protected,” a spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said in a statement, when asked about the stance. “Nuclear power has an important role to play in the UK’s low-carbon energy future, as we work towards our world-leading target to eliminate our contribution to climate change by 2050.” Bloomberg News

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Delta, low levels of vaccination drive surge in global infections

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ovid infections globally increased the most in two months as the spread of the Delta variant, a surge across the US, and low levels of vaccination in most Southeast Asian nations led to higher numbers. wMore than 3.729 million people were infected around the world in the week ended July 25, led primarily by six countries—the US, Brazil, Indonesia, UK, India and Spain—according to data compiled by Bloomberg and Johns Hopkins University. Global cases now top 194 million, and deaths exceed 4.1 million.

The number of cases in the US surged by 62 percent over the previous week. However, fatalities have stayed relatively low in the US, UK and Spain due to high vaccine coverage, while deaths are soaring in India, Brazil and Indonesia.

The top US infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, warned that the nation is moving in the “wrong direction” in combating a new wave of the pandemic as vaccinations slow, and said a booster shot may be needed especially for the most vulnerable.

Countries including Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Algeria are imposing curfews in cities to battle a surge in cases.

Brazil reported 18,129 new infections over the past 24 hours, pushing its total to almost 19.7 million, according to data from the Health Ministry.

Deaths rose by 476 to 549,924, the world’s highest number of fatalities after the US. Thailand reported 15,376 new infections on Monday, the highest single-day increase since the pandemic began. That took the nation’s cumulative cases to 512,678, according to the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration. The country also reported 87 fatalities and 6,782 recoveries on Monday.

Indonesia is extending its mobility curbs for another week until Aug. 2 as cases remain high even after about a month of restrictions. Adjustments

are being made to allow small businesses to operate under strict health protocols, President Joko Widodo said. Traditional markets selling staple foods will open as normal, while shops selling non-food items and other small merchants are allowed to operate at half capacity and shorter trading hours. Dine-in can resume at food stalls and restaurants in outdoor areas under very strict protocols.

Protests against Covid measures took place in a number of nations from Australia to France to Tunisia, where the president fired the prime minister Sunday after violent demonstrations.

Key developments:

Hundreds of children die in Indonesia

South Korea vaccinates 33 percent of population

Hundreds of children—many under age five—have died in Indonesia from Covid in recent weeks, a mortality rate that’s higher than any other country, the New York Times reported, citing doctors.

The children’s deaths challenge the notion that they face a far lower risk than adults, the paper said. The surge in child deaths corresponds with the spread of the Delta variant, the paper said, and the outbreak now makes Indonesia the new epicenter of the pandemic.

South Korea said 32.9 percent of its population has had the first round of vaccine. The countr y has given 6.86 million doses and 13.4 percent of its people are fully vaccinated. South Korea added 1,318 new cases.

The country will expand social distancing measures outside the capital Seoul from Monday and ban gatherings of more than five people. Seoul is already subject to strict curbs.

Sydney numbers rise

Osaka-base d S h iono g i & C o. started a Japanese Phase 1 clinical trial of an orally administered antiviral drug for Covid-19. The first dose was administered successfully on July 22 and no safety concerns have been identified so far. This is just the start of clinical trials and lots of such drugs eventually fail to make the cut.

Sydney’s daily cases climbed and are expected to keep rising after thousands took to the streets over the weekend in defiance of the lockdown restrictions sweeping parts of Australia.

The city of almost 6 million people recorded 145 new cases Monday, up by a handful from the day before, with half of the people active in the community while infectious. There have been 2,226 cases since the latest outbreak began in mid-June, fueled by the contagious Delta variant.

Vietnam adds 2,704 new cases

Taiwan vaccine mixing

Vietnam reported 2,704 new local cases, with 1,714 coming from Ho Chi Minh City. That’s taken the total infections in the country to more than 100,000, the government reported Monday morning.

Ho Chi Minh City officials are imposing a 6 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew beginning Monday to contain a fastspreading outbreak, news website VnExpress reported earlier, citing Chairman of the City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong.

All activities in Vietnam’s business hub will be suspended during the curfew, except for emergency and epidemic coordination activities, according to the report.

The government said it’s working to lock up deals for as many as 170 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by year-end. Vietnam has secured 130 million doses and is trying to negotiate for an additional 40 million shots, Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said in a speech to the National Assembly on Sunday.

Taiwan will allow people to take combinations of two different vaccines, health minister Chen Shihchung said at a briefing Sunday. The government decided to allow the public to take one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine with a second dose of an mRNA vaccine after examining international data and cases. Chen did not say when the first mixed inoculations would start. Currently, Moderna is the only mRNA vaccine available in Taiwan, with 15 million doses of the BioNTech vaccine scheduled to start arriving from September.

Jiangsu cluster swells China added 39 local confirmed cases in eastern province of Jiangsu and one infection in Liaoning province on July 25, according to a statement from National Health Commission.

There were also four new local asymptomatic cases reported Sunday; provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Guangdong and Sichuan each had one.

Japan’s Shionogi trials once-a-day pill

Ghana imposes curbs amid Delta wave Ghana is restricting the length of events such as weddings and funerals to two hours and has banned post-event receptions due to the risk of people abandoning safety protocols including mask-wearing and social distancing.

“It appears that our nation like many others is experiencing a third wave of Covid-19 infections,” President Nana Akufo-Addo said in a state broadcast late Sunday. Ghana has reported more than 102,000 Covid-19 cases, including 823 deaths, since the first case was reported.

South Africa eases virus lockdown

South A fr ican President Cy ri l R a m aphosa ea sed v i r u s c u rbs a f ter new i nfec t ions slowed a nd t he n at ion’s vacc i n at ion prog ra m gat hered pace.

Alcohol sales, which have been banned for the past four weeks, will now be permitted at restaurants and at retail outlets from Monday to Thursday, the president said in a televised address. Restrictions on leisure travel and gatherings will also be relaxed.

Bloomberg News

113 killed in western India landslides, monsoon floods

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EW DELHI—Days of landslides and flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains in western India’s Maharashtra state killed at least 113 people and injured 50, officials said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to find at least 100 missing.

A gover n ment s pokes per son, Sandhya Garware, said over 130,000 people were rescued from nearly 900 affected villages across the state. Many were stranded on rooftops or atop buses on highways. India’s navy also said it deployed helicopters to evacuate stranded people and sent rescue teams with boats to the region.

Officials said one of the worsthit villages was Talai, 270 kilometers (168 miles) south of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra state and also India’s financial and entertainment hub.

The village of 59 households was buried by a massive landslide on Thursday, state official Sagar Pathak said. Rescuers recovered two more bodies on Sunday, bringing the number of villagers killed to 42, with around the same number still missing. Pathak said inclement weather, difficult terrain and large debris were hampering

This photograph provided by India’s National Disaster Response Force shows NDRF personnel recovering the body of a landslide victim at Ratnagiri in the western Indian state of Maharashtra on July 25, 2021. Officials say landslides and flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rain have killed more than 100 people in western India. National Disaster Response Force via AP

rescue efforts.

Authorities deployed hundreds of rescuers to the affected areas to locate missing people and take the stranded to safety, with scores of soldiers assisting.

Disasters caused by landslides and flooding are common in India during the June-September monsoon season, when heav y

rains weaken the foundations of structures that are often poorly built. The monsoon is crucial for rain-fed crops planted during the season, but the rain often causes extensive damage and kills scores of people each year.

Last weekend, more than 30 people were killed in landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rain

in and around Mumbai.

Ex perts say heav y rainfall along India’s western coast is in line with how rainfall patterns have changed in the region in past years due to climate change, as the warming Arabian Sea is driving more cyclones and more intense rainfall over short periods of time. AP

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The World BusinessMirror

French parliament approves Covid-19 pass, vaccine rules

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ARIS—France’s parliament approved a law early Monday requiring special virus passes for all restaurants and domestic travel and mandating vaccinations for all health workers.

Both measures have prompted protests and political tensions.

President Emmanuel Macron and his government say they are needed to protect vulnerable populations and hospitals as infections rebound and to avoid new lockdowns.

The law requires all workers in the health care sector to start getting vaccinated by Sept. 15, or risk suspension. It also requires a “health pass” to enter all restaurants, trains, planes and some other public venues. It initially applies to all adults, but will apply to everyone 12 and older starting September 30.

To get the pass, people must have proof they are fully vaccinated, recently tested negative or recently recovered from the virus. Paper or digital documents will be accepted. The law says a government decree will outline how to handle vaccination docu-

ments from other countries.

The bill was unveiled just six days ago. Law makers worked through the night and the weekend to reach a compromise version approved by the Senate on Sunday night and by the National Assembly after midnight. The rules can be applied through November 15, depending on the virus situation.

Macron appealed for national unity and mass vaccination to fight the resurgent virus, and lashed out at those fueling antivaccine sentiment and protests.

About 160,000 people protested around France on Saturday against a special Covid-19 pass for restaurants and mandatory vaccinations for health workers.

Many marchers shouted “ liberty!” and said the government shouldn’t tell them what to do.

Visiting a hospital in French Poly nesia after ward, Macron

Thousands of protesters gather at Place Trocadero near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France on Saturday, July 24, 2021, against the Covid-19 pass that grants vaccinated individuals greater ease of access to venues. AP/Rafael Yaghobzadeh

urged national unity and asked, “What is your freedom worth if you say to me ‘I don’t want to be vaccinated,’ but tomorrow you infect your father, your mother or myself?”

While he said protesters are “free to express themselves in a calm and respectful manner,” he said demonstrations won’t make the coronavirus go away.

He criticized “people who are in the business of irrational, sometimes cynical, manipula-

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Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a home in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, California on July 24. The fire destroyed multiple residences as it tore through the area.

AP/Noah Berger

on constructing containment lines at the north and eastern edges in dense timber. Crews could get a break from rain and higher humidity predicted for this week, said Marcus Kauffman, spokesman for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The lightning-caused fire has burned 67 homes, mainly cabins, and at least 2,000 houses were under evacuation orders.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown told CNN’s “State of the Union” that it’s imperative federal and state authorities invest in mitigation such as tree thinning and preventive burns to limit the number of similar massive blazes. But she conceded that “the harsh reality is that we’re going to see more of these wildfires.”

“They’re hotter, they’re more fierce, and obviously much more challenging to tackle. And they are a sign of the changing climate impacts,” Brown said Sunday.

I n C a l i for n i a , Gov. Gav i n Newsom dec l a red a st ate of emergency for four norther n counties because of wildfires that he said were causing “conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property.”

The proclamation opened the

Wildfire burns in Spain; summer camp evacuated

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ARCELONA, Spain—Firefighters in northeast Spain were battling a wildfire Sunday that has consumed over 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of woodland.

High temperatures and strong winds fanned the flames in the rural area 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Barcelona that broke out on Saturday evening.

Around 300 firefighters, including members of the military emergency unit, combated the blaze that sent huge plumes of smoke into the sky, seeking to prevent it from moving into inhabited areas. Twenty-eight children and 14 camp counselors

were evacuated from a nearby summer camp just in case.

Regional interior chief Joan Ignasi Elena said the effort was complicated by the hilly terrain, which limited access by ground units. Planes and helicopters made runs to dump water on the burning hills.

Authorities asked farmers in the area to clear their fields of crops that could fuel the fire.

“We are in a critical moment,” said Catalonia’s regional President Pere Aragonès. “We must avoid any risky behavior that could force us to divert resources to other emergencies.” AP

Women, children casualties on the rise in Afghanistan tive mobilization” against vaccination. Among those organizing the protests have been farright politicians and extremist members of France’s yellow vest movement tapping into anger at Macron’s government.

More than 111,000 people with the virus have died in France, which is registering about 20,000 new infections daily compared to just a few thousand earlier this month. Concerns for hospitals are resurfacing. AP

California’s largest fire burns homes as blazes scorch West NDIAN FALLS, California— California’s largest wildfire merged with a smaller blaze and destroyed homes in remote areas with limited access for firefighters, as numerous other fires gained strength and threatened property across the US West.

The massive Dixie Fire, which started July 14, had already leveled over a dozen houses and other structures when it combined with the Fly Fire and tore through the tiny Northern California community of Indian Falls after dark Saturday.

An updated damage estimate was not available Sunday, though fire officials said the blaze had charred nearly 298 square miles acres (772 square kilometers) of timber and brush in Plumas and Butte counties. It was 21 percent contained.

Firefighters carrying hand tools were forced to hike through rugged terrain where engines can’t go, said Rick Carhart, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

“It has been burning in extremely steep canyons, some places where it is almost impossible for human beings to set foot on the ground to get in there,” he said. “It’s going to be a long haul.”

Still, crews made progress Saturday by proactively setting fires to rob the main blaze of fuels, Carhart said.

The fire prompted evacuation orders in several small mountain communities and along the west shore of Lake Almanor, a popular resort area. About 10,000 homes remained under threat, officials said.

Firefighters also reported progress against the nation’s largest wildfire, the Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon, containing 46 percent of the blaze that had consumed nearly 640 square miles (1,657 square kilometers).

More than 2,200 firefighters battled the blaze, focusing Sunday

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way for more state support.

Such conditions are often from a combination of unusual random, short-term and natural weather patterns heightened by long-term, human-caused climate change.

Global warming has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years.

In southwest Montana, officials were focusing on structure protection for three fires amid weather forecasts of rising temperatures, low humidity and westerly winds this week, factors that could produce explosive growth.

Crews were trying to protect about 200 homes and cabins and prevent the 44-square-mile (14 4 - squ a re -k i lometer) Tra i l Creek blaze from reaching the Big Hole National Battlefield in Beaverhead County, fire spokesman Jason Nedlo said. The battlefield site, operated by the National Park Service, has been closed because of the fire threat.

Five federal firefighters were in stable condition Sunday after being burned when swirling winds blew a lightning-caused wildfire back on them in eastern Montana on Thursday. The five were building a defensive line at the Devil’s Creek Fire in Garfield

County when the weather shifted suddenly.

Elsewhere in California, the 104-square-mile (269-squarekilometer) Tamarack fire south of Lake Tahoe continued to burn through timber and chaparral and threatened communities on both sides of the California-Nevada state line. The fire, sparked by lightning July 4 in Alpine County, California has destroyed at least 23 buildings, including more than a dozen in Nevada. It was 27 percent contained Sunday, and officials were able to lift evacuation orders.

Heavy smoke from that blaze and the Dixie Fire lowered visibility and may at times ground aircraft providing support for fire crews. The air quality south of Lake Tahoe and across the state line into Nevada deteriorated to very unhealthy levels.

In north-central Washington, firefighters battled two blazes in Okanogan County that threatened hundreds of homes and again caused hazardous air quality conditions Saturday. And in northern Idaho, east of Spokane, Washington, a small fire near the Silverwood Theme Park prompted evacuations Friday evening at the park and in the surrounding area. The theme park was back open Saturday with the fire half contained.

Although hot weather with afternoon winds posed a continued threat of spreading blazes, weekend forecasts also called for a chance of scattered thunderstorms in California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and other states. However, forecasters said some could be dry thunderstorms that produce little rain but a lot of lightning, which can spark new blazes.

More than 85 large wildfires were burning around the country, most of them in Western states.

They had burned over 1.4 million acres (2,135 square miles, or more than 553,000 hectares). AP

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ABUL, Afghanistan— More women and children were killed and wounded in Afghanistan in the first half of 2021 than in the first six months of any year since the United Nations began systematically keeping count in 2009, a UN report said Monday.

The war-torn country saw a 47 percent increase in the number of all civilians killed and wounded in violence across Afghanistan in the first six months of the year, compared to the same period last year, according to the report.

“I implore the Taliban and Afghan leaders to take heed of the conf lict’s grim and chilling trajectory and its devastating impact on civilians,” said Deborah Lyons, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for Afghanistan.

“The report provides a clear warning that unprecedented numbers of Afghan civilians will perish and be maimed this year if the increasing violence is not stemmed,” Lyons added in a statement accompanying the report.

The Taliban have swiftly captured significant territory in recent weeks, seized strategic border crossings with several neighboring countries and are threatening a number of provincial capitals. The advances come as the last US and Nato soldiers leave Afghanistan.

The report found a particularly sharp increase in killings and injuries since May, when international military forces began their withdrawal and the fighting intensified following the Taliban’s offensive.

The UN mission in Afghanistan reported in its Afghanistan Protection of Civilians in Armed Conf lict midyear update 2021 that there were 1,659 civilians killed and 3,254 wounded. It said that’s a 47 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Women and children made up close to half of all civilian casualties in the first half of 2021 at 46 percent, according to the report. Thirty-two percent were children, with 468 killed and 1,214 wounded.

Fourteen percent of civilian casualties were women, with 219 killed and 508 wounded, the report said.

T he US -Nato w it hd rawa l is more t h a n 95 percent complete a nd due to be f i n ished by Aug u st 31.

While making swift gains on the ground, the Taliban have also said they do not want to monopolize power. However, they insist there won’t be peace

in Afghanistan until there is a new negotiated government in Kabul and President Ashraf Ghani is removed from office.

Lyons, the UN envoy who also heads the UN mission in Afghanistan, called on the Taliban and Afghan leaders to intensify their efforts at the negotiating table. “Stop the Afghan against Afghan fighting. Protect the Afghan people and give them hope for a better future,” she said.

The UN report warned that without a significant de-escalation in violence, Afghanistan is on course for 2021 to have the highest ever number of documented civilian casualties in a single year since UN record-keeping in the country began.

The number of civilians killed and wounded in May and June is almost as many as recorded in the preceding four months. During May and June there were 2,392 casualties, with 783 killed and 1,609 wounded. That’s the highest for those months since systematic documentation began in 2009, the report said.

According to the report, much of the battlefield action during May and June took place outside of the cities.

But the UN is concerned that if intensive military action is undertaken in urban areas with high population densities, the consequences for Afghan civilians could be catastrophic.

“The pursuit of a military solution will only increase the suffering of the Afghan people,” the report said.

It blamed anti-government forces for 64 percent of all civilian casualties, with 39 percent inf licted by the Taliban, nearly 9 percent by the Islamic State group and 16 percent undetermined. Afghan security forces were responsible for 23 percent of civilian casualties, and pro-government armed groups for 2 percent.

The May 8 attack outside the Sayed ul-Shuhuda school in the Afghan capital of Kabul accounted for more than 300 civilian casualties, mostly girls, including 85 killed. No one has claimed responsibility for that attack, the report said.

The UN attributed 11 percent of all civilian casualties to crossfire during ground engagements in which the exact party responsible for casualties could not be determined.

According to the report, the main cause of civilian casualties was improvised explosive devices, followed by fighting on the ground and targeted killings. AP